Post-processed data and graphical tools for a CONUS-wide eddy flux evapotranspiration dataset.

Large sample datasets of in situ evapotranspiration (ET) measurements with well documented data provenance and quality assurance are critical for water management and many fields of earth science research. We present a post-processed ET oriented dataset at daily and monthly timesteps, from 161 stations, including 148 eddy covariance flux towers, that were chosen based on their data quality from nearly 350 stations across the contiguous United States. In addition to ET, the data includes energy and heat fluxes, meteorological measurements, and reference ET downloaded from gridMET for each flux station. Data processing techniques were conducted in a reproducible manner using open-source software. Most data initially came from the public AmeriFlux network, however, several different networks (e.g., the USDA-Agricultural Research Service) and university partners provided data that was not yet public. Initial half-hourly energy balance data were gap-filled and aggregated to daily frequency, and turbulent fluxes were corrected for energy balance closure error using the FLUXNET2015/ONEFlux energy balance ratio approach. Metadata, diagnostics of energy balance, and interactive graphs of time series data are included for each station. Although the dataset was developed primarily to benchmark satellite-based remote sensing ET models of the OpenET initiative, there are many other potential uses, such as validation for a range of regional hydrologic and atmospheric models.

Inter-annual variability of land surface fluxes across vineyards: the role of climate, phenology, and irrigation management.

Irrigation and other agricultural management practices play a key role in land surface fluxes and their interactions with atmospheric processes. California's Central Valley agricultural productivity is strongly linked to water availability associated with conveyance infrastructure and groundwater, but greater scrutiny over agricultural water use requires better practices particularly during extended and severe drought conditions. The future of irrigated agriculture in California is expected to be characterized neither by perpetual scarcity nor by widespread abundance. Thus, further advancing irrigation technologies and improving management practices will be key for California's agriculture sustainability. In this study, we present micrometeorological observations from the Grape Remote Sensing Atmospheric Profile and Evapotranspiration eXperiment (GRAPEX) project. Daily, seasonal, and inter-seasonal surface flux patterns and relationships across five vineyards over three distinct California wine production regions were investigated. Vineyard actual evapotranspiration showed significant differences at the sub-daily and daily scale when comparisons across wine production regions and varieties were performed. Water use in vineyards in the Central Valley was about 70% greater in comparison to the vineyards at the North Coast area due to canopy size, atmospheric demand, and irrigation inputs. Inter-annual variability of surface fluxes was also significant, even though, overall weather conditions (i.e., air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, wind speed, and solar radiation) were not significantly different. Thus, not only irrigation but also other management practices played a key role in seasonal water use, and given these differences, we conclude that further advancing ground-based techniques to quantify crop water use at an operational scale will be key to facing California's agriculture present and future water challenges. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00271-022-00784-0.

Introducing mobile fracture prevention services with DXA in Northern Scotland: a comparative study of three rural communities.

Mobile fracture prevention services, with DXA, significantly improved access to care for those at high risk of fracture living in rural areas. Introduction of mobile services facilitated access to fracture liaison services and development of integrated of care pathways across community- and secondary-based care. INTRODUCTION: The ageing population is growing faster in rural areas, yet most fracture prevention services are located in urban areas. As part of a wider study, evaluating the introduction of mobile fracture prevention services, we focus on whether mobile services improve access to care for those at highest risk of fracture. METHODS: Services outcomes were assessed against the Royal Osteoporosis Society clinical standards for fracture liaison services. This included standardised, age-specific referral rates, FRAX 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fracture of referrals, pre- and post-introduction of the mobile service across two island and one rural mainland sites. This was compared with referrals from a similar rural mainland region with local access to a comprehensive service. RESULTS: Greatest impact occurred in areas with most limited service provision at baseline. Mean age of patients referred increased from 59 to 68 years (CI 6.8-10.1, p < 0.001). Referral rates increased from 2.8 to 5.4 per 1000 population between 2011 and 2018, with a 5-fold rise in those ≥ 75 years (0.4 to 2.0 per 1000). Mean FRAX 10-year risk of major osteoporotic fracture increased from 12.7 to 17.7% (CI 3.2-5.7, p < 0.001). Mean hip fracture risk probability increased from 3.0 to 5.7% (CI 2.0-3.4, p < 0.001). However, referral rates from the mobile sites remained lower than the comparator site. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile fracture prevention services, including DXA, greatly improved uptake amongst high-risk individuals. Mobile services facilitated development of integrated of care pathways, including fracture liaison services, across community- and secondary-based care.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 mitigates the pathological impact of myocardial infarction in the mouse.

There is a growing appreciation that our microbial environment in the gut plays a critical role in the maintenance of health and the pathogenesis of disease. Probiotic, beneficial gut microbes, administration can directly attenuate cardiac injury and post-myocardial infarction (MI) remodelling, yet the mechanisms of cardioprotection are unknown. We hypothesised that administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis 420 (B420), a probiotic with known anti-inflammatory properties, to mice will mitigate the pathological impact of MI, and that anti-inflammatory T regulatory (Treg) immune cells are necessary to impart protection against MI as a result of B420 administration. Wild-type male mice were administered B420, saline or Lactobacillus salivarius 33 (Ls-33) by gavage daily for 14 or 35 days, and underwent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Pretreatment with B420 for 10 or 28 days attenuated cardiac injury from I/R and reduced levels of inflammatory markers. Depletion of Treg cells by administration of anti-CD25 monoclonal antibodies eliminated B420-mediated cardio-protection. Further cytokine analysis revealed a shift from a pro-inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory environment in the probiotic treated post-MI hearts compared to controls. To summarise, B420 administration mitigates the pathological impact of MI. Next, we show that Treg immune cells are necessary to mediate B420-mediated protection against MI. Finally, we identify putative cellular, epigenetic and/or post-translational mechanisms of B420-mediated protection against MI.

Estimation of Contaminant Loads from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to San Francisco Bay.

Contaminant concentrations from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River watershed were determined in water samples mainly during flood flows in an ongoing effort to describe contaminant loads entering San Francisco Bay, CA, USA. Calculated PCB and total mercury loads during the 6-year observation period ranged between 3.9 and 19 kg/yr and 61 and 410 kg/yr, respectively. Long-term average PCB loads were estimated at 7.7 kg/yr and total mercury loads were estimated at 200 kg/yr. Also monitored were PAHs, PBDEs (two years of data), and dioxins/furans (one year of data) with average loads of 392, 11, and 0.15/0.014 (OCDD/OCDF) kg/yr, respectively. Organochlorine pesticide loads were estimated at 9.9 kg/yr (DDT), 1.6 kg/yr (chlordane), and 2.2 kg/yr (dieldrin). Selenium loads were estimated at 16 300 kg/yr. With the exception of selenium, all average contaminant loads described in the present study were close to or below regulatory load allocations established for North San Francisco Bay.

Help or hindrance: young people's experiences of predictive testing for Huntington's disease.

A growing number of young people (YP) are requesting predictive testing (PT) for Huntington's disease (HD), yet there is little research in this area. The aim of this study was to explore YP's experiences of PT for HD, the impact of their result and any gaps in information or support. In-depth interviews were conducted with YP who sought PT for HD from nationally funded Genetics Services. Participants were recruited through the Grampian Genetics Service or Scottish Huntington's Association. Twelve female participants aged 17-26 years were recruited (seven below 20 years). Pre- and post-test interviews were conducted where possible. A qualitative thematic analysis suggests three main testing experiences, regardless of test result. Testing may be: (i) a journey of empowerment, (ii) an ambivalent process or (iii) a poor experience. In pre-test counselling, gaps in emotional support were highlighted. The post-test period was particularly difficult if there were unanticipated changes in family dynamics or an individual's result contradicted what they expected 'deep down'. YP's experiences of PT for HD are generally similar to those of adults, but testing may help or interfere with key issues related to this age and stage. Implications for clinical practice are outlined.

Reducing methylmercury accumulation in the food webs of San Francisco Bay and its local watersheds.

San Francisco Bay (California, USA) and its local watersheds present an interesting case study in estuarine mercury (Hg) contamination. This review focuses on the most promising avenues for attempting to reduce methylmercury (MeHg) contamination in Bay Area aquatic food webs and identifying the scientific information that is most urgently needed to support these efforts. Concern for human exposure to MeHg in the region has led to advisories for consumption of sport fish. Striped bass from the Bay have the highest average Hg concentration measured for this species in USA estuaries, and this degree of contamination has been constant for the past 40 years. Similarly, largemouth bass in some Bay Area reservoirs have some of the highest Hg concentrations observed in the entire US. Bay Area wildlife, particularly birds, face potential impacts to reproduction based on Hg concentrations in the tissues of several Bay species. Source control of Hg is one of the primary possible approaches for reducing MeHg accumulation in Bay Area aquatic food webs. Recent findings (particularly Hg isotope measurements) indicate that the decades-long residence time of particle-associated Hg in the Bay is sufficient to allow significant conversion of even the insoluble forms of Hg into MeHg. Past inputs have been thoroughly mixed throughout this shallow and dynamic estuary. The large pool of Hg already present in the ecosystem dominates the fraction converted to MeHg and accumulating in the food web. Consequently, decreasing external Hg inputs can be expected to reduce MeHg in the food web, but it will likely take many decades to centuries before those reductions are achieved. Extensive efforts to reduce loads from the largest Hg mining source (the historic New Almaden mining district) are underway. Hg is spread widely across the urban landscape, but there are a number of key sources, source areas, and pathways that provide opportunities to capture larger quantities of Hg and reduce loads from urban runoff. Atmospheric deposition is a lower priority for source control in the Bay Area due to a combination of a lack of major local sources. Internal net production of MeHg is the dominant source of MeHg that enters the food web. Controlling internal net production is the second primary management approach, and has the potential to reduce food web MeHg in some habitats more effectively and within a much shorter time-frame. Controlling net MeHg production and accumulation in the food web of upstream reservoirs and ponds is very promising due to the many features of these ecosystems that can be manipulated. The most feasible control options in tidal marshes relate to the design of flow patterns and subhabitats in restoration projects. Options for controlling MeHg production in open Bay habitat are limited due primarily to the highly dispersed distribution of Hg throughout the ecosystem. Other changes in these habitats may also have a large influence on food web MeHg, including temperature changes due to global warming, sea level rise, food web alterations due to introduced species and other causes, and changes in sediment supply. Other options for reducing or mitigating exposure and risk include controlling bioaccumulation, cleanup of contaminated sites, and reducing other factors (e.g., habitat availability) that limit at-risk wildlife populations.

Psychological risk factors for chronic post-surgical pain after inguinal hernia repair surgery: a prospective cohort study.

A significant proportion of patients experience chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) following inguinal hernia surgery. Psychological models are useful in predicting acute pain after surgery, and in predicting the transition from acute to chronic pain in non-surgical contexts. This is a prospective cohort study to investigate psychological (cognitive and emotional) risk factors for CPSP after inguinal hernia surgery. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires before surgery and 1 week and 4 months after surgery. Data collected before surgery and 1 week after surgery were used to predict pain at 4 months. Psychological risk factors assessed included anxiety, depression, fear-avoidance, activity avoidance, catastrophizing, worry about the operation, activity expectations, perceived pain control and optimism. The study included 135 participants; follow-up questionnaires were returned by 119 (88.1%) and 115 (85.2%) participants at 1 week and 4 months after surgery respectively. The incidence of CPSP (pain at 4 months) was 39.5%. After controlling for age, body mass index and surgical variables (e.g. anaesthetic, type of surgery and mesh type used), lower pre-operative optimism was an independent risk factor for CPSP at 4 months; lower pre-operative optimism and lower perceived control over pain at 1 week after surgery predicted higher pain intensity at 4 months. No emotional variables were independently predictive of CPSP. Further research should target these cognitive variables in pre-operative psychological preparation for surgery.

Beliefs about responsibilities, the aims of therapy and the structure of the therapy process: a qualitative study of caseload management issues in child health occupational therapy.

BACKGROUND: Individual therapists' behaviour contributes to overall caseload management in therapy services. Therapists' caseload management (i.e. actions in relation to assessment, treatment and discharging) is likely to relate to their beliefs about caseload management; it may be possible to change therapists' caseload management by changing their beliefs. This study explored children's occupational therapists' beliefs about caseload management with a view to designing a caseload management intervention. METHODS: Twenty-five therapists from six NHS Scotland Health Boards were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and the interview transcripts were analysed for emerging themes. A proportion of transcripts were independently read and coded, and the themes were validated through critical discussion. RESULTS: Key issues emerged concerning therapists' beliefs about their responsibilities, the aims of therapy and the structure of the therapy process. Therapists expressed a strong sense of professional duty/responsibility, but the interpretations of what this duty/responsibility was differed between therapists. For example, therapists expressed highly contrasting beliefs about the goals and purpose of therapy and the ways in which therapy processes should be structured. Some therapists promoted an approach structured around clients' goals, while others focused more on relationship building. CONCLUSIONS: Therapists' beliefs about caseload management differ considerably; these differences could translate to variation in therapists' intentions and behaviours. Implications for practice, policy and future research were identified, as were implications for the way clinicians' caseload management is theorized.

Health inequalities in England, Scotland and Wales: stakeholders' accounts and policy compared.

OBJECTIVES: The election of a Labour government in 1997 brought the issue of health inequalities firmly back on to the policy agenda across the UK. Since then, in the wake of devolution, the need to tackle health inequalities has been highlighted as a policy priority in all three mainland UK countries, albeit with varying degrees of emphasis. This paper reports on a major cross-national study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, investigating how National Health Service bodies, local councils and partnerships make sense of their work on health inequalities, and examining the difference made by the contrasting approaches that have been taken to performance assessment in England, Wales and Scotland. STUDY DESIGN: Case studies, semi-structured interviews and analysis of key policy statements. METHODS: In order to explore how health inequalities have been approached by the three governments (noting that there was a change in governments in Wales and Scotland during this time), key policy statements published between May 1997 and May 2007 were analysed. Concurrently, data from stakeholder interviews carried out in 2006 in case study areas in each country were analysed to determine the extent of alignment between policy and practice at local level. RESULTS: This paper suggests that claims about the extent of health policy divergence in post-devolution Britain may have been exaggerated. It finds that, whilst the three countries have taken differing approaches to performance assessment and the setting of targets, policy approaches to health inequalities up until 2007 appear to have been remarkably similar. Furthermore, the first round of interview data suggest that variations in local understandings of, and responses to, health inequalities cannot always be clearly distinguished along national lines. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the policy analysis, devolution in the UK does not appear to have resulted in substantively different national policy approaches to health inequalities. Indeed, the overall analysis suggests that (prior to the 2007 elections in Scotland and Wales) the differences between local areas within countries may be of as much interest as those between countries.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco Bay is facing a legacy of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) spread widely across the land surface of the watershed, mixed deep into the sediment of the Bay, and contaminating the Bay food web to a degree that poses health risks to humans and wildlife. In response to this persistent problem, water quality managers are establishing a PCB total maximum daily load (TMDL) and implementation plan to accelerate the recovery of the Bay from decades of PCB contamination. This article provides a review of progress made over the past 15 years in managing PCBs and understanding their sources, pathways, fate, and effects in the Bay, and highlights remaining information needs that should be addressed in the next 10 years. The phaseout of PCBs during the 1970s and the 1979 federal ban on sale and production led to gradual declines from the 1970s to the present. However, 25 years after the ban, PCB concentrations in some Bay sport fish today are still more than ten times higher than the threshold of concern for human health. Without further management action it appears that the general recovery of the Bay from PCB contamination will take many more decades. PCB concentrations in sport fish were, along with mercury, a primary cause of a consumption advisory for the Bay and the consequent classification of the Bay as an impaired water body. Several sources of information indicate that PCB concentrations in the Bay may also be high enough to adversely affect wildlife, including rare and endangered species. The greater than 90% reduction in food web contamination needed to meet the targets for protection of human health would likely also generally eliminate risks to wildlife. PCB contamination in the Bay is primarily associated with industrial areas along the shoreline and in local watersheds. Strong spatial gradients in PCB concentrations persist decades after the release of these chemicals to Bay Area waterways. Through the TMDL process, attention is being more sharply focused on the PCB sources that are controllable and contributing most to PCB impairment in the Bay. Urban runoff from local watersheds is a particularly significant pathway for PCB entry into the Bay. Significant loads also enter the Bay through Delta outflow (riverine input). Recent studies have shown that erosion of buried sediment is occurring in large regions of the Bay, posing a significant problem with respect to recovery of the Bay from PCB contamination because the sediments being eroded and remobilized are from relatively contaminated buried sediment deposits. In-Bay contaminated sites are likely also a major contributor of PCBs to the Bay food web. Dredged material disposal, wastewater effluent, and atmospheric deposition are relatively minor pathways for PCB loading to the Bay. Priority information needs at present relate to understanding the sources, magnitude of loads, and effectiveness of management options for urban runoff; the regional influence of in-Bay contaminated sites; remobilization of PCBs from buried sediment; historic and present trends; in situ degradation rates of PCBs; reliable recovery forecasts under different management scenarios; the spatial distribution of PCBs in soils and sediments; and the biological effects of PCBs in interaction with other stressors. The slow release of pollutants from the watershed and the slow response of the Bay to changes in inputs combine to make this ecosystem very slow to recover from pollution of the watershed. The history of PCB contamination in the Bay underscores the importance of preventing persistent, particle-associated pollutants from entering this sensitive ecosystem.

Young people's experiences of growing up in a family affected by Huntington's disease.

Previous research and clinical experience suggest that Huntington's disease (HD) can considerably affect family life, particularly for young people (YP) at risk. The goal of this study was to describe the experiences of YP from families affected by HD. YP were identified through the regional genetics clinic and the Scottish Huntington's Association. In-depth interviews were used to explore YP's experiences of finding out about HD in the family; perceptions of their own risk; caring activities; protective or risk factors; and the impact of HD on relationships with siblings, parents, extended family members, and the wider community. Thirty-three YP between the ages of 9 and 28 years were interviewed. A qualitative thematic analysis was undertaken. The analysis revealed four main themes: YP as carers, the worried well, those who cope, and those at risk/in need. These themes highlight the varied experience of growing up in a family affected by HD. Whilst some YP successfully coped, others experienced considerable problems and were at risk of physical and/or emotional harm. In understanding why some cope better than others, our findings suggest protective and risk factors within these themes. In particular, participants who grew up knowing about HD from an early age seemed to cope better.

Evaluation of consumable household products for decontaminating retail skinless, boneless chicken breasts.

The effect of 15 consumable products, including juices, wines, and vinegar, used as rinsing agents on microbial loads of retail skinless, boneless chicken breasts was evaluated in two studies. Ten breasts were rinsed for 1 min with each solution. Samples were swabbed before and after rinsing with a cellulose sponge and evaluated for total aerobic (APC), total coliform (TCC), and generic Escherichia coli counts by Petrifilm methods. No differences were found in initial APC or TCC in either study, with initial mean APC ranging from 5.30 to 7.05 log CFU/cm2 and initial mean TCC ranging from 2.21 to 3.36 log CFU/cm2. In study 1, the APC for breasts rinsed with distilled white vinegar (3.22 log CFU/cm2) was lower than for those rinsed with all other solutions except cranberry juice cocktail (3.86 log CFU/cm2). The TCC for breasts rinsed with distilled white vinegar (0.00 log CFU/cm2) and cranberry juice cocktail (0.20 log CFU/cm2) were lower than those for all other solutions except 10% NaCl (0.43 log CFU/cm2) and 10% NaHCO3 (0.48 log CFU/cm2). In study 2, APC values for breasts rinsed with red wine (5.29 log CFU/cm2) and white wine (5.32 log CFU/cm2) were lower than for breasts rinsed with the other three solutions. The TCC after rinsing with chicken broth (4.48 log CFU/cm2) was higher than for all other solutions except Italian dressing. Although distilled white vinegar was the most effective rinsing agent, all solutions produced lower counts after rinsing, indicating that consumers could use rinsing to remove microorganisms from chicken breast surfaces prior to cooking.

To tell or not to tell: barriers and facilitators in family communication about genetic risk.

Communication about genetic risk in families is an important issue for genetic counsellors. The objective of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators in family communication about genetic risk. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with patients in the Northeast of Scotland who had attended genetic counselling for risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Huntington's disease, and with some spouses/partners. The interviews confirmed that the issue of disclosure was a problem for some, and that there were generic communication issues common to both groups. Telling family members about genetic risk was generally seen as a family responsibility and family structures, dynamics and 'rules' influenced disclosure decisions. A sense of responsibility towards younger generations was also important. The level of certainty felt by a person in relation to his or her own risk estimate also influenced what he or she could tell other family members. Communication within a family about genetic risk is a complex issue and is influenced by both pre-existing familial and cultural factors and individuals' responses to risk information. If genetic counsellors understood how these factors operate in individual families they might be able to identify effective strategies to promote considered decisions and prevent unnecessary emotional distress.

Sensory and physical properties of peanut brittle prepared in different types of cookware and with different levels of sodium bicarbonate.

Two studies to evaluate peanut brittle containing either raw or roasted peanuts were conducted. In the first study, brittles were prepared in iron, aluminum, stainless steel and nonstick stainless steel pans. In the second study, brittles containing 0, 2 or 4 g of sodium bicarbonate prepared in either stainless steel or nonstick stainless steel pans were evaluated. All brittles were evaluated for color, shear strength and sensory properties at 0, 30 and 60 days. Products prepared in a nonstick stainless steel pan and those with added sodium bicarbonate were lighter, more yellow and slightly greener than other products. Pan type did not affect shear force but increasing sodium bicarbonate was associated with decreasing force needed to shear brittles. Peanut and caramel aromas were not affected by pan type or sodium bicarbonate level but were greater (p < 0.05) in products containing roasted peanuts. Burned flavors were more prevalent in products prepared in iron or stainless steel pans with roasted peanuts. More intense sweet and buttery flavors were detected as level of sodium bicarbonate increased.

Quality characteristics of red raspberry fruit spread made with four sweeteners.

Red raspberry fruit spreads sweetened with sugar (S) or raspberry, red grape, or apple juice concentrates were processed by inversion and analyzed for chemical, physical, and sensory properties at 1, 12, and 24 weeks. All pH values were between 3.0 and 3.5 while all aw were above 0.81. Samples were dark red but became duller over time. Viscosities and total solids were lower (p < 0.05) in juice sweetened products than in S. Sensory evaluations improved over time for all samples, but were always higher (p < 0.05) for S. Mold was detected in all samples at 24 weeks. Acceptable products were prepared using fruit juice concentrates but inversion processing was not recommended for fruit spread preparation.

Apoptosis of thyrocytes and effector cells during induction and resolution of granulomatous experimental autoimmune thyroiditis.

Experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT) with granulomatous histopathology (G-EAT) can be induced by cells from mouse thyroglobulin (MTg)-immunized donors activated in vitro with MTg and IL-12. G-EAT lesions reach maximum severity 18-21 days after cell transfer and, if some thyroid follicles remain, lesions almost completely resolve by day 35. CD8(+) cells are required for G-EAT resolution. To begin to determine the mechanisms involved in G-EAT resolution, apoptosis in thyroids was analyzed by TUNEL staining. Apoptotic thyrocytes and inflammatory cells were present in the thyroids of both CD8(+) and CD8-depleted recipient mice at day 19-21. By day 35, apoptotic cells were rare in thyroids of mice whose lesions had resolved; the few apoptotic inflammatory cells were generally in close proximity to thyroid follicles. Thyroids of CD8-depleted mice had ongoing inflammation at day 35 and most apoptotic cells were thyroid follicular cells. The expression of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) mRNA in thyroids was also determined by RT-PCR in both CD8(+) and CD8-depleted recipient mice. Fas was expressed in normal thyroids and its expression was relatively constant throughout the course of disease. FasL mRNA was not expressed in normal thyroids. FasL mRNA expression generally correlated with G-EAT severity, being maximal at day 21 and diminishing as lesions resolved. However, FasL mRNA expression in thyroids of CD8-depleted mice in which resolution was delayed was decreased compared to thyroids of CD8(+) mice with comparable disease severity, suggesting that FasL expressed by CD8(+) cells may play a role in G-EAT resolution.

Underutilized sources of dietary fiber: a review.

Interest in the fiber content of foods has decreased in recent years as concerns about fat intake have increased. Fiber, however, remains an important component of the diet. Soluble dietary fiber, including pectic substances and hydrocolloids, is found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and oat bran. Insoluble fiber, including cellulose and hemicellulose, is found in foods such as whole grains. Fiber supplementation has been used to enhance the fiber content of a variety of foods ranging from cereal-based products to meats, imitation cheeses and sauces. Products used to enhance fiber content of foods have traditionally come from cereals such as wheat, corn and oats. There are a variety of other products, however, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and less commonly used cereals such as barley, which are potential sources of dietary fiber supplements. This article reviews research on some of these underutilized sources of dietary fiber.

Safety of tomatillos and products containing tomatillos canned by the water-bath canning method.

Three studies were conducted to evaluate the safety of tomatillos and products containing tomatillos canned by the water-bath processing method. In the first study, plain tomatillos were processed for 25, 37.5, 50 and 62.5 min. In the second study, five tomatillo/onion combinations were prepared while five tomatillo/green chile combinations were prepared in the third study. pH evaluations were conducted to determine safety in all studies using pH 4.2 as the cut-off value. No differences in the pH of plain tomatillos were detected due to processing time. All jars of plain tomatillos had pH values below 4.1. All combinations of tomatillos/onions and tomatillos/green chile containing more than 50% tomatillo had pH values below the 4.2 cut-off value. Results of the three studies indicate (1) acidification of plain tomatillos is probably unnecessary for canning by the water-bath processing method and (2) combinations of acidic tomatillos and low-acid onions or green chile must contain more than 50% tomatillos to have a pH low enough for safe water-bath processing.