bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the proportion of capacitated spermatozoa present in frozen–thawed bull semen and fertility with artificial insemination
Authors: Thundathil  , Gil  , Januskauskas  , Larsson  , Soderquist  , Mapletoft  , Rodriguez‐Martinez
Published: March 2003

The objective of the present study was to confirm the presence of prematurely capacitated spermatozoa in frozen–thawed bull semen and to investigate the relationship of premature capacitation to the fertility of the respective semen. Twenty batches of frozen semen from young AI bulls of the Swedish Red and White breed with known fertility (expressed as 56‐day non‐return rates; 56 d‐NRR) were tested using a Chlortetracycline (CTC) assay to assess capacitation status in frozen–thawed spermatozoa. The status of capacitation, as evidenced in this experiment, was further tested based on the hypothesis that capacitated spermatozoa present in frozen–thawed semen should undergo the acrosome reaction (AR) on co‐incubation with homologous zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins. The percentages (mean ± SEM) of uncapacitated, capacitated and acrosome‐reacted spermatozoa in the frozen–thawed semen (n equals;  20) were 49.3 ± 11.9, 36.3 ± 8.3 and 14.2 ± 11.9, respectively. On co‐incubation with ZP, there was a significant increase (p equals;  0.001) in the proportion of spermatozoa undergoing the AR compared to the control with a concurrent decrease in the proportion of capacitated spermatozoa, suggesting that a proportion of capacitated spermatozoa were undergoing the AR. The proportion of viable, uncapacitated spermatozoa present in the frozen–thawed semen was correlated to the 56 d‐NRR (n equals;  20, r equals;  0.5, p equals; 0.03). In conclusion, a proportion of spermatozoa in frozen–thawed semen was capacitated and the proportion of viable, uncapacitated spermatozoa present in semen was positively correlated to fertility.
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Thailand
Authors: Kongkanand Apichat ,   Thai Erectile Dysfunction Epidemiological Study Group
Published: March 2003

A study of the prevalence rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the Thai population has never been done previously, except for a small study in the hospital. The project was carried out across the whole country, including in the north, south, eastern and central plains, and there were representatives from one small and one large province and the Bangkok metropolitan area. There were 250 males in each area, giving as total of 1250 males. The interviews were carried out in urban areas, so that the questions and answers could produce good data. The interviewer was trained by one of our EDACTT members, before going to the interview locations, and the supervisor were also onsite to clarify any the questions that might occur. The questions and pretest were carried out stringently, to help in term of statistics.

All the health questions were asked taking care to accommodate the interviewee’s feelings, so as not to cause embarrassment. The interviews were held individually and strictly privately, so that the interviewees could speak freely The interviewees were between 40 and 70‐years old, to match with MMAS. The rate of ED in this age group is increasing gradually, and the relationship between ED and hypertension, diabetics or heart disease, and lifestyle factors, including smoking habits, alcohol consumption, caffeine and risk factors is of interest.1
The distribution, metabolism and function of creatine in the male mammalian reproductive tract: a review
Authors: Moore N. P.
Published: March 2003

Creatine is widely distributed throughout the male reproductive system in several mammalian species, and proteins involved in its metabolism and transport have been reported in a number of cell and tissue types. Creatine is synthesized within some organs, incorporating nitrogen from amino acid metabolism. Although creatine metabolism is obligatory for the motility of sea urchin spermatozoa, this does not appear to be the case for mammals. The possible functions of creatine within the reproductive tract are discussed.
In vitro inhibition of rat cauda epididymal sperm glycolytic enzymes by ornidazole, α‐chlorohydrin and 1‐chloro‐3‐hydroxypropanone
Authors: Bone  , Cooper
Published: March 2003

Chlorinated antifertility compounds are known to inhibit glycolysis of spermatozoa as they reside in the epididymis but new compounds need to be evaluated that retain antifertility action but do not exhibit side‐effects. In this study, two known antifertility agents and a related compound were compared for their inhibition of rat sperm metabolism and motility in vitro. The dose‐dependent inhibition in vitro of the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) of distal cauda epididymal rat spermatozoa by (R)‐, (S)‐ and (R,S)‐ornidazole (ORN), (R,S)‐α‐chlorohydrin (ACH) and 1‐chloro‐3‐hydroxypropanone (CHOP) was compared. The direct inhibition of GAPDH by ORN suggests that it inhibits without prior conversion outside the cell but inhibition was not stereo‐specific. The GAPDH, but not TPI, activity of spermatozoa incubated with ACH and CHOP was highly correlated with kinematic parameters of spermatozoa incubated in pyruvate‐ and lactate‐free medium. ACH only inhibited the activity of intact spermatozoa and the inhibition was not reversed by washing the particulate sperm fraction after sonication. High concentrations of ACH (100 mmol/L) killed intact rat spermatozoa and decreased the extent of GAPDH inhibition. CHOP, unlike ACH, was an effective inhibitor of both intact and sonicated cells. Pre‐CHOP, the dimethylketal precursor of CHOP, and its other hydrolysis product MeOH, were both ineffective in vitro. CHOP and related ketals may be more effective inhibitors of sperm glycolysis than ACH and may prove useful for investigating sperm‐specific glycolytic inhibition, a prerequisite for the development of antiglycolytic, post‐testicular acting contraceptives.
Enzymatic and immunochemical evaluation of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) in testes and epididymal spermatozoa of rats of different ages
Authors: Tramer Federica , Micali Fulvio , Sandri Gabriella , Bertoni Alberto , Lenzi Andrea , Gandini Loredana , Panfili Enrico
Published: March 2003

Selenium (Se) and selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidases are necessary for the proper development and fertilizing capacity of sperm cells. Phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx, E.C. 1.11.1.12) is a monomeric seleno‐enzyme present in different mammalian tissues in soluble and bound form. Its function, like the other glutathione peroxidases, was originally viewed as a protective role against hydroperoxides, but direct and indirect evidence indicates that it has additional regulatory roles. PHGPx is present in testis cells and sperm cells, and its appearance is hormone regulated. We present here biochemical data, which clearly indicate that the enzyme specific activity in rat is age‐dependent during the life‐span monitored (from 36 to 365 days), with a maximum at 3 months of age in the testis germ cells and at 6 months of age in the isolated epididymal sperm cells. Western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis by means of anti‐PHGPx antibodies show the different distribution and the strong binding of PHGPx in the testes and sperm cell subcellular compartments (nucleus, acrosome, mitochondria and residual bodies) of rats of different age. The presence of the protein exhibits in the testis cells a pattern different from that of the catalytic activity, with a maximum at 6 months of age. The subcellular distribution of PHGPx is qualitatively, but not quantitatively, unchanged during ageing. These different behaviours are compared and discussed.
A nation‐based population screening for azoospermia factor deletions in Greek‐Cypriot patients with severe spermatogenic failure and normal fertile controls, using a specific study and experimental design
Authors: Ioulianos A. , Sismani C. , Fourouclas N. , Patroclou T. , Sergiou C. , Patsalis P. C.
Published: March 2003

Y chromosome microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) locus have been associated with spermatogenic failure. The frequency of AZF deletions is estimated to be about 10–18% in subgroups of idiopathic azoospermia and severe oligospermia, whereas the deletion frequency is estimated to be about 1.5–10.6% in the general population. Patient selection criteria as well as experimental and study design are the major factors that influence the deletion frequency. We designed a nation‐based population screening with a well‐defined study and experimental criteria to answer, first, what is the deletion frequency in a study population of high risk for Y deletion in the Greek‐Cypriot origin and second, if there are any differences in the deletion frequency in the investigated specific subgroup of patients from different geographic/ethnic origin. Eighty Greek‐Cypriot patients who met the selection criteria were included in this study as well as 50 fertile control males. The sample size is quite large when compared with the size of the population. All samples were collected from all districts of the island of Cyprus as the population is of the same religious, geographic and ethnic origin. All patients and controls had detailed clinical information and at least two semen‐analysis reports based on World Health Organization standards. Samples with abnormal karyotypes, obstructive azoospermia or oligospermia with >2 × 106/mL were excluded from this study. The experimental design required a referral team and laboratory to undertake the responsibility to collect all the samples, all clinical and laboratory information, isolate DNA and carry out all tests, data analysis and interpretation. In our study, Y chromosome microdeletions have been found in patients with spermatogenic failure. Under the specific patient selection criteria and experimental design, the overall frequency is 5%, while among azoospermic patients it is 12.5%. In the subgroups of patients with idiopathic cause it is 5.9% and in idiopathic azoospermia it is 14.3%. No variation in the overall deletion frequency or the specific subgroups deletion frequency were found, as compared with frequencies found in patients from different geographic/ethnic origin.
Regional differences in semen qualities in the Baltic region
Authors: Punab Margus , Zilaitiene Birute , Jørgensen Niels , Horte Antero , Matulevicius Valentinas , Peetsalu Ants , Skakkebæk Niels E.
Published: March 2003

Recent prospective studies of male reproductive health have shown differences between several European countries. Our objective was to evaluate the current situation in the two Baltic States Estonia and Lithuania. In 1997–99 we investigated semen parameters, levels of reproductive hormones and general health factors of 196 men from the general population in Lithuania; from Estonia, 79 men from the general population and 118 soldiers were investigated. Adjusted for interlaboratory differences and abstinence period, sperm concentration of Lithuanian and Estonian men from the general populations were shown to be 55 and 67 million/mL, respectively. The Estonian soldiers had the highest sperm concentration, 82 million/mL. The frequencies of morphologically normal spermatozoa were 6.2, 7.7 and 9.6%, respectively. In contrast to the semen qualities, highest Inhibin B levels were detected in the Lithuanians (233 pg/mL) followed by Estonian men from the general population (220 pg/mL) and Estonian soldiers (185 pg/mL). The soldiers had also the lowest level of testosterone and oestradiol. The sperm counts of the Estonian and Lithuanian men investigated here are higher than recently shown for Norwegian, Danish, Estonian and Finnish men. Comparisons should be cautiously drawn as the groups are not completely comparable. Still, even within the Baltic region, geographically close and sharing common recent social history, differences in semen quality and levels of reproductive hormones are apparent.
Male employment in some printing trades is associated with prolonged time to conception
Authors: Ford W. C. L. , Northstone Kate , Farrow Alexandra ,   The Alspac Study Team
Published: March 2003

We investigated whether male employment in defined occupational groups was associated with decreased fecundity as revealed by prolonged time to conception. The analysis was carried out on data from questionnaires completed over a period of 21 months by 4808 couples with a planned pregnancy and collected as part of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood. Previously logistic regression had identified nine non‐occupational factors associated with taking >6 or >12 months to conceive and this model was used to analyse the association of the fathers ever having worked in defined occupational groups with delayed conception. If the man had worked in ‘Printing and related trades’ (OPCS code 56), couples had a statistically significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of taking >6 [1.86 (1.21, 2.94)] or >12 months [1.96 (1.13, 3.39)] to conceive [OR (95% confidence intervals)] after adjustment for non‐occupational factors. The association with time to conception was stronger in the subgroup ‘Other printing related trades’ (OPCS code 569) but no statistically significant associations after adjustment for other factors were found for other printing jobs.
Expression of the heat shock protein 47 in gentamicin‐treated rat kidneys
Authors: CHENG  , RAZZAQUE  , NAZNEEN  , TAGUCHI
Published: March 2003

Heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) are rapidly synthesized in cells in response to various cytotoxic agents. Although several stress proteins are actively involved in the gentamicin‐induced renal damages, the possible role of HSP47 in this condition is not yet clear. In this study, the expression of HSP47 in the gentamicin nephrotoxicity was examined by immunohistochemistry. Twenty male Wistar rats were sacrificed at day 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after subcutaneous injection of gentamicin. Gentamicin treatment causes tubular necrosis at day 3, followed by tubular regenerative changes and interstitial fibrosis, which was most prominent at day 14. The renal structures returned to almost normal architectures at day 28. By immunohistochemistry, HSP47 was weakly expressed in most of the glomeruli and occasionally in interstitial cells in the control rat kidneys. In contrast, strong immunostaining for HSP47 was noted in the tubular epithelial cells and interstitial cells in gentamicin treated rat kidneys, and strongest staining was observed at day 7. The immunostaining for HSP47 then gradually decreased, and returned to the normal level at day 28. In the whole experimental period, staining pattern of HSP47 in the glomeruli was not changed. In addition, phenotypically altered tubulointerstitial cells including regenerative tubular epithelial cells (immuno‐positive for vimentin) and interstitial cells (immuno‐positive for α‐smooth muscle actin) were found in gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Expression of type III collagen increased in the areas of interstitial fibrosis. By double immunostaining, the regenerated and phenotypically altered tubulointerstitial cells were found to express HSP47 in and around interstitial fibrosis. It is concluded that overexpression of HSP47 by phenotypically altered renal cells might play a significant role in the development of gentamicin nephrotoxicity.
The clonal origin and clonal evolution of epithelial tumours
Authors: Garcia Sergio Britto , Novelli Marco , Wright Nicholas A.
Published: March 2003

While the origin of tumours, whether from one cell or many, has been a source of fascination for experimental oncologists for some time, in recent years there has been a veritable explosion of information about the clonal architecture of tumours and their antecedents, stimulated, in the main, by the ready accessibility of new molecular techniques. While most of these new results have apparently confirmed the monoclonal origin of human epithelial (and other) tumours, there are a significant number of studies in which this conclusion just cannot be made. Moreover, analysis of many articles show that the potential impact of such considerations as patch size and clonal evolution on determinations of clonality have largely been ignored, with the result that a number of these studies are confounded. However, the clonal architecture of preneoplastic lesions provide some interesting insights — many lesions which might have been hitherto regarded as hyperplasias are apparently clonal in derivation. If this is indeed true, it calls into some question our hopeful corollary that a monoclonal origin presages a neoplastic habitus. Finally, it is clear, for many reasons, that methods of analysis which involve the disaggregation of tissues, albeit microdissected, are far from ideal and we should be putting more effort into techniques where the clonal architecture of normal tissues, preneoplastic and preinvasive lesions and their derivative tumours can be directly visualized in situ.
Osteopontin: a key cytokine in cell‐mediated and granulomatous inflammation
Authors: O'Regan Anthony , Berman Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2003

Osteopontin (Opn) is a secreted adhesive, glycosylated phosphoprotein that contains the arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD) cell‐binding sequence that is found in many extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (for a review of Opn see References Denhardt & Guo 1993; Patarca et al. 1993; Rittling & Denhardt 1999). Since its initial description in 1979 as a secreted protein associated with malignant transformation, Opn has been independently discovered by investigators from diverse scientific disciplines, and has been associated with a remarkable range of pathologic responses. Opn is an important bone matrix protein, where it is thought to mediate adhesion of osteoclasts to resorbing bone. However, studies from the past decade have identified an alternative role for Opn as a key cytokine regulating tissue repair and inflammation. Recent work by our laboratory and that of others has underlined the importance of Opn as a pivotal cytokine in the cellular immune response. Despite this Opn is not well known to the immunologist. In this review we will focus on studies that pertain to the role of Opn in cell‐mediated and granulomatous inflammation.
Calcitonin and calcitonin receptors: bone and beyond
Authors: Pondel Marc
Published: March 2003

Calcitonin (CT), a 32 amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily by the thyroid, and its receptor (CTR) are well known for their ability to regulate osteoclast mediated bone resorption and enhance Ca2+ excretion by the kidney. However, recent studies now suggest that CT and CTRs may play an important role in a variety of processes as wide ranging as embryonic/foetal development and sperm function/physiology. In this review article, CT and CTR gene transcription, signal transduction and function are addressed. The effects of CT on the physiology of a variety of organ systems are discussed and the relationship between polymorphisms in the CTR gene and bone mineral density (BMD)/osteoporosis is examined. Recent studies demonstrating the ability of receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) to post‐translationally modify the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) are detailed and studies employing transgenic mouse technology to determine the temporal and tissue specific transcriptional activity of the CTR gene in vivo are discussed.
Biphasic modulation of atherosclerosis induced by graded dietary copper supplementation in the cholesterol‐fed rabbit
Authors: Lamb David J. , Avades Tony Y. , Ferns Gordon A.A.
Published: March 2003

There has been considerable debate about how copper status may affect the biochemical and cellular processes associated with atherogenesis. We have investigated the effects of graded dietary copper supplementation on processes likely to contribute to atherogenesis, using the cholesterol‐fed New Zealand White rabbit model. Rabbits (n = 40) were fed a 0.25–1% cholesterol diet deficient in copper. Animals received either 0, 1, 3 or 20 mg copper/day and were killed after 13 weeks. Plasma cholesterol levels were similar in each dietary group. Aortic concentrations of copper were higher in the 20 mg copper/day animals compared to those receiving 0 mg copper/day (3.70 ± 0.78 vs. 1.33 ± 0.46 µg/g wet tissue; P < 0.05). Aortic superoxide dismutase activity was higher in animals receiving 20 mg copper/day (323 ± 21 IU/mg tissue) compared to the other groups (187 ± 21; 239 ± 53; 201 ± 33 IU/mg tissue) (P > 0.05). En face staining of aortae with oil red O showed that both high copper supplementation (20 mg/day) (67.1 ± 5.5%) and a deficient diet (0 mg/day) (63.1 ± 4.8%) was associated with significantly larger lesions (P < 0.05) compared to moderately supplemented animals (1 mg/day and 3 mg/day) (51.3 ± 6.3 and 42.8 ± 7.9%). These data indicate that in the cholesterol‐fed rabbit, there is an optimal dietary copper intake and that dietary copper deficiency or excess are associated with an increased susceptibility to aortic atherosclerosis. Many Western diets contain insufficient copper and these findings indicate that a moderate dietary copper content may confer a degree of cardiac protection to the human population.
Long‐term evolution of the acute tubular necrosis (ATN) induced by glycerol: role of myofibroblasts and macrophages
Authors: Soares Telma J. , Costa Roberto S. , Volpini Rildo A. , Da Silva Cleonice G. A. , Coimbra Terezila M.
Published: March 2003

Late structural changes such as interstitial fibrosis in the renal cortex and tubular atrophy have been detected after severe acute tubular necrosis (ATN). The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of fibronectin, α‐smooth muscle actin and macrophages during the evolution of the ATN induced by glycerol and their relationship with the late structural changes observed in the kidneys of these animals. Forty‐nine male Wistar rats were injected with a 50% glycerol solution, 8 mL/kg (4 mL/kg applied i.m. to each hind leg) and 14 with 0.15 m NaCl solution. Before glycerol injection on day 1, water was removed for 17 h. Blood and urine samples were collected 1 day after the injection to quantify sodium and creatinine. The animals were killed 5, 30 and 60 days after the injections and the kidneys removed for histological and immunohistochemical studies. The results of the histological and immunohistochemical studies were scored according to the extent of lesion or staining in the cortical tubulointerstitium, respectively. The percentage of tubulointerstitial lesions was determined by morphometry. Glycerol‐injected rats presented a transitory increase in plasma creatinine levels and in fractional sodium excretion. The immunohistochemical studies showed increased fibronectin, α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SM‐actin), TGF‐β and ED‐1 (macrophages) staining in the renal cortex from rats killed 5, 30 and 60 days after glycerol injection (P < 0.05) compared to control. The animals killed on day 30 and 60 also presented chronic lesions (fibrosis, tubular dilatation and atrophy) in the renal cortex, despite the recovery of renal function. Macrophages, TGF‐β and myofibroblasts may have contributed to the development of renal fibrosis in these rats.
Influence of the electric charge of the antigen and the immune complex (IC) lattice on the IC activation of human complement
Authors: MICHELIN M. A. , CROTT L. S. P. , ASSIS‐PANDOCHI A. I. , COIMBRA T. M. , TEIXEIRA J E. , BARBOSA J. E.
Published: March 2003

In order to understand the mechanism of complement (C) activation by immune complexes (ICs), the anti‐complementary effect of ICs containing cationized antigens was compared in vitro to that using ICs formed by native antigens. ICs were prepared with affinity‐purified rabbit polyclonal IgG antibovine serum albumin (BSA) antibody and either native BSA (isoelectric point 4.2) or BSA rendered cationic by treatment with ethylenediamine (isoelectric point 9.4). Native and cationized antigens were characterized by isoelectric focusing. ICs containing anti‐BSA IgG or F(ab′)2, formed either at equivalence or in excess of native or cationized antigen, were submitted to ultracentrifugation in a sucrose gradient for mesh size determination. The anti‐complementary effect of ICs was evaluated by kinetic determination of haemolytic activity of human serum on haemolysin‐sensitized sheep red blood cells. In conditions of antigen excess, the ICs formed by cationized BSA were significantly more efficient in activating human complement than those formed by native antigen. This higher activity was dependent on cationized antigen complexed with complete antibody molecules, as non‐complexed cationized BSA or ICs prepared with F(ab′)2 fragments were inactive under the same experimental conditions. Furthermore, this difference did not depend on the mesh size of the immune complexes. Our results suggest that the balance between antigen, antibody and C may be of importance in vivo for the onset and course of infections and other pathological processes involving IC formation. ICs containing cationized antigens should be proven of value in experimental models for studies on the regulation of C activation.
Effects of high pressure treatment on the quality and storage of kimchi
Authors: Sohn Kyung‐Hyun , Lee Hyong‐Joo
Published: March 2003

The effects of high pressure treatment on the microflora and storage of kimchi were investigated. In a bacterial suspension, numbers of Lactobacillus plantarum were reduced by 6 logs by 500 MPa, at 25 °C for 10 min. Kimchi juice did not alter the rate of inactivation of lactic acid bacteria by high pressure treatment. There was no change in the texture of kimchi subjected to a pressure of 400 MPa, but an increase in cutting force was observed at 600 MPa. When kimchi was pressurized at 400 MPa for 10 min at 25 °C and subsequently stored at 20 °C for 4 weeks, the total number of viable cells stayed at 103 CFU mL−1. High pressure treatment above 400 MPa prevented excessive acidification that typically occurs during the extended storage of kimchi. The inflation of pouches as a result of accumulated carbon dioxide was also prevented by high pressure treatment. Although colour changes were accelerated by high pressure treatment, this study demonstrates that high pressure treatment can be used to control overripening during the distribution and storage of kimchi products.
Effect of harvesting time and fruit size on titratable acidity, soluble solid and distribution of limonin in Thai tangerine juice
Authors: Jungsakulrujirek Savitree , Noomhorm Athapol
Published: March 2003

The effect of fruit size and harvesting of Thai tangerine fruit (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) at different growth stages, 8–12 months after fruit set, on the distribution of limonin in whole fruit as well as in the individual fruit parts and extracted juice was investigated. The highest limonin concentration was observed in seed, followed by albedo, flavedo, segment membrane and juice sacs in decreasing order. The limonin concentration in juice as well as in whole fruit was decreased when fruit was harvested 8–12 months of fruit set. Increasing harvesting time from 8 to 12 months showed corresponding decreases in the amount of limonin in flavedo, albedo and seed. There was a decrease in titrable acidity and increase in total soluble solid and total soluble solid/titrable acidity ratio of juice with a later than normal harvesting time. However, fruit size showed no effect on limonin content and other properties of juice extracted from tangerine.
Characterization of the Beninese traditional ogi, a fermented maize slurry: physicochemical and microbiological aspects
Authors: Nago Mathurin Coffi , Hounhouigan Joseph D. , Akissoe Noël , Zanou Elisabeth , Mestres Christian
Published: March 2003

Sixteen commercial samples of ogi, obtained by using traditional ‘Goun’ methodology, from Cotonou and the surrounding area were characterized and compared with maize raw material. Goun methodology uses floury/friable grains and gives a high yield (84% db) of a very white (L* value close to 83) and fine (median particle size about 40 µm) slurry. The yield of Beninese ogi, its final water content (58%) and acidity after 3 days of fermentation were slightly higher than for ogi produced using the Nigerian or Ghanaian technology. About 40% of total proteins were lost during the manufacture of ogi, but the digestibility of the residual proteins increased by 20%. At least 50% of both macro‐ and micromineral elements were lost, with the exception of Fe and Na, whose contents increased. Pasting properties of Beninese ogis were similar to that of mawè, another fermented slurry from Benin. The dominant microflora involved in Beninese ogi was a mixed population of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, mainly lactobacilli and Candida. The difference in microflora composition compared with Nigerian ogi is probably due to the specific hot grain steeping procedure of the Beninese ‘Goun’ methodology.
Transport phenomena in immersion‐cooled apples
Authors: Lucas Tiphaine , François Jérôme , Raoult‐Wack Anne‐Lucie
Published: March 2003

The effect of immersion chilling and freezing (ICF) process parameters (solution temperature, concentration and composition, initial food temperature) on heat and mass transfer was studied on apple cylinders dipped into a sodium chloride aqueous solution, with particular emphasis on the unsteady‐state period (first hour of treatment). Food behaviour was characterized for various thermal processes; the levels of salt impregnation in chilling and supercooling conditions, at 2 °C and −10 °C, respectively, were similar (3% i.m. after 1 h of processing) and much higher than in freezing at −17.8 °C (0.6% initial mass for the same processing time). Further control of solute entrance in freezing conditions could be achieved through food surface treatments, including precoating with cold water before ICF; use of a complex immersion solution containing a high molecular weight of solute; quick freezing of the outer food layer. Above all, the frozen water fraction inside the food was found to be an important factor governing solute entrance in freezing conditions.
Interpretation of the force deformation curves of soaked red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Abu‐Ghannam Nissreen
Published: March 2003

In this study, the textural patterns of red kidney beans soaked in water at 20, 30, 40 and 60 °C are reported. Texture (hardness) was measured instrumentally by cutting with a wedge‐type blade mounted on an Instron Universal Testing Machine at a speed of 200 mm min−1. The general trend of the force deformation curves was similar for all of the soaking temperatures studied throughout the soaking process. At initial stages of hydration, textural changes were a function of the soaking time. However, once the hydration process attained equilibrium, changes in texture became minimal and were within the range of 34 ± 2 N, regardless of the soaking temperature and hydration time. The force deformation curves were influenced by the presence of a large cavity between the two cotyledons of red kidney beans. Interpreting textural patterns of soaked beans would provide a better control of the water absorption process, which subsequently influences changes in texture.
Effect of gamma‐irradiation on the phenolic acids of some Indian spices
Authors: Variyar Prasad S. , Bandyopadhyay  , Thomas
Published: March 2003

Five commercially important spices, namely cinnamon, clove, cardamom, nutmeg and mace, were subjected to gamma‐irradiation using a dose of 10 kGy, which is recommended for microbial decontamination. Various phenolic acids present in these spices were analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In clove and nutmeg, quantitatively significant changes were noted in some of the phenolic acids upon irradiation. The content of gallic and syringic acids in irradiated clove increased by 2.2‐ and 4.4‐fold respectively, whereas in irradiated nutmeg many of the phenolic acids showed wide increases and decreases in the range of two‐ to sixfold compared with the control samples. No qualitative and major quantitative changes were, however, observed in the phenolic acids of cinnamon, cardamom and mace upon irradiation. The possibility that gamma‐radiation induced breakdown of tannins could be responsible for the changes in phenolic acids content of clove and nutmeg is discussed.
Field investigations on epidemiology and control of fish‐borne parasites in Korea*
Authors: Rim Han‐Jong
Published: March 2003

Helmithiases have long been recognized as an important cause of endemic disease in Korea. Consumption of undercooked or raw fish has played an increasingly important role in their transmission in recent years. The important organisms associated with fresh‐water, brackish water and marine fish species are described, their relative significance assessed and strategies for their control described.
Detection of irradiated lamb meat with bone: effect of chilled storage and cooking on esr signal strength
Authors: Chawla Surinder P. , Paul Pushpa , Thomas Paul , Babu Yohannan , Sastry Medury D.
Published: March 2003

Summary The effect of gamma‐irradiation doses of 1, 2, 4 and 5 kGy on ESR signal intensity in pre‐packed irradiated lamb meat chunks containing bones was studied. Irradiation‐induced a characteristic ESR signal in bone that was not detected in non‐irradiated samples and its intensity was proportional to irradiation dose up to 5 kGy. In samples irradiated to 2.5 kGy for shelf‐life enhancement, ESR signal intensity was monitored immediately after irradiation and subsequently at weekly intervals during storage at 0–3 °C and after cooking by different methods. Hind leg bones (femur) displayed a higher signal intensity than rib bones. The ESR signal intensity faded by 30 and 42% during 4 weeks at 0–3 °C in hind leg and rib bones, respectively. The magnitude of ESR signal in hind leg bone declined by a maximum of 30% upon pressure cooking (for 15 min), 10% on microwave cooking (for 5 min) and 13% after boiling (for 30 min). However, in the case of rib bones, all cooking methods reduced the ESR signal by about 40%. Storage of irradiated freeze‐dried bone powder samples at ambient temperature also resulted in slight reduction in ESR signal intensity. Results point to the suitability of ESR technique for detection of irradiated lamb meat even after storage or cooking, and also in samples that had been stored and then cooked.
Effect of milk fat and total solids concentration on the kinetics of moisture uptake by ready‐to‐eat breakfast cereal
Authors: Machado M. Fátima , Oliveira Fernanda A. R. , Cunha Luís M.
Published: March 2003

Summary When immersed in milk, breakfast cereal easily take up moisture, lose their brittle texture and become soggy. Earlier comparative analysis of the moisture sorption by breakfast cereal immersed in water and milk indicated that milk solids might play an important role on the sorption kinetics. In this work, the moisture uptake by ready‐to‐eat corn breakfast cereal immersed in milk solutions, reconstituted from whole and skimmed milk powder, was measured under isothermal conditions at 5, 30 and 55 °C. Dilutions between 0.25 and 1.5 were tested, with the factor of dilution 1 corresponding to the standard recommended by the milk powder manufacturer. The Weibull probabilistic model adequately fitted the experimental data by appropriate choice of its variable parameters. The dependence of the model parameters on temperature and total solids concentration was assessed for both skimmed and whole milk. Fat was found to play a major role on the process mechanism, which was attributed to the deposition of a fat layer at the solid matrix surface, hindering water and solids uptake. Yet, for short times, moisture uptake proceeded at a similar rate both in skimmed and whole milk.
Sensory evaluation of lightly preserved salmon using free‐choice profiling
Authors: Morzel M. , Sheehan E. M. , Delahunty C. M. , Arendt E. K.
Published: March 2003

Summary In order to characterise a novel fermented salmon product, sensory evaluation by free‐choice profiling was undertaken on three different types of salmon products (smoked salmon, gravlax and fermented salmon). Assessors could easily discriminate among all three types of products and common attributes were isolated from the set of individual assessments. Discrimination was made according to the appearance, odour and flavour attributes, while no clear consensus on texture was observable. The first discrimination factor between all products was the presence/absence of a smoky character. The novel fermented salmon was discriminated from gravlax as it appeared to have a distinct sour/ acidic odour and flavour.
Colour stability of six beef muscles stored in a modified atmosphere mother pack system with oxygen scavengers
Authors: Isdell E. , Allen P. , Doherty A. M. , Butler F.
Published: March 2003

Summary The effect of O2 scavengers on the colour stability of beef in retail overwrap trays within a modified atmosphere mother pack (CO2/N2) was assessed. Steaks from six muscles, namely Longissimus dorsi, Psoas major, Semimembranosus, Gluteus medius, Semitendinosus and Biceps femoris were examined. After storage for 2, 4 or 6 weeks mother packs were opened and steak colour was monitored during 96 h of retail display. Redness of all muscles stored with O2 scavengers was superior to that of steaks stored without O2 scavengers at all storage times. Hue angle results indicated some metmyoglobin formation in all muscles during storage. Comparisons were made between steaks stored with O2 scavengers and fresh steaks. Shelf‐life values were calculated using the reflectance difference method (R630–R580). O2 scavengers did not affect weight loss from the stored steaks.
Effects of exopolysaccharide‐producing strains of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria on the texture of stirred yoghurt
Authors: Marshall Valerie M. , Rawson H. L.
Published: March 2003

Summary Rheological and sensory properties of yoghurts prepared from commercially available cultures that had ropy and non‐ropy characteristics were compared. Our results from both instrumental and sensory data suggest that it may not be the amount of polysaccharide that is important to rheological properties, but the type of exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains and consequently the interaction of the polymer with the milk proteins during the fermentation. Data also suggest that the interaction and co‐operative growth that occurs in mixed cultures also influences the yield of EPS production in the fermentation, as combining two ropy strains does not lead to an increase in total polysaccharide, although the viscosity can be improved. Texture measurements for viscosity correlated with sensory evaluation of viscosity and with slipperiness.
Survival and growth of Listeria species in a model ready‐to‐use vegetable product containing raw and cooked ingredients as affected by storage temperature and acidification
Authors: Thomas Christopher , Prior Olive , O'Beirne David
Published: March 2003

Summary The survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua strains inoculated onto cooked sweet corn and fresh bean sprouts packed individually, and as components of a combination product, were examined at refrigeration and mild abuse temperatures. Growth rates were both temperature and vegetable dependent. Maximal growth rates (1.14 ± 0.1log CFU/day) were identified on cooked sweet corn at 12 °C. The inclusion of cooked sweet corn did not significantly increase (P > 0.05) the growth rate or final Listeria population density of bean sprouts stored at 8 °C and 12 °C. The sensory quality of bean sprouts was relatively temperature independent for the initial 48 h of storage, but was maximized (4 days shelf life) at 3 °C. Acidification of sweet corn to pH 5, particularly with citric acid, slowed Listeria growth and could be an additional hurdle to supplement temperature in maintaining the safety of minimally processed vegetable combination products.
Growth and structure of aggregates of heat‐denatured β‐Lactoglobulin
Authors: Le Bon Christel , Nicolai Taco , Durand Dominique
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe aggregation of the globular protein β‐lactoglobulin after heat‐denaturation was studied in aqueous solution at pH 7 using static and dynamic light scattering. The structure of the aggregates is self‐similar with fractal dimension 2.0. Size exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering measurements show that the aggregates have a broad size distribution. Initially clusters of about 85 proteins and 15 nm radius are formed which are the elementary units of the larger fractal aggregates. At low ionic strength the formation of the larger aggregates is impeded by electrostatic interactions.

The structure of the aggregates is independent of the concentration and the temperature. The rate of aggregation has an Arrhenius temperature dependence with an activation energy of about 350 kJ/mol weakly dependent on the concentration. The apparent reaction order of the aggregation is 1.5. In the mixture both variants A and B have the same aggregation rate. The gel time increases with decreasing concentration and diverges at about 0.7g L−1. At lower concentration the aggregate growth stagnates when all protein has aggregated.
Structural and interaction properties of β‐Lactoglobulin as studied by FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Lefèvre Thierry , Subirade Muriel
Published: March 2003

Summary New aspects of β‐Lactoglobulin (BLG) structure which have not previously been found by FT–IR spectroscopy are presented. The conformational changes of BLG and its heat‐induced denaturation have been studied at low concentration and different pHs. First, it was found that the spectra of BLG in solution are concentration‐dependent. Below 1%, they reveal one component in the 1620–1635 cm−1 region while above this concentration, two components are present. These changes are related to the modifications of the quaternary structure of BLG, i.e. to the monomeric or dimeric forms. As shown at high temperature (85 °C), this concentration (1%) represents the threshold of protein aggregation. Second, the thermal behaviour of BLG at pH 7.4 and 4.4 is compared. The results suggest that the denaturation process and the intermolecular interactions in aggregates are different and lead to two types of aggregate. These observations are in agreement with the formation of two gel microstructures near neutral pH and near the pI of BLG as observed by Stading & Hermasson (1990). Finally, interactions between BLG and two zwitterionic phospholipids have been investigated. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) is unaffected in the presence of BLG, suggesting that no interaction occurs. In contrast, BLG increases the lipid chain conformational disorder of milk sphinglomyelin (SM) as a consequence of hydrophobic interactions of BLG with SM. Since this effect occurs at and above the gel‐to‐liquid‐crystalline phase transition, it is suggested that membrane fluidity plays an important role in these interactions.
Heat‐induced gelation of whey protein at high pH studied by combined UV spectroscopy and refractive index measurement after size exclusion chromatography and byin‐situdynamic light scattering
Authors: Bauer Rogert , Rischel Christian , Hansen Steen , Øgendal Lars
Published: March 2003

SummaryThe interactions between β‐lactoglobulin and α‐lactalbumin involved in gelation at 67.5 °C at high pH and low salt concentration were studied by size exclusion chromatography, followed by UV and refractive index measurements, and byin‐situdynamic light scattering. This was achieved by choosing whey protein samples with different proportions of the two proteins. The ratio of absorbance at 280 nm to the refractive index was used to demonstrate that α‐lactalbumin was incorporated in aggregates and gels and drastically changed the properties of the gel, making them much more turbid than the transparent gels formed by β‐lactoglobulin alone at the same pH and ionic strength. At a ratio of 1:2 for α‐lactalbumin relative to β‐lactoglobulin in the samples, the gel consisted of a 1:1 mixture of the two proteins. The aggregates present after 10 min of heating at 67.5 °C had molar mass of about 6.106g/mol and a radius of gyration of about 40 nm. After gel formation the field autocorrelation function could be described as a power law over many decades of lag time for all samples, demonstrating selfsimilarity of the gel structure. The only exception to this was for the gel with high content of α‐lactalbumin which showed an oscillatory behaviour of the autocorrelation function. Significant amounts of glycosylated caseino‐macro‐peptide were observed in many of the samples at the position of β‐lactoglobulin. However it did not affect gelation as it remains in solution.
Interfacial properties of whey proteins at air/water and oil/water interfaces studied by dynamic drop tensiometry, ellipsometry and spreading kinetics
Authors: Nylander Tommy , Hamraoui Ahmed , Paulsson Marie
Published: March 2003

Summary The behaviour of different whey protein preparations at the air/aqueous and oil/aqueous interfaces have been investigated by surface tension measurements and ellipsometry, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to the composition of the different samples. For the ellipsometry measurement at the oil–aqueous interface, a new methodology has been developed and it will be discussed in relation to the experimental results. The surface viscoelastic properties of protein films formed at the air/aqueous interface have also been determined. Further information about the dynamics of the proteins at the interfaces was obtained by studying the kinetics of spreading of an oil droplet on the protein solutions.
Influence of retention time and influent pH on the performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge bioreactor treating cannery waste waters
Authors: Britz Trevor J. , Trnovec Wolf , Fourie Phillip C.
Published: March 2003

A mesophilic 50‐L upflow anaerobic sludge bed bioreactor (UASB) design was evaluated for the treatment of a sugar rich effluent from the canning industry. The UASB was inoculated with 1670 g anaerobic granules to give a granule bed height of 141 mm. After the system had stabilized the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was set at 24 h, the bioreactor substrate pH poised at 7.5 to prevent rapid acidification and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) increased to a full strength of 4000 mg.L–1. In the first experimental study (I) the organic loading rate (OLR) was increased by shortening the HRT from 24 to 8 h to give an OLR increase from 4.0 to 9.2 kgCOD.m–3.d–1 with an average COD removal of 81–84% and removal rate of 7.5 kgCOD.m–3.d–1. A HRT of 10 h was taken as the optimum operational HRT, as the recovery rate of the system at HRTs lower than 10 h were found to be longer than at longer HRTs. However, the data clearly showed that the bioreactor had not reached its optimal loading capacity, which was confirmed by the constant increase in the granule bed height. Since neutralization costs would influence the economic aspects of the process, the influence of lower pH values was investigated and the pH of the canning effluent was reduced from 7.5 to 5.0. At the lower pH, the COD removal remained fairly constant between 79 and 82%, with an alkalinity level of 700 mg.L–1 and a bioreactor effluent pH value of 6.5. It was clear from the low effluent pH that the lower end of the operational pH had been reached and further lowering of the substrate pH would lead to system failure. An increase of 144% in the granule bed height was found over the whole study period and the diameter of the granules obtained varied from below 1.0 mm to about 4.0 mm. The data from this study showed that the UASB system could successfully be used to treat canning effluents at short HRTs and without any further neutralization.