From cow to cheese: Novel phenotypes related to the sensory profile of model cheeses from individual cows.

Milk samples were taken once from a total of 1,224 Brown Swiss cows from 83 herds, and 1,500 mL of raw full-fat milk from each cow was processed according to a laboratory-scale model-cheese-making procedure. A sensory panel was assembled and the members trained to evaluate the sensory profile of individual model cheeses. The protocol scorecard was composed of 7 main sensory descriptors related to smell intensity, flavor intensity, taste (salt and sour), and texture (elasticity, firmness, and moisture), and 40 sensory attributes describing smell and flavor profiles. Sensory data were analyzed using a mixed model that included random effects of herd, animal, and panelist, as well as fixed effects of dairy system, days in milk, parity, and order of cheese presentation, and covariates for cheese weight and fat:protein ratio. The sensory profile was not much affected by the dairy farming systems included in the trial, but it was affected by farm within dairy system: cheeses from traditional dairy farms had a greater wood/humus attribute of both smell and flavor than those from modern farm. Of the modern farms, cheeses from those using total mixed rations including silages had a more intense smell of sour milk and a firmer, less moist texture than those using total mixed rations without silages. Moreover, for all the sensory traits, we found less variance related to herd and animals than that related to the panelists and the residuals. Stage of lactation was found to be the most important, whereas parity was not relevant. In particular, cheese smell intensity (and some related attributes) exhibited a quadratic trend with lower values in mid-lactation, whereas flavor and salt descriptors were more intense in the last period of lactation.

Black soldier fly as dietary protein source for broiler quails: meat proximate composition, fatty acid and amino acid profile, oxidative status and sensory traits.

In the perspective of improving the sustainability of meat production, insects have been rapidly emerging as innovative feed ingredient for some livestock species, including poultry. However, at present, there is still limited knowledge regarding the quality and sensory traits of the derived meat. Therefore, the present study tested the effect of a partial substitution of soya bean meal and oil with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (H) in the diet for growing broiler quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on meat proximate composition, cholesterol, amino acid and mineral contents, fatty acid profile, oxidative status and sensory characteristics. To this purpose, three dietary treatments were designed: a control diet (C) and two diets (H1 and H2) corresponding to 10% and 15% H inclusion levels, respectively, were fed to growing quails from 10 to 28 days of age. At 28 days of age, quails were slaughtered and breast meat was used for meat quality evaluations. Meat proximate composition, cholesterol content and oxidative status remained unaffected by H supplementation as well as its sensory characteristics and off-flavours perception. Differently, with increasing the dietary H inclusion, the total saturated fatty acid and total monounsaturated fatty acid proportions raised to the detriment of the polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction thus lowering the healthiness of the breast meat. The H2 diet increased the contents of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, alanine, serine, tyrosine and threonine thus further enhancing the biological value of the meat protein. As a direct result of the dietary content of Ca and P, the meat of quails fed with the highest H level, displayed the highest Ca and the lowest P values. Therefore, meat quality evaluations confirmed H to be a promising insect protein source for quails. The only potential drawback from feeding H to broiler quails regarded the fatty acid profile of the meat, therefore requiring further research efforts to understand to what extent the fatty acid profile of H can be improved.

Quality of organic eggs of hybrid and Italian breed hens.

The quality of eggs laid by 2 hybrid and 2 Italian dual-purpose genotypes of hens reared under organic farming system was studied. Hens belonging to Hy-Line Brown (brown eggshell, HLB), Hy-Line White (white eggshell, HLW), Ermellinata di Rovigo (brown eggshell, E), and Robusta maculata (brown eggshell, R) genotypes were reared from 24 to 43 wk of age. The trial was carried out from July to December, with environmental temperature ranging from 25°C (±5°C, summer) to 13°C (±7°C, autumn). The HLB eggs were heavier (P < 0.01) than HLW (62.9 vs. 60.4 g), and R eggs were heavier (P < 0.01) than E (56.5 vs. 54.4 g). The albumen weight differed (P < 0.01) among HLB, HLW, R, and E (40.7, 38.3, 32.7, 34.1 g, respectively). The E and R yolk weights were similar (16.2 g) and higher (P < 0.01) than hybrids; HLW yolk was higher (P < 0.05) than HLB (15.8 vs. 15.5 g). The HLB showed the highest (P < 0.01, 6.74 g) shell weight and E had the lowest (P < 0.01; 5.43 g). The yolk cholesterol content was higher (P < 0.01) in the Italian eggs than in the hybrids (258 vs. 219 mg/yolk). The HLB yolk had the lowest (P < 0.01) saturated fatty acids (33.8 vs. 34.9%), and R yolks showed the lowest (P < 0.01) monounsaturated fatty acids (36.3 vs. 38.0%) and the highest (P < 0.01) polyunsaturated fatty acids (28.7 vs. 27.4%) than the other groups. The HLW yolk showed the highest (P < 0.01) n-6/n-3 ratio (13.7) in comparison to the other 3 groups (12.8). During 21 d of storage (at 21°C and 62% RH), the E eggs showed the lowest (P < 0.01) quality (albumen height, 4.93 vs. 5.56 mm; Haugh units, 71 vs. 74). A sensory profile of boiled eggs showed differences (P < 0.05) in odor and flavor sensations and in certain yolk and albumen texture properties according to genotype. The quality of organic eggs from different genotypes differs in relation to the strain but also the interaction with the environmental conditions has to be considered.

Protective effect of HLA-DRB1 11 and predisposition of HLA-C 04 in the development of severe liver damage in Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

The objective of this study was to investigate human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to analyse the possible role of these genes in the progression of chronic hepatitis C. One hundred and forty-five (145) Brazilian patients infected only with HCV genotype 1 were evaluated. HLA class I (A, B, C) and class II (DRB1, DQA1, DQB1) typing were carried out by PCR-SSO, through Luminex technology. Associations were found with protection against development of liver damage by both DRB1 11 (5.0% versus 18.2%, P=0.0016, OR=0.23, CI 95% = 0.09-0.58; Pc=0.0208) and DRB1 11-DQA1 05-DQB1 03 haplotype (4.2% versus 15.3%, P=0.0032; OR = 0.24, CI 95% = 0.08-0.64). Liver damage was associated with HLA-C 04 in patients with <20 years of infection (38.4% versus 9.1%, P = 0.002, OR = 6.25, CI 95%=1.97-19.7; Pc=0.0238). It is concluded that HLA alleles can influence the development of liver damage in HCV type-1 chronically infected Brazilian patients.

Influence of HLA alleles in response to treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

The objective of this study was to analyse the possible role of HLA polymorphism of chronically infected hepatitis C virus patients in the response outcome to treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha plus ribavirin. To that end, 144 Brazilian patients infected only with genotype 1 of the virus were treated with pegylated interferon-alpha at 1.5 µg kg(-1) in conjunction with ribavirin (1000 mg if patient weight was <75 kg and 1250 mg if >75 kg) for 48 weeks. The patients did not have concomitant HBV or HIV infections or liver disease, did not undergo previous antiviral treatment, and were followed up for 24 weeks after the end of treatment to assure they presented a sustained virological response. Patients were classified according to response to treatment in responsive (SVR), nonresponsive (NRS) and relapsers (REL). HLA class I and class II typing were carried out through PCR-SSO using Luminex technology. A statistically higher frequency of DRB1*11 patients was observed in the SVR group (39.6% vs. 14.3%P = 0.0012; Pc = 0.0156; OR = 3.94; 95% CI = 1.8-8.8). HLA-DQB1*03 patients were also more frequent in the SVR group, but the P value lost significance after Bonferroni correction (62.3% vs. 41.7%P = 0.024; Pc = 0.14, OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.14-4.60). HLA class II antigens can positively influence the response to treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin.

Toxic thermoresistant metabolites of Fusarium oxysporum are capable of inducing histopathological alterations in Wistar rats

The genus Fusarium is known to produce mycotoxins that cause fusariosis in plants, animals and humans. Mycotoxins are among the virulence factors of this genus. Metabolic extracts of Fusarium oxysporum, isolated from a patient with onychomycosis and sterilized by filtration or autoclave, were inoculated intradermally into Wistar rats at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5 and 1 µg/µL, and the effects on their tegument were observed at 24 and 72 hours. After histological procedures and staining by hematoxylineosin, the sections were studied for their inflammatory-reaction intensity and for evidence of injury and tissue distortion. Inflammatory reactions in the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue were observed at all concentrations of the inoculated extract tested. There was a significant influx of neutrophils, mastocytes and lymphocytes, as well as a large quantity of macrophages. Apoptotic bodies and hyperemic blood vessels were observed. This reaction was directly related to the extract concentration, and was most intense in animals that received the 1 mg/µL dose. The maximum peak was observed at 24 hours. The autoclaved metabolic extract produced the same effects as the untreated one, indicating the presence of heat-resistant metabolites. In conclusion, the metabolic extracts obtained from sterilized culture filtrates of F. oxysporum are capable of inducing an inflammatory response within 24 hours in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of rats.(AU)

Effect of genotype on slaughtering performance and meat physical and sensory characteristics of organic laying hens.

Slaughtering yields and some meat physical and sensorial parameters of laying hens reared under organic system production were studied. The hens belonged to both Italian dual-purpose breeds [Ermellinata di Rovigo (ER; brown eggshell) and Robusta Maculata (RM; brown eggshell)] as well as hybrid genotypes [Hy Line White 36 (white eggshell) and Hy Line Brown (brown eggshell)]. The birds were reared under organic farming system production from 24 to 44 wk of age, when they were slaughtered. They were reared throughout summer and autumn, and the temperature ranged from about 28 to 3 degrees C. Local breeds presented higher (P < 0.01) live BW and dressing percentage compared with hybrids. The RM and ER carcasses had (P < 0.01) the highest breast and leg (thigh and drumstick) percentage, respectively. The muscle-bone ratio of the Hy Line White 36 drumstick was lower (P < 0.05) than the RM ratio, whereas the other groups were intermediate. The ER breast presented the highest (P < 0.01) lightness value and the lowest (P < 0.01) final pH value compared with the other 3 groups. The breast meat significantly differed according to genotype for almost all the studied sensorial parameters (adhesivity, fibrousness, chewiness, solubility, juiciness, tenderness, shear resistance), with the exception of aroma and odor intensity. In the thigh, genotype significantly affected aroma, adhesivity, fibrousness, solubility, tenderness, and shear resistance.

External fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum.

A minimally-invasive procedure using percutaneous reduction and external fixation can be carried out for Sanders' type II, III and IV fractures of the os calcis. We have treated 54 consecutive closed displaced fractures of the calcaneum involving the articular surface in 52 patients with the Orthofix Calcaneal Mini-Fixator. Patients were followed up for a mean of 49 months (27 to 94) and assessed clinically with the Maryland Foot Score and radiologically with radiographs and CT scans, evaluated according to the Score Analysis of Verona. The clinical results at follow-up were excellent or good in 49 cases (90.7%), fair in two (3.7%) and poor in three (5.6%). The mean pre-operative Böhler's angle was 6.98 degrees (5.95 degrees to 19.86 degrees), whereas after surgery the mean value was 21.94 degrees (12.58 degrees to 31.30 degrees) (p < 0.01). Excellent results on CT scanning were demonstrated in 24 cases (44.4%), good in 25 (46.3%), fair in three (5.6%) and poor in two (3.7%). Transient local osteoporosis was observed in ten patients (18.5%), superficial pin track infection in three (5.6%), and three patients (5.6%) showed thalamic displacement following unadvised early weight-bearing. The clinical results appear to be comparable with those obtainable with open reduction and internal fixation, with the advantages of reduced risk using a minimally-invasive technique.

Trypanosoma cruzi: sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction for detecting the parasite in the blood of mice infected with different clonal genotypes.

The polymerase chain reaction showed high sensitivity for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi in the blood of mice, independent of clonal genotype (19, 20-T. cruzi I; 32, 39-T. cruzi II) or phase of the infection (acute or chronic).

Synthesis and characterization of disordered layered silica obtained by selective leaching of octahedral sheets from chrysotile and phlogopite structures.

Natural chrysotile fibers and pegmatitic phlogopite were acid-leached under controlled conditions. The resulting products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, (29)Si nuclear magnetic resonance, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction. The leached products derived of the two clays are similar, consisting of layered hydrated disordered silica with a "distorted" structure resembling the silicate layer existing in the original minerals. A simple model of the "disordered" silica structure is presented.

Local phenol injection in the treatment of interdigital neuritis of the foot (Morton's neuroma).

The symptomatic treatment of Civinini-Morton syndrome (interdigital neuritis: IDN) may be performed directly on the nervous trunk involved using orthotic, local pharmacological or surgical methods. Alcoholization with phenol in the percutaneous treatment of IDN has the purpose of provoking a permanent chemical neurolysis, obtaining remission of the neuritic pain symptoms. A total of 71 cases were treated by a dorsal approach to the intermetatarsal space using a needle-electrode connected to the electro-stimulator. Once the nervous trunk with a reproduction of the paresthesia to the fingers was localized, 2.5 ml of phenol at 5% water solution was injected, immediately followed by local anesthetic with a postsurgical analgesic purpose. Mean follow-up was 36 +/- 8 months. The patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale for pain (VAS). Alcoholization of the common interdigital nerve proved to be effective in treating pain in 80.3% of cases (57/71). Treatment must be considered a percutaneous mini-invasive surgical procedure. The results are better than those reported in the literature with conservative and infiltrative treatment and they appear to be comparable today with those obtained when surgical treatment was used, with no complications occurring.

Dehydrated gelatin drops: a good method for fungi maintenance and preservation.

Some techniques have been proposed to maintain fungi culture collection. However, any choice must ensure the cultural stability and its phenotypic characteristics. This work proposes an adaptation of a preservation method considered by few literature reports: the dehydrated gelatin drops method (DGD). A total of 27 strains of fungi of clinical interest, including four dermatophyte fungi isolates, six filamentous non-dermatophyte fungi, five environment isolated filamentous fungi, six dimorphic fungi and six yeasts were maintained by this method for a seven year period at room temperature. After that time, the macro and micro characteristics of each fungus were studied, allowing the evaluation of the DGD method. In our experience, none of the strains maintained by DGD were found to be contaminated by bacteria or other fungi and no apparent changes were observed in morphology or macroscopic features.

Quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges: comparison with quantitative computed tomography of the lumbar spine in postmenopausal women.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of a quantitative ultrasound technique for measuring bone tissue at the proximal phalanges of the non-dominant hand. We correlated the mean value of the amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS) and the ultrasound bone profile score (UBPS) measured at the phalanges with bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine gauged with quantitative computed tomography (QCT). We studied a group of 177 postmenopausal women consecutively presenting for osteoporosis screening. We observed that in the whole study group both AD-SoS and UBPS correlated weakly with BMD, although with statistical significance (r = 0.54 and r = 0.45, respectively; p < 0.0001). The same parameters showed a poor correlation (r = 0.48, p < 0.0001; and r = 0.23, p = 0.017) in the group of patients which QCT has classified as osteoporotic. Finally, no correlation was found in the rest of our population. The correlation coefficients of comparison between our QUS and QCT measurements are not strong enough to allow us a prediction of one measure from the other. Therefore, we do not consider the phalangeal osteosonography a valid substitute of QCT technique for assessment of bone status in postmenopausal women.

[Long-term results of chemoembolization for hepatocarcinoma]. / Risultati a lungo termine della chemioembolizzazione nell'epatocarcinoma.

We reviewed the long-term results of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating cirrhosis; the survival analysis was used to assess the clinical efficacy of the procedure. Several chemoembolization protocols are discussed because no standard treatment exists. Literature data show cumulative survival rates after chemoembolization for an HCC to range 60% to 80% at one year and 40% to 50% at two years; comparative studies, although contradictory, show a trend of chemoembolization to prolong survival in patients with inoperable carcinoma. The main prognostic factors are tumor size and extent, liver function impairment, the grade of Lipiodol tumor uptake, and the tumor response to therapy. The complication rates of chemoembolization vary largely in the literature, mainly because of the different standards used to define adverse events. Chemoembolization morbility rate is usually high, ranging 20% to 55%, but most complications are generally well treated with conservative management. The mortality rate is usually very low and well acceptable for a palliative anticancer therapy. In conclusion, chemoembolization is clinically effective in prolonging survival in cirrhotic patients with HCC; the lack of any reliable alternative therapy makes chemoembolization play a major role in the treatment of HCC when surgery or percutaneous ethanol injection are unfeasible.