bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of Uapaca kirkiana, Strychnos cocculoides, Adansonia digitata and Mangiferia indica fruit products
Authors: Saka John , Rapp Isabel , Akinnifesi Festus , Ndolo Victoria , Mhango Jarrett
Published: November 2007

Uapaca kirkiana (‘Masuku’) and Strychnos cocculoides (‘Kabeza’) juices and jams as well as juices from Adansonia digitata (Baobab, ‘Malambe’) and Mangifera indica (mango) were prepared, evaluated by a trained ten‐member panel (seven women and three men) and analysed for their physicochemical and shelf‐life characteristics. The physicochemical data indicated that juices and jams are rich sources of zinc, copper and phosphorus. While sensory evaluations of the jams were not significantly different between Uapaca and Strychnos fruits (P > 0.05), significant differences were, however, obtained for the juices, with Strychnos juice being the more preferred. Compared with Baobab and mango juices, Strychnos juice, unlike Uapaca juice, exhibited relatively low fungal, yeast and bacterial contamination. Thus, processing and handling of the products were hygienically undertaken. Therefore, both Uapaca and Strychnos fruits have adequate potential for food product development, and their products are rich sources of trace elements (Zn and Cu).
Chemical and sensory changes in frozen (−18 °C) wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) captured at different fishing seasons
Authors: Özyurt Gülsün , Polat Abdurrahman , Tokur Bahar
Published: November 2007

Wild sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) captured from north eastern Mediterranean in autumn and winter were stored at −18 °C, and their chemical and sensory quality were investigated for up to 9 months. At the end of autumn storage period, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid values, free and bound formaldehyde, free formaldehyde and protein solubility were 6.69, 15.59 mg 100 g−1, 0.086 mg MA kg−1, 1.23 mg kg−1, 3.58 mg kg−1 and 15.72 g 100 g−1, respectively. The same parameters for winter storage were 6.55, 12.08 mg 100 g−1, 0.308 mg MA kg−1, 3.38 mg kg−1, 4.95 mg kg−1 and 14.39 g 100 g−1, respectively. None of the chemical quality parameters exceeded the acceptability limits. These results were supported by the results of sensory analyses (colour, odour, flavour, texture and overall acceptability). It was also concluded that differences in initial proximate composition and chemical quality scores of wild sea bass captured in autumn and winter did not have an effect on the chemical and sensory quality during frozen storage.
Sensory, chemical and microbiological quality parameters in sea bream (Sparus aurata) stored in ice or wrapped in cling film or in aluminium foil at 2 ± 1 °C
Authors: Özogul Fatih , Kuley Esmeray , Özogul Yesim
Published: November 2007

The effects of aluminium foil and cling film on sensory (raw and cooked), chemical and microbiological quality changes in cultured sea bream (Sparus aurata) stored at 2 ± 1 °C were investigated. The worst quality in terms of colour and odour was observed for sea bream wrapped in aluminium foil (WAF) and followed by fish wrapped in cling film (WCF). The shelf‐life of sea bream was found to be 18 days for ice and 8 days for both fish wrapped in cling film and aluminium foil according to panellist perceptions. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) value of sea bream stored in ice, wrapped in cling film and aluminium foil reached from initial value of 15.2 mg TVB‐N/100 g to 28.6, 50.6 and 65.3 mg/100 g at 22, 15 and 15 days respectively. The highest growth of bacteria was found in sea bream for WAF, followed by WCF and lowest count was with ice storage condition.
Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Indian spices against common foodborne pathogens
Authors: Sofia Papachan Karur , Prasad Rajendra , Vijay Virendra Kumar , Srivastava Ashok Kumar
Published: November 2007

The present study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of six Indian spice extracts, namely clove, cinnamon, mustard, garlic, ginger and mint. All of these have been traditionally used in folk medicine, and are still used in the alternative system of health care. The antimicrobial activity of these commonly used Indian spices was tested against three potent foodborne pathogens, namely Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, which are responsible for many health‐related problems. These were tested using paper disc diffusion method, cup method and dilution method (qualitative). The results showed that the extracts of clove, cinnamon and mustard had good inhibitory action at 1% concentration, while garlic showed medium activity. At 3% concentration, complete bactericidal effect was achieved. Ginger and mint showed negligible antibacterial activity against these pathogens at the same concentration.
Targeting different end uses of cassava: genotypic variations for cyanogenic potentials and pasting properties
Authors: Maziya‐Dixon Bussie , Dixon Alfred G. O. , Adebowale Abdul‐Rasaq A.
Published: November 2007

Cassava flour has potential for multiple applications in the food industry. To develop cassava varieties for targeted household and industrial uses, it is necessary to evaluate the varietal and environmental variations in fresh root yield, cyanide potential and physicochemical properties. A total of 303 and 379 cassava varieties were grown at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture research farm, Nigeria in 2000 and 2001, respectively, and harvested at 12 months after planting. The genotypic variations in cyanide content as well as the genotype × year interactions on the cyanide contents were significant (P < 0.01). There were significant (P < 0.05) genotypic variations in all the pasting properties except peak time and pasting temperature in 2001. The observed wide varietal differences in pasting properties indicate that cassava genotype can be targeted for use in different food products, feed and industries. The clones were screened and characterised for food, feed and industrial applications.
Comparison of the characteristics of set type yoghurt made from ovine milk of different fat content
Authors: Kaminarides Stelios , Stamou Paraskeri , Massouras Theophiles
Published: November 2007

Characteristics of four types of yoghurt made from ovine milk containing 6.6%, 3.8%, 2.3%, or 0.9% fat respectively were studied. The yoghurt produced from ovine milk with high fat had the highest flavour and texture scores, fat and total solids content and firmness, but the lowest syneresis, lactic acid and galactose content. Low‐fat yoghurts can be successfully produced from homogenised ovine milk and these yoghurts did not significantly differ from that of full fat yoghurt in values for ash, lactose, citric acid, pyruvic acid, pH and non‐protein nitrogen. The HPLC procedure that was used for the determination of lactose was appropriate for the simultaneous determination of galactose and organic acids in milk or yoghurt. A total of sixteen volatile compounds were identified in ovine yoghurt and the main volatile flavour compounds in yoghurt on 2 days were acetic acid, acetaldehyde, acetone, diacetyl, 2‐butanone, 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone and 3‐methyl‐2‐butanone.
An integrated strategy to control postharvest blue and grey mould rots of apple fruit by combining biocontrol yeast with gibberellic acid
Authors: Yu Ting , Zheng Xiao Dong
Published: November 2007

Strains ofCryptococcus laurentiiare useful biocontrol yeasts in controlling postharvest fruit diseases. Gibberellic acid (GA3), as a plant growth regulator, is associated with many plant growth and development processes. The results from this study showed that the combination ofC. laurentiiat 1 × 108 cells mL−1and GA3at 200 μg mL−1could produce a more efficient control of both the blue and grey mould rots of apple fruit caused byPenicillium expansumandBotrytis cinerea, respectively. Moreover, this combined treatment could stimulate a great increase in the activities of both superoxide dismutase and catalase, however, it suppressed the increase of peroxidase activity in apple fruit. In addition, GA3alone at 200 μg mL−1had little influence on the incidence and development of both the diseases on apple wounds, and it had no effect on the spore germination of bothP. expansumandB. cinereain vitroas well as the population ofC. laurentiiin vivo. Therefore, we deduced that the efficacy of this combined treatment in controlling the postharvest diseases in apple fruit could be linked to its capability of adjusting the fruit‐mediated resistance on the basis of the antagonistic activity of the biocontrol yeast itself.
The removal of colour, carotene and acidity from crude olive oil by using sepiolite
Authors: Uğurlu Mehmet , Kula Ibrahim
Published: November 2007

The capacity of sepiolite to adsorb colouring matters in olive oil was studied. The effects of adsorption time, temperature and solid:liquid ratio were selected as parameters. The effect of bleaching of olive oil was evaluated for determining the % free fatty acid (FFA), % bleachability and residual carotene by using both thermally activated sepiolite (AS) and acid‐activated sepiolite (AAS). Results reveal that thermally acid‐activated sepiolite was more efficient than thermally activated sepiolite. The adsorption equilibriums of carotene and FFA on AS and AAS were described by the Freundlich models. A higher adsorption coefficient (K) was observed for AAS (Kcarotene = 2.73 × 10−3mgg−1, KFFA = 0.98mgg−1) compared to AS (Kcarotene = 2.63 × 10−7mgg−1, KFFA = 0.21mgg−1). Moreover, the rate constants obtained for carotene and colour by using AAS (kcolor = 0.0241 min−1, kcarotene = 0.0217min−1) were higher than that of AS (kcolor = 0.01min−1, kcarotene = 0.0165min−1).
The effects of modified atmosphere and vacuum packaging on quality of chub mackerel
Authors: Erkan Nuray , Özden Özkan , Inuğur Müge
Published: November 2007

Quality and shelf life of filleted chub mackerel packaged in air, vacuum (VP) and modified atmosphere packing (MAP) (O2/CO2/N2, 5%/70%/25%) conditions and stored at +4 °C were investigated by measurement of sensory, chemical and microbiological analyses. Acceptability scores for odour, taste and texture of cooked air packaged, VP and MAP chub mackerel decreased with storage time. The sensory scores of chub mackerel stored in air, VP and MAP at +4 °C were 10 and 12 days, respectively. Total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine nitrogen values gave acceptable results for up to 9 days for the chub mackerel stored in air, VP and 11 days for MAP storage. VP fillets presented the lowest thiobarbituric acid values. Mesophilic counts for air–VP and MAP samples exceeded 6 log CFU g−1 after 7 and 11 days of cold storage, respectively. The results obtained from this study showed that the shelf life of chub mackerel stored in cold storage (+4 °C), as determined by overall acceptability of all data, is 9 days for air‐packaged and VP fish and 12 days for MAP fish.
Rheological behaviour of chestnuts under compression tests
Authors: Moreira Ramón , Chenlo Francisco , Abelenda Natalia , Vázquez María José
Published: November 2007

Moduli of deformability, maximum stress, maximum strain and fracture work have been determined for chestnuts as functions of moisture content. Fresh and dehydrated chestnuts obtained by convective drying, as well as frozen chestnuts, have been tested. The samples were cut in prisms. Uniaxial compression tests in a Universal Testing Machine were employed. Hencky's model was selected as the most appropriate one. Dried chestnuts at 65 °C show a non‐linear behaviour of the modulus of deformability and maximum stress with the moisture content under 0.25 kg kg−1 [dry basis (d.b.)], while both parameters are practically constant for upper values. The modulus of deformability and the maximum stress have been correlated with the aw, obtaining a decreasing linear behaviour below aw values around 0.82. The higher maximum strain values were found at moisture contents around 0.41 kg kg−1 (d.b.), and it stays practically constant below 0.25 kg kg−1 (d.b.). Defrosted chestnuts show lower modulus of deformability and maximum stress values, but the maximum strain values are higher. This fact reveals a lesser firmness in their structures compared with fresh fruits.
Influence of ferulic acid on stability of anthocyanins from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in a model system and a yogurt system
Authors: Gris Eliana Fortes , Ferreira Eduardo Antonio , Falcão Leila Denise , Bordignon‐Luiz Marilde Terezinha
Published: November 2007

The influence of different factors on the stability of the anthocyanin crude extract from Cabernet Sauvignon grape skins was investigated. In a model system, the factors evaluated were as follows: temperature 4 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 3 °C, presence and absence of light, pH 3.0 and 4.0 and presence of ferulic acid. The influence of the addition of ferulic acid to anthocyanins was investigated in a yogurt system stored at 4 ± 1 °C. The results obtained for anthocyanin degradation velocity constant and for the half‐life time of anthocyanins in a model system and in a yogurt system showed that ferulic acid significantly increased the stability of the anthocyanins crude extract.
Development of a blended beverage consisting of coconut water and cashew apple juice containing caffeine
Authors: Marques de Carvalho Joelia , Maia Geraldo Arraes , Wilane de Figueiredo Raimundo , Sousa de Brito Edy , Rordrigues Sueli
Published: November 2007

The objective of this work was to evaluate the acceptability of coconut water/cashew apple juice blends containing 100 p.p.m. of added caffeine. Five formulations with different concentrations of cashew apple juice, previously standardised with respect to pH values, total soluble solids (°Brix) and caffeine contents, were evaluated. The formulations were subjected to chemical characterisation (pH, soluble solids, acidity, total sugar and vitamin C), microbial and sensory evaluation (colour, flavour, overall quality and purchase intention). All samples showed good acceptability, but the formulation with 12.5% cashew apple juice and 87.5% coconut water reached the highest hedonic scores. All formulations showed good microbiological quality. The results showed that the vitamin C content presented a great difference among the formulations varying according to the proportion of cashew apple juice.
Influence of gamma irradiation on growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and quality of cig kofte, a traditional raw meat product
Authors: Gezgin Zafer , Gunes Gurbuz
Published: November 2007

Cig kofte is a traditional Turkish food containing raw ground meat. Samples inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 were irradiated at 0.5–6 kGy with a 60Co source and stored at 4 and 25 °C. Total aerobic mesophilic count decreased with increasing irradiation doses, D10 value was 0.83 kGy. Escherichia coli O157:H7 count decreased from 5.1 log10 CFU g−1 to an undetectable level (<1 log10 CFU g−1) after 1‐day storage at 4 °C following irradiation at 2 kGy, D10‐value was 0.29 kGy. Irradiation doses up to 2 kGy did not affect sensory quality after 1 day. There was colour loss in samples irradiated at 2 kGy or above and stored for longer periods. Storage of the irradiated products at abused temperature must be avoided for safety assurance. Irradiation at 2 kGy has a great potential for extending the shelf‐life of cig kofte and assuring safety by decreasing the number of E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria, but further studies with suitable package designs are needed to decrease quality degradation during extended storage.
Single‐layer drying characteristics and colour kinetics of red chilli
Authors: Hossain Mohammed Ayub , Woods James Lyn , Bala Bilash Kanti
Published: November 2007

Single‐layer drying experiments were conducted under controlled conditions of temperature, relative humidity (RH) and air velocity to find out the effects of drying conditions and blanching on the drying rate and colour of Thai red chilli. Drying rate increased with an increase of drying air temperature and a decrease of RH. Air temperatures above 65 °C affected the colour of red chilli. Red chilli should be dried at an air velocity equal to or just above 0.50 m s−1. Above this value, the drying rate becomes independent of air velocity. RH and air velocity have no effect on the colour of red chilli. Faster drying rate and higher colour value was found for the blanched sample rather than the unblanched sample. The Newton and the Page equations were fitted to the experimental data. The Newton equation was found to describe the single‐layer drying of red chilli better than the Page equation.
Antioxidative principals of Jussiaea repens: an edible medicinal plant
Authors: Huang Hai‐Lan , Li Dong‐Li , Li Xiao‐Ming , Xu Bo , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: November 2007

Jussiaea repens L. (JRL) is an edible medicinal plant and is also used as a vegetable by the local people in southwestern China. The crude extract and its four fractions derived from JRL were evaluated for the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical‐scavenging ability, hydroxyl radical‐scavenging capacity and the potassium ferricyanide reduction property. The ethyl acetate‐soluble fraction (EAF) and EAF6 (a subfraction derived from EAF) were the most valuable fraction and subfraction, respectively. Furthermore, bioactivity‐guided chromatographic fractionation revealed that three pure compounds greatly contributed to the antioxidant activities. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the major antioxidant constituents in the extract were systematically conducted by NMR, mass spectral analyses and RP‐HPLC. The result demonstrated that rosmarinic acid (2.00 mg g−1 JRL dry weight) quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (9.88 mg g−1 JRL dry weight), and kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (1.85 mg g−1 JRL dry weight) were the major antioxidative constituents in JRL. These compounds are reported for the first time from this plant.
Use of silicon oxide and sodium silicate for controlling Trichothecium roseum postharvest rot in Chinese cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Guo Yurong , Liu Lei , Zhao Jian , Bi Yang
Published: November 2007

Silicon oxide and sodium silicate were investigated as potential agents for the control of postharvest pink rot in Chinese cantaloupe (cultivar Yujingxing) caused by Trichothecium roseum. In vitro tests showed that sodium silicate, when added to potato dextrose agar, was effective in suppressing the radial growth of the pathogen on the medium, whereas silicon oxide was ineffective. The effectiveness of sodium silicate increased with concentration, and the growth of the fungus was completely inhibited at 100 mm. When melons were dipped in the solutions, both silicon oxide and sodium silicate significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the severity of pink rot of the cantaloupe with lesion diameters reduced by up to fivefold when compared with the controls. Scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray analysis showed that silicon (Si)‐treated melons had a smoother surface feature and higher Si levels in the epidermis, especially at the stomata and along the junction between the exocarp and mesocarp. Enhanced peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities were observed in sodium‐silicate‐treated melons but not in those treated with silicon oxide. The results indicate that different mechanisms might be involved in sodium silicate and silicon‐oxide‐initiated reduction of postharvest pink rot in Chinese cantaloupe.
Use of dairy proteins in lean poultry meat batters – a comparative study
Authors: Barbut Shai , Choy Valerie
Published: November 2007

The use of dry whole milk, skimmed milk, caseinate, regular and modified whey, at 2% level (w/w) and with 2% additional protein level was studied in a chicken breast meat system with 51% water addition. At the 2% (w/w) level, all dairy proteins significantly reduced cooking loss compared with the control, with caseinate showing the best results. When compared on an equal protein level (2% total protein), the best performing ingredients were the whole milk and modified whey. A similar observation was made in their effect on the products’ hardness and fracturability. A cost analysis revealed that modified whey provided the most economical ingredient even when used in quantities three times greater than that of as caseinate. Microscopy results showed the formation of larger fine‐protein‐matrix regions in the treatments that provided higher fracturability values.
Viscosity of tangerine and lemon juices as a function of temperature and concentration
Authors: Magerramov Mikail A. , Abdulagatov Aziz I. , Abdulagatov Ilmutdin M. , Azizov Nazim D.
Published: November 2007

Viscosities of two fruit (lemon and tangerine) juices have been measured with a capillary flow technique. Measurements were made in the temperature range from 303 to 393 K. The range of concentration was between 15 and 40 °Brix for tangerine juice and between 17 and 45 °Brix for the lemon juice. The total uncertainty of viscosity and temperature measurements was estimated to be <0.5% at low concentrations and up to 1.5% at high concentrations and 0.025 K, respectively. The effect of temperature and concentration on viscosity of tangerine and lemon juices was study. The measured values of the viscosity were used to calculate the temperature, (∂ ln η/∂T)x, and concentration, (∂ ln η/∂x)T, coefficients for each juice. The Arrhenius type correlation equations for viscosity were used to represent the temperature dependence of viscosity. The values of the Arrhenius equation parameters (flow activation energy, Ea, and η∞) were calculated for the measured viscosities of tangerine and lemon juices as a function of concentration. Different theoretical models for the viscosity of fruit juices were stringently tested with new accurate measurements on tangerine and lemon juices. The predictive capability of the various models was studied. The concentration and temperature dependence behavior of the viscosity of tangerine and lemon juices are discussed in light of the various theoretical models for viscosity of fruit juices. The applicability and predictive capability of the models used previously for aqueous solutions to represent the effect of temperature and concentration on viscosity of fruit juices was also studied. New model was developed to represent the combined effect of temperature and concentration on the viscosity of the juices. The average absolute deviation between measured and calculated values from this correlation equation for the viscosity was 0.8% and 2.1% for tangerine and lemon juices, respectively.
Quality changes during the storage of dehydrated chicken kebab mix
Authors: Modi Vinod K. , Sachindra Nakkerike M. , Nagegowda Paregowda , Mahendrakar Namadev S. , Narasimha Rao Dittakavi
Published: November 2007

The level of binders (starch, refined wheat flour and milk powder) was optimised with respect to sensory quality of ready‐to‐eat kebab made from a dehydrated mix using the experiment based on the Box–Behnken design. The optimised levels (as % of cooked meat) were 4.5% starch, 9.5% refined wheat flour and 2% milk powder. Dehydrated chicken kebab mix prepared with optimised quantities of binders and spices was packed in metalised polyester pouches, stored at ambient temperature (27 ± 2 °C) for 6 months and sampled periodically for quality evaluation. A gradual decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in pH from 5.8 to 5.5, increases (P ≤ 0.05) in aw from 0.31% to 0.42%, in moisture from 5.4% to 6.2%, in free fatty acid values from 0.99 to 1.74 as per cent oleic acid and in thiobarbituric acid numbers from 2.9 to 5.3 mg malonaldehyde kg−1 were observed during storage. Hunter colour a values increased (P ≤ 0.05) from 0.30 to 1.29, whereas changes in Hunter L (51.8–53.4) and in Hunter b (19.0–19.5) values were marginal (P ≥ 0.05) during storage. The chicken kebab mix was microbiologically safe as indicated by low bacterial counts and absence of coliforms throughout the storage period of 6 months. Fried chicken kebabs prepared from mix stored for up to 6 months were acceptable.
Effect of ionic strength on inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by electron beam in ground beef, chicken breast meat, and trout fillets
Authors: Black Jennifer Lea , Jaczynski Jacek
Published: November 2007

The ionic strengths (IS) of ground beef, chicken meat, and trout fillets were modified to intermediate and highest with 3.5% and 7.0% NaCl, respectively. The samples with modified and unaltered (native) IS were inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and subjected to electron beam (e‐beam). The water activity (aw) of the meat samples were 1.0, 0.96–0.97, and 0.94 for native, intermediate, and highest IS. The D10‐values were calculated from survivor curves. The D10‐values for E. coli ranged from 0.19 kGy in trout (highest IS) to 0.31 kGy in beef and chicken (highest IS). Regardless of the meat type, the increased resistance of E. coli to e‐beam was only observed at the highest IS. The difference of the D10‐value for E. coli in samples at intermediate and native IS was insignificant. Regardless of the IS, the E. coli in trout was most sensitive, while the difference of E. coli resistance to e‐beam in ground beef and chicken meat was insignificant.
Evaluation of the EEC four‐plate test and Premi test for screening antibiotic residues in trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: Kilinc Berna , Meyer Carsten , Hilge Volker
Published: November 2007

The four‐plate test (FPT) method was used for the determination of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim residues in trout in the European Community (EC). This microbiological inhibition test used three media seeded with Bacillus subtilis at different pH values (6, 7.2 or 8.0) and a fourth medium seeded with Micrococcus luteus. The Premi test was also used for the determination of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim residues in trout. The effects of a trout muscle supernatant on detection limits of antibiotics with microbiological inhibition tests were measured. The supernatant was applied directly on top of the paper disks impregnated with aqueous antibiotic solutions. Inhibition zones were compared with those obtained by the same standard solution of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim without the trout supernatant. The detection limit of penicillin, sulfadimidine, streptomycin groups of antibiotics were determined for checking the test plates. For supernatant from fish fed with pellets containing antibiotics (sulfadiazine/trimethoprim), the inhibition zones increased according to the duration of the feed application. In the control group, no inhibition zones were detected. The concentration of the residues accumulated and reached a plateau after 5 days. The antibiotics were detectable in the same concentration as on day 7, but three days later (on day 10) they were no longer detectable in the fish samples. In contrast to the ‘FPT’, 3 days after discontinuing the medicated diet, there were still residues detectable by ‘Premi test’ on day 10. Data is presented that shows that the FPT and the Premi test methods are very useful for the determination of sulfadiazine/trimethoprim residues in trout.
Application of a biogenic extra cellular ice nucleator for food processing: effects on the freeze‐thaw stability of fish actomyosin from tilapia
Authors: Zhu Xuntao , Lee Tung‐Ching
Published: November 2007

The effect of biogenic extra cellular ice nucleators (ECINs) on gel‐forming capacity and textural stability of a fish actomyosin (AM) gel system subjected to controlled freeze‐thaw (FT) cycles was studied. Stability changes were quantified by measuring the degree of retention of Ca2+ ATPase activity and changes in protein surface hydrophobicity. Results showed that different concentrations of ECIN suppressed Ca2+ ATPase activity loss during FT cycles depended quantitatively on ECIN concentration. After three FT cycles, Ca2+ ATPase activity retention was 76.20% with the highest ECIN concentration and 20.10% without ECIN, and surface hydrophobicity of AM with ECIN was 150.67, whereas the corresponding value of the control sample was 208.70. By measuring changes in surface hydrophobicity, we observed that ECIN significantly reduces denaturation of AM protein caused by FT cycling. Our data show that ECIN contributes a significant protective effect on gel‐forming capacity of fish and textural stability of fish AM during FT cycling. This demonstrates for the first time that ECINs have the potential to help stabilise the texture of fish AM and potentially other food products during frozen storage.
Rheological properties of sour‐cherry juice and concentrate
Authors: Belibağli Kadir B. , Dalgic Ali C.
Published: November 2007

Rheological properties of sour cherry juice were determined by a Controlled Stress Rheometer. Sour cherry juice with different solid contents (40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 68.5 and 70 Brix) was prepared using a rotary evaporator after squeezing and filtration of sour cherries. The rheological behavior of these concentrates was studied in the temperature range of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50°C. Sour cherry juice was found to exhibit Newtonian behavior. The effect of temperature on viscosity can be described by means of an Arrhenius equation. Activation energies appeared in the range of 22.44–73.49 kJ/mol with increasing concentration. To study effect of concentration on the viscosity, power‐law and exponential equations were used. Finally, two equation describing the combined effect of temperature and soluble solids content on the viscosity of concentrated sour cherry juice were obtained.
The construction of men who are nurses as gay
Authors: Harding Thomas
Published: November 2007

Title. The construction of men who are nurses as gay

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to examine the construction of the stereotype of male nurses as gay, and to describe how this discourse impacts on a group of New Zealand male nurses.

Background. A discourse stereotyping male nurses as gay is accompanied by one which privileges hegemonic masculinity and marginalizes homosexuality.

Method. This social constructionist study drew on data collected from existing texts on men, nursing and masculinity and interviews with 18 New Zealand men conducted in 2003–2004. Discourse analysis, informed by masculinity theory and queer theory, was used to analyse the data.

Findings. Despite the participants’ beliefs that the majority of male nurses are heterosexual, the stereotype persists. A paradox emerged between the ‘homosexual’ general nurse and the ‘heterosexual’ psychiatric nurse. The stigma associated with homosexuality exposes male nurses to homophobia in the workplace. The heterosexual men employed strategies to avoid the presumption of homosexuality; these included: avoiding contact with gay colleagues and overt expression of their heterosexuality.

Conclusion. There is a paradox between widespread calls for men to participate more in caring and discourses which stereotype male nurses as gay and conflate homosexuality and sexual predation. These stigmatizing discourses create a barrier to caring and, aligned with the presence of homophobia in the workplace, deter men’s entry into the profession and may be important issues with respect to their retention. Nurse educators must ensure that nurses are able to resist collusion with stigmatizing discourses that marginalize men (and women) in the profession through the perpetration of gender and sexual stereotypes.
Sexual size dimorphism predicts the frequency of multiple mating in the sex‐role reversed pipefish Syngnathus typhle
Authors: RISPOLI V. F. , WILSON A. B.
Published: November 2007

The sex‐role reversed pipefish Syngnathus typhle is a member of the Syngnathidae, a family of fishes in which males brood embryos on their body surface. As in most ectotherms, embryonic development is highly temperature dependent in syngnathids and male brooding periods are extended when water temperatures are reduced. The influence of temperature on reproduction is expected to effectively truncate the breeding season and reduce fecundity in cold waters, potentially enhancing the opportunity for both fecundity and sexual selection. We studied spatial variation in the morphology and reproductive biology of S. typhle in five European populations which vary in latitude and water temperature. Microsatellite analyses indicated that the average number of male mates per population ranged between 1.3 and 3.7. The frequency of multiple mating by males was negatively correlated with the degree of sexual size dimorphism in each population, suggesting that disproportionate increases in female fecundity may be able to compensate for increased male brood pouch capacity. Both sexes were larger and males had an increased brood size where water temperatures during the breeding season were lower. Morphological variation among populations may be mediated by differences in fecundity selection associated with different optimal reproductive strategies in cold and warm water environments.
The implicit assumption of symmetry and the species abundance distribution
Authors: Alonso David , Ostling Annette , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: November 2007

Species abundance distributions (SADs) have played a historical role in the development of community ecology. They summarize information about the number and the relative abundance of the species encountered in a sample from a given community. For years ecologists have developed theory to characterize species abundance patterns, and the study of these patterns has received special attention in recent years. In particular, ecologists have developed statistical sampling theories to predict the SAD expected in a sample taken from a region. Here, we emphasize an important limitation of all current sampling theories: they ignore species identity. We present an alternative formulation of statistical sampling theory that incorporates species asymmetries in sampling and dynamics, and relate, in a general way, the community‐level SAD to the distribution of population abundances of the species integrating the community. We illustrate the theory on a stochastic community model that can accommodate species asymmetry. Finally, we discuss the potentially important role of species asymmetries in shaping recently observed multi‐humped SADs and in comparisons of the relative success of niche and neutral theories at predicting SADs.
Effects of insulin resistance on endothelial function: possible mechanisms and clinical implications
Authors: Tousoulis D , Tsarpalis K. , Cokkinos D. , Stefanadis C.
Published: November 2007

Insulin resistance (IR) is defined as a reduced responsiveness of peripheral tissues to the effects of the hormone, referring to abated ability of insulin in stimulating glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and in inhibiting hepatic glucose output. Insulin has both a vasodilatory effect, which is largely endothelium dependent through the release of nitric oxide, and a vasoconstrictory effect through the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of endothelin‐1. IR and endothelial dysfunction (ED) are not only linked by common pathogenetic mechanisms, involving deranged insulin signalling pathways, but also by other, indirect to the hormone’s actions, mechanisms. Different treatment modalities have been proposed to affect positively both the metabolic effects of insulin and ED. Weight loss has been shown to improve sensitivity to insulin as a result of either altered diet or exercise. Exercise has favourable effects on endothelial function in normal states and in states of disease, in men and women, and throughout the age spectrum and, hence, in IR states. Metformin improves sensitivity to insulin and most likely affects positively ED. Studies have shown that inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system alter IR favourably, while Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and Angiotensin receptor type II (ATII) inhibitors improve ED. Ongoing studies are expected to shed more light on the issue of whether treatment with the thiazolidinediones results in improvement of endothelial function, along with the accepted function of improving insulin sensitivity. Finally, improved endothelial function by such treatments is not in itself proof of reduced risk for atherosclerosis; this remains to be directly tested in clinical trials.
Brain Drain Potential in Botswana
Authors: Campbell Eugene K.
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the prospect of emigration of skilled professional citizens from Botswana. Since 1980, international migration of skilled people from, and within, sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) has surpassed anything previously witnessed in the twentieth century. One consequence of the increasing frequency of such migration is growing governmental resistance in developed countries to free movement of skilled labour. Unlike most SSA countries, Botswana's robust economy and long‐standing democratic political structure make it appear an unlikely candidate for massive brain drain, but there are already indicators pointing towards its occurrence (Campbell, 2001). This study was designed primarily to determine whether professionals persist in their intention to leave the country and, if so, why they want to migrate.

The results point towards a likelihood of massive brain drain in Botswana in the near future, although the prospects of this being realized cannot be ascertained by the instruments employed in this study. Among the key findings are that: 1) the unhappiness of future professionals seems to derive from poor opportunities for professional advancement resulting in disequilibrium between income distribution and a taste for luxury goods; 2) the prospects for emigration have improved because of increased earnings and but better access to information technology, and; 3) that technology may now be a more important motivation for emigration than family members living abroad. Nonetheless, there is evidence that a vigorous and sustained economy‐enhancing campaign by the government would encourage Batswana professionals to stay and work in the country.
Predictors of clutch predation of a globally significant avifauna in New Zealand's braided river ecosystems
Authors: Norbury G. , Heyward R.
Published: November 2007

Predation by introduced mammals is decimating New Zealand's indigenous fauna. Understanding factors that influence this process allows resources for predator control to be applied with maximum effect. This study examines how predation of a secondary prey species (a relatively common but declining native plover, the banded dotterel Charadrius bicinctus) varied with reductions in abundance of a major prey source (rabbits), kill‐trapping of predators, nest density and habitat complexity. Banded dotterels mostly nest in open braided riverbeds alongside a number of endemic threatened species. We measured the fate of 753 dotterel clutches exposed to predation by cats, ferrets and hedgehogs. We found key times and places of high predation risk. Immediately after widespread reduction in rabbit populations by rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD), clutch predation rates were almost as high (mean, 50%) as those recorded during past rabbit poisoning programmes (mean, 57%). Both rates were significantly higher than the mean predation rate of 22% without rabbit control, suggesting a shift in predator diet immediately after rabbit population declines. Unlike after rabbit poisoning, clutch predation rate remained high in the years after RHD. Other patterns observed included higher clutch predation rate where nest density was lower, suggesting that predation can potentially cause local extinction. Clutch predation was also higher along riverbed margins where vegetation was dense. There was equivocal evidence for an effect of predator kill‐trapping on clutch predation rate. Management strategies that could potentially reduce clutch predation risks include focusing predator mitigation measures during periods of rabbit decline, maintaining them for more than one breeding season if the rabbit declines are widespread (e.g. RHD epidemics), and applying greater effort at sites with relatively low nest density and along riverbed margins where predator use is more frequent.
The distribution of nuclear genetic variation and historical demography of sea otters
Authors: Aguilar A. , Jessup D. A. , Estes J. , Garza J. C.
Published: November 2007

The amount and distribution of population genetic variation is crucial information for the design of effective conservation strategies for endangered species and can also be used to provide inference about demographic processes and patterns of migration. Here, we describe variation at a large number of nuclear genes in sea otters Enhydra lutris ssp. We surveyed 14 variable microsatellite loci and two genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in up to 350 California sea otters Enhydra lutris nereis, which represents ∼10% of the subspecies' population, and 46 otters from two Alaskan sites. We utilized methods for detecting past reductions in effective population size to examine the effects of near extinction from the fur trade. Summary statistic tests largely failed to find a signal of a recent population size reduction (within the past 200 years), but a Bayesian method found a signal of a strong reduction over a longer time scale (up to 500 years ago). These results indicate that the reduction in size began long enough ago that much genetic variation was lost before the 19th century fur trade. A comparison of geographic distance and pairwise relatedness for individual otters found no evidence of kin‐based spatial clustering for either gender. This indicates that there is no population structure, due to extended family groups, within the California population. A survey of population genetic variation found that two of the MHC genes, DQB and DRB, had two alleles present and one of the genes, DRA, was monomorphic in otters. This contrasts with other mammals, where they are often the most variable coding genes known. Genetic variation in the sea otter is among the lowest observed for a mammal and raises concerns about the long‐term viability of the species, particularly in the face of future environmental changes.
Markers of Cardiac Collagen Turnover Are Similar in Patients With Mild and More Severe Symptoms of Heart Failure
Authors: Cavallari Larisa H. , Groo Vicki L. , Momary Kathryn M. , Stamos Thomas D. , Vaitkus Paul T.
Published: November 2007

Cardiac fibrosis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure. The authors sought to determine whether biomarkers of cardiac fibrosis for milder clinical degrees of heart failure are comparable to those of more advanced disease. Procollagen types I and III amino‐terminal peptides (PINP and PIIINP) and type I collagen telopeptide (ICTP) were compared between aldosterone‐antagonistnaive patients with heart failure and New York Heart Association class I or II (n=22/23) and class III or IV (n=42/3) symptoms. Median (interquartile) range concentrations of PINP (63.3 [44.2–88.8] vs 48.6 [37.8–74.9] µg/L), ICTP (7.0 [5.4–16.8] vs 6.5 [4.7–12.7] µg/L), and PIIINP (4.7 [3.2–7.0] vs 4.7 [2.9–7.3] µg/L) were comparable between patients with mild and moderate to severe disease, respectively. These data suggest that patients with mild heart failure may have similar degrees of cardiac fibrosis to patients with more severe disease and support the examination of antifibrotic therapy, including aldosterone antagonists, in milder degrees of heart failure.
Bone regeneration in dehiscence‐type defects at non‐submerged and submerged chemically modified (SLActive®) and conventional SLA titanium implants: an immunohistochemical study in dogs
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sager Martin , Ferrari Daniel , Herten Monika , Wieland Marco , Becker Jürgen
Published: November 2007

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone regeneration in dehiscence‐type defects at non‐submerged and submerged titanium implants with chemically modified (mod) and conventional sandblasted/acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces.

Material and Methods: Standardized buccal dehiscence defects were surgically created following implant site preparation in both the upper and lower jaws of 12 beagle dogs. Both types of implants were randomly assigned to either a non‐submerged or a submerged healing procedure. After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical [e.g. new bone height (NBH), per cent linear fill (PLF), percentage of bone to implant contact (BIC‐D), area of new bone fill (BF)] and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results: At 8 weeks, non‐submerged and submerged SLA implants revealed significantly lower mean NBH (1.1±0.8–1.9±1.2 mm), PLF (27.7±20.3–46.0±28.5%), BIC‐D (26.8±10.4–46.2±16.2%), and BF (1.3±0.9–3.4±2.8 mm2) values than respective modSLA implants [NBH (2.6±0.8–4.3±0.1 mm), PLF (64.2±19.4–107.2±4.7%), BIC‐D (67.5±18.8–82.1±14.8%), BF (2.9±1.0–6.7±1.1 mm2)]. Within modSLA groups, significantly highest BF values were observed at submerged implants.

Conclusion: It was concluded that (i) modSLA titanium surfaces promoted bone regeneration in acute‐type buccal dehiscence defects and (ii) a submerged healing procedure improved the outcome of healing additionally.
Effect of platelet‐rich plasma on the healing of intrabony defects treated with an enamel matrix protein derivative and a natural bone mineral
Authors: Döri Ferenc , Nikolidakis Dimitris , Húszár Tamás , Arweiler Nicole B. , Gera István , Sculean Anton
Published: November 2007

Background: Regenerative periodontal surgery utilizing a combination of an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) and a natural bone mineral (NBM) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to enhance the outcomes of regenerative surgery significantly. At present, it is unknown whether root conditioning with EMD, followed by defect fill with a combination of NBM+PRP may additionally enhance the clinical results obtained with EMD+NBM.

Aim: To compare clinically the treatment of deep intrabony defects with either EMD+NBM+PRP or EMD+NBM.

Material and Methods: Twenty‐six patients suffering from advanced chronic periodontitis, and each of whom displayed one advanced intrabony defect were randomly treated with either EMD+NBM+PRP (test) or EMD+NBM (control). The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR) and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL.

Results: Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the test sites showed a reduction in mean PD from 8.8±1.9 mm to 3.1±0.9 mm ( p<0.001) and a change in mean CAL from 10.8±2.0 mm to 6.0±1.5 mm ( p<0.001). In the control group the mean PD was reduced from 8.8±2.0 mm to 2.8±1.6 mm ( p<0.001) and the mean CAL changed from 10.5±1.6 mm to 5.5±1.4 mm ( p<0.001). CAL gains of 4 mm were measured in 77% (i.e. in 10 out of 13 defects) of the cases treated with EMD+NBM+PRP and in 100% (i.e. in all 13 defects) treated with EMD+NBM. No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed between the two groups.

Conclusions: Within its limits, the present study has shown that (i) 1 year after regenerative surgery, both treatments resulted in statistically significant PD reductions and CAL gains and (ii) the use of PRP failed to enhance the results obtained with EMD+NBM.