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Background and Objective: Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute to the diaphragm contractile dysfunction observed in animal models of sepsis and endotoxemia. In septic patients, molecular events have never been explored in their respiratory muscles. Levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated in a respiratory muscle, the external intercostal, and a limb muscle, the vastus lateralis, of patients with sepsis., Patients and Methods: Levels of oxidized and nitrated proteins, protein adducts of malondialdehyde and hydroxinonenal, antioxidant enzymes catalase and Mn-superoxide dismutase, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-α receptors i and ii, interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, the panleukocyte marker CD18, and fiber type composition were explored using immunoblotting, real time-polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in the external intercostal and vastus lateralis of patients with severe sepsis and/or septic shock., Results: Compared to the controls, in septic patients, levels of oxidized and nitrated proteins were increased in the vastus lateralis, but not in the external intercostal, while those of the antioxidant enzymes did not differ, and the proportions and sizes of the muscle fibers were not significantly different in any muscle between patients and controls., Conclusions: Differences in activity between the respiratory and limb muscles may account for the differential pattern of oxidative stress and inflammation observed among patients with severe sepsis. These findings may have relevant implications for the clinical and therapeutic management of these patients., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.)

Nutrient dynamics in forest plantations of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) established for restoration of degraded lands in Colombia. Azadirachta indica is a tree species which use is steadily increasing for restoration of tropical and subtropical arid and degraded lands throughout the world. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the potential of these plantations as an active restoration model for the recovery of soils under desertification in arid lands of Colombia. Litter traps and litter-bags were installed in twenty 250m2 plots. Green leaves and soil samples inside and outside this species plantations were taken, and their elemental concentrations were determined. Litterfall, leaf litter decomposition and foliar nutrient resorption were monitored for one year. The annual contributions of organic material, such as fine litterfall, represented 557.54kg/ha, a third of which was A. indica leaves. The greatest potential returns of nutrients per foliar litterfall were from Ca (4.6kg/ha) and N (2.4kg/ha), and the smallest potential returns came from P (0.06kg/ha). A total of 68% of the foliar material deposited in litter-bags disappeared after one year. The greatest release of nutrients was that of K (100%), and the least was that of N (40%). P was the most limiting nutrient, with low edaphic availability and high nutrient use efficiency from Vitousek's index (IEV = 3176) and foliar nutrient resorption (35%). Despite these plantations are young, and that they have not had forestry management practices, as an active restoration model, they have revitalized the biogeochemical cycle, positively modifying the edaphic parameters according to the increases in organic material, P and K of 72%, 31% and 61%, respectively. Furthermore, they improved the stability of aggregates and the microbe respiration rates. The forest plantation model with exotic species has been opposed by different sectors; however, it has been acknowledged that these projects derive many benefits for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystemic functions. The conditions of severe land degradation demand the initial use of species, such as A. indica, that can adapt quickly and successfully, and progressively reestablish the biogeochemical cycle.

Breast milk is changing with the progression of lactation and during a 24-h period. To determine the effect of diurnality or nocturnality on total nitrogen and protein content of the breast milk. We collected human milk samples from health mothers living throughout Community of Extremadura (Spain) from January 2008 to December 2008 with less than two months of lactation. We divided the samples in three groups: calostral group (1-5 days postpartum), transitional group (6-15 days postpartum) and mature group (> 15 days postpartum). All samples were stored in a freezer at -80 ºC. We considered as day period between 08:00-20:00 h and night period 20:00-08:00 h. Analysis of the human milk samples was based on the Kjeldahl method. Protein contents were calculated from total nitrogen x 6,25. The statistical analysis of the data was descriptive (mean ± standard deviation) and inferential (T-Student test). No differences (P > 0,05) were found to exist among the contents of individual human milk samples. The mean contents of each component were as follows: Total nitrogen of calostral, transitional and mature group was 0,30 ± 0,06 g/dL (night period), 0,29 ± 0,05 g/dL (day period); 0,26 ± 0,04 g/dL (night period), 0,25 ± 0,04 g/dL (day period); 0,22 ± 0,05 g/dL (night period), 0,20 ± 0,04 g/dL (day period) respectively, in this mature group with a statistical variation (P < 0,05). Protein content of calostral, transitional and mature group was 1,88 ± 0,4 g/dL (night period), 1,81 ± 0,3 g/dL (day period); 1,62 ± 0,3 g/dL (night period), 1,59 ± 0,3 g/dL (day period); 1,35 ± 0,3 g/dL (night period), 1,26 ± 0,3 g/dL (day period) respectively, in this mature group with a statistical variation (P < 0,05). Although we observed differences in the nitrogen and protein content during the individual stages of lactation, it is just in the population of mature lactating women, where the components analyzed varied significantly between day and night.

The small airways are those with an internal diameter of less than 2 mm. The contribution of these airways to total airflow resistance is small in healthy individuals but can represent 50-90 % of total airflow resistance in asthmatics. Suspicion of small airways disease has been based on reduction of midexpiratory and instantaneous flows, although wide variability in their values and the absence of a sufficiently validated cut-off point has limited their clinical application. Static pulmonary volumes can provide indirect evidence of the state of the most distal airways, revealing two effects of their alteration: air trapping and dynamic hyperinflation. While determination of airway resistance by plethysmography and of respiratory system resistance measured by flow interruption are highly non-specific, the forced oscillation technique allows obstruction of the small airways to be distinguished from that of medium-caliber airways. The characteristic pattern of peripheral obstruction includes a decrease in frequency-dependent resistance, reduced reactivity and an increase in resonance frequency. Single-or multiple-breath nitrogen washout can also provide specific information on the small airways, although the apparatus required is less frequently available. Analysis through bicompartmental models of exhaled nitric oxide allows alveolar nitric oxide concentrations to be determined, which seems to provide information on inflammatory activity in the small airways.

An Ipomoea batatas extract obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis with alpha amylase was characterized to be used as nutrient basis. Among its quality indicators, it had a content of over 50% whole carbohydrates with respect to the nominal mass, estimated by phenol-sulphur method. The same content of aminonitrogen detected and quantified by potentiometric titration using formaldehyde and of total nitrogen (0,23%) by Kjeldahl method were detected. The content of necessary mineral elements for microbial culture was determined by the atom absorption method. The study of biological reactivity of the vegetal extract showed the existence of essential aminoacids such as triptophane, cystine and cysteine for microorganisms. It was proved that the vegetal extract, when used as the only source of nutrients at various concentration levels (2, 4 and 10%), is capable of stimulating the growth of bacteriae and yeasts. The increase of two Candida albicans biomass, determined in a specially designed medium (SIGMA, USA), was significantly higher to that of other nutrient bases like soy peptone, yeast extract, triptone and micological peptone. It was evinced that the vegetal extract as a culture medium component did not have antimicrobial effect compounds since at 15-30 g/L concentrations, this extract did stimulate the microbial growth up to values (UFC/mL) similar to those of the reference media called agar triptone soy.

A soy peptone obtained with enzyme papain as a hydrolyzing agent was characterized. The physicochemical evaluation of the nutritive base attained at pilot and industrial scale showed the following characteristics: loss due to desiccation, 1.93%; aminic nitrogen, 1.71%; total nitrogen, 8.63%; chlorides (as NaCl), 5.45%; and pH, 6.94. For the functional evaluation of the pilot and industrial batches (3), developed soy peptone and another one taken as a reference from the Biotécnica Internacional firm (México), was incorporated to a mixture of bases. There were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in the absorbance values at 640 nm obtained in the promotion of the growth between the developed product and that of reference for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. For Streptococcus pyogenes ATCC 19615, it was observed a mild superiority (significant difference for p < 0.05) starting from the 5th hour of incubation in favor of the industrial batches compared with the reference soy peptone. It was proved that the promotion of the growth in the soy triptone agar and broth media and in malt extract agar for the evaluated microorganisms was similar or higher (significant differences for p < 0.05) in those prepared with the experimental soy peptone, in comparison with the formulated with the reference base.

The losses of nutrients by fire were assessed in a Trachypogon savanna located in Calabozo, Venezuela. About 95% of the biomass, 97% of N, 61% of P, 76% of K and 65% of Ca and Mg were transferred to the atmosphere. Ash deposition returned between 21-34% of Mg, Ca, K and P and 0.2% of N. Previous data indicated that precipitation and atmospheric fixation (in the case of N) could replace the rest of N, Ca, K and Mg transferred to the atmosphere. As a consequence of frequent burning (annual or biannual), the soil of the savanna showed lower organic matter and available P and K content when it is compared with a 32 year protected savanna.

Sixteen milk-based starting formulas were analyzed with the aim of calculating their "true protein" content and assessing "in vitro" protein digestibility, in order to estimate levels of potentially available protein. Ten of them were designed for term infants: 7 had a casein:whey protein ratio 40:60 (adapted formulas) and 3 a ratio 80:20 (non-adapted); the 6 remaining formulas (all adapted) were for preterm infants. Nitrogen was determined by the Kjeldahl method. True protein was calculated as (total N--non-protein N) x 6.25. NPN was determined in the soluble fraction, after protein precipitation with 24% trichloroacetic acid and centrifugation. Digestibility was assessed by digestion with pepsin and pancreatin, and defined as the increase in non-protein N after enzymatic digestion. Values for true protein were from 1.3 to 2.3 g/dL and for non protein N, from 4.5 to 13.7%. Digestibility values varied between 59.0 and 92.5%; an inverse trend was observed between protein digestibility and protein content. Considering both the "true protein" levels and their digested proportions, all preterm and 60% of the term formulas would present potentially available amounts below those recommended. These observations constitute an alert, even though this method of assessing "in vitro" protein digestibility represents only an approximation to physiological processes; however, it could be useful in order to evaluate the intensity of the heat treatments to which these formulas were subjected. On the other hand, since NPN allows the estimation of the true protein provided by the formulas, either its percentage or the true protein content could be included on the label.

The basal behaviour and relationship with organic carbon (Corg) content and prevailing granulometric fractions, of organic nitrogen (Norg), total phosphorus (P-total) and C/N ratio in surface sediments of Chacopata lagoon, Sucre State, Venezuela, were studied. Concentrations and spatial gradients were determined in sixteen stations following a common method for marine sediments. Norg concentrations varied between 0.102 and 0.510% (x = 0.237%), total phosphorus between 0.012 and 0.094% (x = 0.058%) and C/N ratio between 9.27 and 44.47 (x = 20.53). The higher contents of Norg and total phosphorus are from sections with an abundance of mangroves, marine phanerogams, macroalgae, benthonic biomass and migratory birds shelters. The C/N ratio shows the typical values for carbonated sediments, indicating that the nitrogenous compounds are rapidly degraded and the organic matter presents itself as humic substances. This parameter was moderately associated with silt and clay, and showed antagonism with sand, whereas Norg and phosphorus showed no correlation with them. The organic contribution is purely autochthonous: no anthropogenous contributions were found.

The effect of specific lectin addition on Rhizobium leguminosarum-Phaseolus vulgaris symbiosis characteristics was studied. Two alternatives were selected for comparison: a) P. vulgaris seedling roots treated with lectin were inoculated with R. leguminosarum and b) P. vulgaris seedling roots were inoculated with R. leguminosarum incubated with lectin for 3 h and 72 h. The following parameters were evaluated: number and dry weight of nodules and dry matter and nitrogen content of shoot. In lectin treatments, the weight of nodules (from 13% to 35%), dry matter (from 6% to 18%) and nitrogen content (from 5% to 28%) increased significantly. The results suggest a stimulation in the formation of functional-nodules, specially in root (a) and Rhizobium (b) 72 h treatments. That is consistent with a model in which the lectin functions as an extracellular matrix component of the root interacting with roots and Rhizobium s.p. receptors.

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effects of germination on the nutritional quality of two commercial varieties of low tannin content Sorghum: brown sorghum without testa (ICSY-CM89513) and white sorghum (ISIAP Dorado). After 24 hours of germination the condensed tannin concentration (catechin equivalent) was reduced 60% and 40% for brown and white sorghum respectively. However, tannin levels increased up 100% at 96 h germination. Phytic acid concentration decreased about 90% in 96 hours for both varieties. The lysine concentration increased up 110% (72 h germination) and 129% (48 h) for white and brown sorghum respectively. The thiamine, niacin and riboflavin contents increased 73, 200 and 353% respectively for brown sorghum in 72 h and 15, 44 and 93% respectively for white sorghum in 48 h. The "in vitro" enzymatic digestibility was increased 39.3% (72 h) for brown sorghum and 100% for white sorghum. The albumin concentration increased 80% and 74% (72 h) for brown and white sorghum respectively. The Calculated Protein Efficiency Ratio indicated nutritional improvements with germination. The sprouting was a practical and simple process for providing better nutritional properties in sorghum seeds to be used as human food.

An analysis of 39 Mexican coastal lagoons most in tropical environments, shows no nutrient limitation for primary productivity: even minimum nutrient values are higher than those of similar systems (mostly of temperate zones). In some cases, nutrient variations are large and indicative of heterogeneity. The N:P ratio is more important than simple nutrient concentrations. Using this ratio, coastal lagoons are classified as limited in nitrogen (< 5) or phosphorus (> 10).

Several physical and chemical characteristics of dried salted fish obtained from Venezuelan's market were evaluated. Determinations of moisture, ash, fat, protein, pH, sodium chloride. Total Volatile Nitrogen and water activity, were performed on such products. Even though on limiting parameters, the values of water activity, moisture and NaCl determination, indicated that the fish quality was acceptable. Total Volatile Nitrogen and pH values were related more to the particular fish species. Four different fish species were salted and dried following the "optimal method", and an excellent product was obtained, without using expensive or complex methods.

Microbial fish silage was produced from ground low commercial fish species added with 15% mollase and stored at 35 degrees C. Experiment were conducted to evaluate the effect of the addition of a commercial preparation of bromeline (0.20-0.90%) to the fish silage. Liquefaction was evaluated measuring both the product consistency and its non protein nitrogen content. Results indicate that bromeline addition (0.7 or higher), increases dramatically the rate of proteolysis and decreases the time required for liquefaction from 15 days (no enzyme control) to only 12 hours. Therefore, the use of the commercial preparation of bromeline is highly recommended for silage production.

Microbial fish silage was produced from a mixture of several fish species that belong to the shrimp by-catch. They were mixed with molasses, fruits (pineapple and papaya), sorbate and a starter of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014. Process was evaluated by pH, acidity, consistency, exudate liquid, non-protein nitrogen, total volatile bases, microbial and toxicological tests. Results indicated that acid production and pH reduction occurs during the first two days of processing, later these values were maintained stable during 64 storage days. Total volatile bases increased during storage period. Consistency, non-protein nitrogen and exudate liquid showed that hydrolysis and liquefaction occurs during the first 8 days of processing. Raw material showed high counts of aerobic mesophilic and psicrotrophic organisms, in addition to Pseudomonas, coliform and S. aureus. However silage showed only a few aerobic mesophilic organisms due to low pH values and development of lactic acid bacteria. Silage dehydration reduces possibilities of microbial growth, and only spores of Bacillus were observed. Low levels of lead, mercury and chrome were detected in the dry silage. Proximal analysis values did not change during process and storage period.

Microbial Fish Silage was produced from under-utilized fish mixed with juice and waste fruits (pineapple and papaya) at 35 degrees C. Six different products were elaborated as following: A: fish muscle with pineapple juice; B: fish muscle with fruit wastes; C: gutted fish with pineapple juice; D: gutted fish with fruit wastes; E: whole fish with pineapple juice; F: whole fish with fruit wastes. Process development was evaluated by measuring: pH, acidity, non-protein nitrogen, consistency and exudate liquid. Results indicated a slow decrease in pH value and production of acidity during 20 storage days. The addition of fruits to silage did not have any effect on these values. Silage liquefaction or hydrolysis was related to the following parameters: consistency, non-protein nitrogen and exudate liquid. The addition of fruits was related to silage liquefaction or hydrolysis, and it was measured by the consistency. Exudate liquid and non-protein nitrogen increased during storage time. However silage made from whole fish showed highest values in those parameters than other processing conditions. This results suggested that hydrolysis involve first enzymes from guts and second enzymes from muscle and head. Pineapple juice did not contribute to hydrolysis process. Mainly sensory changes in the silage occurs during first 24 hours and they were related to chemical changes. Proximal analysis did not change during silage process and microbial counts indicated the freshness of raw material used i this study.

A medical formula was developed from a chick-pea (Cicer arietinum) protein concentrate obtained by ultrafiltration (67.8% of protein). Additionally sucrose, methionine, milk flavor, and mixtures of corn and coconut oils, vitamins and minerals were used, to perform FAO/WHO standards. All ingredients were blended in water to 50 degrees C, and the mixture was spray-dried with a Spray-drier using inlet and outlet air temperatures of 170 and 90 degrees C respectively. The nutritive value of the formula was evaluated with the Net Protein Ratio (NPR), Nitrogen Utilization (NU) and both relatives values to casein ANRC (R-NPR and R-NU). The proximal analysis of the infant formula was: protein 16.0% (with 4.9 g/16 g N of reactive lysine), fat 25.8%, moisture 4.0%, ash 3.2% and carbohydrates 51.0%. The values of NPR, R-NPR, NU and R-NU were 3.95, 83.6, 3.55 and 82.5 respectively. This results shown the chick-pea protein concentrate, potencially utilizable as an ingredient in the formulas for medical purposes.

Morphological studies of eight species of fungus: Aspergillus flavus Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Curvularia lunata, Cladosporium carrionii, Natrassia mangífera (Edo. Scytalidium), Sporotrix schenckii y Rhizophus oligosporus, which belong to families Mucedinaceae, Dematiaceae and Mucoraceae have been carried out in support medium based in gum exudate from Laguncularia racemosa (mangle blanco). This native polimer contains galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, uronic acid and proteins. Nitrogen calcium and magnesium are microconstituents of the gum. An economical substrate which contained gum exudate (4%) and agar (1.5%) was used in these studies. The results obtained showed that gum exudate-agar medium (EGA) permits an adequate identification of the studied species, therefore, it is a possible substitute for Sabouraud. It is important to know that the gum exudate is a natural product, economical and easy to obtain.

The nutritive quality of a protein concentrate from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) obtained by ultrafiltration was evaluated. Three biological assays and the apparent protein digestibility (APD) were utilized. In addition, the effect of the supplementation with methionine to protein concentrate was observed. The protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein ratio (NPR) and nitrogen utilization (NU) were 1.86, 3.11 and 3.11 respectively, compared with the values of casein ANRC of 2.50 4.02 y 4.01. Only the PER of the protein concentrate from chick-pea (Cicer arietinum) was increased significantly (< 0.05) higher with respect to raw chick-pea (Cicer arietinum), but lower with respect to casein ANRC.

A protein concentrate was obtained from chick-pea (Cicer arietinum) flour aqueous extract. The factor involved in the recovery of protein were the flour: water ratio, and the pH. The best aqueous extract was subjected to infiltration in a Romicon HF1/2SSS unit equipped with hollow fiber membranes cartridges with a nominal molecular-weight cut-off point of 50,000 daltons. The concentrate was spray-dried and the product obtained had the following composition, expressed in g/100 g: 67.8 protein with 4.9 g/16 g N of reactive lysine; 17.3 fat, 10.0 carbohydrates, and 4.9 ash (dry basis). The nitrogen solubility index was 93 and the color, by Hunter, was L = 86.8.

The polyphenolic compounds present in raw and cooked, and dried, with and without the cooking broth of common white, black and red beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were measured by the Folin-Denis method for total polyphenols, and by the protein precipitation method of Hagerman-Butler, which measures their biological activity. The polyphenol content was measured during 20 consecutive days on the same sample, using three different extracts of volume from each sample. Statistical analysis of the results by the Folin-Denis method indicated that variability among the three aliquots was different for each bean color. A non-parametric analysis, however, indicated that the average in the three levels of concentration for beans of all colors, was the same. A similar analysis of the results by the Hagerman-Butler method demonstrated that variability and average values for the three aliquots were equal for black and red beans but not for white beans. The coefficient of variation was lower for the higher aliquot of the extract. A significant correlation (r = 0.72, P less than 0.05, n = 60) was found between the two methods for all beans using the larger aliquot of the extract. The correlation was highly significant (r = 0.84, P less than 0.05) when white bean values were eliminated. The polyphenolic content varied with seed color and the thermic process reduced their content, as measured by the two methods. The losses in polyphenolics as measured by the Folin-Denis in the cooked beans dried with broth, varied from 31.4 to 36.3%, and from 39.8 to 51.1% for the cooked bean flour dried without broth. The losses by the Hagerman-Butler method were from 25.0 to 93.5% in the cooked bean flours dried with cooking broth, and from 33.3 to 95.7% when dried without the broth. The higher losses were recorded for red beans. In vivo digestibility for cooked bean flours, dried and without broth, were 73.2, 69.6 and 64.5%, and 71.9, 71.9 and 68.8% for white, red and black beans, respectively. A negative correlation (r = -0.39) and significant (p less than 0.05) was found between polyphenolic content in the diet and in vivo protein digestibility.

In 1987 to 1989 the composition was studied of the nitrogen compounds (nitrogen and free amino acids) in the fruit juice of Persian lime during its commercial harvesting period. Adult Persian lime trees grafted on Citrus macrophylla and C. volkameriana were used, planted on a groundwater-affected red ferrilytic soil in the La Habana Province. Determination of the total nitrogen and of the free proline was carried out in May to July of each experimental year. The amino acid spectrum was established from juice samples in May 1987 and in July 1988. With the nitrogen concentrations varying between 14 and 90 mg/100 ml of juice, no consistent behaviour or pattern could be detected either in the total nitrogen content or the proline content in the juice during the 3 experimental years. 14 free amino acids were found, with about 90% of the total content formed from asparagine acid, glutamic acid, alanine, proline, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and arginine, regardless of the experimental year or the grafting basis.

The study herein reported presents information on the dietary fiber content of four food groups consumed in Central America. These are: cereals, grains and products; raw and processed beans; raw and processed vegetables, and starchy foods such as potatoes, cassava and plantain. Besides data on soluble and insoluble fiber, data on in vitro protein digestibility are included. The total dietary fiber content of the wheat flour products varied from 1.62 to 2.83% on a fresh basis, with the exception of whole-wheat bread, which showed a 7.57% content. The maize tortilla presented values ranging from 3.96 to 5.21% in respect to beans, and the values for cooked and raw beans fluctuated between 6.36 and 7.00%, independent of the color; however, fried beans reported values from 15.28 to 17.58%. Vegetables contained total dietary fiber values of 1.51 to 4.34, and the tubers, from 1.31 to 2.86%.

The protein content (N x 6.25) of the seeds of Erythrina edulis (balú) varies between 18-21%; when the fraction corresponding to non-protein nitrogen is extracted with trichloroacetic acid (10%), this value decreases to 14-15%. Remarkable differences in the distribution of the protein fractions are observed when two schemes of extraction are assayed. The amino acid analysis shows that this legume has similar or higher amounts of most amino acids than those present in other leguminosae; the calculated chemical score and protein score show that methionine is the first limiting amino acid and tryptophan, the second. The protein efficiency ratio (PER) of thermically-treated flours has the highest value at 30 minutes of treatment (1.15).

Quantitative changes in the chemical composition of stored corn infested with the grain insects Prostephanus truncatus, Sitophilus zeamais or Sitotroga cerealella were studied in the laboratory under the following conditions for each species: after infestation of samples by larvae, at the emergence of the first generation and after more than one generation. Changes occurred in the composition of all samples, the effect being more marked with larvae. Although no consistent pattern was evident, the nitrogen concentration of infested samples generally increased and the ether extract decreased. The total amounts of each constituent decreased in all samples, with up to 19% loss of energy content. Some of these changes may be attributed to selective feeding by each species, on specific regions of the maize kernel; this phenomenon was more apparent in the case of samples infested with larvae.

The protein quality of tollo flour evaluated by various biological methods, including digestibility, is reported. The product contained 91.52% crude protein and 69.86% true protein, the difference being non-protein nitrogen, mainly urea. Due to this reason the biological evaluations were carried out with different shark flour concentrations and evaluated at different lengths of time with each method. Diets containing 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% shark flour were prepared and evaluated by the PER, NPR, and NGI methods. Casein was used as reference protein. The protein digestibility was 91.2%, not corrected for non-protein nitrogen. On this same basis, PER and NPR--at a protein level of 9.97% in the diet--were 2.58 and 2.05, respectively. The casein control diet gave a PER of 2.93 and an NPR of 4.52. NGI was calculated by using the non-protein diet, or without it, with values of 3.32 and 2.95, respectively. As expected, all values corrected for non-protein nitrogen were higher for protein digestibility. The differences were significant at the 5% level. Apparently, urea influenced negatively the biological evaluations. It can be concluded, therefore, that the tollo shark meat is of excellent quality.

The effect of excessive alcohol intake on the protein requirements and metabolism in normal subjects has not been clearly determined. In this study we measured the nitrogen balance, the hematrocrit, the hemoglobin, the serum albumin, the cholesterol, and the plasmatic amino acids in 7 non-alcoholic subjects of 25 +/- 5 years of age. A comparison was made of a diet containing 0.8 g of protein per k of weight and 40 Kcal per k of weight administered during 11 days with a period of the same length in which the 1.400 Kcal provided during the control period by carbon hydrates was provided by ethanol (200 g). During the alcoholic period no importants changes were observed in the nitrogen balance, a tendency towards greater positivity being registered. There was a decrease in the serum albumin of 4, 69 +/- 0.31 vs 3, 90 +/- 0,32 g/100 ml and an increase in globulin 1,74 +/- 0,70 vs 2,69 +/- 0,22 g/100 ml. The results showed that in a short period of time the excessive alcohol intake in normal subjects does not increase the protein requirements in spite of a decrease in the serum albumin being observed.

With a view to observing if gastroenteritis to rotavirus produced greater carbohydrate malabsorption, we studied 94 male infants, between three and thirty six months of age, with acute diarrhea and dehydration. The metabolic study included the analysis of every intake and excretion during the first 24 hours of oral rehydration and realimentation. Thirty two infants had rotavirus as the single etiological agent, but in numbers it could only be compared to 35 patients in whom we were unable to establish the causal etiological agent of diarrhea in spite of the application of all the usual techniques. No differences were noted with regard to stool and urine losses, nor nutrient intakes of the groups. The present study does not confirm the observation reported in other papers that diarrhea to rotavirus causes a greater loss of carbohydrates.

The endogenous nitrogen content in the gut of adult male rats was studied by quantification of total, proteic, noi-proteic, ureic and ammonic nitrogen. The continuous perfusion technique was used maintaining a 20 ml flux of tyrode solution for two hours. The influence of pancreatic and biliar secretions was also studied. The values obtained for these secretions were lower than those found when all the secretions appeared in the lumen, except for ammonic nitrogen. The nitrogen content in pancreas and intestine homogenates were also determined being similar in both cases. This value was higher in pancreas when the ducts were closed.

Steatorrhea and azotorrhea are evaluated, by Van de Kamer and Kjendalh methods, in 24 patients affected by cystic fibrosis in the diagnosis and in their evolution. High values were obtained for steatorrhea in 87.5% of the cases and for azotorrhea in the 79.1% at the moment of diagnosis. Steatorrhea and azotorrhea have been correlated obtaining a high statistic significant for p less than 0.01 in the diagnosis and in patients who followed treatment with the same medication, not being significative for all patients during their evolution. With results obtained, determination of fecal nitrogen, is positively evaluated not only in the diagnosis but also in the evolution of these patients to obtain an optimum nutritious condition.

The bile salts, chloride, sodium, potassium and nitrogen content of the gallbladder bile was studied in goat, sheep, cattle, pig, rabbit, dog, monkey (Erythrocebus patas), chicken, lizard (Lacerta ocellata), frog (Rana esculenta), trout (Salmo gardnieri) and barbel (Barbus barbus). A significant correlation was found between bile salts and sodium (positive), chloride and sodium (negative) and chloride and bile salts (negative). The gallbladder concentrating ability was very high in monkey, lizard and trout high in dog, barbel, frog and chicken, and low in cattle, rabbit, pig and sheep. The goat was half way between the second and third groups. It seems that concentrating ability is greater in animals whose gastric emptying is intermittent, and is lower in those animals with a continuous digestive activity.

The influence of dietary protein level (three diets provided with 4% (D1), 12% (D2) and 14% (D3) of protein were tested) and hydrocortisone acetate administration (4 mg/100 g body wt. were daily injected), to rats during pregnancy, were studied. The parameters considered were the number, weight and nitrogen content of the litter. The D3 diet caused a significant increase in the newborns number, whether the mothers were hormone-treated or not. Cortisol associated to the D1 diet led to an appreciable fall in this parameter. Total N content of the litter, which had revealed independent of the dietary protein level in the control groups (rats without hormonal treatment), decreased significantly after cortisol administration in both the three experimental groups. This latter effect was more intense in litters coming from rats fed on the D1 diet. When the N content is expressed as mg N/g litter weight, this parameter decreased significantly only when the cortisol treatment was associated to the D1 diet.