Irwinputnam1379
An emerging blanching technology, namely vacuum-steam pulsed blanching (VSPB) was employed to blanch the carrots and its effects on blanching efficiency, microstructure and ultrastructure, drying kinetics, colour, texture, phytochemicals (phenolics and β-carotene) and antioxidant capacity of carrot slices were explored and compared with the traditional hot water blanching. Results showed that both blanching treatments enhanced the drying velocity and shortened the drying time by 25.9% compared with untreated samples. VSPB yielded higher blanching efficiency, better colour (more red and yellow), greater antioxidant capacity and higher preservation of phytochemicals compared with hot water blanched samples. Especially, compared to hot water blanched carrots, the p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid content of VSPB samples increased of 106.6%, 42.0%, and 19.0%, respectively. Interestingly, the chlorogenic acid content in the blanched carrot increased more than 220 times compared to fresh samples. Ultrastructure and microstructure observation clarify the mechanism of quality enhancement of VSPB.For the first time, a method is proposed for colorimetric determination of reducing sugars in cachaça employing digital image and a smartphone as detector. The method was based on the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) by sugars and followed by the formation of a colored Cu(I)-Neocuproine complex. A calibration curve was linear from 0.1 to 15 g L-1 for glucose and fructose with limits of detection of 0.012 g L-1 and 0.010 g L-1, respectively. It was observed that the non-aged cachaças, known for having inferior flavors and aromas, had a reducing sugar content three times higher than the aged cachaças, once a common practice among producers is to add sugar to adjust sensory deficits in the final product. Furthermore, the method is simple, does not require complex technical knowledge and it could be used as a tool to check possible fraud, adulteration or non-compliance to the law.In order to meet the requirements of pesticide residues' detection in complex matrix samples, the magnetic fluorinated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (M-F-MWCNTs) were prepared and applied as new QuEChERS clean-up materials. Combined with GC-MS, an improved QuEChERS method was successfully developed for the detection of organophosphorus pesticide residues. The results showed that the M-F-MWCNTs could effectively remove the interfering substances in Lycium ruthenicum Murr. (L. ruthenicum) samples. The recoveries of 10 tested targets were 74.9% to 113.5% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.9-14.7%. The experiment results pointed out that the M-F-MWCNTs were qualified as QuEChERS clean-up materials and expected to be applied to other complex matrix samples and pesticide targets.
Persons with multiple sclerosis are often at higher risk for falling, but clinical disability scales and fall risk questionnaires are subjective and don't provide specific feedback about why an individual is unstable. The purpose of this study was to determine how relationships between trunk and foot acceleration variability relate to physiological impairments, clinical disability scales, and mobility questionnaires in persons with multiple sclerosis.
15 fallers and 25 non-fallers with multiple sclerosis walked on a treadmill at normal walking speed while trunk and foot accelerations were recorded with wireless accelerometers and variability measures were extracted and used to calculate the gait stability index metrics as a ratio of trunk acceleration variability divided foot acceleration variability. Subjects' sensorimotor delays and lower extremity vibration sensitivity were tested. Subjects also completed clinical disability scales (Guy's Neurological Disability Scale and Patient Reported Expanded Disability Status Scale) and mobility questionnaires (Falls Efficacy Scale, Activities Balance Confidence Scale, 12 Item Multiple Sclerosis Walk Scale).
Multiple gait stability index metrics were significantly correlated with clinical measures of disability and mobility in multiple sclerosis subjects (r=0.354-0.528), but no correlations were found for sensorimotor delays or lower extremity sensation. AG-120 manufacturer Multiple gait stability indices performed at least as well as clinical questionnaires for separating fallers from non-fallers.
The gait stability indices can potentially be used outside of a laboratory setting to measure walking characteristics related to fall history and disability level in people with multiple sclerosis.
The gait stability indices can potentially be used outside of a laboratory setting to measure walking characteristics related to fall history and disability level in people with multiple sclerosis.
Despite the widespread use of aerosol inhalation as a drug delivery method, targeted delivery to the upper airways remains an ongoing challenge in the quest for improved clinical response in respiratory disease.
Here, we examine in silico flow and particle dynamics when using an oral Inhaled Volume Tracking manoeuvre. A short pulsed aerosol bolus is injected during slow inhalation flow rates followed by clean air, and a breath-hold is initiated once it reaches the desired depth. We explore the fate of a broad particle size range (1-40μm) for both upright and supine positions.
Our findings illustrate that despite attempts to mitigate dispersion using slower flow rates, the laryngeal jet disperses the aerosol bolus and thus remains a hurdle for efficient targeted delivery. Nevertheless, we show a decrease in extra-thoracic deposition; large aerosols in the range of 10-30μm potentially outperform existing inhalation methods, showing deposition fractions of up to 80% in an upright orientation.
The improved deposition during Inhaled Volume Tracking shows promise for clinical applications and could be leveraged to deliver larger payloads to the upper airways.
The improved deposition during Inhaled Volume Tracking shows promise for clinical applications and could be leveraged to deliver larger payloads to the upper airways.
No qualitative study on traditional medicine use among Zambian pregnant women has ever been conducted. Accordingly, this study was performed to explore the perceptions, motivations and experiences of Zambian women with regard to traditional medicine use during pregnancy.
In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in June/July 2019 with 8 adult women residing in Lusaka, Zambia, who used traditional remedies during their pregnancies, and who were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling.
Reported reasons behind traditional medicine use during pregnancy included labour induction, prevention of childbirth complications in case of sexual infidelity by either spouse, and prevention and/or treatment of anaemia. In addition, family members and faith leaders played an important role in influencing traditional medicine use.
Multiple, interconnecting factors influence traditional medicine use among pregnant women in Lusaka, Zambia. Traditional medicine use during pregnancy will likely continue to be widespread across Zambia.
