The aims of this work were to investigate the drying of tomato pulp by refractance window (RW) and the effects of process conditions on the drying rates and characteristics of the dry powder. ...Different heating water temperatures (65, 75, 85, and 95°C) and pulp thickness (2 and 3 mm) were studied for drying 4.8–5.2 °Brix pulps. The powder characteristics were assessed from its solubility, dispersion time, water sorption isotherm, and color. Shorter drying time (17 minutes) was observed to the lower pulp thickness and higher drying temperature. The solubility of tomato powders was approximately 80%, and the dispersion time was lower than one minute. The color change (Δ E) of rehydrated powder showed an increase with increasing process temperature. These results indicate that RW is an adequate procedure for the production of tomato powder.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The mechanical quality of trabecular bone is influenced by its mineral content and spatial distribution, which is controlled by bone remodelling and mineralisation. Mineralisation kinetics occur in ...two phases: a fast primary mineralisation and a secondary mineralisation that can last from several months to years. Variations in bone turnover and mineralisation kinetics can be observed in the bone mineral density distribution (BMDD). Here, we propose a statistical spatio-temporal bone remodelling model to study the effects of bone turnover (associated with the activation frequency
Ac
.
f
) and mineralisation kinetics (associated with secondary mineralisation
T
sec
) on BMDD. In this model, individual basic multicellular units (BMUs) are activated discretely on trabecular surfaces that undergo typical bone remodelling periods. Our results highlight that trabecular BMDD is strongly regulated by
Ac
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f
and
T
sec
in a coupled way. Ca wt% increases with lower
Ac
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f
and short
T
sec
. For example, a
Ac
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f
=
4 BMU/year/mm
3
and
T
sec
= 8 years result in a mean Ca wt% of 25, which is in accordance with Ca wt% values reported in quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) experiments. However, for lower
Ac
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f
and shorter
T
sec
(from 0.5 to 4 years) one obtains a high Ca wt% and a very narrow skew BMDD to the right. This close link between
Ac
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f
and
T
sec
highlights the importance of considering both characteristics to draw meaningful conclusion about bone quality. Overall, this model represents a new approach to modelling healthy and diseased bone and can aid in developing deeper insights into disease states like osteoporosis.
The interaction between electrical and mechanical torques in the synchronous machines connected to bulk power transmission systems gives rise to electromechanical oscillations which, depending on the ...operating conditions and type of disturbance, may be poorly damped or even unstable. Recently, a combination of power system stabilizers (PSSs) and power electronic devices known as FACTS (flexible alternating current transmission systems) has been recognized as one of the most effective alternatives to deal with the problem. Tuning such a combination of controllers, however, is a challenging task even for a very skilled engineer, due to the large number of parameters to be adjusted under several operating conditions. This paper proposes a hybrid method, based on a combination of evolutionary computation (performing a global search) and optimization techniques (performing a local search) that is capable of adequately tuning these controllers, in a fast and reliable manner, with minimum intervention from the human designer. The results show that the proposed approach provides fast, reliable and robust tuning of PSSs and FACTS devices for a problem in which both local and inter-area modes are targeted.
Objectives
Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare interstitial granulomatous disease that usually affects young adults who are smokers. Chest computed tomography (CT) allows a ...confident diagnosis of PLCH only in typical presentation, when nodules, cavitated nodules and cysts coexist and predominate in the upper and middle lungs.
Methods
This article includes a pictorial essay of typical and atypical presentations of PLCH at initial chest CT. Various appearances of PLCH are illustrated and possible differential diagnosis is discussed.
Results
PLCH can present with some aspecific features that may cause diagnosis of the initial disease to be overlooked or other pulmonary diseases to be suspected. In cases of nodule presentation alone, the main differential diagnosis should include lung metastasis, tuberculosis and other infections, sarcoidosis, silicosis and Wegener’s disease. In cases of cysts alone, the most common diseases to be differentiated are centrilobular emphysema and lymphangiomyomatosis. Clinical symptoms are usually non-specific, although a history of cigarette smoking, coupled with the presence of typical or suggestive findings at imaging, is key to suspecting the disease. Atypical presentations require surgical biopsy for diagnosis.
Conclusions
The radiologist should be familiar with PLCH imaging features to correctly diagnose the disease or need for further investigation.
Teaching Points
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PLCH is a rare interstitial smoking-related disease that usually affects young adults.
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The typical first CT shows a mix of nodules, cavitary nodules and cysts in the upper-middle lungs.
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Atypical appearance, either cysts or nodules alone, mandates that other diagnoses be considered.
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Lung cystic involvement correlates with lung function abnormalities and predicts functional decline.
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Integration of the clinical history and imaging results is key to diagnosis.
Background Anastomotic leakage represents a serious complication after colorectal surgery for cancer. The early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage is a key point in reducing its clinical consequences. ...Currently there are no post-surgical markers for early detection of this complication before it becomes clinically apparent. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker used to help sepsis diagnosing and monitoring antibiotic therapy. The predictive value of CRP as a marker of infective postoperative complications has been widely investigated with promising results. The aim of our study is to evaluate the predictive value of CRP in predicting anastomotic leakage. Methods A series of 99 consecutive patients, 56 (56.56%) men and 43 (43.43%) women, who underwent elective colorectal surgery for cancer (both laparoscopic and laparotomic with primary anastomosis) were prospectively recruited. Mean age was 68 years. The following data were collected: demographical, surgical, ASA class, and morbidity. 24 h after surgical procedure was completed, the C-reactive protein, leucocytes, and vital signs were evaluated. Findings 11 (11.11%) patients developed a major anastomotic leak (need for drainage or reoperation). CRP was significantly higher (>12 mg/dL) 24 h after surgery in patients who developed anastomotic leakage, whereas the white blood cell count was not. A CRP cutoff value of 12 mg/dL 24 h after surgery yielded a sensitivity of 80%, a specificity of 95%, and a negative predictive value of 95% for the detection of anastomotic leakage. Interpretation This is a preliminary study and requires larger sample of patients; however, our results show that increased CRP levels 24 h after colorectal surgery may provide an effective marker to detect anastomotic leakage, before clinical symptoms appear. Moreover, normal CRP values might be also a useful marker to facilitate a safe and early discharge of selected patients after colorectal surgery. CRP is an early, sensitive, and reliable marker of anastomotic leakage.
Background Although the early diagnosis of an anastomotic leak is a key point in reducing its clinical consequences, in daily practice this diagnosis appears later than it should. Faecal calprotectin ...is a protein that binds calcium and zinc, and belongs to the S100 family expressed mainly by neutrophils, and has important extracellular activity. Faecal calprotectin is used to assess active inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is associated with a local acute inflammatory reaction of variable intensity. Several studies have assessed the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) as an early marker of anastomotic leakage, but studies into the role of faecal calprotectin to predict anastomotic failure have never been described in scientific literature. We aimed to determine whether faecal calprotectin is a predictor of anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery. Methods The study was performed on 100 consecutive patients with diagnosed colorectal cancer admitted to hospital for an operation. Data were collected on: demographical, surgical, ASA class, and morbidity. During the first four postoperative days, faecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, leucocytes, haemoglobin, platelets, and vital signs were evaluated. Findings Nine (9%) patients developed a major anastomotic leak (needing reoperation) and two patients needed abdominal drainage. 4 days after surgery faecal calprotectin was significantly higher (>300 μg/g; normal value <90 μg/g) in patients who developed anastomotic leakage than those who did not develop any complications. The association between faecal calprotectin value and a CRP cutoff value of 12 mg/dL yielded a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 95%, and a negative predictive value of 95% for the detection of anastomotic leakage. Interpretation Faecal calprotectin is a predictor of major anastomotic leak after colorectal resection. If raised faecal calprotectin is reported on the fourth day after surgery a careful evaluation of the patient is necessary before discharge. The increasing association between faecal calprotectin and CRP may provide a more effective way to detect an anastomotic leak.
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease that remains one of the most resistant to traditional therapies. Despite advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms ...underlying pancreatic carcinogenesis, current systemic treatments offer only a modest benefit in symptom control and survival. Methods The aim of our study was to develop a panel of patient-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts that mimic the biological heterogeneity of human pancreatic cancer. 12 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma underwent cephalic duodenopancreatectomy. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts were transplanted, subcutaneously and directly into the pancreas, in SCID mice. Three xenografts (HUPA 4, 8 and 11) took root successfully and were established in pancreas and subcutaneously in the mice. Each mouse was treated with nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine, given at the optimal dose (intravenous nab-paclitaxel 25 mg/kg and intravenous gemcitacbine 150 mg/kg) comparable to the human dosing regimen. Each tumour was then analysed by our pathologist. Findings Pancreatic xenografts were histologically and pharmacologically similar to the corresponding patient’s tumour. Each tumour showed desmoplastic stroma, rare mucosal glandular component, and resistance to combined therapy. Each tumour had a medium time of latency (time to reach 150 mm3 ) of 50–60 days, a time to reach 250 mm3 of 60–70 days, and a doubling time of 20 days. Interpretation This biobank of patient-derived pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma xenografts could be useful to study the biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and develop new treatments.
Neutral pion photoproduction has been measured from 550 to 1500 MeV with the GRAAL facility, located at the ESRF in Grenoble. Differential cross-section and beam asymmetry have been measured over a ...wide angular range. These high-precision data improve significantly the database for the beam asymmetry in the second and third resonance regions covering for the first time the energy domain 1100-1500 MeV. New partial-wave analyses including these data are presented for which the beam asymmetry brings crucial constraints.
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