Sodium chloride concentration affects yield, quality, and sensory acceptability of vacuum-tumbled marinated broiler breast fillets.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of sodium chloride concentration on yield, instrumental quality, and sensory acceptability of broiler breast meat that was vacuum tumbled with a 15% solution (over green weight) for 30 min. Different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50%) of NaCl (salt) and 0.35% sodium tripolyphosphate were included in the marinade solution. After marinating, breast fillets were evaluated for marination yields, pH, surface color, cooking loss, tenderness, expressible moisture, proximate composition, purge loss, sodium content, and sensory acceptability. As salt concentration increased, CIE L* decreased linearly, with a concentration of 0.75% having lower (P < 0.05) CIE L* values when compared with the control, 0, and 0.25% NaCl treatments. In addition, there was a linear and quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in shear force as salt concentration increased, with no further decrease (P < 0.05) when greater than 0.75% NaCl was used. Cooking yield increased (P < 0.05) as the salt concentration increased to 1.0%. All marinated treatments were preferred (P < 0.05) over the control treatment, and all treatments marinated with at least 0.50% sodium chloride had an average rating of like moderately. Cluster analysis indicated that consumer groups varied in their preference of broiler breast meat treatments and that samples that were marinated with between 0.5 to 1.0% NaCl were acceptable to the majority of consumers. Marination with 0.75% NaCl was sufficient to maximize yields and decrease lightness (L*) in vacuum-tumbled, marinated broiler breast that is sold raw, but 1.0% NaCl could be used in a precooked product because it minimizes cook loss. In addition, use of 0.50% NaCl had minimal effects on yields, color, and sensory acceptability when compared with products that were marinated with greater concentrations of NaCl.

Feasibility and preliminary effects of a peer-led motivationally-embellished workplace walking intervention: A pilot cluster randomized trial (the START trial).

Walking interventions can be effective in increasing physical activity amongst physically inactive employees. However, despite their promising potential regarding sustainability and scalability, peer-led workplace walking interventions have not been tested. We evaluated a peer-led workplace group walking intervention designed to engage physically inactive employees. A 16-week pilot cluster randomized controlled trial consisted of enhanced (5 worksites; n = 50 participants) and minimal treatment (3 worksites; n = 47) conditions. All participants were provided with a Fitbit Zip and information on health benefits of walking. Enhanced treatment participants had access to a mobile phone app incorporating behavior change techniques, were trained on principles of autonomous motivation, and had a peer leader trained in a motivationally supportive communication style. Feasibility assessments included recruitment and drop-out rates, assessment completion rates, training acceptability (walkers and peer leaders), and intervention acceptability (walkers only). Outcomes assessed included movement-related behaviors (assessed via activPAL devices), cardio-metabolic risk factors, motivation to walk, and well-being, and these measures were taken at baseline and post-intervention. The results supported intervention feasibility. Preliminary efficacy evidence was mixed. Markers of cardio-metabolic risk improved in the enhanced treatment only. Autonomous motivation increased in both conditions. There were no changes in step counts, standing, and sitting time, or well-being. Further fine tuning is needed before a definitive RCT. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12618000807257.

Increases in gonorrhea among high school students following hurricane Katrina.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a student population before hurricane Katrina and after their residential neighbourhoods were devastated in the wake of the hurricane. METHODS: Students in a New Orleans public high school were offered urine screening for N gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis using nucleic acid amplification tests before (n = 346) and after (n = 333) hurricane Katrina. Based on studies showing gonorrhea clustering in physically deteriorated neighbourhoods, it was hypothesised that the post-Katrina gonorrhea prevalence would be higher among students whose neighbourhoods still showed signs of deterioration in the aftermath of the hurricane. RESULTS: Before and after hurricane Katrina, the prevalence of gonorrhea increased from 2.3% (8/346, 95% CI 1.3% to 4.6%) to 5.1% (17/333, 95% CI 3.1% to 8.2%), respectively (one-sided p = 0.027). In logistic regression of gonorrhea controlling for gender, age, chlamydia infection and exposure to hurricane-affected residential neighbourhood conditions, gonorrhea was significantly associated with female gender (odds ratio (OR) 2.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 6.3; p = 0.04) and with chlamydia infection (OR 9.2, 95% CI 3.9 to 21.7; p<0.001). Although of weak statistical significance, there was a strong independent positive trend toward testing positive for gonorrhea after the hurricane (OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.4; p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The analysis indicates that the odds of testing positive for gonorrhea more than doubled among students after the hurricane, indicating that surveillance activities should be restored to monitor sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among at-risk populations. Redoubled efforts should be put into STI screening programmes as soon as possible following natural disasters to prevent resurgent STI incidence rates.

Crystal structures of mitochondrial processing peptidase reveal the mode for specific cleavage of import signal sequences.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial processing peptidase (MPP) is a metalloendopeptidase that cleaves the N-terminal signal sequences of nuclear-encoded proteins targeted for transport from the cytosol to the mitochondria. Mitochondrial signal sequences vary in length and sequence, but each is cleaved at a single specific site by MPP. The cleavage sites typically contain an arginine at position -2 (in the N-terminal portion) from the scissile peptide bond in addition to other distal basic residues, and an aromatic residue at position +1. Mitochondrial import machinery recognizes amphiphilic helical conformations in signal sequences. However, it is unclear how MPP specifically recognizes diverse presequence substrates. RESULTS: The crystal structures of recombinant yeast MPP and a cleavage-deficient mutant of MPP complexed with synthetic signal peptides have been determined. MPP is a heterodimer; its alpha and beta subunits are homologous to the core II and core I proteins, respectively, of the ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase complex. Crystal structures of two different synthetic substrate peptides cocrystallized with the mutant MPP each show the peptide bound in an extended conformation at the active site. Recognition sites for the arginine at position -2 and the +1 aromatic residue are observed. CONCLUSIONS: MPP bound two mitochondrial import presequence peptides in extended conformations in a large polar cavity. The presequence conformations differ from the amphiphilic helical conformation recognized by mitochondrial import components. Our findings suggest that the presequences adopt context-dependent conformations through mitochondrial import and processing, helical for recognition by mitochondrial import machinery and extended for cleavage by the main processing component.

Developing food-grade coatings for dry-cured hams to protect against ham mite infestation.

Dry-cured hams may become infested with ham mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, during the aging process. Methyl bromide is the only known available fumigant pesticide that is effective at controlling ham mite infestations in dry cured ham plants. However, methyl bromide will be phased out of all industries as early as 2015 due to its status as an ozone-depleting substance. Research was conducted to develop and evaluate the potential of using food-grade film coatings to control mite infestations, without affecting the aging process and sensory properties of the dry-cured hams. Cubes coated with xanthan gum+20% propylene glycol and carrageenan/propylene glycol alginate+10% propylene glycol were effective at controlling mite infestations under laboratory conditions. Water vapor permeability was measured to estimate the impact of coatings during the aging process. It was evident that carrageenan/propylene glycol alginate coatings were permeable to moisture, which potentially makes them usable during aging.

Measurement of fallout radionuclides, (239)(,240)Pu and (137)Cs, in soil and creek sediment: Sydney Basin, Australia.

Soil and sediment samples from the Sydney basin were measured to ascertain fallout radionuclide activity concentrations and atom ratios. Caesium-137 ((137)Cs) was measured using gamma spectroscopy, and plutonium isotopes ((239)Pu and (240)Pu) were quantified using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Fallout radionuclide activity concentrations were variable ranging from 0.6 to 26.1 Bq/kg for (137)Cs and 0.02-0.52 Bq/kg for (239+240)Pu. Radionuclides in creek sediment samples were an order of magnitude lower than in soils. (137)Cs and (239+240)Pu activity concentration in soils were well correlated (r(2) = 0.80) although some deviation was observed in samples collected at higher elevations. Soil ratios of (137)Cs/(239+240)Pu (decay corrected to 1/1/2014) ranged from 11.5 to 52.1 (average = 37.0 ± 12.4) and showed more variability than previous studies. (240)Pu/(239)Pu atom ratios ranged from 0.117 to 0.165 with an average of 0.146 (±0.013) and an error weighted mean of 0.138 (±0.001). These ratios are lower than a previously reported ratio for Sydney, and lower than the global average. However, these ratios are similar to those reported for other sites within Australia that are located away from former weapons testing sites and indicate that atom ratio measurements from other parts of the world are unlikely to be applicable to the Australian context.

An anatomical study of a duplication 6p based on two sibs.

Dup (6p) patients have a peculiar facial appearance (frontal bossing, hypotelorism, hypoplastic midface), low birthweight, cardiovascular defects, small kidneys, and psychomotor retardation. We thought that a detailed anatomical dissection would more precisely define the syndrome, which has been developed from clinical evaluations and autopsy reports. Our patient, a female adolescent, died at 17 11/12 years and is the oldest patient with this syndrome to be described. The brain and skull showed the greatest number of abnormalities. The brain was smaller than normal and abnormally shaped. Many of the skull abnormalities, including shortened basisphenoid/basiocciput, reduced size of cranial fossae, and steep orbital roofs, may be attributed to the brain's shape. There were no olfactory bulbs, and only one rudimentary olfactory tract was present. Other findings were the following: a high interventricular septal defect and right ventricular hypertrophy, absence of uterus and vagina, hypoplastic ovaries, a common mesentery, two left extensor indicis bellies, bilateral absence of palmaris brevis and of peroneus tertius. Our results are compared with anomalies found in other aneuploidy syndromes. Variations in some organ systems may be similar to those whose presence Shapiro [1983] has attributed to amplified developmental instability. Relationships between the brain shape and size and skull abnormalities are also discussed. From 16 reported cases, a detailed autopsy report of the affected brother, and our anatomical findings, we suggest that this syndrome may also be characterized by arhinencephaly, common mesentery, absent uterus in the female, and growth retardation in those surviving the neonatal period.

Effect of low-dose oral contraceptive on gonadotropins, androgens, and sex hormone binding globulin in nonhirsute women.

The effectiveness of a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) in suppressing plasma levels of gonadotropins, ovarian, and adrenal androgens and stimulating sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was evaluated prospectively in nonhirsute women. Thirty-three women ingested 35 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethindrone beginning within day 1 to 5 of the menstrual cycle. Baseline levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and SHBG were obtained before ingestion of the OC and repeated after 3, 6 and, 9 months of OC use on day 1 to 5 of the OC "cycle". A significant suppression of gonadotropin levels is seen in nonhirsute women. Sex hormone binding globulin is consistently stimulated by the low-dose OC. A significant suppression of T and DHEAS is observed. No change was seen in levels of A. The demonstrated effects become evident at 3 months and are maintained at 6 and 9 months.

The connections between the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei.

With the use of the rapid Golgi method, axons that originate in the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus have been traced directly into the central amygdaloid nucleus in young mouse brains. The axons, which arise from pyramidal cells, have two patterns of collaterals within the central nucleus. In one type, the axon goes through the central nucleus toward the stria terminalis and emits only one or two collaterals. In the second type, the axon enters the central nucleus and gives off a number of thin collaterals, which have many boutons en passant along their course.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage due to anterior spinal artery aneurysm.

This case report describes a 29-year-old man with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to an anterior spinal artery aneurysm. Surgical obliteration of the aneurysm was successful. This is the sixth reported case of an isolated symptomatic aneurysm of a spinal artery.

Impact of a pharmacist on drug costs in a coronary care unit.

The impact of clinical pharmacy services on direct drug costs in a coronary care unit (CCU) was studied. An observational, nonrandomized study was conducted on all patients admitted to the CCU to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacy services on direct drug costs. Clinical pharmacy services were introduced into the CCU in July 1998. Patient characteristics, mean drug costs per admission, mean drug category costs per admission, and total hospital costs per admission were determined for October 1997 to June 1998 (nonintervention period), July 1998 to March 1999 (intervention period 1), and April 1999 to December 1999 (intervention period 2). The Clini-Trend program was used to estimate the total reduction in drug costs associated with documented pharmacist interventions from January to December 1999. Mean patient age, sex, admitting diagnosis-related group, Medicare case-mix index, ventilator days, length of stay, and number of deaths did not differ significantly among the three study periods. Mean +/- S.D. drug costs per admission for the nonintervention period were $374.05 +/- $75.51. With the introduction of clinical pharmacy services, mean +/- S.D. drug costs per admission were $381.94 +/- $66.16 (p > 0.1 for intervention period 1 compared with the nonintervention period) and $233.74 +/- $84.16 (p = 0.002 for intervention period 2 compared with the nonintervention period). From January to December 1999, 4151 pharmacist interventions were documented. The estimated reduction in drug costs associated with the interventions totaled $372,384. A pharmacist's clinical services in the CCU allowed for significant estimated reductions in total drug costs.

Ocular surface upregulation of intercellular adhesive molecule-1 (ICAM-1) by local interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in the rat.

Inflammatory mediators such as interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) are known to induce the expression of class II HLA (HLA-DR) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in a variety of cell types including epithelial cells. The coexpression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR has been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune mediated ocular disease. We investigated the expression of ICAM-1 on the ocular surface of the rat eye following subconjunctival administration of IFN-gamma. A dose response study was performed using 100, 1,000 and 10,000 IU IFN-gamma/dose. The presence of ICAM-1 was determined using a standard immuno-peroxidase staining technique. The cornea, limbus, and conjunctiva were evaluated. The degree of reaction product in each area was graded by a masked observer. We found constitutive expression of ICAM-1 on the conjunctiva but not on the cornea. There was a significant relationship between the dose of IFN-gamma and the intensity of ICAM-1 staining on the conjunctiva (p < or = 0.05) and on the limbus (p < or = 0.04). Subconjunctival IFN-gamma had no effect on the expression of ICAM-1 in the cornea.

Immunohistochemical detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum antigens in turkey respiratory tissues.

An avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase diagnostic test was developed to facilitate rapid identification of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in respiratory tissues of turkeys. This procedure used polyclonal primary antibodies produced in rabbits. Turkeys were inoculated into the infraorbital sinus and trachea with the R strain of M. gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis, or Frey's media. The outer walls of the infraorbital sinuses, lungs, and tracheas were collected and fixed in either 10% neutral formalin or pentanedial methyl glycol at 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk postinoculation. Tissues were subdivided and remained in each fixative for 6 or 24 hr. The avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase diagnostic test was sufficiently sensitive to detect M. gallisepticum antigen at 1, 2, 3, and 4 wk postinoculation. Staining of M. gallisepticum was significantly more intense on infraorbital sinus epithelium than on respiratory epithelium from the trachea or lung. Statistical analysis indicated that the 6-hr fixation time offered better antigen preservation than 24 hr in a fixative. There was no difference in intensity of M. gallisepticum antigen staining in tissues fixed in methyl pentanedial glycol when compared with tissues fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Significant differences in staining intensity were observed between weeks. Specificity of the avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase test was not complete. None of the tissues from the M. meleagridis and control groups showed staining. No staining was observed in the ciliated brush border of infraorbital sinus epithelial cells from turkeys infected with M. synoviae. However, weak to moderate staining was observed in several tracheas of turkeys inoculated with M. synoviae. Improved specificity of an avidin-biotin-immunoperoxidase diagnostic test to detect M. gallisepticum in respiratory tissues of turkeys probably will require the use of multiple monoclonal antibodies directed against several different epitopes specific to the cell membrane of M. gallisepticum.

Hormonal measurements in patients with theca lutein cysts and gestational trophoblastic disease.

Concentrations of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), human placental lactogen (HPL), prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were measured in serum and fluid from ovarian theca lutein cysts (TC) in patients with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). Either intact hydatidiform mole (HM) or persistent GTD was present. The values were compared to serum hormone concentrations in ten GTD patients whose ovaries were not enlarged. In the presence of intact HM and TC, significant elevations in the mean serum concentration of HCG, PRL, P and E2 were observed when compared to levels in GTD patients with normal-sized ovaries (P less than .01). Serum FSH and HPL were not elevated in either control or TC patients. The mean concentration of P in cyst fluid from patients with intact HM was higher than that in patients with persistent GTD (P less than .05). From both groups of GTD patients with TC, the mean concentrations of P in cyst fluid were higher than those in the sera. These findings suggest that besides the markedly elevated HCG levels generally seen in TC patients, other hormones, such as P, PRL and E2 are elevated and may be involved in the formation and/or maintenance of TC.

Effect of parenteral vitamin D3 on plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration in sheep.

Vitamin D3 ranging in total amount from 10(5) iu (2.5 mg) to 9 X 10(5) iu (22.5 mg) was given intramuscularly either as a single injection or in three aliquots at three-weekly intervals to housed nonpregnant ewes on a vitamin D deficient diet. The effects on plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3), the major metabolite of vitamin D, were monitored. The increase in plasma 25-OHD3 showed a large variation between animals and was related to, but not proportional to, the dose. None of the treatments produced 25-OHD3 concentrations greater than those in grazing sheep in summer. Repeated dosing provided for more efficient use of the injected vitamin D3.

Preparturient changes in allantoic fluid and fetal plasma from chronically catheterised ewes.

Before birth a marked rise in the potassium/sodium concentration ratio of allantoic fluid coincided with a similar rise in the corticosteroid levels of fetal plasma. The prepartum corticosteroid increase started at 134-136 days gestational age whether delivery occurred at 141 or 151 days.

Effects in sheep of high dietary levels of vitamin D3 as measured by circulating concentrations of some vitamin D metabolites and skeletal examination.

Housed non-pregnant ewes were given diets supplemented with five, 10, 20, 40 and 80 times the Agricultural Research Council's recommended requirement for vitamin D for 16 weeks. The effects on vitamin D status were assessed by measuring 25-hydroxylated vitamin D metabolites (25-OHD) in plasma at intervals. After 16 weeks, animals on the lowest and two highest vitamin D intakes were killed for histological examination of selected soft tissues and bones. Circulating concentrations of 25-OHD increased with intake and time during the experiment. However the increases were not proportional to intake and only when intakes exceeded 20 times the recommended requirement were concentrations greater than those seen in summer in grazing sheep. There was some evidence for the production of an additional vitamin D metabolite in animals on high vitamin D intakes. No abnormalities were detected in any of the tissues examined histologically.

The transfer of circulating 131I IgG1 and 125I IgG2 to the nasal secretions of sheep.

Ovine IgG1 and IgG2 labelled with 131I and 125I respectively were injected intravenously into four sheep. Serum and nasal secretion samples were collected and fractionated by gel filtration on columns of Sephadex G100. Results showed that in serum more than 95 per cent of the radioactivity was associated with intact IgG molecules whereas in nasal secretion samples the percentage varied from five to 47. It was found that the concentrations of IgG1 and IgG2 in the nasal secretions were similar and were approximately 2 per cent of the serum concentrations. This finding indicates a lack of selective transfer of either IgG1 or IgG2 from blood to nasal secretions in sheep.

Prediction of carcass characteristics by real-time ultrasound in barrows and gilts slaughtered at three weights.

The carcass characteristics of 27 market barrows and 27 market gilts were evaluated at various times (n = 8) with real-time ultrasound (Aloka 210 DX) from approximately 20 kg until slaughter at three end points. The pigs were randomly assigned to slaughter weight groups of 91, 104.5, and 118 kg at weaning time. Correlations were determined over slaughter weight group and sex, and the accuracies of ultrasound measurements were also evaluated. The regressions of ultrasound 10th-rib fat and ultrasound longissimus muscle area on live weight were also developed. Correlations between actual and ultrasound-measured last-rib fat, 10th-rib fat, and longissimus muscle area were high (r = .91, .63, and .53, respectively; P less than .01). The accuracy of ultrasound longissimus muscle area prediction was lower for 118-kg pigs than for the two lighter groups, whereas the accuracy for prediction of last-rib fat was lower for 91-kg pigs than for the two heavier groups, as indicated by higher absolute differences (P less than .05). Last-rib fat and longissimus muscle area tended to be overestimated and 10th-rib fat tended to be underestimated by real-time ultrasound. Prediction of last-rib fat by ultrasound was more accurate for gilts than for barrows, as indicated by a lower absolute difference (P less than .05).

Efficacy of florfenicol for treatment of clinical and subclinical bovine mastitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate efficacy of florfenicol treatment for bovine mastitis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus nonagalactiae streptococci, coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp, and others. DESIGN: Double blind study with cases randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups. SAMPLE POPULATION: 861 cows/10 commercial dairy farms. PROCEDURE: Experimental (750 mg of florfenicol) or control (200 mg of cloxacillin) treatment was administered by intramammary infusion every 12 hours for 3 treatment to all cases. Treatments were randomly assigned identified only by numerical labels. To retain blinding, the longer withdrawal time was adhered to for all cases. Cases remained in the study only if there was no other treatment. Quarter samples were recultured 14, 21, and 28 days later. If all samples after day 1 were culture negative, the case was defined as cured. If only 1 of the follow-up results was positive, the case was considered cured if the day-28 somatic cell count was < 300,000/ ml. Failure of treatment was defined as 2 or more culture positive follow-up samples. RESULTS: Florfenicol and cloxacillin did not differ significantly in efficacy versus clinical (n = 85) or subclinical (n = 71) bovine mastitis, or for any etiologic agent (X2). Overall cure rates for mastitis were: Str agalactiae, 5 of 8 (63%); Sta aureus, 5 of 54 (9%); Streptococcus sp, 16 of 35 (46%); Staphylococcus sp, 7 of 33 (21%); E coli, 5 of 11 (46%); Klebsiella sp, 3 of 6 (50%); others, 1 of 9 (11%); and all cases, 42 of 156 (27%). CONCLUSIONS: Florfenicol did not offer any advantage over cloxacillin in efficacy against bovine mastitis. Overall cure rates were low. As with most mastitis treatment regimens poor efficacy may be partly attributable to the short duration of treatment.