bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINATION OF FISH GENDER USING FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF ULTRASOUND IMAGES
Authors: MCEVOY FINTAN J. , TOMKIEWICZ JONNA , STØTTRUP JOSIANNE G. , OVERTON JULIE L. , MCEVOY CONNI , SVALASTOGA EILIV
Published: August 2009

The gender of cod Gadus morhua can be determined by considering the complexity in their gonadal ultrasonographic appearance. The fractal dimension (DB) can be used to describe this feature in images. B‐mode gonadal ultrasound images in 32 cod, where gender was known, were collected. Fractal analysis was performed on these images and DB was determined using the box counting method. A receiver–operating curve (ROC) was drawn for DB as a test for male fish. Using a range of DB values, the maximum accuracy for this test was calculated and compared with the accuracy for identifying male fish by subjective analysis alone. The mean (and standard deviation) of the fractal dimension DB for male fish was 1.554 (0.073) while for female fish it was 1.468 (0.061); the difference was statistically significant (P=0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.84 indicating the value of fractal analysis in gender determination in cod. Maximum accuracy (0.84) for DB as a test for male fish was obtained using the threshold value DB=1.5058 compared with an accuracy of 0.78 for subjective image evaluation. The use of two thresholds, DB<1.4475 (females) and DB>1.5054 (males) gives an 80% certainty in the classification result. Fractal analysis is useful for gender determination in cod. This or a similar form of analysis may have wide application in veterinary imaging as a tool for quantification of complexity in images.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF THE LUNG OF HEALTHY SNAKES OF THE SPECIES PYTHON REGIUS, BOA CONSTRICTOR, PYTHON RETICULATUS, MORELIA VIRIDIS, EPICRATES CENCHRIA, AND MORELIA SPILOTA
Authors: PEES MICHAEL , KIEFER INGMAR , THIELEBEIN JENS , OECHTERING GERHARD , KRAUTWALD‐JUNGHANNS MARIA‐ELISABETH
Published: August 2009

Thirty‐nine healthy boid snakes representing six different species (Python regius, Boa constrictor, Python reticulatus, Morelia viridis, Epicrates cenchria, and Morelia spilota) were examined using computed tomography (CT) to characterize the normal appearance of the respiratory tissue. Assessment was done subjectively and densitometry was performed using a defined protocol. The length of the right lung was calculated to be 11.1% of the body length, without a significant difference between species. The length of the left lung in proportion to the right was dependent on the species examined. The most developed left lung was in P. regius (81.2%), whereas in B. constrictor, the left lung was vestigial or absent (24.7%). A median attenuation of −814.6 HU and a variability of 45.9 HU were calculated for all species with no significant difference between species. Within the species, a significantly higher attenuation was found for P. regius in the dorsal and cranial aspect of the lung compared with the ventral and caudal part. In B. constrictor, the reduced left lung was significantly hyperattenuating compared with the right lung. Results of this study emphasize the value of CT and provide basic reference data for assessment of the snake lung in these species.
EFFECT OF WETNESS LEVEL ON THE SUITABILITY OF WET GAUZE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SUPERFLAB® AS A BOLUS MATERIAL FOR USE WITH 6 MV PHOTONS
Authors: BENOIT JEROME , PRUITT AMY F. , THRALL DONALD E.
Published: August 2009

Despite the availability of commercial tissue equivalent bolus material, wet gauze has an application in radiation therapy to provide superior conformance to irregular contours. Wet gauze bolus has the potential to reduce air gaps between the bolus and surface, which could decrease surface dose if sufficiently large to disrupt electronic equilibrium. Wet gauze bolus is often fabricated and wetness judged qualitatively. We assessed the effect of specific gauze wetness levels, quantified in terms of physical density, at various field sizes with respect to their effectiveness as bolus material compared with Superflab®. For large fields, >7 × 7 cm2 in this study, wet gauze sponges with a physical density of 1.02 g/cm3 performed essentially identical to Superflab®; at a smaller field size the wet gauze was slightly less effective, likely due to the heterogeneity of the gauze‐water matrix. Gauze that was wetter, with a physical density of 1.2 g/cm3, or less wet, with a physical density of 0.75 g/cm3 was not as effective either due to enhanced photon absorption in the wetter sponges, or less effective establishment of electronic equilibrium in the less wet sponges. The presence of an air gap under Superflab® led to reduced surface dose, especially for small fields and large air gaps. Thus, if Superflab® use leads to poor contact with the skin, wet gauze having a physical density of 1.02 g/cm3 can be used as a substitute. Judging the water content of wet gauze subjectively is not acceptable as over‐ or under wetness can lead to decreased effectiveness of the bolus material.
INFLUENCE OF FIELD STRENGTH ON INTRACRANIAL VESSEL CONSPICUITY IN CANINE MAGNETIC RESONANCE ANGIOGRAPHY
Authors: RODRIGUEZ DANIEL , RYLANDER HELENA , VIGEN KARL K. , ADAMS WILLIAM M.
Published: August 2009

Eight neurologically normal beagles were imaged using three‐dimensional (3D) time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in a 3 T magnetic resonance scanner. Four of the eight dogs were also imaged using a 1 T unit for comparison. Ten intracranial arteries were consistently identified at 3 T: external and internal carotid, basilar, vertebral, rostral cerebral, middle cerebral, caudal cerebral, rostral communicating, caudal communicating, and ventral spinal arteries. Only four were reliably identified at 1 T with diagnostic spatial and contrast resolution. At 3 T, vessels as small as 1 mm were reliably detected. Vessel conspicuity was superior using the 3 T system. An anatomic atlas of the canine circulus arteriosus cerebri using a 3 T scan was constructed. The effect of MRA parameters on vascular spatial resolution and conspicuity are reviewed.
RADIATION THERAPY COMMUNICATION: EQUINE HEMANGIOMA
Authors: KLEITER MIRIAM , VELDE KARSTEN , HAINISCH EDMUND , AUER ULRIKE , REIFINGER MARTIN
Published: August 2009

A 13‐month‐old Standardbred Colt had a recurrent hemangioma at the level of the coronary band. Multiple excisions had led to a nonhealing skin and hoof defect. Using 14 MV electrons, a total dose of 36 Gy was administered, given as six fractions of 6 Gy twice a week. Wound healing by second intention was achieved over the next 4 months and the colt began race training 6 months after the end of therapy. Twenty months later the colt is sound and there is no evidence of tumor recurrence.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF FELINE LEUKOCYTES RADIOLABELED IN WHOLE BLOOD WITH 99MTC STANNOUS COLLOID
Authors: ABUSHHIWA MOHAMED H. , SALEHI NOURIA S. , WHITTON ROBERT C. , CHARLES JENNIFER A. , FINNIN PETER J. , LORDING PETER M. , PARRY BRUCE W.
Published: August 2009

Technetium‐99m stannous colloid (99mTcSnC) has been used to radiolabel human leukocytes to investigate various inflammatory disorders. We investigated the in vitro behavior of feline leukocytes labeled in whole blood with 99mTcSnC. Heparinized blood samples were collected from healthy cats and divided into control and test aliquots. The latter were labeled with 99mTcSnC using a standard procedure. Leukocyte viability was determined for each sample using a trypan blue exclusion test. Labeling efficiency was determined for test aliquots. Test aliquots were layered onto Histopaque‐1077® and centrifuged before measurement of radioactivity of the blood components. Leukocytes from radiolabeled and control samples were washed and incubated with opsonized zymosan particles to allow assessment of phagocytic function. Aliquots were taken from radiolabeled feline leukocyte samples at 1, 3, 4, and 7 h postlabelling. After centrifugation of each aliquot, radioactivity of the supernatant and pellet was measured and the labeling retention determined. Leukocyte viability in both radiolabeled and control samples was >98%. The labeling efficiency was 95.2±0.14%. The distribution of radioactivity in feline blood was found to be 3.4±0.18% in plasma, 39.0±0.37% in erythrocytes, and 57.6±0.38% in leukocytes. Labeled feline leukocytes had phagocytic activity of 90.9±0.18% (control 91.3±0.15%). The radiolabeled leukocytes retained 93.4±0.19% of the radioactivity up to 7 h postlabeling. 99mTcSnC efficiently labeled feline leukocytes with no effect on viability and minimal effect on phagocytic function. The percentage retention of radioactivity by the leukocytes was still high at 7 h postlabeling.
ASSESSING CIRCLE OF WILLIS BLOOD CIRCULATION IN DOGS WITH TRANSCRANIAL COLOR‐CODED DUPLEX SONOGRAPHY
Authors: Duque Francisco J. , Dominguez‐Roldan Jose M. , Ruiz Patricia , Zaragoza Concepcion , Barrera‐Chacon Rafael
Published: August 2009

Insonation of Circle of Willis by transcranial Doppler duplex color sonography is described in 30 healthy dogs with 15 weighing <33 lb and 15 weighing >33 lb. Imaging was via a temporal window to explore the rostral, middle, and caudal cerebral arteries on both the left and right‐hand sides; and through an suboccipital window to study the basilar artery. Normal mean values of the peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity, mean velocity, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) were characterized and compared with those obtained in previous studies. There was significant differences in the PSV, RI, and PI in the rostral cerebral artery between dogs weighing <33 vs. >33 lb. Mean PSV was higher in weighing over 33 lb, whereas the mean resistive index and mean PI were lower in these dogs.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—CONGENITAL VENOUS ANEURYSM OF THE LEFT EXTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN
Authors: ROUTH CHARLOTTE E. , HAGEN REGINE U. , ELSE RODERICK W. , STRACHAN FIONA A. , YOOL DONALD A.
Published: August 2009

Primary congenital jugular vein aneurysms are rare with only one prior report in a canine patient. Herein, we describe an 18‐week‐old Flat Coated Retriever dog in which ultrasound was used to diagnose a primary congenital external jugular vein aneurysm with concurrent dilatation of the internal jugular vein. The aneurysm was successfully removed and the dog remains disease free 24 months postoperatively. Histopathologic analysis was used to validate the ultrasound‐based diagnosis.
PATHOLOGIC CORRELATION OF RESISTIVE AND PULSATILITY INDICES IN CANINE ABDOMINAL LYMPH NODES
Authors: PRIETO SAÚL , GOMEZ‐OCHOA PABLO , DE BLAS IGNACIO , GASCÓN MANUEL , ACEÑA CARMEN , CORDA ANDREA , SOSA IVÁN , GREGORI TOMMASO , COUTO GUILLERMO
Published: August 2009

We assessed the ability of the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) to allow differentiation between normal, reactive, and neoplastic lymph nodes. Forty‐seven medial iliac and 54 mesenteric lymph nodes from 83 dogs were evaluated sonographically. A cytologic sample was obtained in each dog that allowed categorization into one of the categories defined above. We found a significant difference in the RI and PI in nonneoplastic vs. neoplastic medial iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes. Values higher than 0.67 for the RI and 1.02 for the PI in medial iliac lymph nodes and higher than 0.76 for the RI and 1.23 for the PI in mesenteric lymph nodes had a high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating benign from neoplastic lymph nodes.
PROGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THE PROVENTRICULUS: KEEL RATIO FOR SHORT‐TERM SURVIVAL IN PSITTACINES WITH PROVENTRICULAR DISEASE
Authors: DENNISON SOPHIE E. , ADAMS WILLIAM M. , JOHNSON PHILIPPA J. , YANDELL BRIAN S. , PAUL‐MURPHY JOANNE R.
Published: August 2009

The proventriculus:keel ratio was evaluated as a prognostic indicator for short‐term survival in parrots with proventricular disease. Measurements were made from right lateral radiographs of 41 parrots with proventricular disease. Results were compared with the previously described abnormal proventriculus:keel ratio range and to short‐term clinical outcome at 1‐month postdiagnosis. The ratio in all parrots was >0.52, and 39% of parrots succumbed to their disease within 1 month of diagnosis. There was no significant association between the proventriculus:keel ratio and survival duration (P=0.9). The proventriculus:keel ratio is a sensitive indicator of proventricular disease in parrots but is insensitive as a prognostic indicator.
ASSESSMENT OF THE ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF A PATIENT IMMOBILIZATION DEVICE FOR RADIATION THERAPY IN CANINE HEAD AND NECK TUMORS
Authors: KENT MICHAEL S. , GORDON IRA K. , BENAVIDES INES , PRIMAS PAUL , YOUNG JACQUE
Published: August 2009

The positioning accuracy and precision of a head and neck immobilization device for radiation therapy of tumors in the canine skull was evaluated. Nineteen dogs with a spontaneous tumor of the head were enrolled including 12 with an intracranial mass and seven with an intranasal or maxillary tumor. Three hundred thirty‐three pairs of orthogonal digital portal radiographs were analyzed to assess patient displacement in the cranial–caudal, lateral, and dorso‐ventral directions. The mean systematic displacement was 0.8, 1, and 0.9 mm. The mean random displacement was 1.9, 1.6, and 1.5 mm. These values resulted in an overall displacement of 2.1 mm in the cranial–caudal direction, 1.8 mm in the lateral direction, and 1.7 mm in the dorsal–ventral direction. The mean displacement value of the three dimensional (3D) vector was 2.4 mm with a standard deviation of 2.1. Ninety‐five percent of all vectors were <6.4 mm. This study quantifies the precision and accuracy of this particular positioning device. Knowing the limitations and setup variability of the system being used to set patients up for daily radiotherapy is paramount to planning and delivering appropriate radiation doses, especially as more complex treatment methods are used.
Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia of the lower lip: surgical approach and review of the literature
Authors: Cohen A. , Maly A. , Azaz B.
Published: August 2009

Objective:  A review of the literature for intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia is presented along with a case report of a geriatric patient.

Review of the literature:  Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a reactive benign lesion of vascular origin, which is caused by an excessive proliferation of endothelial cells. Only a few cases with IPEH in the oral cavity have been recorded in the literature, reporting the lower lip as the main site. The treatment of choice mentioned in the literature is simple excision.

Case report:  In this case, an IPEH of the lower lip of a 79‐year‐old male was treated by a sclerosing agent, which was injected into the lesion, causing compression and fibrosis of the blood vessels, followed by a careful dissection and excision. Intra‐operatively no bleeding occurred. Post‐operatively an excellent aesthetic result was achieved, without recurrence.

Conclusion:  The use of sclerotherapy followed by surgery in mixed type intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia can provide an acceptable aesthetic result with minimal intra‐operative bleeding.
Prevalence of oral and dental disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht, Iran
Authors: Rabiei Maryam , Kasemnezhad Ehsan , Masoudi rad Hossein , Shakiba Maryam , Pourkay Hossein
Published: August 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00313.x
 
Prevalence of oral and dental disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht, Iran

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental and oral mucosal lesions in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht.

Background:  Oral health in the elderly people is important to tailor the health programmes for this increasing age group within the population.

Methods:  A total of 216 elderly people residing in a geriatric nursing home were included in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined clinically and registered in a data collection form and analysed using spss version 11 program (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois, USA).

Results:  The prevalence of dental and oral disorders was 44.9% and 86.1% respectively. The most frequent oral disorders were dry mouth (42.1%), fissure tongue (25.9%), atrophic of tongue (25%), sublingual varicosity (22.7%), burning sensation (16.7%) and varix (15.3%). The prevalence of edentulousness was 56% (95%CI: 49–63%). The mean level of retained teeth was 3.22. The odds of an oral mucosal disorder in females were significantly more than in males (OR = 2.79, 95%CI: 1.25–6.23).

Discussion:  The findings revealed a high prevalence of dental and oral disorders in institutionalised elderly people in Rasht in comparison to similar studies. The mean of retained teeth was also much lower than in other reports. Therefore, the necessity for regular oral examination of these rapidly expanding age groups of people is essential.
Number of teeth and selected cardiovascular risk factors among elderly people
Authors: Syrjälä Anna‐Maija Hannele , Ylöstalo Pekka , Hartikainen Sirpa , Sulkava Raimo , Knuuttila Matti
Published: August 2009

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00328.x
 
Number of teeth and selected cardiovascular risk factors among elderly people

Objective:  To produce evidence on an association between the number of teeth and selected cardiovascular risk factors among an elderly population.

Materials and methods:  The study population comprised of 523 community‐living elderly people who participated in the population‐based Kuopio 75+ study. The data for each subject were collected using a structured clinical health examination, an interview and laboratory tests. Linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted mean values and confidence limits.

Results:  Edentulous persons and persons with a small number of teeth had lower serum HDL cholesterol and higher triglyceride, leucocyte and blood glucose levels and a higher body mass index (BMI) compared with subjects to a large number of teeth.

Conclusion:  The study showed that, in the Finnish home‐dwelling population aged 75 years or older, those with a large number of teeth were less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors such as a low serum HDL cholesterol level, a high triglyceride level and a high BMI than did subjects with a small number of teeth or who were edentulous.
MicroRNA‐9 inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth through regulation of NF‐κB1
Authors: Guo Li‐Min , Pu Yong , Han Zhe , Liu Tao , Li Yi‐Xuan , Liu Min , Li Xin , Tang Hua
Published: August 2009

MicroRNAs are emerging as important regulators of cancer‐related processes. Our studies show that microRNA‐9 (miR‐9) is downregulated in human ovarian cancer relative to normal ovary, and overexpression of miR‐9 suppresses cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, the 3′‐UTR of NF‐κB1 mRNA is found to be regulated directly by miR‐9, demonstrating that NF‐κB1 is a functionally important target of miR‐9 in ovarian cancer cells. When miR‐9 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer cells, the mRNA and protein levels of NF‐κB1 are both suppressed, whereas inhibition of miR‐9 results in an increase in the NF‐κB1 expression level. Ovarian cancer tissues display significantly low expression of miR‐9 and a high level of NF‐κB1 compared with normal tissues, indicating that regulation of NF‐κB1 by miR‐9 is an important mechanism for miR‐9 to inhibit ovarian cancer proliferation.
Epidermal growth factor receptor‐regulated miR‐125a‐5p – a metastatic inhibitor of lung cancer
Authors: Wang Guofu , Mao Weimin , Zheng Shu , Ye Jingjia
Published: August 2009

Both the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway and microRNA (miRNA) play an important role in lung cancer development and progression. To address the potential role of miRNA in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, we identified miR‐125a‐5p as a downstream target, using an miRNA array. We further demonstrated that miR‐125a‐5p inhibited migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. Moreover, miR‐125a‐5p regulated the expression of several downstream genes of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling. Importantly, examination of lung cancer samples revealed a significant correlation of miR‐125a‐5p repression with lung carcinogenesis. Taken together, our results provide compelling evidence that miR‐125a‐5p, an epidermal growth factor‐signaling‐regulated miRNA, may function as a metastatic suppressor.
Wealth effects, the Taylor rule and the liquidity trap
Authors: Annicchiarico Barbara , Marini Giancarlo , Piergallini Alessandro
Published: August 2009

This paper analyzes the dynamic properties of the Taylor rule with the zero lower bound on the nominal interest rate in an optimizing monetary model with overlapping generations à la Yaari–Blanchard–Weil. The main result is that the presence of wealth effects is not sufficient to rule out the possibility of infinite equilibrium paths with decelerating inflation. In particular, in the presence of wealth effects, the occurrence of liquidity traps is not avoided when the central bank implements a Taylor‐type interest‐rate feedback rule.
Entomopathogenic fungi disturbed the larval growth and feeding performance of Ocinara varians (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) larvae
Authors: Hussain Abid , Tian Ming‐Yi , He Yu‐Rong , Ahmed Sohail
Published: August 2009

Abstract  Feeding experiments using three strains of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae and Isaria fumosorosea were conducted with newly moulted 3rd–5th instar Ocinara varians Walker larvae in the laboratory. The mortality of larvae immersed individually in spore suspension (1 × 107 spores/mL) of all the strains was ≥ 80% except 5th instar larvae treated with M. anisopliae which transformed into pupae, but did not result in adult emergence. The growth (total body mass), consumption, relative consumption rate and relative growth rate, were reduced at all three larval stages, while developmental time was extended in infected larvae with concurrent significant increase in approximate digestibility in infected larvae. Conversion of digested food (ECD) and ingested food (ECI) values declined in infected larvae as compared to the healthy larvae (control). The 5th instar larvae treated with M. anisopliae showed higher ECD and ECI values than control. Based on mortality and growth inhibition it can be suggested that all the studied fungal strains have a high potential for biocontrol and could be developed into biocontrol agents against O. varians.
EFFECT OF COOKING ON THE PROFILE OF PHENOLICS, TANNINS, PHYTATE, AMINO ACID, FATTY ACID AND MINERAL NUTRIENTS OF WHOLE‐GRAIN AND DECORTICATED VEGETABLE COWPEA (VIGNA UNGUICULATA L. WALP)
Authors: ADEBOOYE ODUNAYO CLEMENT , SINGH VASUDEVA
Published: August 2009

An experiment was conducted to determine the profile of phenolics, tannins, phytate, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral nutrients in whole‐grain and decorticated vegetable cowpea before and after cooking. Two cowpea varieties: C‐152‐White, having big grain and S‐1552‐White, having small grain with black eye were used for the study. Decortication of cowpea grain resulted in significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) of total phenolics, total tannins and phytate contents of the two cowpea varieties. Comparison showed that cooking resulted in 19, 28, 28 and 37% losses in phenolics in whole‐grain C‐152, decorticated C‐152, whole‐grain S‐1552 and decorticated S‐1552, respectively. After cooking, whole‐grain and decorticated C‐152 retained 52.1 and 57.7% tannins while S‐1552 retained 59.4 and 49.5%, respectively. In the whole grain, C‐152 lost 72.2% phytate after cooking while S‐1552 lost 70.3%. For the decorticated samples, C‐152 lost 72.4% phytate after cooking while S‐1552 lost 71.2%. For the two cowpea varieties, decortication resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.05) losses of Ca, Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, K and Cu while there was no significant effect on protein and amino acid profile. Cooking did not cause any significant change in the mineral nutrient composition of either the whole‐grain or decorticated cowpea. For the two cowpea varieties, bulk of the fat consisted of palmitic acid (23.2–27.3%) and stearic acid (53.5–59.8%) in the ratio of 1:2, approximately. Upon cooking, losses of crude protein were recorded in the whole‐grain and decorticated samples of the two cowpea varieties.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Cowpea is an important cheap source of protein particularly for the low‐income countries, especially in Africa and Asia. However, there is the need for some pretreatments before its cooking because of the presence of some undesirable antinutrients which often cause flatulence after consumption or they can render some minerals unavailable for body assimilation. This study investigated the role that African traditional method of decortication and cooking could play in reducing the concentration of antinutritional factors. We also showed how the traditional treatments could affect the other nutritionally important component of cowpea.
EFFECTS OF GLUCOSE OXIDASE, HEMICELLULASE AND ASCORBIC ACID ON DOUGH AND BREAD QUALITY
Authors: DAGDELEN ADNAN FATIH , GOCMEN DUYGU
Published: August 2009

In this study, glucose oxidase alone or its combinations with hemicellulase or ascorbic acid were used in bread making. Glucose oxidase alone mainly decreased dough extensibility. It produced stiffer and less extensible dough. Combinations of glucose oxidase–hemicellulase presented lower extensibility and were more resistant to extension than glucose oxidase alone. When glucose oxidase–ascorbic acid combinations were used, the softening degree significantly decreased, regardless when added the lowest glucose oxidase in combination with ascorbic acid. Glucose oxidase–ascorbic acid combinations significantly modified dough resistance. The glucose oxidase alone significantly increased specific loaf volume. The Dallman value of loaves made with glucose oxidase alone was found higher than for control. The most dramatic effect of additives on specific loaf volume was observed when glucose oxidase–hemicellulase combinations were added. This effect has been ascribed to redistribution of water from the hemicellulose to gluten, which would render the gluten more extensible. Specific loaf volume showed a significant enhancement when glucose oxidase–ascorbic acid combinations were added, but this effect was not as good as glucose oxidase–hemicellulase. The effects of glucose oxidase and its combinations with ascorbic acid and hemicellulase on dough rheology and bread quality are highly dependent on the amount of enzyme and the original wheat flour quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

In practice, appropriate combinations of glucose oxidase with hemicellulase can be used as improvers in bread making, depending on their combination levels. This study will show the way to new research about glucose oxidase, ascorbic acid and hemicellulose.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF TRADITIONAL FIELD GROWN TOMATO GENOTYPES IN SOUTHERN ITALY
Authors: SINESIO FIORELLA , MONETA ELISABETTA , PEPARAIO MARINA
Published: August 2009

This study was conducted with the aim to characterize the diversity of fruit sensory quality of traditional tomato genotypes, grown in open fields, by means of descriptive profile analysis. It gives the results from sensory profiling of fresh tomato genotypes San Marzano, Vesuviano, Corbarino and Sorrento, originating from Southern Italy, and their respective commercial hybrids over 3 years of harvesting. The effects of genotypes, year of production (2002, 2003, 2004) and fields located in different geographical areas on sensory data were analyzed using principal component analysis and multivariate analysis of variance partial least square regression. For most sensory characteristics, the greatest variation was caused by differences in genotypes, suggesting that there was considerable level of genetic diversity. Minor effects were given to year of harvest and experimental fields.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tomato is one of the most frequently consumed vegetables in many countries. Italy is one of the main tomato producers in the world, where the genetic variability among traditional tomato genotypes, hybrid and wild varieties in terms of variability in shape, dimension and sensorial attributes is enormous. A feasible area of improvement of tomato production is toward the increase or changing the original flavor. The knowledge of the effect of variety and season on sensory‐perceived quality and the selection by breeding of genotypes with improved aroma and flavor profile is a tool to better orientate the tomato production.
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF PASTA PRODUCTION IN ITALY
Authors: BEVILACQUA MAURIZIO , BRAGLIA MARCELLO , CARMIGNANI GIONATA , ZAMMORI FRANCESCO ALDO
Published: August 2009

In this article, life cycle assessment was used to evaluate the environmental performances of the production and the distribution of durum wheat pasta, in the Italian market. In accordance with a cradle‐to‐grave approach, the environmental impact of the whole manufacturing process was assessed, taking into account the energetic flows, the consumption of materials and the emissions of pollutants.

Results revealed that the agricultural production (i.e., cultivation of wheat) and the production of durum wheat semolina were the subprocesses that accounted for most of the environmental load. Therefore, to improve the environmental performance, an alternative production system was designed in which organic agriculture was used to produce wheat; recyclable cardboard was used as the only packaging material, and a more efficient dust collecting system was installed at the mill (for semolina production).

The obtained environmental improvements were finally presented and further discussed.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Since the late 90s, the Italian producers of pasta have been striving to improve the environmental performance of their productive process and, nowadays, this effort is being extended to the whole supply chain.

This article highlights the stages that account for most of the environmental impact (i.e., hot spots) during the production of durum wheat pasta. Suggestions and insight to reduce the overall environmental load are also provided, and their potential benefits are evaluated, in comparison with the traditional productive process. Therefore, this work can be useful for practitioners of the agri‐food industry, who wish to improve the environmental performance of their productive process.
A STUDY ON THE RELATION BETWEEN ANTHOCYANIN CONTENT AND PRODUCT QUALITY: SHALGAM AS A MODEL BEVERAGE
Authors: TURKER NUZHET , AKSAY SALIH , ISTANBULLU OZLEM , ARTUVAN ERDEM
Published: August 2009

The anthocyanin content and the amount of lactic and acetic acids present in commercial shalgam samples randomly collected from domestic markets were determined both by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectral measurements. Shalgam samples produced under laboratory conditions were termed as the control group (Group I). The commercial samples were divided into three groups based on their production date: samples stored for 6–9 months as Group II; samples stored for 9–12 months as Group III; and samples stored longer than 12 months as Group IV. The HPLC chromatograms indicated that black carrot was the only source of anthocyanin present in the samples. The acylated to nonacylated anthocyanin ratio increased significantly in Group IV samples, whereas there were no significant differences among the Groups II, III and control (P < 0.05). The % polymeric color negatively correlated to the total anthocyanin content was significantly higher in Group IV samples (P < 0.05). The presence of high acetic acid content might be an indication of added pickle juice to the shalgam samples. The variance of the level of lactic acid found in commercial samples shows up as a problem of incidental enrichment of the lactic acid bacteria.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Anthocyanin profiles of food materials are unique. Therefore, the anthocyanin profile in a commercial beverage can be used to determine whether there is an adulteration or not. The total anthocyanin content and the ratio of acylated to nonacylated anthocyanins, together with the degree of polymerization and browning index, serve as indicators of the time–temperature history of the product. Applying first‐order degradation kinetics to the anthocyanin under question the initial hypothetical amounts of the juice bearing that anthocyanin can be evaluated.

In the specific beverage investigated, shalgam, the level of lactic acid refers to the amount of bulgur used for fermentation. The amount of acetic acid and its negative correlation with the total anthocyanin content can be used as an indicator of adulteration with pickle juice.
THE BIOCHEMICAL AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF GILTHEAD SEA BREAM (SPARUS AURATA) FROZEN AT DIFFERENT CHARACTERISTIC FREEZING TIMES
Authors: MAKRI MARIA , MELVIN MAUREEN , HOTOS GEORGE , DOUBI XANTHE
Published: August 2009

Skinned, vacuum‐packed, postrigor gilthead sea bream fillets were frozen individually with characteristic freezing times of 2, 18, 74 and 640 min (times to cool the thermal center of the fillets from −1 to −7C). Immediately after freezing, the fillets were thawed, and their quality was evaluated with tests related to muscle integrity, myofibrillar protein denaturation and aggregation, lipid degradation and changes in tenderness. The muscle integrity indices (activities of α‐glucosidase, β‐N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase and (β‐hydroxy‐acyl‐coenzyme‐A dehydrogenase and the amount and protein content of centrifugal tissue fluids) showed that the freezing process itself clearly affected the integrity of muscles. Freezing of fillets with characteristic freezing time of 74 min caused more damage to muscles and hydrolysis of lipids than the other freezing times. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATP) ase activities and Ca2+ sensitivity of actomyosin extracts suggested that the freezing process itself, but not the freezing times, caused structural damage to myofibrillar proteins. No difference in the levels of salt‐soluble proteins and sulfhydryl contents in actomyosin extracts was found between the fresh and frozen fillets. Sensory evaluations showed that the cooked frozen fillets were less tender than the cooked fresh ones.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

In commercial seafood industries, seafoods are frozen at a range of freezing times (rates) that depends mostly on the type of seafood, the type of freezer and freezer's operating conditions. Based on the work reported in the literature, freezing of seafoods at different freezing times may furnish favorable conditions for alterations in muscle structure, muscle proteins and lipids, and textural properties in general. These changes are related to alterations in quality of frozen seafoods and may affect their market. Therefore, knowledge of optimal conditions with respect to freezing rates for freezing commercially important seafoods, as farmed gilthead seabream is, is relevant to the seafood industry. This information can be obtained by experimental studies on changes in the chemical, biochemical, physical and sensory properties of seafoods frozen at different freezing times.
EVALUATION OF OVERALL ACCEPTABILITY OF FRESH PINEAPPLE USING THE REGRESSION TREE APPROACH
Authors: SCHULBACH KURT F. , PORTIER KENNETH M. , SIMS CHARLES A.
Published: August 2009

Pineapples from five different countries and six different producers were evaluated approximately monthly over a 14‐month period. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted using eight descriptive terms: sweetness, sourness, pineapple flavor intensity, firmness, juiciness, off‐flavor, banana character and coconut character, along with a rating for overall acceptability. A regression tree model relating acceptability to the other sensory attributes showed that the attributes sweetness, pineapple flavor intensity and off‐flavor were the most important factors in determining acceptability. Pineapple flavor rating was more important than sweetness rating in determining pineapple sensory quality as long as the sugar content of the fruit was adequate.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A regression tree model is an excellent tool for evaluating the results of consumer panels as it is amiable to hedonic rating scales, does not require normally distributed data, and outliers have little effect on the results of the analysis. Regression tree models can also provide additional insights into the relationship between sensory attributes and overall acceptability. For example, this study shows that higher volatile content increases both flavor intensity and apparent sweetness resulting in a pineapple with higher overall acceptability.
SENSORY EVALUATION OF THE TEXTURE OF 49 COMMERCIAL APPLE AND PEAR PUREES
Authors: TAREA S. , CUVELIER G. , SIEFFERMANN J.M.
Published: August 2009

The sensory texture of 49 market samples of pear and apple purees were examined by Flash profile and results were treated by Generalized Procustes Analysis. The product set encompassed grocery products, baby foods and drinking snacks. Four main sensory notions were used to describe the texture of this type of products: graininess, viscosity, moisture and grittiness. Pear and apple purees were discriminated by the gritty perception, carried out on the third component. The other three main characteristics were carried out on the first two axes, where six main groups of products were identified. Pear purees were close to baby foods. Thickened baby foods and pear and apple mixtures constituted additional groups. Finally, apple purees were close sensorially, but three groups could be discriminated by grainy and viscous perceptions. The number of products was not an obstacle and the panel managed the task as required.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Flash profile seems to be a powerful tool to provide a statement of the sensory diversity of a specific market very quickly even when the number of products is quite large.
MEAT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF CHILLED VENISON AND BEEF
Authors: FAROUK M.M. , BEGGAN M. , HURST S. , STUART A. , DOBBIE P.M. , BEKHIT A.E.D.
Published: August 2009

Meat quality attributes of venison and beef “semimembranosus” muscle stored at −1.5 C for 4 weeks were compared. Chilled venison had lower L*, a*, b*and chroma compared to beef. Percent expressible water (PEW), shear force and cook loss were lower in venison compared to beef. μ‐Calpain activities at pH 7.4 and 5.5 were higher and the activity of μ + m‐calpain at pH 5.5 (and not at pH 7.4) was lower in venison compared to beef. L*, a*, b*and chroma in meat from both species increased with chilled storage time (P < 0.01); the increase was higher in beef compared to venison. μ‐Calpain activities at pH 7.4 and 5.5 in venison increased in the first week of storage and then declined in the second while it decreased with time in beef at pH 7.4 and followed similar trend as venison at pH 5.5. Activities of μ + m‐calpain at pH 7.4 and 5.5 decreased with chilled storage time in both types of meat. Shear force decreased with storage time, raw meat PEW increased in the first week and cook loss increased for the first 2 weeks of storage and then declined thereafter in both meats. Within the parameters of this study, the table‐eating quality of venison improved and its color deteriorated faster in chilled storage compared to beef implying that the processing inputs required to maximize meat quality of beef may not be suitable for venison and vice versa.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The following are some of the practical applications of this research: (1) process variables for optimal quality of table beef and venison differ, processors should tailor their process specifically for each specie; (2) venison producers who supply distant markets should consider the rapid rate of tenderization of venison to avoid supplying products with poor texture resulting from over tenderization; (3) the practice of packaging meat under high oxygen environment to enhance color may affect the quality of venison more than other red meats because of the rapid rate of oxidation in venison relative to these meats; (4) the rapid deterioration in the color of venison underscored the need to come up with a way of convincing the consumer to accept the browner color of venison as an inherent characteristic of this meat in order to minimize any bias against the meat because of its color; and (5) the use of fluorogenic substrates for determining calpain activities if further validated in other studies can be used for the online prediction of tenderness early postmortem.
DETERMINATION OF CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ANATOLIAN CAROB POD (CERATONIA SILIQUA L.): SUGARS, AMINO AND ORGANIC ACIDS, MINERALS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS
Authors: AYAZ FAİK AHMET , TORUN HÜLYA , AYAZ SEMA , CORREIA PEDRO JOSÉ , ALAIZ MANUEL , SANZ CARLOS , GRÚZ JIRI , STRNAD MIROSLAV
Published: August 2009

Carob pod is the fruit of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L. Fabaceae). The fruit and its products, sold both in large stores and local markets, contribute strongly to the diet of people living in the Mediterranean areas of Europe and Turkey. This study reports the composition of carob pods sampled in West and South Anatolia. Sucrose (437.3 mg/g dry weight), glucose (395.8 mg/g dry weight) and fructose (42.3 mg/g dry weight) were the major sugars identified and quantified in the fruit. Total phenolics (13.51 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g dry weight), proanthocyanidin (0.36 mg GAE/g dry weight), gallotannins (0.41 catechin equivalents [CE]/g dry weight) and flavanols (3.21 mg CE/g dry weight protein) content of the fruit were also determined. Gallic acid (3.27 mg/g dry weight) was the most abundant phenolic acid present in all three phenolic fractions (free, ester and glycoside) isolated from pods. Aspartic acid (18.25 mg/g dry weight protein) was the predominant amino acid in the pod protein fraction. Eight minerals were quantified in the fruit. Among the analyzed major minerals, K (9.70 mg/g dry weight) was the most abundant element present, and the pods were richer in Ca than in P and Mg. Levels of trace minerals were comparable to other plant species. The data are discussed in terms of the nutritional value of the carob pod.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

The use of carob fruit and its food products in Turkey has been increasing in recent years. However, knowledge about the composition of carob fruit pod produced in Turkey as well as in Mediterranean countries is lacking. The present work describes a composition scale and the advantages to food technologists and consumers who use the fruit and its fruit products in their diets. The results of the study can also aid in the assessment of adequate compositional information for further studies.
THE EFFECTS OF GERMINATION ON THE SENSORY QUALITY AND IMMUNOREACTIVE PROPERTIES OF PEA (PISUM SATIVUM L.) AND SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX)
Authors: TROSZYŃSKA AGNIESZKA , SZYMKIEWICZ AGATA , WOŁEJSZO AGNIESZKA
Published: August 2009

The seeds of pea and soybean were germinated with and without light at 20C up to 3 days. After germination, fresh sprouts were subjected to sensory evaluation using quantitative descriptive analysis and hedonic tests. Changes in the immunoreactivity of the samples were determined by competitive enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay using rabbit polyclonal antisera to pea and soybean proteins. The results indicated that the sensory quality of pea sprouts was significantly better than that of soybean. The dominating attributes differentiating the soybean samples from the pea samples were rancid odor and taste, which had clearly negative effect on their overall quality. The immunoreactive properties of the samples were dependent on whether they were with or without cotyledons. Removal of the cotyledons almost completely reduced the immunoreactivity of soybean and pea. The presence or absence of light during the germination process did not affect the results.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results indicated that the germination of pea and soybean seeds is a relevant processing technique for reducing their immunoreactivity. This suggests that pea and soybean sprouts could be used to develop the special products for people who suffer from food allergic disorders. Further studies in this field should be carried out to determine whether it is possible to reduce the total immunoreactivity of pea and soybean seeds by prolonging their germination time. From the sensory viewpoint, pea sprouts appear to have an advantage over soybean sprouts in food system applications. The substantial reasons for the limited use of soybean sprouts arise from their rancid odor and taste.
The Syllabus is Dead, Long Live the Syllabus: Thoughts on the State of Language Curriculum, Content, Language, Tasks, Projects, Materials, Wikis, Blogs and the World Wide Web
Authors: Shaw Peter A.
Published: August 2009

In the 1990s, second and foreign language education entered the so‐called post‐method condition, marking the end of the search for a global pedagogy applicable to all learning contexts. Just as language pedagogy – the design and implementation of learning tasks – became flexible and localised, so have corresponding curricular concepts and procedures followed suit, leading to the beginning of a post‐syllabus condition. Supported by developments in CALL (Computer‐Assisted Language Learning), the move to a learner‐centred focus, and the deployment of authentic target language texts and artefacts, language learning and teaching are becoming increasingly local, nimble, relevant and specific. At the same time, the latest educational and communication technologies (wikis, blogs, Skype, Second Life and the like) are having a strong impact on what constitutes the local in terms of a particular learning community.
Association between gestational age and bovine fetal characteristics measured by transcutaneous ultrasound over the right flank of the dairy cow
Authors: Hunnam JC , Parkinson TJ , Lopez‐Villalobos N , McDougall S
Published: August 2009

Objective  To determine bovine fetal characteristics significantly associated with increasing gestational age as measured via transcutaneous ultrasonography over the right flank.

Methods  The length of gestation at date of pregnancy diagnosis via transcutaneous and transrectal ultrasonography was determined for 224 dairy cattle by estimation from subsequent calving dates. A separate dataset was created for each measurable fetal characteristic (i.e. thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, umbilical diameter, placentome length and placentome height) and risk factors significantly associated with gestational age at pregnancy diagnosis within each dataset, including the fetal characteristic, were identified.

Results  Abdominal diameter was the most frequently observed fetal characteristic and thoracic diameter was the least. Gestational age at pregnancy diagnosis (d) was significantly associated with fetal thoracic diameter (P < 0.01), abdominal diameter (P < 0.01) and umbilical diameter (P = 0.02) when measured via transcutaneous ultrasound. Within each model, sire breed, dam breed, dam age and/or calf sex were also significantly associated with gestational age. Gestational age at pregnancy diagnosis was not significantly associated with either placentome height or length (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  Fetal thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter and umbilical diameter were found to be significantly associated with gestational age between approximate days 73 to 190 of gestation. Transcutaneous ultrasonography may prove a useful method of estimating gestational age in the absence of accurate breeding records.
Surgical removal of a localised vascular hepatic hamartoma in a dog
Authors: Gualtieri M , Cocci A , Monti S , Olivero D
Published: August 2009

A 2‐year‐old male Labrador Retriever was presented for sudden abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed abundant abdominal fluid and a hepatic mass, which was removed by total lobectomy. Histologic evaluation of the mass supported a vascular hepatic hamartoma. Vascular hamartomas are rare malformations in animals and only two cases have been reported in the dog. This is the first recorded case of a canine vascular hepatic hamartoma treated surgically and having a successful long‐term outcome.