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Abstract: The most effective means of avoiding contact with moulds consists of eliminating the mycelia to the highest degree possible, avoiding dispersing them and protecting those in contact. It is important to keep individuals at risk, for example those who are immunodeficient, away from the areas being treated. Those doing the work should be protected with glasses, respiratory masks and gloves. Dispersion can be avoided by using tarpaulins in places where contamination is wide spread; the openings of ventilation ducts must be closed. Maximum elimination requires maximum cleaning, followed by adequate but not excessive rinsing and then by disinfection with a fungicidal bleaching solution. Subsequent control is recommended to confirm the efficacy of the decontamination procedure. Prevention of further development of moulds is essential, depending on control of humidity, both from the exterior as well as from the interior, with adequate ventilation of the premises. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This research evaluates the ascorbic acid loss of vegetables prepared in a hospital cook-chill plated system. The ascorbic acid loss of three vegetable samples (carrots, peas and potatoes) were measured at various points in the cook-chill system and analysed using the DCPIP method. Substantial losses for all vegetables were identified at the cooking and regeneration stages. The ascorbic acid levels of the selected vegetables when raw ranged from 6 to 10 mg/100 g sample. At the end of the food service cycle the ascorbic acid content of the vegetables was reduced to 1.7-5.8 mg/100 g sample. The largest percentage loss of ascorbic acid, i.e. 76%, was found in mashed potatoes. Peas incurred the least percentage loss, i.e. 42%. This progressive deterioration during the cook-chill plated catering system causes an insubstantial presence of ascorbic acid in the food served to hospitalised patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amyloidosis is a large family of diseases defined by the presence of extra cellular protein deposits which can remain localised but are generally diffuse. Pleural involvement with effusion is rare (6% only), and difficult to diagnose because the clinical signs are non-specific., Observation: We report the case of a 77 year old man, hospitalized for anasarca, with recurring pleural effusions despite two drainages and talcage. Pleural aspiration revealed a chylothorax. ProBNP was high: 24000 ng/l. Echocardiography revealed a restrictive cardiomyopathy and suggested the diagnosis of a systemic disease. Negative peripheral biopsies led us to perform an endomyocardial biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of amyloidosis AL., Conclusion: We report an original case of primary amyloidosis presenting as a chylothorax and confirmed by an endomyocardial biopsy. We highlight the multi factorial character of pleural effusions associated with amyloidosis. This explains the delay in treatment and the disease's critical nature (median survival 2 months). The prognostic value of proBNP is also emphasised.