Solid Texture Research Articles

Cross-Linking of Wheat Bran Arabinoxylan by Fungal Laccases Yields Firm Gels

The native extractable arabinoxylans (AX) from wheat bran were cross-linked by the commercial laccase C (LccC) and self-produced laccases from Funalia trogii (LccFtr) and Pleurotus pulmonarius (LccPpu) (0.04 U/µg FA, each). Dynamic oscillation measurements of the 6% AX gels demonstrated a storage modulus of 9.4 kPa for LccC, 9.8 kPa for LccFtr, and 10.0 kPa for LccPpu. A loss factor ≤ 0.6 was recorded in the range from 20 to 80 Hz for all three laccases, and remained constant for four weeks of storage, when LccFtr and LccPpu were used. Arabinoxylan gel characteristics, including high water holding capacity, swelling ratio in saliva, and heat resistance indicated a covalently cross-linked network. Neither the mediator compounds caffeic acid and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), nor citrus pectin, enhanced the elastic properties of the gels. Using laccases as an oxidant provided gels with a solid and stable texture, comparable in firmness to traditional gelatin gels. Thus, AX gels can be presented in the vegan, halal, and kosher food markets. They may also find use in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications.

Cross-Linking of Fibrex Gel by Fungal Laccase: Gel Rheological and Structural Characteristics

Sugar beet fibre (fibrex) is an abundant side-stream from the sugar refining industry. A self-produced laccase from Funalia trogii (LccFtr) (0.05 U/µg FA) successfully cross-linked fibrex to an edible gel. Dynamic oscillation measurements of the 10% fibrex gels showed a storage modulus of 5.52 kPa and loss factors ≤ 0.36 in the range from 20 to 80 Hz. Comparing storage stability of sweetened 10% fibrex gels with sweetened commercial 6% gelatin gels (10% and 30% d-sucrose) indicated a constant storage modulus and loss factors ≤ 0.7 during four weeks of storage in fibrex gels. Loss factors of sweetened gelatin gels were ≤0.2, and their storage modulus decreased from 9 to 7 kPa after adding d-sucrose and remained steady for four weeks of storage. Fibrex gel characteristics, including high water holding capacity, swelling ratio in saliva, and heat resistance are attributed to a covalently cross-linked network. Vanillin, as a mediator, and citrus pectin did not enhance covalent cross-links and elastic properties of the fibrex gels. Thus, laccase as an oxidative agent provided gels with a solid and stable texture. Fibrex gels may find uses in pharmaceutical and other industrial applications, which require a heat-resistant gel that forms easily at room temperature. They also represent an ethical alternative for manufacturing vegan, halal, and kosher food.

Characterization of Nutritional, Physicochemical, and Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Capacity of Three Strawberry "Fragaria × ananassa Duch." Cultivars ("Primoris", "Endurance", and "Portola") from Western Region of Portugal.

In this study, nutritional composition (protein, lipids, carbohydrates, ash, and moisture), physicochemical properties (soluble solid content, titratable acidity, texture and instrumental colour on surface, and internal section), phytochemicals (total phenolic content and anthocyanin content), and antioxidant capacity (DPPH—2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity and ferric-reducing antioxidant power) of three strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars (cv. “Primoris”, cv. “Endurance”, and cv. “Portola”) produced in the western region of Portugal (Caldas da Rainha) were evaluated. From the obtained, results no significant differences (P > 0.05) in nutritional composition were detected in all of the cultivars; with the exception of lower protein content observed in cv. “Portola” (0.57 g/100 g ± 0.04; P < 0.05). Regarding the a* value of whole strawberry fruits, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in any of the cultivars, which revealed a similar redness. The cv. “Endurance” revealed the highest bioactivity content compared to the other cultivars. Overall, these results provide important information about the high quality of strawberry produced in the western region of Portugal and may be used as a tool for adding value to a functional food in the Mediterranean diet due to the phytochemical composition and nutritional value of strawberry fruits

PENGUATAN USAHA BUDIDAYA IKAN DENGAN PRODUKSI PAKAN BUATAN SECARA MANDIRI

Abstract Tilapia fish farmers in Kober Village, West Purwokerto Subdistrict have been able to produce single-sex male seeds due to a training that has been conducted by a team from the Biology Faculty of Unsoed. However another problem arose after the success is the increasing need for feed, so they must provide enough costs for feed. Eventually the target audience feels very burdened and wants to make their own feed by utilizing locally available materials. At the request of the young fish famer group, locally called as pokdakan, training has been made in the manufacture of artificial feed made from local raw materials. The aim is to develop appropriate technology that fulfill the needs of the community through training to educate the group members of pokdakan in Kober Village in planning, preparing feed composition, preparing tools and ingredients, mixing feed ingredients, striking and drying feed. The method applied was participatory, with stages of activities in the form of preparation, implementation of training, mentoring, and evaluation. The training activities were run smoothly and obtained a positive response from the target audience. The training participants have been able to produce pellets for fish feed with local raw materials, such as water hyacinth flour and tofu dregs. The pellets have no solid texture and can dry completely by sun-dried for two days, starting at 10:00 to 17:00. The success of making the pellet has increased the confidence of the members of the pokdakan, so as to be able to transmit knowledge that has been obtained to farmers in other villages. In addition, by being able to produce artificial feed independently, it can strengthen the cultivation of tilapia fish occupied so far, and reduce the cost of purchasing feed.

On Demand Solid Texture Synthesis Using Deep 3D Networks

AbstractThis paper describes a novel approach for on demand volumetric texture synthesis based on a deep learning framework that allows for the generation of high‐quality three‐dimensional (3D) data at interactive rates. Based on a few example images of textures, a generative network is trained to synthesize coherent portions of solid textures of arbitrary sizes that reproduce the visual characteristics of the examples along some directions. To cope with memory limitations and computation complexity that are inherent to both high resolution and 3D processing on the GPU, only 2D textures referred to as ‘slices’ are generated during the training stage. These synthetic textures are compared to exemplar images via a perceptual loss function based on a pre‐trained deep network. The proposed network is very light (less than 100k parameters), therefore it only requires sustainable training (i.e. few hours) and is capable of very fast generation (around a second for 2563 voxels) on a single GPU. Integrated with a spatially seeded pseudo‐random number generator (PRNG) the proposed generator network directly returns a color value given a set of 3D coordinates. The synthesized volumes have good visual results that are at least equivalent to the state‐of‐the‐art patch‐based approaches. They are naturally seamlessly tileable and can be fully generated in parallel.

Investigating the impact of Palm Sap Sugar proportion and fat content on heat stability of Milk Chocolate

Chocolate is characterised by its solid texture at relatively low temperature. However, it will easily melt as the temperature increase. This phenomenon contributes to the low level of chocolate quality in tropical countries. In order to cope with this problem, an innovation in producing thermostable chocolate is highly required. This work investigated the impact of fat content and palm sap sugar proportion on the heat stability of milk chocolate. Hardness of chocolate was used as a parameter to evaluate the chocolate stability against storage temperature. In this study, three levels of fat content, namely 30%, 32%, 34% and five palm sap sugar levels, namely 0%,25%,50%,75%,100% were used. The results showed that fat content, palm sap sugar proportion and their interaction significantly influenced the hardness of milk chocolate. Due to its moisture content, the hardness of chocolate increased as the proportion of palm sap sugar was increased. In contrast, at the same level of palm sap sugar proportion, the increase of fat content decreased the hardness of milk chocolate.

Effectiveness of Herbal Extract (Piper retrofractum, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Curcuma zanthorrhiza) as Immunomodulator in Non-Specific Immunity System of Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) against Infection from Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parah

The success of aquaculture is one of the supporting factors in food sustainability, one of such is the aquaculture of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). The main issue of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) aquaculture is disease infestation caused by viruses, microbes, and fungi (1). One of the technologies to control such infestation is the immunostimulant of non-specific immunity. Traditional herbs such as Piper retrofractum, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Curcuma zanthorrhiza have been proven to enhance the immunity system. This study aims to determine the optimal dosage of herb extract (Piper retrofractum, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Curcuma zanthorrhiza) to strengthen non-specific immunity of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus), to record data on total leukocyte count and phagocytosis activity in the subject against pathogenic infection from Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and on the side effects of the application of the herbal extracts on meat quality (organoleptic) of tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)(2). The study was carried out by experimental method using random design with 3 repetitions. The experiment was performed in plastic tanks using flow through system with siphon construction. Steps performed include: Herb sample collection, herb samples extraction, herb extract supplementation into artificial food, dose optimization of herb extract application, challenge test, and side effect test (3). The result shows that treatment with 1% Piper retrofractum, 0.5% Curcuma aeruginosa, and 1% Curcuma zanthorrhiza herb extract increased total leukocyte count and phagocytosis activity in tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus). Organoleptic test of all three treatments indicated similar results, with solid texture and bland flavor. Challenge test against pathogenic infection from V. alginolyticus and V. parahaemolyticus found that the treatment reduced the mortality rate to 0%. Based on the results of this study, Piper retrofractum, Curcuma aeruginosa, and Curcuma zanthorrhiza were proven to be viable immunomodulator on non-specific immunity system in tiger grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) fish against infection from Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

KARAKTERISTIK KIMIA DAN FISIKA IKAN LELE ASAP DENGAN BAHAN PEMBAKAR BERBEDA (STUDI KASUS UMKM UD SARONA KOTA BINJAI SUMATERA UTARA)

Catfish is one of the leading commodities in aquaculture in Indonesia. Catfish derivative products are currently very much developed, one of them was smoked catfish. The characteristics of smoked fish are influenced by several factors, including the type of firewood used. This study aims to examine the chemical and physical characteristics of smoked catfish with different burners. The smoking method used is heat fumigation. The parameters observed were proximate, pH value, phenol content, formaldehyde content, characteristics of color, texture and aroma. The results obtained, protein content, water content, ash content and fat content using laban wood are higher than rambutan wood 60.6%:58.8%; 6.65%:5.54%; 7.97%:7.29%; 20.4%;14.6% repectively. The phenol value of smoked fish using laban wood is higher than that of rambutan wood 0.2401ppm:0.2204ppm respectively. Formaldehyde levels in both types of wood are negative. The characteristics of the two smoked fish are the same in texture, aroma, pH and temperature parameters were solid texture, typical aroma of smoked fish, pH value 6.7 with a temperature of 80-100oC respectively. But the color of smoked fish by burning laban wood is bright brown while the rambutan wood is shiny brown.

1759 Dysphagia in Extra-Pyramidal Syndrome: A Reversible and Uncommon Presentation

INTRODUCTION: Neuroleptic medications are known to cause extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) in individuals taking antipsychotic medications. However, dysphagia is an uncommon clinical entity presenting as EPS. We present a case of dysphagia in an individual taking Haloperidol confirmed by swallowing studies, which resolved entirely on discontinuation of Haloperidol and appropriate medical management. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 22-year-old male with a history of bipolar disorder was admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit for an episode of psychosis. He was started on oral valproic acid, oral haloperidol as well as scheduled monthly injections of Haloperidol Decanoate. One week after his discharge, he was seen in the clinic for coarse tremors and stiffness in all his extremities. It was decided to taper haloperidol and start benztropine. In two weeks, he presented to the emergency room with difficulty in swallowing (both liquids and solids) as well as worsening stiffness of all four extremities. Physical examination was significant for masked facies, bradykinesia with decreased active range of motion of both the upper and lower extremities. A computed tomography (CT) of his head, neck, and soft tissues showed no acute abnormalities. A functional swallow evaluation was performed which revealed oral decompensation for regular solid texture, marked by excessive chewing and delayed anterior to posterior transit. There was no remarkable oral residue, symptoms or signs of airway protection deficits were appreciated on assessment. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy did not reveal any structural etiology for his dysphagia. He was admitted to hospital; haloperidol was discontinued and Benztropine dose was increased. Also, he was started on diphenhydramine His symptoms were completely resolved in four days. He was discharged home in stable condition. DISCUSSION: Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) are a well-known adverse reaction from antipsychotic medications, that can range from acute dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism to tardive dyskinesia. Dysphagia is a known but rare side effect of antipsychotic medications. Our case stresses the importance of suspecting drug-induced dysphagia in individuals on neuroleptics. Early diagnosis can decrease morbidity and hospital stay as the main stay of management of these patients is to discontinue precipitating agent and reversing physiological effects by medical management that can result in shortening disease course and better outcomes.

Impact of different oil gelators and oleogelation mechanisms on digestive lipolysis of canola oil oleogels

Oil structuring has been proposed as a promising strategy for fat replacement due to its solid texture and high unsaturation content. Oil structuring can be achieved using various gelator types, which induce oil gelation via various mechanisms. This research investigated the relation between the different gelators and gelation mechanisms, i.e. crystalline or polymer network, to the mechanical and rheological properties as well as their responsiveness to digestive lipolysis under simulated physiological conditions. Three gelators were examined with canola oil; ethyl cellulose (EC), mono- and di-glycerides (E471), and β-sitosterol + γ-oryzanol mixture. Generally, EC produced harder gels compared to E471 and softer gels compared to β-sitosterol + γ-oryzanol mixture. Similar trend was observed in the storage modulus at gel state. Temperature sweep rheology experiments detected an increase in modulus at gel state and gel point temperature with gelator concentration. Simulated intestinal lipolysis revealed a significantly different lipolysis pattern for the different gelation mechanisms. More specifically, EC based oleogels show similar susceptibility to lipolysis regardless of the polymer concentration, while β-sitosterol + γ-oryzanol mixture concentration reduced the rate and extent of free fatty acid release. E471 based oleogels showed high lipolysis levels up to 90% that was increased with gelator concentration suggesting gelator hydrolysis. Overall, the findings suggest that gelator type and gelation mechanism can be harnessed to engineer the mechanical properties and susceptibility to digestive lipolysis of custom-made oleogels.

Designing air-independent slippery rough surfaces for condensation

Enhancing condensation heat transfer is significant for power generation, heat exchangers, water harvesting, and air-conditioning. While superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS) are widely studied for condensation, this type of surface suffers from several weaknesses: (1) the hydrophobic surface chemistry does not favor nucleation, (2) the air lubricant has poor thermal conductivity, and (3) the air pocket may be displaced at an elevated humidity or subcooling. Patterned SHS can enhance vapor nucleation in the hydrophilic domains, but the superhydrophobic domains still rely on the air lubricant, resulting in the same weakness as SHS. Recently, the liquid infused surfaces have been developed by replacing the air lubricant with liquid lubricant, leading to more robust lubrication for liquid repellency. However, the original design of liquid infused surfaces shows a flat lubricant-water interface, which cannot provide a large contact area for heat transfer. Here, we successfully designed and manufactured the air-independent slippery rough surfaces (SRS) by conformal liquid lubrication on the rough solid surfaces. The surface chemistry of the SRS is governed by the liquid lubricant, not the solid textures, and the roughness is determined by the lubricated microtextures. Droplets are highly mobile on this air-independent slippery rough surface in the absence of air lubricant. Our comprehensive models provide rational design and optimization for the air-independent slippery rough surface that is highly desired in condensation heat transfer.

Value of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors

Background: To evaluate the diagnostic value of 3.0T MR for differentiating benign from malignant primary retroperitoneal tumors (RPTs). Methods: A total of 81 patients (44 males and 37 females; 31 benign and 50 malignant lesions) who underwent surgical resection for RPT were evaluated retrospectively. The MR features included lesion location, number, size, margin, surfaces, texture (solid or non-solid), MR hyperintense and MR hypointense signal intensity, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and the presence of fat, necrosis and hemorrhage. Categorical variables were tested with a χ 2 test or Fisher’s exact test for the diagnostic indices and the sensitivity and specificity of MR characteristics. Results: Using six indices (ill-defined margins, irregular surface, major diameter >5.85 cm, minor diameter >5.35 cm, solid texture and ADC –3 mm 2 /s) to diagnose malignant RPT, sensitivity and specificity were 36.0% vs . 93.5%, 68.0% vs . 58.1%, 80.0% vs . 64.5%, 64.0% vs . 90.3%, 65.0% vs . 63.5%, and 64.0% vs . 74.2%, respectively. Combining all those radiological features into a comprehensive evaluation, sensitivity and specificity were 82.0% and 77.4%, respectively ( χ 2 =27.984, P Conclusions: More accurate differential diagnosis of primary RPTs could be made through comprehensive analysis of combined diagnostic indices.

Value of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors.

BackgroundTo evaluate the diagnostic value of 3.0T MR for differentiating benign from malignant primary retroperitoneal tumors (RPTs).MethodsA total of 81 patients (44 males and 37 females; 31 benign and 50 malignant lesions) who underwent surgical resection for RPT were evaluated retrospectively. The MR features included lesion location, number, size, margin, surfaces, texture (solid or non-solid), MRhyperintense and MRhypointense signal intensity, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and the presence of fat, necrosis and hemorrhage. Categorical variables were tested with a χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test for the diagnostic indices and the sensitivity and specificity of MR characteristics.ResultsUsing six indices (ill-defined margins, irregular surface, major diameter >5.85 cm, minor diameter >5.35 cm, solid texture and ADC <1.2×10–3 mm2/s) to diagnose malignant RPT, sensitivity and specificity were 36.0% vs. 93.5%, 68.0% vs. 58.1%, 80.0% vs. 64.5%, 64.0% vs. 90.3%, 65.0% vs. 63.5%, and 64.0% vs. 74.2%, respectively. Combining all those radiological features into a comprehensive evaluation, sensitivity and specificity were 82.0% and 77.4%, respectively (χ2=27.984, P<0.001) when scores ≥4. Other findings had no statistical significance.ConclusionsMore accurate differential diagnosis of primary RPTs could be made through comprehensive analysis of combined diagnostic indices.

Estimating the effective elasticity properties of a diamond/β-SiC composite thin film by 3D reconstruction and numerical homogenization

The main aim of the present work is to estimate the effective elastic stiffnesses of a two-phase diamond/β-SiC composite thin film that is fabricated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The microstructure-property relation via elastic homogenization is obtained starting from a typical dataset of two micrographs displaying the phase distributions in perpendicular planes, a cross-section and the surface of the thin film. A statistically representative volume element (RVE) is reconstructed by a software based on algorithms for solid texture synthesis and by means of identified material symmetries in 2D of the specimen. The elastic homogenization results indicate that the two-phase diamond/β-SiC composite is in almost perfect agreement with transverse isotropy, for which the set of six independent material parameters is identified. The results are not only new and relevant for the field of diamond-based microcomposites but provide an exemplary guide for analyzing the microstructure-property relation of CVD-type thin film composites by effective means of computational materials science.

FORMULASI MUFFIN SUBSTITUSI TEPUNG PISANG KEPOK (Musa Paradisiaca Linn) DAN SUSU KEDELAI (Glycine Max) SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PEMBERIAN MAKANAN TAMBAHAN ANAK SEKOLAH (PMT – AS)

Muffin as the kind of cake which was made in personal size, solid texture, clumped inside, and looks like a cupcake shape. In generally, muffin which was made by flour. However for utilizing the local food then can be replaced with banana flours. Soy milk was added in muffin making process. It aimed for increasing of nutritional value and as supplementary feeding alternative for student of elementary school. The aim of study was knowing the acceptability of color, aroma, flavor, texture and protein nutrition value from banana flour muffin with addition the differences of soy milk. The research was an experimental design with using the analysis of friedman test. There are three treatments of banana flour with soy milk F1 (90% : 0%), F2 (95% : 25%), F3 (100% : 50%). The result of organoleptic test showed that the best product was muffin with formula 100% : 50 % which was protein contains 6, 96 gram. This muffin has qualify of PMT-AS as 274,47 kkal, protein 6,96 gram per serving size. Based on the result showed that there was a significant by adding soy milk to protein level, aroma, texture and flavor of banana flour muffin. Researcher suggest or futher research is necessary to study for adding some of aroma varians from nature indrigient others for making banana flour subtitution muffin with adding soy milk is more preffered to student and society.

Quantitative assessment of oral phase efficiency: validation of the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS).

The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) has been developed to provide clinicians with objective data regarding the efficiency of oral phase function and solid bolus ingestion. To determine if the TOMASS will detect changes in the oral phase of swallowing imposed by topical anaesthesia, thus providing validation of its clinical utility. Per the standard protocol, 10 healthy participants ate one-quarter of an Arnotts SaladaTM biscuit. The number of bites per cracker, number of masticatory cycles, number of swallows and total time taken were recorded at baseline, following application of topical oral anaesthetic; this was additionally compared with a post-anaesthetic condition. Median and interquartile range (IQR) were calculated. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were conducted to evaluate trial effect, and Friedman's tests were used to detect differences in the number of bites, number of swallows, number of chews and time taken to eat the crackers. Results indicated that the number of both bites and swallows did not significantly change across conditions (χ²(2) = 0.105, p = 0.949, χ²(2) = 1.357, p = 0.507); however, the number of chews for the anaesthetic condition was significantly higher when compared with the baseline (p = 0.02) and post-anaesthesia conditions (p = 0.02). Further, the durations of ingestion in the anaesthetic condition were significantly longer than the baseline (p = 0.01) and post-anaesthesia (p = 0.01) conditions. Across all measures, there were no differences between baseline and post-anaesthesia conditions. Although further exploration is required, these early data suggest the TOMASS is a sensitive measure in the evaluation of the oral-phase preparation of solid textures.

PENETAPAN KADAR FLAVANOID TOTAL EKSTRAK DAUN MELINJO (GENATUM GENANOM L.) DENGAN ANALISIS SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VIS

Abstract&#x0D; &#x0D; Melinjo plants are an abundant food commodity in Indonesia and have many benefits for consumption ranging from young leaves, flowers, seeds, to the skin. According to Voondan Kueh (1999) all foods derived from melinjo plants have a high nutritional component, such as carbohydrates at 6.60%, protein at 4.20%, calcium at 94.00 mg, vitamins C1, 500 mg and others. The method of this research is Uv-Vis spectrophotometry analysis performed on melinjo leaf samples by measuring the standard absorbance of quercetin flavonoids at a wavelength of 424 nm. The results showed that the content of melinjo leaf flavonoids (Gnetum gnemon L) in Rempoah village was higher than the content of melinjo leaf flavonoids (Gnetum gnemon L) in Dukuh Waluh Village. Rempoah village has a solid soil texture, which causes the roots to easily absorb water from the soil because the particles of soil can hold back the rate of water so that the roots of plants easily absorb water, as a result the plant growth is also getting better. Shown with the content of flavonoid pigments that are better than Dukuh Waluh Village. Whereas in the Dukuh Waluh area the sandy and gravel soil structure results in very weak water binding capacity because the soil particles are too tenuous as a result of lack of water supply so that plant growth is also not good, so there is less flavonoid content. Solid soil causes the roots to easily handle mineral salts and results in increased secondary metabolite content.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: mlinjo, determination, flavanoids

Developing and testing a new feed block for the gut health and welfare of the weaning pig

Pig weaning cause transient stress and reduction of feed intake and intestinal villi. Providing feed with solid texture could stimulate explorative interest, relieving weaning drawbacks and improving welfare. Feed blocks (0.8 kg each) were produced and 8 formulas were preliminarily tested for consumption on a pig farm (ingredients: wheat by-products, dried milk whey, calcium carbonate, oil, molasses). Feed consumption and growth within 3 days after weaning were assessed on penned litters fed the normal feed ad libitum, and one of the 3 best block formulas or a control (wooden pieces). Block consumption was relevant, but growth and carcase quality on a sub-sample reared to commercial maturation were not changed. These formulations were also tested against control on 72 weaned pigs on which behaviour related to feeding and social activities was evaluated by means of surveys using cameras. After 4 days, pigs were slaughtered and the small intestines were sampled for mucosa morphology. In general, block consumption was additive with the consumption of normal feed. Growth was not affected. One formulation (major ingredients: wheat middlings, cane molasses, milk whey and coconut oil) increased the mucosal surface area of the intestinal villi by 7.9% (p < .05) and the length of time the pigs slept (p < .01), of the activities detected by cameras. The presence of some ingredient in the formula may have influenced feed block consumption with a potential reduction in the negative impact of weaning on the growth of the intestinal villi and an improvement of some behavioural parameters.HighlightsIngredient composition may influence the disappearance of the feed block, as a variable combination of disaggregation and intake by the piglets.The formulation based on wheat middlings, cane molasses, milk whey and coconut oil may improve growth and favour better welfareBlock supplementation may increase the absorbent surface of the proximal jejunum.

Hydrophobic properties of textile materials: robustness of hydrophobicity

Extremely hydrophobic surfaces have been receiving considerable interest, such as in the contexts of self-cleaning glass or clothes, antifouling paintings, and the reduction of friction drag. A large variety of treatments permits the obtainment of (super)hydrophobic textile surfaces. The point here is to investigate the role of different geometrical textile parameters on the hydrophobicity, and more particularly, on the robustness of this property. The influences of solid surface roughness on the wetting behavior are commonly studied for model solid textures while textile roughness is largely deformable. A laboratory test method is suggested to evaluate this robustness. Some hydrophobic fibrous structures were prepared (using classical woven fabrics and pile fabrics) to investigate the influence of textile structures on their static and forced wetting properties. Static contact angles, contact angle hysteresis, and the contact angle after compression were measured. The meso- and micro-structures appeared to influence either the static wetting or the robustness of the hydrophobicity after compression.

Primary pulmonary adenocarcinoma in roe deer – a case report

Lung adenocarcinoma develops after the neoplastic transformation of pneumocytes or bronchial epithelium. It is chronic and slowly progressive in nature and the clinical signs are only seen in cases that have developed tumours of considerable size. There has been no report of lung adenocarcinoma in game animals. This case study reports a lung adenocarcinoma in a 4-year-old dead roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from the Forest District Piaski, Greater Poland Province of Poland. During necropsy, a large mass measuring 15 × 20 cm was found in the caudal lobe of the right lung. The tumour was of grey or pinkish-grey colour, solid texture and had a clear delineation between the affected and non-affected areas. In the remaining lobes, numerous small nodules of 2-20 mm in diameter with a similar structure were found. A great deal of mucoid and mucopurulent fluid throughout the bronchial tree was observed. The thoracic lymph nodes were found enlarged. The histological analysis identified the large mass found as bronchoalveolar papillary lung adenocarcinoma. The PCR for JSRV was performed and the result was negative. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the lung adenocarcinoma in a roe deer.