Acceptable Reduction Research Articles

Percutaneous acetabular anchoring pin-assisted cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures

It is important to maintain acceptable reduction and make suitable entry when performing cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures; however, this is often challenging due to deforming forces or the unstable nature of the fracture itself. Several percutaneous reduction techniques for fractures have been introduced, but, in some cases, a loss of reduction during the nailing procedure is experienced. To prevent this problem, it is important to keep the proximal fragment stable for the entire nailing procedure. The present study reports favourable outcomes for cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures when percutaneous acetabular anchoring pin is used to maintain the proximal fragment stably in the reduced position.

Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures fixation with proximal femoral nail antirotation II (PFNA II): technical note and cases series

BackgroundCombined ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures are an uncommon type of fractures. A number of different implant options are available for the management of this injury. Two-device procedures were suggested because of the higher rate of malunion by single-device treatment. However, surgical treatment using a cephalomedullary nail is still an alternative option that provides better mechanical advantage and minimal invasion. This study details the technique of treating these pattern fractures with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation II (PFNA-II) to achieve an acceptable reduction in both fracture sites.MethodsTen cases of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures under reduction by PFNA II were included and reviewed. A saw-bone model was also utilized to perform the detailed technique of reduction and fixation of PFNA II.ResultsUnder the special technique by using the PFNA II, all ten cases achieved optimal reduction and alignment of both fracture sites in intra-operative fluoroscopy. There was no intra-operative complication noted. After 6 months of follow-up, radiography revealed proper alignment and well union of the fractures.ConclusionsFixation of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures with a single construct provides advantages of good biomechanical function, minimal invasion, reduced blood loss, and less operation time when comparing to two-device fixation. Thus, if acceptable reduction could be achieved, fixation by one PFNA II was a good alternative choice for this injury pattern.

Achieving Energy Efficiency for Near-Threshold Circuits Through Postfabrication Calibration and Adaptation

Scaling supply voltage to the near-threshold voltage (NTV) region is an effective approach for energy-constrained circuit design at the cost of acceptable performance reduction. However, by operating in the NTV region, the sensitivity of circuits to process and runtime variations significantly aggravates. Therefore, the performance and power consumption of a circuit is largely impacted by the variabilities, which affects the operating voltage for the most efficient computation, i.e., the minimum energy point (MEP). Accordingly, finding an optimum operating voltage for near-threshold computing (NTC) to account for variabilities is very challenging. In this article, we propose an MEP calibration and adaptation approach based on machine learning to tune for minimal energy operation on a per-chip basis by considering process and runtime variations. In the proposed approach, the optimal supply voltage of each chip is determined during manufacturing tests by characterizing dynamic and leakage power and at runtime by considering the impact of temperature variation. The presented method does not require costly power measurement circuitry on chip. The simulation results show that the proposed method has high MEP prediction accuracy and achieves near-optimal operation by only 1.2% higher energy consumption compared with the optimal operation.

Non-inferiority trial comparing cigarette consumption, adoption rates, acceptability, tolerability, and tobacco harm reduction potential in smokers switching to Heated Tobacco Products or electronic cigarettes: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDespite the introduction of tobacco control measures, smoking remains highly prevalent in most EU countries. In Italy, one in four adults were still regular smokers in 2017. Increasing use of combustion-free delivering nicotine technologies for cigarette substitution may accelerate the current downward trends in smoking prevalence. Whether Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are more effective tobacco smoking substitutes that may potentially facilitate adoption and full conversion compared to e-cigarettes (ECs) is not known.We have designed a prospective study to compare changes in cigarette consumption and adoption rates among smokers randomized to either HTPs or ECs. Product acceptability, tolerability, and their tobacco harm reduction potential will be also compared. Methods220 healthy smokers, not motivated to quit, will be randomized into a 12-weeks single-center, open label, non-inferiority trial comparing study outcomes from HTPs vs. ECs use. The primary outcome will be biochemically verified self-reported continuous abstinence at 12-weeks from the previous visit. Secondary outcomes will include: smoking reduction from baseline, adoption rates and product acceptability, tolerability, changes in step test values and in the level of selected biomarkers of exposure in exhaled breath (i.e. eCO) and in spot urine samples. A follow-up visit will be also included at 24-weeks to review product usage and smoking behavior under naturalistic condition of use.Recruitment of participants started in May 2019 and enrolment is expected to be completed in November 2019. DiscussionThis will be the first study directly comparing Heated Tobacco Products with Electronic Cigarettes in term of reduction in cigarette consumption, adoption rates, product acceptability, tolerability, and tobacco harm reduction potential. This knowledge can contribute to a better understanding of the potential role of this new technology in the evolving nicotine consumer market. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03569748.Registered June 25, 2018.https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4.

Percutaneous reduction and screw fixation for all types of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.

This study compares the outcomes of consecutive of patients with Sanders II and III and IV calcaneal fractures that were stabilized by either close reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Group I (N = 49) underwent close reduction internal fixation (CRIF). Group II (N = 39) underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The clinical outcomes included time to operation, operative duration, visual analog score (VAS), length of hospital stay, wound-related complications and AOFAS SF-36 score. Preoperative and postoperative radiographic measures also were compared. The duration of operation in the CRIF group was considerably shorter than in ORIF group (P = 0.0001). Postoperatively, at seventh day, the VAS in the CRIF group (4.2 ± 1.1) was meaningfully lower than those of the ORIF patients group (4.7 ± 1.2, P = 0.04). Totally, the prevalence of wound complications in CRIF group was significantly lower than in ORIF group. In final follow-up visit after one year, AOFAS scores and SF-36 scores between groups were comparable. Comparable radiographic measures were found in both groups. There was no significant difference between groups regarding preoperative radiographic measures (P > 0.05), while in postoperative imaging acceptable calcaneal fracture reduction was found in both groups. We believed that for treatment of various types of calcaneal fracture compared with ORIF the percutaneous reduction and screw fixation may lead to shorter hospital stay, decreased subtalar joint stiffness and earlier weight bearing along with much favorable patients' satisfaction.

Slow strain rate tensile tests on notched specimens of as-cast pure Cu and Cu–Fe–Co alloys

Microstructure evolution in the as-cast pure Cu, Cu-(1.0, 2.0, 3.0)Fe-0.5Co (wt. %) alloys were characterized in the former work. The aim of the present study is to investigate the slow strain rate tensile (SSRT) performance and fracture behavior of the Cu–Fe–Co alloys reinforced with fined grains (FG) and iron-rich nanoparticles (NP), referred as NPFG structure. The plastic deformation and fracture characteristics were examined by multiaxial SSRT tests at 75 and 125 °C on notched specimens. The addition of Fe and Co enhanced the ultimate tensile strength and yield strength almost by double to triple times the properties compare to pure Cu, along with an acceptable reduction in ductility, both at 75 and 125 °C. The SSRT properties of the copper samples varied as a function of temperature and alloying content. The analysis of fracture surface indicates the effect of iron-rich nanoparticles and grain boundaries on the deformation and fracture processes. The Kocks-Mecking model was applied to describe the SSRT experimental results with fitting parameters. The model predicted the dynamic recovery ability of the copper samples with different Fe, Co content and temperature. The evolution mechanism of SSRT properties upon alloying content and temperature was discussed in terms of the microstructure characterization, fractographic observation, deformation modeling, strengthening models as well as the analysis of strain-hardening curves. The results indicate through further microstructural engineering the NPFG Cu–Fe–Co alloy is promising in utilization as the canister for the storage of the nuclear waste.

Sequential Radiographic Evaluation During Closed Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture.

To test the null hypothesis that there is no significant change in radiographic parameters, which determines an acceptable reduction, beyond 3 weeks in distal radius fractures with closed treatment. Retrospective review of a prospectively gathered registry of distal radius fractures. Academic medical center. Patients who underwent closed treatment of distal radius fracture. Sequential radiographic evaluation. Change of radiographic measurement including radial inclination, radial height, ulnar variance, articular tilt, teardrop angle, anteroposterior distance, intra-articular gap, and step-off. We compared postreduction radiographic parameters once within 2 weeks, at the third week, at cessation of immobilization, and analyzed the interobserver reliability test. There was a statistically significant difference between radiographic measurements, which determined an acceptable reduction between radiographs performed within 2 weeks versus the third week. Radial inclination and ulnar variance were statistically different at the third week compared with the time of cessation of immobilization. Seventy-seven percent of patients who had an acceptable reduction after 2 weeks maintained acceptable alignment at cessation of immobilization. Eighty-five percent of patients with acceptable reduction after 3 weeks maintained acceptable alignment at cessation of immobilization. Radial shortening >1.8 mm at the third week predicts an unacceptable radiographic outcome at cessation of immobilization (sensitivity 94.5% and specificity 90%). Radiographic parameters that determine acceptable reduction for closed treatment of distal radius fractures change minimally after 3-week postacceptable closed reduction. Radial shortening at the third week can be used to predict an unacceptable radiographic outcome. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pulmonary manifestations of chronic liver disease: a comprehensive review.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and porto-pulmonary hypertension (PoPH) represent relatively common pulmonary vascular complications of advanced liver disease. Despite distinct differences in their pathogenetic background, both clinical states are characterized by impaired arterial oxygenation and limited functional status, and are associated with increased pre-transplantation mortality. Accumulation of ascitic fluid in the pleural cavity, known as hepatic hydrothorax (HH), is another frequent manifestation of decompensated cirrhosis, which may cause severe respiratory dysfunction, depending on the volume of the effusion, the rapidity of its development and its resistance to therapeutic measures. Orthotopic liver transplantation constitutes the only effective treatment able to resolve the pulmonary complications of liver disease. A prioritization policy for liver transplantation has evolved over the past years regarding advanced stages of HPS, yielding favorable outcomes regarding post-transplantation survival and HPS resolution. In contrast, severe PoPH is associated with poor post-transplantation survival. Hence, liver transplantation is recommended only for patients with PoPH and an acceptable reduction in pulmonary pressure values, after receiving PoPH-targeted vasodilating therapy. This review focuses on basic pathogenetic and diagnostic principles and discusses the current therapeutic approaches regarding HPS, PoPH, and HH.

Health Economic Consequences of a Tightly Controlled Dose Reduction Strategy for Adalimumab, Etanercept and Ustekinumab Compared with Standard Psoriasis Care: A Cost-utility Analysis of the CONDOR Study

A dose reduction strategy for adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab in patients with psoriasis who have stable and low disease activity has recently been compared with usual care in the CONDOR study (CONtrolled DOse Reduction) of biologics in patients with psoriasis with low disease activity. The aim of the current study was to perform a cost-utility analysis with a 12-month time horizon alongside this trial, using prospectively measured healthcare costs and quality-adjusted life years, based on Short-Form Six-Dimension utilities. Bootstrap analyses were used to calculate the decremental cost-utility ratio and the incremental net monetary benefit. The dose reduction strategy resulted in a mean cost saving of €3,820 (95th percentile –€3,099 to –€4,509) per patient over a period of 12 months. There was an 83% chance that dose reduction would result in a reduction in quality adjusted life years (mean –0.02 (95th percentile –0.06 to 0.02). In conclusion, dose reduction of biologics resulted in substantial cost savings with an acceptable reduction in quality of life.

The tansen technique – A new, easy, reliable, safe and cost effective, technique in closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of type 3 supracondylar fracture of the humerus in children

Introduction: Closed reduction and internal fixation with K wires is the standard of care for Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of children since they are too unstable for nonoperative treatment. Occasionally closed reduction of these fractures could be difficult using standard technique warranting open reduction which is associated with additional complications. We report a new intrafocal reduction technique and its results which can be used to reduce difficult supracondylar fractures reliably thus avoiding open reduction and its complications in most instances. Materials and Methods: Consecutive series of twenty-one patients who were treated successfully using intrafocal reduction (Tansen) technique from January 2014 to December 2015 were followed up for minimum of 6 months. Duration of operation, any intraoperative technique-related complication, and number of intraoperative image intensifier images were reviewed. Children were followed up at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months for the adequacy of reduction, for loss of reduction of fixation and fracture healing as well as a range of motion, complications, and functional outcome using Flynn's criteria. Results: The average operation time was 30.5 ± 10.5 min. The average number of intraoperative images was 15 ± 5. The average time and number of intraoperative images were not affected by the experience of the surgeon. Average healing was 6.1 ± 2 weeks. All patients achieved a satisfactory cosmetic and functional result. There was no significant loss of initial reduction on follow up. The minor complication rate was 16%. There was no technique-specific complication. Conclusion: Our simple intrafocal technique using artery forceps – “Tansen Technique” – gives an acceptable reduction in difficult supracondylar fractures which would otherwise require open reduction. It is cost-effective, consistent, has a short learning curve, and is a safe technique with potential use in day-to-day practice.

Outcomes of primary fusion in high-energy Lisfranc injuries at a tertiary state hospital

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: High-energy Lisfranc injuries are relatively uncommon but can lead to severe disability and morbidity. Primary fusion is a treatment option that can improve outcomes and reduce the reoperation rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate our series of primary fusions for high-energy Lisfranc injuries, looking specifically at type of fusion, time to union, non-union rates, reoperation rates and quality of reduction METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for Lisfranc injuries were identified from the REDCap surgical database and then retrieved from records. Only cases of primary fusion in adults were included. We excluded low-energy sprains and athletic injuries, ipsilateral lower limb injuries and cases where reduction and fixation were done. Radiographs were analysed from the iSite Enterprise PACS system (Philips® RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, 12 cases of high-energy Lisfranc injuries were identified where primary fusion was done. Seven patients (58%) underwent fusion of the first, second and third tarsometatarsal (TMT) joints. The first and second TMT joints were fused in only one case (8%), and the second and third TMT joints were fused in four cases (33%). Only one patient (8%) had removal of implants. Compression plating was the technique of choice used for fusion. There was l0o% union rate and average time to union was 84 days. Acceptable reduction was observed in nine cases (75%). Three cases (25%) of malreduction were found, among which one patient had pre-existing hallux valgus CONCLUSION: The majority of patients who underwent primary fusion of at least one TMT joint had good radiological outcome. Further studies with better clinical follow-up are needed Level of evidence: Level 4 Keywords: Lisfranc, tarsometatarsal, outcome, fusion

Closed Reduction of Pediatric Distal Radial Fractures and Epiphyseal Separations.

Sedated, closed reduction of a displaced distal radial fracture followed by cast immobilization is indicated in cases of unacceptable alignment on post-splint imaging. The aim of this procedure is to obtain acceptable reduction and cast immobilization for fracture-healing. The patient is positioned supine with the injured arm on the image intensifier. Adequate sedation is achieved with conscious sedation, general anesthesia, or regional anesthesia (hematoma block). The radial or ulnar translation is corrected with in-line traction. The wrist is typically hyperdorsiflexed, and traction is applied to the distal fragment. The distal fragment is then walked up and over as axial traction is applied and the wrist is brought from extension to flexion. The reduced wrist is held in a position of gentle flexion and slight ulnar deviation, and post-reduction fluoroscopy in anteroposterior and lateral views is obtained. A long-arm cast is applied by first applying a short-arm cast and a 3-point mold. Minimal cast padding is utilized to obtain the optimal "cast index." The wrist is re-imaged on the fluoroscopy device to obtain anteroposterior and lateral views. Alternative treatments include cast immobilization in situ, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation. Closed reduction and cast immobilization is a low-risk procedure that has a high rate of union with acceptable alignment without the risk of an additional surgical procedure. The long-arm cast is maintained for 6 weeks, and radiographs are obtained at 1 and at 2 weeks postoperatively to confirm maintained alignment. It is advisable to instruct the patient not to put anything down the cast because this can result in skin breakdown. Additionally, care must be taken on removal of the cast. Cast saws should be kept sharp and be replaced frequently. There are commercially available "zip sticks" and other such devices to prevent cast-saw burns that should be utilized if cast technicians or residents are assisting in the removal. Following removal of the cast, we recommend wrist-motion exercises be performed 3 times daily. If the fracture line is clearly visible on radiographs, a removable wrist splint is utilized for another 2 to 4 weeks. A full return to activity is expected at 3 months. Some residual deformity is acceptable if the remodeling capacity is excellent at the distal aspect of the radius. However, the tolerance for malreduction decreases as the patient ages, if the deformity worsens, or if there is a deformity further from the physis. Particular attention should be given to the median nerve sensory component. The thumb, index, and long fingers are assessed for sensation and compared with the 2 ulnar digits. Acute carpal tunnel syndrome is possible in children who have distal radial fractures.Waterproof cast padding is not recommended in cases in which a closed reduction is performed because such padding does not provide good protection to the skin with adequate cast molding.After reduction is obtained, no additional traction should be applied. If an assistant applies traction with the wrist in extension, reduction can be lost, so it is preferred to maintain the wrist in slight flexion while placing the cast.Although it is beneficial to hold the fracture in the cotton-loader position, this position should not be exaggerated because this position can cause excessive pressure on the carpal tunnel.The median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel and is often at risk because of hematoma formation as a result of a distal radial fracture.A cast index of 0.8 or more has been found to have an increased risk of failure of closed treatment. The cast index is the ratio of sagittal (measured on a lateral view) to coronal (measured on an anteroposterior view) width from the inside edges of the cast at the fracture site.Keeping cast saw blades sharp, using saws attached to vacuum devices, and cooling the blade while in use can prevent cast-saw burns.Zip sticks can be utilized to protect the skin but can sometimes be difficult to get under the cast.It is important to remember that swelling will occur following fracture reduction. The cast should not be wrapped tightly. Consideration should be given to bivalving the cast at the time of reduction and overwrapping after a few days when acute swelling has improved.Vigilance for growth arrest is necessary in patients with fractures of the distal aspect of the radius. This can occur in up to 4% to 5% of cases and is more common with reduction, particularly late reduction. Radiographic screening 6 to 12 months after the injury can help identify an early arrest.

Activation of enzymatically produced chitooligosaccharides by dioxyamines and dihydrazides

Reducing end activation of poly- and oligosaccharides by bifunctional dioxyamines and dihydrazides enables aniline-free and cyanoborohydride-free conjugation to aldehyde-containing molecules, particles and surfaces without compromising the chain structure. Chitosans are due to their polycationic character, biodegradability, and bioactivity important candidates for conjugation. Here, we present a kinetic and structural study of the conjugation of a dioxyamine and a dihydrazide to enzymatically produced chitooligosaccharides ranging from N,N’-diacetylchitobiose to a decamer, all having N-acetyl d-glucosamine at the reducing end. Conjugation of the dioxyamine resulted in mixtures of (E)- and (Z)-oximes and β-N-pyranoside, whereas the dihydrazide yielded cyclic N-glycosides. Reaction kinetics was essentially independent of DP. Stable secondary amines were in both cases obtained by reduction with α-picoline borane, but higher temperatures were needed to obtain acceptable reduction rate. Comparison to dextran oligomers shows that the nature of the reducing end strongly influences the kinetics of both the conjugation and reduction.

IMPROVING FLUORITE FLOTATION UNDER LOW TEMPERATURE AND NEUTRAL pH CONDITIONS

The authors provide insight into the problem of selective flotation of fluorite from quartz–fluorite ores. The flotation of fluorite mineral from ores by using acidized water glass as depressant has been studied for substitution of the commonly used depressant. It was found that the acidized water glass could achieve higher selectivity of fluorite minerals against gangue minerals in the fluorite flotation. The experimental results showed that YF collector has high selectivity in the flotation of fluoride for low-grade fluorite ores. The use of the YF collector also made it unnecessary to heat the pulp to a high temperature and achieved an acceptable reduction in the flotation temperature to [Formula: see text]C. The YF collector should be used in neutral pH to separate fluorite from gangue and it could also improve fluorite recovery and flotation rate.

Combined Direct Posterior Split-Gastrocnemius Approach for the Posterolateral Tibial Plateau Involved Fractures.

BackgroundSeveral approaches of fracture reduction and fixation are employed in complex tibial plateau fractures. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding reduction and fixation for fractures to the posterolateral part of the tibial plateau.HypothesisThe combined direct posterior split-gastrocnemius approach may be a choice of the posterior part involved comminuted tibial plateau fractures.Patients and methodsWe review cases of 216 patients with tibial plateau fracture and subsequent operation from 2012/1/1 to 2017/1/1. Fifty-six cases involved posterolateral plateau damage. For these 56 patients, we use anteromedial and direct posterior split-gastrocnemius approaches or anterolateral and direct posterior split-gastrocnemius approaches to fix the posterolateral and medial or lateral segments.ResultsFrom the radiography films, all patients (56/56) achieved a good reduction of the articular surface after surgery (31 patients were anatomic reduction, 25 patients were acceptable reduction). After 12 months follow up, only 2 patients showed poor reduction and no significant difference between <3 days after surgery and 12 months follow up. All patients acquired good knee functions at 12 months’ time-point of the fracture surgery. These patients have less pain and other related symptoms in daily living according to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Scores.ConclusionThe direct posterior split-gastrocnemius approach provides efficient and less invasive access to the posterolateral tibial plateau, which is suitable for direct reduction and rigid fixation to the fragments of posterolateral tibial fractures. It is a valuable choice when mapping a surgical approach to tibial plateau fracture reduction involving the posterior tibial plateau and its implementation may offer better post-operative functionality relative to alternative approaches.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF ANTERIOR BRIDGE PLATING FOR HUMERUS SHAFT FRACTURES BY MINIMAL INVASIVE TECHNIQUE

Near normal acceptable reduction and rigid stable fixation has its biological advantage as compare to absolute anatomical reduction with compromising soft tissue and vascularity. Biological fixation of fractures with soft tissue preservation and near acceptable reduction is becoming a more acceptable entity. However it is to be evaluated. For a satisfactorily outcome only union is not the only requirement but early and acceptable functional usage of the limb is the goal. Therefore concept of biological fixation was developed over a stable mechanical fixation. This has evolved the development and improvement in the techniques of biological fracture fixation and stabilization systems. From conservative cast and braces to internal fixation with intramedullary interlocking nailing, ORIF with plate and screw. Treatment of humeral fracture has evolved a lot with their complications. Studies are still going on to prove superiority of one over another. Minimally invasive technique for humerus shaft fracture has shown promising results recently.&#x0D; The present study was planned in Department of Orthopaedic, Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, Bihar from jan 2017 to Oct 2017. Total 10 cases with fractures of humerus shaft were treated with Minimum invasive Anterior Bridge plating techniques were evaluated in the present study.&#x0D; The data generated from the present study concludes that though the technique is very promising, it has a steep learning curve involved. The greatest advantage is minimally invasive, minimal soft tissue stripping, smaller incisions, minimal blood loss, shorter operative time and early rehabilitation. In conclusion anterior bridge plating (ABP) is very good technique in treating midshaft humeral fractures with minimal soft tissue dissection, smaller scars, and early return to overhead activities.&#x0D; Keywords: Anterior bridge plate, humerus fracture, minimal invasive technique, minimal invasive procedure, etc.

Physical, textural and sensory characteristics of reduced sucrose cakes, incorporated with clean-label sugar-replacing alternative ingredients

Abstract High levels of sucrose in foods present a great risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore a low sucrose intake is strongly recommended. Sweet baked products incorporate high levels of sucrose. Sucrose in the original cake formulation was reduced and replaced with apple pomace, whey permeate, oligofructose, polydextrose. An acceptable sucrose reduction of between 21 and 27% was achieved. Cakes containing apple pomace had the lowest specific volume (1.8 cm3/g) and highest crumb firmness (8.60 N) (P Industrial relevance Public awareness about the health risks of diets high in sugar have increased dramatically for the last number of years. Governmental and professional groups have recommended sucrose to be reduced in certain food products; therefore the food industry is now seeking ways to reduce the sugar by substituting other materials. However, most people enjoy the taste and texture of high sugar foods, and may not want to give them up. As sugar is present in such significant amounts in cakes, altering the level used will greatly affect dough consistency and final product characteristics. Efforts have made over the last number of years to explore alternative sweetening ingredients including bulk sweeteners (polyols) and high intensity sweeteners as sucrose replacers (Di Monaco et al., 2018). However, recent consumer trends indicate a movement towards a ‘clean label’. Clean label implies a food a low number of ingredients and ingredients with names with the consumer can understand (Skelke, 2018). Polyols and high intensity artificial sweeteners are not considered to be a ‘clean label’ ingredient, and therefore alternatives must be reviewed. This study investigates the use of clean label sweetening ingredients. Apple pomace and whey permeate are by-products of the juice and dairy industry. Both polydextrose and oligofructose can be classified as dietary fibres, and also provide other functional properties to the cake.

Sensory Profiling and Consumer Acceptance of Pasta, Bread, and Granola Bar Fortified with Dried Olive Pomace (Pâté): A Byproduct from Virgin Olive Oil Production.

An olive pomace (pâté) obtained from virgin olive oil production, was used for the fortification of pasta, bread, and granola bar. For each food, a control (without pâté) and a fortified sample (with pâté, 7% in pasta and 5% in bread and granola bar) were manufactured. Descriptive analysis showed that pâté strongly affected the appearance of pasta and bread and increased the bitterness of bread and granola bar but not pasta. Granola bar was less affected in general, likely because of its higher ingredient complexity. In a central location test with 175 Californian consumers, both the control and the fortified samples of all three foods were well accepted overall, with only the mean liking of the appearance of the fortified pasta falling below the "neither like nor dislike" mark. Approximately 30% of consumers preferred the fortified sample over the control for each food and 50% were willing to pay more for the fortified products. The percentage of phenols from pâté recovered in the prepared samples was such that 63 g of pasta, 18 g of bread, and 12 g of granola bar would be sufficient to meet the EFSA health claim for olive oil phenols. This study demonstrates that pâté can be used for fortification of foods for human consumption, thus adding potential economic value to the virgin olive oil production chain and allowing for a higher daily intake of phenols from Olea europaea L., whose beneficial health properties are well recognized. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The dried olive oil pomace (pâté) that we developed and tested in this research can be used to fortify pasta, bread, and granola bars with health-beneficial phenols with only slight alterations of their sensory profiles and slight reduction in consumer acceptance. Virgin olive oil producers can use this byproduct and gain further economic value from olive oil production.

Evaluation of active sludge and aquatic ferns usage for removal of zinc in a biological wastewater treatment system

In this research capability of biological treatment method via active sludge and aquatic fern evaluated in different operating conditions and they were optimized in order to remove Zn (II). A simple reactor performance for treatment of model and real wastewater on laboratory and semi-industrial scale was investigated. This refining process proceeded with special attention to the effect of solution pH-value, pollutant concentration, absorbent concentration and reaction time. The batch semi-industrial scale reactor represented over 90 % removal efficiency under pH-value of 6 and 5-5.5 for aquatic ferns and active sludge, respectively. Effective reaction times represented various durations for aquatic ferns and active sludge with respect of 120 minutes and 90 minutes. The two biological masses had the best performances with 6 g/l for aquatic ferns and 5 g/l for active sludge. In the presence of 5 ppm of Zn (II) as the objective heavy metal, both absorbents had over 93.2 % removal efficiencies. While obviously laboratory-scale attempts introduced higher acceptable reduction efficiencies via this economic applicable treatment method. Additionally, economic considerations clarified feasibility of this recommended simple method.

Nondestructive prediction of the overall quality of cow milk yogurt by correlating a biogenic amine index with traditional quality parameters using validated nonlinear models

Physicochemical and microbiological changes in yogurts determine their storage and shelf life. Thus, monitoring yogurt quality is essential for consumer acceptance and food safety. However, traditional techniques of yogurt quality analysis are food-destructive, environment polluting, costly, and time-consuming. On the other hand, nondestructive techniques only measure a single quality property, not expressing the yogurt overall quality. In this study, predictive models validated by bootstrapping and cross-validation methods demonstrate the biogenic amine index (BAI) as a nondestructive monitoring system of overall quality during storage. The optical parameter was a strong nondestructive predictor of the BAI for both cow’s milk yogurt, CY (Rv = 0.944; p = 0.007), and goat’s milk yogurt, GY (Rv = 0.909; p = 0.009). For CY, the reduction in the overall acceptability during storage was a strong predictor of the BA index (Rv = 0.869; p < 0.05), with a suitable prediction accuracy in the application set of commercial samples (Rapplic = 0.847; accuracy = 84.06%;). For GY, the model had a low prediction capability of the overall quality. Given the high predictive ability of the model, the BAI has a great potential to perform a nondestructive assessment of the overall quality of CY during storage.