bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radial Augmentation Index is Related to Cardiovascular Risk in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Nishiura Ryosuke , Kita Toshihiro , Yamada Kazuhiro , Komatsu Hiroyuki , Hara Seiichiro , Sato Yuji , Fujimoto Shouichi
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Cardiovascular accidents related to atherosclerosis are the leading cause of death among hemodialysis patients, which makes continuous monitoring of their cardiovascular status crucial. Recently, a handy device for monitoring the augmentation index (AIx) in the radial artery was introduced in Japan, enabling the use of the AIx in addition to pulse wave velocity (PWV) in the management of hemodialysis patients. In this study the AIx, PWV, abdominal aortic calcification index (ACI), and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were serially assessed in 108 hemodialysis patients. The radial AIx was monitored using a newly introduced tonometer (HEM‐9010AI), and the interrelationships among the measured parameters and their contributions to the risk of cardiovascular accidents were evaluated. The radial AIx was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients than in healthy subjects (N = 50) and was well correlated with risk markers such as LVMI (r = 0.30, P = 0.019) and ACI (r = 0.38, P < 0.001), but not with PWV. Multiregression analysis showed that radial AIx was also significantly associated with LVMI, ACI and blood pressure; PWV was associated with other parameters such as age, blood pressure, and ACI. The AIx and ACI were both significantly increased in patients with cardiovascular complications. Although PWV was strongly increased in the hemodialysis patients, it failed to discriminate between these subgroups of high‐risk patients. The radial AIx is closely associated with aortic calcification, cardiac hypertrophy, and a history of cardiovascular accidents in hemodialysis patients, and could be a useful marker for management of these patients.
A Report of Two Cases of Kawasaki Disease Treated With Plasma Exchange
Authors: Harada Tomonori , Ito Shuichi , Shiga Kentaro , Inaba Aya , Machida Hiroyuki , Aihara Yukoh , Yokota Shumpei
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Kawasaki disease is a generalized vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in infants and young children. It is very important to prevent its cardiovascular manifestations, especially coronary artery lesions. Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin reduces cardiovascular sequelae, but some patients do not respond to this treatment, and they have a high incidence of coronary artery lesions. On the other hand, acute heart failure is rare in Kawasaki disease. We report on the cases of two patients with persistent fever and shock even after intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. In both cases, plasma exchange may have reduced the risk of coronary artery lesions and proved effective against acute heart failure with catecholamine‐refractory shock; yet the mechanism of this improvement remains unclear.
A Case Report on the Role of Plasma Exchange in the Management of a Massive Amlodipine Besylate Intoxication
Authors: Ezidiegwu Christian , Spektor Zhanna , Nasr Michel R , Kelly Karen C , Rosales Lazaro G
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Therapeutic plasma exchange is a procedure used to remove pathologic substances from a patient's blood that has proven useful in some cases of drug overdose. Overdose by calcium channel blocker antihypertensive agents has been shown to be a cause of significant morbidity and can oftentimes prove fatal. These agents cause systemic hypotension by inhibiting cell membrane calcium channels, which leads to a slowing of intracardiac electric conduction with consequent impairment of myocardial function and widespread vasodilation. Shock and metabolic acidosis result from the persistent hypotension. In high doses, calcium channel blocking agents cause insulin resistance. We describe the case of a previously healthy young woman who ingested a massive dose of amlodipine and was treated by therapeutic plasma exchange after non‐responsiveness to conventional therapy. The case illustrates the need for utilization of therapeutic plasma exchange in the emergency management of certain cases of severe amlodipine overdose.
EFFECT OF HYDRODYNAMIC PRESSURE PROCESSING AND AGING ON SARCOPLASMIC PROTEINS OF BEEF STRIP LOINS*
Authors: BOWKER B.C. , FAHRENHOLZ T.M. , PAROCZAY E.W. , SOLOMON M.B.
Published: April 2008

This study evaluated the effects of hydrodynamic pressure processing (HDP) and aging on the sarcoplasmic proteins of beef strip loins. Loins (n = 12) were halved at 48 h postmortem and assigned to HDP or control treatments. Following treatment, each half was divided into three portions for aging (0, 5 or 8 d). Samples were removed for Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF) determination and sarcoplasmic protein isolation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) analysis demonstrated that aging significantly influenced the composition of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction and that HDP influenced protein bands corresponding to 143, 65, 44, 36 and 19 kDa. Changes in sarcoplasmic protein composition were significantly correlated to WBSF (r = −0.58 to 0.45). Sarcoplasmic protein solubility decreased with both HDP (P < 0.05) and aging (P < 0.0001). Changes in solubility were significantly correlated to SDS‐PAGE band intensities (r = −0.53 to 0.60). Data suggest that HDP and aging cause changes to sarcoplasmic proteins that may be indicators of proteolysis and tenderization.

PRACTICAL APLICATIONS

Results from this study demonstrate that postmortem aging and hydrodynamic pressure processing of beef influences the sarcoplasmic protein profile of the muscle. The relationships between these changes and Warner‐Bratzler shear force measurements suggest that sarcoplasmic protein changes may be potentially useful as tenderness indicators.
EFFECTS OF ENDOGENOUS CATHEPSINS B AND L ON DEGRADATION OF SILVER CARP (HYPOPHTHALMICHTHYS MOLITRIX) MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEINS
Authors: LIU HUAN , YIN LIJUN , LI SHUHONG , ZHANG NAN , MA CHANGWEI
Published: April 2008

The activities of cathepsins B and L in minced silver carp meat were 4.89 and 3.81 units/g, respectively. About 11.30% activity for cathepsin B and 25.61% activity for cathepsin L were left after washing with distilled water, suggesting a short wash removed a large portion of both cathepsins B and L, but the activities of cathepsins still remained to some extent, and the remaining activity of cathepsin L was higher than that of cathepsin B. Higher cathepsin residual activity was correlated with the autolytic rate of myosin heavy chain (MHC) during the autolysis of myofibrillar proteins at 50C. The sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis indicated that both of the purified cathepsins B and L could result in significant degradation of MHC at 50 and 35C, which was close to the temperature of gel softening and setting, respectively, but cathepsin L seemed to be a key proteinase for hydrolyzing the myofibrillar protein.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

There is a possibility of consuming silver carp surimi in the future because the catches are large. Silver carp is very suitable for surimi because of its attractive white color and taste. Consumption in China and India as fresh fish is large. However, silver carp surimi exhibited considerable gel softening (modori) in the course of heating, resulting in a decrease in textural quality, eventually having a negative effect on acceptance and price of the surimi products. For this purpose, this paper investigates the effects of cathepsins B and L on modori, and compares the roles of pure cathepsins in degradation of myosin at similar conditions as for processing of silver carp surimi products.
USING ULTRASONIC METHODS TO DETERMINE COOKING DEGREE OF DONENESS IN BEEFSTEAKS
Authors: BLAKE E.S. , HAIDEKKER M.A. , VIATOR J.A. , HDEIB M.M. , LORENZEN C.L.
Published: April 2008

Imaging and piezoelectric ultrasound were used independently in two separate experiments to determine cooking degree of doneness (DOD) in beefsteaks. Six 2.54‐cm steaks were cut from central portions of frozen United States Department of Agriculture Select strip loins (n =18), and were assigned DOD corresponding with very rare, rare, medium rare, medium, well and very well, respectively. Steaks were scanned both before and after cooking. Cooking loss and Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF) were determined. As DOD increased, WBSF and cooking loss increased (P < 0.05). Image intensities were analyzed and comparisons were made between steaks cooked to similar DOD (P > 0.05). Results indicated an observable, although not significant, trend from very rare to medium rare for imaging ultrasound. A linear trend from medium to very well, although not significant, was observed using direct piezoelectric methods. Results of the image intensity analysis were ultimately deemed inconclusive.

PRACTICAL APLICATIONS

Ultrasonic methods are rapid, noninvasive means of measuring changes in material density and water content. Because meat changes in density and water content during cooking, these methods may be appropriate for measuring internal meat temperature without causing a physical change to the meat. The ability to determine the internal cooking temperature of meat has implications for customer satisfaction as well as food safety.
MEASURING MUSCLE COLOR IN BEEF USING AN INSTRUMENTAL METHOD VERSUS VISUAL COLOR SCALES
Authors: GOÑI V. , INDURAIN G. , HERNANDEZ B. , BERIAIN M.J.
Published: April 2008

Color of sirloin in 60 intact young bulls of the Pirenaica breed was studied with a view to grading the meat quality of the beef. The correlation between visual evaluation of color with the use of reference standards and instrumental color measurements were analyzed. Use of reference standards in the visual evaluation of beef color yielded visual assessment results in an objective, reproducible and closely correlated with the instrumental values. Overall, classification of the muscle samples was the same using both the visual and instrumental methods in 83% of cases. The results showed that objective systems for evaluating meat color can be developed from either visual evaluation using reference standards or instrumental measurements.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Reference standards produced visual appraisals of beef color that were closely correlated to the color coordinates L*a*b*, and these instrumental measurements could be useful (to give support to) color assessors. Both visual assessment aided by reference standards and instrumental measurements are appropriate and objective systems for meat color evaluation. They may prove to be useful for meat packing plants that sell carcasses piecemeal.
EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT STORAGE PRACTICES IN MAINTAINING THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF FRESH PORK SAUSAGE
Authors: CHIAVARO E. , ZANARDI E. , BOTTARI B. , IANIERI A.
Published: April 2008

Fresh pork sausages, overwrapped with oxygen‐permeable films or packed under modified atmosphere (MAP; 65% O2 and 35% CO2), immediately after production or after 1‐day storage at 0C, were stored either at 2C in a domestic refrigerator or at 5C in a refrigerated display cabinet beyond the commercial terms. pH, Aw, lipid oxidation, color and microbial counts were evaluated during storage (3, 6 and 9 days for overwrapped and 6, 12 and 15 days for both MAP practices). pH showed a significant decrease in all packed samples, especially at 5C. Lipid oxidation slightly increased in all sausages and more markedly under high O2 concentrations of MAP. Discoloration (a*) was noticed in all samples, both in the external and internal surfaces, more clearly under light exposure of the cabinet. Spoilage bacteria increased under both packaging conditions and more markedly at 5C.

A shelf‐life extension beyond the commercial term of 6 days might be considered only for oxygen‐permeable film packaging. On the contrary, it seems difficult to maintain pork sausage quality up to 12 days (commercial term) and beyond under the high O2 concentrations of MAP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study deals with the evaluation of two different and commonly employed packaging conditions (oxygen‐permeable film and modified atmosphere) on extending shelf‐life of fresh pork sausages stored under refrigeration. Changes on selected physico‐chemical and microbiological properties were evaluated at different time intervals. These findings can be useful for researchers, manufacturers and traders of pork products to estimate both advantages and disadvantages in the application of different packaging systems by hygienic, qualitative and economic point of views. A simple, rapid and quantitative determination of color indices markedly suitable for pork products that showed a complex and uneven food surface was also presented.
REDUCTION OF VOLATILE COMPOUNDS AND OFF‐ODOR IN IRRADIATED GROUND PORK USING A CHARCOAL PACKAGING
Authors: KIM J.H. , LEE J.W. , SHON S.H. , JANG A. , LEE K.T. , LEE M. , JO C.
Published: April 2008

Activated charcoal was applied to remove the volatile compounds (VOCs) and an off‐odor of irradiated ground pork. The ground pork, packaged with the charcoal in a teabag, was irradiated at 5 and 10 kGy and the effects of the charcoal on the microbial and physicochemical qualities of the irradiated ground pork were evaluated. Results showed that the packaging using charcoal did not affect the microbiological and physicochemical quality but reduced the off‐odor of irradiated ground pork. By using an electronic nose system and a solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry analysis, the VOCs of the irradiated pork packaged with charcoal were significantly lower than those packaged without charcoal or reduced to below the limit of detection. The results of the present study imply that packaging using charcoal effectively eliminates the VOCs and an off‐odor of irradiated meats.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Irradiation has been known to be the best method to eliminate microbial contamination of food, including meat and meat products. However, irradiation induces a lipid oxidation in the presence of oxygen and characteristic off‐odor volatile compounds in meat. These are considered as major defects in irradiated meat for practical application in industry. The aim of this study was to remove the volatile components and an off‐odor of irradiated ground pork using activated charcoal. By using an electronic nose system and solid‐phase microextraction gas charomatograph/mass spectrometry, the volatile components of the irradiated pork packaged with charcoal were significantly lower than those packaged without charcoal or reduced to below the limit of detection. By the confirmation of sensory study, it can be concluded that packaging using charcoal effectively eliminates the volatile components and off‐odor of irradiated meat and this can be applied for related industry.
COMPARISON OF U.S. VERSUS VENEZUELAN BEEF CUTS ON COOKERY TRAITS, CONSUMER IMPRESSIONS AND SHEAR FORCE
Authors: HUERTA‐MONTAUTI D. , RODAS‐GONZÁLEZ A. , BELK K.E. , ARENAS DE MORENO L. , HUERTA‐LEIDENZ N.
Published: April 2008

Cookery traits, consumer sensory ratings and Warner–Bratzler shear force values (WBS) for U.S. “Choice‐or‐higher” (IMPORTED) biceps femoris (BF, n = 12) and longissimus dorsii thoracis (LDT, n = 10) were compared with 15‐day‐aged equivalent cuts derived from 10 Venezuelan “AA” and 10 “A” grade steer carcasses. IMPORTED samples required shorter (P < 0.05) cooking times. IMPORTED LDT received the highest sensory scores, different (P < 0.01) from Venezuelan equivalents. IMPORTED LDT and BF generated higher levels of consumer acceptability (80% and 56%, respectively). IMPORTED had lower (P = 0.05) WBS (2.67 kg) compared with Venezuelan counterparts (3.53 and 3.15 kg for A and AA grade, respectively), and exhibited a superior proportion (94%) of tender steaks. U.S. imported beef was more desirable to the consumers, had lower WBS, required less cooking time and generated a greater proportion of tender steaks compared with steaks from domestic Venezuelan carcasses.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This comparison of Venezuelan beef in palatability attributes and consumer acceptance to imported U.S. beef is useful information for Venezuelan cattlemen who need to know how competitive they are and if their production can satisfy Venezuelan hotels, restaurants and other food service institutions that demand meat with superior eating quality. In fact, this information would be a great opportunity for Venezuelan cattlemen to establish strategic alliances and developing their own standards in order to improve their production.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPECTORANT pH AND ASTRINGENCY PERCEPTION
Authors: SIEBERT KARL J. , EUZEN CLAIRE
Published: April 2008

Saliva from a single individual was adjusted in pH, with or without added polyphenol; both treatments produced sharp peaks in light scattering near pH 4. A sensory panel was presented with 10 mL sample portions of dilute HCl in water with or without polyphenol. The panelists rinsed their mouths with the entire sample, then expectorated into the sample cup and rated the astringency. Expectorant pHs showed only modest buffering by saliva. Astringency varied between samples and there appeared to be a relationship between expectorant pH and the intensity of astringency, with lower pH producing a greater astringency. The total polyphenol content of saliva from a single individual was highest soon after tea drinking and diminished over 2 h toward a plateau above zero. After overnight abstention, the polyphenol content of the subject's saliva was 8.1 mg/L. This confirms that saliva normally contains polyphenol and that the level is affected by dietary habits.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Assessing astringency is particularly difficult. Understanding the factors leading to differences in responses between individuals should lead to better controlled conditions and more reliable evaluations.
Empowering your patients in the fight against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Tisinger Christine K.
Published: April 2008

Purpose: To provide patient teaching points for primary care management and control of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through application of the latest research regarding transmission of this bacteria.

Data sources: Case reports, scientific literature, and the recommendations of expert professional groups.

Conclusions: MRSA is a well studied yet continually evolving superbug. There is a paucity of literature regarding detailed home management and containment of MRSA. This review acknowledges the critical importance of patient education regarding MRSA infections and empowers patients with knowledge that can positively impact treatment outcomes.

Implications for practice: Awareness of transmission modes and recognition of sources for relapse of infectious states can curb the spread of MRSA in the community.
Family‐centered collaborative negotiation: A model for facilitating behavior change in primary care
Authors: Tyler Diane O. , Horner Sharon D.
Published: April 2008

Purpose: To describe a parent–child‐based model that melds a family‐centered interaction approach, Touchpoints, with brief negotiation strategies (an adaptation of motivational interviewing) to address health risks in children. An application of the model for addressing childhood overweight in the primary care setting is presented.

Data Sources: Selected research, theoretical, and clinical articles; national recommendations and guidelines; and a clinical case.

Conclusions: Lifestyle health behaviors are learned and reinforced within the family; thus, changes to promote child health require family involvement. Interventions that engage parents and support parent–child relationships, while enhancing motivation and the abilities to change behavior, are recommended.

Implications for Practice: Primary care is an appropriate setting for addressing lifestyle health behaviors. A collaborative partnership, rather than a prescriptive manner, is advocated for primary care providers when working to facilitate health‐promoting behavior.
The Lack of Motor Vehicle Occupant Restraint Use in Children Arriving at School
Authors: Emery Kathryn D. , Faries S. Glenn
Published: April 2008

Background:  Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of mortality for children aged 4‐14 in the United States. Many children are driven daily to school, increasing their exposure to potential injury, especially if they are not appropriately restrained. Observing the level of motor vehicle occupant restraint (MVOR) use upon school arrival could lead to valuable information for the development of an injury prevention program targeted to this population. This study compares the rate of MVOR use upon arrival to elementary schools with that at regional intersections.

Methods:  One hundred thirty‐five census tracts in the Denver, Colorado, area were identified and combined into 5 regions. Within each region, 1 controlled intersection and 1 elementary school were observed. Observations were conducted for 1 hour at each of these locations.

Results:  At intersections, 618 children in private vehicles were observed. MVOR use rate was 71.2% (440/618). At schools, 665 children in private vehicles were observed. MVOR use was 24.8% (165/665). Children arriving at school were less likely to be restrained than those observed at intersections (relative risk: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.30‐0.40).

Conclusions:  Children at elementary schools showed substantially lower MVOR use rates than those observed at controlled intersections. Further investigation is imperative to determine the reason behind the low use of MVOR in children being transported to school. Based on the reasons elicited, interventions emphasizing the importance of always using MVOR can be developed and tailored to meet the educational needs of parents transporting their children to school in private vehicles.
Perceived Competence in Addressing Student Substance Abuse: A National Survey of Middle School Counselors
Authors: Burrow‐Sanchez Jason J. , Lopez Adriana L. , Slagle Clark P.
Published: April 2008

Background:  Student substance abuse is a serious concern for middle school personnel. School counselors are most likely to deliver mental health services, including substance abuse, in school settings. However, limited research is available on the perceived competence of middle school counselors for addressing student substance abuse concerns. The main purpose of this study was to determine how middle school counselors perceive their training in 9 competence areas related to student substance abuse. A secondary aim of this study was to identify which training areas counselors indicate as being most needed to address student substance abuse.

Methods:  A survey study was conducted that included a national sample of 283 middle school counselors. Analysis of variance was used to determine differences between 9 competency areas rated by counselors. Further analysis was conducted to determine which training areas were most important to counselors.

Results:  Counselors varied in their perceived competence depending on the specific area of student substance abuse; however, they were clearly able to identify the most important areas of training needed.

Conclusions:  Overall, the findings from this study indicate that middle school counselors require more training in the area of student substance abuse. Specifically, this study provides information on the most important areas of training as identified by counselors.
Prevalence of Students With Symptoms of Depression Among High School Students in a District of Western Turkey: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Unsal Alaaddin , Ayranci Unal
Published: April 2008

Background:  To determine the factors affecting the prevalence of depression and also to present some pertinent comments concerning prevention of depression among high school students. This study was deemed important and relevant due to the increasing importance of depression among high school students.

Methods:  A sample of students aged 14‐19 years from the 6 high schools of 1 district of western Turkey were surveyed. The students selected were all attending the school during March and April 2006. The Beck Depression Inventory was used as a screening test.

Results:  During the study, a total of 846 students completed the survey. Of the study group, 51.9% (439) were male and 48.1% (407) female, with an age average of 16.3 ± 1.1 years. According to the scale, the prevalence of depression was 30.7% (n = 260), 22.6% for males (n = 99) and 39.6% for females (n = 161). The most depression was seen in males (22.6%), those with any kind of physical problem (37.3%), those with diseases necessitating the use of medication (51.1%), those with acne vulgaris (35.2%), and those having previously experienced any kind of problem (47.3%).

Conclusions:  These results highlight not only the need for students’ parents and teachers to be well informed on the subject of depression in terms of students’ health but also the need for more education programs to be aimed at students relating to the problems they may experience during the period of adolescence. Furthermore, these results show that students identified as depressed should be referred for an appropriate diagnosis to specialized psychiatry centers.
Applications of Game Theory in Linguistics
Authors: Jaeger Gerhard
Published: April 2008

The article gives a brief overview over the budding field of game theoretic linguistics, by focusing on game theoretic pragmatics on the one hand, and the usage of evolutionary game theory to model cultural language evolution on the other hand. Two specific applications are discussed in detail: the derivation of scalar implicatures via rational reasoning over communicative strategies, and the predictive potential of an evolutionary interpretation of exemplar dynamics in phonetics.
Tunisian Table Olive Phenolic Compounds and Their Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Ben Othman N. , Roblain D. , Thonart P. , Hamdi M.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  For the 1st time, 4 olive cultivars, the Meski, Chemlali, Besbessi, and Tounsi, from the Tunisian market were investigated to evaluate the phenolic compounds' contribution in nutritional value of table olives. From the Meski cultivar, we have chosen 4 different samples to evaluate differences within the same cultivar. Basic characteristics and total phenolic content were evaluated in flesh and kernel. The highest value of flesh phenolic content was observed in sample M4 of the Meski cultivar; however, the lowest value was observed in the Besbessi cultivar and they were 1801 and 339 mg GA/100 g dry weight, respectively. The main simple phenolic compounds identified in flesh extracts are hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and vanillic acid. Oleuropein was not detected in any samples. The antioxidant activity of Tunisian olive flesh varies between 212 and 462 μM TEAC/g of dry weight. Antioxidant activity of olives was related to their phenolic content but we found a low correlation between phenolic content and TEAC.
Characterization of Bacteriocin‐Coated Antimicrobial Polyethylene Films by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Storia A. La , Ercolini D. , Marinello F. , Mauriello G.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  Antimicrobial agents can be used to give antimicrobial properties to polymeric materials used to envelope foods for packaging purposes. In this study, we exploited an atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis for the characterization of plastic films activated with antimicrobial agents. The aim was to acquire information on the distribution of the antimicrobials on plastic materials with the ultimate scope of understanding the mechanisms of interaction between antimicrobials and materials to be used for food packaging. Four polyethylene films differing in linear, EVA, and erucamide content were activated by 3 different bacteriocins as antimicrobials, namely, nisin and bacteriocins Bac162W from Lactobacillus curvatus and BacAM09 from Lactobacillus plantarum. The spectrum of activity of the bacteriocins was assayed and shown to include several strains of Listeria monocytogenes. The plastic films were activated by a previously developed coating procedure and the surfaces of the active films were examined by AFM. In addition, roughness parameters related to the single surfaces were investigated by an appropriate software. Significant differences were found between the bacteriocin activated and control (nonactivated) films and the activated surfaces showed lower values of average roughness and surface area ratio. It was not always possible to obtain a homogeneous distribution of the bacteriocin preparation following the coating procedure. This result was dependent on the bacteriocin used and its distribution on the different plastic films. Overall, the bacteriocin Bac162W showed the most homogeneous distribution while surfaces treated with nisin, showing a sort of microtexturing, always gave the highest roughness values. Although the issue needs further investigation, the connection between AFM imaging, roughness, and antimicrobial distribution on active packaging showed the potential to improve the understanding of the interactions between plastic films and antimicrobial preparations that can be important for the innovation in food packaging and science.
Evaluation of Liquid Smoke Treated Ready‐to‐Eat (RTE) Meat Products for Control of Listeria innocua M1
Authors: Milly P.J. , Toledo R.T. , Chen J.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  Liquid smoke fractions (S1, S2, S3, and S4) were applied on ready‐to‐eat (RTE) meat products to control the growth of inoculated Listeria innocua M1. Turkey rolls and roast beef products were dipped in liquid smoke, surface inoculated with L. innocua M1 (102 CFU/25 cm2 RTE meat surface), vacuum packaged, and stored at 4 °C. Section 8.5 of USDA's detection and isolation procedure for L. monocytogenes was employed in conjunction with a Micro‐ID™ system for L. innocua M1 identification (ID). Products treated with smoke fractions S1, S2, and S3 were negative for L. innocua M1 at 2 and 4 wk during incubation at 4 °C. Products treated with S4 were positive for L. innocua M1 immediately following inoculation and after storage for 2 and 4 wk. Smoke fractions S1, S2, and S3 exhibited pH values lower than 4.6, acidity values higher than 1.5%, and carbonyl concentrations higher than 110 mg/mL. All liquid smoke fractions contained similar phenol concentrations (0.3 to 0.6 mg/mL), suggesting that phenols may have a limited role in the bactericidal effects of liquid smoke fractions against specific microorganisms.
Precooked Bran‐Enriched Wheat Flour Using Extrusion: Dietary Fiber Profile and Sensory Characteristics
Authors: Gajula H. , Alavi S. , Adhikari K. , Herald T.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  The effect of precooking by extrusion processing on the dietary fiber profile of wheat flour substituted with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% wheat bran was evaluated. Depending on the level of bran, total dietary fiber (TDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) in uncooked flours ranged from 4.2% to 17.2% and 1.5% to 2.4%, respectively. Precooking by extrusion significantly increased SDF in flours (by 22% to 73%); although in most cases it also led to a significant decrease in TDF. Cookies and tortillas produced from uncooked and precooked flours with 0% and 20% substituted bran were evaluated for consumer acceptability using a 9‐point hedonic scale. With a few exceptions, all cookies had scores ranging from 6 to 7 (“like slightly” to “like moderately”) for each attribute, including overall acceptability, appearance, texture, crumbliness, and flavor. Tortillas were rated for the same attributes except for crumbliness, which was replaced with chewiness. In most cases, tortilla scores ranged from 5 to 7 (“neither like nor dislike” to “like moderately”). Consumer acceptability scores of cookies from uncooked flour did not change significantly with increase in bran substitution from 0% to 20%. However, consumer scores for tortillas did decrease significantly with increase in bran level. Extrusion precooking of the flours did not improve the consumer acceptability of cookies and tortillas; however, it did improve their dietary fiber profile by increasing the SDF significantly.
Effects of Water‐Soluble Natural Antioxidants on Photosensitized Oxidation of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in an Oil‐in‐Water Emulsion System
Authors: Liu T.‐T. , Yang T.‐S.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT: The effect of photosensitized oxidation of conjugated linoleic acid in an oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion system was studied. Water‐soluble natural antioxidants, including apple polyphenols from apple extract, green tea extract, 4‐hydroxy‐2(or 5)‐ethyl‐5(or2)‐methyl‐3(2H)‐furanone(HEMF), 4‐hydroxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐3(2H)‐furanone (HDMF), and ascorbic acid, were tested for antioxidant activity in this system. The green tea extract showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by ascorbic acid. Apple polyphenols did not give significant antioxidant activity. HEMF and HDMF exhibited a prooxidant effect. The antioxidant activity of tea catechins was also investigated. Of them, EGCG and ECG exhibited antioxidant activity at 50 ppm, but the antioxidant activity between them was not significantly different (P< 0.05). Comparatively, EC, EGC, and GCG showed no significant antioxidative effect at 50 ppm. When the concentration increased to 100 ppm, the antioxidant activity of ECG and EGCG significantly increased compared with that at 50 ppm, and EGCG had higher antioxidant activity than ECG. GCG also showed significant antioxidant activity at 100 ppm. EGCG exhibited the highest antioxidant activity among the tea catechins in the emulsion system at 100 ppm.
Identification of Listeria innocua Surrogates for Listeria monocytogenes in Hamburger Patties
Authors: Friedly E.C. , Crandall P.G. , Ricke S. , O'Bryan C.A. , Martin E.M. , Boyd L.M.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  Listeria innocua M1 has been used by many researchers as a nonpathogenic thermal processing surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes. However, L. innocua M1 has been criticized because its thermal survivability characteristics are not as closely parallel to L. monocytogenes as some would like in a variety of foods and processing conditions. The present study was conducted to compare multiple L. innocua and L. monocytogenes strains to validate L. innocua M1 as the ideal surrogate under high‐temperature thermal processing conditions for L. monocytogenes. The D‐ and z‐values of L. innocua M1, L. innocua strain SLCC 5639 serotype (6a), SLCC 5640 (6b), SLCC 2745 (4ab), and L. monocytogenes F4243 (4b) were calculated for raw hamburger patties. Hamburger patties were inoculated with 107–8 CFU/g of L. monocytogenes or L. innocua. Samples were heat treated at 4 temperatures (62.5 to 70 °C). At each temperature, the decimal reduction time (D‐value) was obtained by linear regression of survival curves. The D‐ and z‐values were determined for each bacterium. The D‐values of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes serotypes ranged from 3.17 to 0.13 min at 62.5 to 70 °C, and the z‐values of L. innocua and L. monocytogenes were 7.44 to 7.73 °C. Two of the 4 L. innocua serotypes used in this experiment have the potential for use as surrogates in hamburger meat with varying margins of safety. L. innocua M1 should serve as the primary nonpathogenic surrogate with the greatest margin of safety in verifying a new thermal process to destroy L. monocytogenes.
Identification of Proteolytic Bacteria from Thai Traditional Fermented Foods and Their Allergenic Reducing Potentials
Authors: Phromraksa P. , Nagano H. , Boonmars T. , Kamboonruang C.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  This study aimed to identify proteolytic bacteria from Thai traditional fermented foods and investigate their allergenic reducing potentials to wheat and milk allergens. Nine bacteria were isolated from fermented foods as follows: fermented soybean seeds (Thua Nao), fermented soybean paste (Thua Nao), wheat flour dough of steamed stuffed bun (Sa La Pao), and soaked rice from Thai fermented rice‐noodle (Kha Nhom Jeen) processing. Both phenotypic and genotypic identifications were used in this study. It was found that all isolates were Gram‐positive rods. Seven isolates were matched and identified as Bacillus subtilis by both techniques, and the remaining 2 isolates were phenotypically and genotypically identified as B. licheniformis and B. subtilis, respectively. The concentrated crude enzyme of B. subtilis DB and SR could reduce allergenicity of gliadin by hydrolyzing the allergenic gliadin fragments detected by immunoblotting. Furthermore, the enzyme of B. subtilis DB could also reduce allergenicity of β‐lactoglobulin (β‐LG) detected by hydrolyzing the major allergenic epitope of β‐LG at Gln35‐Ser36 position. B. subtilis DB and SR can be applied for the production of hypoallergenic wheat flour or milk food products.
Sandwich Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Detection of Mustard in Foods
Authors: Lee P.‐W. , Hefle S.L. , Taylor S.L.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  Undeclared mustard residues in food products could trigger allergic reactions in mustard‐allergic consumers. Our objective was to develop and validate a sandwich‐type ELISA for the detection of mustard residues in foods. A mixture of yellow, brown, and oriental mustard seeds was used to immunize 3 rabbits and 1 sheep. Two mustard ELISAs were developed by utilizing the reciprocal combination of rabbit and sheep polyclonal antimustard sera as the capture and detector reagents. Binding was visualized by addition of rabbit antisheep or goat antirabbit IgG antibody labeled with alkaline phosphatase and subsequent addition of substrate. The optimized ELISAs have limits of quantification (LOQ) of 1 and 3 ppm (μg of ground, whole mustard seeds/mL) for the sheep capture and rabbit capture formats, respectively. Only rapeseed cross‐reacted in the rabbit and sheep capture mustard ELISAs at a level equivalent to 12300 and 16900 ppm of mustard. The mean percent recovery for cooked frankfurters spiked with 0 to 1000 ppm mustard flour was 95.3%± 10.7%. A limited retail survey of 29 foods revealed that, of 15 samples having mustard declared on the ingredient list, 2 baked bean products contained no detectable mustard, possibly owing to a decrease in extractability and detectability of mustard proteins after subjecting to thermal processing. For the remaining 14 samples without mustard declared on the label, 3 samples contained detectable mustard, presumably due to the labeling of mustard as “spice” or inadvertent cross‐contamination. This sandwich‐type ELISA can serve as a powerful tool for food manufacturers and regulatory agencies to detect and quantify mustard residues in processed foods.
Functionality of Soymilk Powder and Its Components in Fresh Soy Bread
Authors: Nilufer D. , Boyacioglu D. , Vodovotz Y.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:  The physicochemical changes upon addition of soymilk powder (SMP) to soy bread were investigated. Two‐pound loaves of soy bread were produced with components (soluble fiber [SF], insoluble fiber [ISF], soy protein) that mimic those levels contributed by SMP. Soy flour and soy flour/SMP soy breads served as controls. The following were determined for all breads produced: physical properties (loaf volume, crust, and crumb color); chemical compositions (SF and ISF contents, protein and ash contents); and physicochemical properties (water activity, total moisture content by thermogravimetric analysis [TGA], “freezable” water [FW], “unfreezable” water [UFW] content by DSC, stiffness at 25 °C by dynamic mechanical analysis [DMA], and firmness with Instron testing machine). SMP contained significant amounts of SF aside from the ISF fraction and mostly denatured soy protein. SMP addition to soy bread formulation significantly decreased loaf volume with respect to control soy bread, which can be attributed to the ISF and SPI contents of this ingredient. Other effects of SMP were found to be lighter and yellowish crumb color, darker crust color, and increase in firmness, as well as no change in moisture content, FW and UFW contents, water activity, and stiffness parameters.
Representation and Democracy: Revisions and Possibilities
Authors: Saward Michael
Published: April 2008

In recent years, political theorists and others have questioned a series of longstanding assumptions about ‘representative democracy’. There are renewed doubts as to whether our existing systems of political representation serve democracy, as well as new ideas and empirical work about what representation in politics involves. This article explores some recent innovations in thinking about representation, and in particular the idea of representation as a process of claim‐making. It discusses a number of ways in which the representative claim perspective helps us to challenge several well‐established ideas and practices of representative democracy, including the distinction between ‘direct’ and ‘representative’ democracy and the potential for non‐elective representation in democracies.
Sociologies of Space, Work and Organisation: From Fragments to Spatial Theory
Authors: Halford Susan
Published: April 2008

Work organisations are made by the arrangement of space and working lives are made and lived through these spaces. Yet, explicit interest in space has been marginal to the development of sociologies of work organisation. Despite this, spatial analysis has often offered support to established theories of work and organisation. This paper reviews this contribution, excavating the spatial from past studies intended to address the labour process; semiotics and discourse; and the nature of everyday working lives. The second part of the paper emphasises the importance of making space more central to our conceptual and theoretical concerns and draws on spatial theory from social and cultural geography to do so. The paper endeavours to integrate the fragmented insights from different scholarly paradigms in the sociology of work with this spatial theory and to promote an enhanced spatial sensibility for the sociology of work and organisations. This review and fusion contributes to wider calls to develop a new sociology of work that prioritises the centrality of space to understanding work.
Trends in the Qualitative Study of Social Identities
Authors: Brekhus Wayne H.
Published: April 2008

This article reviews recent developments and trends in the qualitative study of social identities. Recent scholarship emphasizes multidimensionality and challenges notions of identity singularity and coherence. These challenges include critiques of the implicit identity monism of approaches that give master status primacy to a single marked identity attribute along race, class, gender, or sexuality axes or that portray static notions of a coherent single unified self‐identity. After analyzing the social bases of collective identities and self‐identities, this article examines identity strategies, claims to identity authenticity, identity shifts and transitions, and the contextual situatedness and multidimensionality of self‐identities. Recent developments in the sociology of identity focus on the multidimensionality and mobility of contemporary identities. These developments can be understood by separating identity research into its analysis of markedness and unmarkedness, authenticity claims, and the role of mobility and flexibility, in contributing to the multidimensional character of social identities
Absurdly Ambitious? Teenagers’ Expectations for the Future and the Realities of Social Structure
Authors: Baird Chardie L. , Burge Stephanie W. , Reynolds John R.
Published: April 2008

Expectations for achievement in the US border on the unrealistic. High school students expect to obtain better jobs and more education than current cohorts have achieved. Many youth also seem unaware of how to realize their ambitions. These findings lead to several questions about the causes and consequences of ambition. First, how do American youths’ ambitions compare with those of past cohorts and what consequences stem from rising ambitions? Second, how likely is it that youth will achieve their ambitions? What structural forces hinder or assist the goal attainment process? Finally, what cultural and institutional forces shape ambition in the United States? We review available evidence for these questions. Experts agree that the youth are overly ambitious, but debate the consequences of over‐ambition. Furthermore, youth privileged by their race, class, and gender status are more likely to achieve their ambitions than less privileged youth, confirming the key sociological premise that broader social structures play an important role in whether individuals realize their dreams.
Rabies‐vaccination Coverage and Profiles of the Owned‐dog Population in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia
Authors: Suzuki K. , Pereira J. A. C. , Frías L. A. , López R. , Mutinelli L. E. , Pons E. R.
Published: April 2008

The Bolivian government issued a regulation for rabies control in November 2005, owing to increasing the prevalence of dog and human rabies cases in recent years. An assessment of rabies‐vaccination coverage and other factors that might influence the success of the on‐going vaccination campaign was needed. The objective of this study was to investigate dog rabies vaccination coverage and risk factors associated with dogs being unvaccinated against rabies, and profiles of the owned‐dog population in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, where dog rabies was endemic. Mainly due to logistical reasons, the WHO’s expanded programme on immunization cluster‐survey method was used. The 390 households were included in the study. Information about dog population and management characteristics was obtained for 542 dogs from 301 households. On average, households had 1.4 dogs and 1.8 dogs per dog‐owning household (median = 1). The human‐to‐dog ratio was 4.6 : 1. During the last 1 year prior to the study, of the 539 dogs aged ≥1 month, 463 (85%; 95% CI 79–91; design effect 3.6) were classified as vaccinated. Amongst the study dogs, dogs aged 1–11 months were the higher risk of dogs not being vaccinated (OR = 8.2; 95% CI 4.3–15.6; P < 0.01). Almost two‐thirds of the study dogs were allowed to roam freely throughout the day or in part. Community education efforts should address the importance of dog ownership and movement restriction, and the need to vaccinate young dogs.