scholarly journals Exploring Tools for Designing Dysphagia-Friendly Foods: A Review

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1334
Author(s):  
Larisa Giura ◽  
Leyre Urtasun ◽  
Amanda Belarra ◽  
Diana Ansorena ◽  
Icíar Astiasarán
Keyword(s):  
Medical Condition ◽  
Empirical Methods ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Normal Swallowing ◽  
Texture Modification ◽  
Swallowing Difficulties ◽  
Textural Parameters ◽  
Risk Of Aspiration ◽  
Available Information

Dysphagia is a medical condition that affects normal swallowing. To prevent the risk of aspiration or choking, thickened fluids and texture-modified foods have been used for dysphagia management with the goal of slowing down the flow of liquids and protecting the airway. This article summarizes the available information about the rheological and textural parameters, the characterization of the most-used thickeners and the application of alternative texture modification technologies that are crucial to developing safe dishes for people who suffer from swallowing difficulties. Regarding rheological and textural measurements, fundamental and empirical methods are described.

scholarly journals Characterization of Polysaccharidic Associations for Cosmetic Use: Rheology and Texture Analysis

Cosmetics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 62
Author(s):  
Giovanni Tafuro ◽  
Alessia Costantini ◽  
Giovanni Baratto ◽  
Stefano Francescato ◽  
Laura Busata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Immersion Test ◽  
High Viscosity ◽  
Natural Polymers ◽  
Public Attention ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Textural Parameters ◽  
Complementary Techniques

As public attention on sustainability is increasing, the use of polysaccharides as rheological modifiers in skin-care products is becoming the first choice. Polysaccharide associations can be used to increase the spreading properties of products and to optimize their sensorial profile. Since the choice of natural raw materials for cosmetics is wide, instrumental methodologies are useful for formulators to easily characterize the materials and to create mixtures with specific applicative properties. In this work, we performed rheological and texture analyses on samples formulated with binary and ternary associations of polysaccharides to investigate their structural and mechanical features as a function of the concentration ratios. The rheological measurements were conducted under continuous and oscillatory flow conditions using a rotational rheometer. An immersion/de-immersion test conducted with a texture analyzer allowed us to measure some textural parameters. Sclerotium gum and iota-carrageenan imparted high viscosity, elasticity, and firmness in the system; carob gum and pectin influenced the viscoelastic properties and determined high adhesiveness and cohesiveness. The results indicated that these natural polymers combined in appropriate ratios can provide a wide range of different textures and that the use of these two complementary techniques represents a valid pre-screening tool for the formulation of green products.

SIMULATION OF SINGLE CHANNEL BIOLOGICAL TISSUE SPECTROSCOPY USING COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azmi Abou Basaif ◽  
Nashrul Fazli Mohd Nasir ◽  
Zulkarnay Zakaria ◽  
Ibrahim Balkhis ◽  
Shazwani Sarkawi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Induction ◽  
Biological Tissue ◽  
Single Channel ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Comsol Multiphysics ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Tissue Properties ◽  
Biological Soft Tissue

The enhanced ability to detect accurate location and measure the depth of a   metal inside a biological tissue is very useful in the assessment of medical condition and treatment. This manuscript proposed a solution via the measurement of the tissue properties using magnetic induction spectroscopy (MIS) method to describe the characterization of biological soft tissue. The objective of this study is to explore the viability of locating embedded metal inside a biological tissue by measuring the differences the biological tissue electrical properties using principle of Magnetic Induction Spectroscopy (MIS). Simulation is done using COMSOL Multiphysics software for accurate information on the involved parameters for both metal and biological tissues. Simulation has confirmed that MIS capable of detecting and locate embedded metal inside a biological tissue.

scholarly journals Integrating macroseismic intensity distributions with a probabilistic approach: an application in Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (8) ◽  
pp. 2299-2311
Author(s):  
Andrea Antonucci ◽  
Andrea Rovida ◽  
Vera D'Amico ◽  
Dario Albarello
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Source Characterization ◽  
Strong Earthquakes ◽  
Intensity Prediction ◽  
Macroseismic Intensities ◽  
Earthquake Effects ◽  
Available Information

Abstract. The geographic distribution of earthquake effects quantified in terms of macroseismic intensities, the so-called macroseismic field, provides basic information for several applications including source characterization of pre-instrumental earthquakes and risk analysis. Macroseismic fields of past earthquakes as inferred from historical documentation may present spatial gaps, due to the incompleteness of the available information. We present a probabilistic approach aimed at integrating incomplete intensity distributions by considering the Bayesian combination of estimates provided by intensity prediction equations (IPEs) and data documented at nearby localities, accounting for the relevant uncertainties and the discrete and ordinal nature of intensity values. The performance of the proposed methodology is tested at 28 Italian localities with long and rich seismic histories and for two well-known strong earthquakes (i.e., 1980 southern Italy and 2009 central Italy events). A possible application of the approach is also illustrated relative to a 16th-century earthquake in the northern Apennines.

ACNS1221: A phase II study for the treatment of non metastatic desmoplastic medulloblastoma in children less than 4 years of age—A report from the Children Oncology Group.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 10505-10505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Lafay-Cousin ◽  
Eric Bouffet ◽  
Arzu Onar-Thomas ◽  
Catherine A Billups ◽  
Cynthia Hawkins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Residual Disease ◽  
Multicenter Trial ◽  
Molecular Profile ◽  
Desmoplastic Medulloblastoma ◽  
Central Pathology ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Pathology Review ◽  
Clinical Trial Information

10505 Background: Nodular desmoplastic medulloblastoma and medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity (ND/MBEN) have been associated with a more favorable outcome in younger children. However, treatment-related neurotoxicity remains a significant concern in this vulnerable group of patients. Methods: We prospectively conducted a single-arm multicenter trial of conventional chemotherapy for non-metastatic ND/MBEN, based on a modified HIT SKK2000 regimen excluding the use of intraventricular methotrexate (MTX) injection, with the aim to achieve a similar outcome with reduced treatment related neurotoxicity. The design required 37 patients and targeted a 2-year PFS of ≥ 90%. Secondary objectives included evaluation of feasibility of timely central pathology review, prospective evaluation of the cohort’s molecular profile and neurocognitive outcomes. Results: Between 12/2013 and 07/2016, 26 patients were enrolled, including 16 males and 10 females, diagnosed at a median age of 19.7 months (7.1-42.9 months). Four patients had residual disease at baseline. There were 19 ND and 7 MBEN medulloblastoma, confirmed by central pathology review. All cases were reviewed within 10 days by at least 2 of the 3 neuropathologists. The study was closed early following interim analysis due to a higher than expected relapse rate. At last follow-up, 7 patients had relapsed (3 local, 2 distant and 2 combined) at a median time of 9.7 months from diagnosis (range, 9.5-13.7 months). One patient subsequently died of disease. The current median follow-up for the 25 survivors is 1 year (range, 0.2-1.9 years) and the 1 year PFS rate is 66.2% (SE 12.2%). Based on the currently available information, older age (p = 0.07) and ND histology (p = 0.009) appear to be associated with worse PFS. To date none of the patients with MBEN histology have relapsed. Conclusions: The proposed modified regimen of chemotherapy without intraventricular MTX failed to achieve the desirable 2 y PFS of 90%, leading to premature closure of the study. Ongoing molecular characterization of the cohort may help uncover patients who may still benefit from this regimen. Clinical trial information: NCT02017964.

Microdosimetry in ion-beam therapy

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (17) ◽  
pp. 1540027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giulio Magrin ◽  
Ramona Mayer
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Ion Beam ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Radiation Quality ◽  
Ion Beam Therapy ◽  
Slowing Down ◽  
Ion Therapy ◽  
Biological Effectiveness

The information of the dose is not sufficiently describing the biological effects of ions on tissue since it does not express the radiation quality, i.e. the heterogeneity of the processes due to the slowing-down and the fragmentation of the particles when crossing a target. Depending on different circumstances, the radiation quality can be determined using measurements, calculations, or simulations. Microdosimeters are the primary tools used to provide the experimental information of the radiation quality and their role is becoming crucial for the recent clinical developments in particular with carbon ion therapy. Microdosimetry is strongly linked to the biological effectiveness of the radiation since it provides the physical parameters which explicitly distinguish the radiation for its capability of damaging cells. In the framework of ion-beam therapy microdosimetry can be used in the preparation of the treatment to complement radiobiological experiments and to analyze the modification of the radiation quality in phantoms. A more ambitious goal is to perform the measurements during the irradiation procedure to determine the non-targeted radiation and, more importantly, to monitor the modification of the radiation quality inside the patient. These procedures provide the feedback of the treatment directly beneficial for the single patient but also for the characterization of the biological effectiveness in general with advantages for all future treatment. Traditional and innovative tools are currently under study and an outlook of present experience and future development is presented here.

scholarly journals SUITABILITY OF TEXTURAL PARAMETERS FOR CHARACTERIZATION OF TRAPPIST CHEESE RIPENING

2001 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bara-Herczegh ◽  
László Fenyvesi
Keyword(s):  
Cheese Ripening ◽  
Textural Parameters

Applying Social Network Analysis Techniques to Community-Driven Libre Software Projects

2009 ◽  
pp. 1883-1905
Author(s):  
Luis López-Fernández ◽  
Gregorio Robles ◽  
Jesus M. Gonzalez-Barahona ◽  
Israel Herraiz
Keyword(s):  
Network Architecture ◽  
Knowledge Exchange ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Structure Evolution ◽  
Collaboration Network ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
The Social ◽  
Libre Software ◽  
Available Information

Source code management repositories of large, long-lived libre (free, open source) software projects can be a source of valuable data about the organizational structure, evolution, and knowledge exchange in the corresponding development communities. Unfortunately, the sheer volume of the available information renders it almost unusable without applying methodologies which highlight the relevant information for a given aspect of the project. Such methodology is proposed in this article, based on well known concepts from the social networks analysis field, which can be used to study the relationships among developers and how they collaborate in different parts of a project. It is also applied to data mined from some well known projects (Apache, GNOME, and KDE), focusing on the characterization of their collaboration network architecture. These cases help to understand the potentials of the methodology and how it is applied, but also shows some relevant results which open new paths in the understanding of the informal organization of libre software development communities.

scholarly journals Detection and partial molecular characterization of Grapevine fleck virus, Grapevine virus D, Grapevine leafroll-associated virus -5 and -6 infecting grapevines in Brazil

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 2127-2130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thor Vinícius Martins Fajardo ◽  
Marcelo Eiras ◽  
Osmar Nickel ◽  
Carla Rosa Dubiela ◽  
Eliezer Rodrigues de Souto
Keyword(s):  
Coat Protein ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Protein ◽  
Amino Acid Sequences ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Grapevine Virus ◽  
Available Information ◽  
First Time

Grapevine fleck, rugose wood and leafroll are three grapevine viral diseases whose causal agents (or associated viruses) respectively are Grapevine fleck virus (GFkV), Grapevine virus D (GVD) and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 5 and 6 (GLRaV-5 and -6). The objective of this work was to perform a partial molecular characterization of local isolates of these four viral species that infect grapevines. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of complete genes of the coat protein (CP) (of GFkV), the CP and the RNA binding protein (of GVD), the CP and the partial hHSP70 gene (of GLRaV-5) and the partial hHSP70 gene (of GLRaV-6) were aligned and compared in silico with other isolates. These data extend the available information about Brazilian isolates of GFkV, GLRaV-5 and -6, and reports for the first time the GVD occurrence in Brazil.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Characterization of the South American Freshwater Stingray Potamotrygon motoro Venom Apparatus

Toxins ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipe Silva ◽  
Yu Huang ◽  
Vítor Yang ◽  
Xidong Mu ◽  
Qiong Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selective Pressure ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Venom Gland ◽  
High Expression ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
Freshwater Stingray ◽  
Taxonomic Range ◽  
Available Information

Venomous animals are found through a wide taxonomic range including cartilaginous fish such as the freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro occurring in South America, which can injure people and cause venom-related symptoms. Ensuring the efficacy of drug development to treat stingray injuries can be assisted by the knowledge of the venom composition. Here we performed a detailed transcriptomic characterization of the venom gland of the South American freshwater stingray Potamotrygon motoro. The transcripts retrieved showed 418 hits to venom components (comparably to 426 and 396 hits in other two Potamotrygon species), with high expression levels of hyaluronidase, cystatin and calglandulin along with hits uniquely found in P. motoro such as DELTA-alicitoxin-Pse1b, Augerpeptide hhe53 and PI-actitoxin-Aeq3a. We also identified undescribed molecules with extremely high expression values with sequence similarity to the SE-cephalotoxin and Rapunzel genes. Comparative analyses showed that despite being closely related, there may be significant variation among the venoms of freshwater stingrays, highlighting the importance of considering elicit care in handling different envenomation cases. Since hyaluronidase represents a major component of fish venom, we have performed phylogenetic and selective pressure analyses of this gene/protein across all fish with the available information. Results indicated an independent recruitment of the hyaluronidase into the stingray venom relative to that of venomous bony fish. The hyaluronidase residues were found to be mostly under negative selection, but 18 sites showed evidence of diversifying positive selection (P < 0.05). Our data provides new insight into stingray venom variation, composition, and selective pressure in hyaluronidase.

New classes of porphyrazine macrocycles with annulated heterocyclic rings

2000 ◽  
Vol 04 (05) ◽  
pp. 474-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
SILVIA ANGELONI ◽  
CLAUDIO ERCOLANI
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Stability ◽  
Ring Opening ◽  
Physical Characterization ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Present Contribution ◽  
Physical Behaviour ◽  
Peripheral Ring ◽  
Metal Derivatives ◽  
Available Information

The present contribution summarizes the most recent results on the synthesis and chemical physical characterization of the new classes of porphyrazine macrocycles having annulated five- and seven-membered heterocyclic rings, i.e. tetrakis(thiadizole)porphyrazine, TTDPzH 2, tetrakis(selenodiazole)porphyrazine, TSeDPzH 2, tetrakis-2,3-(5,7dipheny-6H-1,4-diazepino)porphyrazine, Ph 8 DzPzH 2, and a number of their metal derivatives, prepared by using, respectively, 3,4-dicyano-1,2,5-thiadiazole, 3,4-dicyano-1,2,5-selenodiazole, and 5,7-diphenyl-2,3-dicyano-6H-1,4-diazepine as monomeric precursors. The available information indicates that, owing to the presence of electron rich and soft atoms ( S , Se ) inserted in the proximity of the porphyrazine core, the TTDPz and TSeDPz macrocycles, closely resembling their phthalocyanine analogues in terms of structural and electronic features and physical behaviour (solubility, thermal stability, vaporizability, etc.), might be promising new materials for applicative properties. Particularly interesting is the operated peripheral ring opening of the TSeDPz macroxycle leading to the formation of octaaminoporphyrazine, followed by its conversion to a tetrakis(pyrazino)porphyrazine. The macrocycles containing the Ph 8 DzPz skeleton, due to the presence of the external non planar diphenyldiazepine units, appear to exhibit a distinct physical behaviour, which can be probably modulated by appropriate alternative substitutions in the 5, 6, and 7 positions of the diazepine rings.

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