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Terms modified by Wash Selected AbstractsAn alternative method for splinting of traumatized teeth: case reportsDENTAL TRAUMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2006Gülsün Yildirim Öz Abstract,,, Injuries to the dentoalveolar complex are fairly common and can be caused by a number of reasons. There are many techniques for repositioning and stabilizing traumatically luxated or avulsed teeth. Many of the splinting techniques previously advocated were time-consuming. Not only were the splints difficult to fabricate and difficult to remove, they also contributed to injury of the soft and hard supporting tissues. Ribbond (Ribbond Inc., Seattle, Wash) is basically a reinforced ribbon which is made from ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fiber having an ultrahigh modulus. It is used in dentistry for various purposes. The use of Ribbond appears to be an adequate and easy method for stabilization and fixation. It can be used in the treatment of dental injuries. In this article the use of Ribbond for the treatment of dentoalveolar injuries is described. [source] Geoarchaeology of the Boca Negra Wash Area, Albuquerque Basin, New Mexico, USAGEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 8 2006Vance T. Holliday Dozens of Paleoindian sites, including the Boca Negra Wash (BNW) Folsom site (LA 124474), are scattered across a basalt plateau (the West Mesa) on the western side of the Albuquerque Basin, and adjacent uplands. The BNW site, like many others in the area, is located near a small (,60 × 90 m) playa basin that formed in a depression on the basalt surface and was subsequently covered by an eolian sand sheet (Unit 1) dated by OSL to ,23,000 yr B.P. Most of the basin fill is ,2 m of playa mud (Units 2 and 3) dating ,13,970 14C yr B.P. (17,160,16,140 cal yr B.P.) at the sand,mud interface to ,2810 14C yr B.P. (,2960,2860 cal yr B.P.) at the top. C/N ratios suggest that the BNW playa basin probably held water more often during the Folsom occupation; stable carbon isotope values indicate C3 vegetation was more common as well, but C4 grasses became dominant in the Holocene. Cores extracted from four playa basins nearby revealed a similar stratigraphy and geochronology, documenting presence of wetlands on playa floors during the Paleoindian occupation of the area. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] Artificial Recharge Through a Thick, Heterogeneous Unsaturated ZoneGROUND WATER, Issue 3 2008John A. Izbicki Thick, heterogeneous unsaturated zones away from large streams in desert areas have not previously been considered suitable for artificial recharge from ponds. To test the potential for recharge in these settings, 1.3 × 106 m3 of water was infiltrated through a 0.36-ha pond along Oro Grande Wash near Victorville, California, between October 2002 and January 2006. The pond overlies a regional pumping depression 117 m below land surface and is located where thickness and permeability of unsaturated deposits allowed infiltration and saturated alluvial deposits were sufficiently permeable to allow recovery of water. Because large changes in water levels caused by nearby pumping would obscure arrival of water at the water table, downward movement of water was measured using sensors in the unsaturated zone. The downward rate of water movement was initially as high as 6 m/d and decreased with depth to 0.07 m/d; the initial time to reach the water table was 3 years. After the unsaturated zone was wetted, water reached the water table in 1 year. Soluble salts and nitrate moved readily with the infiltrated water, whereas arsenic and chromium were less mobile. Numerical simulations done using the computer program TOUGH2 duplicated the downward rate of water movement, accumulation of water on perched zones, and its arrival at the water table. Assuming 10 × 106 m3 of recharge annually for 20 years, a regional ground water flow model predicted water level rises of 30 m beneath the ponds, and rises exceeding 3 m in most wells serving the nearby urban area. [source] Whole-Leaf Wash Improves Chlorine Efficacy for Microbial Reduction and Prevents Pathogen Cross-Contamination during Fresh-Cut Lettuce ProcessingJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Xiangwu Nou Abstract:, Currently, most fresh-cut processing facilities in the United States use chlorinated water or other sanitizer solutions for microbial reduction after lettuce is cut. Freshly cut lettuce releases significant amounts of organic matter that negatively impacts the effectiveness of chlorine or other sanitizers for microbial reduction. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether a sanitizer wash before cutting improves microbial reduction efficacy compared to a traditional postcutting sanitizer wash. Romaine lettuce leaves were quantitatively inoculated with,E. coli,O157:H7 strains and washed in chlorinated water before or after cutting, and,E. coli,O157:H7 cells that survived the washing process were enumerated to determine the effectiveness of microbial reduction for the 2 cutting and washing sequences. Whole-leaf washing in chlorinated water improved pathogen reduction by approximately 1 log unit over traditional cut-leaf sanitization. Similar improvement in the reduction of background microflora was also observed. Inoculated "Lollo Rossa" red lettuce leaves were mixed with noninoculated Green-Leaf lettuce leaves to evaluate pathogen cross-contamination during processing. High level (96.7% subsamples, average MPN 0.6 log CFU/g) of cross-contamination of noninoculated green leaves by inoculated red leaves was observed when mixed lettuce leaves were cut prior to washing in chlorinated water. In contrast, cross-contamination of noninoculated green leaves was significantly reduced (3.3% of subsamples, average MPN ,,0.3 log CFU/g) when the mixed leaves were washed in chlorinated water before cutting. This result suggests that whole-leaf sanitizing washes could be a practical strategy for enhancing the efficacy of chlorine washes for pathogen reduction and cross-contamination prevention. Practical Application:, Freshly cut leafy greens release large amount of organic matter that negatively impact the chlorine washing efficacy. Implementing the primary antimicrobial intervention step of chlorine washing prior to cutting can significantly improve the efficacy of microbial reduction and minimize pathogen cross-contamination. [source] INDIVIDUAL-BASED MODELS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF SHOREBIRD POPULATIONSNATURAL RESOURCE MODELING, Issue 1 2008JOHN D. GOSS-CUSTARD Abstract Individual-based models (IBMs) predict how animal populations will be affected by changes in their environment by modeling the responses of fitness-maximizing individuals to environmental change and by calculating how their aggregate responses change the average fitness of individuals and thus the demographic rates, and therefore size of the population. This paper describes how the need to develop a new approach to make such predictions was identified in the mid-1970s following work done to predict the effect of building a freshwater reservoir on part of the intertidal feeding areas of the shorebirds Charadrii that overwinter on the Wash, a large embayment on the east coast of England. The paper describes how the approach was developed and tested over 20 years (1976,1995) on a population of European oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus eating mussels Mytilus edulis on the Exe estuary in Devon, England. The paper goes on to describe how individual-based modeling has been applied over the last 10 years to a wide range of environmental issues and to many species of shorebirds and wildfowl in a number of European countries. Although it took 20 years to develop the approach for 1 bird species on 1 estuary, ways have been found by which it can now be applied quite rapidly to a wide range of species, at spatial scales ranging from 1 estuary to the whole continent of Europe. This can now be done within the time period typically allotted to environmental impact assessments involving coastal bird populations in Europe. The models are being used routinely to predict the impact on the fitness of coastal shorebirds and wildfowl of habitat loss from (i) development, such as building a port over intertidal flats; (ii) disturbance from people, raptors, and aircraft; (iii) harvesting shellfish; and (iv) climate change and any associated rise in sea level. The model has also been used to evaluate the probable effectiveness of mitigation measures aimed at ameliorating the impact of such environmental changes on the birds. The first steps are now being taken to extend the approach to diving sea ducks and farmland birds during the nonbreeding season. The models have been successful in predicting the observed behavior and mortality rates in winter of shorebirds on a number of European estuaries, and some of the most important of these tests are described. These successful tests of model predictions raise confidence that the model can be used to advise policy makers concerned with the management of the coast and its important bird populations. [source] Wash and Spin Cycle Threats to Tropical BiodiversityBIOTROPICA, Issue 1 2010Lian Pin Koh First page of article [source] Efficient Extraction of Lycopene from Rhodopseudomonas palustris with n -Hexane and Methanol after Alkaline WashCHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY (CET), Issue 10 2010Y. Bao Abstract Extraction of lycopene from Rhodopseudomonas palustris with various solvents and alkaline wash was investigated. Dichloromethane or benzene as single polar or nonpolar solvent were the most effective solvents. The maximum extraction efficiency was achieved with a combination of n -hexane and methanol (1:1 v/v). which was approximately one time higher than that obtained with a single solvent. The partitioning behavior of lycopene in n -hexane/methanol indicated that almost all extracted lycopene from R. palustris cells was dissolved in the n -hexane phase. Further studies showed that lycopene extraction was much improved after an alkaline wash of R. palustris cells. The measured lycopene content was much higher than that in tomatoes which indicates that R. palustris will become an important biological resource of lycopene. [source] Local biochemical markers of bone turnover: relationship to subsequent density of healing alveolar bone defectsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2004Richard A. Reinhardt Abstract Objectives: This pilot study was designed to test whether biochemical markers of bone turnover in washes of periosteal or trabecular alveolar bone surfaces could be correlated with increases in bone density of an adjacent healing implant socket. Methods: Ten subjects had a canula inserted into the alveolar crest and sterile phosphate-buffered saline was washed over the periosteal and trabecular surfaces and collected. Surgical flaps were reflected, 5 mm diameter bone cores were removed from the bone wash site, and standardized radiographs were taken. The sites were allowed to heal for 12 weeks, and radiographs were repeated. Bone washes of the healing sites were also collected after 2 and 12 weeks. Washes were analysed for bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC; radioimmunoassay) and C-terminal telopeptide of Type 1 collagen (ICTP; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)), and blood component albumin (ALB; ELISA). Changes in bone density during healing were determined by radiographic absorptiometry. Results: OC/ALB and ICTP/ALB ratios were higher for trabecular than periosteal washes at baseline (p0.01). Trabecular OC/ALB and ICTP/ALB were inversely correlated with increasing bone density of the healing bone core socket (r=,0.72, p=0.03; Pearson's correlation coefficient). Conclusions: Biochemical markers of bone turnover in bone washes of specific alveolar bone sites may prove helpful in predicting how the bone density will increase around healing dental implants. [source] FS04.6 Dose/unit area and time , key factors influencing the elicitation capacity of MCI/MICONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004Claus Zachariae The objective of the study was to investigate, using the Repeated Open Application Test (ROAT), two key parameters of exposure , allergen concentration (dose/unit area) and time in terms of the elicitation capacity of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) in MCI/MI-sensitised individuals and to explore the inter-relationship between these two key factors. The study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response ROAT preceded by a Diagnostic Patch Test (DPT). 79 patients with a known MCI/M allergy were contacted, 29 were diagnostically patch tested and 25 had their allergy confirmed. 25 MCI/M-allergic subjects and 10 healthy non-allergic control subjects were challenged with 2 ppm of MCI/MI/unit area of skin for 4 weeks. After a wash out period of at least 4 weeks the subjects were challenged with 7.5 ppm of MCI/MI/unit area of skin for 4 weeks. A ROAT with 2 drops of solution twice a day was conducted on the volar aspect of the left and right forearms on a 3 × 3 cm area resulting in dose/unit area of MCI/MI of 0.025 mg/cm2 and 0.095 mg/cm2 for 2 ppm and 7,5 ppm MCI/MI respectively. The elicitation capacity of MCI/MI in MCI/MI sensitive patients is dependent on the exposure dose/unit area and time The results of this study will be a useful addition to the risk assessment information available for MCI/MI. The risk assessment for the use of MCI/MI in rinse off consumer products is unaffected by the results of this study. [source] Benefits of an emollient body wash for patients with chronic winter dry skinDERMATOLOGIC THERAPY, Issue 5 2008Laura Hoffman ABSTRACT:, This randomized 5-week study assessed the clinical benefits of a high-emollient body wash versus a regular bar cleanser in terms of improving chronic winter dry skin condition. After 4 weeks, subjects who washed daily with a high-emollient body wash exhibited a significant reduction in all dermatologist-assessed dry skin attributes and improvements in self-evaluated skin condition when compared with baseline measures. Those subjects who washed with a regular bar cleanser experienced a minimal to marked increase in dermatologist-assessed and self-assessed dry skin attributes when compared with baseline. These findings suggested that bathing with a high-emollient body wash, as opposed to a regular bar cleanser, can reduce xerosis symptoms and improve skin health and appearance without the additional use of a moisturizer. [source] Topographic controls upon soil macropore flowEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 3 2009Joseph Holden Abstract Macropores are important components of soil hydrology. The spatial distribution of macropore flow as a proportion of saturated hydraulic conductivity was tested on six humid,temperate slopes using transects of tension infiltrometer measurements. Automated water table and overland flow monitoring allowed the timing of, and differentiation between, saturation-excess overland flow and infiltration-excess overland flow occurrence on the slopes to be determined and related to tension-infiltrometer measurements. Two slopes were covered with blanket peat, two with stagnohumic gleys and two with brown earth soils. None of the slopes had been disturbed by agricultural activity within the last 20 years. This controlled the potential for tillage impacts on macropores. The proportion of near-surface macropore flow to saturated hydraulic conductivity was found to vary according to slope position. The spatial patterns were not the same for all hillslopes. On the four non-peat slopes there was a relationship between locations of overland flow occurrence and reduced macroporosity. This relationship did not exist for the peat slopes investigated because they experienced overland flow across their whole slope surfaces. Nevertheless, they still had a distinctive spatial pattern of macropore flow according to slope position. For the other soils tested, parts of slopes that were susceptible to saturation-excess overland flow (e.g. hilltoes or flat hilltops) tended to have least macropore flow. To a lesser extent, for the parts of slopes susceptible to infiltration-excess overland flow, the proportion of macropore flow as a component of infiltration was also smaller compared with the rest of the slope. The roles of macropore creation and macropore infilling by sheet wash are discussed, and it is noted that the combination of these may result in distinctive topographically controlled spatial patterns of macropore flow. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Soil detachment and transport on field- and laboratory-scale interrill areas: erosion processes and the size-selectivity of eroded sedimentEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 8 2006O. Malam Issa Abstract Field- and laboratory-scale rainfall simulation experiments were carried out in an investigation of the temporal variability of erosion processes on interrill areas, and the effects of such variation upon sediment size characteristics. Poorly aggregated sandy soils from the semi-arid environment of Senegal, West Africa, were used on both a 40 m2 field plot and a 0·25 m2 laboratory plot; rainfall intensity for all experiments was 70 mm h,1 with a duration of 1 to 2 hours. Time-series measurements were made of the quantity and the size distribution of eroded material: these permitted an estimate of the changing temporal balance between the main erosion processes (splash and wash). Results from both spatial scales showed a similar temporal pattern of runoff generation and sediment concentration. For both spatial scales, the dominant erosional process was detachment by raindrops; this resulted in a dynamic evolution of the soil surface under raindrop impact, with the rapid formation of a sieving crust followed by an erosion crust. However, a clear difference was observed between the two scales regarding the size of particles detached by both splash and wash. While all measured values were lower than the mean weight diameter (MWD) value of the original soil (mean 0·32 mm), demonstrating the size-selective nature of wash and splash processes, the MWD values of washed and splashed particles at the field scale ranged from 0·08 to 0·16 mm and from 0·12 to 0·30 mm respectively, whereas the MWD values of washed and splashed particles at the laboratory scale ranged from 0·13 to 0·29 mm and from 0·21 to 0·32 mm respectively. Thus only at the field scale were the soil particles detached by splash notably coarser than those transported by wash. This suggests a transport-limited erosion process at the field scale. Differences were also observed between the dynamics of the soil loss by wash at the two scales, since results showed wider scatter in the field compared to the laboratory experiments. This scatter is probably related to the change in soil surface characteristics due to the size-selectivity of the erosion processes at this spatial scale. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Controlling factors of gullying in the Maracujá Catchment, southeastern BrazilEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 11 2005L. de A. P. Bacellar Abstract Hundreds of gullies (,voçorocas') of huge dimensions (up to 400,500 m long, 150 m wide and 50 m deep) are very common in the small Maracujá Catchment in southeastern Brazil. These erosional features, which occur with an uneven intensity throughout the area, started due to bad soil management practices at the beginning of European settlement, at the end of the 17th century, and nowadays are still evolving, but at a slower rate. As surface soils are usually very resistant to erosion, the outcrop of the more erodible basement saprolites seems to be an essential condition for their beginning. An analysis of well known erosion controlling factors was performed, aiming to explain the beginning and evolution of these gullies and to understand the reasons for their spatial distribution. Data shows that geology and, mainly, geomorphology are the main controlling factors, since gullies tend to be concentrated in basement rock areas with lower relief (domain 2) of Maracujá Catchment, mainly at the fringes of broad and flat interfluves. At the detailed scale (1:10 000), gullies are more common in amphitheatre-like headwater hollows that frequently represent upper Quaternary gullies (paleogullies), which demonstrate the recurrence of channel erosion. So, gullies occur in areas of thicker saprolites (domain 2), in places with a natural concentration of surface and underground water (hollows). Saprolites of the preserved, non-eroded hollows are usually pressurized (confined aquifer) due to a thick seal of Quaternary clay layer, in a similar configuration to the ones found in hollows of mass movement (mudflow) sites in southeastern Brazil. Therefore, the erosion of the resistant soils by human activities, such as road cuts and trenches (,valos'), or their mobilization by mudflow movements, seem to be likely mechanisms of gullying initiation. Afterwards, gullies evolve by a combination of surface and underground processes, such as wash and tunnel erosion and falls and slumps of gully walls. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The influence of plant cover and land use on slope,channel decoupling in a foothill catchment: a case study from the Carpathian Foothills, southern PolandEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 5 2002Jolanta, chowicz Abstract This paper examines the influence of plant cover and land use on slope,channel decoupling in the Stara Rzeka Stream catchment (22·4 km2) and its subcatchment Dworski Potok Stream (0·3 km2). The Stara Rzeka catchment is situated in the marginal part of the Carpathian Foothills and is characterized by a relief of low and medium hills. The catchment is used for agriculture but unlike other foothill catchments, it has a relatively extensive unfragmented area of forests (41·3 per cent). Grasslands and pastures (13·8 per cent) are mainly along the broad and flat valley floor. In the cultivated area (38·5 per cent) of the northern low hill part of the catchment, the fields are long, narrow and separated by boundary strips. They stretch from the hilltops to the valley bottom and are traditionally ploughed along the slopes. The research into slope wash was carried out at six sites downslope (August 1989 to October 1990) and on experimental plots (1989,1991). Transport of suspended matter was determined in the channels of the Stara Rzeka and Dworski Potok Streams (1987,1991). The results show that transport and export of the material on the slopes depend on the morphology of the slope and on the agricultural use of the area. The mosaic of fields which are used differently makes the soil wash process very intensive only if the slopes are ploughed and unprotected by a dense cover of vegetation. The material displaced is mostly accumulated at the foot of the slopes or at the bottom of the valley. Footslope areas and flat valley bottoms covered with grass function as a barrier separating the slope and the river bed. These features generally negate the transfer of slope-originated material to the bed of the stream. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dynamics of Benzene and Toluene Degradation in Pseudomonas putida F1 in the Presence of the Alternative Substrate SuccinateENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2007I. Rüegg Abstract In batch and continuous culture, the regulation of benzene and toluene degradation by Pseudomonas putida,F1 was investigated in the presence of the alternative carbon and energy source succinate. In batch culture, benzene and toluene were used simultaneously, whereas succinate suppressed benzene consumption under carbon excess conditions resulting in diauxic growth. In carbon-limited continuous culture mixed substrate growth was observed. Since in nature low substrate concentrations and ever changing conditions prevail, this paper focuses on the dynamics of benzene/toluene degradation, biomass synthesis, and the regulation of benzene/toluene-degrading enzymes in cultures growing continuously at a dilution rate of 0.1,h,1, when shifting the supply of the carbon and energy source from succinate to various mixtures of succinate and benzene/toluene, or to benzene only. When the succinate concentration was kept constant (1.25,mM) and the medium was supplemented with benzene (2,mM), growth with benzene began already two hours after the shift. In contrast, replacing succinate with benzene only led to a wash out of biomass for more then ten hours, before biomass production from benzene started. A striking and reproducible transition pattern was observed for all shifts where the succinate concentration was reduced or succinate was omitted. After an initial period of biomass production from benzene, the culture collapsed and a wash-out of biomass was observed. However, this wash-out was not accompanied by an increase in benzene in the cultivation liquid, indicating a benzene uptake without conversion into biomass. Another possibility is that in phases of low biomass concentrations, cells were only able to use the low amounts of benzene/toluene dissolved in the cultivation liquid yielding low biomass concentrations whereas in phases of high biomass concentrations, they were able to rapidly utilize the aromatic solvents so that additional benzene from the gas phase diffused into the cultivation liquid resulting in more biomass production. In most cases, growth resumed again after 10 to 80,h. Currently, the reasons for the decrease in biomass after the first rise are unknown. However, several indications rule out intoxication of the cells by either the solvents benzene or toluene themselves, or by toxic degradation intermediates, or by-products. [source] Oral vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress, vitamin and antioxidant status in intensely exercised horsesEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue S36 2006C. A. WILLIAMS Summary Reasons for performing study: Vitamin E is the most commonly supplemented antioxidant in horses; however, previous research is not conclusive as to the recommended level for exercising horses. Objective: To evaluate the effects of 3 levels of vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress and vitamin/antioxidant status in intensely exercised horses to determine the optimal level of vitamin E supplementation. Methods: Twelve unfit Standardbreds were divided into 3 groups, supplemented orally with 0 (CON), 5000 (MOD), or 10,000 (HI) iu/day of DL-,-tocopheryl acetate. The 3 times 3 Latin square design consisted of three 4 week supplementation periods with 4 week wash out periods between. After each period, horses underwent a treadmill interval exercise test. Blood samples were collected and heart rate (HR) measured before, during and after exercise. Data were analysed using ANOVA with repeated measures in SAS. Results: The CON group had lower HR throughout the test compared to the MOD and HI groups (P<0.05). There was an increase in plasma retinol (RET), ,-carotene (BC), red blood cell total glutathione and glutathione peroxidase with exercise (P<0.05), but all groups returned to baseline after 24 h. Plasma ,-tocopherol (TOC) increased from baseline with exercise (P<0.0001) in all groups; treatment differences were observed at 24 h (P<0.05). The HI and CON groups had lower BC compared to the MOD group (P = 0.05). Conclusions: Horses supplemented with vitamin E, at nearly 10-times the 1989 NRC recommended level, did not experience lower oxidative stress compared to control horses. Additionally, lower plasma BC levels observed in the HI group, which may indicate that vitamin E has an inhibitory effect on BC metabolism. Potential relevance: Supplementation above control levels is not more beneficial to oxidative stress and antioxidant status in intensely exercising horses; indeed, levels 10 times in excess may be detrimental to BC and should be avoided. [source] Computer-mediated instructional video: a randomised controlled trial comparing a sequential and a segmented instructional video in surgical hand washEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 2 2005M. Schittek Janda Background:, Video-based instructions for clinical procedures have been used frequently during the preceding decades. Aim:, To investigate in a randomised controlled trial the learning effectiveness of fragmented videos vs. the complete sequential video and to analyse the attitudes of the user towards video as a learning aid. Materials and methods:, An instructional video on surgical hand wash was produced. The video was available in two different forms in two separate web pages: one as a sequential video and one fragmented into eight short clips. Twenty-eight dental students in the second semester were randomised into an experimental (n = 15) and a control group (n = 13). The experimental group used the fragmented form of the video and the control group watched the complete one. The use of the videos was logged and the students were video taped whilst undertaking a test hand wash. The videos were analysed systematically and blindly by two independent clinicians. The students also performed a written test concerning learning outcome from the videos as well as they answered an attitude questionnaire. Results:, The students in the experimental group watched the video significantly longer than the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to the ratings and scores when performing the hand wash. The experimental group had significantly better results in the written test compared with those of the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to attitudes towards the use of video for learning, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scales. Most students in both groups expressed satisfaction with the use of video for learning. Conclusion:, The students demonstrated positive attitudes and acceptable learning outcome from viewing CAL videos as a part of their pre-clinical training. Videos that are part of computer-based learning settings would ideally be presented to the students both as a segmented and as a whole video to give the students the option to choose the form of video which suits the individual student's learning style. [source] Stone artifact scatters in western NSW, Australia: Geomorphic controls on artifact size and distributionGEOARCHAEOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, Issue 6 2001Patricia Fanning Surface scatters of Aboriginal stone artifacts have been exposed in many parts of inland Australia by accelerated erosion that followed the introduction of pastoralism by European settlers in the 19th century. This paper reports on a set of techniques developed to investigate and quantify the effects of these post-discard disturbance processes in Sturt National Park in northwest NSW, Australia. Backwards, stepwise, linear regression showed the influence of geomorphic parameters such as slope gradient, elevation, landform, and contemporary surface processes on artifact distribution, with artifact maximum dimension as the dependent variable. The results indicate that, even at low gradients, artifact size and slope angle are significantly related, but that the variance in maximum dimension explained by gradient is very low. Similar results were found for the other geomorphic variables. We conclude that artifact movement by surface wash across these surfaces is unlikely to significantly affect artifact distribution. While vertically conflated surface scatters do not preserve "living floors" in a short-term, functional sense, their apparent horizontal integrity allows investigation of the long-term use of place by hunter-gatherer people in the past. Insofar as assemblage integrity is important for assessing site significance in the heritage management industry, our methods provide a means for assessing the degree to which a site has been damaged by water flow. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Interface Modification to Improve Hole-Injection Properties in Organic Electronic Devices,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2006A. Choulis Abstract The performance of organic electronic devices is often limited by injection. In this paper, improvement of hole injection in organic electronic devices by conditioning of the interface between the hole-conducting layer (buffer layer) and the active organic semiconductor layer is demonstrated. The conditioning is performed by spin-coating poly(9,9-dioctyl-fluorene- co - N - (4-butylphenyl)-diphenylamine) (TFB) on top of the poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) buffer layer, followed by an organic solvent wash, which results in a TFB residue on the surface of the PEDOT:PSS. Changes in the hole-injection energy barriers, bulk charge-transport properties, and current,voltage characteristics observed in a representative PFO-based (PFO: poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene)) diode suggest that conditioning of PEDOT:PSS surface with TFB creates a stepped electronic profile that dramatically improves the hole-injection properties of organic electronic devices. [source] Oblique rainfall and contemporary geomorphological dynamics (Serra da Estrela, Portugal)HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 4 2004Gonçalo Vieira Abstract Coarse sand accumulations are polygenic microforms that attain a width of several metres, a height up to 30,40 cm, a gradient of 8,12° and a slope length up to 1 m. These accumulations are frequent in the gruss-covered plateaus of the granite mountains of central and northern Portugal, but they have been described in other mountain areas (i.e. Cairngorms, Scotland). Though these microforms are frequent features, studies on them are rare. They have been attributed to complex genesis controlled primarily by aeolian processes, but also by wash and cryogenic dynamics. Results presented here add new insights into the origin of the sand accumulations and emphasize the importance of rainsplash-saltation induced by oblique rainfall as the main transportation mechanism. The study was conducted in the Serra da Estrela, a granite mountain in central Portugal (1993 m above sea level) and is supported by a detailed mapping of the orientation of the accumulations, monitoring of the surface material and analysis of meteorological data. The results are particularly significant since they indicate that the coarse sand accumulations are very active features that show a clear climatic and ecological signal. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Measurements of rain splash on bench terraces in a humid tropical steepland environmentHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 3 2003A. I. J. M. Van Dijk Abstract Soil loss continues to threaten Java's predominantly bench-terraced volcanic uplands. Sediment transport processes on back-sloping terraces with well-aggregated clay-rich oxisols in West Java were studied using two different techniques. Splash on bare, cropped, or mulched sub-horizontal (2,3°) terrace beds was studied using splash cups of different sizes, whereas transport of sediment on the predominantly bare and steep (30,40/deg ) terrace risers was measured using a novel device combining a Gerlach-type trough with a splash box to enable the separate measurement of transport by wash and splash processes. Measurements were made during two consecutive rainy seasons. The results were interpreted using a recently developed splash distribution theory and related to effective rainfall erosive energy. Splash transportability (i.e. transport per unit contour length and unit erosive energy) on the terrace risers was more than an order of magnitude greater than on bare terrace beds (0·39,0·57 versus 0·013,0·016 g m J,1). This was caused primarily by a greater average splash distance on the short, steep risers (>11 cm versus c. 1 cm on the beds). Splashed amounts were reduced by the gradual formation of a protective ,pavement' of coarser aggregates, in particular on the terrace beds. Soil aggregate size exhibited an inverse relationship with detachability (i.e. detachment per unit area and unit erosive energy) and average splash length, and therefore also with transportability, as did the degree of canopy and mulch cover. On the terrace risers, splash-creep and gravitational processes transported an additional 6,50% of measured rain splash, whereas transport by wash played a marginal role. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Anti-microbial hand washes for domestic use , their effectiveness in vitro and in normal useINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 3 2001Kay Sharp Abstract The killing or removal of microbes from the hands is a critical factor in food safety as many studies have shown the hands to be both an important source of microbes and powerful agents of cross-contamination in hospital and domestic situations. In response to this concern, a number of novel hand-washing products have appeared on the market. These products contain anti-microbial agents and claim to be more effective at removing bacteria than soap bars and conventional liquid soaps. This study attempts to test these claims by comparing the effectiveness of a conventional soap bar, a conventional liquid soap and an anti-microbial liquid soap containing triclosan. In vitro tests demonstrate that the anti-microbial liquid soap is more effective than conventional liquid soaps in reducing the viability of six bacterial species and that this effect is both time and dose dependent. However, when the three soaps were compared for their ability to reduce microbial counts on the hands no differences were observed between the three products. For all three soaps, counts after washing sometimes went up and sometimes down when compared with pre-wash counts. This was the case both when the soaps were used ,normally', that is, with great variation in the time taken, water and soap volumes used and method of washing and after a standardized, rigorous wash recommended in clinical situations. Furthermore, reduction in microbial counts from hands contaminated by handling raw meat was no greater for the anti-microbial than for the conventional liquid soap. [source] Head lice on pillows, and strategies to make a small risk even lessINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2003Rick Speare Background Due to a lack of evidence, controversy exists about the role of bedding in the transmission of head lice. Aims To determine the proportion of the head lice population found on pillowcases of people with head lice, and to test strategies available to householders to kill head lice on pillowcases. Methods To assess the incidence of head lice on pillowcases, people with active pediculosis had their head lice collected and counted and the pillowcase they had used the night before examined for head lice. To test strategies to kill head lice on pillowcases, live head lice were experimentally placed in miniature pillowcases, and the cases were subjected to a hot wash, a cold wash, hot dryer, and hanging out to dry on an outdoor clothes line. Results Forty-eight people and their pillowcases were recruited from Townsville, Qld, Australia (dry tropics). One thousand, eight hundred and forty-five lice were collected from their heads to give an average and median intensity of infection of 38.4 and 21 lice, respectively. Two of the 48 pillowcases contained live lice, one nymph on each, 2 h and 9 h after the pillowcases had been removed from the bed. Another pillowcase contained a dehydrated nymph. The incidence of live lice on pillowcases was 4.2% per night and the proportion of the head louse population on the pillowcases was 0.11%. Heat (hot wash and hot clothes dryer) killed head lice experimentally placed in pillowcases. Cold wash and hanging pillowcases out to dry did not kill head lice. Conclusions Head lice transfer to pillowcases at night, but the incidence is low. Pillowcases pose a risk for re-infection with head lice, but the risk is low, and changing the pillowcase is a reasonably cost-efficient strategy to minimize this risk. Lice on pillowcases can be killed by heating the pillowcase by immersion in water at > 60 °C, by a hot wash, or by 15 min in a hot clothes dryer. [source] Continuation and long-term maintenance treatment with Hypericum extract WS® 5570 after successful acute treatment of mild to moderate depression , rationale and study designINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004Chairman, S. Kasper Professor Abstract Unipolar major depression is often a chronic disease that may require lifelong prophylaxis. Recovery from an acute episode is followed by 4-6 months of relapse prevention. After that, long-term maintenance treatment is administered to avoid recurrence. We present the rationale and design of an ongoing double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of Hypericum extract WS® 5570 in relapse prevention in recurrent unipolar depression. An estimated sample of 425 adults with recurrent, mild to moderate major depression (ICD-10 and DSM-IV criteria), ,3 previous episodes (last 5 years) and a total score ,20 points on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) will be included. After a one-week wash out patients receive 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 single-blind for 6 weeks. Responders are randomized to 26 weeks of double-blind continuation treatment with 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. Patients completing continuation treatment without relapse enter 52 weeks of double-blind maintenance treatment, where those treated with WS® 5570 are re-randomized to 3 × 300 mg/day WS® 5570 or placebo. The primary outcome measure is the time to relapse during continuation treatment (HAMD ,16, clinical diagnosis of depression, or premature treatment termination for inefficacy). Hypericum extract, with its favourable tolerability profile, could be an interesting option for long-term prophylaxis. The trial was designed according to current consensus and guidance. Notably, it includes long-term prophylactic treatment with the same drug and the same therapeutic dose applied during acute treatment, uses well-defined outcome measures and provides a clear distinction between relapse and recurrence. Copyright © 2004 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancerINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UROLOGY, Issue 5 2003ATAY GÖ Abstract Background: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer. Methods: Forty-seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39). Results: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors. Conclusion: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract. [source] Enrichment and identification of bacteria capable of reducing chemical oxygen demand of anaerobically treated molasses spent washJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004M. Ghosh Abstract Aims:, The aim of this study was to isolate and identify bacterial strains capable of using recalcitrant compounds of molasses spent wash as sole carbon source from the soils of abandoned sites of distillery effluent discharge and characterize their ability of reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the spent wash. Methods and Results:, The isolates were grouped into six haplotypes by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) and BOX-PCR. The phylogenetic position of the representatives of the six main haplotypes strains was determined by 16S rDNA sequencing. They showed maximum similarity to six genera viz. Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Aeromonas, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella. The extent of COD (44%) reduced collectively by the six strains was equal to that reduced individually by Aeromonas, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Enterobacter. With spent wash as sole carbon source, the COD reducing strains grew faster at 37°C than 30°C. Conclusions:, Bacterial strains capable of degrading some of the recalcitrant compounds of anaerobically digested molasses spent wash can be isolated from the soils of abandoned sites of distillery effluent discharge. Biostimulation of these bacteria, which can degrade 44% of the carbon compounds of anaerobically digested molasses spent wash can be achieved by nitrogen fertilization and relatively higher temperature. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Supplementation of nitrogen source and controlling the temperature can be used in evolving strategies for in situ bioremediation of anaerobically digested spent wash from distilleries. [source] Synthesis of cyclodextrin-based polymers and their use as debittering agentsJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2008Arianna Binello Abstract Cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives are used to suppress unpleasant tastes and odors or to achieve a controlled release of certain food constituents. This article describes the synthesis by nonconventional methods of (1) crosslinked, insoluble CD polymers and (2) water-soluble, CD-grafted carboxymethylchitosan and carboxymethylcellulose. The CD polymers were obtained by the reaction of ,-CD with one of the following crosslinking agents: epichlorohydrin, diphenyl carbonate, or hexamethylene diisocyanate. Their preparations were usually carried out under high-intensity ultrasound, which resulted in much shorter reaction times and narrower distributions of particle size (as determined by scanning electron microscopy measurements). A novel, insoluble CD polymer was obtained by reticulation under microwaves of propargyl-,-CD with 1,3-bis(azidomethyl)benzene through Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Short columns packed with the insoluble polymers were found to efficiently sequester naringin from aqueous solutions; successively, they could be easily regenerated by a counter-current ethanol wash that also achieved an excellent recovery of the flavonoid. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms showed that the crosslinked CD polymers formed inclusion complexes with naringin. The soluble polymers also interacted with bitter flavonoids of citrus fruits (naringin and limonin), as shown by the results of sensorial panel tests, in which they behaved as bitter-masking agents. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008 [source] Effect of toothpaste on the plaque inhibitory properties of a cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinseJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 3 2003S. Sheen Abstract Background and aims: Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouth rinses have moderate plaque inhibitory activity when used alone but rarely have shown adjunctive benefits to tooth brushing with toothpaste. Several explanations for this apparent anomaly can be proferred, including loss of antiseptic activity due to interactions with toothpaste ingredients. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of toothpaste on the plaque inhibitory properties of a CPC mouth rinse using paired rinses of CPC, toothpaste slurry (TP) and water (W). Methods: The study was a single blind, randomised, seven-treatment, cross over design balanced for residual effects, involving 21 healthy, dentate subjects. The paired rinses were: W-CPC, CPC-W, TP-CPC, CPC-TP, W-TP, TP-W and W-W. Rinsing with solutions or slurries was done for 60 s twice per day. On day 1, subjects were rendered plaque free, suspended tooth cleaning and commenced the allocated rinse regimen. On day 5, plaque was scored by index. A 2½ day wash out of normal oral hygiene was allowed between each regimen. Results: The order from lowest to highest plaque scores was as follows: W-CPC = CPC-W < CPC-TP < TP-CPC , W-TP < TP-W < W-W. Several differences in pairs of treatments were statistically significant, the most relevant of which were significantly less plaque with W-CPC compared to TP-CPC, TP-W and W-TP, and significantly more plaque with W-W compared to all other regimens except TP-W. Conclusions: Toothpaste, whilst possessing some plaque inhibitory activity, when used immediately before a CPC mouth rinse adversely affected the plaque inhibitory action of this antiseptic. This in part may explain the reported lack of adjunctive benefits of CPC rinses to normal oral hygiene practices and supports the suggestion, made for chlorhexidine rinses, that their use should follow toothpaste by at least 60 min. Zusammenfassung Die Wirkung von Zahnpasta auf die plaquehemmenden Eigenschaften einer Mundspüllösung mit Cetylpyridinium-Chlorid Grundlagen und Ziel: Cetylpyridinium-Chlorid (CPC) Mundspüllösung haben, wenn sie alleine verwendet werden, eine moderate plaquehemmende Aktivität. Es wurde jedoch selten gezeigt, dass sie zusätzlich zum Zähneputzen Vorteile haben. Mehrere Erklärungen für diese offensichtliche Anomalie können angeboten werden, einschließlich des Verlusts der antiseptischen Aktivität wegen einer Interaktion mit Inhaltstoffen der Zahnpasta. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Wirkung der Zahnpasta auf die plaquehemmenden Eigenschaften einer CPC-Mundspüllösung zumessen. Es wurde CPC zusammen mit Zahnpasta-Lösung (TP) oder zusammen mit Wasser (W) verwendet. Methoden: Die randomisierte, einfach-blinde-Studie hatte ein 7-Behandlungs- Crossover-Design und war ausgeglichen hinsichtlich der Resteffekte. Einundzwanzig gesunde und bezahnte Personen wurden aufgenommen. Die paarweisen Spülungen waren: W-CPC, CPC-W, TP-CPC, CPC-TP, W-TP, TP-W und W-W. Die Spülungen wurden zweimal pro Tag für 60 Sekunden durchgeführt. An Tag-1 wurde bei der Teilnehmern Plaquefreiheit hergestellt, sie enthielten sich der Mundhygiene und begannen die zugewiesenen Spülungen. An Tag-5 wurde die Plaque mittels Index beurteilt. Zwischen den Spülmaßnahmen war eine 2,5-tägige Auswaschperiode mit normaler Mundhygiene erlaubt. Ergebnisse: Die Reihenfolge vom niedrigsten zum höchsten Plaquewert war W-CPC = CPC-W < CPC-TP < TP-CPC = W-TP < TP-W < W-W. Mehrere Unterschiede zwischen den Behandlungspaaren waren statistisch signifikant. Der Relevanteste davon war signifikant weniger Plaque mit W-CPC verglichen zu TP-CPC, TP-W und W-TP sowie signifikant mehr Plaque mit W-W verglichen mit allen anderen Spülungen außer TP-W. Schlussfolgerungen: Zahnpasta beeinflusst, obwohl sie eine gewisse plaquehemmende Aktivität hat, wenn sie unmittelbar vor der CPC-Mundspülung verwendet wird, die plaquehemmende Wirkung dieser antiseptischen Lösung. Dies könnte zum Teil die berichteten nicht vorhandenen Vorteile, wenn die CPC-Mundspülung zusätzlich zur normalen Mundhygiene durchgeführt wird, erklären. Es unterstützt die Annahme, dass Chlorhexidin-Spülungen der Zahnpastaanwendung wenigstens 60 Minuten später folgen sollten. Résumé L'effet d'un dentifrice sur les propriétés inhibitrices de la plaque dentaire d'un bain de bouche au chlorure de cétylpyridinium Les bains de bouche au chlorure de cétylpyridinium (CPC) ont de faibles activités inhibitrices de la plaque dentaire lorsqu'ils sont utilisés seuls, mais quelquefois révèlent un bénéfice supplémentaire lorsqu'ils sont associés au brossage et à une pâte dentifrice. Différentes explications de cette apparente anomalie peuvent être avancées incluant la perte de l'activité de l'antiseptique dûe aux interactions avec les ingrédients contenus dans le dentifrice. Le but de cette étude a été de mesurer l'effet d'un dentifrice sur les propriétés inhibitrices de la plaque dentaire d'un bain de bouche CPC en utilisant des bain de bouche au CPC, un mélange aqueux d'un dentifrice (TP) et de l'eau (W). Cette étude avait un modèle croisé de sept traitements, randomisé en simple aveugle, balancé pour les effets résiduels comprenant 21 sujets dentés sains. Les paires de rinçage étaient : W-CPC, CPC-W, TP-CPC, CPC-TP, W-TP, TP-W et W-W. Le rinçage avec les solutions ou le mélange aqueux a été effectué durant 60s deux fois par jour. Au jour 1, les sujets se retrouvaient sans plaque dentaire, arrêtaient tout nettoyage dentaire et commençaient le régime préconisé. Au jour 5, la plaque dentaire a été mesurée par indice. Deux jours et demi d'intervalle avec hygiène buccale normale était utilisés entre chaque régime. L'ordre des indices de plaque du plus bas vers le plus haut étaient W-CPC = CPC-W < CPC-TP EFFICACY OF SOUR WHEY AS A SHELF-LIFE ENHANCER: USE IN ANTIOXIDATIVE EDIBLE COATINGS OF CUT VEGETABLES AND FRUIT,JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 5 2007JINHAN SHON ABSTRACT The effectiveness of edible coatings containing sour whey powder (SWP), compared with soy protein isolate (SPI) and calcium caseinate (CC), in reducing oxidative browning and moisture loss during storage (4C) of cut apples, potatoes, carrots, and onions was investigated. Oxidative discoloration, as determined by the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage L*a*b* color scale, was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) by treatments over a storage time of 120 min. Loss of lightness was reduced by CC, SPI and SWP coatings. These respectively showed 2.7, 3.3 and 1.5% change of L* value in coated apples as compared with 7.4% in the control. Browning in cut potatoes was significantly reduced from a 145.1% increase in the a* value of the control to 45.9, 37.0 and 30.3% increase for CC, SPI and SWP treatments, respectively. The b* values also reflected the effectiveness of SWP. The moisture barrier effect, tested over a period of 5 days at 4C, was significantly better for the treatments than control. SWP was the best and significantly reduced moisture loss in potatoes and carrots by 40 and 59%, respectively, over control. Cut onions did not show any treatment effect both in terms of off-color development and moisture loss. The reasons for the excellent moisture barrier and antioxidative property of SWP were discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Oxidative degradation of fresh fruits and vegetables is a major problem faced by the industry today. Most of the fresh produce is grown in the southwestern part of the country, requiring days of transportation to retail outlets. As the educated consumer is highly health conscious, any effort in extending the shelf life will have to be nonchemical, and preferably natural. Because of small profit margins, the intervention must also be inexpensive. Millions of MT of sour whey, a by-product of cottage whey manufacture, is wasted because of the lack of appropriate food applications. It is natural, nutritious and presently very inexpensive. Our research investigated the possibility of using this by-product as a final wash to enhance the so-called window of freshness of fresh produce and fruit. [source] ENUMERATION OF AEROMONAS FOR VERIFICATION OF THE HYGIENIC ADEQUACY OF SWINE CARCASS DRESSING PROCESSES,JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 1 2000SHEW-LING YU ABSTRACT Populations of Aeromonas spp. and aerobic bacteria from dehairing equipment and from carcasses passing through different processing steps in a swine slaughtering plant were evaluated to identify the hygienic risks of each operation. Sponge samples were taken from the scraper flails in dehairing machines and the surface of the shackling table at pre- and post-operation times, with 20 samples from each location being collected at each time. Increased post-operation levels of Aeromonas spp. indicated a buildup and possible spread of these bacteria to carcasses. The belly skins of 40 dehaired carcasses were each sampled at five points along the process line which were after the shackling, after the final singeing, after the final polishing, after the final wash and after chilling. The levels of microbial contaminants on carcasses varied at each processing step. The heaviest contamination of carcasses with Aeromonas (1.88 log CFU/cm2) and aerobic bacteria (2.66 log CFU/cm2) occurred after shackling. Counts were reduced at other steps as a result of singeing, washing and chilling operations. However, singed carcasses were recontaminated with Aeromonas and aerobic bacteria during the polishing operation. Aeromonas hydrophila were the most prominent motile aeromonads (74.1%) recovered at the plant. The findings for Aeromonas spp. were similar to those for aerobic bacteria (r2= 0.9995) which suggested that Aeromonas spp. are appropriate indicators for assessing carcass dressing processes. [source]
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