Evidence that active transmission of porcine cysticercosis occurs in Venezuela

There is a paucity of quantitative data on the status of porcine cysticercosis in Venezuela, information which is essential for understanding the level of disease transmission. This study was, therefore, conducted in a typical small rural community in Yaracuy State, Venezuela, where previous cases of human Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis had been reported and where the free-ranging pig management practices and the lack of rudimentary sanitary facilities indicated an obvious risk for transmission of the disease. Serum samples from 52 village pigs were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for anti-cysticercal antibodies (Ab-ELISA), using T. solium cyst fluid as the antigen and the HP10, monoclonal antibody-based, antigen trapping ELISA for parasite antigen (HP10 Ag-ELISA). Significantly, a high proportion of the animals (65.4% for the Ab-ELISA and 42.3% for the HP10 Ag-ELISA) were sero-positive. Five of the pigs, which were selected on that basis of positive tongue palpation, were killed for autopsy, and large numbers of viable cysticerci were found in the carcases. This unequivocal documentation of porcine cysticercosis in Venezuelan pigs presents clear evidence that T. solium is actively transmitted in Venezuela. Further detailed studies and implementation of appropriate control measures are therefore indicated.     

Determination of the Mineral Fraction and Rheological Properties of Microwave Modified Starch from Canna Edulis

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the physical modification by microwave irradiation on the mineral fraction and rheological properties of starch isolated from Canna edulis rhizomes. Phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc were evaluated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Rheological properties were determined using both the Brabender amylograph and Brookfield viscosimeter. Except for the calcium concentration, mineral contents decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after microwave treatment. The amylographic profile was also modified, showing increased pasting temperature range and breakdown index, whereas the viscosity peak, viscosity at holding (95°C) and cooling periods (50°C), setback and consistency decreased as compared to the native starch counterpart. Although viscosity decreased in the microwaved sample, presumably due to starch changes at molecular level, it retained the general pseudo plastic behavior of native starch. It is concluded that canna starch may be modified by microwave irradiation in order to change its functional properties. This information should be considered when using microwave irradiation for food processing. Furthermore, the altered functional attributes of canna modified starch could be advantageous in new product development.     

Zooflagellates in an anaerobic waste stabilization pond system in Mexico

A protozoological survey was performed on waste stabilization lagoons to isolate, identify, and determine the incidence of zooflagellates present in these waters. A correlation between the species found and the physicochemical parameters determined was also done. Fifteen samplings were analyzed from June 1981 to April 1982. Free-living zooflagellates included: Bodo edax Klebs: Bodo caudatus Dujardin;Trepomonas agilis Dujardin;Pleuromonas jaculans Perty (all of them polisaprobic indicators);Bodo saltans Ehrenberg (a mesosaprobic indicator); and Bodomorpha minima Hollande. A human commensal species Enteromonas hominis Da — Fonseca, was also isolated. The performance of the lagoons was predominantly anaerobic. The temperature seemed to be the most influential factor on the incidence of the zooflagellates isolated, especially in winter time.     

Transmission of porcine cysticercosis in the Portuguesa state of Venezuela

Tropical Animal Health and Production - The aim of this study was to assess transmission of Taenia solium cysticercosis in Palmarito Arriba, a small village in the rural area of the Portuguesa...     

Bacterial analysis of Chromobacterium sp. and Flavobacterium sp. in a waste stabilization pond system

A survey on Chromobacterium sp. and Flavobacterium sp. was conducted in a waste stabilization pond system at Santo Tomas Atzingo, State of Mexico. For this purpose methods for the isolation and identification of Chromobacterium sp. and Flavobacterium sp. from wastewater were developed and proved to be efficient. Such methods are the result of combining and modifying a series of previously reported techniques for this genera strains, but for environments different from wastewater.     

Evaluation of Direct and Indirect Techniques for Measuring Absorption Efficiencies of Sea Urchins (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) Using Prepared Feeds

Measurement of absorption efficiencies is essential for evaluating feeds for the culture of marine invertebrates. There are currently several direct and indirect techuiques that may be used for measuring absorption efficiencies in sea urchins. Three of these methods were evaluated and compared. Based on this evaluation, the conditions under which each technique should be used are reviewed. Direct measures require complete fecal collection and should not be used for estimating absorption efficiency. Ash can be used as a marker to estimate absorption efficiencies under most circumstances, but absorption efficiencies tend to be overestimated as the inorganic fraction decreases slightly with passage through the gut. Chromic oxide can only be used as a marker for estimating absorption efficiencies when complete fecal collection is made, as it may pass through the gut at a different rate than the rest of the egesta.     

Chemical Composition,Mineral Profile,and Functional Properties of Canna (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canna edulis</Emphasis>) and Arrowroot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maranta spp</Emphasis>.) Starches

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some chemical and mineral characteristics and functional and rheological properties of Canna and Arrowroot starches produced in the Venezuelan Andes. Canna starch showed a higher (P < 0.05) moisture, ash, and crude protein content than arrowroot starch, while crude fiber, crude fat, and amylose content of this starch were higher (P < 0.05). Starches of both rhizomes own phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc in their composition. Phosphorus, sodium, and potassium are the higher in both starches. Water absorption, swelling power, and solubility values revealed weak bonding forces in Canna starch granules; this explained the lower gelatinization temperature and the substantial viscosity development of Canna starch during heating. Arrowroot starch showed a higher gelatinization temperature measure by DSC, than Canna starch and exhibited a lower value of ΔH. Both starches show negative syneresis. The apparent viscosity of Canna starch was higher (P < 0.05) than the Arrowroot starch values. The size (wide and large) of Canna starch granules was higher than arrowroot starch. From the previous results, it can be concluded that Canna and Arrowroot starches could become interesting alternatives for food developers, depending on their characteristics and functional properties.