Quantification of hepatic FOXP3+ T-lymphocytes in HIV/hepatitis C coinfection.

Coinfection with HIV adversely impacts every stage of hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Liver damage in HCV infection results from host antiviral responses rather than direct viral pathogenesis. Despite depressed cellular immunity, coinfected patients show accelerated hepatic fibrosis compared with HCV monoinfected patients. This paradox is poorly understood. T-regulatory (Treg) cells (CD4+ and FOXP3+) are hypothesized to limit hepatic damage in HCV. Our hypothesis was that reduced frequency of hepatic Treg in HIV/HCV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection may explain poorer outcomes. We quantified FOXP3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD20+ cells in liver biopsies of 35 male subjects matched by age and ISHAK fibrosis score, 12 HIV monoinfected, 11 HCV monoinfected and 12 HIV/HCV coinfected. Cell counts were performed using indirect immunohistochemical staining and light microscopy. HIV/HCV coinfected subjects had fewer hepatic FOXP3+ (P = 0.031) and CD4+ cells (P = 0.001) than HCV monoinfected subjects. Coinfected subjects had more hepatic CD8+ cells compared with HCV monoinfected (P = 0.023), and a lower ratio of FOXP3+ to CD8+ cells (0.08 vs 0.27, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed number of CD4+ cells controlled for differences in number of FOXP3+ cells. Fewer hepatic FOXP3+ and CD4+ cells in HIV/HCV coinfection compared with HCV monoinfection suggests lower Treg activity, driven by an overall loss of CD4+ cells. Higher number of CD8+ cells in HIV/HCV coinfection suggests higher cytotoxic activity. This may explain poorer outcomes in HIV/HCV coinfected patients and suggests a potential mechanism by which highly active antiretroviral therapy may benefit these patients.

Sodium metasilicate affects growth of Campylobacter jejuni in fresh, boneless, uncooked chicken breast fillets stored at 4 degrees Celsius for 7 days.

The objectives of this study were to determine the antimicrobial effects of sodium metasilicate (SMS) treatments against Campylobacter jejuni in fresh, boneless, uncooked chicken breast fillets and to ascertain the effects of SMS treatments on pH. The fillets were inoculated with C. jejuni, treated with 0% SMS and no inoculum (negative control), 0% SMS and inoculum (positive control), 1 and 2% SMS solutions, and stored at 4 ± 1°C. All samples were analyzed after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d storage for C. jejuni, psychrotrophic organisms, and pH. Campylobacter jejuni and psychrotrophic counts for samples treated with 1 and 2% SMS solutions were similar (P > 0.05) to the positive control on all storage days. The pH values for 2% SMS marinade treatments were higher (P < 0.05) when compared with the negative and positive controls through 7 d of storage. Based on the findings in this study, a second study was conducted to determine the level of SMS necessary to reduce C. jejuni by at least 1 log cfu/g. The treatments were the same as previously discussed, except SMS was used at levels of 1 and 2% of the weight of the meat instead of percentage of the solution. Chicken fillets treated with 1 and 2% SMS (by weight of meat) resulted in 1.12 to 1.26 and 3.27 to 3.79 log cfu/g reductions in C. jejuni, respectively, when compared with the positive control. Except for d 0, psychrotrophic counts for samples treated with 2% SMS were lower (P < 0.05) than negative and positive controls on all storage days. The pH values were higher (P < 0.05) for all SMS treatments when compared with the negative and positive controls. This study revealed that SMS, when used at elevated levels in excess of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service 2% approved level, could function to control Campylobacter jejuni and extend the shelf life of raw poultry by retarding the growth of psychrotrophic bacteria.

Sodium metasilicate affects growth of Salmonella Typhimurium in fresh, boneless, uncooked chicken breast fillets stored at 4°C for 7 days.

The objectives of this study were to determine the antimicrobial effects of sodium metasilicate (SMS) against Salmonella and psychrotrophic organisms in fresh, boneless, uncooked chicken breast fillets and to ascertain the effects of SMS treatments on pH. Chicken breast fillets were inoculated with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium treated with 0% SMS and no inoculum (negative control), 0% SMS and inoculum (positive control), 1% SMS, or 2% SMS solutions and stored at 4 ± 1°C. All samples were analyzed after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d for Salmonella, psychrotrophic organisms, and pH. The fillets that were treated with 1 or 2% SMS had lower (P < 0.05) Salmonella counts as compared with those of the positive control at 3 through 7 d. Reductions in Salmonella Typhimurium were 0.83 to 0.91 log cfu/g and 1.04 to 1.16 log cfu/g for 1 and 2% SMS treatments, respectively. The psychrotrophic counts were similar (P > 0.05) for all treatments. The pH values for samples treated with 1 or 2% SMS were higher (P < 0.05) when compared with those of the negative and positive controls. This study revealed that SMS could restrict the growth of pathogenic Salmonella Typhimurium in fresh poultry.

Sodium metasilicate affects antimicrobial, sensory, physical, and chemical characteristics of fresh commercial chicken breast meat stored at 4° C for 9 days.

The objectives of this study were to investigate antimicrobial properties of sodium metasilicate (SMS) on fresh boneless and skinless commercial broiler chicken breast fillets, and to ascertain effects of the treatments on sensory, chemical, and physical characteristics of the meat. Fillets were divided into 5 groups, weighed, treated with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4% SMS marinades, vacuum tumbled at 172.32 kPa for 20 min, reweighed, packaged in styrofoam trays, stored at 4°C for 9 d, and analyzed at 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 d for marination yield (d 0 only), pH, total psychrotrophic counts, water-holding capacity, purge loss, cooking yield, and objective texture, color, and sensory characteristics. Marination yield and water-holding capacity were similar (P > 0.05) among all SMS treatments and increased by 3 to 4% compared with that in control fillets. Fillets treated with at least 3% SMS had higher (P < 0.05) pH and cooking yields and lower (P < 0.05) purge loss (on d 9) compared with control fillets. The 3 and 4% SMS treatments retarded growth of psychrotrophic organisms for 1 additional day compared with control, 1, and 2% SMS-treated fillets. Color and texture measurements and sensory characteristics of the fillets were not adversely affected by the SMS treatments. The data in this study revealed that at least 3% SMS was necessary to retard growth of spoilage bacteria compared with untreated samples and samples treated with the USDA maximum allowable level of 2% SMS in poultry marinades.

Life after lower extremity amputation in diabetics.

UNLABELLED: Lower limb amputees typically have reduced mobility which affects their ability to perform daily tasks and to successfully reintegrate into community life. A major goal of rehabilitation for amputees is to improve quality of life (QOL). This study therefore focussed on QOL and functional independence for persons with lower limb amputations secondary to diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To determine the QOL and functional independence of lower limb diabetic amputees one to three years post amputation, using variables such as age, gender and amputation level. METHOD: A total of 87 participants were selected from the 2006-2009 physiotherapy records at the St Ann's Bay Hospital. These participants completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHO QOL-BREF) and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Data were analysed using SPSS (version 12) and the mean values for QOL and functional independence were calculated. Relationships between the variables: age, gender and level of amputation with QOL and functional independence were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. RESULTS: Among the 35 males and 52 females participating in the study, below knee amputees recorded higher scores for QOL (p < 0.05) and functional independence (p < 0.0001) compared to the above knee amputees. The result also showed that females had a significantly higher average score than males among the four domains for QOL. Similar results were obtained from the FIM where women again had significantly higher scores than males (p < 0.0001). The majority of females across the age groups reported average to high QOL (p < 0.0001) compared to the males. A positive correlation (r = 0.5999, p < 0.0001) was found between functional independence and quality of life of all participants. CONCLUSION: The results showed that below knee amputees functioned better than those with above knee amputations and that females were more likely to cope and function with the disability than males.

Control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in corn silage with or without various inoculants: efficacy and mode of action.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 commercial bacterial inoculants at controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 in corn silages during ensiling and feedout phases of silage production. A second objective was to determine whether the inoculants exhibited and transferred antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7 to the silages. Chopped corn forage was ensiled after treatment with the following: distilled water (control); 5 x 10(5) cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 (EC); EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of Pediococcus pentosaceus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii (EC+BII); EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri (EC+LB); and EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of L. buchneri and P. pentosaceus (EC+B500). Each treatment was ensiled in triplicate in mini silos for 3, 7, 31, and 82 d and analyzed for pH and E. coli O157:H7 counts. Samples from d 82 were also analyzed for volatile fatty acids, lactate, and aerobic stability. Antibacterial activity of inoculants and silages was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. The pH of silages from all treatments decreased below 4 within 3 d of ensiling and remained low until d 82. Therefore, E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in silages after any of the ensiling durations. Applying inoculants containing L. buchneri resulted in less lactate, more acetate, and greater aerobic stability compared with the control. Applying EC+BII containing P. freudenreichii did not increase propionate or aerobic stability. Subsamples of d 82 silages were reinoculated with 1 x 10(5) cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 either immediately after silo opening on d 82 or after 144h of aerobic exposure (d 88), and E. coli were enumerated 24h later. All silages reinoculated with the pathogen on d 82 had similar, low pH values (<4) and no E. coli were detected 24h later. Control, EC, and EC+BII silages reinoculated with the pathogen after 144h of aerobic exposure had relatively greater pH values (4.71, 5.67, and 6.03, respectively) and E. coli counts (2.87, 6.73, and 6.87 log cfu/g, respectively) 24h later, whereas those treated with L. buchneri had low pH values (<4) and undetectable (EC+B500) or 10-fold lower (1.97, cfu/g; EC+LB) E. coli counts. All pure cultures of commercial bacterial inoculants exhibited antibacterial activity independent of pH against E. coli O157:H7, but the pH-independent activity did not persist in the treated silages, suggesting that E. coli elimination from silages was mediated by pH reduction.

Sodium diacetate and sodium lactate affect microbiology and sensory and objective characteristics of a restructured turkey breast product formulated with a fibrin cold-set binding system.

Research was conducted to manufacture and evaluate a restructured turkey breast product using the Fibrimex cold-set binding system, sodium diacetate (NaD), and sodium lactate (NaL) and to ascertain effects of the treatments on proximate composition, pH, psychrotrophic organisms, water activity, onset of rancidity (TBA), thaw loss, cooking yields, and objective color, and sensory characteristics. Whole turkey breasts were cut into 5-cm-thick strips; treated with either water only (control), 1.5% NaL, 2.0% NaL, 0.1% NaD, 1.5% NaL + 0.1% NaD, or 2.0% NaL + 0.1% NaD; blended with Fibrimex ingredients; stuffed into casings; and stored at -30 degrees C for 0, 1, 2, and 3 mo. After each storage period, frozen chubs were tempered at 4 degrees C, sliced into 1-cm-thick steaks, packaged in retail trays, stored at 0 degrees C to simulate retail storage, and analyzed after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d. Sodium diacetate used alone or in combination with NaL reduced (P < 0.05) growth of psychrotrophic organisms and had no adverse effects on water activity, pH, cooking yield, fat, moisture, protein, objective color, onset of rancidity, and sensory characteristics (juiciness, turkey flavor intensity, and tenderness). Panelists reported slight off-flavor in all steaks treated with NaL. Treating steaks with NaL alone or in combination with NaD resulted in increased (P < 0.05) ash content. Sodium lactate also functioned to minimize thaw loss in the frozen restructured turkey product.

Nisin affects the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat turkey ham stored at four degrees Celsius for sixty-three days.

The objectives of this study were to determine pH, anti-Listeria and general antimicrobial properties of nisin on ready-to-eat vacuum-packaged diced turkey ham inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, and the usage level that would exert maximum antimicrobial effect during 63 d of storage. Ready-to-eat diced turkey ham was inoculated with a 5-strain L. monocytogenes cocktail; treated with 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5% nisin treatment solutions; vacuum-packaged; stored at 4+/-1 degrees C for 63 d; and analyzed at 1-wk intervals for total aerobic counts, pH, L. monocytogenes, and lactic acid bacteria. Antimicrobial effectiveness of nisin increased as concentration increased from 0.2 to 0.5%. Aerobic plate counts for 0.4 and 0.5% nisin were lower (P<0.05) than negative and positive controls. All nisin treatments resulted in 4 log reductions (P<0.05) in L. monocytogenes when compared with the positive control on d 0. Four log reductions were also observed on d 7 for 0.4% nisin treatment and d 7 and 14 for 0.5% nisin treatment when compared with the positive control. Listeria monocytogenes counts decreased from 4.97 log cfu/g on d 0 and remained less than 2 log cfu/g through 63 d of storage for the 0.5% nisin treatment. Lactic acid bacteria counts were lower (P<0.05) for 0.5% nisin treatment when compared with positive and negative controls from 28 through 63 d. Except for d 56 and 63, pH was similar (P<0.05) for all treatments. This study revealed that nisin could be used for postprocessing intervention to control L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat poultry products.

Factors associated with academic performance of physical therapy students.

UNLABELLED: Understanding the pre-matriculation factors that influence academic success facilitates the recruitment and retention of students who are more likely to graduate on time. OBJECTIVE: To determine the factors associated with the academic performance of students enrolled in the physical therapy diploma programme. METHODS: Records of 250 students enrolled over a twenty-year period at the School of Physical Therapy were reviewed. Data were collected and organized using a data collection sheet. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Relationships between the independent variables: age, gender marital status, work history and entry qualifications, and the dependent variables: academic performance (percentage of subjects passed at the first sitting of examinations and success in the Final Qualifying Examination), withdrawal and delayed graduation were examined using correlation coefficient, t-test, ANOVA and chi-square as appropriate. RESULTS: Results revealed that students gaining the minimum entry qualifications at one sitting of GCE O' Level/CXC examinations (p < 0.01) and who had GCE A' Level passes (p < 0.05) were less likely to withdraw from the programme. Students without prior work experience performed better during the course of study (p < 0.05) but the older and married students were more likely to withdraw (p < 0.01). Older students performed better on the Final Qualifying Practical and Theory Examinations taken at the end of the academic programme (p < 0.05) but had a lower percentage of subjects passed at the first sitting of course examinations (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Students with better academic preparation demonstrated better academic performance. These findings were consistent with prior studies in the field.

Some Listeria monocytogenes outbreak strains demonstrate significantly reduced invasion, inlA transcript levels, and swarming motility in vitro.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause a severe invasive food-borne disease known as listeriosis, and large outbreaks of this disease occur occasionally. Based on molecular-subtype data, epidemic clone (EC) strains have been defined, including ECI and ECIa, which have caused listeriosis outbreaks on different continents. While a number of molecular-subtyping studies of outbreak strains have been reported, few comprehensive data sets of virulence-associated characteristics of these strains are available. We assembled a set of human clinical isolates from 15 outbreaks that occurred worldwide between 1975 and 2002. Initial characterization of these strains showed significant variation in the ability to invade human Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells and HepG2 hepatic cells; four strains showed consistently reduced invasion in both cell lines. DNA sequencing of inlA, which encodes a protein required for efficient Caco-2 and HepG2 invasion, showed that none of the invasion-attenuated strains contained known virulence-attenuating mutations in inlA. Phylogenetic analyses of inlA sequences revealed a well-supported clade containing a fully invasive ECI strain and three invasion-attenuated ECI strains, along with a fully invasive ECIa strain and an invasion-attenuated ECIa strain. Of the four invasion-attenuated strains, one strain showed both reduced inlA transcript levels and impaired swarming, one strain showed reduced inlA transcript levels, and two strains showed reduced swarming. Overall, our data show that (i) L. monocytogenes strains from outbreaks vary significantly in invasion efficiency and (ii) different mechanisms may contribute to reduced invasion efficiency. Association between EC strains and listeriosis outbreaks may involve characteristics other than virulence phenotypes, including survival and growth in food-associated environments.

Capillary endothelial cell cultures: phenotypic modulation by matrix components.

Capillary endothelial cells of rat epididymal fat pad were isolated and cultured in media conditioned by bovine aortic endothelial cells and substrata consisting of interstitial or basement membrane collagens. When these cells were grown on interstitial collagens they underwent proliferation, formed a continuous cell layer and, if cultured for long periods of time, formed occasional tubelike structures. In contrast, when these cells were grown on basement membrane collagens, they did not proliferate but did aggregate and form tubelike structures at early culture times. In addition, cells grown on basement membrane substrata expressed more basement membrane constituents as compared with cells grown on interstitial matrices when assayed by immunoperoxidase methods and quantitated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent inhibition assays. Furthermore, when cells were grown on either side of washed, acellular amnionic membranes their phenotypes were markedly different. On the basement membrane surface they adhered, spread, and formed tubelike structures but did not migrate through the basement membrane. In contrast, when seeded on the stromal surface, these cells were observed to proliferate and migrate into the stromal aspect of the amnion and ultimately formed tubelike structures at high cell densities at longer culture periods (21 d). Thus, connective tissue components play important roles in regulating the phenotypic expression of capillary endothelial cells in vitro, and similar roles of the collagenous components of the extracellular matrix may exist in vivo following injury and during angiogenesis. Furthermore, the culture systems outlined here may be of use in the further study of differentiated, organized capillary endothelial cells in culture.

Nisin, rosemary, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid affect the growth of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat turkey ham stored at four degrees Celsius for sixty-three days.

The objectives of this study were to determine the anti-Listeria and general antimicrobial properties of nisin, rosemary, and EDTA alone and in combination on Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on ready-to-eat vacuum-packaged diced turkey ham and to ascertain the effects of the treatments on pH and objective color. The turkey hams were cut into 0.5-cm pieces, inoculated with a L. monocytogenes cocktail containing 5 strains of the bacterium, and treated with either no treatment and no inoculum (negative control), inoculum only (positive control), 0.5% nisin, 20 mM EDTA, 1% rosemary, 0.5% nisin + 20 mM EDTA, 0.5% nisin + 1% rosemary, 0.5% nisin + 20 mM EDTA + 1% rosemary, or 20 mM EDTA + 1% rosemary. All samples were vacuum-packaged, stored for 63 d at 4 degrees C +/- 1 degrees C, and analyzed at 1-wk intervals for total aerobes, L. monocytogenes, lactic acid organisms, pH, and objective color. Nisin, nisin with rosemary, nisin with EDTA, and nisin with rosemary and EDTA treatments reduced (P < 0.05) L. monocytogenes counts by 4.42, 4.20, 3.73, and 4.11 log cfu/g when compared with the positive control, respectively, on d 0. Listeria monocytogenes counts remained less than 2.75 log cfu/g for all hams treated with nisin. The EDTA and rosemary treatments alone and in combination were ineffective in inhibiting growth of L. monocytogenes. Although none of the treatments completely eliminated L. monocytogenes, the results indicated that ready-to-eat turkey ham can have significantly decreased L. monocytogenes when treated with nisin alone or in combination with rosemary or EDTA, or both.

Impact of gestational cocaine treatment or prenatal cocaine exposure on early postpartum oxytocin mRNA levels and receptor binding in the rat.

Prior research reported decreased oxytocin levels in specific brain regions correlated with disruptions in maternal care following gestational cocaine treatment in rats. Similarly, prenatal exposure to cocaine impaired subsequent maternal behavior in adulthood, but behavioral alterations were not associated with decreases in oxytocin levels in the same brain regions as were found in their cocaine-treated rat dams. To determine if other aspects of the oxytocin system are disrupted by cocaine treatment or prenatal exposure to cocaine during critical time points associated with maternal care, oxytocin mRNA transcription and receptor binding were examined on postpartum day two in relevant brain regions following gestational treatment with, or prenatal exposure to, either cocaine or saline. We hypothesized that oxytocin mRNA levels and receptor binding would be differentially affected by cocaine in the early postpartum period of dams and their offspring. Our findings indicate that gestational cocaine treatment resulted in significant increases in oxytocin mRNA levels in only the paraventricular nucleus of cocaine-treated dams, with almost significant increases in both generations in the supraoptic nucleus, but no significant effects of cocaine on receptor binding in either generation of dams. These findings indicate that in addition to oxytocin levels, cocaine treatment or prenatal exposure primarily affects oxytocin mRNA synthesis, with little effect on receptor binding in specific brain regions associated with maternal behavior in the early postpartum period of the rat.

Gestational ethanol and nicotine exposure: effects on maternal behavior, oxytocin, and offspring ethanol intake in the rat.

Alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy is common, despite the known adverse effects of these drugs on fetal development. Though studies on the effects of each drug separately are published, little is known about the effect of concurrent use of alcohol and nicotine in humans or in preclinical models. In this report, we examined the impact of continuous gestational exposure to both ethanol via liquid diet and nicotine via an osmotic minipump on maternal behavior, offspring ethanol intake, and oxytocin levels in a rat model. Dams were tested for the onset of maternal behavior with litters of unexposed surrogate pups and then killed to examine oxytocin levels within specific brain regions. Drug-exposed offspring reared by surrogate dams were tested for ethanol intake at either adolescence or adulthood, and oxytocin levels were measured in relevant brain regions after behavioral tests. Dams exhibited minor deficits in maternal care, which were associated with lower oxytocin levels in both the ventral tegmental and medial preoptic areas compared to control dams. Prenatal exposure altered sex-specific ethanol intake, with differential effects at adolescence and adulthood. Oxytocin system changes were also apparent in the ventral tegmental and medial preoptic regions of drug-exposed adolescent and adult offspring. These results suggest that dam treatment with ethanol and nicotine can somewhat negatively affect the early rearing environment, and that prenatal exposure to both of these drugs results in drinking behavior differing from what would be expected from either drug alone. Oxytocin's possible involvement in the mediation of these effects is highlighted.

Selective cell proliferation can be controlled with CPC particle coatings.

To develop implantable, engineered, cartilage constructs supported by a scaffold, techniques to encourage rapid tissue growth into, and on the scaffold are essential. Preliminary studies indicated that human endothelial cells proliferated at different rates on different calcium phosphate ceramic (CPC) particles. Judicious selection of particles may encourage specific cell proliferation, leading to an ordered growth of tissues for angiogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis. The goal of this study was to identify CPC surfaces that encourage bone and vascular cell growth, and other surfaces that support chondrocyte growth while inhibiting proliferation of vascular cells. Differences in bone and vascular cell proliferation were observed when using epoxy without embedded CPCs to encourage bone cells, and when three CPCs were tested, which encouraged vascular cell proliferation. One of these (CPC 7) also substantially depressed cartilage cell proliferation. Only one small-diameter crystalline CPC (CPC 2) supported rapid chondrocyte proliferation, and maintained the cartilage cell phenotype.

Effects of packaging systems on the natural microflora and acceptability of chicken breast meat.

The effect of 3 packaging systems on the spoilage microflora, objective color, and sensory characteristics of fresh commercial broiler chicken breast meat was investigated. Fresh skinless and boneless chicken broiler breasts were purchased from a local poultry processing plant and packaged in either (1) a conventional Styrofoam tray with polyvinyl chloride overwrap and absorbent pad, (2) a Styrofoam tray with polyvinyl chloride overwrap minus absorbent pad, or (3) a Fresh-R-Pax (FRP) container equipped with an absorbent liner-gel system. All packages were heat sealed and stored at 1.2 +/- 1 degrees C for 8 d. At each sampling period (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 d), packages from each treatment were analyzed for Pseudomonas spp., psychrotrophic organisms, objective color, and sensory characteristics. In general, Pseudomonas spp. and psychrotrophic counts increased as storage time increased for all packaging systems. Color and overall appearance were similar (P >0.05) for all packaging systems. Although not significant, the off-odor scores for breast meat packaged in FRP were higher (P >0.05) after 6 and 8 d when compared with the breast meat packaged in a Styrofoam tray with polyvinyl chloride overwrap with or without an absorbent pad. Although the absorbent pad did not control microbial growth, it maintained aesthetic appeal by absorbing all visible moisture released from the meat during storage.

Uncontrolled blood pressure and risk of sleep apnea among blacks: findings from the Metabolic Syndrome Outcome (MetSO) study.

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is linked to increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, few studies have assessed the impact of this relationship among blacks with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Data for this study were collected from 1035 blacks (mean age=62±13 years) enrolled in the Metabolic Syndrome Outcome study. Patients with a score ⩾6 on the Apnea Risk Evaluation System were considered at risk for OSA. Of the sample, 77.1% were low-to-high OSA risk and 92.3% were hypertensive, of which 16.8% had uncontrolled BP levels. Analysis also showed that 60.4% were diabetic, 8.9% had a stroke history, 74.3% had dyslipidemia, 69.8% were obese and 30.9% had a history of heart disease. Logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate associations between uncontrolled BP and OSA risk, while adjusting for known covariates. Findings showed that uncontrolled BP independently increased the odds of OSA risk twofold (odds ratio=2.02, 95% confidence interval=1.18-3.48, P<0.05). In conclusion, our findings show that uncontrolled BP was associated with a twofold greater risk of OSA among blacks, suggesting that those with MetS and who have uncontrolled BP should be screened for the presence of OSA.

Scaffold-based three-dimensional human fibroblast culture provides a structural matrix that supports angiogenesis in infarcted heart tissue.

BACKGROUND: We have developed techniques to implant angiogenic patches onto the epicardium over regions of infarcted cardiac tissue to stimulate revascularization of the damaged tissue. These experiments used a scaffold-based 3D human dermal fibroblast culture (3DFC) as an epicardial patch. The 3DFC contains viable cells that secrete angiogenic growth factors and has previously been shown to stimulate angiogenic activity. The hypothesis tested was that a viable 3DFC cardiac patch would stimulate an angiogenic response within an area of infarcted cardiac tissue. METHODS AND RESULTS: A coronary occlusion of a branch of the left anterior descending coronary artery was performed by thermal ligation in severe combined immunodeficient mice. 3DFCs with or without viable cells were sized to the damaged area, implanted in replicate mice onto the epicardium at the site of tissue injury, and compared with animals that received infarct surgery but no implant. Fourteen and 30 days after surgery, hearts were exposed and photographed, and tissue samples were prepared for histology and cytochemistry. Fourteen and 30 days after surgery, the damaged myocardium receiving viable 3DFC exhibited a significantly greater angiogenic response (including arterioles, venules, and capillaries) than nonviable and untreated control groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model, viable 3DFC stimulates angiogenesis within a region of cardiac infarction and can augment a repair response in damaged tissue. Therefore, a potential use for 3DFC is the repair of myocardial tissue damaged by infarction.

The effect of electron beam irradiation on the survival of Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium and psychrotrophic bacteria on raw chicken breasts stored at four degrees celsius for fourteen days.

The effect of high-energy electron beam irradiation on the survival of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and psychrotrophic bacteria on commercial chicken breast meat was evaluated. Fresh chicken breast meat was purchased from a local poultry processor, inoculated with 8 log10 cfu/mL Salmonella, packaged in Styrofoam trays and over wrapped with a polyvinyl chloride film, and subjected to 0, 1, 2, or 3 kGy of irradiation. The packaged samples were stored at 4 degrees C and analyzed for Salmonella Typhimurium and psychrotrophic organisms at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 d of storage. Direct plating and enrichment methods were used for S. Typhimurium analyses. The direct plating method revealed a 4 log reduction in Salmonella for chicken breasts inoculated and treated with 1, 2, or 3 kGy of irradiation. Psychrotrophic counts were conducted at 7 degrees C for 10 d and 25 degrees C for 5 d to determine the effect of incubation methods on the recovery of psychrotrophic organisms. The enrichment method resulted in the repair of injured Salmonella cells and an elevated Salmonella Typhimurium count for all irradiation dosages when compared with data reported for the direct plating method. In general, psychrotrophic counts increased as storage time increased. However, psychrotrophic counts decreased (P < 0.05) as the irradiation dosage increased.