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This work aimed to search for alternative uses for different varieties of Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum ssp andigenum) which have been reintroduced in north-western Argentina. Specifically, the development of simple and compound films made with hydrocolloids such as carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) and starch (S) extracted from Andean potatoes var. Runa, and its application as a cover in the deep frying of Andean potato chips var. Waycha was studied to minimize oil absorption. The effect of prior bleaching of the chips with different media was also evaluated: water, calcium chloride solution, and ascorbic acid. The coatings were applied to potatoes chips before being fried. The results showed that the type of oil used did not affect absorption by the chips. The bleaching treatments with calcium chloride and coating with S/CMC, showed a significant reduction in oil absorption (39.5 % ± 0.7), delayed its oxidation, and decreased the loss of tocopherols during the frying process. It also contributed to the physical and sensory characteristics of the final product, which presented high acceptability by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical profile by HPLC-TOF-MS of three blackberry cultivars (‘Jumbo’, ‘Black Satin’ and ‘Dirksen’), adapted to the central-east of Argentina, was determined. The antioxidant capacity by DPPH and FRAP assays, and the effect of the blackberry extracts on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and biomarkers of inflammation were also evaluated. ‘Dirksen’ fruits exhibited the highest vitamin C content (24 and 14% higher than values found in ‘Black Satin’ and ‘Jumbo’, respectively). However, ‘Jumbo’ and ‘Black Satin’ fruits presented higher total phenolic contents (more than 15%) than ‘Dirksen’. Cyanidin-3- O -glucoside was the main polyphenolic compound quantified in all samples. ‘Jumbo’ and ‘Black Satin’ cultivars exhibited higher antioxidant capacity, and significantly reduced the release of ROS. The mRNA expression levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were reduced consistently (more than 30%) by extracts of both cultivars, and showed slight suppressions on NO production. However, effective inhibition in the gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was not observed by any extract. These results suggest the potential of blackberries cultivars ‘Black Satin’ and ‘Jumbo’ to contribute to a healthy diet, based on their higher polyphenol content, providing higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic droplet keratopathy (CDK) is a degenerative corneal disease of unknown etiology. We described CDK for the first time in Latin America in the Argentinean Patagonia (El Cuy). A deeper knowledge of CDK pathogenic mechanisms will provide new therapeutic strategies. For that reason we investigated the prevalence of CDK in El Cuy and its existence in other 3 provinces with similar climate. Patients eyes were examined, habits throughout lives were inquired about, and serum ascorbate (sAA) was determined. All individuals work outdoors for most of the day. All regions had normal O3 levels. Individuals from regions 1, 2, and 3 had very low consumption of vegetables/fruits and low sAA levels. Conversely, region 4 individuals had balanced diet and higher sAA concentrations. CDK was only found in region 3 where individuals had partial deficiency of sAA and did not use eye protection. No CDK was found in regions 1 and 2 where individuals had similar work activities and dietary habits to those in region 3 but wear eye protection. No disease was found in region 4 where individuals work outdoors, have balanced diet, and use eye protection. To summarize, the CDK existence was related not only to climate but also to the dietary habits and lack of protection from sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several Opuntia cactus fruits of different pulp colours from Argentina were studied at their physiological mature states. Analyses of these fruits showed very variable total soluble solid values and ascorbic acid contents ranging from 0.26 to 0.48mg/g. Total phenolic compounds contents were between 0.54 and 1.2mg of gallic acid/g, respectively. Purple Opuntia spp., dark purple Opuntia ficus-indica and orange Opuntia megacantha presented the highest levels amongst the samples studied. The antioxidant activity of Opuntia fruits was very variable and presented vitamin C equivalent values (VCEAC) between 0.25 and 0.57mg/g. Purple Opuntia ficus-indica showed the highest antiradical ability. Besides, the antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and phenolic compound contents in yellow and orange Opuntia megacantha fruits were monitored in different stages during their ripening process. Concentration changes of betalains and chlorophylls comparing skin and pulp and other physicochemical parameters were also measured in these fruits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vinal ( Prosopis ruscifolia) is an ecologically important wild leguminous tree that grows spontaneously in Argentine deforested lands, the fruit of which is consumed by humans and animals. Because considerable iron content with low to intermediate availability has been previously reported in vinal pulps, its enhancement would be of interest. Iron availability was determined as iron dialyzability using an in vitro technique. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate iron availability increase after adding ascorbic and/or citric acids to vinal pulp at different mM acid/mM Fe ratios. Those ratios ranged from 0.05:1 to 9.95:1 and from 0.5:1 to 99.5:1 for ascorbic acid/Fe (AA:Fe) and citric acid/Fe (CA:Fe), respectively. The obtained second- and first-order polynomial equations showed that AA:Fe and CA:Fe molar ratios linear terms had a significant effect on iron dialyzability increase (P⩽ 0.05). It was possible to enhance iron availability to a maximum of 4.6 times. Additional confirmatory experiments were made adding the same organic acids to different vinal pulps and to a traditional cake prepared with vinal pulp called 'patay.' There were no significant differences (p <0.05) between predicted values obtained by the model and experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]