A histological study of peripheral dental caries of equine cheek teeth.

Peripheral caries of equine cheek teeth is a poorly described disorder and, in particular little is known of its histopathology. Histological examinations of decalcified sections of 21 equine peripheral caries-affected cheek teeth showed two different patterns of cemental lesions; including progressive enlargement of focal, flask-like lesions leading to breakdown of the adjacent cementum, and secondly; a more generalized flaking-off of thin layers of under-run, surface cementum. A thick layer of plaque and food material usually lay on the surface of affected cementum and also within cemental defects. Gram-stained sections showed large numbers of bacteria within the lacunae and canaliculi of affected peripheral cementum and within associated plaque. Pioneer bacteria were also seen within dentinal tubules of adjacent, normal-appearing dentin. Subgingival extension of peripheral caries lesions with localized periodontal destruction was rare. Grading of peripheral caries lesions by gross examination was found to underestimate the severity of the disorder as compared to histological grading.

Influence of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine or spermine on the formation of N-nitrosamine in heated cured pork meat.

The influence of biogenic amines (i.e. putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine and spermine) on the N-nitrosamine formation in heated cured lean meat was studied in the presence or absence of sodium nitrite and at different meat processing temperatures. Experimental evidence was produced using gas chromatography with thermal energy analysis detection (GC-TEA). Concentration of N-nitrosamines was modelled as a function of the temperature and the nitrite concentration for two situations, i.e. presence or absence of added biogenic amines to the meat. The significance of the influence of the changing parameters was evaluated by ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). It was found that higher processing temperatures and higher added amounts of sodium nitrite increase the yields of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosopiperidine (NPIP). Spermidine and putrescine amplify the formation of NDMA, but spermine and cadeverine do not influence the formation of this N-nitrosamine. Spermidine and cadeverine cause a significant increase of NPIP. Beside N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) in some rare cases, no other volatile N-nitrosamines are detected.

Evaluation of the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine in the presence of sodium nitrite on N-nitrosamine formation when heating cured meat.

N-nitrosamines are meant to be probable or possible carcinogenic components, possibly formed out of a reaction between nitrite and N-containing substances such as amino acids and secondary amines. Nitrite is often used for processing meat products because of its colouring and antimicrobial properties. During this experimental setup, the influence of proline, hydroxyproline or pyrrolidine on N-nitrosamine formation in meat samples was evaluated. The N-nitrosamines concentrations were measured with gas chromatography-thermal energy analyzer. Only the concentrations of N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosopyrrolidine were found above the limit of detection in a number of tested experimental conditions. The concentration of these two N-nitrosamines was modelled as a function of temperature and nitrite concentration for different situations (presence or absence of added natural N-containing meat components). It could be concluded that proline and pyrrolidine promoted the formation of N-nitrosopyrrolidine. It could also be confirmed that the higher the temperature of the meat processing procedure and the higher the sodium nitrite amounts added, the higher were the yields of the respective N-nitrosamines.

Role of proline and hydroxyproline in N-nitrosamine formation during heating in cured meat.

N-Nitrosamines are formed in a multi-step reaction of nitrite with free amino acids and amines in the meat products. The aim of this study was to determine the role of proline and hydroxyproline in N-nitrosamines formation during heating of cured meat. A lean meat model was used with different nitrite concentrations (0, 120, and 480mg/kg), and addition of proline and hydroxyproline (1000mg/kg), followed by heating at different temperatures. Volatile nitrosamines were analyzed with GC-TEA. The nitrosamine content never exceeded 10µg/kg and stayed 120°C.

Evaluation of the spoilage lactic acid bacteria in modified-atmosphere-packaged artisan-type cooked ham using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches.

AIMS: To investigate microbial diversity and population dynamics of spoilage-sensitive modified-atmosphere-packaged (MAP) artisan-type cooked ham in relation to storage temperature. METHODS AND RESULTS: Modified-atmosphere-packaged cooked ham samples were stored at different temperatures (4, 7, 12 and 26 degrees C). Traditional methods were combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based techniques, i.e. a culture-dependent, repetitive DNA sequence-based method (rep-PCR) and a culture-independent approach (PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene fragments; PCR-DGGE). rep-PCR on DNA extracted from MRS isolates indicated that Leuconostoc carnosum and Enterococcus faecalis prevailed at all temperatures, with the latter becoming more important above 7 degrees C. PCR-DGGE indicated the additional presence of Carnobacterium divergens and Brochothrix thermosphacta at all temperatures. Discriminant analysis related variation within the Leuc. carnosum cluster to the storage temperature. High performance liquid chromatography revealed that lactic acid was the main metabolite because of glucose consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Leuconostoc carnosum, C. divergens, E. faecalis and Br. thermosphacta are the main spoilage bacteria of artisan-type MAP cooked ham. Their population dynamics are affected by storage temperature. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Temperature can condition the development of spoilage in artisan-type MAP cooked ham, acting at both species and biotype level.

A survey of pork quality in relation to pre-slaughter conditions, slaughterhouse facilities, and quality assurance.

A survey at five pigs' slaughterhouses was performed to investigate the effect of a quality assurance system, pre-slaughter conditions and slaughterhouse facilities on pork quality. Totally, 2246 pigs were included over four transports per slaughterhouse, i.e. two transports were produced according to a quality assurance system and the other two were conventional pigs. Meat quality was measured on 446 pigs. The pH in the longissimus dorsi muscle and the electrical conductivity in the semimembranosus muscle were measured 30min post-mortem. Twenty-four hours later pH and electrical conductivity in both the longissimus dorsi and the semimembranosus muscle were measured. Pigs managed according to a chain quality protocol showed an overall higher potential for improved meat quality. Differences in meat quality between the different slaughterhouses were also found, however they were dependent on muscle type and time of measuring. Influencing factors on pork quality seemed to be stocking density during transport, the handling during offloading the pigs from the truck, stocking density, and air temperature during lairage.

[The PreFord Study. A prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk of a cardiovascular event (overall-collective) as well as a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicentre clinical intervention study (high-risk-collective) on primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the Ford Motor Company employees in Germany]. / Die PräFord-Studie. Prospektive Kohortenstudie zur Bewertung des Risikos für ein kardiovaskuläres Akutereignis (Gesamtkollektiv) sowie eine prospektive, randomisierte, kontrollierte, multizentrische klinische Interventionsstudie (Hochrisikoteilkollektiv) in der Primärprävention von Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen bei Mitarbeitern der Firma Ford in Deutschland.

The PreFord Study is a multicenter prospective cohort study to evaluate guideline based risk management on primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore a randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be designed to analyse the effect of a special intervention program. 40,000 employees of the Ford Motor Company, Visteon Company and Deutz Company in Germany will be included, monitored for ten years and the following primary endpoints will be investigated: 1. evaluation and comparison of established and newly developed risk-scores, 2. the relative impact of single and combined cardiovascular risk factors on cardiovascular diseases, 3. the influence of a novel occupationally integrated ambulant rehabilitation program in combination with a guideline oriented optimal drug therapy within a high risk group on the primary endpoint: risk reduction by, 4. the influence of this intervention on secondary endpoints: death, myocardial infarction and stroke, combined appearance of angina pectoris and hospitalisation, occurrence of cerebral circulatory disorder and hospitalisation, occurrence of peripheral occlusive arterial disease and hospitalisation and single cardiovascular risk factors and cost-benefit-analysis. Beginning with an cross sectional study there will be a systemic screening of cardiovascular risk profiles, of anthropometric data and different lifestyle-factors. Based on these data participants will be differentiated into three risk-groups according to the risk score of the European Society of Cardiology (risk of a lethal primary acute cardiovascular event: I < or = 1%; II > 1-< 5% and III > or = 5%). In the following longitudinal study different strategies will be applied: Group I: low risk (< 0.5% per year): repetition of the investigation after five and ten years. Group II: middle risk, (0.6% to 1.4% per year), repetition of the investigation every two years, instruction of the patients general practitioner (GP) with respect to a risk factor oriented and evidence based treatment. Group III: high risk, (> 1.5% per year or >15% within the next 10 years) will be randomised into two interventional groups. The first one, the intervention-group "PreFord" will perform an occupational integrated rehabilitation program (2,5-3 hours twice a week, for 15 weeks according to the BAR guidelines) with a following engagement in heart-groups and an annual repetition of the check-ups. The second group, the "classic" intervention-group will be treated evidence based in cooperation with their GP. As a result of this long term interventional study efficient, area wide implementable and economically feasible prevention concepts with special regards to operational healthcare will be developed and evaluated. Core elements will be exercise- and lifestyle-oriented concepts as well as guideline-based pharmacotherapy.

A topographical analysis of spectral electromyographic data of the human masseter muscle under different functional conditions in healthy subjects.

In 20 healthy subjects, 16-channel surface electromyograms (EMG) were recorded with the mandible in its postural position, during compensation for forces applied from ipsilateral, contralateral and frontal positions, and during force-constant biting on a unilaterally placed force transducer. After artefact elimination, EMG power spectra were calculated on the basis of the original EMG curves via fast Fourier transformation. Using spectral EMG characteristics, EMG maps were computed by means of an interpolation algorithm and an imaging procedure. Spectral EMG maps were demonstrated for all the test conditions. Significant differences of myoelectrical activity were verified between the 16 electrode positions. Moreover, the levels and/or the topographical distributions of spectral EMG powers differed significantly between the test conditions. During biting as well as with contralaterally and frontally applied forces, the highest EMG activity was found in the inferior third of the masseter and the lowest in the superior third. With ipsilaterally applied forces, the topographical distribution of the total EMG power was completely changed. The power maximum was frequently demonstrated in the superior, especially the posterosuperior, third of the muscle, the minimum in the inferior third. In the postural position of the mandible, EMG activity decreased from the anterior to the posterior regions of the masseter. If the bite force or the horizontally applied forces were enhanced, EMG activity increased significantly but the EMG map structures were only changed in some details. The topographical distribution of myoelectrical activity demonstrated by EMG maps characterizes the intramuscular activation patterns of distinct masseter functions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Quantitative topographic characterization of the myoelectric activity distribution of the masseter muscle: mapping of spectral EMG parameters]. / Quantitative topographische Kennzeichnung myoelektrischer Aktivitätsverteilungen des M. masseter: Mapping spektraler EMG-Parameter.

A new method for quantitative characterization of myoelectrical masseter activity distribution by mapping of spectral EMG-parameters is described. The surface electromyograms of M. masseter were monopolarly recorded (16 channels). On the basis of registered EMG intervals (512 ms) the spectral EMG power of several frequency bands was calculated (Fast Fourier Transformation). The spectral EMG parameters between the 16 electrode positions were estimated by linear interpolation (4-nearest neighbours algorithm). Afterwards the spectral EMG parameters were fitted in a grey-tone or colour scale with 10 intervals. The so obtained EMG activity maps ("EMG-Maps") permit a quantitative-topographic characterization of myoelectrical masseter activity during different functional load procedures. The frequency range which is to consider in masseter surface-EMG investigations encloses frequencies between 15 and 500 Hz. The topography of EMG activation pattern of M. masseter is only described in a comprehensive manner when the electrode array consists of 16 electrodes and more. During defined motor tasks like clenching with controlled forces the reproducibility of EMG-Maps which respect to the topography of EMG activity pattern is very high. The absolute values of spectral EMG power as well as power changes of selected band ranges during clenching correlate to the extent of chewing forces.

[Mapping spectral EMG parameters of the masseter muscle in normal probands under defined loads]. / Mapping spektraler EMG-Parameter des M. masseter bei gesunden Probanden unter definierten Belastungen.

In 20 healthy volunteers 16-channel surface electromyograms were monopolarly recorded from the right and left masseter muscle during defined functional conditions (force-constant bite, right and left hand side, 196, 333, 530 N chewing force, during a compensation of a load directed from a frontal or a lateral position to the mandible (20, 49, 69 N), during rest position of the mandible). The EMG curves were quantified by the calculation of spectral EMG-parameters (FFT). With respect to the muscle a topographic oriented representation of the myoelectrical activity was realised by a mapping of spectral EMG-parameters. The monopolarly recorded EMG activities significantly differed between the 16 electrode positions (topographic EMG distribution pattern). During the several examination conditions of the masseter muscle different topographic distribution pattern of the myoelectrical activity were found. Moreover, the total EMG power between the muscle functions differed too. The level of the load influenced the spectral EMG power as well as, partly, the topographic EMG distribution pattern.

[A review of the mammalian Mallophaga of Europe]. / Ubersicht über die Säugetier-Mallophagen Europas.

The paper reviews the present knowledge of the Mallophaga of European mammals. 50 species and subspecies have been listed in a checklist and a host-parasite list. 32 of them are still found in Europe. There have been no records so far of 21 hosts listed as hypothetical mallophagian hosts. Eight extinct or exterminated forms of mammals in Europe are listed as hypothetical hosts of chewing louse.

[Technic for the collection of Mallophaga from live birds]. / Zur Mallophagen-Sammeltechnik am lebenden Vogel.

The author describes his technique of collecting Mallophaga on live birds (chiefly Passeres, size like sparrow or blackbird). The description comprises the collecting of Mallophaga and the thorough examination of the Mallophaga infestation typical of the host. By these examinations valuable information about biology and ecology of the biting lice species can be obtained. The examinations can be combined with the ringing of the birds. Whereas Ischnocera of one host usually allow qualitative and quantitative determination, Amblycera (with the exception of Ricinus) do not always. Considering the ectoparasitocoenosis and the condition of the bird the examination data are recorded on the spot. The material collected (e.g. the nits, too) has to be preserved in dry state.

[Drinking of eye secretion by malloghages]. / Augensekret-Trinken bei Mallophagen.

The until now known facts on the phenomenon that biting lice may drink the eye-fluids of their hosts are listed. These data are supplemented by further relevant observations (own and from others). In this respect, the menoponid species Myrsidea (Wolfdietrichia) cornicis and Gallacanthus kaddoui are concerned.