bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Left Atrial Size Predict Mortality in Asymptomatic Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis?
Authors: Casaclang‐Verzosa Grace , Malouf Joseph F. , Scott Christopher G. , Juracan Eldyn Marcony , Nishimura Rick A. , Pellikka Patricia A.
Published: January 2010

Background: We assessed the hypothesis that diastolic function represented by left atrial size determines the rate of development of symptoms and the risk of all‐cause mortality in asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). Methods: From a database of 622 asymptomatic patients with isolated severe AS (velocity by Doppler ≥ 4 m/sec) followed for 5.4 ± 4 years, we reviewed the echocardiograms and evaluated Doppler echocardiographic indices of diastolic function. Prediction of symptom development and mortality by left atrial diameter with and without adjusting for clinical and echocardiographic parameters was performed using Cox proportional‐hazards regression analysis. Results: The age was 71 ± 11 years and 317 (62%) patients were males. The aortic valve mean gradient was 46 ± 11 mmHg, and the Doppler‐derived aortic valve area was 0.9 ± 0.2 cm2. During follow‐up, symptoms developed in 233 (45%), valve surgery was performed in 290 (57%) and 138 (27%) died. Left atrial enlargement was significantly correlated with symptom development (P < 0.05) but the association diminished after adjusting for aortic valve area and peak velocity (P = 0.2). However, atrial diameter predicted death independent of age and gender (P = 0.007), comorbid conditions (P = 0.03), and AS severity and Doppler parameters of diastolic function (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Diastolic function, represented as left atrial diameter, is related to mortality in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:105‐109)
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism: A Study Using Tricuspid Annular Motion
Authors: Rydman Riikka , Söderberg Mårten , Larsen Flemming , Caidahl Kenneth , Alam Mahbubul
Published: January 2010

Assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is a challenge due to complex anatomy. We studied systolic and diastolic tricuspid annular excursion and longitudinal RV fractional shortening as geometry‐independent measures in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Forty patients with PE were studied within 24 hours after admission and after 3 months, and compared to 23 healthy subjects used as controls. We recorded tricuspid annular plane systolic (TAPSE) and diastolic (TAPDE) excursion from the four‐chamber view and calculated RV fractional shortening as TAPSE/RV diastolic length. The diastolic RV function was defined as the ratio of the amplitude of tricuspid annular plane excursion during atrial systole to total tricuspid annular plane diastolic excursion (atrial/total TAPDE). In the acute stage, the TAPSE was decreased in PE compared to healthy subjects (19 ± 5 vs. 26 ± 4 mm, P < 0.001), with greater reduction in patients with increased, compared to normal, RV pressure (16.6 ± 5 vs. 20.5 ± 5 mm, P < 0.05). The atrial/total TAPDE was increased in patients compared to healthy subjects (47 ± 13% vs. 38 ± 7%, P < 0.001) and normalized during the follow‐up. Although the patients were asymptomatic after 3 months, the TAPSE recovered incompletely as compared to healthy subjects (21.4 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 4 mm, P < 0.001). Both systolic and diastolic RV function are impaired in acute PE. Diastolic function recovers faster than systolic; therefore, the atrial contribution to RV filling may be a useful measure to follow changes in diastolic function in PE. (Echocardiography 2010;27:286‐293)
Model for Heterogeneous Random Networks Using Continuous Latent Variables and an Application to a Tree–Fungus Network
Authors: Daudin Jean‐Jacques , Pierre Laurent , Vacher Corinne
Published: January 2010

Summary The mixture model is a method of choice for modeling heterogeneous random graphs, because it contains most of the known structures of heterogeneity: hubs, hierarchical structures, or community structure. One of the weaknesses of mixture models on random graphs is that, at the present time, there is no computationally feasible estimation method that is completely satisfying from a theoretical point of view. Moreover, mixture models assume that each vertex pertains to one group, so there is no place for vertices being at intermediate positions. The model proposed in this article is a grade of membership model for heterogeneous random graphs, which assumes that each vertex is a mixture of extremal hypothetical vertices. The connectivity properties of each vertex are deduced from those of the extreme vertices. In this new model, the vector of weights of each vertex are fixed continuous parameters. A model with a vector of parameters for each vertex is tractable because the number of observations is proportional to the square of the number of vertices of the network. The estimation of the parameters is given by the maximum likelihood procedure. The model is used to elucidate some of the processes shaping the heterogeneous structure of a well‐resolved network of host/parasite interactions.
Statistical Identifiability and the Surrogate Endpoint Problem, with Application to Vaccine Trials
Authors: Wolfson Julian , Gilbert Peter
Published: January 2010

Summary Given a randomized treatment Z, a clinical outcome Y, and a biomarker S measured some fixed time after Z is administered, we may be interested in addressing the surrogate endpoint problem by evaluating whether S can be used to reliably predict the effect of Z on Y. Several recent proposals for the statistical evaluation of surrogate value have been based on the framework of principal stratification. In this article, we consider two principal stratification estimands: joint risks and marginal risks. Joint risks measure causal associations (CAs) of treatment effects on S and Y, providing insight into the surrogate value of the biomarker, but are not statistically identifiable from vaccine trial data. Although marginal risks do not measure CAs of treatment effects, they nevertheless provide guidance for future research, and we describe a data collection scheme and assumptions under which the marginal risks are statistically identifiable. We show how different sets of assumptions affect the identifiability of these estimands; in particular, we depart from previous work by considering the consequences of relaxing the assumption of no individual treatment effects on Y before S is measured. Based on algebraic relationships between joint and marginal risks, we propose a sensitivity analysis approach for assessment of surrogate value, and show that in many cases the surrogate value of a biomarker may be hard to establish, even when the sample size is large.
Point Transect Sampling Along Linear Features
Authors: Marques T. A. , Buckland S. T. , Borchers D. L. , Tosh D. , McDonald R. A.
Published: January 2010

SummaryDistance sampling is a widely used methodology for assessing animal abundance. A key requirement of distance sampling is that samplers (lines or points) are placed according to a randomized design, which ensures that samplers are positioned independently of animals. Often samplers are placed along linear features such as roads, so that bias is expected if animals are not uniformly distributed with respect to distance from the linear feature. We present an approach for analyzing distance data from a survey when the samplers are points placed along a linear feature. Based on results from a simulation study and from a survey of Irish hares in Northern Ireland conducted from roads, we conclude that large bias may result if the position of samplers is not randomized, and analysis methods fail to account for nonuniformity.
Pressureless Sintering t‐zirconia@δ‐Al2O3 (54 mol%) Core–Shell Nanopowders at 1120°C Provides Dense t‐Zirconia‐Toughened α‐Al2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Min , Laine Richard M.
Published: January 2010

Zirconia‐toughened alumina (ZTA) is of growing importance in a wide variety of fields exemplified by ZTA prosthetic implants. Unfortunately, ZTA composites are generally difficult to process because of the need to preserve the tetragonal zirconia phase in the final dense ceramic, coincident with the need to fully densify the α‐Al2O3 component. We report here that liquid‐feed flame spray pyrolysis of mixtures of metalloorganic precursors of alumina and zirconia at varying compositional ratios provide access in one step to core–shell nanoparticles, wherein the shell is δ‐Al2O3 and the core is a perfect single crystal of tetragonal (t‐) zirconia. Pressureless sintering studies provided parameters whereby these nanopowder compacts could be sintered to full density (>99%) at temperatures just above 1100°C converting the shell component to α‐Al2O3 but preserving the t‐ZrO2 without the need for any dopants. The final average grain sizes of these sintered compacts are ≤200 nm. The resulting materials exhibit the expected response to mechanical deformation with the subsequent production of monoclinic ZrO2. These materials appear to offer a low‐temperature, low‐cost route to fine‐grained ZTA with varied Al2O3:t‐ZrO2 compositions.
A meta‐analysis of insect pest behavioral manipulation with plant volatiles
Authors: Szendrei Zsofia , Rodriguez‐Saona Cesar
Published: January 2010

Many insect pests utilize plant volatiles for host location and untangling the mechanisms of this process can provide tools for pest management. Numerous experimental results have been published on the effect of plant volatiles on insect pests. We used a meta‐analysis to summarize this knowledge and to look for patterns. Our goal was to identify herbivore and plant traits that might explain the herbivores’ behavioral response to plant volatiles in field applications. We scored a total of 374 unique plant volatile‐insect herbivore interactions obtained from 34 published studies investigating 50 herbivore pest species. Attractants had a significant effect on insect herbivore abundance but repellents did not; this latter result could be a result of the comparatively small number of field studies that tested plant volatiles as repellents (3%). Females were significantly more attracted to plant volatile baits than males. The diet breadth of herbivores was independent of a behavioral response to plant volatiles, but more case studies show effects of volatiles on chewers, followed by wood‐borers and sap‐feeders. There are more demonstrations of attraction to plant volatiles in Lepidoptera than in Thysanoptera. The method of plant volatile application had a significant effect on herbivore abundance and increasing the number of chemicals in individual baits attracted more herbivores. The magnitude of the response of herbivores to plant volatiles in forest and agricultural habitats was similar. We explore consistent patterns and highlight areas needing research in using plant volatiles to manage insect pests.
Effect of L‐carnitine on proliferative response and mRNA expression of some of its associated factors in splenic mononuclear cells of male broiler chicks
Authors: TAKAHASHI Kazuaki , KITANO Ayumi , AKIBA Yukio
Published: January 2010

The effect of L‐carnitine supplementation on mitogen (concanavalin A, Con A) induced proliferation of mononuclear cells (MNC) in the spleen was investigated in broiler chickens at different ages. Day‐old chickens were fed a diet supplemented with or without L‐carnitine (100 ppm) for 24 days. The carnitine‐supplemented group showed greater proliferation of MNC in the spleen in response to Con A than that of the control group at 24 days of age. In addition, at 24 days of age the carnitine‐supplemented group showed higher expression of interleukin (IL)‐2 and interferon (IFN)‐γ mRNA, but lower expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the Con A‐stimulated splenic MNC than the control group. The enhancement effect of L‐carnitine on MNC proliferation and IL‐2 mRNA expression was not found in chicks at 14 days of age. Addition of L‐carnitine (50 nmol/mL) to the culture medium enhanced proliferation and IL‐2 mRNA expression of splenic MNC obtained from 24‐day‐old but not from 14‐day‐old broiler chickens. The results suggest that L‐carnitine is capable of enhancing MNC proliferation in broiler chickens at 24 days of age partly through increasing IL‐2 and IFN‐γ production and decreasing NO production.
Short-term Impact of Tension-free Vaginal Tape Obturator Procedure on Sexual Function in Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Lau Hui-Hsuan , Su Tsung-Hsien , Su Chin-Hui , Lee Mei-Yu , Sun Fang-Ju
Published: January 2010

Introduction

The tension-free vaginal tape obturator (TVT-O) procedure is one of the most commonly used anti-incontinence surgeries, but little is known about its impact on sexual function.

Aim

To evaluate sexual function after the TVT-O procedure at 6 months postoperatively.

Methods

Fifty-six sexually active women who underwent the TVT-O procedure for severe stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated using the short form of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) before and 6 months after surgery. The perception of incontinence-related quality-of-life were also evaluated by the short form of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) to assess the effect of surgery on incontinence.

Main Outcome Measures

Total score and score for each PISQ-12 item.

Results

The mean total PISQ-12 score did not differ significantly before (24.0 ± 12.2) and after (23.0 ± 13.2) (P = 0.194) the TVT-O procedure. Scores for individual items on the PISQ-12 varied, with incontinence-related items improving but others, such as the frequency of achieving orgasm deteriorating for some women. The scores of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 were significantly improved by 6-month follow-up, indicating that the operation successfully resolved the incontinence.

Conclusion

Despite successful amelioration of SUI by the TVT-O procedure, sexual function does not necessarily improve in the first 6 months after surgery.
Ceramic–Polymer Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composites with Different Type Composite Structures for Electronic Technology
Authors: Wang Hong , Xiang Feng , Li Kecheng
Published: January 2010

Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 (BST)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites with 0–3, 1–3, and 2–2 type structures were prepared and studied. The effect of composite type on the dielectric properties of BST/PMMA composites was comprehensively investigated by both theoretical and experimental methods. The 1–3 type composite shows the highest permittivity and dielectric tunability, while the 2–2 and 0–3 type composites show lower permittivity as well as lower dielectric tunabilities. The experimentally measured dielectric properties are in agreement with the theoretically calculated values. The results help in understanding and tailoring the dielectric properties of ceramic–polymer composites by choosing a suitable composite structure.
Effect of Particle Size on the Microwave Dielectric Properties of Alumina‐Filled PTFE Substrates
Authors: Murali Kodakkattu P. , Rajesh Surendran , Nijesh Kunnamkuzhakal J. , Ratheesh Ravendran
Published: January 2010

α‐alumina of different particle sizes of 50 nm, 0.4, 3, and 7 μm have been incorporated into the PTFE matrix to prepare flexible composite substrates. A proprietary process comprising of sigma mixing, extrusion, and calendering, followed by hot pressing (SMECH process) has been used to obtain dimensionally stable ceramic‐filled PTFE substrates. Variation of the dielectric constant, loss tangent and moisture absorption of filled PTFE composites has been ascertained as a result of filler loading.
IMPROVEMENT OF NIR TRANSMISSION MODE FOR INTERNAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FRUIT USING DIFFERENT ORIENTATIONS
Authors: MOGHIMI ALI , AGHKHANI MOHAMMAD H. , SAZGARNIA AMENEH , ABBASPOUR‐FARD MOHAMMAD H.
Published: January 2010

In the last decade, visible and near‐infrared spectroscopy (including three modes reflectance, interactance and transmission) has increasingly been utilized in food industry. In this research, transmission mode was used to acquire spectra of kiwifruits, apples and oranges in the range of 400–1,000 nm, with an emphasis on the effect of fruit orientation on the spectra pattern. For soluble solids content and acidity (pH) to be predicted, various calibration models were developed, based on different combinations of preprocessing techniques. The best model for each characteristic was obtained by standard normal variate transformation in combination with median filter and first derivative. The correlation coefficients for soluble solids content and pH were 0.93 and 0.943, and the root mean square errors of prediction for them were 0.259°Brix and 0.076, respectively. The results indicate that the occurrence of peaks is uniquely the inherent of the fruit, independent of orientation. The transmission calibration model for the estimation of fruit constituents could be improved by using proper preprocessing techniques.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for food quality assessment has its own advantages in comparison with other nondestructive techniques. The accuracy of NIR models is usually more than the other techniques. It is fast, easy to use and noninvasive. Moreover, there is no need for reagents, and minimal or no sample preparation is required. Because of these advantages, NIRS has been used in many fields including grains, beverages, dairy product, processed food, fruits and vegetables for determination of water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, starch, amino acid, ash, soluble solid content, pH and so on. NIRS have shown promise as a fast, nondestructive and low‐running‐cost technique. It is also a nondestructive tool for the determination of organic component concentration. NIRS can be applied in different areas of food industry. This wide range of NIRS applications demands more gradual research to make it more efficient and practical.
MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF NUTRITIONALLY ENRICHED SOY WHEY GENERATION
Authors: CHAKRABARTI MAINAK , GULATI TUSHAR , SINGH ANSHU , DUVUURI MURALIDHAR , BANERJEE RINTU
Published: January 2010

The present investigation deals with the modeling and optimization of acid curdling of soymilk for soy whey preparation focusing on maximization of protein and polyphenol content as well as yield of soy whey. The findings, in this first report on fruit acid (citric acid and tartaric acid)‐based curdling, reveal a better alternative to the salt (calcium sulphate) curdling, extensively practiced in industries, in terms of nutritional enrichment. Reasonably accurate neural network models (regression coefficient ranging from 0.96 to 0.97) using citric acid and tartaric acids as mild fruit acids and trichloroacetic acid as standard protein coagulant was obtained based on the experimental data. The optimized set of process conditions was predicted through genetic algorithm and the effectiveness of the artificial neural network genetic algorithm model, validated through experiments, was indicated by significant correlations (regression coefficient ranging from 0.89 to 0.92) and nominal mean square error (0.000071–0.01).

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The work aims at devising a methodology for fruit acid‐based curdling of soymilk for nutritionally enriched soy whey generation. This opens up a new dimension for valorized utilization of soy whey, a potent pollutant, for formulation of functional foods as it is an excellent source of proteins with balanced amino acid profile and polyphenols. Moreover organic acid curdled soy whey, owing to its oligosaccharide content, can be utilized as a medium for probiotic fermentation for development of synbiotic supplements. The fruit acids used (citric acid and tartaric acid) can be obtained from common fruits abundantlyavailable, and hence, can economize the curdling process in industrial settings simultaneously adding to the nutritional profile.
INVESTIGATION OF THE PROCESS PARAMETERS USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY ON THE QUALITY OF CRUSTLESS BREAD BAKED IN A WATER‐SPRAYING OVEN
Authors: MONDAL ARPITA , DATTA ASHIS KUMAR
Published: January 2010

A special type of water‐spraying oven was developed where crustless bread was prepared by gently baking the dough at different combinations of baking temperature and baking time, and spraying water at prefixed intervals on the surface of the dough. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of predictor variables on bread quality in terms of surface moisture, bottom moisture, color value in terms of L*, b*and softness in terms of cutting force. In the study, each predictor variable was varied at three levels. Temperature was varied, at 160C, 170C and 180C, baking time at 25 min, 30 min and 35 min, and water (2 mL)‐spraying interval as 6 min, 8 min and 10 min. Quadratic models were developed to fit with experimental data. Higher temperature and time led to a decreased surface, bottom moisture and b*. Shorter water‐spraying intervals led to an increased L*and softness. At optimized conditions, when baking temperature, baking time and water‐spraying interval were 168.73C, 29.28 min and 8.6 min, respectively, crustless bread was yellowish white.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Crustless bread is not a popular item of merchandise as baking of crustless bread is not commonly practiced. In this work, an attempt has been made to optimize the process parameters associated with the baking of crustless bread. The application in the industry is likely to be far‐reaching once the outcome of this work is properly documented. Present statistics point to a 45% wastage of bread loaves because of removal of crust at homes. Crustless bread could lead to a significantly less wastage of loaves as well as better financial return for the bakers. Presently, the crustless bread sold in the market is the result of crust removal after baking, and it has been established that formation of crust leads to synthesis of acrylamide, which is a carcinogen. Hence, the baking of crustless bread can provide the industry with a better quality product as well.
OCCURRENCE OF PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS IN FISH SOLD IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
Authors: DA SILVA MIRIAM LOPES , ROGÉRIO MATTÉ GLAVUR , GERMANO PEDRO MANUEL LEAL , MATTÉ MARIA HELENA
Published: January 2010

This study investigated the presence of potentially human pathogenic strains of Vibrio spp., Aeromonas spp., Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus in fish commercialized in street markets of São Paulo city, Brazil. Twenty fish of different species were analyzed for foodborne pathogens using conventional methods. High levels of fecal contamination were detected in 25% of samples. S. aureus was isolated from 10% of samples. All were negative for Salmonella. Vibrio species, including Vibrio cholerae non‐O1/non‐O139, were observed in 85% of samples although Vibrio parahaemolyticus was not found in this study. Aeromonas spp., including A. hydrophila, was isolated from 50% of fish samples. The occurrence of these pathogens suggests that the fish commercialized in São Paulo may represent a health risk to the consumers.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fish and fish products represent an important vehicle of gastrointestinal infection in the world. International trade in fish and its derivatives has grown substantially over the last decades and continue to expand; requiring rigorous sanitary control. The integration of world‐wide commerce, among other reasons, has led to increased fish consumption around world Moreover, healthier lifestyles and cultural globalization have popularized the consumption of raw fish dishes, which were historically restricted to oriental countries. This study suggests that fish can represent health risks.
EFFICACY OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE AND MILD HEAT TO REDUCE GEOBACILLUS STEAROTHERMOPHILUS AS 1.1923 SPORES IN MODEL FOOD SYSTEMS
Authors: GAO YU‐LONG
Published: January 2010

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of high hydrostatic pressure and mild heat against spores of Geobacillus stearothermophilus AS 1.1923 in model food systems. The pressure‐processing conditions were fixed at 625.0 MPa and 86C for 14 min, which have been determined as the optimum processing conditions considering six‐log‐cycle reductions of G. stearothermophilus spores. Based on the results, response surface methodology was performed in the present investigation, the effects from food ingredients, such as soybean protein, soybean oil and sucrose, as well as pH of the food matrix on the inactivation of G. stearothermophilus spores by high pressure and mild heat was explored, and a quadratic predictive model for the effects of food ingredients and pH on the reduction levels of G. stearothermophilus spores by high‐pressure processing was built. The predictive model is significant because the level of significance was P < 0.0001 and the calculated F value is much greater than the tabulated F value. Moreover, the adequacy of the model equation for predicting the reduction of G. stearothermophilus spores was verified effectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This paper clearly demonstrated the contributions to pressure resistance from food ingredients such as soybean protein, soybean oil, sucrose and pH of the food matrix to the inactivation of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores by high hydrostatic pressure and mild heat. The predictive model for predicting the reduction of G. stearothermophilus spores in model food systems was built which can be beneficial to targeted process development toward high‐pressure sterilization of foods.
FOOD TUBE: COVERAGE OF FOOD SAFETY ISSUES THROUGH VIDEO
Authors: RHOADES EMILY , ELLIS JASON D.
Published: January 2010

Food safety in restaurants is an increasing concern among consumers. A primary population segment working in foodservice is receiving food safety information through new media channels such as video social network websites. This research used content analysis to examine the purpose and messages of food safety‐related videos posted to YouTube. A usable sample of 76 videos was identified using “food safety” in the YouTube search function. Results indicate that videos must be artfully developed to attract YouTube users while conveying a credible and educational message. Communicators must also monitor new media for competing messages being viewed by target audiences and devise strategies to counter such messages. This one‐time snapshot of how food safety was portrayed on YouTube suggests that the intended purpose of videos, whether educational or entertainment, is not as relevant as the perceived purpose and the message being received by viewers.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Findings from this study inform food safety educators working with young adults about existing messages in emerging communications channels. Many youth are moving to new social networking and online resources for entertainment and education. These findings characterize food safety information youth can currently access on one such site. By knowing what complementary and competing messages exist, educators, food safety experts and communicators can more strategically develop messages for this medium, which, in turn, helps achieve their communication or educational objectives.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF PU‐ERH TEA EXTRACTS IN VITRO AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE PRESERVATION OF COOLED MUTTON
Authors: HU YONGJIN , JIA JUNJING , QIAO JINLING , GE CHANGRONG , CAO ZHENGHUI
Published: January 2010

The inhibitory effect of the extract of pu‐erh tea (PETs) against six strains by paper‐diffusion methods and the characterization of the mutton treated with different concentrations of the PETs during storage at 7 ± 1C were evaluated in this article. The results showed PETs could significantly inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcicosis faecalis, Escherichia coli and Bacillus anthraci, and their minimum inhibitory concentration were 0.07, 0.18, 0.50, 0.42 and 0.48 mg/mL, respectively. PETs showed weak inhibition for S. aureus. The cooled mutton treated with PETs resulted in suppression in the increase of total volatile base nitrogen and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, inhibition of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas growth. The cooled mutton treated with 2% PETs showed highest color and overall acceptability. These results suggest the high potential in using PETs as a means of enhancing freshness and quality in cooled meats.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Antimicrobial activities of microbial fermented tea are much less known than its health beneficial properties. Pu‐erh tea is consumed by people as a daily healthy drink all over the world, extracts of pu‐erh tea may be safe to use in food systems to extend the shelf life. With the trend of increasing use of natural and biological preservatives in food products, natural antimicrobial agents from pu‐erh tea may offer an innovative and interesting measure for such applications.
OCCURRENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS ISOLATED FROM MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCTS CONSUMED IN TURKEY
Authors: GUVEN KIYMET , MUTLU MEHMET BURCIN , GULBANDILAR AYSEL , CAKIR PINAR
Published: January 2010

A total of 413 samples of milk, dairy products, meat and meat products were analyzed for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in a 2‐year survey (2004–2006). One hundred thirty‐eight samples were (33.4%) contaminated with S. aureus. A total of 138 S. aureus strains were isolated and identified. Enterotoksin profiles were determined by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Test Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination. Their resistance to nine antibiotics were tested. The contamination rate of the meat product samples (48.7%) was significantly higher than milk and dairy products (23.2%). Most of the strains (60.1%) produced staphylococcal enterotoxins. Four strains produced staphylococcal enterotoxin C and staphylococcal enterotoxin D. All of the strains tested were resistant to many of the nine antibiotics. One strain isolated from feta cheese was resistant to all of the antibiotics tested. Penicillin G resistance was the highest (92.7%) among the antibiotics. Seventy‐one strains choosen randomly were compared by the DNA macrorestriction patterns obtained from pulsed field gel electrophoresis following Sma I digestion and 33 pulsotypes were determined. Seventy‐three strains were characterized by automated ribotyping using Eco RI and 8 ribotypes were determined. The same, as well as different pulsotypes, were identified among strains with the identical ribotyping profile. The presence of enterotoxigenic and antimicrobial resistant strains of S. aureus has become remarkably wide spread in the foods examined and poor sanitary conditions during processing may create a health risk for the consumers. The results of genotyping showed high diversity among the strains.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

These results suggests that the contamination of various food samples by Staphylococcus aureus indicates poor personel hygiene and/or cross contamination in Turkey. Potential of S. aureus strains to produce enteroxins represent a health hazard to the consumers. Prevalence of multiple resistance to the antibiotics of the strains suggests the restricted use of them in animal and human therapy and growth promotion in animals. Genotyping with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed more subtypes of S. aureus strains isolated from different food sources than automated ribotyping. Therefore, although both methods could be applied to demonsrate the source and route of the contamination, PFGE should be preferred in future studies of epidemiology of the S. aureus contamination.
RADIATION SENSITIVITY OF 3‐STRAIN COCKTAIL PATHOGENS INOCULATED INTO SEASONED AND FERMENTED SQUID AND ENHANCEMENT OF MICROBIAL QUALITY BY IRRADIATION
Authors: SONG H.P. , KIM B. , KIM Y.J. , LEE K.H. , KWON J.H. , JO C.
Published: January 2010

Commercial squid Jeotkal was purchased, radiation‐sterilized, and inoculated with a 3‐strain cocktail of each Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19114, 19115, and 19111), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538, 25923, and 29213), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (ATCC 17802, 33844, and 27969). The inoculated samples were then irradiated again at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 kGy. The D10 values of the cocktail of each L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and V. parahaemolyticus were 0.85, 0.83, and 0.25 kGy, respectively. No viable cells were detected at 5 kGy of irradiation. Commercial squid Jeotkal was also irradiated without sterilization and showed that irradiation significantly reduced the initial microbial level not only immediately after irradiation but also during storage at 10C for 4 weeks (P < 0.05). The total aerobic bacterial number of red pepper powder was 6.31 log cfu/g level and showed to be the most responsible for the microbial contamination of squid Jeotkal among the tested ingredients used for manufacturing. Sensory quality was not affected by the irradiation treatment. Results suggest that low‐dose (1 kGy or above) irradiation can improve the microbial quality and reduce the risk by the foodborne pathogens in squid Jeotkal, which has limited alternative sterilization methods because of the temperature characteristics of the products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Jeotkal, a representative Korean salted and fermented fish product, has an important role in the diet and nutrition of Koreans. However, high amounts of salt are added to Jeotkal to extend its shelf life, and this has been brought to the consumer's concern. Thus, a low‐salted Jeotkal (usually using only 8% of salt) is being produced but companies are faced with problems on microbial safety and the reduction of the product's shelf life. Many attempts including the addition of natural preservatives or using high hydrostatic pressure have been carried out to solve these problems; however, most of these attempts were proven to have some drawbacks such as poor flavor and texture. Irradiation is an effective tool to control foodborne pathogens and to avoid cross contamination for this kind of products which has limited alternative sterilization methods because of the temperature characteristics. Therefore, the result of this study may provide an evidence for the industry and the legal authority to use irradiation technology properly in the production of squid Jeotkal.
PREVALENCE AND CARCASS CONTAMINATION WITH CAMPYLOBACTER IN SHEEP SENT FOR SLAUGHTER IN SCOTLAND
Authors: GARCIA A.B. , STEELE W.B. , TAYLOR D.J.
Published: January 2010

Campylobacter species have been identified as the major cause of acute bacterial enteritis in the U.K. It has been suggested that the role of sheep in the epidemiology of Campylobacter has been underestimated. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in sheep sent for slaughter into an abattoir in Scotland and the prevalence of Campylobacter on the carcasses as a potential risk for human campylobacteriosis. Fecal samples and swabs (from fleeces and carcasses) were collected and processed using standard laboratory methods. The prevalence of Campylobacter obtained was unexpectedly high (49% positives from fecal samples by direct plating; 64% from fecal samples after enrichment; 95% from the fleeces after enrichment and 90% from the carcasses after enrichment) in comparison with the prevalence reported in the literature. It is the first time that such higher prevalence have been reported for Campylobacter isolated from sheep. The results showed that Campylobacter jejuni accounted for 75% of all the positive samples, followed by C. coli (16%), C. upsaliensis (2.52%), C. fetus (1.26%) and Arcobacter cryaerophilus (0.84%). These findings have important implications for public health as C. jejuni is the species of Campylobacter most commonly involved in human campylobacteriosis.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Campylobacter spp. isolates obtained during the study were preserved and are available to be used for further analysis. In fact, there has been some interest to use these isolates for multilocus sequence typing analysis. Epidemiological data regarding selected risk factors and the presence of Campylobacter in sheep and sheep carcasses was also obtained and analyzed during this study. The results from the epidemiological analysis are presented in a separate scientific paper including recommendations for the control of Campylobacter on sheep carcasses. The unexpected higher prevalence of Campylobacter in sheep found in this project might serve as motivation for future research studies. Furthermore, the methods used for isolation and identification of Campylobacter from sheep might be applicable to other animal species and/or other sources of Campylobacter.
UTILIZATION OF INVERSE WATER‐IN‐OIL EMULSIONS AS FAT REPLACERS IN FRANKFURTER MODEL SAUSAGES: INFLUENCE OF FAT EMULSION CONTENT ON THE ORGANOLEPTIC AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: RITZOULIS C. , PETRIDIS D. , DERLIKIS EM. , FYTIANOS K. , ASTERIOU P.
Published: January 2010

The effect of fat content on the oral perception and the mechanical properties of frankfurter‐type sausages was studied by means of absolute and hedonic organoleptic and mechanical tests. Panelists were able to discriminate changes of 5–10% in fat content. A correlation between fat content and organoleptic attributes was found, supporting a perception that the full‐fat product is the de facto preferable product, to whose attributes others must conform.

Substituting fat with water‐in‐fat globules was found to imitate a full‐fat sausage adequately in mechanical tests; however, organoleptic tests assessed the true fat content of the sausages. The tests indicate that it might be the absolute amount of fat, not the surface area of fat‐covered globules, that correlates to the perception of fattiness. The above should be attributed to the lubrication and flocculation–coalescence of fat droplets with saliva in the mouth.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The substitution of fat globules by inverse water‐in‐fat globules in sausages was found to imitate a full‐fat sausage adequately in mechanical tests; however, sensory tests confidently assessed the exact, true fat content of the sausages. This observation points out some limitations concerning the use of inverse emulsions as fat substitutes in relevant products.

Correlations between sensory attributes and fat level in sausages could imply that specific norms relating to fat level exist in the consumers, to which low‐fat products may have to conform to.

The testers were able to attribute different scores, thus, discriminate sausages different at times by just 5–10% fat content. This could be of importance in the development of new low‐fat sausage products.
Combined effect of IL‐17 and blockade of nitric oxide biosynthesis on haematopoiesis in mice
Authors: Krstić A. , Santibanez J. F. , Okić I. , Mojsilović S. , Kocić J. , Jovčić G. , Milenković P. , Bugarski D.
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The study was undertaken to extend our investigation concerning both the in vivo activity of interleukin (IL)‐17 and the specific role of nitric oxide (NO) in IL‐17‐induced effects in the process of haematopoiesis.

Methods:  CBA mice were simultaneously treated with IL‐17 and/or nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, l‐NAME, for 5 days and changes within various haematopoietic cell lineages in bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood were analysed.

Results:  Findings showed that administration of both IL‐17 and l‐NAME stimulated increase in net haematopoiesis in normal mice. IL‐17‐enhanced myelopoiesis was characterized by stimulation of both femoral and splenic haematopoietic progenitor cells and morphologically recognizable granulocytes. Additionally, IL‐17 induced alterations in the frequency of erythroid progenitor cells in both bone marrow and spleen, accompanied with their mobilization to the peripheral blood. As a consequence of these changes in the erythroid cell compartments, significant reticulocytosis was observed, which evidenced that in IL‐17‐treated mice effective erythropoiesis occurred. Exposure of mice to NOS inhibitor also increased the number of both granulocyte‐macrophage and erythroid progenitors in bone marrow and spleens, and these alterations were followed by the mobilization of erythroid progenitors and elevated content of reticulocytes in peripheral blood. The specific role of NO in IL‐17‐induced haematopoiesis was demonstrated only in the IL‐17‐reducing effect on bone marrow late stage erythroid progenitors, CFU‐E.

Conclusion:  The results demonstrated the involvement of both IL‐17 and NO in the regulation of haematopoietic cell activity in various haematopoietic compartments. They further suggest that IL‐17 effects are differentially mediated depending on the haematopoietic microenvironments.
Cardiac function during mild hypothermia in pigs: increased inotropy at the expense of diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Post H. , Schmitto J. D. , Steendijk P. , Christoph J. , Holland R. , Wachter R. , Schöndube F. W. , Pieske B.
Published: January 2010

Aim:  The induction of mild hypothermia (MH; 33 °C) has become the guideline therapy to attenuate hypoxic brain injury after out‐of‐hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation. While MH exerts a positive inotropic effect in vitro, MH reduces cardiac output in vivo and is thus discussed critically when severe cardiac dysfunction is present in patients. We thus assessed the effect of MH on the function of the normal heart in an in vivo model closely mimicking the clinical setting.

Methods:  Ten anaesthetized, female human‐sized pigs were acutely catheterized for measurement of pressure–volume loops (conductance catheter), cardiac output (Swan‐Ganz catheter) and for vena cava inferior occlusion. Controlled MH (from 37 to 33 °C) was induced by a vena cava inferior cooling catheter.

Results:  With MH, heart rate (HR) and whole body oxygen consumption decreased, while lactate levels remained normal. Cardiac output, left ventricular (LV) volumes, peak systolic and end‐diastolic pressure and dP/dtmax did not change significantly. Changes in dP/dtmin and the time constant of isovolumetric relaxation demonstrated impaired active relaxation. In addition, MH prolonged the systolic and shortened the diastolic time interval. Pressure–volume analysis revealed increased end‐systolic and end‐diastolic stiffness, indicating positive inotropy and reduced end‐diastolic distensibility. Positive inotropy was preserved during pacing, while LV end‐diastolic pressure increased and diastolic filling was substantially impaired due to delayed LV relaxation.

Conclusion:  MH negatively affects diastolic function, which, however, is compensated for by decreased spontaneous HR. Positive inotropy and a decrease in whole body oxygen consumption warrant further studies addressing the potential benefit of MH on the acutely failing heart.
Photodynamic Inactivation of Conidia of the Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae and Aspergillus nidulans with Methylene Blue and Toluidine Blue
Authors: Gonzales Fernanda P. , Da Silva Sérgio H. , Roberts Donald. W. , Braga Gilberto U. L.
Published: January 2010

Antimicrobial photodynamic treatment (PDT) is a promising method that can be used to control localized mycoses or kill fungi in the environment. A major objective of the current study was to compare the conidial photosensitization of two fungal species (Metarhizium anisopliae and Aspergillus nidulans) with methylene blue (MB) and toluidine blue (TBO) under different incubation and light conditions. Parameters examined were media, photosensitizer (PS) concentration and light source. PDT with MB and TBO resulted in an incomplete inactivation of the conidia of both fungal species. Conidial inactivation reached up to 99.7%, but none of the treatments was sufficient to achieve a 100% fungicidal effect using either MB or TBO. PDT delayed the germination of the surviving conidia. Washing the conidia to remove unbound PS before light exposure drastically reduced the photosensitization of A. nidulans. The reduction was much smaller in M. anisopliae conidia, indicating that the conidia of the two species interact differently with MB and TBO. Conidia of green and yellow M. anisopliae mutants were less affected by PDT than mutants with white and violet conidia. In contrast to what occurred in PBS, photosensitization of M. anisopliae and A. nidulans conidia was not observed when PDT was performed in potato dextrose media.
Chronic Actinic Dermatitis to Sesquiterpene Lactones: [2+2] Photoreaction Toward Thymidine of (+) and (−) α‐Methylene‐Hexahydrobenzofuranone with a cis Ring Junction
Authors: Fuchs Sébastien , Berl Valérie , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre
Published: January 2010

(+) and (−) α‐methylene‐hexahydrobenzofuranone derivatives with a stereochemically pure cis ring junction were used as models of sesquiterpene lactones to study their photoreactivity toward thymidine. After 313 nm irradiation of a deoxygenated acetone solution of lactone models and thymidine, six [2+2] photoadducts were isolated for each enantiomer and fully characterized by a combination of NMR experiments. A common syn regioselectivity and exo stereoselectivity were observed for photoadducts. This high photoreactivity of α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone ring toward thymidine could be an explanation of the progressive evolution of allergic contact dermatitis toward chronic actinic dermatitis.
Long‐term exposure to elevated CO2 in a Florida scrub‐oak forest increases herbivore densities but has no effect on other arthropod guilds
Authors: STILING PETER , FORKNER REBECCA , DRAKE BERT
Published: January 2010

Abstract.  1. This study uses pitfall traps and sticky traps to examine the effects of elevated CO2 on the densities of insect herbivores, insectivores, and detritivores.

2. Pitfall trapping for the last 3 years of 11 years of continuously elevated CO2 revealed increases of insect herbivore species such as Thysanoptera (thrips), Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, but no effects on insectivores such as spiders, parasitic wasps, and ants; or on detritivores such as Diptera (flies), Psocoptera (book lice), Blattodea (cockroaches), Collembola (spring tails), Orthoptera (crickets), and Coleoptera (beetles).

3. As the bottom‐up effects of elevated CO2 are transmitted through plants to herbivores, they do not appear to reach insect natural enemies or decomposers.
Predictors of coronary heart disease in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Screening for coronary artery stenosis using multidetector computed tomography
Authors: Nishioka Hiroko , Furukawa Noboru , Shimoda Seiya , Nishida Kenro , Nakaura Takeshi , Maeda Takako , Goto Rieko , Miyamura Nobuhiro , Awai Kazuo , Yamashita Yasuyuki , Araki Eiichi
Published: January 2010

Aims/Introduction:  Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography has been applied as a tool for non‐invasive evaluation of the coronary arteries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of MDCT in screening for coronary artery disease (CAD), and to identify the indications for screening in diabetes patients with CAD.

Materials and Methods:  The study population consisted of 52 Japanese type 2 diabetes patients who underwent examination with a 64‐slice MDCT scanner, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography and ultrasonographic scanning of the carotid arteries. Regression analysis was carried out to assess the correlation between MDCT results and CAD risk factors.

Results:  Stenosis of the coronary artery was detected in 19/52 patients. Of the 19 patients, 7 patients had no symptoms, including chest pain, and no ischemic changes in ECG. Significant differences between patients with stenosis and those without stenosis were detected by mean IMT (1.21 vs 0.95 mm), and duration of diabetes (20 vs 13 years). Two‐tailed χ2‐test showed that a duration of diabetes of more than 20 years (odds ratio 6.222) and more than 1.1 mm of mean‐IMT (odds ratio 4.600) significantly correlated with the stenosis.

Conclusions:  It was shown that MDCT is useful in detecting coronary artery stenosis in diabetic patients without symptoms of CAD or ECG abnormality, and the predictors of CAD are mean IMT and duration of diabetes. It is recommended that patients with more than 1.1 mm mean IMT at the carotid artery and/or more than 20 years duration of diabetes should be screened for CAD by carrying out MDCT.