bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of regulatory T cell associated forkhead box P3 expression in the lungs of patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Idali F , Wahlström J , Müller-Suur C , Eklund A , Grunewald J
Published: July 2010

In pulmonary sarcoidosis, the typical T helper 1-mediated immune response in the lungs has been proposed to be co-ordinated by regulatory T cells; however, their exact role needs to be clarified. We used real-time polymerase chain reaction to study genes involved in regulatory T cell functions in CD4+ T cells isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients (n = 24) and healthy subjects (n = 7). The genes included the transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), interleukin (IL)-10, transforming growth factor-β1 and chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2). The same genes were also studied in isolated BALF CD4+ T cell receptor AV2S3+ and AV2S3– T cells of patients with lung-restricted AV2S3 T cell expansions (n = 12). Intracellular staining of the FoxP3 protein was performed additionally in 14 patients and nine healthy subjects. mRNA expression of FoxP3, CCR2 and IL-10 was decreased significantly in BALF CD4+ T cells of patients. Flow cytometric analysis of CD4+ T cells also demonstrated a decreased frequency of FoxP3+ cells in the BALF and blood of sarcoidosis patients as well as a reduced intensity (mean fluorescence intensity) of FoxP3 expression in BALF FoxP3+ cells of patients. BALF CD4+AV2S3+ T cells expressed significantly lower levels of FoxP3 and CCR2 mRNA versus BALF CD4+AV2S3– T cells. The main conclusion of our study is that there is a reduced expression of regulatory T cell associated genes in BALF CD4+ T cells in sarcoidosis. In addition, our data suggest an effector function of AV2S3+ lung-accumulated T cells in sarcoidosis.
Persistent human immunodeficiency virus-1 antigenaemia affects the expression of interleukin-7Rα on central and effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets
Authors: Mercier F , Boulassel M-R , Yassine-Diab B , Tremblay C , Bernard N-F , Sekaly R-P , Routy J-P
Published: July 2010

Interleukin (IL)-7 and its receptor (IL-7Rα) play important roles in regulating lymphopoiesis. Previous studies have reported that human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) viraemia affects the expression of IL-7Rα, but its effects on CD4+ and CD8+ T cell memory subsets have not been studied. Using eight-colour flow cytometry, we compared the immunophenotypic patterns of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets expressing IL-7Rα and activation markers, as well as circulating IL-7 levels, in three well-defined groups of HIV-1-infected subjects: successfully treated, viraemic and long-term non-progressor (LTNP). Compared with successfully treated and LTNP subjects, viraemic patients had reduced expression of IL-7Rα on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, particularly on central and effector memory T cell compartments, and substantially elevated expression of activation markers on CD8+ T cell subsets. Circulating IL-7 levels were correlated negatively with the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets expressing IL-7Rα; these associations were stronger with CD4+ T cell subsets and mainly with central and effector memory cells. The expression of activation markers on CD4+ and CD8+ cell T subsets was not related to circulating IL-7 levels. A strong negative correlation was observed between central memory CD4+ or CD8+ T cells expressing IL-7Rα and those expressing activation markers, independently of IL-7 levels. Collectively, these results provide further insight on the role of unsuppressed viral load in disrupting the IL-7/IL-7Rα system and contributing to HIV-1 disease progression.
CDIP-2, a synthetic peptide derived from chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 13 (CCL13), ameliorates allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Mendez-Enriquez E , Melendez Y , Martinez F , Baay G , Huerta-Yepez S , Gonzalez-Bonilla C , Fortoul T I , Soldevila G , García-Zepeda E A
Published: July 2010

Airway inflammation is characterized by selective recruitment of mononuclear and granulocytic cells. This recruitment is mediated by the action of chemotactic cytokines, such as chemokines. A number of chemokines and their receptors have been identified and proposed as potential therapeutic agents in allergic airway inflammation. One of these chemokines is chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 13 (CCL13), a CC chemokine that has been associated with allergic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. To investigate alternative therapeutic agents to alleviate allergic inflammatory diseases, a number of chemokine-derived synthetic peptides were designed and tested for their ability to modulate in vitro and in vivo chemokine-mediated functions. Our results show that one of these peptides, CDIP-2, displayed antagonist functions in in vitro chemotaxis assays using monocytic cell lines. In addition, we found that CDIP-2 significantly reduced peribronchial, perivascular infiltrate and mucus overproduction in an ovalbumin-induced allergic lung inflammation murine model. Thus, CDIP-2 may be considered as part of a novel group of anti-inflammatory agents based on chemokine-derived synthetic peptides.
Rapid subcutaneous immunoglobulin administration every second week results in high and stable serum immunoglobulin G levels in patients with primary antibody deficiencies
Authors: Gustafson R , Gardulf A , Hansen S , Leibl H , Engl W , Lindén M , Müller A , Hammarström L
Published: July 2010

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin G (SCIG) infusions as life-long replacement therapy in patients with primary antibody deficiences (PAD) is being applied increasingly. However, only a few published pharmacokinetic studies are available for this route of administration. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics of a 16% immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparation intended for subcutaneous use were investigated in patients with common variable immunodeficiency and X-linked agammaglobulinaemia. SCIG infusions (200 mg/kg body weight) were administered to 12 adult patients every 14 days for 24 weeks (total of 144 infusions). Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined based on serum IgG trough levels and antibody levels against tetanus. The median half-life of the total serum IgG and for the tetanus antibodies was 40·6 and 23·3 days respectively. Median in vivo recovery of serum IgG and tetanus immunoglobulins were 36% and 46% respectively. Median, preinfusion serum IgG trough levels per patient were high without major variations between infusions and ranged from 7·24 to 7·86 g/l. Safety, in terms of adverse events including systemic adverse reactions and local tissue reactions at infusions sites, was monitored throughout the study. Six mild, local tissue reactions were observed during the study in one patient. No systemic adverse reactions related to the study drug were observed and no serious other adverse event occurred during the study. It is concluded that the bi-weekly SCIG therapy was well tolerated in the study and that it results in high and stable serum IgG levels, offering an alternative therapy regimen to patients suffering from PAD.
Intrahepatic endothelial and Kupffer cells involved in immunosuppressive cytokines and natural killer (NK)/NK T cell disorders in viral acute hepatitis
Authors: Jacques A , Bleau C , Martin J-P , Lamontagne L
Published: July 2010

During acute viral hepatitis, the intrahepatic tolerance sustained by immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), produced by Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), natural killer (NK) T cells and natural regulatory T cells may be disturbed. NK cells are recruited normally in the liver and produce interferon (IFN)-γ to control viral replication. The use of mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) attenuated variants showing selected tropisms for KC or LSEC have allowed determining their roles in the disturbances of immune tolerance during viral hepatitis. Groups of C57BL/6 mice were infected with the pathogenic L2-MHV3 (KC+, LSEC+), low attenuated 51·6-MHV3 (KC+, LSEC–) or high attenuated CL12-MHV3 (KC–, LSEC–) variants for the first 3 days. Results showed that IL-10, TGF-β and PGE2 production in the liver decreased in L2-MHV3-infected mice and increased in 51·6-MHV3- and CL12-MHV3-infected mice. The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 in liver decreased in L2-MHV3-infected mice, while it was not (or low) altered in mice infected with the attenuated MHV3 variant mice. Phenotypic analysis of intrahepatic mononuclear cells revealed that apoptotic NK and NK T cells increased in mice infected with the L2-MHV3, but were minor in 51·6-MHV3- and CL12-MHV3-infected mice. The numbers of CD4+ forkhead box P3+ cells increased in the livers from low pathogenic CL12-MHV3 and YAC-MHV3-infected mice. These results indicate that viral permissivity of KC and LSEC is involved in the decrease of IL-10 and PGE2, while KC may play an additional role in the apoptosis of NK and NK T cells during acute viral hepatitis.
Atorvastatin does not alter serum levels of sCD95 and sCD95L in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sellner J , Greeve I , Findling O , Grandgirard D , Leib S L , Mattle H P
Published: July 2010

Elimination of autoreactive T cells by apoptosis is critical for restricting immune responses to self-antigens. An errant lytic interaction between the CD95 death receptor and its ligand CD95L is presumed to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Statins are promising agents for the treatment of MS and were shown to modulate levels of soluble death receptors. Here, we evaluated the in vivo effects by interferon (IFN)-β and atorvastatin on soluble CD95 (sCD95) and sCD95L in serum of patients with MS. Concentrations of sCD95 and sCD95L did not show any differences between MS and healthy control subjects. In patients with MS, treatment with IFN-β increased serum levels of sCD95 and sCD95L significantly (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 respectively). Addition of atorvastatin to IFN-β did not alter serum levels of sCD95 and sCD95L significantly. Our study suggests that atorvastatin does not affect IFN-β-induced increases of the soluble death receptors in the serum of patients with MS.
The value of serum neopterin, interferon-gamma levels and interleukin-12B polymorphisms in predicting acute renal allograft rejection
Authors: Chin G K , Adams C L , Carey B S , Shaw S , Tse W-Y , Kaminski E R
Published: July 2010

Acute rejection remains a poor predictor of graft outcome. In this study, we measured serum levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and neopterin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the 3′ untranslated region of the interleukin (IL)-12 B gene (1188 A/C) to determine whether either of these factors could predict acute rejection in renal transplantation. Significantly higher early post-transplant neopterin levels (days 5–7; 35·7 versus 19·9 nmol/l) were observed in recipients who subsequently rejected their grafts. Post-transplant neopterin levels showed a strong positive correlation with 1-month creatinine levels (Spearman's correlation 0·62, P < 0·001), suggesting macrophage activation early after transplantation. Pretransplant neopterin and IFN-γ levels and the IL-12B gene SNP did not predict acute rejection in this small retrospective study. The ability to predict acute rejection non-invasively early after transplantation could lead to individual tailoring of immunosuppressive regimens and perhaps lead eventually to longer graft survival.
Redox signalling and the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Filippin L I , Vercelino R , Marroni N P , Xavier R M
Published: July 2010

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced mainly during oxidative phosphorylation and by activated phagocytic cells during oxidative burst. The excessive production of ROS can damage lipids, protein, membrane and nucleic acids. They also serve as important intracellular signalling that enhances the inflammatory response. Many studies have demonstrated a role of ROS in the pathogenesis of inflammatory chronic arthropathies, such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is known that ROS can function as a second messenger to activate nuclear factor kappa-B, which orchestrates the expression of a spectrum of genes involved in the inflammatory response. Therefore, an understanding of the complex interactions between these pathways might be useful for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Depletion of CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells inhibits local tumour growth in a mouse model of B cell lymphoma
Authors: Heier I , Hofgaard P O , Brandtzæg P , Jahnsen F L , Karlsson M
Published: July 2010

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) may inhibit immunity against cancer. Induction and expansion of Tregs in the immunosuppressive microenvironment created by a growing tumour appear to be one of the mechanisms by which it can evade host defence. We studied the impact of CD25+ Tregs in a B cell lymphoma model in which Rag2–/– mice received adoptive transfer of wild-type spleen cells with or without CD25+ cells, and concurrently subcutaneous inoculation of the B cell lymphoma cell line A20. We also examined the effect of engaging the glucocorticoid-induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR) − an approach reported previously to abrogate the suppressive effects of Tregs. Mice that received spleen cells depleted of CD25+ Tregs showed significantly slower tumour growth and increased survival compared with mice that received unsorted spleen cells. The Treg-depleted group also had significantly more CD8+ T cells infiltrating the tumours and higher levels of serum immunoglobulin G subclasses. The anti-GITR treatment had no significant effect on tumour growth, survival or immunoglobulin production. In the CD25-depleted group four of 10 mice developed clinical signs of autoimmunity, in contrast to none in the non-depleted group. Forkhead box P3+ T cells were found in tumour-draining lymph nodes in mice in the CD25-depleted group, suggesting an in vivo induction or expansion of rare transferred donor Tregs. Thus, our study showed that removal of CD25+ Tregs enhanced anti-tumour immunity against local growth of a B cell lymphoma and that induction or expansion of Tregs could be one mechanism by which the growing tumour evades immune surveillance.
High mobility group box 1 and adenosine are both released by endothelial cells during hypothermic preservation
Authors: Song H , Feng Y , Hoeger S , Beck G , Hanusch C , Goettmann U , Leuvenink H G D , Ploeg R J , Hillebrands J , Yard B A
Published: July 2010

Hypothermic preservation of solid allografts causes profound damage of vascular endothelial cells. This, in turn, might activate innate immunity. In the present study we employed an in vitro model to study to what extent supernatants of damaged endothelial cells are able to activate innate immunity and to study the nature of these signals. The expression of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and adhesion molecules on human umbilical vein endothelial cell was studied by immunofluorescence, fluorescence activated cell sorter and Western blotting. Cytokine production was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HMGB1 expression was lost completely in endothelial cells after hypothermic preservation. This was associated with cell damage as it occurred only in untreated endothelial cell but not in cells rendered resistant to hypothermia-mediated damage by dopamine treatment. Only supernatants from hypothermia susceptible cells up-regulated the expression of interleukin (IL)-8 and adhesion molecules in cultured endothelial cells in an HMGB1-dependent manner. In whole blood assays, both supernatants of hypothermia susceptible and resistant cells inhibited tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α production concomitantly with an increased IL-10 secretion. The activity of the supernatants was already found after 6 h of hypothermic preservation, and paralleled the decrease in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Modulation of TNF-α and IL-10 production by these supernatants was abrogated completely by prior treatment with adenosine deaminase and was similar to the response of an A2R agonist. Our study demonstrates that both HMGB1 and adenosine are released during hypothermic preservation. While release of HMGB1 is caused by cell damage, release of adenosine seems to be related to ATP hydrolysis, occurring in both susceptible and resistant cells.
Up-regulated expression of Toll-like receptors mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Komatsuda A , Wakui H , Iwamoto K , Ozawa M , Togashi M , Masai R , Maki N , Hatakeyama T , Sawada K
Published: July 2010

Recent studies in animal models for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have shown that Toll-like receptors (TLR-7 and TLR-9) and interferon (IFN)-α are involved in the pathogenesis of murine lupus. Recent studies using flow cytometry have also shown increased expression of TLR-9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SLE patients. In this study, we performed quantitative real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analyses of PBMCs from 21 SLE patients and 21 healthy subjects, to estimate TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, IFN-α and LY6E (a type I IFN-inducible gene) mRNA expression levels. Expression levels of TLR2, TLR7, TLR9, IFN-α and LY6E mRNAs in SLE patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. Expression levels of TLR7 and TLR9 mRNAs correlated with that of IFN-α mRNA in SLE patients. These results suggest that up-regulated expression of TLR7 and TLR9 mRNAs together with increased expression of IFN-α mRNA in PBMCs may also contribute to the pathogenesis of human lupus.
The role of a nuclear protein, histone H1, on signalling pathways for the maturation of dendritic cells
Authors: Hsu L W , Chen C L , Nakano T , Lai C Y , Chiang K C , Lin Y C , Kao Y H , Chen S H , Goto T , Sung W C , Yang C H , Cheng Y F , Jawan B , Chiu K W , Goto S
Published: July 2010

We have demonstrated previously that liver allograft tolerance is associated with the immunosuppressive activity of anti-histone H1 autoreactive antibodies induced in the serum of liver transplantation. Furthermore, we and others have shown that nuclear proteins such as histone H1 and high mobility group box 1 play an important role in maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), although the precise mechanisms are still unknown. In the present study, we focus upon the significance of histone H1 on DCs in terms of the intracellular signalling pathway of DCs. Our immunostaining and immunoblot studies demonstrated that histone H1 was detected in cytoplasm and culture supernatants upon the activation of DCs. Histone H1 blockage by anti-histone H1 antibody down-regulated the intracellular activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (p38) and IκBα of DCs, and inhibited DC activity in the proliferation of CD4+ T cells. On the other hand, the addition of histone H1 without endotoxin stimulation up-regulated major histocompatibility complex class II, the CD80 and CD86 surface markers of DCs and the activation of MAPKs (p38 and extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2) and IκBα. These results suggest that the translocation of histone H1 from nuclei to cytoplasm and the release of their own histone H1 are necessary for the maturation of DCs and the activation for T lymphocytes.
Interleukin 12B gene polymorphism and apparent resistance to hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Hegazy D , Thurairajah P , Metzner M , Houldsworth A , Shaw S , Kaminski E , Demaine A G , Cramp M E
Published: July 2010

Cellular immunity with interferon gamma production could have a role in protection from hepatitis C virus (HCV). Interleukin (IL)-12 is a key cytokine in promoting such anti-viral T helper 1 (Th1) responses. We hypothesized that a genetic background able to promote cellular responses may be associated with apparent protection from infection and have investigated the distribution of the functional 1188A/C polymorphism of IL-12B in HCV exposed but uninfected cases. The frequency of the high IL-12-producing C allele was determined by restriction enzyme genotyping in 76 exposed–uninfected individuals and 105 healthy controls. Overall, the C allele was found in 27·6% of exposed–uninfected cases compared with 16·7% of healthy controls [χ2 = 6·3, P = 0·02, odds ratio (OR) = 1·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1·1–3·2]. CC genotype was found in 10·5% of exposed–uninfected cases compared with 0·9% controls (χ2 = 9·3, P = 0·01, OR = 12, 95% CI = 1·5–100). Individuals at high risk of HCV infection yet who remain uninfected may be resistant in some way to infection. In our cohort of exposed–uninfected cases a genetic background of enhanced IL-12 production was associated with apparent resistance to HCV infection. This lends support to a central role for cellular immune responses in protecting from infection.
Ageing is associated with diminished apoptotic cell clearancein vivo
Authors: Aprahamian T , Takemura Y , Goukassian D , Walsh K
Published: July 2010

Ageing leads to immune system dysfunction and the accumulation of autoantibodies. Because the rapid phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells is required to prevent the development of autoimmunity, we examined the relative clearance of apoptotic material in young and aged mice using two independent assays. First, 2-year-old mice were found to be impaired in their ability to clear apoptotic keratinocytes following ultraviolet irradiation of the skin. Secondly, peritoneal macrophages exposed to apoptotic Jurkat T cells in vivo displayed diminished phagocytic activity in aged mice compared with 8-week-old mice. Consistent with these findings, aged mice exhibited signs of autoimmunity with the appearance of anti-nuclear antibodies and increased kidney glomerular size as well as complement deposits within the glomeruli. In vitro assays revealed that the pretreatment of macrophages with the serum from aged mice led to a reduction in their ability to phagocytose apoptotic bodies compared with macrophages treated with serum from young mice. These data show that the ageing process is accompanied by a diminished ability to clear apoptotic debris. This accumulation of apoptotic debris could contribute to immune system dysfunction that occurs in aged organisms.
Establishing humanized mice using stem cells: maximizing the potential
Authors: Bernard D , Peakman M , Hayday A C
Published: July 2010

Studies on physiology and pathology as they relate to the immune system draw heavily upon rodent models. With the increasing impetus provided by initiatives in translational medicine, the demand for ever more sophisticated, ‘humanized’ murine models is greater than ever. However, the design and implementation of studies in such mice is far from trivial. Here we provide a technical perspective on the increasing interest in developing humanized mice. We give examples of primary data starting with the routine procurement of human donor material, through CD34+ cell purification prior to engraftment to injection into immunocompromised mice. Our goal is to provide practical advice to the many investigators who may be commencing or considering such studies.
99th Dahlem Conference on Infection, Inflammation and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: The normal gut microbiota in health and disease
Authors: Bäckhed F
Published: July 2010

Mammals are metagenomic, in that they are composed not only of their own genome but also those of all of their associated microbes (microbiome). Individual variations in the microbiome influence host health and may be implicated in disease aetiology. Therefore, it is not surprising that decreased microbial diversity is associated with both obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. Studies in germ-free mice have demonstrated that the gut microbiota is required for development of diet-induced obesity as well as inflammatory diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) for how the gut microbiota causes metabolic diseases is only beginning to be clarified. Furthermore, emerging data suggest that the gut microbiota may predispose or protect against other important diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
99th Dahlem Conference on Infection, Inflammation and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Induction and control of regulatory T cells in the gastrointestinal tract: consequences for local and peripheral immune responses
Authors: Belkaid Y , Liesenfeld O , Maizels R M
Published: July 2010

Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in normal gut homeostasis, as well as during infection with microbial or parasitic pathogens. Prior to infection, interactions with the commensal microflora are essential to differentiation of a healthy steady-state level of immunoregulation, mediated through both Toll-like receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. The ingress of pathogenic organisms may, according to the context, promote or reverse the regulatory environment, with onward consequences for inflammation in both the intestinal and extra-intestinal settings. Appropriate regulation of gut immunity thus depends upon a complex three-way interplay between host cells, commensals and pathogens, and can exert a major impact on systemic responses including allergy and autoimmunity.
99th Dahlem Conference on Infection, Inflammation and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Host–microbe interactions in the gut: target for drug therapy, opportunity for drug discovery
Authors: Shanahan F
Published: July 2010

The commensal microbiota, most of which resides in the gut, is an environmental regulator of mucosal and systemic immune maturation. Epidemiological studies suggest that changes in the microbiota may represent a link between a modern lifestyle and risk of certain immuno-allergic diseases. This suggests that the microbiota is an appropriate target for therapy or prophylaxis, the rationale for which is addressed here using inflammatory bowel disease as an example. It is also evident from comparative studies of germ-free and conventionally colonized animals that the microbiota is a source of regulatory signals for full development of the host. In some instances these signals have been defined molecularly, and may be suitable for exploitation in novel drug discovery. Most of the versatile drugs in common usage today were derived originally from living matter in the wider environment; could it be time to mine new drugs from microbial-derived signalling molecules in the inner environment of the gut? Several examples illustrate the potential of the gut microbiota as a rich repository from which bioactives with immunological impact can be mined, and translated to human health care or to animal husbandry.
Acid components of fruit and vegetable I. Production of acids by thermal processing
Authors: CREAN D. E. C.
Published: July 2010

The breakdown of carbohydrate molecules in acid solutions when heated gives rise to various acids of which two have been identified as glycollic and lactic acids. Evidence has been obtained that this reaction takes place in the sterilization of canned vegetables and is responsible for the drop in pH noted during the sterilization process.
The spoilage flora of eviscerated chickens stored at different temperatures
Authors: BARNES ELLA M. , THORNLEY MARGARET J.
Published: July 2010

The methods used for isolating and characterizing the Gram‐negative spoilage bacteria of chickens are described and discussed.

When a comparison was made of the spoilage flora of chickens stored at 1, 10 and 15°G it was confirmed that pigmented and non‐pigmented strains of Pseudomonas predominated at 1°C together with the chromogenic organism hitherto described as Pseudomonas putrefaciens. On the other hand, the main spoilage organisms at 15°C were found to be strains of Acinetobacter and Enterobacteriaceae, the latter being difficult to relate to known species.
Brown discoloration in pre‐rigor cut fish fillets
Authors: KELLY T. R. , LITTLE W. T.
Published: July 2010

The surface browning in pre‐rigor processed cod fillets has been shown to be caused by the formation of a denatured form of methaemo‐globin produced from fish blood contaminating the surface. Browning is less likely to occur in fillets cut in rigor or later because a pre‐rigor cut surface exudes a coagulum in which blood is trapped and from which it cannot be easily removed by washing. The observation that Ocean Perch is more liable to surface discoloration has been explained in terms of differences in blood distribution in the muscle tissue. Cod haemoglobin differs markedly from mammalian haemoglobin in that oxyhaemoglobin changes to deoxyhaemoglobin as the pH is reduced below 8. Mammalian haemoglobin is stable at all pH values between 10 and 4.

It is suggested that surface browning in fish fillets can be prevented by using correct bleeding procedures before filleting, or by filleting in rigor or later.
Dielectric thawing of meat and meat products
Authors: SANDERS H. R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Conditions are given for the thawing by dielectric heating of regularly shaped blocks of meat, and of several different meat products. Blocks up to 15 cm thick have been treated by this method; short thawing times and low surface temperatures keep drip losses low. Where fat is present as a separate layer, difficulties arise owing to differential heating; this risk is diminished when the fat is mixed more intimately with lean. A description of an existing industrial plant is given.
The incidence of watery muscle in commercial British pigs
Authors: TAYLOR A. McM.
Published: July 2010

Measurements of the pH of the leg muscle approximately 45 min after slaughter (pH1) have been made in 4737 commercial pigs slaughtered at eight factories in Great Britain. The values found lie on a single‐peaked distribution curve with a maximum at pH 6.4–6.5. No evidence was obtained of any marked influence on pH1 distribution due to sex, weight or period of lairage. Indications of watery muscle were observed in about two per 1000 of the pigs examined. The distribution of watery muscle between factories was very irregular, most of the watery carcases being observed in a single factory.
Some applications of differential thermal analysis to oils and fats
Authors: BERGER K. G. , AKEHURST E. E.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The DTA (differential thermal analysis) cooling curves of fats are simpler than the melting curves because complicated effects due to polymorphism are not obtained. The cooling curves of some synthetic glycerides are presented. Fractions of defined glyceride composition are obtained from palm oil, cotton‐seed oil and soya bean oil and examined by DTA. A number of other oils and hydrogenated oils are examined and the DTA curves interpreted in terms of their glyceride composition.
The measurement of cake crumb strength
Authors: Robson A. H.
Published: July 2010

A short survey is given of the various types of instruments which have been and are at present being used to evaluate cake crumb strength.

The Panimeter is an instrument in current use, and it has been designed to measure crumb strength by compressing a sample under conditions of constant stress. Certain modifications in design have been made in order to improve the general performance of the instrument, including complete automation of the test and the provision for making constant strain tests. Elasticity and firmness tests have also been made on margarine and butter with the Panimeter.

A new instrument, the Rotary Cutter, has been built with which attempts have been made to assess crumb strength from the forces developed when a rotating blade cuts a spiral path in a cake sample. A continuous record of crumb strength is obtained by transmitting the forces via a potentiometer and Wheatstone bridge circuit to a pen recorder.

A comparison is made of the results produced by the instruments from tests carried out on sandwich cakes prepared from fats of varying hardness.
The dielectric constant of foods and other materials with high water contents at microwave frequencies
Authors: De Loor G. P. , Meijboom F. W.
Published: July 2010

Measurements are given on foods and other materials with high water contents between 1–2 and 18 Gc/s. Within the measuring accuracy all results lie on semi‐circular Cole‐Cole arcs, thus indicating a single relaxation time. This relaxation can be ascribed to the free water available. It is shown that mixtures can be designed which are useful as model systems.
The effect of phosphate solutions on the denaturation of frozen cod muscle
Authors: Love R. M. , Abel G.
Published: July 2010

The effect of treating cod fillets with phosphate solutions prior to freezing was studied. Little influence on subsequent denaturation of the cold stored material was found, as measured by protein extractability in dilute salt solution. However, the treatment invalidated the cell fragility method by producing very low values. Electron microscopy showed that these were the result of the solvent action of the phosphate solutions, which removed some of the protein from the myofibrils and made the cell fragility homogenate correspondingly less dense. Some of the dissolved protein was shown to be deposited on the surface of treated fillets, and it is the resulting film which probably seals the fluids in the fillet and causes the well‐known reduction in thaw‐drip.
Note on the difference between smooth and wrinkled peas after processing
Authors: Thung S. B. , Gersons L.
Published: July 2010

Due to the fact that smooth‐seeded and wrinkle‐seeded pea varieties are both on the market, canned as well as quick‐frozen, it is of practical importance to determine the difference between these two types. A simple microscopic examination has been worked out, in which the distinction between smooth and wrinkled peas can be easily established. After treatment with ethanol the shape of the starch granules is fixed, which differs in smooth and wrinkled varieties. The method cannot be used for intermediate varieties, raised by crossing between the two types.
Quality characteristics of pork with special reference to Pietrain, Pietrain X Landrace and Landrace pigs at different weights
Authors: MacDOUGALL D. B. , DISNEY J. G.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The meat quality of Pietrain, Pietrain x Landrace and Landrace hogs and gilts at four finishing weights was studied with respect to post‐mortem glycolytic rates, colour, wateriness and toughness.

The rate of post‐mortem glycolysis was found to be indicative of the subsequent meat quality in the three breeds.

The longissimus dorsi of the Pietrain carcasses exhibited those characteristics associated with paleness, wetness and toughness. The Pietrain x Landrace were intermediate between the parent breeds, but more closely resembled the Landrace.

Muscle brightness was significantly related to the pH of the muscle measured at 45 min post mortem (pH1) and also pigment concentration.

Significant correlations were found between pH1, and protein solubility, compressibility and tenderness values; and also between compressibility ratios and tenderness values.

The light coloured part of the semitendinosus was significantly paler in the Pietrain than in the Landrace and Pietrain x Landrace, while the dark part became darker with increasing weight.

With increasing weight, the inner layer of subcutaneous fat became less pink and increased in brightness for gilts.
The effect of post‐mortem conditions on the extractability and adenosine triphosphatase activity of myofibrillar proteins of rabbit muscle
Authors: PENNY I. F.
Published: July 2010

Summary. 1. Washed myofibrils from rabbit muscle have been heated at pH values between 4.8 and 5.6 and temperatures between 35°C and 42°C. It has been found that, under these conditions, myofibrils lose their Ca2+ activated adenosine triphosphatase, their Mg2+ activated adenosine triphosphatase and also become less extractable in M KCl–30 mM sodium glycerophosphate, pH 6.2.

2. The reactions follow first‐order kinetics and the rates are dependent on pH and temperature. The first order rate constants, enthalpies and entropies for the three reactions are sufficiently near each other to suggest that all three reactions are occurring simultaneously.

3. When a muscle is allowed to go into rigor at 37°C the extractability in M KCl–30 mM sodium glycerophosphate is reduced after 4 hr at 37°C when the pH of the muscle has reached 5.55. At the same time the Ca2+ adenosine triphosphatase activity falls but the Mg2+ adenosine triphosphatase does not. The latter is reduced by prolonging the period at 37°C to 6 hr.

4. It is suggested that there is present in muscle, undergoing rigor at 37°C, myosin which does not bind to actin and is readily denatured. When bound to actin, myosin in the myofibril is more resistant and denatures only after long exposure to a temperature of 37°C.
Freeze‐drying of beef. I. Theoretical freeze‐drying rates of beef
Authors: BRALSFORD R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A theoretical model of freeze‐drying is developed from which the dependence of drying rate and ice temperature on processing conditions can be calculated. The theory is based on the measured permeability and thermal conductivity of the completely dry material. When applied to beef steaks, the theory predicts that, at acceptable surface temperatures, the system is heat transfer limited and that the fastest sublimation rates should be obtained at high product surface temperatures combined with high cabinet pressures; if however the surface temperature is low (less than 20°C) the cabinet pressure should also be kept low. The probable effects of pre‐drying treatments such as slow freezing and cooking are also discussed.
Freeze‐drying of beef. II. A calorimetric method for comparing theoretical with actual drying rates (measurement of freeze‐drying rates of beef)
Authors: BRALSFORD R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A calorimetric method is described by which some of the predictions of the theory described in Part I (Bralsford, 1967) are compared with the actual freeze‐drying behaviour of beef. In particular, the method permits the continuous measurement of heat transfer into the sample as it dries. From this the sublimation rate at any time may be deduced and the end of sublimation is readily determined. For the most part the agreement between experiment and theory is good; the prediction that, at normal surface temperatures, the sublimation rate should increase with chamber pressure is confirmed. It is suggested that such discrepancies that do exist can be explained as the effects of liquid diffusion into the dried shell and that the consequences of this are that product quality must be expected to depend to some extent on the size of the food piece.
Freeze‐drying of cooked beef—some effects of freezing rate and freezing method
Authors: BENGTSSON N. E.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Results are given from comparative freeze‐drying experiments studying the effects of freezing rate and of so‐called thermal treatment on drying rate, water uptake and general quality of freeze‐dried cooked beef. Unlike raw meat, cooked beef appeared to be little affected by freezing rate in connection with freeze‐drying, except for markedly poorer appearance in the dried condition for the very slowly frozen product. Thermal treatment seemed to have no positive effect on drying rate or quality.
The effect of doses of gamma radiation up to 16 Mrad on plastic packaging materials for fish
Authors: KEAY J. N.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The effects of doses of gamma radiation of up to 16 Mrad on some plastic packaging materials have been studied in relation to properties considered desirable for the vacuum packing of fish. Nylon 11 appears to be the most suitable in terms of the tests applied.
Influence of the activity of water on the spoilage of foodstuffs
Authors: LONCIN M. , BIMBENET J. J. , LENGES J.
Published: July 2010

Summary. An original method for the evaluation of activity of water as a function of water content is described. the effect of temperature on activity, and the effect of the activity of water on drying rate, growth and destruction of micro‐organisms, enzyme action, chemical reactions, etc., are determined.
An improved automated analysis of hypoxanthine
Authors: BURT J. R. , MURRAY J. , STROUD G. D.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The level of hypoxanthine in fish muscle is a good indicator of fish quality. Its routine determination can be carried out reliably and quickly with the AutoAnalyzer using a redox indicator dye. Interference from formaldehyde and acetaldehyde in extracts of fish muscle, at concentrations greater than would be expected there, is not significant. Results obtained using this method correlate very well with those from the standard manual enzymatic assay procedure.
Post‐mortem changes in myofibrillar protein solubility
Authors: VALIN C.
Published: July 2010

Summary. During the ageing of bovine muscle there is an increase in the solubility of the myofibrillar protein as tropomyosin and associated myofibrillar proteins become extractable with the Weber‐Edsall solution. This fact agrees with the concomitant structural changes believed to occur in the sarcomere.
The production of brined cauliflower for the pickle industry
Authors: ANDERSON K. G.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The production of brined cauliflower for the pickle industry is reviewed, consideration being given to the raw material, preparation and brining method. Some pitfalls and causes of softening and discoloration are discussed and the necessity of adequate agitation to prevent stratification during the early part of brining is emphasized.

The possible use of sulphur dioxide in brined cauliflower is briefly reviewed.
Ozone treatment of chilled beef
Authors: KAESS G. , WEIDEMANN J. F.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The effects of continuous ozone treatment at 0.3°C on the growth of psychrophilic meat spoilage organisms, grown on muscle slices with equilibrium relative humidities (EH) of 99.3, 98.5 and 98.0% were investigated. Ozone concentrations ranged from 0.15 to 5.0 mg/m3 in air and the micro‐organisms included pigmented and non‐pigmented Pseudomonas, the yeast Candida scottii, and the moulds Thamnidium and Penicillium. A treatment at EH 99.3% with air containing carbon dioxide (11%) and ozone (0.6 mg/m3) was included.

Small but significant inhibitory effects on non‐pigmented Pseudomonas species and on the yeast Candida scottii were obtained with ozone concentrations 2 mg/m3 (EH 99.3%). A concentration of 0.6 mg/m3 was not always significantly effective with non‐pigmented Pseudomonas species, but significant decreases were recorded for the slower growing pigmented Pseudomonas species.

With ozone concentrations 0.6 mg/m3, the population density of 108 cells/cm2, at which bacterial colonies first become manifest in air (slime point), was increased to about 109/cm2. Lowering the EH or introducing 11% carbon dioxide into the storage further delayed the appearance of the ‘slime point’of the bacterial population owing to ozone treatment.

In the presence of ozone, the lag phase of Thamnidium and Penicillium was longer but the growth rate was about the same as that of the controls. No aerial mycelium appeared with ozone concentrations 0.6 mg/m3.

The colour of the treated muscle surface did not differ from that of controls when the ozone concentration of the storage atmosphere was 0.6 mg/m3.
The determination of protein in biological materials and foodstuffs
Authors: GORSUCH T. T. , NORTON R. L.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Three methods for determining protein, the Folin, dye‐binding and nitration procedures, have been investigated, modified when necessary, and applied to mycelial systems, flour and dried egg. All three methods give different results with different protein standards, indicating that the values obtained from different samples can only be relative rather than absolute.
Quality in frozen cod and limiting factors on its shelf life
Authors: KELLY T. R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Organoleptic assessments of toughness, dryness and overall texture and flavour acceptability have been made on cod fillets stored at ‐ 7°C. Inter‐relationships between these parameters, muscle pH and time have been derived, which have shown that in high pH cod, flavour development during cold storage limits the shelf life, while low pH fish become unacceptably tough before the flavour becomes acceptable.
The relationship between the subjective and objective measurement of pork colour
Authors: ELLIOTT R. J.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The colour of ninety‐seven pig longissimus dorsi muscles was measured using a spectrophotometer, a simple colour reflectometer, and an untrained panel of ten graders. the results obtained from the colour meters and the graders were compared with Munsell V value of the samples, calculated from the reflection spectra.

Visual colour grading produced a near linear correlation with the Munsell V value. Dark samples tended to be underestimated, whereas pale samples were overestimated by the panel. There was considerable variation between observers’scores, between methods of visual grading, and between visual and instrumental grading. Results obtained from the colour meter were reproducible. the error in comparison with the spectrophotometer was small. the colour meter provides a convenient portable and inexpensive method of measuring the colour lightness of pork muscle.

The experiment showed the practicability of objective measurement of meat colour lightness. the determination of colour quality, however, requires both subjective and objective measurements.
Caking of onion powder
Authors: PELEG Y. , MANNHEIM C. H.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Caking of onion powders during storage reduces their commercial value. the addition of anti‐caking agents at several moisture levels was investigated. Low storage temperature, moisture content of less than 4% in the powder and some of the anti‐caking agents tested prevented caking of onion powders for prolonged periods.
The lithium contents of some consumable items
Authors: HULLIN R. P. , KAPEL M. , DRINKALL JENNIFER A.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The atomic absorption technique has been used in the analysis of tobacco ash and a number of common consumable items, namely water, salt, lettuce and potato, for their content of lithium in view of the apparent medical importance of this element.
Some observations on the histology of cold‐shortened muscle
Authors: VOYLE C. A.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Changes in the histology of muscles subject to temperatures just above freezing‐point while in the pre‐rigor condition are described. Observations are based on the study of sectioned tissue by optical and electron microscopy, and by scanning electron microscopy. the presence of ‘active’ and ‘passive’ fibres is noted. These are defined by their contractile state. the appearance of the surface membrane of the active fibres is also described and its influence on the texture of cold‐shortened muscle as meat is discussed.
Differential thermal analysis as a control instrument in edible fat hydrogenation
Authors: STEELE D. E. B. , BLANSHARD J. M. V.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The use of differential thermal analysis for following the progressive hydrogenation of ground nut oil with a view to giving an end product of consistent quality is described. the technique appears to be promising as a method for determining the solid fat index at various temperatures and compares favourably with dilatometry in speed, reproducibility of results and the amount of information available from any one analysis.
Uptake of salt in the kippering of herring
Authors: AITKEN A. , BAINES C. R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. The effects of several factors on the uptake of salt during the brining of herring for kippering have been studied. the most important factors were the brine concentration, the brining time and the rate of stirring. the orientation of the fish (skin up or skin down on the brine surface), the oil content and the size of the fish were less important.
The xerophilic mould, Xeromyces bisporus, as a spoilage organism
Authors: DALLYN H. , EVERTON J. R.
Published: July 2010

Summary. Some spoilage outbreaks resulting from the growth of the obligate xerophilic mould Xeromyces bisporus are described. Methods and media are suggested for the isolation of the mould, and observations are given on the tolerance to CO2. Data are given on the heat resistance of its ascospores. the spoilage characteristics of the mould are discussed with relevance to the findings.