In the setting of macroscopically active inflammation, the pathol

In the setting of macroscopically active inflammation, the pathologic diagnosis of dysplasia is often more challenging, primarily because of the difficulty in differentiating inflammation-associated regenerative changes and true dysplasia. In the setting of healing UC, epithelial regeneration occurs with changes that may mimic dysplasia, especially in the eyes of the less experienced pathologist. The epithelial cells become cuboidal with

eccentric, large nuclei, mucin depletion, and prominent nucleoli.20 As a result, pathologists may need to interpret such biopsy specimens as “indefinite for dysplasia” or undiagnosable for dysplasia. Therefore, in addition to the pursuit of mucosal healing as a method of primary prevention of dysplasia and CRC, its BIBF 1120 clinical trial achievement may also provide benefit in secondary prevention of CRC, defined as the accurate detection of existing precancerous lesions by gastroenterologists and pathologists. Completing a surveillance colonoscopy in the setting of mucosal healing should improve visualization of neoplastic lesions for the endoscopist, and improve the ability of pathologists to distinguish regenerative change from true dysplasia. The pathophysiology of colitis-associated dysplasia and cancer have implicated the molecular products of chronic inflammation from both innate and

adaptive immune cells in the development of a risk-increasing “field effect” of genetic changes in IBD-associated neoplasia.21 This relationship is supported by the severity of histologic inflammation as an Fluorouracil cell line independent risk factor for neoplastic progression.22 and 23 In addition to directly reducing inflammation, medical therapy may play a primary chemopreventive role, altering the molecular pathways to dysplasia development (Box 2). 5-Aminosalicylic acid With demonstrated clinical efficacy and Pregnenolone favorable safety profile, 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)

derivatives are the foundational first-line therapy for the induction and maintenance of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. In addition to the clinical benefit of their anti-inflammatory mechanism, advances in understanding the mechanisms of action reveal multiple molecular chemopreventive properties, including: promotion of cell-cycle arrest to increase the stability of the genome and DNA replication fidelity; inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby regulating angiogenesis via prostaglandin synthesis; scavenging of free radicals and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species to reduce DNA oxidative stress and microsatellite instability; and induction of expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), a potent tumor suppressor that interferes with canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity for prevention of CRC.

Patients carrying the corresponding ApaI CC genotype had a higher

Patients carrying the corresponding ApaI CC genotype had a higher prevalence (34%) of HCC than those with CA (19.2%) or AA type (12.5%)

(P = 0.024). In contrast, BsmI and TaqI polymorphisms were not significantly associated with disease severity of chronic HCV infection. As shown in Table 2, patients with HCC carried a higher ratio of ApaI CC genotype compared to those with chronic hepatitis (P = 0.001) or cirrhosis (P = 0.026). Trametinib chemical structure As shown in Table 3, univariate analysis revealed that age, male gender, lower platelet count (<15 × 104/μL), the carriage of bAt[CCA]-haplotype and ApaI CC genotype were factors significantly associated with developing HCC. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio (OR): 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07-1.14, P < 0.001), male gender (OR: 3.90, 95% CI: 2.07-7.35, P < 0.001), low platelet count (<15 × 104/μL)(OR: 4.20, 95% CI: 2.26-7.83, P < 0.001) and the carriage

of ApaI CC genotype Lumacaftor (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.47-5.21, P = 0.002) were the independent predictors. Since ApaI CC genotype was a significant factor associated with developing HCC, we thus compared the chronic hepatitis C patients with ApaI CC type and CA/AA type. As shown in Table 4, patients carrying ApaI CC genotype had a higher prevalence of HCC and pre-existing cirrhosis and a higher ratio of BsmI CC type and TaqI AA type as compared to those with ApaI CA/AA type. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex and multi-factorial process, in which both environmental and genetic features interfere and contribute to malignant transformation [24]. The identification of genetic factors related to HCC susceptibility may improve our understanding of the various biological pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and as well improve the scientific basis for preventative intervention. Numerous candidate-gene studies have reported associations between single nucleotide polymorphism and the development of HCC [24], [25], [26], [27] and [28].

PD184352 (CI-1040) In this study, we investigated the possible association between the VDR gene polymorphisms and HCC in a Chinese population with chronic HCV infection. Our data showed that patients with HCC had a higher frequency of ApaI CC genotype and bAt[CCA]-haplotype as compared to control subjects. Furthermore, stepwise logistic regression analyses revealed that ApaI CC genotype was an independent factor, suggesting that the ApaI C polymorphisms may be used as a molecular marker to predict the risk of HCC in the patients infected with HCV. Association studies of several polymorphisms in the VDR gene have been performed to investigate their implication with severity of chronic liver disease [17], [18], [19] and [20]. One of the common genetic variations of VDR gene is the bat-haplotype consisting of BsmI, ApaI and TaqI [29].

05) in both cities, which indicated that climatic conditions diff

05) in both cities, which indicated that climatic conditions differed between the months with or without floods. During the flooded months, the morbidity of dysentery was higher than the non-flooded months, followed by more precipitation, higher temperature, higher relative humidity and more sunshine duration. Fig. 2 shows that the morbidity of dysentery declined from 2004 to 2009, and more cases occurred in spring and summer in these cities. Table 4 shows the results of Spearman’s correlation test conducted to determine

the lagged effects between the morbidity of dysentery and explanatory selleck kinase inhibitor variables during the study period in each city. The results indicated that the floods were positively correlated to the monthly morbidity of dysentery with no month lagged among the three cities. The lagged values of climatic variables in these cities were the same except for the monthly average temperature

in Kaifeng according to the coefficients in Table 4. The parameters of the models and RRs of floods on the risk of dysentery are presented in Table 5. Results showed that floods were significantly associated with the morbidity of dysentery in each of the three cities (Coefficients: 2.44 in Kaifeng; 0.30 in Xinxiang; and 1.01 in Zhengzhou). However, flood duration was negatively correlated with the morbidity of dysentery (Coefficients: −0.63 in Kaifeng; −0.50 in Xinxiang Alectinib and −0.36 in Zhengzhou). During the flooded months, floods were significantly associated with an increased risk of dysentery with adjustment for meteorological factors in Kaifeng (RR = 11.47, 95% CI: 8.67–15.33). The RRs of dysentery for floods in Xinxiang and Zhengzhou were 1.35 (95% CI: 1.23–3.90) and 2.75 (1.36, 4.85), respectively. In addition, the overall effects of www.selleck.co.jp/products/lonafarnib-sch66336.html floods on dysentery in the entire region were estimated through the overall function. As shown in Table 6, an increased risk of dysentery in this region was found, which indicated that floods could increase the

morbidity of dysentery in flooded months (RR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.52–1.82). This overall model also indicated the extent of dysentery epidemics in the cities. Compared with Kaifeng city, the intensity of dysentery epidemic in Zhengzhou was the greatest with the highest morbidity in terms of the coefficients of the model (Coefficient: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.11–1.16), followed by Xinxiang with lower intensity and morbidity (Coefficient: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.15–0.22). Our study is the first time to demonstrate the quantitative risk of the relationship between the morbidity of dysentery and floods on the basis of a longitudinal data from 2004 to 2009. The results indicated that floods play an important role in the dysentery epidemics during the flood-month.

6) [1, 2] Fakt ten jest niezwykle istotny z punktu widzenia diag

6) [1, 2]. Fakt ten jest niezwykle istotny z punktu widzenia diagnostyki autopsyjnej zarodków, bowiem rozpoznanie ubytku przegrody międzykomorowej w tym miejscu przed 8. tygodniem nie powinno być stawiane [30]. Przekształcanie

mięśnia komór dotyczy w okresie zarodkowym również samej jego struktury. Początkowo gąbczaste utkanie spowodowane jest brakiem tętnic wieńcowych i żył serca, a co za tym idzie, mięsień odżywiany jest na drodze dyfuzji (Ryc. 6) [10, 28]. Jak wspomniano na wstępie, kluczową this website rolę w rozwoju naczyń serca pełni narząd przednasierdziowy wywodzący się z tylnego pola sercowego. Komórki migrują zeń, tworząc dystalne odcinki tętnic wieńcowych, które dopiero na późniejszym etapie ulegają włączeniu w ścianę zatok aorty [10]. Co jest charakterystyczne, w większości przypadków, niezależnie od położenia aorty (jak np. w przełożeniu wielkich naczyń),

tętnice wieńcowe łączą się właśnie z nią, co stanowi istotny element diagnostyki przedoperacyjnej. W momencie zakończenia rozwoju naczyń serca miokardium ulega procesowi scalania, czyli kompakcji. Jego zaburzenia, zwykle niezależne od prawidłowego rozwoju tętnic wieńcowych, prowadzą do powstania kardiomiopatii gąbczastej (non-compaction cardiomyopathy) [30]. Zgodnie z podaną we wstępie informacją na temat zapętlania cewy sercowej, droga odpływu ulega wklinowaniu pomiędzy zastawki przedsionkowo-komorowe. Prawidłowe jej położenie jest zatem uwarunkowane nie tylko rotacją drogi odpływu, ale także procesem selleck inhibitor podziału kanału przedsionkowo-komorowego, co ma swoje odzwierciedlenie w wadach przegrody przedsionkowo-komorowej [25]. Droga Isoconazole odpływu poprzez worek aortalny i parzysty system łuków aortalnych zaopatrujących łuki gardłowe łączy się z dwiema aortami grzbietowymi (Ryc. 7). Sam worek aortalny daje początek dystalnej części aorty wstępującej, części łuku aorty i pniowi ramiennogłowowemu. Proksymalna część aorty wstępującej oraz pień płucny powstają z dalszej części stożka. Aby naczynia te odchodziły prawidłowo, tj. aorta z komory morfologicznie lewej, a pień płucny z komory morfologicznie prawej, musi dojść nie tylko do prawidłowej rotacji stożka,

ale i jego podziału [8, 12]. Dwa grzebienie aortalno-płucne wewnątrz stożka łączą się ze sobą i wraz z całym stożkiem ulegają spiralnemu skręceniu. Grzebienie te biorą również udział w rozwoju prawych i lewych płatków zastawek wielkich naczyń [1, 12]. Tylny płatek zastawki aortalnej i przedni zastawki pnia płucnego powstają z oddzielnych poduszeczek wsierdziowych. Prawidłowy łuk aorty i jego gałęzie rozwijają się na drodze przekształceń lewych łuków aortalnych: trzeciego i czwartego [31]. Przewód tętniczy, łączący cieśń aorty z pniem płucnym powstaje, podobnie jak dystalna część tego ostatniego, z szóstego lewego łuku aortalnego. Całokształt powyższych procesów prowadzi do powstania prawidłowo spiralnie skręconych naczyń, gdzie aorta odchodzi do tyłu i na prawo od pnia płucnego.

Likewise, every effort was made to avoid unnecessary stress and p

Likewise, every effort was made to avoid unnecessary stress and pain to

the experimental animals. The number of animals was kept to the minimum necessary to test the concept. The experimental animals used in this study were Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus) of approximately 26–30 g, Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) of 150–200 g, and frog (Lithobates catesbeianus). The toxicity of A. paulensis venom was evaluated by determining the 50% lethal dose (LD50) in mice, the dose able to kill 50% of animals tested. Four experimental groups were tested with different doses of venom: 20, 25, 30 and 40 μg/g of mice (n = 5/group). The venom was dissolved in 100 μL saline solution (150 mM NaCl) and injected by i.p. route. The control group (n = 5) was injected with saline. The lethality rate of animals was observed 48 h after inoculation of venom or saline. At the end of the experiment, the surviving animals were euthanized with an

Akt inhibitor review overdose of sodium pentobarbital (about 75 mg/kg). The values for the lethality assay and their confidence limits were calculated by Probit analysis ( Finney, 1971), using the software BioStat 5.8.4 version 2009. The venom of the A. paulensis spider was evaluated for its ability to induce behavioral and physiological changes in mice. All animals used in the lethality assay were observed during the first hour of the experiment, and the symptoms were identified as described in Table 1. All mice utilized in the lethality assay were dissected and their heart, lung, kidney, liver and spleen were removed, fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin (Prophet et al., 1992). Histological sections (4 mm thick) were stained with hematoxylin eosin (HE) Selleckchem Apitolisib and analyzed under a light microscope (Axioskop-2, Zeiss, Germany). The tissues of animals injected with A. paulensis venom were compared with the tissues of animals injected with saline solution, and any changes were considered. The nociceptive behavior was evaluated by the intradermal Forskolin purchase injection in mice. The assay was preformed similar to formalin test, in which two phases can be observed: Phase I (0–10 min) is referred as the acute phase and the Phase II (10–50 min)

is associated with local release of endogenous mediators, which generate local inflammatory response (for review, see Le Bars et al., 2001). Twenty-eight mice (n = 5–6/group) were used. Three experimental groups were subcutaneously injected through intraplantar route into the left hind-paw with different doses of crude venom (5, 10 and 20 μg/paw). The venom was dissolved in saline solution (150 mM NaCl), and the injection volume was 50 μL. The positive control mice received 50 μL of 2.5% formalin and the negative one 50 μL saline solution through the same route of administration. After injections, each mouse was placed in a transparent glass cage, and the amount of time the animal licked, bit or shook the injected paw was determined between 0 and 10 min (first phase) and 10 and 50 min (second phase).

All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript

All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript before submission. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the report. The corresponding author had full access to all the data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. This work was supported by the Wellcome

Trust (grants GR063560, GR085979, GR090886), and the BUPA Foundation (BUPA medical research prize). ME is a Scottish Senior Clinical Research Fellow (Scottish Chief Scientist Office/Scottish Funding Council) and Lister Research Prize Fellow (Lister Institute for Preventative Medicine). ME has received an unrestricted GSK458 in vivo research grant for minipig studies from Cheminova. Cheminova did not fund this study buy Epacadostat and had no role in the analysis, write up, or other aspects of the research. All other authors declare they have no competing financial interests. We thank Roy Davie, Charlotte Plunkett, Bodo Pfeiffer, Johann Baur and Steffen Krüger for technical help, Holly Lawson, Rachael Gregson, Frances

Reed, Mandoline Chesnil, and Gudrun Schoeffmann for anaesthetic support, David Kennedy for help setting up the model, Reinhard Kirstgen (BASF) for dimethoate EC40, Morten Pedersen (Cheminova) for experimental dimethoate EC35, and Nick Buckley, Martin Wilks, David Webb, and Nick Bateman for critical review. “
“En el artículo «Paciente con poliposis adenomatosa familiar y metástasis hepáticas de tumor neuroendocrino» (Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;34[5]:329–332) de Concepción Grau García et al., se ha detectado un error en el nombre de uno de los autores. El nombre correcto es: Beatriz Sánchez Heras. “
“The safety of nanomaterials has been the focus of worldwide

concern because of the lack of information available regarding their potential risks for workers and the general population. Therefore, the toxicity of nanomaterials has been tested internationally. Nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles (primary particle size <100 nm), one of the most typical industrial nanomaterials, have been utilized in sunscreen, cosmetics, and photo catalysis since the 1980s. Global demand for TiO2 nanomaterials was estimated at 2100–2500 tons Beta adrenergic receptor kinase per year in 2008 (Fuji Chimera Research Institute, Inc., 2009). Since TiO2 is water-insoluble and inert, it is generally regarded as having low toxicity in humans and is even used as an additive in food products. However, nano-sized particles may be more toxic or show a more widespread organ distribution than micron-sized particles (Donaldson et al., 2001, Donaldson et al., 2004, Oberdörster et al., 2005 and De Jong et al., 2008). In order to evaluate the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles, toxicokinetic data are beneficial.

We evaluated the simulated papilla by performing a “sphincterotom

We evaluated the simulated papilla by performing a “sphincterotomy” by using a pull-type sphincterotome with a 7-mm length nose and 20-mm cutting wire (CleverCut 3; Olympus Medical Systems) in each area (Fig. 3, lower).

The tip of the sphincterotome was inserted in the simulated papillary os. In the in vivo model, when 3 or more simulated papillae were present and there was additional space to form additional simulated papillae, another simulated papilla was created to perform a needle-knife GSK458 concentration precut sphincterotomy. In the in vivo model, only 1 experienced ERCP endoscopist (T.I.) performed ES. In the ex vivo stomach models, an experienced endoscopist and 2 trainees performed the procedures. One trainee (M.H.) had never performed ES or EP, and the other (R.T.) had performed approximately 50 ES and 2 EP procedures. In the ex vivo rectum model, ES and EP were performed by all 3 endoscopists (T.I., M.H., and R.T.) (Fig. 4). An experienced endoscopist (T.I.) graded the quality of the mucosal hemispheroidal bleb and ES procedure as successful, difficult, or impossible. In the in vivo model, procedure-related adverse events regarding

hemorrhage and perforation were also assessed. After all procedures, Galunisertib cell line the pig was killed for gross examination of the stomach. MucoUp was injected in the porcine submucosal layer in 17 areas of the stomach to create simulated papillae (Table 1). In 13 of 17 (76%) areas, the mucosal bleb was successfully created. Mucosal hemispheroidal bulging (Fig. 5A; Video 1, available online at www.giejournal.org) was successfully created in all attempted areas in the anterior and posterior gastric wall and in two thirds at the lesser Phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase curvature. In contrast, distinct mucosal bulging could not be created at the greater curvature because the gastric wall was not sufficiently expanded, despite air insufflation. Simulated orifices made by a needle-knife were successfully performed

in all 13 “papillae” (Fig. 5B and C). In the live pig, stability of devices was poor because of respiratory variation and involuntary movements cased by electrical stimulation during ES. ES with the use of the pull-type sphincterotome at the anterior gastric wall was successfully and safely performed by using a bowed sphincterotome. The distance between the duodenoscope tip and simulated papilla were performed as in the human papillae with the direction oriented at the 12-o’clock position and the cutting site of the blade (one third distal of the sphincterotome) in all cases (100%, 5/5) (Fig. 5C and D; Video 2, available online at www.giejournal.org). ES at the posterior wall and lesser curvature of the stomach was unsuccessful because of both the long and short distance between papilla and duodenoscope tip, respectively.

Thus, the combination of FK565 or MDP plus 0 83 mg/kg LPS decreas

Thus, the combination of FK565 or MDP plus 0.83 mg/kg LPS decreased novelty-related locomotion (total distance traveled) in the OF 21 h post-treatment compared to LPS. An anxiogenic

effect of LPS was uncovered when a lower dose of LPS (0.1 mg/kg), being devoid of an effect on locomotion, was tested. This increase in anxiety-like behavior was more pronounced after treatment with FK565 + LPS, but not MDP + LPS. The seemingly paradox observation that LPS alone increased anxiety-like behavior at the 0.1, but not 0.83 mg/kg dose may be explained by the surmise that any change in anxiety-like behavior http://www.selleckchem.com/products/OSI-906.html is masked by the decrease in locomotion evoked by 0.83 mg/kg LPS. In order to shed light on potential mechanisms whereby Metformin order FK565 and MDP aggravate LPS-induced sickness, several peripheral and cerebral factors were analyzed. Expression of c-Fos in brain regions known to respond to immune stimulation (Frenois et al., 2007) was used to examine whether the exaggerated sickness response to MDP + LPS (0.83 mg/kg) is reflected by pertinent changes

of neuronal activity in the brain. Being the product of an immediate early gene, c-Fos is rapidly but transiently expressed following neuronal activation (Rivest and Laflamme, 1995) and therefore was measured 3 h after immune stimulation. LPS alone induced c-Fos expression in brainstem-derived ascending pathways to forebrain immune-responsive nuclei (Gaykema and Goehler, 2011). Priming with MDP enhanced the number of c-Fos positive neurons in an additive or synergistic manner depending on the area examined. Thus the increase of c-Fos expression in the BNSTd and CeA was additive, while synergistic increases of c-Fos expression were observed in the BNSTv, PVN, insula and SO. These observations indicate that the synergistic effect of NOD2 and TLR4 stimulation on the sickness response is related to enhanced neuronal activation in relevant brain nuclei. Of particular interest was the observation Amrubicin that LPS, administered in the absence or presence of MDP, decreased the number of c-Fos positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which has been associated with a decrease of exploratory behavior

following treatment with LPS (Gaykema and Goehler, 2011). Although the HPA axis participates in the sickness response (Lenczowski et al., 1997), the current results indicate that the HPA axis did not contribute to the aggravation of sickness by combined NLR + TLR agonism, since neither FK565 nor MDP augmented the LPS-induced rise of plasma corticosterone, both in the absence of stress and following exposure to tail suspension stress. In contrast, proinflammatory cytokines in the plasma and brain are very likely to mediate the exacerbation of sickness due to NLR plus TLR agonism. Consistent with the interaction of FK565 and MDP with LPS in innate immune cells (Le Contel et al., 1993, Netea et al., 2005, Wang et al., 2001 and Wolfert et al.

However, this preliminary evidence of

However, this preliminary evidence of Selleckchem Regorafenib a link between MP and child OHRQoL needs to be clarified in future studies. In the studied sample, a higher number of missing teeth correlated with an inferior MP in older children. Children with more extensive dental caries rated their oral health less favourably. Moreover, older female children and those who broke the test material into smaller sizes were more likely to report

a lower OHRQoL, probably due to the subjectivity of functional domain and artificial nature of chewable test material, which could have influenced the test sensitivity; however, as MP parameters were inversely correlated, the findings suggested Obeticholic Acid solubility dmso that the time allowed to reduce food appears to be a more influential factor on children’s perception of

oral health than their ability to break down the test material into smaller sizes. Scholarships for Taís de Souza Barbosa from FAPESP (São Paulo Research Foundation) and for Maria Claudia Moraes Tureli from CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior). There are no conflicts of interest for any of the authors in this work. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Dental School of Piracicaba, State University of Campinas (protocol 021/2006). The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Brasília, DF, Brazil) and the volunteers for participating in this research. “
“The oral microbiota has been suggested to function as a reservoir for

several antibiotic Sitaxentan resistance genes, including those encoding resistance to commonly used classes of antibiotics, e.g., beta-lactams, tetracyclines, and macrolides.1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This is a matter of concern since these antibiotics have been widely recommended to treat oral infectious conditions, including those of endodontic origin.6, 7 and 8 Antibiotics have been proposed for some specific indications, either for systemic or topical use. Systemic use of antibiotics in endodontics is usually indicated for acute apical abscesses associated with systemic involvement like fever and malaise, spreading infections, localized infections in medically compromised patients, prophylaxis for medically compromised patients during routine endodontic therapy, and replantation of avulsed teeth.7 Topical use of antibiotics in the root canal has been recently recommended as final irrigants9 or intracanal medication in the so-called “revascularization” procedures.10 Therefore, selection of the most effective antibiotics to be used for systemic or topical use will depend on a better understanding of the patterns of antibiotic resistance in endodontic bacterial communities and their response to treatment.

As in our work we

also wanted to evaluate the effect of t

As in our work we

also wanted to evaluate the effect of the additives on specific volume, this procedure was not adopted. Loaves with stearoyl lactylate are characterized by a soft, fine crumb texture (Sluimer, 2005). Thus, we also wanted to verify if with the increase in volume given by SSL, bread crumb was maintained its “closed” characteristics. Interestingly, this did occur. In Fig. 1 and from the results of specific selleck volume and firmness, it can be confirmed that the assays with the greater amounts of SSL (and the same amount of maltogenic amylase) presented higher specific volume and crumb with more closed alveoli, and surprisingly lower firmness (variation from Assay 1 to Assay 2, from Assay 3 to 4 and from Assay 5 to 6). The responses obtained were analyzed statistically through the Response Surface Methodology, verifying the possibility of describing the effect of SSL and MALTO addition through see more a mathematical model. The mathematical models, for use with coded variables, obtained for firmness on Days

1, 6 and 10 after processing, are presented in Table 2. Observing the equations and the response surfaces obtained from these equations (Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), it can be noted that both SSL and MALTO had a positive effect on bread texture (evidenced by their negative effect on firmness), with a greater effect of the emulsifier, but with a not negligible effect of the enzyme (especially taking into account the amounts used). The effect of the emulsifier was greater than that of the enzyme, and as for specific volume, the effect of SSL can be noted only above a determined concentration. Up to 0.25 g SSL/100 g flour firmness is equal to or greater than the Control bread, except if a determined quantity of MALTO is added. If up to 0.25 g SSL/100 g flour is added to the formulation, at least 0.01 g MALTO/100 g flour must be added to have an effect on softness, in comparison to the Control. It can be observed that the response surfaces for firmness on the three different days of storage presented the same trend, with only a displacement of the surfaces along the Z-axis,

showing the increase in firmness during tuclazepam shelf-life. It can also be observed that the response surface of Day 10 ( Fig. 5) presents a plain with greater inclination or slope, showing a greater effect of the additives to retard crumb hardening as storage progresses. Comparing equations obtained for firmness on Days 1, 6 and 10 (Table 2), an increasingly greater effect of the emulsifier and enzyme tested can be observed, showing their importance in maintaining softness of packaged breads. Through this, it can be said that after one day there was practically no aging. As from Day 6, the aging process was more advanced (the tendency of amylose and amylopectin molecules to re-crystallize was greater) and SSL and MALTO presented a retarding effect.