Significant Differences In Counts Research Articles

Measuring larval nematode contamination on cattle pastures: Comparing two herbage sampling methods

Assessing levels of pasture larval contamination is frequently used to study the population dynamics of the free-living stages of parasitic nematodes of livestock. Direct quantification of infective larvae (L3) on herbage is the most applied method to measure pasture larval contamination. However, herbage collection remains labour intensive and there is a lack of studies addressing the variation induced by the sampling method and the required sample size. The aim of this study was (1) to compare two different sampling methods in terms of pasture larval count results and time required to sample, (2) to assess the amount of variation in larval counts at the level of sample plot, pasture and season, respectively and (3) to calculate the required sample size to assess pasture larval contamination with a predefined precision using random plots across pasture. Eight young stock pastures of different commercial dairy herds were sampled in three consecutive seasons during the grazing season (spring, summer and autumn). On each pasture, herbage samples were collected through both a double-crossed W-transect with samples taken every 10 steps (method 1) and four random located plots of 0.16m2 with collection of all herbage within the plot (method 2). The average (±standard deviation (SD)) pasture larval contamination using sampling methods 1 and 2 was 325 (±479) and 305 (±444)L3/kg dry herbage (DH), respectively. Large discrepancies in pasture larval counts of the same pasture and season were often seen between methods, but no significant difference (P=0.38) in larval counts between methods was found. Less time was required to collect samples with method 2. This difference in collection time between methods was most pronounced for pastures with a surface area larger than 1ha. The variation in pasture larval counts from samples generated by random plot sampling was mainly due to the repeated measurements on the same pasture in the same season (residual variance component=6.2), rather than due to pasture (variance component=0.55) or season (variance component=0.15). Using the observed distribution of L3, the required sample size (i.e. number of plots per pasture) for sampling a pasture through random plots with a particular precision was simulated. A higher relative precision was acquired when estimating PLC on pastures with a high larval contamination and a low level of aggregation compared to pastures with a low larval contamination when the same sample size was applied. In the future, herbage sampling through random plots across pasture (method 2) seems a promising method to develop further as no significant difference in counts between the methods was found and this method was less time consuming.

Protective Effect of 940 nm Laser on Gamma-Irradiated Mice

The purpose of this study was to investigate the radioprotective features of 940 nm laser on the life span of mice, and absolute counts of blood cells and their proportions in gamma-irradiated mice. An important feature of laser light is activation of mitotic division and differentiation of cells, which may be useful in activation of hematopoiesis in gamma-irradiated organisms. Mice were randomly assigned to 11 groups according to the type(s) of influence. Generally, mice were irradiated in three different ways: with laser at different fluences, with gamma irradiation, or by combination of laser at different fluences and gamma irradiation in a different order. Mice were treated with 940 nm laser at 3, 12, or 18 J/cm(2) and/or a lethal dose of gamma irradiation (8.7 Gy). Each group was randomly subdivided into two subgroups, in which the life span of the mice and blood cell counts (on 12th and 45th day after gamma irradiation) were analyzed. Laser (940 nm) at a fluence of 3 J/cm(2) significantly prolonged the life span of gamma-irradiated mice (p<0.05). In the same group, counts of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils were higher on day 12 than in the gamma group. On day 45 after gamma irradiation, some signs of hematopoiesis repair were found in blood. There were no significant differences in counts of erythrocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, or the proportion of neutrophils between this group and the control group. In summary, 940 nm laser at a fluence of 3 J/cm(2) demonstrates radioprotective features in an experiment with lethally irradiated mice. Mechanisms responsible for this effect will be investigated in further studies.

The Relationship Among Playground Areas and Physical Activity Levels in Children

IntroductionAlmost 20% of American children aged 6 to 11 years are obese. A decrease in physical activity has been associated with an increase in obesity. The school environment is one place where many children can be reached. This cross-sectional study determined which types of playground areas attract children and promote moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentarism. MethodChildren on two urban elementary school playgrounds (one of which offered a jogging program called Jog and Walk Stars [JAWS]) were observed before school with use of the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth and System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities observational tools. Descriptive statistics, paired-samples t tests, and independent-samples t tests were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe highest populated areas for schools K and B on non-JAWS days were the general blacktop areas; however, approximately 50% of the children in these areas were sedentary. At school B on days when the JAWS program was offered, the highest populated area was the JAWS track, and 99% of those children participated in MVPA. There was a significant difference in counts for average total sedentary children per square foot between school K (M = 216.70) and school B on JAWS days: M = 80.38, t (22.02) = 2.24, p < .5, two-tailed. DiscussionA playground environment assessment to identify areas that promote MVPA, such as offering a JAWS program, may be one avenue to address the need for increasing MVPA levels in children in general, in addition to physical education class, and help them obtain the recommended 60 minutes of daily MVPA.

في بعض المعايير الفسلجية والمناعية والتغييراتEntamoeba histolytica Nigella sativa تأثير المستخلص المائي لبذور الحبة السوداء النسجية لذكور الفئران المختبرية المصابة بطفيلي

This study was designed to investigated effect of aqueous extract of Black seeds (Nigella sativa) in somemphysiological and immunological parameters and histological changes of male mice infected with Entamoeba histolotica which divided into four groups, the first group administrated 0.1 ml normal saline orally (control group) , the second group administrated 0.5 ml suspension of Entamoeba histolotica orally ,the third group administrated 1 ml suspension of Entamoeba histolotica orally and the fourth group administrated 1 ml suspension of Entamoeba histolotica and treated after infection with 1 mg extract of black seeds for 10 days.The results showed non significant decreased in concentration of Hemoglobin in second and third group compare with control group and a significant increased in the total count of W.B.C., Lymphocyte, Acidophile and Phagocytosis in second and third group compare with control group (p≤0.05). Results of the current study revealeda significant decreased in P.C.V. and Monocyte, in second and third group and body weight in third group and neutrophil in second group compare with control group and non significant differences in count of Basophile between all groups (p≤0.05) . The results showed also non significant differences in blood parameters, Phagocytosis and body weight in fourth group compare with control group (p≤0.05).

Assessing the growth and recovery of Salmonella Enteritidis SE86 after sodium dichloroisocyanurate exposure

The objective of the present study was to assess the growth and the recovery of Salmonella (S.) Enteritidis SE86 in different diluents, culture media and using different plating methods after the exposure to 200 mg/kg sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC). Before and after NaDCC exposure, SE86 was cultured at 30 °C and 7 °C in the following diluents: Peptone water (P), Saline solution (SaS), Peptone water+Saline solution (P+SaS), Peptone water+Tween 80+Lecithin+Sodium thiosulfate (P+N) and Saline solution+Tween 80+Lecithin+Sodium thiosulfate (SaS+N). The SaS diluent was chosen because it was able to maintain cells viable without growth and was further used for plating SE86 on non selective medium (Tryptic Soy Agar-TSA) and on selective media (Mannitol Lysine Crystal Violet Brilliant Green Agar-MLCB; Brilliant Green Agar-BGA; Salmonella Shigella Agar-SS and Xylose Lysine Dextrose-XLD). The Thin Agar Layer method (TAL) i.e., selective media overlayed with non selective TSA was also evaluated. Results indicated that SE86 not exposed to NaDCC was able to grow in P, P+N, SaS+N and P+SaS, but not in SaS, that was able to maintain cells viable. SE86 exposed to NaDCC demonstrated similar counts after dilution in SaS and the plating on non selective TSA, selective media MLCB, BGA, SS and XLD and on TAL media. SE86, S. Typhimurium and S. Bredeney, exposed or not exposed to NaDCC, showed no significant differences in counts on TSA, XLD and XLD overlayed with TSA, suggesting that all those media may be used to quantify NaDCC-exposed Salmonella by plating method.

Evaluation of drug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in retail poultry and beef

There has been increasing concern on the emergence of multidrug-resistant foodborne pathogens from foods of animal origin, including poultry. The current study aimed to evaluate antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae from raw retail chicken/turkey parts (thigh, wings, breast, and ground) and beef meat (ground and chunks) in Middle Tennessee. Resistance of the collected Enterobacteriaceae to a panel of antibiotics was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test. Retail meats were also assayed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Two hundred thirty-seven samples representing 95.2% of the total of 249 samples tested were positive for Enterobacteriaceae. The level of contamination with Enterobacteriaceae in raw meats ranged from 3.26 log10 cfu/g to 4.94 log10 cfu/g with significant differences in counts among meat types (P < 0.05). Contamination was significantly greater (P < 0.05) in ground beef, beef chucks, ground chicken, chicken breast, and turkey wings (4.92, 4.58, 4.94, 4.75, 4.13 log10 cfu/g, respectively) than ground turkey and chicken wings (3.26 and 3.26 log10 cfu/g, respectively). Klebsiella oxytoca, Serratia spp., E. coli, and Haffnia alvei were most prevalent contaminants at 27.4, 14.3, 12.1, and 11.4%, respectively. Resistance of the Enterobacteriaceae to antimicrobials was most frequent with erythromycin, penicillin, and ampicillin at 100, 89, and 65.8%, respectively. Few (2.7%) of the Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to chloramphenicol. Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7, Morganella morganii, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Vibrio parahemolyticus exhibited multiple drug resistance. This investigation demonstrates that raw poultry and beef are potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Use of Plerixafor to Overcome Stem Cell Mobilization Failure: Long Term Follow up of Patients Proceeding to Transplant Using Plerixafor Mobilized Stem Cells

Abstract 4390 Background:Plerixafor is a CXCR 4 antagonist which is now approved for use for stem cell (SC) mobilization with granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) in patients with non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or multiple myeloma (MM). Prior to the approval of plerixafor, we enrolled 49 patients in a compassionate use protocol at our institution to mobilize SC for patients who previously failed at least one mobilization attempt. Methods:Patients received 0.24 mg/kg of plerixafor subcutaneously 9 –11 hrs prior to apheresis in addition to twice daily GCSF. Results:Median age of the patients was 64 years (range, 23–74 years). NHL was the most common diagnosis in 27 (55%) patients, followed by MM with 17(35%) patients and HD with 5 (10%) patients. Thirty nine patients (80%) had been treated with more than 2 chemotherapeutic regimens prior to the first attempt at stem cell collection. Thirty seven patients (76%) failed one previous mobilization attempt, while 12 (24%) had failed 2 or more previous attempts. Using the combination of Plerixafor and GCSF we collected ≥ 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg in 33 patients (67%). The median days for pheresis were 1 day with a range of 1 to 3 days. The median SC dose collected was 4 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg, with a range 2.5 – 14.3. The median CD-34+ peripheral blood count on the 1st day of their collection with plerixafor was 22.4/uL. In contrast the median peripheral blood CD-34+ cell count in these patients on the day of their first collection which failed was 6.2 /uL. The median increase using G-CSF and plerixafor was 14.9 CD-34+ cells/uL. We collected ≥ 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg on 4/5 (80%) patients with HD, 13/17 (76%) patients with MM and 16/27 (59%) patients with NHL. Sixteen patients (33%) collected < 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg. The median cell dose collected in these patients was 1.4 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg with a range, 0.4–2.2. The median number of days of pheresis was 2 days (range, 1–4 days). In these16 patients the median CD-34+ count on the day of their previous failed collection was11.2/uL. Their CD-34+ cell count on their first day of collection after the use of G-CSF and plerixafor was 8.3/ul. Figure 1 shows the change in peripheral CD34 counts with the prior mobilization attempt and after plerixafor mobilization, for 38 patients in whom data was available. The most common side effects attributed to plerixafor were diarrhea, fatigue, thrombocytopenia and bone pain; observed in 12%, 8%, 8% and 6% patients, respectively. Forty three of the 49 patients proceeded to an autologus peripheral blood SC transplant, 34 patients received ≥ 2.5 × 106 CD34+ cells/Kg. Thirty two of these patients used the plerixafor collection as the only source of SC. Two patients had their plerixafor mobilized SC combined with a previous suboptimal SC collection. Nine patients received < 2.5 × 106 CD34 + cells/Kg; 4 patients received plerixafor mobilized SC alone, 5 patients received plerixafor mobilized SC combined with their previously mobilized SC. The preparative regimens used were R- BEAM (20 patients), Melphalan (16 patients), BEAM (6 patients) and Etoposide+TBI (1 patient). All patients received GCSF from day +6 till WBC engraftment. The median days of WBC and platelet engraftment were day +11 (range, 9–13 days) and day +16 (range, 11–77 days), respectively. There was no significant difference in days to engraftment between the patients who collected greater or less than 2.5 × 106 CD34 + cells/Kg. With a median follow up 13.7 months, long term engraftment data is available on 27 patients. The median white cell count, hemoglobin and platelet count 1 year after transplant was 4.7 × 109/L, 12.2 g/dL and 109 ×109/L, respectively. There was no significant difference in counts at the 1 year mark between patients who collected more or less than 2.5 × 106 CD34 + cells/Kg. To date 15 patients have evidence of disease progression. Two patients have developed MDS/AML post transplant. Conclusion:Overall, plerixafor leads to mobilization of sufficient stem cells in a vast majority of patients who have failed previous mobilization attempts and allows more patients to proceed to an autologous SC transplant. Plerixafor is well tolerated with minimal side effects, acceptable time to engraftment and acceptable peripheral blood counts at 1 yr after the transplant. Our analysis suggests that failure to increase peripheral CD34 count after plerixafor when compared to previous attempts may predict unsuccessful mobilization. Disclosures:Lum:Transtarget Inc: Equity Ownership, Founder of Transtarget. [Display omitted]

The tongue image in AIDS patients

We retrospectively reviewed the tongue images and related clinical data of 118 AIDS patients treated in Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Fudan University. The tongue images included: cyanotic and purplish tongue ( 33, 28.0% ), light-reddish tongue ( 32, 27.1% ), light-whitish tongue (21, 17.8% ) , bulgy tongue(19, 16.1% ), dark-red tongue (7, 5.9% ) and fissured tongue (6,5.1% ). There were significant differences in counts of CD4+T lymphocytes, white blood cells and red blood cells among different tongue imagine groups. The tongue image can indicate the pathogenic factors of disease as well as the functions of viscera in AIDS patients. Key words: Tongue inspection; Acquired immunodeficiency symdrom

Changes in Peripheral Lymphocyte Subsets in the Type 1 Diabetic Dogs Treated with Insulin Injections

Plasma metabolites and peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured in ten diabetic and ten control dogs to investigate their significances as indicators to evaluate immune states in the diabetic dogs. Diabetic dogs were treated with insulin injections, however their plasma glucose and fructosamine concentrations were significantly higher than those of the controls. There were no significant differences in counts of total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocyte CD8(+) cells (cytotoxic T cells) between the control and the diabetic dogs. In the diabetic dogs, the counts of CD3(+) (T cells), CD4(+) (Helper T cells) and CD21(+) (B cells) cells and the peripheral lymphocytes CD4/CD8 ratio were significantly lower than those in the control dogs. We confirmed abnormality of lymphocyte subsets in insulin treated diabetic dogs and it may relate to depression of immunocompetence and high susceptibility to common infectious diseases.

Recombinant adeno-associated virus conducted NgR(DN) enhances axonal regeneration of optic nerve after trauma: experiment with rats

To investigate the effect of recombinant adeno-associated virus conducted NgRDN on the axonal regeneration of optic nerve after trauma. Two kinds of adeno-associated virus (AAV), AAV-NgRDN-EGFP containing dominant negative form of Nogo receptor and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and rAAV-NgR-EGFP containing Nogo-66 receptor (NgR) and EGFP, were constructed. 45 adult Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three equal groups, all with both eyes as experimental eyes: Groups A, B, and C to undergo injection of rAAV-EGFP, rAAV-NgR-EGFP, and rAAV-NgRDN-EGFP respectively into the vitreous; and each group was subdivided into 3 equal subgroups: subgroups 1 underwent injection of rAAV only, subgroups 2 underwent injection of rAAV and lens trauma, and subgroups 3 underwent injection of rAAV and zymosan. The rats in the Subgroups A2, B2, and C2 underwent. Crush of the optic nerve 2 mm behind the eyeball with optic nerve forceps 3 weeks after the injection. Four days after the crush the right eyes were taken out and the retinal explants were cultured in 2 kinds of culture fluid: with or without myelin. The growth of axons at the edge of retinal explants was observed by immunofluorescent staining with betaIII tubulin. Two weeks after the crush the other eyes were taken out to isolate the optic nerves. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) of optic nerve. The axonal regeneration of optic nerve was observed. betaIII tubulin staining showed that on the condition of culture fluid without myelin both rAAV-NgR-EGFP and rAAV-NgRDN-EGFP showed no effects on the axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). However, on the condition of culture fluid with myelin the count of axonal regeneration and the length of regenerated axons of Group B were (13+/-4) and (36 microm+/-4 microm), both significantly lower than those of Group A [(21+/-4) and (83 microm+/-11 microm) respectively, both P<0.01]. There were not significant differences in count of axonal regeneration and length of regenerated axons between Subgroups C1 and A1. The count of axonal regeneration and length of regenerated axons of Subgroups C2 were (317+/-45) and (508 microm+/-44 microm), both significantly higher than those of Subgroup C3 [(238+/-30) and (365 microm+/-48 microm) respectively, both P<0.01], and the values of both Subgroups C2 and C3 were significantly higher than those of Subgroups A2 and A3. The GAP43-positive area in the optic nerve of Group C was significantly larger than that of Group A (P<0.01), and that of Group B was significantly smaller than that of Group A (P<0.01). The GAP43-positive area in the optic nerve of Subgroup A2 was (18.71+/-1.72)x100 microm2, significantly larger than that of Subgroup A3 [(12.75+/-1.02)x100 microm2, P<0.01], and that of Subgroup A3 was significantly larger than that of Subgroup A1 (P<0.01). There were not significant differences in the GAP43-positive area among the subgroups in Group B. Transfection of rAAV-NgRDN-EGFP into RGC in an activated status enhances axonal regeneration of optic nerve. NgRDN AAV can inhibit effectively the role of NgR.

Decline of Soybean Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) Egg Populations from Autumn to Spring on the Primary Host, &lt;I&gt;Rhamnus cathartica&lt;/I&gt;

Soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Homoptera: Aphididae), is a severe pest of soybeans in North America. Soybean aphid populations cycle between a secondary summer host, where populations reproduce parthenogenetically and a primary host, where populations overwinter as eggs. In North America, the secondary host is soybean, and the primary hosts are Rhamnus cathartica L. (Rhamnaceae) and R. alnifolia L'Her. A location with abundant populations of soybean aphid on R. cathartica was identified near Guelph, Ontario, Canada, in October 2004, and eggs on trees were counted at multiple sites within that location each autumn and spring over the next 2 yr. Dynamics of naturally occurring soybean aphid populations on the primary host were assessed with respect to (1) decline of overwintering eggs from autumn to spring, (2) development of spring populations on R. cathartica, and (3) development of soybean aphid populations on soybean immediately adjacent to overwintering sites. Counts of aphid eggs declined by approximately 70% between autumn and spring sampling periods in 2004-2005. Significant differences in counts of aphid eggs relative to sampling height were observed in the canopy of R. cathartica. No edge effects were observed in the development of soybean aphid populations in soybeans adjacent to overwintering sites in this study. Very few eggs were collected at the same study location in the autumn of 2005, and no aphid eggs were collected from samples taken in the spring of 2006. Egg counts taken in the autumn of 2006 were intermediate in number relative to counts taken in the autumn of 2004 and 2005.

Distribution and Statistical Analysis of Bacteria in Lake Alau in the Arid Northern Nigeria

The direct microscopic count using bright field illumination was subjected to a statistical comparison with four different microbial cell viability procedures viz., pour plate, spread plate, most probable number (MPN) and membrane filtration (MF) for the analysis of the distribution of bacteria in water samples from Lake Alau Dam in the arid Northern Nigeria. A total of 27 samples were collected from three locations of the dam site and analysed. The total coliform represented 32% of the 22 isolates and of this 10% represented the fecal coliform bacteria. The fecal coliform level of 6.0 x 102 to 8.8 x 102/100ml placed lake Alau Dam water samples in the EEC Grade A2 and thus, the water is recommended for further treatments before it can be distributed to municipalities for domestic use. Statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in counts between three locations, based on the direct microscopic counts. There were no significant differences in counts between locations using the four cultural methods. There was an honestly significant difference (hsd, 5% level, Tukeys test) between the direct microscopic counts and the four cultural methods, but there was not honestly significant difference (hsd, 5% level) between the four cultural methods. It is concluded that in the absence of more sophisticated procedures, the four cultural methods together with the direct bright field microscopic count procedure served to establish a good measure of the microbiological quality of the Lake Alau water, this is strengthened by the statistical correlations. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management Vol. 8 (1) 2004: 5-9

The experimental study on trypan blue in staining rabbit's anterior capsule

目的 研究台盼蓝晶状体前囊染色的效果和安全性.方法健康日本大耳白兔24只,分为台盼蓝染色组和空白对照组;每只兔左右眼分别采用直接染色法(A组)及气泡下染色法(B组).观察角膜内皮、眼前段、眼压变化及不同时期病理和超微病理表现.结果A组角膜内皮轻度着色,晶状体前囊着色,虹膜浅着色;B组晶状体前囊着色.术前、术后1、3、7日角膜内皮细胞计数、内皮细胞变异系数、六角形细胞比例及眼压变化差异均无显著意义(P＞0.05).各组病理切片角膜内皮细胞均见不同程度核异形及水肿.扫描电镜显示术后1日 B组角膜内皮细胞肿胀轻于A组.结论0.1%台盼蓝可使兔眼晶状体前囊着色,眼内应用安全有效.气泡下染色效果更好。

Riluzole improves motor deficits and attenuates loss of striatal neurons in a sequential double lesion rat model of striatonigral degeneration (parkinson variant of multiple system atrophy)

We investigated neuroprotective effects of riluzole, an anti-glutamatergic agent that is FDA approved for disease-modifying therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), in an established double lesion rat model of striatonigral degeneration (SND), the neuropathological substrate of parkinsonism associated with MSA (MSA-P). Riluzole was administered prior to and consecutively for ten days following double lesion placement in the left-sided medial forebrain bundle and ipsilateral striatum. Assessment of motor behaviour using a flex field system showed a significant reduction of motor disturbance in animals with striatonigral lesions treated with riluzole compared to lesioned but untreated animals (P<0.001). DARPP-32 immunohistochemistry revealed a significant reduction of absolute striatal lesion volume in riluzole treated animals compared to lesioned but untreated animals (P<0.01). No significant difference in counts of nigral dopaminergic neurons was found in treated versus untreated double-lesioned animals. The results of our study indicate that riluzole mediates neuroprotective effects in the double lesion rat model of MSA-P. Whether riluzole also protects autonomic and cerebellar pathways that are frequently affected in MSA remains to be determined. Nonetheless, our study is the first to provide an experimental rationale for exploring possible neuroprotective effects of riluzole in MSA.

Effect of packaging materials and storage conditions on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets

AbstractA comparison was made of the effect of different packaging materials on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour of chicken breast fillets stored at 4°C. For one of the packaging materials, the effects of temperature (4°C and 8°C) and initial oxygen present (0%, 2% and 4%) on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets were also evaluated. Chicken breast fillets stored in the packaging material with the highest oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measured at actual storage conditions had the highest bacterial growth and the highest degree of off‐odour. Chicken breast fillets stored in packaging material mainly consisting of expanded PET had similar bacterial growth and off‐odour as in the barrier display film (BDF) packages, despite a smaller headspace volume and lower initial concentration of CO2. No differences in discoloration and pH of the chicken breast fillets, due to storage temperature and amount of initial oxygen present, were found when one of the packaging materials was studied. In the early phase of the storage period, Pseudomonas spp. constituted the majority of the total viable counts, while after about 12 days, lactic acid bacteria dominated. At the end of the storage period, both Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were present in high numbers. Significant differences in counts of Brochothrix thermosphacta were only obtained with initial presence of oxygen. The storage temperature had greater impact on microbial growth and off‐odour than the initial presence of oxygen in the packages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Activation of neurons in trigeminal caudalis by noxious oral acidic or salt stimuli is not reduced by amiloride

We investigated the possible role of amiloride-sensitive ion channels of the ENaC/DEGenerin superfamily in the activation of trigeminal nociceptive neurons elicited by noxious chemical stimulation of the oral mucosa using two methodologies, single-unit recording and c-fos immunohistochemistry. In pentobarbital-anesthetized rats, single-unit recordings were made from neurons in superficial laminae of dorsomedial trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) that responded to noxious thermal and chemical stimuli applied to the dorsal tongue. Successive application of each of three chemicals (250 mM pentanoic acid, n=6 units; 250 mM citric acid, n=8; 5 M NaCl, n=6) evoked responses that were not affected following topical application of amiloride (1 mM). In separate experiments, pentobarbital-anesthetized rats received one of the following stimuli delivered to the dorsal tongue: 250 mM pentanoic acid ( n=6); 1 mM amiloride followed by 250 mM pentanoic ( N=6); 5 M NaCl ( n=5); or 1 mM amiloride followed by 5 M NaCl ( n=5). Two hours later they were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde and the brain stems processed for c-fos immunoreactivity. Both pentanoic acid and 5 M NaCl evoked similar numbers and patterns of fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in dorsomedial Vc and other brain stem regions, with no significant difference in counts of FLI in animals pretreated with amiloride. These results suggest that amiloride-sensitive Na + channels are not essential in mediating the activation of intraoral trigeminal nociceptors.

Fate of 125I-IGF-I Administered into the Amniotic Fluid of Late-Gestation Fetal Sheep

Large amounts of amniotic fluid (AF) are swallowed in late gestation. AF is the most accessible fetal compartment and provides a possible paraplacental route for the therapeutic administration of hormones and nutrients to the fetus. We therefore wished to investigate the fate of the predominant fetal growth factor, IGF-I, administered into AF of late-gestation ovine fetuses. Seven chronically catheterized fetuses at 124 d gestation had approximately 800 x 10(6) dpm of (125)I-IGF-I injected into the AF. AF and blood samples were withdrawn for up to 6 d. At 131 d gestation a postmortem examination was performed. All AF, blood, and tissue samples were counted. Selected samples of AF, blood, and gut contents underwent size-separation chromatography. (125)I-IGF-I was rapidly mixed in AF, with a significant difference in counts from different regions of the cavity persisting for only 3 h (p < 0.05). In vivo binding of (125)I-IGF-I in AF correlated highly with AF IGF binding protein 3 concentrations (r(2) = 0.93, p < 0.0001). In some animals, free (125)I-IGF-I persisted in AF and in plasma for the duration of the experiments. Chromatography of plasma samples demonstrated that intact (125)I-IGF-I was taken up from the fetal gut. Only fetal gut and thyroid contained appreciable counts at postmortem examination. Gut contents had more counts than gut wall, and the number of counts in gut contents increased distally (p < 0.05 for colon contents versus other regions). We conclude that there is sustained delivery of (125)I-IGF-I from the AF to the gut and systemic circulation of the ovine fetus after a single intraamniotic injection.

Fungi and actinobacteria in moisture-damaged building materials — concentrations and diversity

Modern building materials, once moistened, may provide ecological niches for various microbes that have not been well characterized. The aim of the current study was to determine whether fungal genera and actinobacteria were associated with seven types of moisture-damaged building materials by systematically describing the mycobiota and enumerating fungi and bacteria in these materials. Microbial analyses were obtained from 1140 visibly damaged samples of building material, viz. wood, paper, non-wooden building boards, ceramic products, mineral insulation materials, paints and glues, and plastics. Fungal and bacterial concentrations correlated well ( r=0.6). The range of fungi and bacteria numbers was between 10 0 and 10 8 cfu g −1 in all materials, but significant differences in counts were observed between materials. Highest median concentrations of fungi were observed in wooden and paper materials, and lowest in samples of mineral insulation, ceramic products, and paints and glues. Concentrations of viable bacteria in mineral insulation materials were significantly lower than in wood, paper, ceramic products and plastics. A rich variety of fungi was found in wooden materials, with Penicillium and yeasts occurring most frequently. In paper materials, a clear difference from wood was the more frequent occurrence of Cladosporium and Stachybotrys. The most distinctive finding in gypsum boards was that Stachybotrys was common. Ceramic products and paints and glues seemed to favour Acremonium and Aspergillus versicolor. Yeasts and members of the Sphaeropsidales occurred often in parallel in most materials. This study confirms that microbial growth occurs in many different building materials and shows associations between fungal genera and the type of material.

Evaluation of Coli-ID and MUG Plus media for recovering Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria from groundwater samples

Several chromogenic media for detecting coliform bacteria in water are commercially available including Coli ID medium (ID) (bioMérieux) and MUG Plus cefsulodin agar (MP) (Laboratorios Microkit, S.L.). Since little is known about the performance of these media, we have evaluated their usefulness for recovering Escherichia coli and other coliform organisms in groundwaters used for direct human consumption. Variance analysis of obtained data showed that no statistically significant differences in counts of E. coli and other coliforms on ID and MP media compared with reference methods. However, the evaluation of sensitivity and recovery efficiency of both media showed that the two chromogenic media were more sensitive and significantly more efficient (P = < 0.05) than reference medium for detecting coliforms in groundwater. However, the identification of 400 typical and atypical colonies isolated from ID and MP media demonstrated a higher specificity when using ID for coliforms and E. coli. In summary, the two chromogenic media evaluated could be used as alternative methods to reference media for detecting and recovering coliform bacteria in groundwater samples. MP agar was more sensitive and efficient than ID agar whereas the latter was more specific and selective.

Bacteriological quality of weaning food and drinking water given to children of market women in Nigeria: implications for control of diarrhoea.

Bacteriological quality of weaning food and drinking water given to 2 groups of children aged < or = years was evaluated by estimating bacterial cell count. One group consisted of those taken to market and the other of those left at home in the care of older siblings or house-helps. Bacterial counts (geometric mean) ranged from 5.02 +/- 1.82 to 8.70 +/- 1.0 log10 cfu per g or mL of food, and from 1.15 +/- 1.67 to 6.53 +/- 0.81 log10 cfu per g or 100 mL of water. Analysis of variance showed no significant difference in counts between types of food and between meals (breakfast and lunch). Bacterial contamination increased significantly with storage time, and was, in all circumstances except the water samples, significantly higher in foods given to children left at home. Reheated leftover foods also had significantly higher bacterial load than the freshly-cooked food. Coliform count varied significantly with source of drinking water. Poor hygiene standard (inferred from bacterial contamination) was generally observed among mothers weaning < or = 2-year-old children, while they were engaged in trading activities in the market, thus exposing their children to high risk of diarrhoea. Hygiene was significantly poorer in weaning of children left at home in the care of older siblings or house-helps. This implies that, in spite of their trading activities in the market, mothers still take better care of their babies than the older siblings or house-helps who may be inexperienced. These mothers may need education on childcare and food hygiene to suit to their trading activities, for example, during their monthly meetings. There is also a need to establish ORT (oral rehydration therapy) corners in the markets as part of the municipal services. This can be used not only for efficient and quick management of diarrhoea in the market but also for reinforcing hygiene education.