Addition of Trans-Resveratrol-Loaded Highly Concentrated Double Emulsion to Yoghurts: Effect on Physicochemical Properties

Trans-resveratrol (RSV) needs to be encapsulated to maintain its beneficial properties on the human body. This is due to its extreme photosensitivity, short biological half-life, and easy oxidation. In this study, the use of double emulsions for RSV encapsulation and their further application on functional yoghurts was studied. Different types of yoghurts were prepared: with and without RSV and with two types of volumetric emulsion formulations (20/80 and 30/70). In order to study the influence of the addition of double emulsions to the physical properties of the prepared yoghurts, they were characterised fresh and after a month under storage at 4 °C, in terms of droplet size, morphology, stability, rheology, texturometry, colorimetry, and antioxidant capacity. Results obtained showed that the presence of emulsion in the yoghurts produced a generalised decrease in the predominant droplet size (from 48 µm to 15–25 µm) and an increase in the stability. Additionally, a predominantly elastic character was observed. The firmness values obtained were very similar for all the yoghurts analysed and did not suffer important modifications with time. A slight colour variation was observed with storage time in the control sample, whereas a more notable variation in the case of emulsion yoghurts was observed. An appreciable increase of the antioxidant capacity of the final functional yoghurt (100 g) was observed when it contained 5–8 mg of RSV. Encapsulated RSV added to yoghurts presented a larger protection against RSV oxidation compared with free RSV, presenting a larger antioxidant inhibition after one month of storage. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of yoghurts with encapsulated RSV was not affected under storage, since slight reductions (3%) were registered after one month of storage at 4 °C.

Behavior of Native Food Isolates of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua under the Influence of Selected Cultural Attributes and Heat and Cold Treatments

The present investigation assesses the influence of cultural attributes and heat and cold treatments on the behaviour of native toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 and non-toxigenic L. innocua CFR 1304 in selected medium. The growth responses of L. monocytogenes and L. innocua under the influencing factors of storage temperature (10-40°C), pH level (5.5-7.5), and storage period (6-48 h) in brain heart infusion and nutrient broths revealed closeness between observed and predicted populations. Response surface plots were generated for the growth behavior of the two test cultures as a function of pH level. The toxigenic L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 could reach a higher viable population. The effect of heat treatment on Listeria spp. in selected five heating menstra showed the lowest D-value of 3.7 min at 60°C for L. innocua CFR 1304 in Milli-Q water to the highest of 8.4 min at 56°C for L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 in skim milk. The average z-value across the heating menstra for L. monocytogenes was 27.3°C as against that of 22°C for L. innocua. In the case of cold treatment, storage of 4 and 8°C resulted in appreciable increase in counts of L. monocytogenes CFR 1302 from the initial inoculum introduced in selected media. At -20°C, there was a slight decrease in the viable population. The research data helps to predict the viable populations of L. monocytogenes as a part of risk assessment in the food chain. This is of significance in providing safe and healthy food to human population.

Morphological Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Flesh and Haemolymph of Snails Fed Compounded Diet using Quail Droppings Meal as Protein Source

This study investigated the morphological characteristics, and chemical composition of Archachatina marginata (African Giant Land Snail) reared on Quail droppings meal (QDM.) substituted for protein sources in snail feed. Five trial snail feeds (Diet I-V) were fed to fifty snails (average weight 157.3 g) for 12 weeks. The morphological characteristics of the snail and its flesh and haemolymph chemical composition were determined using standard methods. There was an appreciable increase in the growth parameters (weight, shell width and shell length) across the treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranges from 2.74 to 3.75, and snails served Diet I gave the highest FCR. The result of the proximate analysis revealed that snail flesh possessed a higher amount of protein, fat, ash, fibre and energy except carbohydrate than hemolymph. Increasing QDM in the diets increased the proximate contents of the snail's flesh and hemolymph, except fat and fibre. The minerals found in all the treatments are not toxic, and snails fed diet V possessed the highest mineral contents (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus). The result showed that diet V resulted in the best morphological parameters and feed utilisation of A. marginata snail. Substituting protein sources with QDM in snail feed improved the nutritional quality of snails, reducing the cost of the compounded ration.

Influence of the size of walnut shell particulates on mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites

In the present work, a new class of polymer composite is developed using walnut shell powder (WSP) as particulate filler in the epoxy matrix. Three different sizes of WSP are used for preparing three different sets of composites. The particle size selected is 50-micron, 75-micron, and 100-micron. In each set of composites with different particle size, four compositions i.e., 5 wt. %, 10 wt. %, 15 wt. % and 20 wt. % of the WSP is fabricated. All prepared composites have undergone testing to study the behavior of the material under mechanical loading. The different mechanical tests performed are the tensile test, flexural test, compressive test and hardness test. From the experimentation, the inclusion of WSP appreciably alters the different mechanical properties of epoxy. With the increase in the content of filler, an appreciable increase in the value of hardness and compressive strength is observed. Though, it has been seen that the tensile strength and flexural strength of the material is compromised slightly when the content of WSP increases beyond a certain limit. Further, it is observed that composites fabricated with smaller size particles give improved mechanical properties as compared to their counterparts.

839 Patterns of Management of Acute Cholecystitis during the COVID 19 Pandemic

Aim The poor outcomes described by CovidSurg in patients with Covid-19 undergoing surgical intervention and the unknown safety of laparoscopic surgery initially led to increased conservative management in acute cholecystitis (AC). As the number of cases continues to rise, we aim to assess how the coronavirus pandemic has affected our service and adherence to AUGIS guidelines. Method We retrospectively analysed all adult admissions with radiologically confirmed AC from defined 2-month periods (pre-pandemic (PP), wave-1 (W1) and wave-2 (W2)) at an acute general surgical service without dedicated hot gallbladder lists where the prevalence of coronavirus has remained high throughout. Primary outcome was rate of index admission (acute) cholecystectomy. Results 93 patients were included in total (PP 35, W1 33, W2 24). Demographic details were similar across all groups. Tokyo grade I (mild) cholecystitis was more commonly admitted PP (63.9% versus 48.5% and 50.0%). Conservative management was trialed in 91.7%, 100.0% and 62.5% and failed in 18.2%, 21.2% and 21.1%. Cholecystectomy rates were 13.9%, 12.1% and 29.2%. Increased use of CT in W1 has returned to PP imaging pattern in W2. 30-day readmission rates were 5.6%, 18.2% and 4.2%. Two patients in W1 tested positive for Covid-19 and were managed conservatively. No post-operative pulmonary complications were recorded and no difference in biliary complications was observed. Conclusions Operative management of AC as per AUGIS guidelines during the pandemic in Covid-19 negative patients is safe and improves outcomes compared to conservative management with no appreciable increase in biliary complications.

Identification of the Specific Spoilage Organism in Farmed Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) Fillets and Its Associated Quality and Flavour Change during Ice Storage

Hybrid sturgeon, a popular commercial fish, plays important role in the aquaculture in China, while its spoilage during storage significantly limits the commercial value. In this study, the specific spoilage organisms (SSOs) from ice stored-sturgeon fillet were isolated and identified by analyzing their spoilage related on sensory change, microbial growth, and biochemical properties, including total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and proteolytic degradation. In addition, the effect of the SSOs on the change of volatile flavor compounds was evaluated by solid phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas mandelii, and Shewanella putrefaciens were the main SSOs in the ice stored-sturgeon fillet, and significantly affect the odors by changing the volatile compounds in the sturgeon. Compared with the fresh sturgeon, the appreciable increase of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and tetramethyl-pyrazine might be the spoilage indicators of the sturgeon contaminated by P. fluorescens; the appreciable increase of 1-octen-3-ol and (z)-2-penten-1-o might be the potential marker of the sturgeon contaminated by P. mandelii; and the appreciable increase of 1-(3,3-dimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-yl)-ethanon and butylated hydroxytoluene were associated with S. putrefaciens. This study reveals the relationship between the SSOs and flavor changes in sturgeon fillets, which will contribute to the sturgeon preservation and shelf-life extension.

Adaptability and Resilience of Academic Radiation Oncology Personnel and Procedures during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: A comprehensive response to the unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) challenges for public health and its impact on radiation oncology patients and personnel for resilience and adaptability is presented. Methods: The general recommendations included working remotely when feasible, implementation of screening/safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, social distancing, regular cleaning of treatment environment, and testing for high-risk patients/procedures. All teaching conferences, tumor boards, and weekly chart rounds were conducted using a virtual platform. Additionally, specific recommendations were given to each section to ensure proper patient treatments. The impact of these measures, especially adaptability and resilience, were evaluated through specific questionnaire surveys. Results: These comprehensive COVID-19-related measures resulted in most staff expressing a consistent level of satisfaction in regard to personal safety, maintaining a safe work environment, continuing quality patient care, and continuing educational activities during the pandemic. There was a significant reduction in patient treatments and on-site patient visits with an appreciable increase in the number of telemedicine e-visits. Conclusions: Survey results demonstrated substantial adaptability and resilience, including in the rapid recovery of departmental activities during the reactivation phase. In the event of a future public health emergency, the measures implemented may be adopted with good outcomes by radiation oncology departments across the globe.

Hemodynamic Changes in an Actively Rupturing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Computational fluid dynamics were used to assess hemodynamic changes in an actively rupturing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) over a 9-day period. Active migration of contrast from the lumen into the thickest region of intraluminal thrombus (ILT) was demonstrated until it ultimately breached the adventitial layer. Four days after symptom onset, there was a discrete disruption of adventitial calcium with bleb formation at the site of future rupture. Rupture occurred in a region of low wall shear stress and was associated with a marked increase in AAA diameter from 6.6 to 8.4 cm. The cross-sectional area of the flow lumen increased across all time points from 6.28 to 12.08 cm². The increase in luminal area preceded the increase in AAA diameter and was characterized by an overall deceleration in recirculation flow velocity with a coinciding increase in flow velocity penetrating the ILT. We show that there are significant hemodynamic and structural changes in the AAA flow lumen in advance of any appreciable increase in aortic diameter or rupture. The significant increase in AAA diameter with rupture suggests that AAA may actually rupture at smaller sizes than those measured on day of rupture. These findings have implications for algorithms the predict AAA rupture risk.

Rapid Assessment of Price Instability and Paucity of Medicines and Protection for COVID-19 Across Asia: Findings and Public Health Implications for the Future

Background: Countries have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE), with some countries adopting preventative strategies earlier than others. However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments. This includes hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation lead to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages have also been seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic effects on patients where there are high co-payment levels and issues of affordability. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further.Objective: Assess changes in the availability, utilization and prices of relevant medicines and PPE during the pandemic among a range of Asian countries.Our approach: Narrative literature review combined with interviews among community pharmacists to assess changes in consumption, prices and shortages of medicines and PPE from the beginning of March 2020 until end of May 2020. In addition, suggestions on ways to reduce misinformation.Results: 308 pharmacists took part from five Asian countries. There was an appreciable increase in the utilization of antimicrobials in Pakistan (in over 88% of pharmacies), with lower increases or no change in Bangladesh, India, Malaysia and Vietnam. Encouragingly, there was increased use of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE across the countries, as well as limited price rises for antimicrobials in India, Malaysia and Vietnam, although greater price rises seen for analgesics and vitamin C/immune boosters. Appreciable price increases were also seen for PPE across some countries.Conclusion: Encouraging to see increases in utilization of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE. However, increases in the utilization and prices of antimicrobials is a concern that needs addressing alongside misinformation and any unintended consequences from the pandemic. Community pharmacists can play a key role in providing evidence-based advice, helping to moderate prices, as well as helping address some of the unintended consequences of the pandemic.

Static thermal performance evaluation of elliptical journal bearings with nanolubricants

Journal bearings of different configurations have been extensively used in turbomachinery and power generating equipments. Although circular bearings have simplest configuration and commonly used journal bearings, non-circular bearings such as multi-lobe and elliptical bearings have an added advantage of lower lubrication film temperature alongwith stable operation. In this study, static thermal performance of pure elliptical bearing lubricated with nanoparticles based mineral oils has been studied at different eccentricity ratios and bearing speeds. Two types of nanoparticles, namely, CuO and TiO2 with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.% concentrations have been separately added in three different viscosity grades of oils. The effect of nanoparticles on thermo-physical properties of oil was considered to compute bearing performance parameters (pressure distribution, load capacity, oil temperature and power losses). Bearing model was generated by taking into account the modified Krieger Dougherty method to determine viscosity at different combinations of oils and nanoparticles. The findings indicate the increase in maximum pressure and load capacity with addition of nanoparticles and this increase was more pronounced at higher concentrations of nanoparticles and at higher viscosity grade oils. Load capacity was found to be increased by 14.24% and 9.21% with 2 wt% concentration of TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles respectively in base oil (AW68) at eccentricity ratio of 0.7. An increase in load capacity with nanolubricants was achieved without an appreciable increase in oil temperature.