Ethyl carbamate in retail market condiments and risk assessment of its dietary exposure for the Korean population

Ethyl carbamate (EC), a potential human dietary carcinogen, is found in fermented foods including the fermented soybean-based condiments, the major part of the Korean diet. Therefore, it is expected that their EC contents might pose health risks. Herein, we collected 111 condiments and estimated their EC contents via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Further, dietary intake of EC was evaluated, and the risk levels were assessed via the margin of exposure (MOE) approach and excess cancer risk assessment. EC contents of the condiments ranged from not detectable to 39.47 μg/kg, and the daily EC exposure ranged from 1.4 to 2.0 ng/kg BW per day, depending on gender and age groups in Korea. Of the condiments, soy sauce was the largest contributor to EC exposure. MOE and excess cancer risks for the average consumer were 166,300 and 9.0 × 10^-8, respectively, and those for the consumers in the 95^th percentiles (P95) were 53,504 and 2.8 × 10^-7, respectively, indicating that the risk of exposure to EC is of lower concern in average consumers than heavy consumers. However, the EC exposure from condiments was higher than that in other Asian countries.Abbreviations: EC: ethyl carbamate; GC-MS: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; MOE: margin of exposure; MRL: maximum residue level; IDL: instrumental detection level; IQL: instrumental quantification level; MDL: method detection level; MQL: method quantification level; EDI: estimated daily intakes; BMDL₁₀: benchmark dose lower confidence limit.

Effects of soaking treatment on the acrylamide and inulin contents of Jerusalem artichoke tea and its antioxidant activity

There are several studies that show that large amounts of acrylamide are detected in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) tea. This study examined acrylamide, inulin content and antioxidant properties of Jerusalem artichoke tea brewed in different conditions. Uniformly sliced Jerusalem artichokes were soaked in different salt and acidic solutions for 60 min at 20 °C and extracted with hot or cold water. The acrylamide content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The Inulin content and antioxidant activity were analyzed by spectrophotometer. Soaking significantly reduced acrylamide levels (p < 0.05) with the largest decrease observed for acetic acid, whereas the effects of all soaking treatments on inulin content were similar. Teas brewed using small-particle-size samples and hot water exhibited the highest acrylamide/inulin levels and antioxidant activity. Consequently, The most suitable treatment for Jerusalem Artichoke tea preparation was 1-h soaking in 1% acetic acid at 20 °C.

Effects of extraction conditions on acrylamide/furan content, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of cold brew coffee

The effects of extraction conditions on the acrylamide/furan content, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of cold brew coffee were probed for samples prepared by steeping and dripping at various temperatures and for different times. Sensory properties were evaluated using a nine-point hedonic scale and an overall preference ranking test. Samples prepared by 3-h extraction featured the lowest acrylamide levels, while the lowest furan contents were observed for samples prepared by 24-h steeping and 12-h dripping. Among steeping-prepared samples, that extracted for 24 h showed the highest total phenol content, although no significant differences were observed for extraction times above 12 h, with a similar trend observed for ABTS free radical anion scavenging activity. Thus, the contents of bioactive and hazardous chemicals as well as sensory properties were found to be influenced by various extraction conditions.

Validation of analytical methods for organochlorine pesticide detection in shellfish and cephalopods by GC-MS/MS

This study validated the analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in shellfish and cephalopods using a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS), and monitored residual pesticide levels. The QuEChERS method was used to analyze OCPs and was validated by checking the linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), accuracy, and precision. Octopus minor and Venerupis philippinarum, were purchased from four cities in the South Korean peninsula. The LOD values were 0.10-0.80 ng/g in shellfish and 0.21-0.77 ng/g in cephalopods, while the LOQ values were 0.31-2.41 ng/g in shellfish and 0.63-2.33 ng/g in cephalopods. Accuracy ranged from 83.5 to 117.4% and 79.8 to 118.4%, and precision ranged from 0.3 to 27.5% and 1.2 to 27.9%, in shellfish and cephalopods, respectively, conforming to the Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines. Although residual OCP levels were below detection limits, the QuEChERS method may be effective for analyzing the OCPs in shellfish and cephalopods.

Origin and organ-specific bioaccumulation pattern of perfluorinated alkyl substances in crabs

Consumption of seafood is a major contributor to perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) exposure. Crabs contain high levels of PFASs, and different PFASs are concentrated in their tissues depending on their habitat. Despite South Korea importing huge quantities of crabs, no investigation has been conducted on the effect of PFAS exposure. This study investigated the risk of exposure to PFASs when ingesting crabs. To determine the risk of exposure, 19 different PFAS species were measured in the edible parts (body, legs, offal, and eggs) of crabs originating from South Korea (n = 17), China (n = 14), India (n = 7), and Pakistan (n = 31), which were distributed in the fish markets of South Korea. The results revealed that, in contrast to short-chain PFASs, long-chain PFASs (PFCAs≥8, PFSAs≥6, and perfluorooactane sulfonamidoacetic acids (FOSAAs)≥8) were detected in crab samples from all four countries of origin, and in all the edible parts except for the legs. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 16.9 ng/g in South Korea, 9.42 ng/g in China) and perfluoro-n-tridecanoic acid (PFTrDA; 5.35 ng/g in South Korea, 2.40 ng/g in China) were the predominant perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) detected in the crabs originating from South Korea and China, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS; 7.02 ng/g in Pakistan, 5.88 ng/g in India) was the predominant perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) detected in crabs originating from Pakistan and India. These results indicate that PFASs that are accumulated in crabs differ depending on the ocean from which they originate. The concentrations of PFOA and PFOS were significantly higher in the eggs and offal than in the legs and body of the crab. The average daily intake of PFOA and PFOS in South Koreans ranges from 0.01% to 0.07% based on the tolerable daily intake of EFSA and MFDS. These results establish the PFAS profiles and risk assessment of crabs that are distributed in South Korea.

Effects of Thawing and Frying Methods on the Formation of Acrylamide and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Chicken Meat

Air frying is commonly used as a substitute for deep-fat frying. However, few studies have examined the effect of air frying on the formation of potential carcinogens in foodstuffs. This study aimed to investigate the formation of acrylamide and four types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air-fried and deep-fat-fried chicken breasts, thighs, and wings thawed using different methods, i.e., by using a microwave or a refrigerator, or by water immersion. The acrylamide and PAHs were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Deep-fat-fried chicken meat had higher acrylamide (n.d.-6.19 μg/kg) and total PAH (2.64-3.17 μg/kg) air-fried chicken meat (n.d.-3.49 μg/kg and 1.96-2.71 μg/kg). However, the thawing method did not significantly affect the formation of either acrylamide or PAHs. No significant differences in the acrylamide contents were observed among the chicken meat parts, however, the highest PAH contents were found in chicken wings. Thus, the results demonstrated that air frying could reduce the formation of acrylamide and PAHs in chicken meat in comparison with deep-fat frying.

Comparison of acrylamide and furan concentrations, antioxidant activities, and volatile profiles in cold or hot brew coffees

The aim of this study was to investigate the formation of furan and acrylamide and to compare antioxidant capacities and volatile compounds in cold or hot brewed coffees. Cold brews were prepared at 5 °C and 20 °C for 12 h. using steeping and dripping, and hot brews were prepared at 80 °C and 95 °C for 5 min. using the pour-over method. Furan contents of cold steeping at 5 °C and hot brewed at 80 °C showed the higher levels significantly (p < 0.05), which were 17.0 ± 0.5 and 10.6 ± 0.1 ng/mL, respectively. However, acrylamide contents in cold steeping at 5 °C and hot brew at 80 °C showed lower levels, which were 4.1 ± 0.4 and 3.5 ± 0.1 ng/mL respectively. Cold brews at 20 °C showed the highest levels of antioxidant activities while hot brews showed similar levels with cold brews at 5 °C. This study confirms that levels of different beneficial and hazardous chemical compounds could be manipulated by adjusting the coffee extraction conditions.

Detection of Local Recurrence in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Voxel-Based Color Maps of Initial and Final Area under the Curve Values Derived from DCE-MRI

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early detection of local recurrence is important to increase the chance of cure because local recurrence is the main cause of treatment failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We evaluated the added value of voxel-based color maps of dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging compared with conventional MR imaging alone for detecting local recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 63 consecutive patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after definitive treatment and posttreatment surveillance MR imaging studies that demonstrated focal enhancement at the primary site. Three independent readers assessed conventional MR imaging and a pair of color maps of initial and final 90-second time-signal intensity areas under the curve from dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging. The sensitivities, specificities, and accuracies of both conventional MR imaging alone and combined interpretation of conventional and dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging were assessed using the clinicopathologic diagnosis as the criterion standard. κ statistics were used to evaluate interreader agreement.

RESULTS

There were 28 patients with subsequently documented local recurrence and 35 with posttreatment change. Adding dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging to conventional MR imaging significantly increased the diagnostic accuracies for detecting local recurrence (48%-54% versus 87%-91%; P < .05), with excellent interreader agreement (κ = 0.8; 95% CI, 0.67-0.92 to κ = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.93). By all 3 readers, the specificities were also significantly improved by adding dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging to conventional MR imaging (22%-43% versus 87%-91%; P < .001) without sacrificing the sensitivities (68%-82% versus 86%-89%; P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding voxel-based color maps of initial and final 90-second time-signal intensity areas under the curve from dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging to conventional MR imaging increases the diagnostic accuracy to detect local recurrence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by improving the specificity without sacrificing the sensitivity.

A Scoring System for Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

An accurate and comprehensive assessment of lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer is crucial in daily practice. This study constructed a predictive model with a risk scoring system based on CT characteristics of lymph nodes and tumors for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to stratify the risk of lymph node metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data included 476 cervical lymph nodes from 191 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from a historical cohort. We analyzed preoperative CT images of lymph nodes, including diameter, ratio of long-to-short axis diameter, necrosis, conglomeration, infiltration to adjacent soft tissue, laterality and T-stage of the primary tumor. The reference standard comprised pathologic results. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to develop the risk scoring system. Internal validation was performed with 1000-iteration bootstrapping.

RESULTS

Shortest axial diameter, ratio of long-to-short axis diameter, necrosis, and T-stage were used to develop a 9-point risk scoring system. The risk of malignancy ranged from 7.3% to 99.8%, which was positively associated with increased scores. Areas under the curve of the risk scoring systems were 0.886 (95% CI, 0.881-0.920) and 0.879 (95% CI, 0.845-0.914) in internal validation. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated that the risk scoring system was well-calibrated (P = .160).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a comprehensive and simple risk scoring system using CT characteristics in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to stratify the risk of lymph node metastasis. It could facilitate decision-making in daily practice.

Peeled volume models of a whole body to enhance comprehension of anthropological bone landmarks

BACKGROUND

In physical anthropology, bone landmarks are palpated in living humans for the identification of corresponding skin landmarks and exact biometry. The purpose of this study is to help comprehend the locations and depths of representative bone landmarks all over the body.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The sectioned images of a male cadaver's whole body were used to build a volume model, which was continuously peeled at 1 mm thicknesses to disclose 27 selected landmarks in the anterior, lateral, or posterior views.

RESULTS

The captured views of peeled volume models along with the labels of the bone landmarks were loaded to browsing software that was distributed for free. The browsing software containing the peeled volume models will enhance convenient studying of the bone landmarks.

CONCLUSIONS

With the knowledge of bone landmarks, investigators would be able to attain more accurate measurements between skin landmarks.

Reduction of total, organic, and inorganic arsenic content in Hizikia fusiforme (Hijiki)

This study aimed to evaluate the reduction of total, organic, and inorganic arsenic content in Hizikia fusiforme (hijiki). Initially, the six most common arsenic compounds in hijiki and its organs were evaluated, among which only arsenate and arsenobetaine were detected. Thereafter, the entire plant, including the stalk and leaves, was treated with heat and NaCl solution, individually and in combination. Heating at 90 °C for 5 min significantly reduced arsenic content in hijiki by approximately 33-80%. Treatment with NaCl solution significantly reduced arsenic content in hijiki, except for arsenobetaine content in the stalk. Combinatorial treatment further decreased arsenic content by more than 5-20%. In conclusion, consumption of hijiki after boiling at 90 °C and soaking in 2% NaCl solution reduces the intake of inorganic arsenic by consumers.

MR Imaging-Based Evaluations of Olfactory Bulb Atrophy in Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although the olfactory bulb volume as assessed with MR imaging is known to reflect olfactory function, it is not always measured during olfactory pathway assessments in clinical settings. We aimed to evaluate the utility of visual olfactory bulb atrophy and neuropathy analyses using MR imaging in patients with olfactory dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients who presented with subjective olfactory loss between March 2016 and February 2017 were included. Patients underwent a nasal endoscopic examination, olfactory testing with the Korean Version of the Sniffin' Sticks test, and MR imaging. All patients completed the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders. Olfactory bulb atrophy and neuropathy were evaluated on MR images by 2 head and neck radiologists.

RESULTS

The etiology of olfactory loss was chronic rhinosinusitis with/without nasal polyps in 15 (44.1%) patients, respiratory viral infection in 7 (20.6%), trauma in 2 (5.9%), and idiopathic in 10 (29.4%) patients. Although 10 (29.4%) of the 34 patients were normosmic according to the Sniffin' Sticks test, their scores on the other tests were like those of patients who were hyposmic/anosmic according to the Sniffin' Sticks test. However, the detection rate of olfactory bulb atrophy was significantly higher in patients with hyposmia/anosmia than it was in patients with normosmia (P = .002). No difference in olfactory bulb neuropathy was identified among patients with normosmia and hyposmia/anosmia (P = .395).

CONCLUSIONS

MR imaging evaluations of olfactory bulb atrophy can be used to objectively diagnose olfactory dysfunction in patients with subjective olfactory loss.

Biogenic amines in foods

Biogenic amines are produced by bacterial decarboxylation of corresponding amino acids in foods. Concentration of biogenic amines in fermented food products is affected by several factors in the manufacturing process, including hygienic of raw materials, microbial composition, fermentation condition, and the duration of fermentation. Intake of low amount of biogenic amines normally does not have harmful effect on human health. However, when their amount in food is too high and detoxification ability is inhibited or disturbed, biogenic amines could cause problem. To control concentration of BAs in food, decarboxylase activity for amino acids can be regulated. Levels of BAs can be reduced by several methods such as packaging, additives, hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, pasteurization, smoking, starter culture, oxidizing formed biogenic amine, and temperature. The objective of this review paper was to collect, summarize, and discuss necessary information or useful data based on previous studies in terms of BAs in various foods.

Systematic Investigation of the Reduction of Inorganic Arsenic and Bioactive Nutrients in Rice with Various Cooking Techniques

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of polishing, stirring and rinsing, soaking, or pressure-steam cooking on total organic and inorganic arsenic content and to measure daily inorganic arsenic exposure and nutrient values from consumption of rice prepared under the optimal process. With increasing numbers of rinses and times stirred per rinse, the total arsenic content significantly decreased by 27.6% in brown rice and 39.0% in white rice with 10% degree of polishing (10DOP%). The increase in ratio of water to rice from 1.5:1 to 6:1 reduced total arsenic by 4.4 to 7.5%, depending on soaking time. The total arsenic concentrations found in samples prepared using the optimal process for cooked brown rice and for white rice with 5DOP%, 7DOP%, and 10DOP% were 56.1, 49.6, 52.0, and 42.0%, respectively, compared with those after bran residues were removed. The concentration of total dietary fiber in 10DOP% white and brown rice was 0.34 mg/100 g (54.7% reduction) and 2.52 mg/100 g (24.8% reduction) after the cooking process, respectively. Results from the current study suggest that the optimal cooking process could maximize the reduction of arsenic contents and, at the same time, minimize the loss of nutrients from rice.

Ethanol Ablation of Ranulas: Short-Term Follow-Up Results and Clinicoradiologic Factors for Successful Outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Surgical excision of an affected sublingual gland for treatment of a ranula can carry a potential of a nerve damage or postoperative complications. However, there have been little studies about effective minimally invasive therapeutic method, yet. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ethanol ablation of ranulas and the clinicoradiologic factors that can predict outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 23 patients with ranulas treated by percutaneous ethanol ablation. Treatment outcome was assessed in 20 patients followed for at least 6 months. The duration of symptoms before ethanol ablation, pretreatment volume, and parapharyngeal extension on sonography and/or CT were correlated with the outcome. The Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test were used for comparison of the factors according to the outcome.

RESULTS

The study evaluated 14 males and 9 females with a median age of 26 years (range, 3-41 years). Among 20 patients who were followed for at least 6 months (median, 20 months; range, 6-73 months), 9 patients (45%) demonstrated complete disappearance of the ranulas and 11 (55%) showed an incomplete response. When the patients were divided according to the duration of symptoms before ethanol ablation, the complete response rate was significantly higher in patients with ≤12 months of symptoms (73%, 8/11) than that in others (11%, 1/9) (P = .010). Pretreatment volume and parapharyngeal extension were not significantly different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethanol ablation is a safe and noninvasive treatment technique for ranulas with a significantly better outcome in patients with ≤12 months of symptoms. Therefore, it could be considered an alternative nonsurgical approach for ranulas with recent onset of symptoms.

Bactericidal Effect of Calcium Oxide (Scallop-Shell Powder) Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm on Quail Egg Shell, Stainless Steel, Plastic, and Rubber

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of calcium oxide (CaO) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on quail eggshells and major egg contacting surfaces (stainless steel, plastic, and rubber). The samples were subjected to CaO treatments (0%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, 0.25%, and 0.30%) for 1 min. All the CaO treatments significantly reduced P. aeruginosa biofilms on all tested surfaces as compared to controls. In comparison of biofilm stability, the strongest and most resistant biofilm was formed on eggshell against the CaO treatment, followed by rubber, stainless steel, and plastic. In evaluation of bactericidal effect, the largest reduction (3.16 log CFU) was observed in plastic even at the lowest concentration of CaO (0.01%), whereas the least reduction was found in eggshells, regardless of CaO concentration. In addition, stainless steel showed a significant reduction in biofilm formation at all concentrations except 0.10% to 0.15% CaO. At 0.30% CaO, the reduction of P. aeruginosa in biofilms on stainless steel, plastic, rubber, and eggshell were 5.48, 6.37, 4.87, and 3.14 log CFU/cm² (CFU/egg), respectively. Biofilm reduction after CaO treatment was also observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Based on the FE-SEM images, we observed that P. aeruginosa biofilms formed compact aggregations on eggshell surfaces with CaO treatments up to 0.30%. More specifically, a 0.20% CaO treatment resulted in the reductions of 3 to 6 log CFU in all materials.

Determination of total arsenic content and arsenic speciation in different types of rice

The objectives of this study was to examine the amount of total arsenic and arsenic speciation in different types of rice from two areas in Korea using inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography-ICP/MS (HPLC-ICP/MS) and estimate the potential health risk from rice consumption. Brown rice (0% of degree of polishing, DOP%) contained the highest amount of total arsenic followed by 5, 7 and 10 DOP% white rice. Among the arsenic species, As(III) was predominantly detected in brown (0 DOP%) and white rice (10 DOP%), with concentrations ranging from 28.51±0.71 to 51.91±1.13 μg/kg in region A and from 62.1 to 130.4 μg/kg in region B. While estimating the daily arsenic exposure from consumption of polished rice, the expected daily exposure of inorganic arsenic from brown and 10 DOP% white rice was found to be below benchmark dose modeling value for a 0.5% increased incidence of lung cancer (BMDL0.5) (3.0 μg/kg bw per day). Therefore, arsenic in rice, particularly, As(III), tends to accumulate in the outer layer of rice.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy Using Arterial Phase CT for Lateral Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis from Papillary Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Contrast-enhanced CT protocols for papillary thyroid cancer are yet to be optimized. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of arterial phase CT and delayed-phase CT protocols for lateral cervical lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma by using the lymph node tissue attenuation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 327 lateral cervical lymph nodes (177 metastatic and 150 benign) from 131 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (107 initially diagnosed and 24 recurrences). Patients underwent CT by using 1 of 3 protocols: a 70-second (A) or a 35-second (B) delay with 100 mL of iodinated IV contrast or a 25-second delay with 75 mL of IV contrast (C). Two readers independently measured and compared lymph node tissue attenuation between metastatic and benign lymph nodes. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to differentiate metastatic and benign lymph nodes after multiple comparison correction for clustered data and was compared across the protocols.

RESULTS

The difference in mean lymph node tissue attenuation between metastatic and benign lymph nodes was maximum in protocol C (P < .001 for both readers). Protocol C showed the highest diagnostic performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.88-0.92) compared with protocol A (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.73-0.74, P < .001 for both readers) and B (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, .63-0.65, P < .01 for both readers). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of lymph node tissue attenuation by using a 99-HU cutoff value were 83%-87%, 93.7%-97.9%, 95.1%-97.3%, and 81.2%-87%.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of 25-second delay CT and 75 mL of iodinated IV contrast can improve the diagnostic accuracy for lateral lymph node metastasis from papillary thyroid carcinoma compared with a combination of a 35- or 70-second delay with 100-mL of iodinated IV contrast.

Comparison of High-Resolution MR Imaging and Digital Subtraction Angiography for the Characterization and Diagnosis of Intracranial Artery Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

High-resolution MR imaging has recently been introduced as a promising diagnostic modality in intracranial artery disease. Our aim was to compare high-resolution MR imaging with digital subtraction angiography for the characterization and diagnosis of various intracranial artery diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients who had undergone both high-resolution MR imaging and DSA for intracranial artery disease were enrolled in our study (August 2011 to April 2014). The time interval between the high-resolution MR imaging and DSA was within 1 month. The degree of stenosis and the minimal luminal diameter were independently measured by 2 observers in both DSA and high-resolution MR imaging, and the results were compared. Two observers independently diagnosed intracranial artery diseases on DSA and high-resolution MR imaging. The time interval between the diagnoses on DSA and high-resolution MR imaging was 2 weeks. Interobserver diagnostic agreement for each technique and intermodality diagnostic agreement for each observer were acquired.

RESULTS

High-resolution MR imaging showed moderate-to-excellent agreement (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.892-0.949; κ = 0.548-0.614) and significant correlations (R = 0.766-892) with DSA on the degree of stenosis and minimal luminal diameter. The interobserver diagnostic agreement was good for DSA (κ = 0.643) and excellent for high-resolution MR imaging (κ = 0.818). The intermodality diagnostic agreement was good (κ = 0.704) for observer 1 and moderate (κ = 0.579) for observer 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

High-resolution MR imaging may be an imaging method comparable with DSA for the characterization and diagnosis of various intracranial artery diseases.

Isolated Ischemic Contracture of the Mobile Wad: A Report of Two Cases

Two children with isolated ischaemic contractures of the mobile wad (extensor carpi radialis longus, extensor carpi radialis brevis and brachioradialis), which developed after treatment of a supracondylar fracture, are presented. Z-lengthening of the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis tendons improved wrist flexion.

Segmentation and surface reconstruction of a cadaver heart on Mimics software

The Visible Korean research team used Mimics software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) for the segmentation and subsequent surface reconstruction of heart structures using information obtained from sectioned images of a cadaver. Twenty-six heart components were outlined in advance on Photoshop (Adobe Systems, San Jose, CA, USA). By use of the Mimics, the outlined images were then browsed along with the vertical planes as well as the 3-dimensional surface models, which were immediately built by piling the images. Erroneous delineation was readily detected and revised until satisfactory heart models were acquired. The surface models and the selected sectioned images in horizontal, coronal, and sagittal planes were inputted into a PDF file, where any combinations of reconstructed constituents could be displayed and rotated by the user. Mimics software accelerated the segmentation and surface reconstruction of heart anatomical structures. Similar benefits hopefully result from various serial images of other organs. The PDF file, and plane and stereoscopic image data are being distributed to others, and should prove valuable for medical students and clinicians.

Bacteriological quality of vegetables from organic and conventional production in different areas of Korea

Foods grown in organic production systems have been described as representing an increased risk to public health compared with foods from conventional production. Leafy vegetables (spinach, romaine lettuce, and green sesame leaves) grown in organic and conventional systems were collected from various areas in Korea and examined using standard culture methods to compare the microbiological quality of the produce grown in the two agricultural systems. The 354 samples of these leafy vegetables were analyzed for levels of indicator bacteria (aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli) and the prevalence of the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella. Aerobic bacteria and coliforms were detected in all vegetable types, but nonpathogenic E. coli was below the limit of detection in all samples. B. cereus was the most prevalent pathogen, found on 7 (11.1%) of the 63 organic spinach samples. The prevalence of S. aureus was highest in organic sesame leaves; it was found on 5 (8.0%) of the 63 samples. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes was highest on organic romaine lettuce and spinach; it was found in 4 (6.4%) of 63 samples of each type of vegetable. E. coli O157:H7 found on only 1 (1.58%) of 55 conventional spinach samples. These results suggest that farming type at most only slightly affects the hygienic quality of leafy vegetables, and no effect was found for sample collection area. Salmonella was not isolated from any of the conventional or organic leafy vegetables. These results do not support the hypothesis that organic produce poses a substantially greater risk of pathogen contamination than does conventional produce.

Infrared sensor-based aerosol sanitization system for controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh produce

An economical aerosol sanitization system was developed based on sensor technology for minimizing sanitizer usage, while maintaining bactericidal efficacy. Aerosol intensity in a system chamber was controlled by a position-sensitive device and its infrared value range. The effectiveness of the infrared sensor-based aerosolization (ISA) system to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on spinach leaf surfaces was compared with conventional aerosolization (full-time aerosol treated), and the amount of sanitizer consumed was determined after operation. Three pathogens artificially inoculated onto spinach leaf surfaces were treated with aerosolized peracetic acid (400 ppm) for 15, 30, 45, and 60 min at room temperature (22 ± 2°C). Using the ISA system, inactivation levels of the three pathogens were equal or better than treatment with conventional full-time aerosolization. However, the amount of sanitizer consumed was reduced by ca. 40% using the ISA system. The results of this study suggest that an aerosol sanitization system combined with infrared sensor technology could be used for transportation and storage of fresh produce efficiently and economically as a practical commercial intervention.

Effect of various conditions on inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes in fresh-cut lettuce using ultraviolet radiation

The effect of various conditions on inactivation of foodborne pathogens and quality of fresh-cut lettuce during ultraviolet (254 nm, UVC) radiation was investigated. Lettuce was inoculated with a cocktail of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes and treated at different temperatures (4 and 25 °C), distances between sample and lamp (10 and 50 cm), type of exposure (illuminated from one or two sides), UV intensities (1.36 to 6.80 mW/cm²), and exposure times (0.5 to 10 min), sequentially. UV treatment at 25 °C for 1 min achieved 1.45-, 1.35-, and 2.12-log reductions in surface-inoculated E. coli O157:H7, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes, respectively, whereas the reduction of these pathogens at 4 °C was 0.31, 0.57, and 1.16 log, respectively. UV radiation was most effective when distance from UV lamp to the sample was minimal (10 cm) and radiation area was maximal (two-sided exposure). All UV intensities significantly (P<0.05) reduced the three pathogens after 10 min exposure, but the effect of treatment was correlated with UV intensity and exposure time. Color values and texture parameters of lettuce subjected to UV treatment under the optimum conditions (25 °C, 10 cm between sample and lamp, two-sided exposure, 6.80 mW/cm²) were not significantly (P>0.05) different from those of nontreated samples up to 5 min exposure. However, these qualities significantly (P<0.05) changed at prolonged treatment time. These results suggest that UV radiation under optimized conditions could reduce foodborne pathogens without adversely affecting color quality properties of fresh-cut lettuce.

Identification of human and animal fecal contamination after rainfall in the Han River, Korea

We investigated the effect of rainfall on the levels and sources of microbial contamination in the Han River, Korea. Thirty-four samples were collected at two sampling sites located upstream and downstream in the river from July 2010 to February 2011. Various fecal indicator microorganisms, including total coliform, fecal coliform, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., somatic and male-specific (F+) coliphage, and four major enteric viruses were analyzed. Rainfall was positively correlated with the levels of fecal coliform and norovirus at both sampling sites. Additionally, rainfall was positively correlated with the levels of total coliform, E. coli, Enterococcus spp., and F+ coliphage at the upstream site. To identify the source of fecal contamination, microbial source tracking (MST) was conducted using both male-specific (F+) RNA coliphage and the Enterococcus faecium esp gene as previously described. Our results clearly indicated that the majority of fecal contamination at the downstream Han River site was from a human source. At the upstream sampling site, contamination from human fecal matter was very limited; however, fecal contamination from non-point animal sources increased following rainfall. In conclusion, our data suggest that rainfall significantly affects the level and source of fecal contamination in the Han River, Korea.

Combined effects of ultrasound and surfactants to reduce Bacillus cereus spores on lettuce and carrots

This study was performed to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound treatment singly and in combination with surfactants as an alternative method to conventional sanitizers containing chlorine for reducing numbers of Bacillus cereus spores on fresh produce. A cocktail of three strains of B. cereus (10876, ATCC 13061, and W-1) spores was inoculated onto iceberg lettuce and then treated with ultrasound for 0, 5, 10, 20 and 60 min. Five minutes was found to be an adequate ultrasound (40 kHz, 30 W/L) treatment time which also caused no damage to lettuce leaf surfaces as observed through a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). Iceberg lettuce and carrots were inoculated with a cocktail of three strains of B. cereus spores and treated with combinations of ultrasound and various concentrations (0.03 to 0.3%) of surfactant (Tween 20, 40, 60, 80 and Span 20, 80, 85) solutions for 5 min. The efficacy of the combination of ultrasound and surfactant increased depending on the hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB). The most effective treatment for reducing levels of B. cereus spores was the combination of ultrasound and 0.1% Tween 20, yielding reductions of 2.49 and 2.22 log CFU/g on lettuce and carrots, respectively, without causing deterioration of quality. These reductions were 1 log greater than those obtained by immersion in 200 ppm chlorine for 5 min. Further research for elimination of B. cereus spores involving study of spore adhesion and removal mechanisms from food surfaces is needed, as well as devising an industrial-scale ultrasound system for the food industry.

Abstract P2-10-39: Does E-cadherin or N-cadherin or epithelial-mesenchymal transition have a probability of clinical implication of the prognostic marker in invasive ductal carcinoma?

Purpose: Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is widely accepted hypothesis of progression and metastasis in carcinoma. EMT can be explained as a loss of epithelial features and gain of mesenchymal properties, and in the same manner, it can be characterized by down-regulation of epithelial cellular markers, such as E-cadherin (EC) and up-regulation of mesenchymal cellular markers, such as N-cadherin (NC). Breast cancer has a diverse clinical spectrum, treatments and prognosis according to clinicopathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical features. Identifying the presence of EMT also would be able to predict the prognosis and design better and customized therapy. Our objective was to evaluate expression of the EC/NC and EMT and correlation between EMT and clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical features and to investigate clinical implication of the EC/NC and EMT as prognostic marker in breast cancer.

Methods: Using the clinicopathologic data of 480 patients who underwent operation for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) during February 2001 to December 2008. 282 patients with good quality of paraffin embedded tissue block were selected. The ER and PR immunohistochemistry was scored using the Allred Score. EC and NC expression were classified on the basis of intensity of immunohistochemistry staining. The gain of a mesenchymal marker or loss of an epithelial marker was interpreted as EMT-positive. In this study, breast cancer was classified into four types according to the immunohistochemical expression of ER, PR and HER2 expression on immunohistochemical analysis and/or with HER2 gene by FISH analysis: luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched, and triple negative type.

Results: Median follow-up period was 52.6 months (range 1–113) and median age was 49 years (range 27–79). Of total 282 cases, 152 (53.9%) cases were classified as luminal A, 32 (11.3%) classified as luminal B, 43 (15.2%) cases were HER2-enriched and 55 (19.5%) cases were triple negative type. Expression of a mesenchymal marker, NC was observed in 22 (7.8%) patients and loss of an epithelial marker, EC was observed in 57 (20.2%) cases. A total of 75 (26.6%) were interpreted as EMT-positive. NC score was associated with HER2-enriched, and triple negative molecular subtype (P = 0.0234). NC status was associated with HER2 positive status (P = 0.0456) and HER2-enriched, triple negative molecular subtype (P = 0.0029). EMT correlated with ER negative status (P = 0.0199). T stage (P &lt; 0.001), N stage (P &lt; 0.001) and TNM stage (P &lt; 0.001) and ER (P = 0.0403) and PR (P = 0.0041) status significantly influenced disease-free survival (DFS). Age (P = 0.0185) and T stage (P = 0.0017), N stage (P &lt; 0.001) and ER (P = 0.0048), and PR status (P = 0.0072), molecular subtype (P = 0.0372), significantly influenced overall survival (OS). The status of the EC/NC and EMT did not significantly affect DFS or OS.

Conclusion: NC status was associated with HER2 positive status and HER2-enriched, triple negative molecular subtype. And EMT correlated with ER negative status. EC/NC and EMT status have relevance to a specific molecular subtype or a probability of clinical implication of the poor prognostic marker in breast cancer.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-10-39.

Spray method for recovery of heat-injured Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes

Selective agar is inadequate for supporting recovery of injured cells. During risk assessment of certain foods, both injured and noninjured cells must be enumerated. In this study, a new method (agar spray method) for recovering sublethally heat-injured microorganisms was developed and used for recovery of heat-injured Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes. Molten selective agar was applied as an overlay to presolidified nonselective tryptic soy agar (TSA) by spray application. Heat-injured cells (55°C for 10 min in 0.1% peptone water or 55°C for 15 min in sterilized skim milk) were inoculated directly onto solidified TSA. After a 2-h incubation period for cell repair, selective agar was applied to the TSA surface with a sprayer, and the plates were incubated. The recovery rate for heat-injured Salmonella Typhimurium and L. monocytogenes with the spray method was compared with the corresponding rates associated with TSA alone, selective media alone, and the conventional overlay method (selective agar poured on top of resuscitated cells grown on TSA and incubated for 2 h). No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in pathogen recovery obtained with TSA, the overlay method, and the spray method. However, a lower recovery rate (P < 0.05) was obtained for isolation of injured cells on selective media. Overall, these results indicate that the agar spray method is an acceptable alternative to the conventional overlay method and is a simpler and more convenient approach to recovery and detection of injured cells.

Inactivation of biofilm cells of foodborne pathogen by aerosolized sanitizers

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of aerosolized sanitizers on the inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms. Biofilms were formed on a stainless steel and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coupon by using a mixture of three strains each of three foodborne pathogens. Six day old biofilms on stainless steel and PVC coupons were treated with aerosolized sodium hypochlorite (SHC; 100 ppm) and peracetic acid (100, 200, and 400 ppm) in a model cabinet for 5, 10, 30, and 50 min. Treatment with 100 ppm PAA was more effective than the same concentration of SHC with increasing treatment time. Exposure to 100 ppm SHC and PAA for 50 min significantly (p<0.05) reduced biofilm cells of three foodborne pathogens (0.50 to 3.63 log CFU/coupon and 2.83 to more than 5.78 log CFU/coupon, respectively) compared to the control treatment. Exposure to 200 and 400 ppm PAA was more effective in reducing biofilm cells. Biofilm cells were reduced to below the detection limit (1.48 log CFU/coupon) between 10 and 30 min of exposure. The results of this study suggest that aerosolized sanitizers have a potential as a biofilm control method in the food industry.

Comparative rapid onset of efficacy between doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system and tamsulosin in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia: a multicentre, prospective, randomised study

AIMS

To compare the rapidity of improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) for the doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) and tamsulosin in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

METHODS

A total of 207 patients were randomised to one of two groups for a 12-week daily treatment with doxazosin-GITS 4 mg or tamsulosin 0.2 mg. The primary end-point was to compare the early onsets of efficacy between the two drugs. This was assessed by analysing the changes from baseline in the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the early period of treatment. Secondary aims were to compare improvements in obstructive/irritative subscore and quality of life (QoL) score between the two groups, and to evaluate the adverse events (AEs) with the drugs.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks of treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in IPSS scores (total, obstructive and irritative subscores, QoL score) from baseline (p < 0.0001). However, the doxazosin-GITS group showed significantly greater improvements in total IPSS and obstructive subscore than the tamsulosin group in the early period (p < 0.05). Improvements in irritative subscore (within 4 weeks) and QoL score (during 12 weeks) were not significantly different between the groups. The incidences of AEs were similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

In this study, doxazosin-GITS showed significantly more rapid onset of efficacy and similar AEs compared with tamsulosin in BPH patients with LUTS. We believe this will probably improve patient compliance. Future studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period will be required to confirm this.

Use of organic acids to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on organic fresh apples and lettuce

This study was undertaken to investigate the antimicrobial effect of organic acids against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes on whole red organic apples and lettuce. Several studies have been conducted to evaluate organic acids as sanitizers. However, no studies have compared antimicrobial effects of various organic acids on organic fresh produce, including evaluation of color changes of produce. Apples and lettuce were inoculated with a cocktail of 3 strains each of 3 foodborne pathogens provided above and treated with 1% and 2% organic acids (propionic, acetic, lactic, malic, and citric acid) for 0, 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 min. With increasing treatment time and acid concentration, organic acid treatments showed significant reduction compared to the control treatment (distilled water), and differences in antimicrobial effects between organic acids were observed. After 10 min of treatment with 1% and 2% organic acids in apples, propionic (0.92 to 2.75 log reduction), acetic (0.52 to 2.78 log reduction), lactic (1.69 to >3.42 log reduction), malic (1.48 to >3.42 log reduction), and citric acid (1.52 to >3.42 log reduction) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antibacterial effects against 3 foodborne pathogens compared to the control treatment. In lettuce, propionic (0.93 to 1.52 log reduction), acetic (1.13 to 1.74 log reduction), lactic (1.87 to 2.54 log reduction), malic (2.32 to 2.98 log reduction), and citric acid (1.85 to 2.86 log reduction) showed significant (P < 0.05) effects compared to the control treatment. Changes in sample color subjected to organic acids treatment were not significant during storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

It is suggested that organic acids have a potential as sanitizers for organic fresh produce. These data may help the organic produce industry provide safe fresh produce for consumers.

Simulations of infrared and optical rectification by geometrically asymmetric metal-vacuum-metal junctions for applications in energy conversion devices

We use a transfer-matrix methodology to simulate the rectification of infrared and optical radiation by geometrically asymmetric metal-vacuum-metal junctions in which one of the metals is flat while the other is extended by a tip. We determine in particular the power this junction could provide to an external load and the efficiency with which the energy of incident radiations is converted. We consider first situations in which the external radiation is monochromatic, with typical frequencies in the infrared and optical domains. We then consider situations in which the external radiation consists of a full range of frequencies, with amplitudes that are representative of a focused beam of solar radiation. We investigate in particular how the efficiency of the rectification is affected by the aspect ratio of the tip, the work function of the metallic elements and the occurrence of polarization resonances. Our results demonstrate that the rectification of infrared and optical radiation is possible using devices of the type considered in this work. They finally provide a quantitative analysis of the efficiency of this rectification.

Computed tomographic assessment of reduction of the distal radioulnar joint by gradual lengthening of the radius

Congruency of the distal radioulnar joint was assessed by computed tomography after gradual lengthening of the radius in patients with considerable ulnar positive variance of mean 12 (range 10-17) mm and chronic dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Six patients of mean age 25 years were treated by radial osteotomy and subsequent gradual lengthening using either a single-rod or a half-ring external fixator, which was applied for a mean of 81 days. The causes of deformity were distal radial epiphyseal injury in four, malunion of a radius shaft fracture in one and Madelung deformity in one. Computed tomography scans taken at 1 year postoperatively demonstrated that all patients had a congruent distal radioulnar joint. All patients achieved symptom and radiographic parameter improvements at a mean follow-up of 40 months. A disadvantage was unattractive scars on a cosmetically important surface of the forearm. Given a relatively intact bony contour of the distal radioulnar joint, congruent reduction of the distal radioulnar joint can be obtained by gradual lengthening of the radius.

Complications of distraction lengthening in the hand

This study examined the features of 16 complications from 51 distraction lengthenings in the hands of 43 patients. From 1996 to 2006, 24 metacarpals and 27 phalanges were lengthened at a rate of 0.5 and 0.25 mm/day, respectively, using a callus distraction technique. The indications were congenital (33 cases in 27 patients) and traumatic (18 cases in 16 patients) deformities. The average percentage lengthening in the phalanges and metacarpals was 62% (16 mm) and 63% (34 mm), respectively. The distraction rates in the phalanges and metacarpals were 69 and 52 days/cm, respectively. The overall complication rate was 31%. Major complications requiring secondary procedures were non-union (one case), fracture (one case), premature union (one case), angulations (two cases) and dislodgment of pins (two cases). The minor complications encountered were delayed callus formation (four cases), joint stiffness (four cases) and soft tissue thinning (one case). Traumatic deformities had more complications than the congenital ones (nine of 18 cases and seven of 33 cases, respectively). The phalanges had a higher rate of complication than the metacarpals (11 of 27 cases and four of 24 cases, respectively). Most patients with complications except for two children with dislodgment were as satisfied with the final results as those without complications. Although callus distraction in the hand requires a long treatment period and has a relatively high rate of complication, it appears to be effective in achieving adequate bone length. A high level of patient compliance and prompt management of complications by an experienced surgeon are essential for achieving good results.