Food Particles Research Articles

Visualization of Moisture Content, Reducing Sugars, and Chewiness in Bread During Oral Processing Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology

This study evaluated the differences in oral processing and texture perception of breads with varying compositions. The research investigated the dynamic changes in moisture content (MC), reducing sugars (RSs), and chewiness of the bolus formed from white bread (B0) and 50% whole-wheat bread (B50) during oral processing. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combined with chemometric methods was used to establish quantitative prediction models for MC, RSs, and chewiness, and to create visual distribution maps of these parameters. The results showed that B0 had a higher moisture content and a faster hydration rate than B50 during the initial stages of oral processing, indicating greater hydrophilicity and ease of saliva wetting. Additionally, the uniformity of moisture distribution in the bolus of B0 was higher than that of B50. B50 exhibited significantly lower RSs content and poorer distribution uniformity compared to B0. The primary differences in chewiness between the two types of bread were observed during the early stages of oral processing, with B50 requiring more chewing effort initially. This study demonstrated that HSI technology can effectively monitor and elucidate the compositional changes in food particles during oral processing, providing new insights into bread texture perception and offering a scientific basis for improving bread processing and texture.

New Insights into the Toxic Effects of Different Sizes of Nanosilica Particles in Food on the Mouse Bladder: Involving Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Animals are widely exposed to nanosilica as a food additive. However, the negative effects of such nanosilica particles on animals' bladders are unclear. In the present study, we investigated the impact of MPs-SiO2 on mouse bladder and the underlying mechanisms. Mouse and MBEC cell models exposed to MPs-SiO2 with different particle sizes were established. At the same time, aminoguanidine hydrochloride (RNS inhibitor) and NF-κB activator were used to further explore its mechanism in vitro. We found that MPs-SiO2 of three sizes could induce RNS-induced pyroptosis causing EMT both in vitro and in vivo. After inhibiting RNS, the expression of related proteins in downstream pathways was decreased, and fibrosis was alleviated. The above situation was reversed by the addition of NF-κB activator. Furthermore, our data suggest that 300 nm MPs-SiO2 particles have a greater impact on the bladder than 50 nm particles. This study revealed the potential health risks of MPs-SiO2 and provided new insights into the toxicology of MPs-SiO2.

The development of functionalized alginate-based hydrogels for the management of postprandial hyperglycemia and weight reduction

Polysaccharide-derived functional food ingredients are increasingly prevalent in the food industry for their health benefits and functional versatility. Among them, sodium alginate (SA), a natural polysaccharide, is widely valued for its sustainability, renewability, non-toxic nature, and broad applicability. However, its poor water solubility has limited its use as biomedical materials and food additives. Here, we enhanced SA through carboxymethylation to produce carboxymethylated SA (CMSA), aiming to develop functional food ingredients with improved physicochemical properties for health management. The synthesized CMSA was characterized for its physical properties and ability to form a hydrogel through cross-linking with Ca2+. We assessed its encapsulation efficiency for food particles in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids and evaluated its physiological effects in a rat model. Our findings demonstrated that CMSA-based hydrogels effectively encapsulate ingredients in the stomach, reducing nutrient diffusion in the intestine, and helping to manage postprandial hypoglycemia. Additionally, the hydrogel expands in the stomach and small intestine, contributing to modest weight loss. These findings suggest that CMSA-based hydrogels offer significant potential as functional food ingredients for managing postprandial hypoglycemia and supporting weight management. The development of such gelling systems presents promising applications in both medical and nutritional sciences, offering innovative strategies for addressing diet-related health concerns.

Contactless printing of food micro-particles controlled by ultrasound

Traditional food 3D printing technology, which primarily relies on mechanical control, often faces challenges such as low resolution, stringent material requirements, limited flexibility, and cumbersome equipment. To overcome these limitations, we developed an innovative food 3D printing method utilizing ultrasonic phased arrays and subsequently designed a contactless printing device employing this advanced technology. The device effectively manipulates the phase and amplitude of the ultrasonic phased array to focus the sound field on a specific location. We have successfully demonstrated preliminary control over the suspension of small food particles, including popcorn, chocolate, honey, and marshmallows, using this apparatus. Following this, popcorn particles were selected for detailed practical printing and further analysis. Additionally, we established a software platform, Ultr_printing, based on Ultraino, for intelligent simulation and control of the printing process. Leveraging FPGA and Arduino controllers, this setup facilitates rapid signal transmission from personal computers to sensors, ensuring quick and adaptable movement of suspended particles. Experimental results confirm that the device consistently controls the food particles, irrespective of their motion state. Notably, it achieves a printing precision of 0.16 mm when handling popcorn particles measuring 1.5 mm in diameter. The process, entirely contactless and free from contamination, preserves the original flavor of the food particles. This technology is particularly effective for high-precision printing of micro-scale shapes and offers considerable benefits in assembly and precision manufacturing.

Functional Morphology of the Tongue and Laryngeal Entrance and Scanning Electron Microscopic Pattern of the Filter Feeding Apparatus of Anas crecca.

There is insufficient information about the migratory Eurasian teal, Anas crecca. The study provides the first anatomical description of lingual adaptations and their relationship with the species-specific feeding behavior of A. crecca collected near Egyptian Lake Nasser. Our investigation was applied with the help of gross, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and morphometric analysis. The study focused on the feeding filtering apparatus that depends on eight lingual papillae. The spatula-shaped nail is adapted for food particle pecking, while the lingual combs, rostral border of the prominence, unique papillary crest, median groove, and papillary system aid in intra-oral transportation. The feeding apparatus is formed by the lateral and dorsal papillary systems. The lateral papillary system had conical papillae with numerous long filiform and hair-like filiform papillae to constitute the food filtration apparatus, while the dorsal papillary system had ridged-like and rod-like papillae in addition to the small papillae of the papillary crest and spinated border of the root to help in moving the food particles with water to the lateral sides of the prominence. The laryngeal region exhibited papillary (pre-glottic) and non-papillary (glottic) areas. The papillary area had two lateral papillary portions and a median smooth portion, while the non-papillary area had an ovoid laryngeal mound with a median glottic opening that was bordered by a papillary border. The papillary portion had three slightly oblique longitudinal papillary rows.

Pulse Granuloma in Esophagus; A Rare finding in Achalasia Patient: Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Introduction/Objective Pulse granuloma is a granulomatous reaction to foreign body, most commonly to food material. This is clinically silent and incidental but may be confused for a mass like lesion. This can be found any location in gastrointestinal tract but most reported in oral cavity and colon. We herein report a rare case of pulse granuloma in esophagus with literature review of the entity. Methods/Case Report A 58-year-old male with history of achalasia, surgical history of Heller myotomy, hernia reduction, hiatoplasty, gastropexy, vagotomy, presented with recurrent stricture of the esophagogastric junction. The patient received multiple esophageal balloon dilatations in the past due to high esophageal sphincter pressure and was complicated by severe reflux associated with esophagitis and large hiatal hernia. He underwent subtotal esophagectomy due to dysphagia. Gross examination of the esophagectomy specimen showed multiple previous procedure scars and was opened to reveal firm yellow food particles impacting in the mucosa. Histological examination showed gastroesophageal junctional mucosa with ulceration and fibrosis of the muscularis propria. Pink ribbon like hyalinized foci with giant cell was found which stained negative for GMS, PAS and AFB, supporting the diagnosis of pulse granuloma. Literature search for key word ‘Pulse Granuloma’ identified thirty-five case reports from year 1977 to 2024, with most reported case in the oral cavity (14 cases, 42%). Out of ten cases reported in gastrointestinal tract, 1 case was reported in small bowel and 9 cases were reported in colon and rectum and no cases were reported in esophagus. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Our patient’s history of achalasia and dysphagia along with histopathologic findings supports diagnosis of pulse granuloma in esophagus. Although clinically silent, pulse granuloma may cause mass-like lesions and result in enlargement and stenosis. In setting of esophageal achalasia recognizing this entity is important as it can mimic malignancy and other mass-forming lesions.

Human Mastication Analysis-A DEM Based Numerical Approach.

Mastication is an essential and preliminary step of the digestion process involving fragmentation and mixing of food. Controlled muscle movement of jaws with teeth executes crushing, leading towards fragmentation of food particles. Understanding various parameters involved with the process is essential to solve any biomedical complication in the area of interest. However, exploring and analyzing such process flow through an experimental route is challenging and inefficient. Computational techniques such as discrete element numerical modeling can effectively address such problems. The current work employs the Discrete Element Method (DEM) as a numerical modeling technique to simulate the human mastication process. Tavares and Ab-T10 breakage models coupled with Gaudin Schumann and Incomplete Beta fragment distribution models have been implemented to analyze the fragmental distribution of food particles. The effect of particle shape (spherical, polyhedron, and faceted cylinder), size (aspect ratio), and orientation (vertical and horizontal) on breakage and fragment distribution is analyzed. To account for the elastic-plastic behavior and moisture content in food particles, modifications has been made in breakage models by incorporating numerical softening factor and adhesion force. The study demonstrates how numerical modeling techniques can be utilized to analyze the mastication process involving multiple process parameters.

Energy costs of the sponge pump

Sponges pump large volumes of water to obtain nutrition from a dilute suspension of food particles and dissolved organic matter. Our review of the literature shows pumping power ranging from 0.85% up to 28% of the total metabolic respiration rate Rtot, where the pumping power (Pp = pumping rate × pump pressure) is the energy per unit time transferred to the water flow. Some published values of pumping costs are high while others are low due to incorrect estimates of some pressure losses in the aquiferous system of sponges. However, as improved descriptions of detailed structures and function, especially of the filter apparatus of the choanocytes, have become available, our corrected values for pressure losses show the respiration-specific pumping costs of Pp/Rtot = 1.3 to 22%. The stated pumping cost is based on the minimal (theoretical) pump power delivered to the water, which excludes a mechanical efficiency of pump action and a metabolic efficiency that expresses the fraction of total metabolism that is devoted to driving the pump action, considerations that should be included in future studies.

A bio-inspired Janus hydrogel patch facilitates oral ulcer repair by combining prolonged wet adhesion and lubrication

Oral ulcers, the most common type of mucosal lesion, are both highly prevalent and prone to recurrence. In the persistently moist environment of the oral cavity, current therapeutic patches face challenges such as short adhesion time, disruption by food particles and bacteria, and oral movements. To address these challenges, we develop a Janus patch, named ANSB, inspired by the multi-layered and asymmetric structure of natural mucosa, featuring a long-lasting adhesive layer and a lubricating layer. By eliminating the salivary barrier and leveraging covalent crosslinking between tissue surface amine groups and N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS), the adhesive layer—composed of gelatin and acrylic acid—achieves rapid (≤ 30 s), strong (≥ 45 kPa), and durable (≥ 8 h) adhesion to wet buccal tissues. Furthermore, the efficient lubricating effect (COF = 0.02 ± 0.003) provided by zwitterions renders the lubricating layer of ANSB highly similar to natural mucosal tissue, effectively preventing bacterial invasion, secondary damage, and unintended adhesion. Additionally, the strong interlayer bonding and complementary mechanical properties are confirmed, resulting in a unified performance characterized by rapid wet adhesion, hydration lubrication, and enhanced mechanical strength. Importantly, ANSB treatment demonstrates a long-term protective barrier and superior therapeutic effects in rat oral ulcers, inhibiting pseudomembrane formation and accelerating tissue regeneration without causing secondary damage. Consequently, this distinctive Janus patch, characterized by prolonged adhesion, efficient lubrication, and simple preparation, holds significant potential for clinical oral ulcer treatment. Statement of SignificanceOral ulcers, with healing impeded by secondary injury and bacterial invasion due to the absence of protective barriers, are highly prevalent and recurrent. However, sustaining therapeutic materials and physical barriers in the highly dynamic and moist oral environment poses a considerable challenge. In this study, a Janus patch (ANSB) that integrated a soft wet adhesive layer and a tough lubricating layer was developed to reconstruct a new protective barrier thus preventing external stimuli such as secondary damage and bacterial infiltration. This innovative patch with high therapeutic potential for oral ulcers may offer a new way for ulcer treatment based on barrier protection.

Modeling microbial growth based on time-dependent kinetic mechanisms of digestion and passage in the ruminoreticulum

The original Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) model, which was developed in 1992 and revised in 2004, included a rumen submodel with a set of equations that were algebraically programmed in a spreadsheet to predict bacterial N flow to the caudal tract of cattle. In this study, we propose a modification to the original CNCPS rumen submodel based on mathematical concepts that simulate the flow paths of solids and liquid in the rumen, which are known to be essential factors affecting rumen fermentation and microbial growth. This modification allows the quantification of the impact of aging mechanisms on the availability of both soluble and insoluble substrates for microbial growth in the rumen. Additionally, a correction has been proposed on peptide uptake by rumen bacteria. Literature data were used to evaluate the model adequacy of CNCPS versions 1992 and 2004, along with the proposed model, to determine their ability to predict bacterial N flow. The proposed model more accurately predicted the variable of interest, but there was an overall underprediction bias. Despite the rightful critics of the ability of mechanistic models to predict microbial crude protein flow from the rumen, the 1992 and 2004 versions of the CNCPS and the proposed modifications implemented within the CNCPS framework led to predictions that agreed with observational data at a discordance rate of 0.05, tolerance probabilities <0.001 for versions 1992 and 2004, and a tolerance probability equal to 0.13 for the proposed model given a sample size n=39. Therefore, the proposed modifications might improve the ability of CNCPS-based models to predict the bacterial N flow from the rumen, thereby resulting in improved predictive performance compared to the original CNCPS model. Thus, it seems that models built on time-dependent kinetics of food particles and fluid are more fitting than steady-state ones to predict bacterial N flow to the caudal tract.

Stranger things: on the novel buccopharyngeal anatomy and functional morphology of ‘sand-eating’ Malagasy tadpoles (Anura: Mantellidae: Mantidactylus)

Abstract Anuran larvae are characterized by an extensive array of specialized oral structures that allow them to both graze on substrates and suspension feed with great efficiency. Diversity in these feeding structures accounts for significant diversity of anurans. Herein we describe an astonishing novel buccopharyngeal morphology in six larvae of ‘sand-eating’ tadpoles of the Mantellidae genus Mantidactylus. The buccopharyngeal cavity of these tadpoles is characterized by the presence of ruffled ridges not seen previously in any other anuran larva. Extensive review of the literature and of new empirical data demonstrates the uniqueness of this morphology. We present both CT scans and ergonomic arguments in support of the hypothesis that the ruffled ridges are employed as scrubbing pads, allowing these tadpoles to remove food particles from sand grains. In addition, we explore how the ridges may have developed and evolved.

Combined effects of food quality and temperature on competitive interactions between small- and large-bodied cladoceran species

Competition is one of the main drivers of population dynamics of cladoceran species. According to the Size Efficiency Hypothesis, large-bodied cladocerans are superior competitors over small-bodied species because they are more effective filter-feeders and can consume a wider size spectrum of food particles. However, we hypothesized that food quality in terms of phosphorus (P) and/or polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content can alter competitive interactions, and these potential effects can be modified by temperature. Since large-bodied cladocerans are more vulnerable to poor food quality and are regarded as less adaptive to high temperatures, we hypothesized that large-bodied species would be superior competitors at low temperature and/or high food quality, while small-bodied cladocerans would be competitively superior at enhanced temperature and/or poor food quality. To verify this hypothesis, we conducted laboratory experiments with the small-bodied D. longispina and large-bodied D. magna fed with three different types of food: (1) P-poor and PUFA-rich green algae (low phosphorus or LP-treatment), (2) PUFA-poor-cyanobacteria treatment (CYANO) and (3) P-rich and PUFA-rich green algae (high phosphorus or HP-treatment) at 18°C and 24°C. We found that D. magna had a stronger suppressive competitive effect on D. longispina in all food quality and temperature treatments. Nevertheless, food quality and temperature modified competitive interactions between the small- and large-bodied Daphnia. In HP and CYANO, both Daphnia species were more strongly suppressed by competitor presence at high than low temperatures, whereas in LP mutual suppression was relatively weaker at higher temperatures. This phenomenon was attributed to higher requirement for P at enhanced temperature which created constraints for population growth thus decreasing competitive interactions at higher temperatures. Mutual competitive suppression in CYANO was weaker than in the HP treatment although cyanobacteria had the greatest negative impact on the abundance of both Daphnia species. In general our results show that the outcome of competition between large and small-bodied cladoceran species was not affected by food quality and/or temperature, yet, these factors markedly altered competitive interactions between species.

Pax3/7 gene function in Oikopleura dioica supports a neuroepithelial-like origin for its house-making Fol territory

Larvacean tunicates feature a spectacular innovation not seen in other animals - the trunk oikoplastic epithelium (OE). This epithelium produces a house, a large and complex extracellular structure used for filtering and concentrating food particles. Previously we identified several homeobox transcription factor genes expressed during early OE patterning. Among these are two Pax3/7 copies that we named pax37A and pax37B. The vertebrate homologs, PAX3 and PAX7 are involved in developmental processes related to neural crest and muscles. In the ascidian tunicate Ciona intestinalis, Pax3/7 plays a role in the development of cells deriving from the neural plate border, including trunk epidermal sensory neurons and tail nerve cord neurons, as well as in the neural tube closure. Here we have investigated the roles of Oikopleura dioica pax37A and pax37B in the development of the OE, by using CRISPR-Cas9 mutant lines and analyzing scRNA-seq data from wild-type animals. We found that pax37B but not pax37A is essential for the differentiation of cell fields that produce the food concentrating filter of the house: the anterior Fol, giant Fol and Nasse cells. Trajectory analysis supported a neuroepithelial-like or a preplacodal ectoderm transcriptional signature in these cells. We propose that the highly specialized secretory epithelial cells of the Fol region either maintained or evolved neuroepithelial features. This is supported by a fragmented gene regulatory network involved in their development that also operates in ascidian epidermal neurons.

Impact of fermentation by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae on the macronutrient and in vitro digestion characteristics of Chinese noodles

This study examined the impact of live bread yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the nutritional characteristics of Asian dried noodles. Micronutrient analysis of fermented noodles revealed a 6.9% increase in the overall amino acid content, a 37.1% increase in the vitamin B content and a 63.0% decrease in the phytic acid level. Molecular weight analysis of starch and protein contents revealed moderate decrease in the fermented noodles. The in vitro digestion of fermented noodles showed a slightly faster initial acidification, four-fold decrease in the initial shear viscosity (from 8.85 to 1.94 Pa·s). The initial large food particle count (>2 mm diameter) was 19.5% lower in the fermented noodles. The fermented noodles contained slightly higher free sugar content (73.5 mg g−1 noodle) during the gastric digestion phase. The overall nutrition and digestion results indicate nutritional improvement and digestion-easing attributes in the fermented noodles.

Oil uptake via marine snow: Effects on blue mussels (Mytilus sp.)

Accidental oil spills into the ocean can lead to downward transport and settling of oil onto the seafloor as part of marine snow, as seen during the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico. The arctic and subarctic regions may favor conditions leading to this benthic oil deposition, prompting questions about the potential impacts on benthic communities. This study investigated the effects of oil-contaminated marine snow uptake on the blue mussel (Mytilus sp.). We exposed mussels for four days to 1) oil-contaminated marine snow (MOS treatment), or to 2) chemically-enhanced water-accommodated fraction (CEWAF) of oil plus unaggregated food particles (CEWAF treatment). Both oil treatments received the same nominal concentration of oil and food. Two controls were included: 1) Clean seawater plus unaggregated food (agg-free control) and 2) clean seawater plus marine snow (marine snow control). After the exposure, mussels were allowed to recover for ten days under clean, running seawater. Samples were taken right before and after the exposure period, and after the recovery phase for the following endpoints: distribution (partitioning) of oil compounds between seawater and MOS, and between seawater and mussel tissue; DNA damage (assessed via the comet assay); clearance rate; and condition index [tissue dry weight (g) divided by shell length (mm)]. Some discernable patterns were found in the partitioning of oil compounds between seawater and MOS. However, these patterns did not translate to any significant differences in the partitioning of oil compounds into mussel tissue between the two oil treatments. DNA damage did not exceed background levels (10% tail DNA or less; to be expected in healthy, viable cells) at any sampling time point, but significantly higher DNA damage was observed in CEWAF-T compared to MOS-T mussels after the recovery phase. After the exposure, a significant difference emerged in the clearance rate between the CEWAF treatment and the agg-free control, but not between the MOS treatment and the marine snow control. All mussels except those from the CEWAF treatment exhibited an increased condition index after the exposure time. Together, these results suggest that aggregates could moderate the effects of oil exposure on blue mussels, possibly by providing better, more concentrated nutrition than unaggregated food particles.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Case-Control Study.

Background and objectives This study aimed to explore the frequency of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and associated risk factors among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods This was a retrospective case-control study including children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with ASD by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5 criteria and the assessment card in the ASD center at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital. Data were obtained using a self-developed questionnaire that included demographic features, nutritional and behavioral characteristics, and GI symptoms in the previous six months. The control group consisted of typically developing (TD) children matched to the ASD group for age and gender. Syndromic autism with defined somatic abnormalities and recognized genetic causes (e.g., fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis) were excluded Results A total of 146 ASD children and 114 normal children were included. No significant demographic differences were found between the groups. The ASD group had a higher frequency of low income and a significantly lower rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months. GI symptoms, specifically constipation, abdominal gases and distension, diarrhea, undigested food particles in stool, and mouth ulcers, were significantly more frequent in the ASD group. Weight abnormalities (both increase and decrease) were also more common. Family history of ASD was significantly more in ASD children with GI symptoms while low maternal education was more in those without. Conclusion This study reveals a high prevalence of GI symptoms in ASD children. Family history of ASD and maternal education may influence the GI symptoms reported in ASD children.

A LITERERY REVIEW ON SAMSARJANA KRAMA

In Ayurveda, Chikitsa can be classified into Sodhana and Samana. Sodhana is indicated in Bahudosha Avastha. After the administration of Sodhana karma due to the Prabhuta dosha nirharana, Agni is diminished and is not capable for the proper digestion of food particles. Samsarjana krama which includes Peyadi, Tarpanadi and Rasa samsarjana can be administered after Sodhana karma by considering the Karma performed and the Sudhi attained by the patient. Generally, Peyadi krama is indicated after Vamana and Virechana for Agni sandhushnartham. If the proper Sodhana does not occur, instead of Peyadi krama,Yushadi and Tarpanadi krama are advised. Peyadi krama includes the administration of Peya, Vilepi, Yusha and Mamsa rasa in successive order by considering Sudhi attained by the patient.

A Preliminary Study of Vallecular Bolus Aggregation in Healthy Swallowing of Solid Food Boluses.

The pharyngeal swallow typically begins within 400 ms following the arrival of a liquid bolus in the pharynx. By contrast, processed food particles aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation. With solid foods, swallow reaction time (SRT), the interval between bolus passing the ramus of mandible and hyoid burst onset (HYB) can be subdivided into components of vallecular aggregation time (VAT) and the subsequent end of aggregation to hyoid burst interval (EOA-to-HYB). However, expected durations of these timing measures remain unclear. We aimed to study bolus aggregation in healthy swallowing for International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Food Levels 5 (minced and moist [MM5]), 6 (soft and bite-sized [SB6]), and 7 (regular [RG7]). Understanding typical patterns and durations of vallecular aggregation with solids in healthy swallowing will inform the identification of impaired swallow timing in patient populations. Twenty healthy adults (10 males, Mage = 28 years, range: 23-55 years) swallowed two boluses each of MM5, SB6, and RG7 foods in videofluoroscopy. Blinded duplicate ratings determined bolus location at swallow onset, SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB. Texture-based differences were measured using Friedman's tests. Bolus location was at/above the valleculae at swallow onset for 85% of boluses, with no differences by texture. SRT, VAT, and EOA-to-HYB did not vary by texture, with overall median values (interquartile range) of 99 ms (-66 to 743 ms) for SRT, 347 ms (66 to 891 ms) for VAT, and -132 ms (-231 to -83 ms) for EOA-to-HYB. These data corroborate prior evidence that it is not unusual for food particles to aggregate in the valleculae prior to swallow initiation in healthy swallowing. However, durations of vallecular aggregation are typically < 1 s in healthy adults.

Chewing analysis of horses consuming bermudagrass hay in different styles of slow feeders as compared to loose hay

Mastication is the initial phase of digestion and is crucial to equine health due to its role in saliva production and food particle reduction. Hay nets have been promoted to slow the rate of hay consumption, with many styles of slow feeders available. Limited research has shown that nets may slow consumption, but no research has examined their effect on the horse's chewing frequency and patterns. The objective of this study was to compare chew frequency (CF, total number of chews/kg consumed) and chew duration (CD, total minutes chewed/kg consumed), as well as distribution of chews over a feeding period, of horses eating bermudagrass hay in three styles of hay nets [large mesh (LM), small mesh (SM), bottom hole (BH)] as compared to a control of loose hay (CTL). Treatments were assigned in a replicated Latin square 4 × 4 using eight horses. Horses were given a 24-hr acclimation period prior to recording their chewing patterns over a 24-hr period using an automated halter fit with a pressure-sensor noseband. Results indicate that CF was not influenced by treatment. However, SM resulted in longer CD as compared to CTL (P = 0.007). Additionally, BH resulted in a higher percentage of chews completed in the first 240 min compared to SM (P = 0.039), indicating more rapid consumption. Results of this study indicate hay nets may not influence the number of chews a horse performs while masticating hay, but small mesh feeders may increase the CD and reduce early consumption rate.

Stabilization of oil-water interface by non-interfacial adsorbed native starch granules using depletion attraction

The potential applications of emulsion systems prepared from solid particles are limitless across various fields. The emulsion, also known as Pickering emulsion, is constrained by the properties of the particles. An emulsion system prepared directly from unmodified, hydrophilic, natural starch granules was reported in the study. While the microstructure of this emulsion resembled that of Pickering emulsions, its formation mechanism was entirely different. The formation of the emulsion was governed by depletion attraction between hydrophilic polymers (Carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC) and amaranth starch granules. The microstructure and interfacial results revealed that the adsorption of starch granules at the oil-water interface was facilitated by depletion attraction induced by CMC, while their desorption was inhibited. Stability was maintained even at high oil volume fractions of up to 70%. The strength of depletion attraction in the emulsion could be controlled by varying the concentration of starch granules (3–7 w/v%), CMC (0.5–1.5 wt%), and the molecular weight of CMC, thus adjusting the microstructure and rheological properties of the emulsion. This technique could be widely applied to nature food particle, offering a new avenue for designing and manufacturing stable edible emulsion systems.