Food Mixtures Research Articles

Early Introduction of Multi-Allergen Mixture for Prevention of Food Allergy: Pilot Study.

The incidence and prevalence of food allergy (FA) is increasing. While several studies have established the safety and efficacy of early introduction of single allergens in infants for the prevention of FA, the exact dose, frequency, and number of allergens that can be safely introduced to infants, particularly in those at high or low risk of atopy, are still unclear. This 1-year pilot study evaluated the safety of the early introduction of single foods (milk, egg, or peanut) vs. two foods (milk/egg, egg/peanut, milk/peanut) vs. multiple foods (milk/egg/peanut/cashew/almond/shrimp/walnut/wheat/salmon/hazelnut at low, medium, or high doses) vs. no early introduction in 180 infants between 4–6 months of age. At the end of the study, they were evaluated for plasma biomarkers associated with food reactivity via standardized blood tests. Two to four years after the start of the study, participants were evaluated by standardized food challenges. The serving sizes for the single, double, and low dose mixtures were 300 mg total protein per day. The serving sizes for the medium and high dose mixtures were 900 mg and 3000 mg total protein, respectively. Equal parts of each protein were used for double or mixture foods. All infants were breastfed until at least six months of age. The results demonstrate that infants at either high or low risk for atopy were able to tolerate the early introduction of multiple allergenic foods with no increases in any safety issues, including eczema, FA, or food protein induced enterocolitis. The mixtures of foods at either low, medium, or high doses demonstrated trends for improvement in food challenge reactivity and plasma biomarkers compared to single and double food introductions. The results of this study suggest that the early introduction of foods, particularly simultaneous mixtures of many allergenic foods, may be safe and efficacious for preventing FA and can occur safely. These results need to be confirmed by larger randomized controlled studies.

An ethnographic analysis of consumer information processing and decision-making at farmers’ markets

PurposeFarmers’ markets have grown rapidly in recent years and at the same time consumers increasingly desire to eat healthfully and sustainably. This research aims to analyze the way consumers process information regarding local food claims such as sustainability and organics when shopping for local foods at farmers’ markets.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses ethnographic methods that included interviews with 36 participants, more than 100 hours of participant observation and prolonged engagement over a two and half-year period.FindingsThe findings indicate that there are two dominant types of consumers at the farmers’ market, hedonistic and utilitarian consumers. Hedonistic consumers rely on heuristic cues such as aesthetics, their relationship with the farmer and other peripheral sources of information when making purchase decisions. Utilitarian consumers, by contrast, carefully analyze marketing messages using central route cues and tend to be more conscious of their purchase choices.Practical implicationsThis study will help farmers more effectively position their marketing messages and help consumers be aware how they process information in this space.Originality/valueUnlike previous studies of consumer behavior at farmers’ markets that primarily use survey methods, this study uses observational and ethnographic methods to capture in situ interactions in this complex buying context. Further, while much work has been done on broad concepts of local food and organic preferences, this study provides a more in-depth look at consumer information processing in the farmers’ market space that reflects a mixture of organic and non-organic food.

Review on Semiotics of Biosensors

Biosensors are the devices used to capture and keep a record of the biological signals. They later convert it into the electrical signals. They are composed with the combinations of various biological entities like; DNA, RNA, and Proteins. Amperometric, Surface Plasmon Resonance, DNA phage are the most commonly used sensors being employed today. Various reviews unveil the usage of eukaryotic microorganisms to plan the entire cell biosensors (WCB) to detect heavy metal pollutants. Few theories have also been introduced covering the screen printing theories with special emphasis on the technical impacts of SPE and its configurations. The biosensors dependent on engendering the surface. Plasmon resonances (SPRs) in films are the all-around perceived Plasmon biosensors with incredible potential for new advances like the film based SPR detecting. The most recent and impactful applications came forward were based on Bio-medical: Glucose Enzymes like Glucose oxidase and Glucose dehydrogenase, Bacterial Monitoring, Fungal Pathogen Detection, and Polychlorinated biphenyls. Biosensors have been promising over the most recent couple of years in the exact discovery of the natural mixtures in food and soil by the use of immunological biosensors. This monitoring of antigen-antibody interaction uses piezoelectric transducers.

Omalizumab in food allergies – a therapeutic perspective

Food allergy is an important public health problem that affects up to 8% of the population in economically developed countries, especially children and adolescents. The management of allergic patients involves the avoidance of allergens and prompt treatment of immediate allergic reactions. Oral immunotherapy with the food incriminated in the allergic reaction (OIT) is a promising therapeutic alternative, but it is associated with frequent adverse reactions and increased costs. To reduce the adverse reactions of OIT, in a series of studies, omalizumab, a humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, was used as add-on therapy for OIT. Studies with omalizumab as add-on therapy in OIT for peanuts, milk, eggs, or mixtures of several foods bring us promising results. In this article, we review the possibility of using omalizumab, as monotherapy or add-on therapy in OIT, as secondary prevention treatment in food allergies.

An Appraisal of Poisoning Patterns among Adolescent Patients Admitted into Tertiary Care Hospitals in Nigeria

Background: Poisoning is a common medico-social problem globally that results in significant morbidity and mortality. The extent of the problem differs among age groups, social-economic classes, and country to country. However, there is a dearth of information on the pattern of poisoning in adolescents in Nigeria. Objective: The study aims to assess the poisoning pattern among adolescent patients admitted into Tertiary Care Hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: In this study, a critical, constructive analysis of relevant literature on the subject areas of poisoning cases in tertiary care hospitals in Nigeria was carried out. Published cases between the periods of 2000 and 2019 were analysed. Results: The study showed that 24 patients made up of 13 females and 11 males were involved in poisoning cases during the studied period (2000–2019). About 85% of the patients were aged 10–15 years, while 12.5% were aged 16–30 years. Most of the poisoning cases (83%) occurred at home. Accidental cases were 29.16%, while 70.8% of the cases were intentional. Among the 17 intentional cases, 28.6% were ingested for the hallucinating effect and 17.6%) were suicidal cases. The agents used for poisoning included organophosphates, plant extracts, alcohol, drugs, food, kerosene and herbal mixture, among others. Some reasons for poisoning or suicidal intent observed in the study include peer influence, edgy relationships in the family system, disagreement with parents, failure in examination, and clashes with the boyfriend. Conclusion: There is a need for the government to establish poisoning control centres in each region of the country for proper profiling of the poisoning epidemic. Furthermore, parents and guardians are strongly advised to closely observe their teenage children and educate them about the dangers of any poisoning. Also, schools should provide friendly and accommodating environments to minimize and possibly eliminate suicidal intentions in youths and adolescents.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION WITH TYPICAL MEXICAN FOODS (OPTUNA FICUS INDICA, THEOBROMA CACAO AND EDIBLE CRICKETS) IN HIGH-FAT/HIGH-SUGAR DIET-FED MICE

The obesogenic environment, including high fat/ high sugar diet, are risk factors for developing multiple diseases associated with obesity, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic syndrome, among others. An increase in physical activity and change of diet is the first therapeutic line to prevent or treat obesity; however, adherence to this treatment is negligible. Therefore, this communication's objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with a mixture of foods of Mexican origin: Optuna ficus indica, Theobroma cacao and edible crickets (MexTHER) on a diet high in saturated-fats and fructose-sucrose in obesogenic mice. Twenty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups between 7 and 8 weeks of age. Control group: Normal diet (ND) for 16 weeks; HF Group: Diet with 45% of Kcal from fat and water added with 55% fructose and 45% sucrose ad libitum for 16 weeks; and Therapeutic group: HF diet up to week eight and the last 8 weeks switched to a high fat/sugar diet supplemented with 10% nopal, 10% cocoa and 10% cricket (MexTHER). The animals were sacrificed at 16 weeks and histological, biochemistry and cognitive analysis were performed. Mice fed with MexTHER diet showed a significant reduction in weight at sacrifice. After two weeks MexTHER group equaled their weight to the ND group (ND = 35.92 ± 4.76, HF = 47 ± 7.11, MexTHER = 34.20 ± 6.71 p <0.001). Liver weight, visceral fat, and epididymal fat were also significantly reduced. The MexTHER group significantly decreased levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, insulin, glucose, GIP, leptin, PAI-1 and resistin. The livers of MexTHER and ND mice did not show histological alterations. The size of adipocytes showed significantly smaller diameters in the MexTHER group against HF group. Mice supplemented with MexTHER improved cognitive parameters, obtaining higher Discrimination Index than the ND group in test novel object recognition (NOR). Supplementation with nopal or cocoa has been shown to reduce alterations caused by a diet high in fat and sugar; however, the simultaneous supplementation proposed in this project induced more noticeable benefits, being similar to those achieved with a switch from HF diet to ND diet. MexTHER supplementation is a potential strategy for the treatment of diseases associated with excessive consumption of fat and sugars, such as MAFLD. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. This work has been fully subsidized by the Fond de Desarrollo Scientific de Jalisco (FODECIJAL) with key number 7941-2019.

In vitro genotoxicity assessment and 28-day repeated dose oral toxicity study of steady-calcium formula in rats

Steady-calcium formula (SCF), a functional food mixture with potential of joint care, contains five major ingredients. However, the uncertain cross-reactivity among these included ingredients cannot be excluded. Hence, it is important to ensure the safety of this mixture. In this study, the safety of SCF was evaluated through in vitro genotoxicity assessment and 28-day oral toxicity study in rats. The bacterial reverse mutation test and mammalian chromosome aberration test displayed that SCF did not induce mutagenicity and clastogenicity. The 28-day repeated dose assessment of SCF in rats revealed no mortality and adverse effects in clinical signs, body weight, urinalysis, hematology, organ weight, and histopathology at all treated groups. Although some significant changes were observed in food intake and parameters of serum biochemistry at the highest dose in males, they were not dose-related and considered to be within normal range. These findings indicate that SCF does not possess genotoxic potential and no obvious evidence of subacute toxicity. These results demonstrate for the first time that the genotoxicity and subacute toxicity for SCF are negative under our experimental conditions and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of SCF may be defined as at least 5470 mg/kg/day.

Computer vision as the golden tool: mathematical models for evaluating color and storage time of hamburgers with goji berry natural additive

A new approach to meat color and shelf-life assessment is reported here for hamburgers mixed with goji berry. Samples with powdered or aqueous extract of goji berry were monitored, compared with hamburgers without the additive for ten days and its L*, a* and b* properties were determined by computer vision using a homemade setup. Noteworthy results, in particular the luminosity, for all samples with goji berry – only or with salt and pepper – were perceived, and predictive mathematical models for these food mixtures are here presented. The addition of goji berry in hamburgers, pioneered in this study, present advantageous characteristics both in terms of storage time and a positive effect on human health owing to the polyphenols in the natural additive. This study also offers insights into a low-cost and reliable method for the quality control of meat with potential application in the food industry.

The Effect of Nutrients Mixture on The Biomass and Lipid Production from Microalgae Botryococcus braunii Mutated by UV-C Rays

Nutrient is one of the most important factors in the growth of microalgae. This research was conducted to study the effect of nutrient mixture on the biomass and lipid production of Botryococcus braunii. Microalgae B. braunii was cultivated in the commercial nutrient medium of agricultural fertilizer combinations of ammonium sulphate (ZA), urea, and triple superphosphate (TSP). Before the cultivation process, B. braunii was exposed to UV-C rays (254 nm) for 3 minutes. The concentration and type of fertilizer as a nitrogen source divided into four types of mixtures, namely FM-1, FM-2, FM-3, and FM-4 were compared with Walne nutrients to study their effects on microalgae growth and lipids. FM-1 consisting of 150 mg/L of ZA, 7.5 mg/L of urea, and 25 mg/L of TSP led to the best growth for native and mutated microalgae strains compared to Walne nutrients and other nutrient mixtures. The mutated microalgae showed less growth than the native microalgae strains. However, the mutation process significantly increased the lipid content in the microalgae. In native microalgae strains, FM-4 consisting of 136.3 mg/L of urea and 50 mg/L of TSP produced the lowest lipid at 8.96%. After being exposed to UV-C rays, the lipids in FM-4 medium increased to 55.11%. The results show that the use of commercial fertilizers and exposure to UV-C rays on microalgae have high potential in preparing lipids as raw material for biodiesel which can be effectively applied in large-scale microalgae cultivation.

Effect of combining sleep-promoting food intake and electric field application on sleep in healthy participants: A pilot study

Background: Functional foods and electric fields (EFs) have been previously reported as interventions for insomnia other than medications. As for functional foods, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and lafma have been reported to be related to sleep. EFs have also been reported to have a sleep-related, anti-stress effect in mouse model experiments. However, the effects of combining these two methods on the human body remain poorly studied. Objective: Thus, this study aimed to investigate the cointervention effect of sleep-promoting functional food intake and EF application on sleep quality in healthy participants. Methods: Fifteen healthy participants were divided into three groups. The Food and Placebo groups were given active tablets containing food mixture of GABA and lafma, and placebo tablets, respectively, for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, the Food plus EF group used an EF therapy device during sleep in addition to the active food tablets. Sleep quality was evaluated using electroencephalography and sleep questionnaires.Results: Sleep efficiency (SE) was significantly higher in the Food group and the Food plus EF group than the Placebo group at 4 weeks. The Food plus EF group also had a significantly higher SE involving sleep latency. Conclusions: Food mixture containing known sleep-promoting ingredients such as GABA and lafma can improve sleep quality, and the improvement effect can be enhanced when administered in combination with an EF.Keywords: electric field therapy, Kumasasa (Sasa senanensis), electric fields, sleep quality, electroencephalographyClinical trial registration: Approval No.: R1812; Approval date: 21 Feb. 2019

Effect of Saengshik Supplementation on the Gut Microbial Composition of Healthy Korean Adults: A Single-Group Pilot Study.

Saengshik is a type of meal-replacement product or dietary supplement comprising an uncooked and dried plant-based food mixture with various health-promoting properties, such as antidiabetic, anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Although these properties are considered attributable to the various bioactive components absorbed through the intestine and its remolding effect on intestinal microorganisms, the effect of Saengshik supplementation on gut microbiota profiles has not yet been studied. In this study, we investigated the effect of Saengshik administration on the composition of gut microbiota. This single-group design trial was conducted on 102 healthy men and women who received 40 g/day of Saengshik powder for 8 weeks, during which stool samples were collected at two fixed time points (baseline and the endpoint) for gut microbiota-profiling analysis. We observed a significant decrease in the α-diversity of gut microbiota after Saengshik consumption (P < 0.05), with significant changes identified in the composition of major microbial taxa, such as Bacteroidetes (P < 0.0001), Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia (P < 0.0001). Notably, the gut microbial response was related to the inter-individual variability of habitual dietary intake and enterotype at baseline. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the effects of Saengshik intake on changes in gut microbiota, with the results suggesting that individual habitual diet patterns and gut microbial shapes should be considered key aspects in Saengshik-mediated health-promotion effects.

ANTAGONISTIC EFFECT OF LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS AGAINST ENTEROPATHOGENS AND ITS UTILIZATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROBIOTIC FOOD MIXTURES

Probiotics are live microbial supplement, which beneficially affect the host by improving the intestinal microbial balance. Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most common probiotic bacteria which have beneficial effects on the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract. In the present study, L. acidophilus was used as the probiotic culture. The antagonistic effect of L. acidophilus against the enteropathogens strains of E. coli (MTCC 40), Salmonella enteritidis (MTCC 3219), Bacillus cereus (MTCC 430), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 430) and Shigella flexineri (MTCC 1457) was studied. The results showed that L.acidophilus was able to inhibit the growth of some of the selected pathogens in varying degrees. It was found to be most effective with a zone of inhibition of 24 mm recorded against Staphylococcus aureus. The antagonistic effect may be due to the production of organic acids, bacteriocins and hydrogen peroxide. Later, an attempt wasmade to develop probiotic food mixtures containing banana flour, soya flour, tomato, mango and papaya involving L acidophilus. The food mixture (25g) was mixed with 150ml water and stirred to obtain uniform slurry. Adjusted the pH to 4.5 and autoclaved at 121°C (1.5 kg cm-2) for 15 minutes. After cooling this was inoculated with 300µl (8.07log cfu ml-1) liquid culture of L. acidophilus (24 hour old culture) and incubated at 37° C for 24 hours. After fermentation it was freeze dried. The viability of the developed food mixtures were assessed for 6 months and it showed good viability which was within the recommended level of probiotic organism to assure health benefits.

Relationship between thyroid hormone parameters and exposure to a mixture of organochlorine pesticides, mercury and nutrients in the cord blood of newborns

The fetus is prenatally exposed to a mixture of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), mercury (Hg), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and selenium (Se) through maternal seafood consumption in real-life scenario. Prenatal exposure to these contaminants and nutrients has been suggested to affect thyroid hormone (TH) status in newborns, but the potential relationships between them are unclear and the joint effects of the mixture are seldom analyzed. The aim of the study is to investigate the associations of prenatal exposure to a mixture of OCPs, Hg, DHA, EPA and Se with TH parameters in newborns. 228 mother-infant pairs in Shanghai, China were included. We measured 20 OCPs, total Hg, DHA, EPA and Se in cord blood samples as exposure variables. The total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and the FT3/FT4 ratio in cord serum were determined as outcomes. Using linear regression models, generalized additive models and Bayesian kernel machine regression, we found dose-response relationships of the mixture component with outcomes: among the contaminants, p,p'-DDE was the most important positive predictor of TT3, while HCB was predominantly positively associated with FT3 and the FT3/FT4 ratio, indicating different mechanisms underlying these relationships; among the nutrients, EPA was first found to be positively related to the FT3/FT4 ratio. Additionally, we found suggestive evidence of interactions between p,p'-DDE and HCB on both TT3 and FT3, and EPA by HCB interactions for TT3, FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio. However, the overall effects of the mixture on thyroid hormone parameters were not significant. Our result suggests that prenatal exposure to p,p’-DDE, HCB and EPA as part of a mixture might affect thyroid function of newborns in independent and interactive ways. The potential biological mechanisms merit further investigation.

Control of Periplaneta Americana using Boric Acid &amp; Neem Tree leaflets powder

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana is the largest of house-infesting cockroaches and causes’ public health problems making it an strategic target for control.Different concentrations of Boric acid and neem tree leaflets (old of young developmental stage, OY) powders were used in this study. The powders were incorporated into food mixtures designed here to produce baits and the lethal dose (LD50) was calculated for each treatment.For both treatments, the toxicity was found to relate with the amount ingested by a cockroach (mg/ cockroach). Increased concentrations of Boric acid were found toxic to P. americana and mortality percentage increased in a positive correlation with concentration. LD50 was 2.0889±0.00136 g. On the other hand, two effects were observed for neem OY leaflets: a) a toxic effect and increase in mortality for concentrations up to 3.75g with LD50 =4.345±0.07694 g; and b) a repellent effect as well as a decrease of mortality for baits with concentrations of 5g-6.667g.

Раннее энтеральное питание с расширенным белково-калорийным обеспечением в комплексе интенсивной терапии пациентов с тяжелой политравмой как средство профилактики полиорганной недостаточности

Актуальность. Необходимость идентифицировать, лечить, предупреждать тяжелые нарушения нутритивного баланса у пациентов с политравмой остается одним из основных компонентов интенсивной терапии. Правильный выбор времени и метода нутритивной терапии, состава и энергетической ценности пищевых смесей призван способствовать снижению частоты трудно корректируемых осложнений, в том числе синдрома полиорганной недостаточности. Цель: оценить эффективность раннего энтерального питания с расширенным белково-калорийным обеспечением согласно протоколу Enhanced Protein-Energy Provision via the Enteral Route Feeding Protocol in Critically III Patients (PEP uP) в комплексе интенсивной терапии пациентов с тяжелой политравмой. Материалы и методы. Обследованы 40 больных с тяжелой политравмой, доставленных в отделение анестезии и интенсивной терапии (ОАИТ) в среднем через 0,5 часа после травмы. Средний возраст пострадавших — 41,9 ± 2,4 года. Основная группа (группа А) — 15 пациентов, которым проводилась нутритивная терапия по протоколу PEP uP. Группу сравнения (группа Б) составили 25 больных, у которых нутритивная поддержка проводилась согласно Европейским рекомендациям по клиническому питанию пациентов в ОАИТ с применением стандартных полимерных смесей. С целью оценки риска полиорганной недостаточности применяли шкалу Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) при поступлении, на 2-е, 3-и и 5-е сутки лечения. Определяли в динамике уровень общего белка и альбумина сыворотки крови. Результаты. Тяжесть органной дисфункции по шкале SOFA в обеих группах при поступлении была соизмеримой. В группе Б со вторых суток отмечено развитие устойчивой гипопротеинемии, чего в группе А не наблюдалось. На 5-е сутки лечения в группе А отмечен достоверно более высокий уровень альбумина, чем в группе Б. На третий день лечения в группе Б выросла доля пациентов с проявлениями повреждения почек: 31,8 % — 0 баллов, 54,5 % — 1 балл, 13,7 % — 2 балла по шкале SOFA. В группе А оценки в 2 балла по шкале SOFA не наблюдалось, 84,6 % имели 1 балл, 15,4 % — 0 баллов. В течение первых трех суток отмечено уменьшение проявлений повреждения легких в обеих группах. Влияние ранней нутритивной поддержки на динамику индекса оксигенации остается, по нашему мнению, неопределенным. Выводы. Достигнуто сокращение срока пребывания пациентов с тяжелой политравмой в ОАИТ в среднем на трое суток (в группе А — 16,9 ± 1,4 суток, в группе Б — 19,9 ± 1,2 суток). Первые 3–5 суток интенсивной терапии с использованием протокола PEP uP позволяют снизить риски развития полиорганной недостаточности, что следует из низшего в данный термин суммарного балла по шкале SOFA в группе А (1–4 балла) по сравнению с группой Б (4–7 баллов). Нутритивная терапия методом раннего энтерального питания с расширенным белково-калорийным обеспечением позволяет улучшить адекватность покрытия белково-энергетических потребностей у пациентов в остром периоде политравмы, что может положительно влиять на уменьшение частоты развития осложнений, продолжительность пребывания пациентов в ОАИТ.

Olfactory perceptual decision-making is biased by motivational state.

Growing evidence suggests that internal factors influence how we perceive the world. However, it remains unclear whether and how motivational states, such as hunger and satiety, regulate perceptual decision-making in the olfactory domain. Here, we developed a novel behavioral task involving mixtures of food and nonfood odors (i.e., cinnamon bun and cedar; pizza and pine) to assess olfactory perceptual decision-making in humans. Participants completed the task before and after eating a meal that matched one of the food odors, allowing us to compare perception of meal-matched and non-matched odors across fasted and sated states. We found that participants were less likely to perceive meal-matched, but not non-matched, odors as food dominant in the sated state. Moreover, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data revealed neural changes that paralleled these behavioral effects. Namely, odor-evoked fMRI responses in olfactory/limbic brain regions were altered after the meal, such that neural patterns for meal-matched odor pairs were less discriminable and less food-like than their non-matched counterparts. Our findings demonstrate that olfactory perceptual decision-making is biased by motivational state in an odor-specific manner and highlight a potential brain mechanism underlying this adaptive behavior.

Multiple recombinase polymerase amplification and low-cost array technology for the screening of genetically modified organisms

The identification of different transgenic products that are potentially present in foods is a priority given their impact on environmental safeness and health care. In this context, reliable, fast and inexpensive detection methods are demanded to screen the compliance of product labelling and traceability regulations. We herein developed a method that combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) in a multiple format and a hybridisation assay. This system was optimised for the simultaneous amplification/detection of the 35S promoter, the NOS terminator and taxa, soya (Glycine max), corn (Zea mays) and potato (Solanum tuberosum), to denote the transgenic ingredients present in samples and to help to identify their source. As proof-of-concept, compact disc technology automated the optical sensing of RPA products. Discs worked as an analytical platform in the microarray format, and the reader/recorder as a detector. The analysis of the food mixtures containing genetically modified organisms up to 0.2 % showed excellent selectivity (no false-positives), reproducibility (relative error <20 %) and sensitivity (0.04 ng). The isothermal method was validated using certified reference materials and successfully compared to PCR-ELISA. The results of food products also confirmed it as an effective high-throughput tool for supporting simple, low-cost food safety controls, which makes it ideal for laboratories with limited resources.

The treatment effi cacy of disturbed swallowing function in patients with ischemic stroke and neurogenic dysphagia

The aim. To evaluate the effi cacy of swallowing recovery of patients with ischemic stroke carried out with the use of training rehabilitation method using special nutrient mixtures as part of combination therapy. Material and methods. The study included 65 patients (35 men and 30 women, aged 45 to 80 years) with dysphagia in the acute period of ischemic stroke. Thirty patients (control group) were treated with special binding compounds as part of a combination therapy. Thirty fi ve patients (comparison group) did not use the mixture. The dynamics of the recovery function of swallowing using the Penetration–Aspiration Scale (PAS) and the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Dysphagia Severity Scale (FEDSS), as well as the transition from tube to independent feeding were studied. Results. The training method of rehabilitation using special nutritional mixtures is eff ective assessed with PAS and FEDSS in patients with ischemic stroke and neurogenic dysphagia (p &lt; 0.05). The most pronounced eff ect was achieved in the group of patients with pseudobulbar syndrome. In patients with bulbar syndrome no statistically signifi cant diff erences were observed in the dynamic assessment of the severity of dysphagia on the PAS and FEDSS scales. The application of the training method leads to a signifi cantly better transition from tube to independent feeding. Conclusion. The training method of rehabilitation using special nutritional mixtures is eff ective in patients with ischemic stroke and neurogenic dysphagia and leads to a signifi cantly better transition from tube to independent feeding.

Spatio-temporal variations in the physiological profiles of streambed bacterial communities: implication of wastewater treatment plant effluents.

The effluents of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) represent a complex mixture of nutrients and toxic substances, thus, the potential exists for the effluents to significantly impact the biochemical characteristics and bacterial communities of the receiving water. We examined spatial and seasonal patterns, and the impact of effluents on microbial biomass, bacterial community structure, and metabolic diversity on a fourth-order stream. We took triplicate sediment samples at five different locations along a 5000m transect over three sampling periods. We quantified bacterial community structure as community-level physiological profiles and microbial biomass with phospholipid phosphate analysis. Our findings highlight the worrisome impacts of effluents on microbial biomass and bacterial metabolic diversity on the receiving water. Microbial biomass was significantly higher at the WWTP outfall compared to upstream and downstream sites and correlated positively with sediment physicochemical parameters. Furthermore, our data revealed significant spatial differences in bacterial community structure in the context of WWTP impact. High nutrient availability (lower carbon/nitrogen ratios) at the outfall increased site-specific bacterial metabolic diversity in winter but decreased the same in fall. Seasonal changes in the sedimentary microbial biomass and bacterial carbon substrate utilization were evident regardless of the spatial variations or impacts of the wastewater effluents. Communities in fall showed more versatile substrate utilization patterns than the winter communities. These results suggest that WWTP effluents significantly increased microbial biomass and highlight its mixed effects on bacterial community structure and metabolic diversity. Also, our data underscore a close association between sedimentary physicochemical parameters and the associated microbial functional activities.

Modeling inactivation of Clostridium botulinum and vitamin destruction of non-Newtonian liquid-solid food mixtures by convective sterilization in cans

Unsteady fluid mechanics and convective heat transfer in the sterilization of canned tuna chunks immersed in a non-Newtonian fluid by a Darcy-Brinkmann-Forchheimer porous model has been studied numerically by a conjugate mathematical model. The coupled equations were solved by the Finite Volume method with the SIMPLE algorithm. The model developed related the sterilization time and temperature distribution with the kinetics of C. botulinum inactivation and the degradation of two relevant vitamins in canned tuna, riboflavin, and thiamin. Additionally, the effect of the covering liquid in the sterilization process and nutrients loss from canned tuna was investigated. The results showed that the sterilization time decreases in fluids with low viscosity, as water and brine, compared to CMC. The cases investigated had a different response to achieve complete sterility, considering the preservation of nutrients. Obtaining a balance between operating time and energy cost allows improving the process to make it more efficient. Industrial relevanceModeling of bacteria inactivation and vitamin degradation in liquid-solid food mixtures is of great interest because the extended number of relevant food processes involve heat transfer in these matrices, where is mandatory an accurate estimation of time and conditions essential for a complete sterilization process.