Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the shelf life of cured pork sausage

This study examined the shelf life of cured sausage under different packaging conditions from vitamin E supplemented pigs. One group (n=6) of crossbred pigs received a normal fattening diet containing 20 ppm α-tocopherol for 39 days before slaughter. Another group was fed a diet containing 410 ppm α-tocopherol during the same period. After slaughter, cured sausages were produced, packaged under three different atmospheric conditions, ripened for 4 weeks and then stored for 8 weeks (9 °C; 200 lux). The α-tocopherol content was recorded in the fat, liver, muscles and the sausage. TBARS, L*, a*, b* values and antioxidative capacity were evaluated in the sausage during storage. The results showed a transfer of vitamin E into tissues and sausage but no detectable effect on TBARS and colour stability. However, antioxidative effects of vitamin E were seen by provocation. Probably the effect of vitamin E in the sausage was masked by nitrite in the curing salt. The oxygen content of the packs had an influence on TBARS and colour stability.

Angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas agonist ameliorates progress of atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice

Our interest focused on an open question whether AT-(1-7), nonpeptide receptor agonist: AVE 0991, is able to ameliorate atherosclerosis. We used an apolipoprotein E (apoE) - knockout mice model of atherosclerosis. Experimental groups received the same diet as control, mixed with: AVE 0991 at a dose of 0.58 μmol/kg b.w./day, perindopril at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg b.w./day or with tiorphan at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg b.w./day. A-779 [(D-alanine)-angiotensin (1-7)] was given at a dose of 3.3 mg/kg b.w., 3 times a week i.p. Measured by "en face" method, the percentage of occupied by Sudan IV-stained surfaces were as follows: 14.2±1.9 % in control group, whereas in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups percentages were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change comparing to control group, whereas in A-779 group percentage was statistically significantly higher. "Cross-section" of aortic roots revealed also the difference in atherosclerotic lesions. The mean surfaces, occupied by oil red O-stained changes were: 91.213±8.123 μm(2) in control group, while in AVE 0991-treated as well as in perindopril-treated groups lesions were statistically significantly lower. In tiorphan group there was no change; however, in A-779 group lesions were statistically significantly higher. Measured by real time RT-PCR relative p22phox (submit of NADPH oxidase) expression was significantly decreased in AVE 0991-treated mice. As revealed by flow cytometry, the expression of co-stimulatory molecules: CD86, CD80 and CD40 on both dendritic cells (CD11c+) and macrophages (F4/80+) was reduced in AVE 0991-treated group, which correlated with decreased expression of CD69 activation marker on CD4+T cells. In our report we showed the beneficial effect of AVE 0991 on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice.

Value of robotic navigation and ablation

Catheter ablation has been established as a potentially curative treatment modality for various arrhythmias. Over the past years, catheter ablation has progressed from focal ablation to complex ablations within a three-dimensional anatomy for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation. Complex ablation relies on reproducible catheter navigation in conjunction with stable catheter position and contact force, which depends on the operators´ individual experience and manual skills. Therefore, it would be desirable that technical innovations pursue the goal to minimize the physician's physical demands and exposure to scattered fluoroscopy, to improve catheter stability and, most importantly, to increase procedural safety. This review will discuss the role of remote controlled robotic navigation systems in catheter ablation with particular focus on safety, efficacy and novel applications.

Physical characterisation of Tenacibaculum maritimum for vaccine development

AIMS

Tenacibaculum maritimum is a well known fish pathogen worldwide, affecting many fish species including Atlantic salmon in Tasmania, Australia. The aim of this study was to characterise and understand the similarities and differences between the isolates in order to select isolates for later pathogenicity and vaccination trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Several physical characterisation tests were carried out: whole cell protein profiles, lipopolysaccharide profiles (LPS), extracellular product profiles (ECP), indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and hydrophobicity. The Tasmanian strains of T. maritimum appear relatively homogeneous physically, but antigenically different. All isolates were hydrophobic and produce a variety of ECP profiles. There were two isolates that stand out in all assays (89/4747 and 01/0356-7) and showed great variation from the other isolates. All isolates have been confirmed as T. maritimum.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the tests carried out three isolates were chosen for in vivo trials: 89/4747, 89/4762, 00/3280.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study to characterise T. maritimum isolates from Tasmanian waters. The opportunity to develop vaccines for the Tasmanian salmonid aquaculture industry is enhanced by a greater understanding of the physical characteristics of pathogens.

Heavy metal removal from municipal solid waste fly ash by chlorination and thermal treatment

Municipal solid waste (MSW) fly ash is classified as a hazardous material because it contains high amounts of heavy metals. For decontamination, MSW fly ash is first mixed with alkali or alkaline earth metal chlorides (e.g. calcium chloride) and water, and then the mixture is pelletized and treated in a rotary reactor at about 1000 degrees C. Volatile heavy metal compounds are formed and evaporate. In this paper, the effect of calcium chloride addition, gas velocity, temperature and residence time on the separation of heavy metals are studied. The fly ash was sampled at the waste-to-energy plant Fernwärme Wien/Spittelau (Vienna, Austria). The results were obtained from batch tests performed in an indirectly heated laboratory-scale rotary reactor. More than 90% of Cd and Pb and about 60% of Cu and 80% of Zn could be removed in the experiments.

Host response to the chondracanthid copepod Chondracanthus goldsmidi, a gill parasite of the striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster), in Tasmania

The chondracanthid copepod, Chondracanthus goldsmidi is an ectoparasite of gills, inner opercula and nasal cavities of cultured striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster). Whilst often present in high numbers (up to 60 parasites per host), little is known about its effect on striped trumpeter. In this study C. goldsmidi was associated with extensive epithelial hyperplasia and necrosis. Pathological changes were most pronounced near the parasite's attachment site, with papilloma-like growths surrounding the entire parasite resulting in deformation of the filament. The number of mucous cells increased near the parasite attachment sites on both the opercula and gills. Mast cells were absent in healthy gills; in contrast numerous mast cells were identified in the papilloma-like growths. Immunostaining identified piscidin-positive mast cells in the papilloma-like growths, presenting the first evidence of piscidin in the family Latridae.

Multiple quadrupolar spin echoes in the La-filled skutterudite LaOs4As12

We report experimental results of 139La pulse NMR studies in LaOs4As12. Measurements have been performed on a powder sample obtained from high quality single crystals. For the first time the pattern of quadrupole echoes for 139La nuclei (I=7/2) was obtained. All the allowed quadrupolar echoes expected for spin I=7/2 were observed at times t=(4/3)tau, (3/2)tau, (5/3)tau, 2tau, (5/2)tau, 3tau, 4tau. The presence of quadrupolar echoes is the fingerprint of the deviation from perfect cubic symmetry of the structure and can be used as a simple and fast test of the sample quality.

The effect of nebivolol on atherogenesis in apoE-knockout mice

Nebivolol is a novel beta1-blocker with a nitric oxide (NO)--potentiating, vasodilatory effect that is unique among beta-blockers. It was already shown that nebivolol ameliorates atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. We, therefore, wanted to investigate whether this is the case in the fine experimental model of atherosclerosis: apolipoprotein E (apoE)-knockout mice. Nebivolol attenuated atherogenesis, measured both by "en face" method (9.23+/-1.8% vs. 14.6+/-2.1%) and "cross-section" method (63125+/-8455 microm(2) vs. 91416+/-8357 m(2)). This is the first report showing the effect of nebivolol on atherogenesis in gene-targeted mice.

Study on the microbial status of unseasoned ground turkey meat from an EU producer-a new product with risk potential?

1. The aim of this study was to point out potential risks associated with a product new to the market in the European Union: unseasoned minced turkey meat. 2. On 6 d of sampling, minced turkey meat from a large-scale EU producer was analysed at 4 processing stages. 3. The packaged minced meat was examined during 10 d of storage, once using the legally recommended conditions (<+2 degrees C), and then under simulated consumer handling; one batch was stored for 3 d at +2 degrees C then kept for 45 min at 25 degrees C and then stored at +7 degrees C. Microbiological and physical variables were tested on 5 d. 4. Results showed that the mean total aerobic plate count (APC) of the unprocessed material was 3.8 log CfU/g and did not rise significantly, although the temperature rose briefly after the material left the meat chopper. Listeria monocytogenes was the pathogen detected most often, in 7 (14.6%) of 48 samples, followed by Salmonella in one (2.1%). No Campylobacter were found. 5. Initial contamination (APC) of about 4.5 log CfU/g was common in stored minced meat, conforming to European Union Regulations EC 2073/2005 and 1441/2007. Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas spp. were the bacteria found most frequently. Under strict maintenance at a storage temperature of +2 degrees C, the maximum microbiological stability of the material was 7 d. Under simulated consumer handling, the microbial counts increased significantly, immediately after transport. 6. Our findings indicate that unseasoned minced turkey meat is a risky, perishable product, especially if the raw material does not have a low APC, is not pathogen-free and is kept under typical consumer handling and storage conditions.

[Training requirements for transvenous implantation of pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators]

Therapy with implantable pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), and devices for cardiac resynchronization (CRT) is performed by various medical and surgical specialists. With the change from implantation by thoracotomy to the transvenous approach, an increasing number of devices are implanted by cardiologists. The purpose of this paper is to establish training requirements for transvenous device therapy, implantation and follow-up examinations, regardless of the implanting person, an internist, cardiologist, general surgeon, or cardiothoracic surgeon. Epicardial lead placement should be performed only by surgeons. Two levels of training topics are defined, level 1 for pacemakers and level 2 for ICD and CRT devices. Surgery that involves the implantation of foreign material should demand the highest standards of operating rooms design and environment. Catheter laboratories used for implantations should meet operating room standards. Complications need to be documented carefully for quality control.