The wooden artifacts from Schöningen's Spear Horizon and their place in human evolution.

Ethnographic records show that wooden tools played a pivotal role in the daily lives of hunter-gatherers including food procurement tools used in hunting (e.g., spears, throwing sticks) and gathering (e.g. digging sticks, bark peelers), as well as, domestic tools (e.g., handles, vessels). However, wood rarely survives in the archeological record, especially in Pleistocene contexts and knowledge of prehistoric hunter-gatherer lifeways is strongly biased by the survivorship of more resilient materials such as lithics and bones. Consequently, very few Paleolithic sites have produced wooden artifacts and among them, the site of Schöningen stands out due to its number and variety of wooden tools. The recovery of complete wooden spears and throwing sticks at this 300,000-y-old site (MIS 9) led to a paradigm shift in the hunter vs. scavenger debate. For the first time and almost 30 y after their discovery, this study introduces the complete wooden assemblage from Schöningen 13 II-4 known as the Spear Horizon. In total, 187 wooden artifacts could be identified from the Spear Horizon demonstrating a broad spectrum of wood-working techniques, including the splitting technique. A minimum of 20 hunting weapons is now recognized and two newly identified artifact types comprise 35 tools made on split woods, which were likely used in domestic activities. Schöningen 13 II-4 represents the largest Pleistocene wooden artifact assemblage worldwide and demonstrates the key role woodworking had in human evolution. Finally, our results considerably change the interpretation of the Pleistocene lakeshore site of Schöningen.

Differential expression of miRNAs associated with pectoral myopathies in young broilers: insights from a comparative transcriptome analysis.

INTRODUCTION: White Striping (WS) and Wooden Breast (WB) pectoral myopathies are relevant disorders for contemporary broiler production worldwide. Several studies aimed to elucidate the genetic components associated with the occurrence of these myopathies. However, epigenetic factors that trigger or differentiate these two conditions are still unclear. The aim of this study was to identify miRNAs differentially expressed (DE) between normal and WS and WB-affected broilers, and to verify the possible role of these miRNAs in metabolic pathways related to the manifestation of these pectoral myopathies in 28-day-old broilers. RESULTS: Five miRNAs were DE in the WS vs control (gga-miR-375, gga-miR-200b-3p, gga-miR-429-3p, gga-miR-1769-5p, gga-miR-200a-3p), 82 between WB vs control and 62 between WB vs WS. Several known miRNAs were associated with WB, such as gga-miR-155, gga-miR-146b, gga-miR-222, gga-miR-146-5p, gga-miR- 29, gga-miR-21-5p, gga-miR-133a-3p and gga-miR-133b. Most of them had not previously been associated with the development of this myopathy in broilers. We also have predicted 17 new miRNAs expressed in the broilers pectoral muscle. DE miRNA target gene ontology analysis enriched 6 common pathways for WS and WB compared to control: autophagy, insulin signaling, FoxO signaling, endocytosis, and metabolic pathways. The WS vs control contrast had two unique pathways, ERBB signaling and the mTOR signaling, while WB vs control had 14 unique pathways, with ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and endoplasmic reticulum protein processing being the most significant. CONCLUSIONS: We found miRNAs DE between normal broilers and those affected with breast myopathies at 28 days of age. Our results also provide novel evidence of the miRNAs role on the regulation of WS and in the differentiation of both WS and WB myopathies. Overall, our study provides insights into miRNA-mediated and pathways involved in the occurrence of WS and WB helping to better understand these chicken growth disorders in an early age. These findings can help developing new approaches to reduce these complex issues in poultry production possibly by adjustments in nutrition and management conditions. Moreover, the miRNAs and target genes associated with the initial stages of WS and WB development could be potential biomarkers to be used in selection to reduce the occurrence of these myopathies in broiler production.

Bacterial nanocellulose: A versatile biopolymer production using a cost-effective wooden disc based rotary reactor.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has various unique qualities, including high mechanical strength, crystallinity, and high water-holding capacity, which makes it appropriate for a wide range of industrial applications. But its lower yield coupled with its high production cost creates a barrier to its usage. In this study, we have demonstrated the better yield of BNC from an indigenous strain Komagataeibacter rhaeticus MCC-0157 using a rotary disc bioreactor (RDB) having a wooden disc. The RDB was optimized based on the type of disc material, distance between the disc, and rotation speed to get the highest yield of 13.0 g/L dry material using Hestrin-Schramm (H-S) medium. Further, the bioreactor was compared for the BNC production using reported medium, which is used for static condition; the RDB showed up to fivefold increase in comparison with the static condition reported. Komagataeibacter rhaeticus MCC-0157 was previously reported to be one of the highest BNC producing stains, with 8.37 g/L of dry yield in static condition in 15 days incubation. The designed RDB demonstrated 13.0 g/L dry yield of BNC in just 5 days. Other characteristics of BNC remain same as compared with static BNC production, although the difference in the crystallinity index was observed in RDB (84.44%) in comparison with static (89.74%). For the first time, wooden disc was used for rotary bioreactor approach, which demonstrated higher yield of BNC in lesser time and can be further used for sustainable production of BNC at the industrial level.

A Multi-Analytical Approach to Identify Colorants in the Qajar Painted Wooden Decorative False Ceilings, From Northwest Iran.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the pigments used in the wooden paintings of Zarir Mosque, dating back to the Safavid era in Maragheh, Iran. These paintings, known as "Pardu," were commonly used for decorative false ceilings in various regions of Iran, particularly the northwest, during the Safavid and Qajar periods. Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, multiband imaging, and optical microscopy were employed to examine the pigments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was also used to investigate the binder. The results indicated the use of orpiment, red lead, artificial ultramarine, carbon black, and gypsum for yellow, red, blue, black, and white pigments, respectively. Light blue colour was achieved by mixing gypsum and indigo, and gypsum was used as the primer layer in the painting. The presence of a protein-based binder, likely egg tempera, was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. The presence of artificial ultramarine suggests that these paintings were created after 1828, when it was first synthesized, placing them in the Qajar period. The presence of an inscription from 1280 AH suggests that these panels may have been produced during the extensive renovations of the mosque in 1280 AH (1864 AD), during the Qajar era.

Construction of a Wood Nanofiber-Bismuth Halide Photocatalyst and Catalytic Degradation Performance of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solutions.

Nanostructured bismuth oxide bromide (BiOBr) has attracted considerable attention as a visible light catalyst. However, its photocatalytic degradation efficiency is limited by its low specific surface area. In this study, a solvothermal approach was employed to synthesize BiOBr, which was subsequently loaded onto cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) to obtain a bismuth halide composite catalyst. The performance of this catalyst in the removal of refractory organic pollutants such as tetracycline (TC) from solutions under visible light excitation was examined. Our results indicate that BiOBr/CNF effectively removes TC from the solution under light conditions. At a catalyst dosage of 100 mg/L, the removal efficiency for TC (with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L) was 94.2%. This study elucidates the relationship between the microstructure of BiOBr/CNF composite catalysts and their improved photocatalytic activity, offering a new method for effectively removing pollutants from water.

Study on the Properties of FEVE Modified with Ag2O/OH-MWCNTS Nanocomposites for Use as Adhesives for Wooden Heritage Objects.

The durability of wooden heritage objects and sites can be affected by external environmental factors, leading to decay, cracking, and other forms of deterioration, which might ultimately result in significant and irreversible loss. In this study, a FEVE resin was modified with Ag2O/OH-MWCNTS (MA), denoted as MAF, where three concentrations were prepared using in situ precipitation, and the resulting composite adhesive was characterized by a high viscosity and effective bacteriostatic properties, demonstrating a better viscosity and thermal stability, as well as antibacterial properties, than pure FEVE resin. The results show that MAF adhesives present good thermal stability, as evidenced by a lower mass loss rate following treatment at 800 °C compared to the pure FEVE resin. At a consistent shear rate, the viscosity of MAF demonstrates a notable increase with the proportion of MA, which is better than that of FEVE. This suggests that the nano-Ag2O particles in MA act as physical crosslinking agents in FEVE, improving the viscosity of the composite adhesive MAF. The adhesion strength between MAF and wood exhibits a similar trend, with wooden samples showing higher shear strengths as the proportion of MA increases in comparison to FEVE. Simultaneously, the antibacterial effects of the MAF adhesive exceeded 1 mm for Trichoderma, Aspergillus niger, and white rot fungi. The antibacterial activity of the MAF adhesive exhibited a direct correlation with the concentration of Ag2O/OH-MWCNTS, with the most pronounced inhibitory effect observed on Trichoderma. The MAF adhesive demonstrates promising prospects as an adhesive for wooden heritage artifacts, offering a novel approach for the rapid, environmentally friendly, and efficient development of composite adhesives with superior adhesive properties.

Relationships of quality indices with wooden breast myopathy severity in chicken breast meat under refrigerated storage.

1. This study investigated the relationships of quality indices with the severity of wooden breast (WB) myopathy in chicken breast meat under refrigerated storage. The physicochemical properties, water-holding capacity (WHC), microbial quality and fatty acid profiles of normal chicken breast meat samples (NOR samples, n = 63), moderate WB (MWB, n = 63) myopathy and severe WB (SWB, n = 63) myopathy (MWB and SWB samples, respectively) were evaluated immediately after sampling and after 4 and 8 d of refrigerated storage at 4°C.2. Total collagen, fat, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid contents, redness and pH of the SWB and MWB samples were higher than the NOR samples. The SWB samples that were stored for 8 d had poor WHC, total viable counts (TVC) of higher than 7.0log colony-forming units, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content of greater than 15 mg/100 g and a thiobarbituric acid - reactive substance level of higher than 1 mg/kg malondialdehyde.3. No significant difference was observed in the TVB-N content and TVC of the MWB and NOR samples during storage. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was lower in the SWB and MWB samples than in the NOR samples. The SWB samples were tougher than the MWB and NOR samples after 8 d of refrigeration.4. In conclusion, the quality of chicken breast meat with SWB myopathy degraded considerably over time; thus, such meat should not be subjected to extended refrigeration for storage.

Japanese Wooden Plate Denture as Origin of Suction Retention.

The modern theory of complete denture retention using suction was applied to wooden plate dentures in Japan from the first half of the 16th century, which is an astonishing achievement since it was clinically applied in North America and Europe in the latter half of the 19th century nearly 300 years later. Wooden dentures are unique to Japan resulting from skilled Japanese craftsmanship and are not found in other countries. We comprehensively reviewed reports on wooden plate dentures, analyzed 145 complete and partial dentures, and discussed their history. Japanese wooden plate dentures are mainly made of box wood, and artificial teeth are made of pagodite, ivory, and natural teeth. Small nails were driven into the molar region. Many existing dentures revealed attrition on the occlusal faces, thereby indicating that the wearers were able to masticate sufficiently. Wooden plate dentures have been used for 400 years in the early 20th century. Although Japanese wooden dentures have not been mentioned in the history of dentistry in Western literature, they comprise an important part of the history of denture development.

Microbiome Diversity and Cellulose Decomposition Processes by Microorganisms on the Ancient Wooden Seawall of Qiantang River of Hangzhou, China.

Archaeological wood, also known as wooden cultural relics, refers to ancient wood that has been worked by humans. Further insights into the decomposition mechanism of archaeological wood are needed for its preventive conservation. In this study, we assessed the microbiome diversity and cellulose decomposition processes on a 200-year-old ancient wooden seawall - the Qiantang River of Hangzhou, China. We used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to deduce the metagenomic functions, particularly the cellulose-decomposing pathway of the microbial communities, through bioinformatical approaches. The predominant cellulose-decomposing microorganisms were then verified with traditional isolation, culture, and identification method. The results showed that the excavation of archaeological wood significantly altered the environment, accelerating the deterioration process of the archaeological wood through the carbohydrate metabolism and the xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism pathways, under the comprehensive metabolism of complex ecosystem formed by bacteria, archaea, fungi, microfauna, plants, and algae. Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were found to be the predominant source of bacterial cellulose-decomposing enzymes. Accordingly, we suggest relocating the wooden seawall to an indoor environment with controllable conditions to better preserve it. In addition, these results provide further evidence for our viewpoints that HTS techniques, combined with rational bioinformatical data interpretation approaches, can serve as powerful tools for the preventive protection of cultural heritage.

Respiratory infections among junior high school students in upper northern Thailand: The role of building dampness and mould, biomass burning and outdoor relative air humidity (RH).

BACKGROUND: Few studies exist on environmental risk factors for respiratory infections in Thai school children. AIM: To study associations between home and outdoor environment and respiratory infections among school children in Northern Thailand in dry and wet season. METHODS: A repeated questionnaire survey among the children (N = 1159). Data on ambient temperature and relative air humidity (RH) and PM10 and ozone was collected from nearby monitoring stations. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: 14.1% had current respiratory infections (last 7 days), 32.1% had any respiratory infection last 3 months, and 26.1% had any respiratory infection last 12 months with antibiotic treatment. Students with diagnosed allergy (7.7%) and diagnosed asthma (4.7%) had more often respiratory infections (ORs 1.40-5.40; p < 0.05). Current respiratory infections were more common in dry (18.1%) than in wet season (10.4%) (p < 0.001) and was associated with indoor mould (OR 2.16; p = 0.024) and outdoor RH (OR 1.34 per 10% RH; p = 0.004.) in the total material. In wet season, mould (OR 2.32; p = 0.016), window pane condensation (OR 1.79; p = 0.050), water leakage (OR 1.82; p = 0.018), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) (OR 2.34; p = 0.003) and outdoor RH (OR 2.70 per 10% RH; p = 0.01) were risk factors for current respiratory infections. In dry season, mould (OR 2.64; p = 0.004) and outdoor RH (OR 1.34 per 10% RH; p = 0.046) were associated with current respiratory infections. Irrespectively of season, biomass burning inside or outside the home was a risk factor for respiratory infections (ORs 1.32-2.34; p < 0.05). Living in a wooden house decreased the risk of respiratory infections (OR 0.56: p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Dry season, high outdoor RH, household dampness, indoor mould and ETS can increase childhood respiratory infections. Living in a traditional wooden house can reduce respiratory infections, possibly due to better natural ventilation. Smoke from biomass burning can increase childhood respiratory infections in northern Thailand.

The impact of environmental conditions and milk type on microbial communities of wooden vats and cheeses produced therein.

Wooden vats are used in the production of some traditional cheeses as the biofilms on wooden vat surfaces are known to transfer large quantities of microbes to cheese. Variability in microbial communities on wooden vats could lead to inconsistent cheese production. In the present study, the influences of environmental conditions and milk type (raw or heat-treated) on the microbial composition of vat biofilms and cheeses made in the vats were studied using amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer genes. Results showed that the microbial composition of biofilms was influenced by environmental conditions but not the milk type used in cheese production. The microbial composition of cheeses can be further affected by bacterial contributions from milk and the selective forces of environmental conditions. Results of this study suggest that controlling environmental conditions could maintain a more consistent microbial composition of biofilms on wooden vats and resulting cheeses. The use of wooden vats coupled with heat-treated milk at one or more stages of cheese production might be a viable approach to produce cheese with high microbial diversities and reduce risks of undesirable microbes related to food safety and quality.

Characterization of microbial community assembly on new wooden vats for use in cheese production.

Wooden vats are used in the production of some traditional cheeses as the biofilms on wooden vat surfaces are known to transfer large quantities of microbes to cheese. However, very few studies have investigated the microbial composition of biofilms on newly developed wooden vats and how communities assemble and evolve. In the present study, the microbial communities of biofilms were characterized over the activation process on new wooden vats using amplicon sequencing of bacterial 16s rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer genes. Results showed that microbes from the whey effectively developed on wooden vats. Lactococcus was highly dominant throughout the vat activation process with substantial increases in the relative abundance of Acetobacter and Lactobacillus at the end of the vat activation (day 7). This was in contrast with fungal communities that stabilized early (day 1) and were dominated by Kluyveromyces. Predicted functions corresponded with the different stages of biofilm formation whereby functions associated with biofilm initiation were enriched on day 1 and those associated with growth and maturation were enriched on days 4 and 7. Microbial succession on wooden vat surfaces is expected to be reproducible based on the early onset and dominance of the deterministic process.

Two Complementary Approaches toward Geodetic Monitoring of a Historic Wooden Church to Inspect Its Static and Dynamic Behavior.

To support the conservation efforts regarding a wooden church in Domachowo, extensive research and design work was required to strengthen its weakened structure. A variety of data and analyses are necessary to make an accurate assessment, including obtaining a dimensional model, monitoring the behavior of the structure and its response to external forces, and also performing strength analyses and verifying them with measurement data. For accurate geometric evaluation, static and dynamic measurements were required. A mathematical model and a flowchart of the necessary tasks were developed, along with the selection and installation of measuring devices. For this particular structure, static measurements were made using an automatic total station, and dynamic measurements using tilt sensors. The purpose of the analysis was to correlate the inertia measurements with the absolute tachymetric observations related to reference points fixed outside the object in order to accurately assess the behavior of the object. Another important issue was to model the column element under study in such a way that its horizontal displacements could be determined from the measured inclinations. The obtained results indicated the need to strengthen the joints of the two main parts of the structure in order to minimize the impact of dynamic weather conditions. The paper describes the measurement process, the method of calculating displacements, and the correlation of both types of data. Selected results confirming the conclusions are also presented.

Managing Information to Improve Conservation: The HBIM of the Wooden Chain of Santa Maria del Fiore.

A key potential of HBIM is its ability to reflect the complexity and stratification of built heritage. By gathering in a single place multiple data, the HBIM streamlines the knowledge process that is at the base of conservation activities. By describing the informative tool developed to support the preservation of the chestnut chain of the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, this paper aims to address the topic of the management of information within the HBIM. In particular, it focuses on how to systematize data in order to facilitate decision making within the frame of a preventive and planned conservation. To this end, the research proposes a possible articulation for the informative apparatus to be associated with the 3D model. More importantly, it makes an attempt to translate qualitative data into numerical values to define a priority index. The latter will improve the scheduling and implementation of maintenance activities, concretely impacting the overall conservation of the object.

Entomopathogenic Potential of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 for the Biological Control of Termite Damage in Wooden Architectural Buildings of Korean Cultural Heritage.

Biocontrol strategies are gaining tremendous attention in insect pest management, such as controlling termite damage, due to the growing awareness of the irreparable harm caused by the continuous use of synthetic pesticides. This study examines the proteolytic and chitinolytic activities of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 and its termiticidal effect through cuticle degradation. The proteolytic and chitinolytic activities of B. velezensis CE 100 systematically increased with cell growth to the respective peaks of 68.3 and 128.3 units/mL after seven days of inoculation, corresponding with the highest cell growth of 16 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. The in vitro termiticidal assay showed that B. velezensis CE 100 caused a rapid and high rate of termite mortality, with a median lethal time (LT50) of >1 h and the highest mortality rates of 91.1% and 92.2% recorded at 11 h and 12 h in the bacterial broth culture and crude enzyme fraction, respectively. In addition to broken setae and deformed sockets, termites treated with the bacterial broth culture exhibited degraded epicuticles, while the crude enzyme fraction caused severe disintegration of both the epicuticle and endocuticle. These results indicate the tremendously higher potential of B. velezensis CE 100 in the biological control of subterranean termites compared to the previously used entomopathogenic bacteria.

Influence of Natural Aging on the Moisture Sorption Behaviour of Wooden Structural Components.

A greater understanding of moisture sorption behaviour of aged wooden structural components, which has a close relationship with dimensional stability, is required to effectively evaluate and preserve historical artefacts. This study focused on the effects of aging on Baotou beam samples from a Chinese historical wooden building. An analysis of the sorption isotherms and hysteresis loops of a naturally aged, decayed sample (AOS), an aged sound sample (AIS), and a reference sample (RS), using classical sorption isotherm models revealed that the moisture sorption behaviour of samples from the same growth ring in a Baotou beam can differ significantly. AOS showed higher hygroscopicity than AIS, and both these samples were more hygroscopic than RS. Furthermore, the mono/multilayer moisture contents of AOS were always higher than those of AIS and RS. In addition, Fourier transform infrared, second-derivative infrared, and two-dimensional correlation infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate chemical changes in the samples. The relative hemicellulose and lignin contents of the samples changed significantly with wood aging. Furthermore, AOS exhibited the highest calcium oxalate content, which may be associated with fungal infections. Overall, these results provide valuable insights into the effects of aging on wood samples and the dimensional stability of timber structures, which could inform future research on methods for the preservation or restoration of aging timber structures.

Physicochemical properties of wooden breast-extracted myosin and rheological properties of its heat-induced gel.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that broilers with 'wooden breast' have poor processing properties, such as low binding and water-holding capacities. However, the reason for the poor functional characteristics has not been clarified. In this study, myosin was extracted from a wooden breast. Its physicochemical properties were investigated to clarify the relationship between the structure and physicochemical properties of the heating gel of myosin obtained from the wooden breast. RESULTS: The turbidity of myosin solution extracted from wooden breast increased with increase in the heat treatment to a higher value than that from the normal breast meat myosin. The solubility of myosin collected from a wooden breast after heating decreased like normal breast muscle myosin. The surface hydrophobicity of myosin removed from wooden breast increased continually above 60 °C, unlike the change in surface hydrophobicity of normal breast myosin. The free thiol group of myosin extracted from the wooden breast was higher than normal breast myosin before and after heating. The apparent elasticity of heat-induced gels and chicken meat sausages was significantly lower in sausages and gel with wooden breast than normal ones (P < 0.05). The microstructure of the heated gel of normal myosin showed a fine network structure. In contrast, the heat-induced gel of wooden breast-extracted myosin showed a structure with loosely connected aggregates and many gaps. CONCLUSION: The coarseness of the internal gel structure of myosin extracted from wooden breast was shown to affect the apparent elasticity of the gel and sausages made from the chicken meat. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of genetic selection for fast growth on the development of wooden breast myopathy in broilers.

1. This study investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms leading to wooden breast (WB) by comparing growth parameters, oxygen consumption rate, thyroid hormone and gene expression patterns in fast- versus slow-growing broiler lines (Cobb500 and L1986, respectively).2. WB was observed in Cobb500 broilers only and was first diagnosed on d 21 post-hatch. Compared to the slow-growing L1986, Cobb500 showed a significantly higher growth rate, relative breast weight, breast thickness, meat pH and water-retention capacity (drip loss). Correspondingly, there was significantly lower relative heart weight, relative right ventricular weight, triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations and oxygen consumption rate.3. Compared to No-WB Cobb500, the WB-affected samples exhibited higher relative breast weight, breast thickness and drip loss and lower plasma total thyroxine (T4) concentrations.4. Selection for fast growth was associated with differential expression of genes involved in hypoxia (PLOD2), energy metabolism (FABP3, FABP4, CD36, and LPL), endoplasmic reticulum stress, muscle regeneration (CSRP3) and fibre-type switching (ANKRD1). WB-affected samples exhibited an upregulation of CSRP3, PLOD2 and ANKRD1, while CD36 was downregulated. Taken together, selection for fast growth and muscle gain is not matched by adequate cardiac and metabolic support systems.

Orbital fibrous capsule formation with abscess found 3 years after penetrating injury from a wooden chopstick.

Intraorbital wooden foreign bodies are sometimes difficult to diagnose because of nonspecific clinical manifestations and diversity of imaging characteristics. We herein report a case involving a 72-year-old woman with a history of trauma induced by a coated wooden chopstick 3 years prior. Two years after the incident, computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an intraorbital mass that was initially diagnosed as an intraorbital hemangioma. The patient presented with hyperemia, impairment of ocular movement, and optic neuropathy in her right eye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed granulation tissue and an abscess around a foreign body, which was compressing the eyeball. Surgical extraction of the foreign body was performed, leading to resolution of symptoms. The depiction of wooden foreign bodies by imaging is complicated and affected by several factors, increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis. To avoid permanent sequelae, MRI might be helpful because its imaging capabilities are superior to those of CT.

Classification, quality characteristics, sensory perception and texture prediction of wooden breast myopathy in broilers from Argentina.

The objective of this study was to characterize the wooden breast (WB) myopathy in the poultry industry, and establish degrees of severity by analyzing the composition and important characteristics of meat quality. 175 chickens from the COBB-500 commercial line were analyzed, and three WB categories were established: normal, moderate, and severe. The prevalence was: 4.00% severe, 46.29% moderate, and 49.71% normal, and it was affected by sex and weight. The WB characterization was carried out on 7 breasts of each WB degree. A decrease in protein and ashes, an increase in fat and loss of water by dripping, and color changes were observed as the degree of severity advanced. The texture was evaluated by instrumental, sensory, and image analysis techniques. Severe samples showed alterations in compression test, cohesiveness and juiciness, together with significant differences on the parameters, "contrast" and "energy". A characterization of WB myopathy was achieved for the first time in Argentina. The decline in meat quality could lead to industrial losses. Image analysis proved to be a promising technique for differentiating the severity of WB myopathy in raw chicken. Differences between raw and cooked samples were detected, thus both types of meat should be studied in detail. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05608-9.