bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Proteolytic Activity During Wound Healing: Modulation by Acute Ethanol Exposure
Authors: Radek Katherine A. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , DiPietro Luisa A.
Published: April 2007

Background: Clinical studies demonstrate that intoxicated patients exhibit an increased incidence of wound healing complications. Previous studies in a murine excisional wound model revealed that acute ethanol exposure impairs the wound healing response, causing decreased angiogenesis and a significant reduction in wound collagen content.

Methods: Using the same murine model of excisional wounding, we examined the effect of a single dose of ethanol on the overall collagen content and collagen type I and type III mRNA expression, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) production, and levels of several components of the extracellular matrix proteolytic cascade.

Results: Wounds from ethanol‐treated mice exhibited a significant decrease in collagen and in the production of collagen type I mRNA compared with saline controls. Exposure to ethanol also caused significant increase in wound TGF‐β by day 2 after injury (1.69 ± 0.29 vs 12.34 ± 3.97 pg/μg protein, p<0.01). In addition, wounds from mice exposed to ethanol had significantly increased levels of active urokinase plasminogen activator at day 7, (205.10 ± 48.79 vs 642.70 ± 159.80 pg/μg protein, p<0.001). The level of matrix metalloproteinase‐8, a collagen type I proteinase, was 2.2‐fold higher in wounds of ethanol‐treated mice compared with control at day 7 (p<0.05).

Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that a single dose of ethanol decreases collagen production, increases the production of TGF‐β and increases levels of matrix degrading enzymes. This alteration in protease balance may partially explain the impaired wound healing that follows acute alcohol intoxication.
Thalassemia intermedia today: should patients regularly receive transfusions?
Authors: Aessopos Athanassios , Kati Maria , Meletis John
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND: β‐Thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobin disorder characterized by reduced synthesis of β‐globin chain. The severity of clinical course distinguishes this heterogeneous disease in two main subtypes: thalassemia major (TM) and thalassemia intermedia (TI). TI has a later clinical onset with a milder anemia that does not require transfusions at least during the first few years of life. The clinical picture of TI patients who have not received transfusions or have occasionally received transfusions is dominated by the consequences of chronic hemolytic anemia, tissue hypoxia, and their compensatory reactions, such as bone deformities and fractures, extramedullary hemopoiesis, spleen and liver enlargement, hypercoagulability, and pulmonary hypertension. These complications, especially the latter two, are getting more frequent and severe over the years. Nowadays, although TI patients have almost no changes in the course of the disease, well‐treated TM patients with regular transfusion‐chelation therapy showed suppression of the anemia‐related disorders in parallel to prolongation of life. The new oral iron chelators and the magnetic resonance imaging application for early detection of heart iron load are promising for further improvement on survival.

CONCLUSIONS: Considering the current cost‐benefit balance of regular treatment in TM as well as the frequency and severity of complications in TI, it seems that the majority of TI patients will be benefited if this kind of treatment is applied targeting prevention and not palliation of the anemia‐induced complications.
Prediction of engraftment after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: CD34, colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage, or both?
Authors: Jansen Eva M. , Hanks Susan G. , Terry Colin , Akard Luke P. , Thompson James M. , Dugan Michael J. , Jansen Jan
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND: The rate of hematologic recovery after peripheral blood progenitor cell (PBPC) transplantation is influenced by the dose of progenitor cells. Enumeration of cells that express CD34+ on their surface is the most frequently used method to determine progenitor cell dose. In vitro growth of myeloid progenitor cells (colony‐forming unit–granulocyte‐macrophage [CFU‐GM]) requires more time and resources, but may add predictive information.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A series of 323 patients, who underwent autologous PBPC transplantation for multiple myeloma, malignant lymphoma, or locally advanced breast cancer, were studied for the effect of CD34+ dose and CFU‐GM dose on hematologic recovery. Measures for engraftment were days to absolute granulocyte and platelet (PLT) counts to greater than 500 per μL and than 20 × 109 per L, respectively, and number of PLT transfusions and red cell units required.

RESULTS: The CD34+ dose had a median of 8.4 × 106 per kg, and the CFU‐GM dose a median of 84.9 × 104 per kg. The CD34+ and CFU‐GM doses showed significant correlation (R = 0.63; p < 0.0001) but a wide variation in the ratio of CD34+ and CFU‐GM. Both CD34+ and CFU‐GM doses had significant correlation with the measures of engraftment, but for all measures the relationship of CD34+ was stronger. Multivariate analysis and subgroup analysis of patients receiving CD34+ doses of less than 5 × 106 per kg also did not reveal an independent predictive value for CFU‐GM.

CONCLUSION: For prediction of hematologic recovery after autologous PBPC transplantation, determination of CFU‐GM dose does not add to the predictive value of the CD34+ dose.
A new DEL variant caused by exon 8 deletion
Authors: Richard Martine , Perreault Josée , Constanzo‐Yanez Jessica , Khalifé Samir , St‐Louis Maryse
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND: A 28‐year‐old woman of Lebanese origin experienced two stillbirths. At the time, serology typed her red blood cells as being group A D– and found an anti‐D in her serum sample. Molecular biology analysis, however, showed that she was in fact RHD+.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To better characterize this case, a full investigation including family members was undertaken. Classical serology techniques and DNA and RNA analysis were performed whenever possible.

RESULTS: Serology results showed that the patient's father and two brothers were D–. RHD genotyping demonstrated that her two brothers were indeed RHD+. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was performed on each RHD 10 exons. Exon 8 did not amplify for the patient, her father, and her two brothers. Her mother and sister had exon 8. Messenger RNA analysis showed five RHD transcripts. The longest transcript was missing exon 8 but had a part of intron 7 inserted instead. Genomic DNA sequencing revealed a 995‐bp deletion including part of intron 7, exon 8, and intron 8. This mutation, RHD(delEx8), was found to express a DEL in adsorption‐elution. To facilitate the screening of this new DEL allele, a simple PCR‐based assay was designed.

CONCLUSION: This novel allele represents the first observation of a large deletion at the genomic level within the RHD gene in Caucasian persons.
Effectiveness of sodium and conductivity kinetic models in predicting end‐dialysis plasma water sodium concentration: Preliminary results of a single‐center experience
Authors: POZZONI Pietro , DI FILIPPO Salvatore , PONTORIERO Giuseppe , LOCATELLI Francesco
Published: April 2007

The attainment of a neutral sodium balance represents a major objective in hemodialysis patients. It requires that at the end of each dialysis session, total body water volume (Vf) and total plasma water sodium concentration (Napwf) are constant. Whereas to achieve a constant Vf it is sufficient that ultrafiltration equals the interdialytic increase in body weight, it is impossible to predict the value of Napwf and calculate the dialysate sodium concentration needed to obtain it without making use of kinetic mathematical models. The effectiveness of both sodium and conductivity kinetic models in predicting Napwf has already been validated in previous clinical studies. However, applying the sodium kinetic model appears to be poorly feasible in the everyday clinical practice, due to the need for blood samples at the start of each dialysis session for the determination of predialysis plasma water sodium concentration. The conductivity kinetic model appears to be more easily applicable, because no blood samples or laboratory tests are needed to determine plasma water conductivity (Cpw) and ionic dialysance (ID), used in place of plasma water sodium concentration and sodium dialysance, respectively. We applied the 2 models in 69 chronic hemodialysis patients using the Diascan Module® for the automatic determination of Cpw and ID, and using the latter as an estimate of sodium dialysance in the sodium kinetic model. The conductivity kinetic model was shown to be more accurate and precise in predicting Napwf as compared with the sodium kinetic model. Both accuracy and imprecision of the 2 models were not significantly affected by the method used to estimate total body water volume. These findings confirm the conductivity kinetic model as being an effective and easily applicable instrument for the achievement of a neutral sodium balance in chronic hemodialysis patients.
Essentials of anticoagulation in hemodialysis
Authors: FISCHER Karl‐Georg
Published: April 2007

Numerous acquired hemostatic abnormalities have been identified in renal insufficiency. Hemodialysis procedures add to these disturbances as they repetitively imply turbulent blood flow, high shear stress, and contact of blood to artificial surfaces. This nonphysiological environment leads to activation of platelets, leukocytes, and the coagulation cascade, resulting in fouling of the membrane and ultimately in clotting of fibers and the whole hemodialyzer. Anticoagulation in hemodialysis is targeted to prevent this activation of coagulation during the procedure. Most agents inhibit the plasmatic coagulation cascade. Still commonly used is unfractionated heparin, followed by low‐molecular‐weight heparin preparations with distinct advantages. Immune‐mediated heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia constitutes a potentially life‐threatening complication of heparin therapy requiring immediate switch to nonheparin alternative anticoagulants. Danaparoid, lepirudin, and argatroban are currently being used for alternative anticoagulation, all of which possess both advantages and limitations. In the past, empirical strategies reducing or avoiding heparin were applied for patients at bleeding risk, whereas nowadays regional citrate anticoagulation is increasingly used to prevent bleeding by allowing procedures without any systemic anticoagulation. Avoidance of clotting within the whole hemodialyzer circuit is not granted. Specific knowledge of the mechanisms of coagulation, the targets of the anticoagulants in use, and their respective characteristics constitutes the basis for individualized anticoagulation aimed at achieving full patency of the circuit throughout the procedure. Patency of the circuit is an important prerequisite for optimal hemodialysis quality.
Use of a “composite” vascular access graft in a young child on hemodialysis
Authors: LAU Keith K. , JONES Deborah P. , GABER Osama , NEZAKATGOO Nosratollah
Published: April 2007

Although arterio‐venous fistulae (AVF) are currently considered to be the first choice of permanent vascular access for hemodialysis, there are some patients who are not candidates for fistulae and synthetic grafts provide other options. The Thoratec (Vectra™) polyurethane vascular access graft is a new prosthetic graft that may be cannulated within days of insertion due to “self‐sealing” properties. However, a tendency for kinking at the suture site due to the strong elasticity of this graft, leading to undesirable complications such as thrombosis, have been reported. We describe a surgical modification of the anastomosis by interposing a segment of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft (ePTFE, Venaflo™) between the native vessels and the polyurethane graft sections in a pediatric patient. This modification may overcome the kinking complication associated with use of the polyurethane graft and the resulting thrombosis.
Digital clubbing as an unusual complication associated with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism: Report of two cases
Authors: GREKAS Dimitrios , AVDELİDOU Afrodite
Published: April 2007

Digital clubbing due to secondary hyperparathyroidism has been described as an unusual complication among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis therapy. Although the pathogenesis of digital clubbing is unknown, certain growth factors such as platelet‐derived growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor have been associated with this clinical syndrome. Two patients of our renal unit population presented this unique clinical feature bilaterally, among the other clinical findings of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Both patients were subjected to parathyroidectomy. Histological examination revealed diffuse hyperplasia of parathyroid glands. Despite the improvement of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings of secondary hyperparathyroism after parathyroidectomy, digital clubbing remained unchanged.
Daily home hemodialysis at a health maintenance organization: Three‐year experience
Authors: KUMAR Victoria A. , LEDEZMA Mateo L. , RASGON Scott A.
Published: April 2007

Daily home hemodialysis (DHD), 5 to 7 short‐duration hemodialysis treatments per week, promotes self‐care and has beneficial effects on a number of clinical outcomes including blood pressure and volume control, electrolyte balance, uremic symptoms and sequelae, and quality of life. We sought to demonstrate that DHD is feasible and confers clinical benefits that permit savings in overall healthcare costs despite expenditures on program infrastructure and supplies. We examined the following outcomes monthly for all patients: laboratory values, dialysis adequacy, hospital admission records, surgical and interventional radiology records, and prescription medication usage. Twelve patients completed training in our home hemodialysis unit between April 2003 and April 2006. The mean age at the time of training was 58 years and mean vintage was 62 months. The mean treatment time was 147 min, and the mean number of treatments performed was 5.3 per week. When 1 patient with morbid obesity was excluded due to intentional weight loss, the mean dry weight at initiation of training was 71.9±12.4 kg and increased to 74.3±12.4 kg by the end of the study (p=0.66). The mean albumin increased from a baseline of 3.9±0.3 to 4.3±1.1 gm/dL during DHD (p=0.0015). The mean serum phosphorus levels were 5.4±1.4 mg/dL. Phosphate binder usage increased from a mean baseline of 2.6±1.4 to 4.2±2.6 tablets per meal during DHD (p=0.08). The mean delivered single pool Kt/V was 0.87 per treatment. During the 234 months studied, there were 11 hospital admissions (0.56 admissions per patient per year), with a mean length of stay of 3.7 days. Our results demonstrate that DHD improves nutritional status and decreases hospital admissions for dialysis‐dependent patients.
Volumetric hemodynamic parameters to guide fluid removal on hemodialysis in the intensive care unit
Authors: COMPTON Friederike , HOFFMANN Clemens , ZIDEK Walter , SCHMIDT Sven , SCHAEFER Juergen‐Heiner
Published: April 2007

Estimation of removable excess body fluid is difficult in critically ill patients with renal failure. Volumetric hemodynamic parameters are increasingly being used to guide fluid therapy in the intensive care unit, but their suitability to monitor fluid removal with hemodialysis in critically ill patients is not known. Changes in the extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and intrathoracic blood volume index (ITBVI) measured with transpulmonary thermodilution immediately before and after hemodialysis were analyzed from 39 hemodialysis sessions of 9 patients consecutively treated in the medical intensive care unit of a German University Hospital. Additional hemodynamic, ventilation, and oxygenation‐related parameters were recorded at the same time. Online relative blood volume (RBV) monitoring was performed in 29 sessions. Comparisons of pre and postdialysis values showed a significant reduction of the EVLWI with fluid removal (p=0.009), with only a slight nonsignificant decrease in the ITBVI. The cardiac index (CI) also decreased significantly (p=0.010), whereas blood pressure remained stable. Oxygenation improved significantly (p=0.005), and the hematocrit increased significantly with dialysis (p=0.039). There was no correlation between hematocrit changes and RBV measurements. Significant correlations existed between ITBVI and CI changes (p<0.001), but not to EVLWI reduction. The removal of excess body fluid on hemodialysis is reflected by the EVLWI reduction, whereas the preservation of cardiac preload is shown by ITBVI stability. Volumetric hemodynamic parameters could be useful to guide fluid removal with hemodialysis in the intensive care unit.
A case management model to improve hemodialysis outpatient outcomes
Authors: STEELE David J. R. , HAMILTON Emel , ARNAOUT M. Amin
Published: April 2007

Optimal outpatient dialysis care is often difficult to achieve and a case management model to augment conventionally applied nursing and physician resources focusing on continuous quality improvement presents a possible solution to improving outcomes in this setting. We applied this model to patients followed by our physician group. Continuous quality improvement data generated from the dialysis unit database were used to analyze outcomes in patients enrolled in this model. Data from the cohort of patients followed in 2003 served as the reference source for comparative purposes. The nurse case manager assumed responsibility during the second quarter of 2004. Comparing outcomes data from 2005 with data from 2003, we were able to achieve a 3.12% improvement in the annualized mean percent crude mortality per 100 patient years (p<0.003). There was a 3.46‐day trend to improvement in patient hospital days per year (p<0.06). The percentage of catheters used as primary access decreased by 9.59% (p<0.025), and the percentage of patients meeting an eKdrt/V goal ≥1.2 increased by 15.33% to 92.37% (p<0.001). These data appear to support the utility of a case manager model in our system.
Chronic maintenance hemodialysis: Making sense of the terminology
Authors: AGAR John W. M. , MACGREGOR Mark S. , BLAGG Christopher R.
Published: April 2007

During the early decades, the hemodialysis (HD) terminology for modality, technique and function altered little as the widely accepted regime of thrice‐weekly, 4‐hourly dialysis varied little. In the last decade, however, a wide range of new options have emerged in all facets of HD therapy. This has led to a sudden expansion in terminology, some duplicating, some contradictory, some superfluous. The definitions used in 1 geographical region may mean something entirely different elsewhere, increasing cross‐continental misunderstanding and misinterpretation and raising the often‐asked question: “What exactly did the authors mean by that?” Although clearly the definitions used in this paper are also only the authors' opinion, we have sought to explore the use and sometimes confusing application of many commonly used terms, and we propose a number of possible deletions. Finally, we offer a descriptive data set that we believe should be used for all HD‐related papers. Our conclusions will not always be welcomed—particularly by those who use terms we have rejected. Despite this, we believe it pertinent to fully review the dialysis terminology we use. Primarily, we hope to stimulate debate about which terms should be globally adopted and what those terms should mean when used. Although not all will agree with our conclusions, we hope this paper may provide a framework for a more streamlined, efficient, and globally acceptable nomenclature.
Optimal timing of initiation of chronic hemodialysis?
Authors: WILSON Barbara , HARWOOD Lori , LOCKING‐CUSOLITO Heather , CHEN Salina J. , HEIDENHEIM Paul , CRAIK Don , CLARK William F.
Published: April 2007

Despite the availability of clinical guidelines for the timing of dialysis initiation in both the United States and Canada, patients continue to start dialysis at very low levels of predicted glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A cross‐sectional study was performed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who started hemodialysis, their level of GFR, and mortality at 1 and 2 years following the initiation of dialysis. Retrospective data were collected on all eligible patients who commenced chronic hemodialysis in 1 tertiary care center in Canada from March 2001 to February 2005. Only those patients who had been followed by a nephrologist in the chronic kidney disease clinic before dialysis initiation were included (n=271). Seventeen percent of patients started hemodialysis late (GFR<5 mL/min/1.73 m2). Compared with the group of patients who started dialysis earlier, the late start group were significantly younger (p=0.008), had more females (p=0.013), more employed (p=0.051), less cardiac (p<0.001), and peripheral vascular disease (p=0.031), and were taking medication for hypertension (p=0.041). Serum albumin was lower in the late start group (p=0.023). At year 1, there was no difference in mortality rate while at year 2, the earlier the dialysis, the greater the mortality rate (p=0.022). After adjustment for demographic variables and comorbidities, only antihypertensive use had an independent but weak association with the 2 year mortality. Adjustment for all these variables eliminated the significant association noted for the 2 year mortality in the early versus late dialysis start. The survival benefit for late versus early dialysis start appears to be multifactorial and relates to a preponderance of clinical and demographic factors favoring a lengthened survival occurring in the late dialysis group. Our survival benefit findings suggest the premorbid health condition is a more important determinant of 2 year survival than the timing of dialysis initiation.
Taphonomic Changes to Blunt Force Trauma: A Preliminary Study*
Authors: Calce Stephanie E. , Rogers Tracy L.
Published: April 2007

Abstract:This study examines the effects of taphonomic processes on blunt force trauma (BFT) through an experimental study involving pig heads. Of particular concern is the possibility that taphonomic changes can create pseudo‐trauma and/or conceal evidence of actual trauma. BFT was inflicted on 10 pig skulls using a hammer. The skulls were subsequently exposed to the environment for 12 months. Seven taphonomic changes were evaluated: the freeze–thaw cycle; rodent gnawing; carnivore scavenging; presence/weight of soil; presence/weight of rain and snow; movement/displacement of bones; and discoloration due to sun bleaching and grass staining. Taphonomic effects varied between cancellous, compact, fresh, and degreased bone. Freezing and thawing, exposure to rain and snow, movement of the skulls, and soil erosion altered and, in some cases disguised, pre‐existing trauma. Rodent and carnivore activity did not obliterate evidence of BFT. Recommendations for evaluating BFT on remains affected by taphonomic processes are presented. As each taphonomic process outlined by this study has the potential to disguise antemortem injury, the authors propose that one must carefully examine large, circular openings in the skull that may represent the remnant evidence of BFT.
Use of a Solid Absorbent and an Accelerant Detection Canine for the Detection of Ignitable Liquids Burned in a Structure Fire
Authors: Nowlan Mark , Stuart Allan W. , Basara Gene J. , Sandercock P. Mark L.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:Ignitable Liquid Absorbent™(ILA), a commercial solid absorbent intended to assist fire scene investigators in sample location and collection, has been field tested in three separate room fires. The ability of the ILA to detect and absorb different amounts of gasoline, odorless paint thinner, and camp fuel on two different substrates after a full‐scale burn was assessed against results from an accelerant detection canine and laboratory analysis using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The canine correctly alerted on most of the panels that contained an ignitable liquid after the fire, while the ILA indicator dye failed to indicate in the presence of gasoline and camp fuel. GC‐MS results for ignitable liquid residue from each panel and from the ILA showed that ILA absorbed odorless paint thinner and camp fuel from most of the test panels, but failed to absorb gasoline from the panels on which gasoline was confirmed to be present.
Economic Ideas and British Literature, 1900–1930: The Fabian Society, Bloomsbury, and The New Age
Authors: Trexler Adam
Published: April 2007

This article argues that economic ideas were a fundamental shaping force for popular and avant‐garde writers between 1900 and 1930 by giving an overview of three economic movements and connecting these ideas to literary experiments. The first section traces the impact of Fabian socialism's economic ideas on George Bernard Shaw and H. G. Wells, and indicates a number of other Fabian writers. The second section describes the creation of an academic orthodoxy in economics, and then explores how Bloomsbury's intellectual climate produced the interrelated phenomena of Keynes's economics, Roger Fry's Omega Workshops, the Hogarth Press, and Virginia Woolf's literary innovation. The final section documents Ezra Pound, T. S. Eliot, and Katherine Mansfield's involvement with the ideas of the radical economic journal, The New Age, and suggests connections between these ideas and the writers’ formal experiments. By tracing these intellectual networks, a number of historical connections between the economic problems of this period and the present emerge, indicating exciting directions for new research.
Improving Antioxidant Capacity of Fresh‐Cut Mangoes Treated with UV‐C
Authors: González‐Aguilar Gustavo A. , Villegas‐Ochoa Mónica A. , Martínez‐Téllez M.A. , Gardea A.A. , Ayala‐Zavala J. Fernando
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT: The effect of UV‐C irradiation time on total phenol, flavonoids, β‐carotene, ascorbic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH•) of fresh‐cut “Tommy Atkins” mango stored for 15 d at 5 °C was investigated. Fresh‐cut mango was irradiated for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 min prior to storage at 5 °C. UV‐C irradiation for 10 min induced a hypersensitive defense response resulting in the phenols and flavonoids accumulation which was positively correlated with ORAC and DPPH•values. However, β‐carotene and ascorbic acid content of fresh‐cut mangos decreased with irradiation time during storage. Antioxidant capacity (ORAC, DPPH•) was increased in fresh‐cut mangoes treated with UV‐C irradiation. In conclusion, UV‐C irradiation appears to be a good technique to improve the total antioxidant capacity of fresh‐cut mango.
Preventive Antioxidant Effects of Cocoa Polyphenolic Extract on Free Radical Production and Cognitive Performances after Heat Exposure in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rozan P. , Hidalgo S. , Nejdi A. , Bisson J.‐F. , Lalonde R. , Messaoudi M.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  The preventive effects of ACTICOA powder (AP), a cocoa polyphenolic extract, on free radicals produced by leucocytes in rats after heat exposure (HE) and its protective effects on subsequent cognitive impairments were assessed. AP or vitamin E, the antioxidant reference, was orally administered to rats for 14 d before HE at 40 °C temperature during 2 h. The day after HE, free radical production by leucocytes in rats treated with AP or vitamin E was significantly reduced as compared to control. Unlike controls, AP‐ and vitamin E‐treated rats discriminated between active lever and inactive levers in a light extinction paradigm. In the Morris water maze, escape latencies before reaching the hidden platform by AP‐ and vitamin E‐treated rats decreased throughout testing. The daily oral administration of AP or vitamin E protected rats from cognitive impairments after HE by counteracting the overproduction of free radicals.
Compositional Study on Rice Bran Oil after Lipase‐Catalyzed Glycerolysis and Solvent Fractionations
Authors: Lee J. H. , Yu F. , Vu P. L. , Choi M. S. , Akoh C. C. , Lee K. T.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Rice bran oil (RBO) was modified through lipase‐catalyzed glycerolysis. After 48 h reaction, the reactant (RBO‐G, solved in hexane) containing 0.14 mg/mL of MAG, 0.19 mg/mL of DAG, and 0.93 mg/mL of TAG was obtained. Extending the reaction to 72 h resulted in 0.37 mg/mL of DAG with concomitant reduction in TAG (0.68 mg/mL). Two solvent fractionation methods, independent and sequential fractionation, were performed with acetone and hexane at 0, −8, −14, or −35 °C. The fraction with most unsaturated fatty acids (ΣUFA) was liquid fraction from independent fractionation at −35 °C (−35In) from hexane, showing 88.3%ΣUFA content. Nevertheless, when yield (wt%) was considered, the highest amount of UFA was obtained from 0In (liquid fraction from independent fractionation at 0 °C) with hexane, resulting in 82.3%ΣUFA with 97.9 wt% recovery. Normal‐phase HPLC was conducted for the compositional study of RBO‐G. Overall, solid fractions from sequential fractionation at 0 °C (0SeSo) and independent fractionation at −35 °C (−35InSo) with hexane contained the high concentration of total MAG and DAG, ranging from 0.94 to 1.35 (mg/mL).
Fat‐Free Plain Yogurt Manufactured with Inulins of Various Chain Lengths and Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Aryana K.J. , Plauche S. , Rao R.M. , McGrew P. , Shah N.P.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Inulin is a prebiotic food ingredient that increases the activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus, increases calcium absorption, and is a good source of dietary fiber. The objective was to determine the effect of short, medium, and long chain inulins on the physicochemical, sensory, and microbiological characteristics of fat‐free plain yogurt containing L. acidophilus. Inulins of short (P95), medium (GR), and long (HP) chain lengths were incorporated at 1.5% w/w of the yogurt mix. Viscosity, pH, syneresis, sensory properties (flavor, body and texture, and appearance and color), L. acidophilus counts, and color (L*, a*, and b*) of yogurts were determined at 1, 11, and 22 d after yogurt manufacture. The P95 containing yogurt had a significantly lower pH than the remaining yogurts, higher flavor scores than the yogurt containing HP, and comparable flavor scores with the control. The yogurts containing HP had less syneresis than the control and a better body and texture than the remaining yogurts. Yogurts containing prebiotics of different chain lengths had comparable L. acidophilus counts with each other but higher counts than the control. However, inulins of various chain lengths did not affect viscosity, color, and product appearance. Chain length of prebiotics affected some quality attributes of probiotic yogurts.
Dual Mode Diffusion of NaCl in Japanese Radish under Cooking Conditions
Authors: Hashiba H. , Komiyama J. , Nakanishi T. , Gocho H.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Sorption and diffusion of NaCl in Japanese radish have been studied. The sorption isotherm was obtained at 98 °C by the conventional method. The concentration profile by the 1‐dimensional diffusion of NaCl in Japanese radish from the 3.0% solution was measured at 98 °C with the FRITRUC method involving a foodstuff rod in a thin rubber casing. Fick's diffusion coefficient, D, calculated therefrom showed a threefold variation with a maximum. This variation was quantitatively interpreted by applying a dual‐mode sorption and diffusion theory under an assumption that the rate determining step of the diffusion is that in the cell wall. Two thermodynamic diffusion coefficients, DT(p) and DT(L), where p and L are the species of NaCl sorbed by partition and Langmuir modes, respectively, a parameter, α, derived from the local equilibrium relations between the p and L species, and S, the concentration of the Langmuir adsorption site in the cell wall of the radish, were estimated. DT(p) was found to be smaller than DT(L). As an explanation of the larger DT(L), we invoked the higher hydration state of the adsorption site of the L species, being ascribed to residual anionic pectin in the radish than the local environment of the p species. The sorption isotherm showed a convex upward deviation from the linear relation. By using the parameters for the local equilibrium and some assumed parameters, the isotherm was found to be explainable. We suggest possible applications of the present method and interpretation to the diffusion study on the cooking systems comprising varieties of seasoning components and foodstuffs.
Improvement of the Overall Quality of Table Grapes Stored under Modified Atmosphere Packaging in Combination with Natural Antimicrobial Compounds
Authors: Guillén F. , Zapata P. J. , Martínez‐Romero D. , Castillo S. , Serrano M. , Valero D.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Consumers demand new means of preservation with absence of chemicals. In this work a package was developed (thermosealed baskets) with grapes wrapped with 2 distinct films (M and P) with different permeability (medium and high, respectively) without or with the addition of a mixture of eugenol, thymol, and carvacrol. Table grapes stored on air (control) lost their quality attributes very rapidly, manifested by accelerated weight loss, color changes, softening, and increase in soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity ratio (SSC/TA). The use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) alone retarded these changes, the effects being significantly greater when essential oils were added (especially for M film), although atmospheric composition was not affected by incorporating essential oils. In addition, microbial counts (molds and yeasts and mesophilic aerobics) were drastically decreased and accompanied by lower occurrence of berry decay. Although slight odor was detected after opening the packages, absence of the typical flavor of these compounds was found by trained panelists after tasting the berries. Thus, with this safe, simple, and innovative technology, the overall quality (sensory and safety) could be improved and considered as a toll alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides.
Allergenicity of Proteolytic Hydrolysates of the Soybean 11S Globulin
Authors: Lee H.‐W. , Keum E.‐H. , Lee S.‐J. , Sung D.‐E. , Chung D.‐H. , Lee S.‐I. , Oh S.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  A substantial portion of the human population has immune hypersensitivities to various food materials. Soybean is one of the most common foods involved in such hypersensitivity reactions, especially in younger children. In this study, we investigated the effect of peptic and chymotryptic hydrolysis on the allergenicity of the 11S soybean globulin, which is the primary soybean allergen. The 11S globulin is composed of both acidic and basic polypeptides, and we found that the acidic polypeptide was effectively hydrolyzed, while basic polypeptide was more resistant to hydrolysis. The 11S globulin hydrolysate was size‐fractionated by gel filtration, and 9 of the fractions obtained were tested for allergenicity against sera from 6 soybean‐allergenic patients. The overall allergenicity of soybean 11S globulin was reduced by peptic and chymotryptic hydrolysis, although a gel filtration fraction with a major peptide of 20 kDa was highly immunoreactive. Hydrolyzed fragments of less than about 20 kDa were not immunoreactive.
Vintage Year Determination of Bottled Chinese Rice Wine by VIS‐NIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Yu H.Y. , Ying B. , Sun T. , Niu X.Y. , Pan X.X.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  The feasibility of noninvasive visible and near infrared (VIS‐NIR) spectroscopy for determining vintage year of Chinese rice wine was investigated. VIS‐NIR spectra of 100 samples were collected in transmission mode in 600‐mL square brown glass bottles by a fiber spectrometer system. Discriminant models were developed based on discriminant analysis (DA) together with raw, 1st, and 2nd derivative spectra. The concentration of alcohol content, total acid, and °Brix was determined to validate the VIS‐NIR results. The calibration result for raw spectra was better than that for 1st and 2nd derivative spectra. The percentage of samples correctly classified for raw spectra was 97.1%. For the sample groups in the vintage years of 2002, 2003, and 2004, the samples were all correctly classified. And for the 2000 and 2001 sample groups, the percentage of samples correctly classified was 92.9%. In validation analysis, the samples were all correctly classified. The results demonstrated that the VIS‐NIR spectroscopic technique could be used as a noninvasive and rapid method for predicting vintage year of bottled Chinese rice wine.
Application of Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy to the Prediction of Maturity and Sensory Texture Attributes of Cheddar Cheese
Authors: Fagan C.C. , O'Donnell C.P. , O'Callaghan D.J. , Downey G. , Sheehan E.M. , Delahunty C.M. , Everard C. , Guinee T.P. , Howard V.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  The objective of this study was to determine the potential of mid‐infrared spectroscopy in conjunction with partial least squares (PLS) regression to predict various quality parameters in cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheeses (n= 24) were manufactured and stored at 8 °C for 12 mo. Mid‐infrared spectra (640 to 4000/cm) were recorded after 4, 6, 9, and 12 mo storage. At 4, 6, and 9 mo, the water‐soluble nitrogen (WSN) content of the samples was determined and the samples were also evaluated for 11 sensory texture attributes using descriptive sensory analysis. The mid‐infrared spectra were subjected to a number of pretreatments, and predictive models were developed for all parameters. Age was predicted using scatter‐corrected, 1st derivative spectra with a root mean square error of cross‐validation (RMSECV) of 1 mo, while WSN was predicted using 1st derivative spectra (RMSECV = 2.6%). The sensory texture attributes most successfully predicted were rubbery, crumbly, chewy, and massforming. These attributes were modeled using 2nd derivative spectra and had corresponding RMSECV values in the range of 2.5 to 4.2 on a scale of 0 to 100. It was concluded that mid‐infrared spectroscopy has the potential to predict age, WSN, and several sensory texture attributes of cheddar cheese.
Bubble‐Included Chocolate: Relating Structure with Sensory Response
Authors: Haedelt J. , Beckett S.T. , Niranjan K.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  Bubbles impart a very unique texture, chew, and mouth‐feel to foods. However, little is known about the relationship between structure of such products and consumer response in terms of mouth‐feel and eating experience. The objective of this article is to investigate the sensory properties of 4 types of bubble‐containing chocolates, produced by using different gases: carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, and argon. The structure of these chocolates were characterized in terms of (1) gas hold‐up values determined by density measurements and (2) bubble size distribution which was measured by undertaking an image analysis of X‐ray microtomograph sections. Bubble size distributions were obtained by measuring bubble volumes after reconstructing 3D images from the tomographic sections. A sensory study was undertaken by a nonexpert panel of 20 panelists and their responses were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The results show that chocolates made from the 4 gases could be divided into 2 groups on the basis of bubble volume and gas hold‐up: the samples produced using carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide had a distinctly higher gas hold‐up containing larger bubbles in comparison with those produced using argon and nitrogen. The sensory study also demonstrated that chocolates made with the latter were perceived to be harder, less aerated, slow to melt in the mouth, and having a higher overall flavor intensity. These products were further found to be creamier than the chocolates made by using carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide; the latter sample also showed a higher intensity of cocoa flavor.
The Effect of Milk Protein on the Bioavailability of Cocoa Polyphenols
Authors: Keogh J.B. , McInerney J. , Clifton P.M.
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACT:  In order to determine whether milk proteins interact with cocoa polyphenols to modulate the uptake and concentration of polyphenols in plasma, 24 middle‐aged men and women consumed 2 g of chocolate polyphenols, plus sugar and cocoa butter in 200 mL water, on 2 occasions. On 1 occasion, the chocolate mix contained 2.45 g of milk proteins. Blood samples were taken fasting and at regular intervals for 8 h. Catechin and epicatechins levels were measured in these samples and no differences were seen in average concentrations between the 2 treatments. Milk protein caused a slight increase in concentration at the early time points and a decrease at the later time points. In conclusion, milk powder did not influence the average concentration of polyphenols. While it slightly accelerated absorption, this is of no physiological significance.
Multibladerow Forced Response Modeling in Axial-Flow Core Compressors
Authors: Vahdati M. , Sayma A. I. , Imregun M. , Simpson G.
Published: April 2007

This paper describes the formulation and application of an advanced numerical model for the simulation of blade-passing and low-engine order forced response in turbomachinery core compressors. The Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations are used to represent the flow in a nonlinear time-accurate fashion on unstructured meshes of mixed elements. The structural model is based on a standard finite-element representation. The fluid mesh is moved at each time step according to the structural motion so that changes in blade aerodynamic damping and flow unsteadiness can be accommodated automatically. A whole-annulus 5-bladerow forced response calculation, where three upstream and one downstream bladerows were considered in addition to the rotor bladerow of interest, was undertaken using over 20 million grid points. The results showed not only some potential shortcomings of equivalent 2-bladerow computations for the determination of the main blade-passing forced response, but also revealed the potential importance of low engine-order harmonics. Such harmonics, due to stator blade number differences, or arising from common symmetric sectors, can only be taken into account by including all stator bladerows of interest. The low engine-order excitation that could arise from a blocked passage was investigated next. It was shown that high vibration response could arise in such cases.
Experimental Evaluation of an Inlet Profile Generator for High-Pressure Turbine Tests
Authors: Barringer M. D. , Thole K. A. , Polanka M. D.
Published: April 2007

Improving the performance and durability of gas turbine aircraft engines depends highly on achieving a better understanding of the flow interactions between the combustor and turbine sections. The flow exiting the combustor is very complex and it is characterized primarily by elevated turbulence and large variations in temperature and pressure. The heat transfer and aerodynamic losses that occur in the turbine passages are driven primarily by these spatial variations. To better understand these effects, the goal of this work is to benchmark an adjustable turbine inlet profile generator for the Turbine Research Facility (TRF) at the Air Force Research Laboratory. The research objective was to experimentally evaluate the performance of the nonreacting simulator that was designed to provide representative combustor exit profiles to the inlet of the TRF turbine test section. This paper discusses the verification testing that was completed to benchmark the performance of the generator. Results are presented in the form of temperature and pressure profiles as well as turbulence intensity and length scale. This study shows how a single combustor geometry can produce significantly different flow and thermal field conditions entering the turbine. Engine designers should place emphasis on obtaining accurate knowledge of the flow distribution within the combustion chamber. Turbine inlet conditions with significantly different profile shapes can result in altered flow physics that can change local aerodynamics and heat transfer.
Separation and Transition Control on an Aft-Loaded Ultra-High-Lift LP Turbine Blade at Low Reynolds Numbers: High-Speed Validation
Authors: Vera Maria , Zhang Xue Feng , Hodson Howard , Harvey Neil
Published: April 2007

This paper presents the second part of an investigation of the combined effects of unsteadiness and surface roughness on an aft-loaded ultra-high-lift low-pressure turbine (LPT) profile at low Reynolds numbers. The investigation has been performed using low- and high-speed cascade facilities. The low- and high-speed profiles have been designed to have the same normalized isentropic Mach number distribution. The low-speed results have been presented in the first part (Zhang, Vera, Hodson, and Harvey, 2006, ASME J. Turbomach., 128, pp. 517–527). The current paper examines the effect of different surface finishes on an aft-loaded ultra-high-lift LPT profile at Mach and Reynolds numbers representative of LPT engine conditions. The surface roughness values are presented along with the profile losses under steady and unsteady inflow conditions. The results show that the use of a rough surface finish can be used to reduce the profile loss. In addition, the results show that the same quantitative values of losses are obtained at high- and low-speed flow conditions. The latter proves the validity of the low-speed approach for ultra-high-lift profiles for the case of an exit Mach number of the order of 0.64. Hot-wire measurements were carried out to explain the effect of the surface finish on the wake-induced transition mechanism.
The Effect of Stagger Variability in Gas Turbine Fan Assemblies
Authors: Wilson Mark J. , Imregun Mehmet , Sayma Abdulnaser I.
Published: April 2007

Fan blades of high bypass ratio gas turbine engines are subject to substantial aerodynamic and centrifugal loads, producing the well-known phenomenon of fan blade untwist. The accurate prediction of the running geometry, as opposed to the cold geometry at rest, is crucial in the assessment of aerodynamic performance, vibratory response, and noise production of the fan. The situation is further complicated by the fact that some geometric variation is inevitable even for the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes used. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of static stagger variability on the dynamic untwist behavior of fan assemblies. An aeroelastic model was used to show that under certain conditions the stagger pattern changes significantly, both in form and amplitude, relative to the static configuration. At other conditions, a strong correlation between the running and static patterns is demonstrated.