Several studies have proved the efficacy of probiotics for preven

Several studies have proved the efficacy of probiotics for preventing such diseases including cancers, infections, allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases and autoimmune diseases. Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (LcS) is one of the most popular probiotics, benefits of which in health maintenance and disease control have been supported by several science-based evidences. This review summarizes human clinical trials with this probiotic against cancer development and also discusses the possible

immunomodulatory mechanisms by which LcS exerts anti-cancer activity.”
“IMPORTANCE Identifying associations between preschool-aged children’s electronic media use and their later well-being is essential to supporting positive long-term outcomes. OBJECTIVE To investigate

possible dose-response Liproxstatin-1 associations of young children’s electronic media use with their later well-being. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The IDEFICS (Identification and Prevention of Dietary- and Lifestyle-Induced Health Effects BIX01294 in Children and Infants) study is a prospective cohort study with an intervention component. Data were collected at baseline from September 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, and at follow-up from September 1, 2009, through May 31, 2010, in 8 European countries participating in the IDEFICS study. This investigation is based on 3604 children aged 2 to 6 years who participated in the longitudinal component of the IDEFICS study only and not in the intervention. EXPOSURE Early childhood electronic media use. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The following 6 indicators of well-being from 2 validated instruments were used as outcomes at follow-up: Peer problems and Emotional problems subscales from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Emotional well-being, Self-esteem, Family functioning, and Social networks subscales from the KINDLR (Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents-Revised Version). Each scale was dichotomized to identify those children at risk for poorer outcomes. Indicators

of electronic media use (weekday and weekend television and electronic game [e-game]/computer use) from baseline were used as predictors. RESULTS Associations varied between boys and girls; however, associations suggested that increased levels of electronic media use predicted Navitoclax poorer well-being outcomes. Television viewing on weekdays or weekends was more consistently associated with poorer outcomes than e-game/computer use. Across associations, the likelihood of adverse outcomes in children ranged from a 1.2- to 2.0-fold increase for emotional problems and poorer family functioning for each additional hour of television viewing or e-game/computer use depending on the outcome examined. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Higher levels of early childhood electronic media use are associated with children being at risk for poorer outcomes with some indicators of well-being.

This review provides a general overview of the biology of leptin,

This review provides a general overview of the biology of leptin, important laboratory studies, and animal and clinical models that have provided evidence for an active role of leptin in the proliferation, progression, and survival of mammary tumors. Sapitinib supplier Finally, this review addresses the most recent studies on the use of leptin receptor antagonists as a novel therapeutic treatment for BC.”
“Early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is still a challenge; the present study aimed to establish a method of detecting the antigen early secreted antigenic target

6 (ESAT-6) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbance assay (ELISA) protocol and to study the value of detecting

ESAT-6 BB-94 manufacturer in CSF in the early diagnosis of TBM.\n\nAn indirect ELISA protocol was used, employing a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against ESAT-6, which was used to demonstrate ESAT-6 in the CSF from TBM patients and non-TBM controls. CSF was obtained from 100 patients: confirmed TBM, clinically diagnosed TBM, disease controls, and healthy controls (n = 10). Pure recombinant ESAT-6 (standard product) was used in serial dilutions to detect the absorbance and to establish a standard curve from the data; the concentration was on the X axis vs. absorbance on the Y axis, and the standard curve was used to interpolate the concentration of ESAT-6 in samples.\n\nThe indirect ELISA method provided 88 % sensitivity and 92 % specificity for the diagnosis of TBM LY3023414 order using a mAb to ESAT-6. The mean concentration of ESAT-6 in TBM patients was significantly higher than that of the non-TBM groups. There was also a significant difference in the mean ESAT-6 expression between the confirmed TBM patients and the clinically diagnosed TBM patients (p < 0.01).\n\nDetection of ESAT-6 in the CSF of TBM patients by indirect ELISA protocol gives a reliable early diagnosis and can be used to develop an immunodiagnostic assay with increased sensitivity and specificity.”
“Objective:

Pituitary carcinomas are extremely rare tumors associated with poor prognosis despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The hallmark of diagnosis implies subarachnoid, brain, or systemic tumor spread.\n\nMethods: We report a case of rapid transformation of atypical nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma to a carcinoma.\n\nResults: A 64-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a pituitary macroadenoma (2.2 x 2.1 cm) with invasion of the right cavernous sinus. Biochemical data was consistent with a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Pathology showed a pituitary adenoma with negative immunohistochemistry for pituitary hormones. The patient returned a month later with weakness, lethargy, and a dilated nonreactive right pupil. MRI showed an invasive large mass (5 x 4.7 cm).

Methods In this paper we review the issues in communication o

\n\nMethods In this paper we review the issues in communication of benefits and harms of medical interventions and discuss these in terms of the principles of the balance sheet proposed in this supplement.\n\nResults The balance sheet can be seen as a tool to convey estimates based on the best available evidence and addressed to a readership wider than just potential screening participants. It reflects a re-assessment of screening efficacy, showing again that screening is effective and brings more benefits than harms. It can be viewed as an opportunity

to re-affirm some basic principles of good evidence-based communication. Further research is needed to improve communication strategy, to assess the impact of this communication CFTRinh172 on women’s awareness and to evaluate its utility

in the informed decision-making process.\n\nConclusion The balance sheet could be a Angiogenesis inhibitor starting point for a broader vision of informed decision-making in screening, which should also recognize the role played by ‘non-numerical’ factors on women’s choice of participating in breast cancer screening.”
“Background: Although several studies have compared a conventional transtibial technique with an anteromedial (AM) portal technique for single-bundle (SB) anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, no study to date has investigated whether the modified transtibial technique results in the femoral tunnel being in a similar anatomic position and produces similar clinical outcomes with those of the AM portal technique. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes and femoral tunnel position of SB ACL reconstruction using a modified

transtibial technique (creating a femoral tunnel with varus and internal rotation of the tibia as well as modification of the tibial tunnel orientation) with those of SB ACL reconstruction using an AM portal technique. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 40 patients (40 knees) who underwent selleck products arthroscopic SB ACL reconstruction were included in this study. Patients were randomized using a computer-generated sequence into 2 groups: 20 patients by the modified transtibial technique (group 1) and 20 patients by the AM portal technique (group 2). Clinical evaluations included the 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity scale, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, 2000 IKDC knee examination, and KT-1000 arthrometer measurement. Three-dimensional computed tomography scans were analyzed according to the quadrant method, and the obliquity of the femoral tunnels in the coronal and sagittal planes and the size of the tunnel orifice were measured. Results: All clinical parameters improved significantly after SB ACL reconstruction, with no between-group differences. The mean distance of the femoral tunnel center location from the posterior condylar surface (0.8% difference; P = .167) and from the Blumensaat line (2.


“OBJECTIVE To determine patients’ knowledge regarding thei


“OBJECTIVE To determine patients’ knowledge regarding their nerve-sparing status (NSS) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and what

factors during their clinical click here treatment are associated with this. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients attending an erectile dysfunction clinic in Toronto, Canada, with a prior RP were surveyed from December 2010 to June 2011. Patients were questioned whether they had undergone a nerve-sparing procedure and, if so, whether it was unilateral or bilateral. Patients were assessed on both knowledge (known vs unknown) and accuracy (correct vs incorrect) regarding their NSS. Operative reports were used to determine the true NSS of each patient. RESULTS Thirty-nine percent of patients had no knowledge of their NSS. Forty-five percent of patients were able to correctly identify their NSS, including only

19% of patients undergoing a nonenerve-sparing procedure. On univariate analysis, factors associated with patients correctly knowing their NSS were age, having a nerve-sparing strategy dictated in the preoperative clinic note, nerve sparing included in the surgical consent form, and type of nerve-sparing procedure performed. On multivariate analysis, planned nerve-sparing approach dictated in the preoperative note (odds ratio [ OR], 4.86), nerve sparing included in surgical consent (OR, 3.76), time since surgery (OR, 0.99), and having a bilateral nerve-sparing procedure (OR, 5.91) were associated with correctly identifying one’s NSS. CONCLUSION After RP, a significant proportion of patients with erectile

selleck kinase inhibitor dysfunction have no knowledge of whether Adavosertib manufacturer they underwent a nerve-sparing procedure. By discussing with patients the planned nerve-sparing technique preoperatively and counseling them on their NSS postoperatively, urologists may be able to improve on patient recollection of their NSS. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc.”
“Purpose: To evaluate the mechanisms underlying gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following esophageal atresia (EA) repair and gastroesophageal function in infants and adults born with EA. Methods: Ten consecutive infants born with EA as well as 10 randomly selected adult EA patients were studied during their first postoperative follow-up visit and a purposely planned visit, respectively. A C-13-octanoate breath test and esophageal pH-impedance-manometry study were performed. Mechanisms underlying GER and esophageal function were evaluated. Results: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) was the most common mechanism underlying GER in infants and adults (66% and 62%, respectively). In 66% of all GER episodes, no clearing mechanism was initiated. On EFT, normal motility patterns were seen in six patients (four infants, two adults). One of these adults had normal motility overall ( bigger than 80% of swallows). Most swallows (78.8%) were accompanied by abnormal motility patterns. Despite this observation, impedance showed normal bolus transit in 40.9% of swallows.

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved “
“To investigate

(C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“To investigate the ameliorative potential of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate on intensive-swimming-induced testicular disorders, 48 Wistar male rats (age, 4 months; mass, 146.2 +/- 3.6 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups: the unexercised-control group (n = 12); the exercised group ( n = 12);

the control supplemented group ( n = 12); and the exercised supplemented group ( n = 12). For 10 weeks, the exercised rats underwent a protocol that consisted of 4 h.d(-1) swimming, for 6 d week(-1); the control rats did not exercise. For 10 weeks, both the supplemented selleck chemicals llc groups received an oral daily dose of a combination of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate (6 and 3 mg.kg body mass(-1), respectively). After 10 weeks, a significant reduction ( p < 0.05) was seen in rats in the exercised group, compared with rats in both control groups, in paired testicular masses; in epididymal sperm count; in testicular Delta(5), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

(HSD) and 17 beta-HSD; in plasma levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin; in the numbers of preleptotine spermatocytes, midpachytene spermatocytes, and stage 7 spermatids of the stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle; and in fertility selleck inhibitor performance. As well, a significant increase ( p < 0.05) was seen in the exercised group, compared with both control groups, in plasma corticosterone levels and in testicular content of malondialdehyde and catalase activity. At the same time, there was a significant reduction

( p < 0.05) in the exercised group, compared with both control groups, in plasma concentrations of zinc and selenium; in the testicular content of glutathione (GSH), the glutathione and glutathione disulphide ( GSSG) ratio, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol; and in testicular activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the testes. No significant changes were seen in the number of spermatogonia-A from the stage VII seminiferous epithelium cycle or the testicular ATM/ATR signaling pathway content of GSSG among the groups. Sodium selenite and zinc sulfate supplementation significantly protected against exercise-induced testicular gamatogenic and spermatogenic disorders, prevented testicular oxidative stress, and increased antioxidant status. It can be concluded that intensive-swimming-induced oxidative stress causes dysfunctions in the male reproductive system, which can be protected by the coadministration of sodium selenite and zinc sulfate.”
“In bacteria, mitotic stability of plasmids and many chromosomes depends on replicon-specific systems, which comprise a centromere, a centromere-binding protein and an ATPase.

Here, we report the crystal structure of HypBA1 in the ligand-fre

Here, we report the crystal structure of HypBA1 in the ligand-free and beta-L-arabinofuranose complex forms. The structure of HypBA1

consists of a catalytic barrel domain and two additional beta-sandwich domains, with one beta-sandwich domain involved in the formation of a dimer. Interestingly, there is an unprecedented metal-binding motif with Zn2+ coordinated by glutamate and three cysteines in the active site. The glutamate residue is located far from the anomeric carbon of the beta-L-arabinofuranose ligand, but one cysteine residue is appropriately located for nucleophilic attack for glycosidic bond cleavage. The residues around the active site are highly conserved among GH127 members. Based on biochemical experiments and quantum selleck inhibitor mechanical calculations, a possible reaction mechanism involving cysteine as the nucleophile is proposed. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“There have been reports of in-vitro interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral activity against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) through microRNAs (miRNAs). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of several miRNAs (miR-1, miR-30, miR-128, miR-196, miR-296) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals after in vitro IFN-treatment and in PBMCs from patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) before

and 12 hours after the first injection of pegylated IFN alpha. We demonstrated learn more that expression of these miRNAs could be recorded in PBMCs collected from healthy individuals before and after in-vitro IFN alpha treatment. Our analysis revealed that the levels

of expression of all BMS-777607 miRNAs investigated in patients with CHC were different to those in healthy individuals. When levels of the miRNAs were measured 12 hours after the first IFN injection, increases in expression levels of IFN-induced miRNAs were observed in 25-50% of patients, depending on the type of miRNA examined. No correlations were observed between HCV viral load, alanine aminotransferase status and expression of miRNA. Together these findings suggest that: (i) IFN alpha in-vitro treatment of PBMCs leads to a transcriptional induction of all miRNAs investigated; (ii) miRNAs can be induced differentially by IFN treatment in patients with HCV. Given the importance of miRNAs in defending the host against virus infections, it is possible that IFN-induced miRNAs may represent an important determinant of the clinical outcome of IFN therapy in HCV infection.”
“Ants are a highly successful family of insects that thrive in a variety of habitats across the world. Perhaps their best-known features are complex social organization and strict division of labor, separating reproduction from the day-to-day maintenance and care of the colony, as well as strict discrimination against foreign individuals.

These results add molecular insights into turbot immune response

These results add molecular insights into turbot immune response induced by megalocytivirus and provide candidate proteins with application potentials in the control of megalocytivirus-associated disease. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.”
“center dot Tomorrow’s Doctors provides overarching outcomes for undergraduate medical students on prescribing skills; however, detailed learning outcomes are not available.\n\nWHAT THIS STUDY ADDS\n\ncenter dot This study provides additional guidance for medical schools and teachers by

setting out detailed learning outcomes for prescribing.\n\ncenter dot The outcomes reflect the recent emphasis on teamwork and communication, as well as the need to minimize medication errors.\n\ncenter dot This is a further step towards defining practical GDC-0068 ic50 prescribing competence.\n\nAIMS\n\nThe question of whether new medical graduates are adequately prepared for the challenge of prescribing has been raised. Although broad outcomes for prescribing competency have been agreed, clarity is needed on the detailed outcomes expected of new AG 14699 graduates. This study aimed to create a consensus on the

required competencies for new graduates in the area of prescribing.\n\nMETHODS\n\nWe used a modified Delphi approach based on the findings of a systematic review of educational interventions for improved prescribing. Panellists were asked to rank the importance of a list of 53 possible learning outcomes and to add any additional outcomes felt

to be missing.\n\nRESULTS\n\nOf the 48 experts who were invited to participate, this website 28 agreed (58%). Forty-five learning outcomes were included from the original list of 53. A further nine outcomes were suggested by panellists, of which five were included. The wording of three outcomes was changed in line with suggestions from the panellists. Many of the agreed outcomes relate to improving patient safety through medication review, checking appropriateness of the drug for the patient, recognizing the prescriber’s limitations and seeking advice when needed. Enhanced communication with the patient and healthcare team, better documentation in the notes and discharge letters were key areas featured in this Delphi exercise.\n\nDISCUSSION\n\nThis study has identified 50 learning outcomes for teaching prescribing. These build on the existing British Pharmacological Society document by focusing specifically on prescribing, with greater emphasis on avoiding medication errors and better communication.”
“Little is known on the difference in the incidence of vulvar and vaginal melanomas in various racial/ethnic groups. Population-based incidence of these melanomas in Asian and Hispanic individuals is almost unknown.

If multisynaptic

afferents to the SCN are included, the n

If multisynaptic

afferents to the SCN are included, the number expands to approximately brain 85 areas providing input to the SCN. The IGL, a known contributor to circadian rhythm regulation, has a still greater level of complexity. This nucleus connects abundantly throughout the brain (to approximately 100 regions) by pathways that are largely bilateral and reciprocal. Few of these sites have been evaluated for their contributions to circadian rhythm regulation, although most have a theoretical possibility of doing so via the GHT. The anatomy of IGL connections suggests AG-120 research buy that one of its functions may be regulation of eye movements during sleep. Together, neural circuits AZD4547 purchase of the SCN and IGL are complex and interconnected. As yet, few have been tested with respect to their involvement in rhythm regulation. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.”
“Introduction. – Sleep inertia refers to the inability to attain full alertness following awakening from sleep and is a major component of hypersomnia. As event-related potentials (ERPs) are correlated to the degree of consciousness, they allow exploring information processing in transitional states of vigilance. Their modifications during forced awakening (FA) context have been shown

to reflect sleep inertia.\n\nObjectives. – To assess the diagnostic value of a FA test using an oddball stimulation protocol during a nap in a representative sample of patients with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).\n\nMethods. – One hundred and seventy three patients [30 narcolepsy, 62 idiopathic hypersomnia, 33 sleep apnoea syndrome, and 48 other (mainly psychiatric) hypersomnia] performed an auditory target detection stimulation task during pre-, post-nap wakefulness, and during two successive intra-nap FA while the EEG was simultaneously recorded. Both the accuracy of target detection and the ERPs were evaluated. ERPs during forced awakening test were Selleckchem SB202190 considered to reflect sleep inertia if they presented with a P300 delay and/or sleep negativities (N350/N550).\n\nResults. – Pre-nap behavior and ERPs were

normal in all patients. Behavioral results were significantly worse during FA than during wakefulness for all groups of patients. P300 latencies were significantly delayed on FA conditions in each group of patients except the psychiatric group. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of sleep inertia were 64% and 94%, respectively, with predictive values of 96% (positive) and 50% (negative).\n\nConclusions. – Our results suggest that the FA test could be helpful as a diagnostic procedure for discriminating neurological from psychiatric hypersomnia. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.”
“Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is classically described as a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism in mammals.

A2 was isolated from the sewage of a pesticide mill in China One

A2 was isolated from the sewage of a pesticide mill in China. One member of Klebsiella sp. A1 is a novel strain that could use atrazine as the sole carbon and nitrogen source. The consortium showed high atrazine-mineralizing efficiency and about Selleck ACY-1215 83.3% of 5 g l(-1) atrazine could be mineralized after 24 h degradation. Contrary to many other reported microorganisms, the consortium was insensitive to some nitrogenous fertilizers commonly used, not only in presence of 200 mg l(-1) atrazine but also in 5 g l(-1) atrazine mediums. After 24 h incubation, 200 mg l(-1) atrazine was completely mineralized despite of the presence of urea, (NH(4))(2)CO(3) and

(NH(4))(2)HPO(4) in the medium. Very minor influence was observed when NH(4)Cl was added as additional nitrogen source. Advantages of the simple consortium, high mineralizing efficiency and insensitivity to most of exogenous nitrogen sources, all suggested application potential of the consortium for the CYT387 concentration bioremediation of atrazine-contaminated soils and waters.”
“OncoLogic (R) is a software program able to screen chemical compounds for toxicological effects. The software predicts the potential carcinogenicity of chemicals by applying rules of structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis. To validate the predictivity of OncoLogic (R) (Version 7.0), 123 compounds tested with the long-term carcinogenicity

bioassay on rodents were extracted from the ISSCAN database and were analyzed. The concordance between the OncoLogic (R) SAR analysis and the bioassay results was high. To better understand the strength of the SAR science in OncoLogic (R), we investigated

the influence of a select group of modulating factors on the predictions by the see more structural alerts.”
“The cochlear implant is the most successful bionic prosthesis and has transformed the lives of people with profound hearing loss. However, the performance of the “bionic ear” is still largely constrained by the neural interface itself. Current spread inherent to broad monopolar stimulation of the spiral ganglion neuron somata obviates the intrinsic tonotopic mapping of the cochlear nerve. We show in the guinea pig that neurotrophin gene therapy integrated into the cochlear implant improves its performance by stimulating spiral ganglion neurite regeneration. We used the cochlear implant electrode array for novel “close-field” electroporation to transduce mesenchymal cells lining the cochlear perilymphatic canals with a naked complementary DNA gene construct driving expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter. The focusing of electric fields by particular cochlear implant electrode configurations led to surprisingly efficient gene delivery to adjacent mesenchymal cells. The resulting BDNF expression stimulated regeneration of spiral ganglion neurites, which had atrophied 2 weeks after ototoxic treatment, in a bilateral sensorineural deafness model.

The changes in Glx raise the possibility that behavior therapy an

The changes in Glx raise the possibility that behavior therapy and medication treat OCD symptoms through similar pathways. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: To review the

available methods of evaluating the small airways disease in asthma and the therapeutic strategies to achieve better control using emerging extrafine particle inhaler technologies.\n\nData Sources: The PubMed, MEDLINE (Ebsco), Scirus, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were all scanned with Cross-search using the following keywords: asthma, small airways, hydrofluoroalkane 134a, extrafine particle, inhaled corticosteroid, long-acting b-agonist, spirometry, impulse oscillometry, nitrogen washout, exhaled nitric oxide, airway hyperresponsiveness, and adrenal suppression.\n\nStudy Selection: Key clinical studies considered THZ1 solubility dmso to being relevant to the topic under review were evaluated.\n\nResults: Selleck Navitoclax There is an unmet need in current asthma guidelines for those individuals who exhibit the small airways asthma phenotype with a preserved forced expiratory volume in 1 second but abnormal forced midexpiratory flow and peripheral airway resistance, which tends to be associated with poorer control. Extrafine hydrofluoroalkane solution formulations of inhaled corticosteroid either alone or in combination with long-acting

b-agonist may improve small airways outcomes and associated control.\n\nConclusion: www.selleckchem.com/products/stattic.html From a pragmatic perspective, it makes sense to try to deliver asthma treatment to more of the lung to improve clinical outcomes, especially in patients who exhibit the small airways asthma phenotype. (C) 2013 American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier

Inc. All rights reserved.”
“The ability to predict meat drip loss by using either near infrared spectra (SPECTRA) or different meat quality (MQ) measurements, Such as pH(24), Minolta L*, a*, b* along with different chemometric approach, was investigated. Back propagation (BP) and counter propagation (CP) artificial neural networks (ANN) were used and compared to PLS (partial least squares) regression. Prediction models were created either by using MQ measurements or by using NIR spectral data as independent predictive variables. The analysis consisted of 312 samples of longissimus dorsi muscle. Data were split into training and test set using 2D Kohonen map. The error of drip loss prediction was similar for ANN (2.2-2.6%) and PLS models (2.2-2.5%) and it was higher for SPECTRA (2.5-2.6%) than for MQ (2.2-2.3%) based models. Nevertheless. the SPECTRA based models gave reasonable prediction errors and due to their simplicity of data acquisition represent an acceptable alternative to classical meat quality based models. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.