Summary
The viscoelastic properties provide guidelines to help give meaning to the observations on food products, to relate them to the way in which their structures behave, and to predict or modify ...their properties. This study analyses the incidence of varying the initial fat content of goat milk on the rheological properties of prepared sour cream. Storage (G′) and loss modulus (G″), as well as complex viscosity (η*) and loss factor values (tan δ), were determined at different initial fat contents in goat milk (3.75%, 4.00% and 4.25%). The experimental data were adapted to Maxwell model. All the prepared samples of sour cream meet national and international microbiological standards, and the initial fat content of goat milk influenced the viscoelastic behaviour of sour cream. Structures with prevalent elastic (G′) behaviour were found, and the product that was prepared from goat milk with 4.00% fat content showed the highest elastic modules. This sour cream exhibited higher firmness and better adherence when compared to the samples that were obtained from 3.75% and 4.25% fat‐content milk. This sample also exhibited the lowest tangent of the phase angle. Sour cream that was prepared from milk with higher fat content (4.00% and 4.25%) exhibited a semi‐solid behaviour along the entire temperature range that was studied. On the contrary, rheological properties of sour cream from 3.75% fat‐content milk tend to increase at temperatures above 333.15 K. The viscoelastic behaviour of sour cream was successfully explained under Maxwell model, while data from dynamic viscosity (η′) were adapted to Arrhenius model. Microstructure analysis to the sample considered as the best (from milk with 4.00% of initial fat content) showed that the protein network presented a rough, open surface with aggregates and wide spaces.
Colombian‐Caribbean‐coast sour cream from goat milk with 3.75%, 4.00% and 4.25% initial fat content was made. Physicochemical analysis, microbiological tests and viscoelastic measurements were carried out. Samples from goat milk with 4.00% fat content exhibited highest elastic modulus, highest firmness and better adherence when it was applied. Finally, microstructure analysis of this sample showed that the protein network presented a rough, open surface with aggregates and wide spaces.
Aims
Despite the importance of the soil microbiota to plant growth, the role of soil microorganisms in crop-weed competition remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the influence of soil ...microbial communities and weed species on the outcome of maize-weed interactions.
Methods
The relationships between soil bacterial and fungal communities and plant growth under different cultivation managements (plant monocultures and coexistence between
Bidens pilosa
L. and
Amaranthus viridis
L. and maize) and soil conditions (sterilized soil and sterilized soil with microbiota reconstitution) were studied. Plant dry matter and soil microbial diversity were analyzed after 43 days of cultivation.
Results
Maize grew better in the presence of the weeds, indicating the occurrence of facilitation under the cultivation conditions tested. Plant cultivation led to different soil microbial communities after soil sterilization and microbiota reconstitution. In sterilized soil, the colonizing microbiota led to higher maize growth in the presence of
B. pilosa
. The opposite was observed in the soils with microbiota reconstitution, where maize grew better with
A. viridis
.
Conclusions
Soil microbial communities are involved in the facilitation of maize growth by
B. pilosa
and
A. viridis
. Facilitation intensity depends on the weed species and the way coexisting plants shape the soil microbial communities.
Abstract The similarity between parasites communities’ decay with distance and its analysis may explain important ecological process such host dispersion. Patagonia is inhabited by two armadillo ...species, Chaetophractus villosus and Zaedyus pichiy. In this study we describe and analyze the variation on helminth fauna of these armadillos in Patagonia compared with northern localities described in previous studies. A total of 49 armadillos were collected in Patagonia. Quantitative descriptors of parasite ecology were calculated and community structure of helminths was analyzed following the central-satellite species hypothesis. The parasite richness in Patagonia decreases almost 50% in both armadillos. Zaedyus pichiy present the same central species in Patagonia as in northern localities. For C. villosus central-satellite species analysis could not be applied. The loss of some helminths in Z. pichiy could be the result of lower temperatures or the absence of intermediate arthropods hosts. But in C. villosus the absence of some helminths with Patagonian distribution could be explained by its recent dispersion in Patagonia. Trichohelix tuberculata still being the only helminth in C. villosus introduced population of Tierra del Fuego.
Abstract
NF-Y is a trimeric transcription factor whose binding site -the CCAAT box- is enriched in cancer-promoting genes. The regulatory subunit, the sequence-specificity conferring NF-YA, comes in ...two major isoforms, NF-YA long (NF-YAl) and short (NF-YAs). Extensive expression analysis in epithelial cancers determined two features: widespread overexpression and changes in NF-YAl/NF-YAs ratios (NF-YAr) in tumours with EMT features. We performed wet and in silico experiments to explore the role of the isoforms in breast -BRCA- and gastric -STAD- cancers. We generated clones of two Claudin
low
BRCA lines SUM159PT and BT549 ablated of exon-3, thus shifting expression from NF-YAl to NF-YAs. Edited clones show normal growth but reduced migratory capacities in vitro and ability to metastatize in vivo. Using TCGA, including upon deconvolution of scRNA-seq data, we formalize the clinical importance of high NF-YAr, associated to EMT genes and cell populations. We derive a novel, prognostic 158 genes signature common to BRCA and STAD Claudin
low
tumours. Finally, we identify splicing factors associated to high NF-YAr, validating RBFOX2 as promoting expression of NF-YAl. These data bring three relevant results: (i) the definition and clinical implications of NF-YAr and the 158 genes signature in Claudin
low
tumours; (ii) genetic evidence of 28 amino acids in NF-YAl with EMT-promoting capacity; (iii) the definition of selected splicing factors associated to NF-YA isoforms.
This retrospective study compares the invasiveness of the direct anterior approach (DAA) and the posterolateral approach (PLA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) by assessing three widely used ...inflammation-related serum markers in the first ten post-operative days.
The database of our institution was mined for primary THAs conducted by the DAA or the PLA from February 2020 to June 2022. Demographics and creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cells were compared. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis (1:1 ratio) was conducted based on multiple variables.
PSM analysis yielded 44 pairs of DAA and PLA patients. CK was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the DAA than in the PLA group on postoperative day (POD) 2, 5 and 10. The POD2, POD5 and POD10 CK/preoperative CK ratio was 12.9, 5.0 and 0.8 in DAA and 8.8, 3.3 and 0.6 in PLA (p = 0.017, p = 0.012 and p = 0.025, respectively). The POD2, POD5 and POD10 CRP/preoperative CRP ratio was 95.1, 65.6 and 22.8 in PLA and 34.7, 23.3 and 8.9 in DAA (p < 0.001, p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively).
PSM analysis of early postoperative CK and CRP values demonstrated that the DAA should be considered as a less stressful approach, not as a muscle-sparing or a minimally invasive THA approach.
Background
Approximately 20–30 % of patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) will not meet the goals of weight loss surgery. Revisional surgery is associated with higher morbidity ...compared to initial operative management, and results in terms of weight loss have been inconsistent. Endoscopic plication has been seen as a less invasive option, with encouraging initial results. The objective was to analyze the outcomes after Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal (ROSE) procedure.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent ROSE between 5/2008 and 11/2013. All patients had failure of weight loss or regain weight after RYGB. Demographics, operative data, and follow-up were recorded.
Results
Twenty-seven patients underwent ROSE. One patient was excluded due to lack of follow-up. Twenty-five (96 %) patients were female. Mean time since initial RYGB was 11.9 ± 4.3 years. Mean initial weight and BMI were 236 ± 47 lb and 40.6 ± 8.1 kg/m
2
, respectively. Mean OR time was 77 ± 30 min. Preoperative average pouch length and stoma diameter were 6.8 ± 2.3 and 2.1 ± 0.7 cm, respectively. On average, 4 ± 1.6 stitches were placed. Final pouch length and stoma diameter were 3.4 ± 1.6 (50 % reduction) and 0.86 ± 0.4 cm (61 % reduction). A total of 12 (46 %) and seven (28 %) patients underwent EGD at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. The mean pouch length and stoma diameter were 5 ± 1.9 (26.5 % reduction) and 1.2 ± 0.7 cm (42.9 % reduction) at 3 months and 6.14 ± 1.6 (10 % reduction) and 2.2 ± 1.2 cm (4.7 % increase) at 12 months, respectively. The %EWL was 8.9, 9.3, 8, 6.7, −10.7, −13.5, −5.8, −4.5 at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 months, respectively.
Conclusion
Although endoscopic plication achieved the intended reduction in the pouch and stoma diameter at 3 months, these tend toward the preoperative diameter at 12 months. This anatomical failure and the lack of follow-up may explain why most patients failed to achieve sustainable weight loss.
Medicinal plants maintain structures and diversities of bacteria, fungi, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) that can interact to promote growth and therapeutic properties. Therefore, the purpose ...of this research was to evaluate the microbiome of Lippia alba and Petiveria alliacea, species known for their high potential for medicinal benefits in Colombia. To achieve this, rhizosphere soils and roots were sampled from five departments in Colombia: Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Tolima, Putumayo, and Valle del Cauca. The results revealed that the dominant bacterial groups in both plants were primarily Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota, with the first phylum showing the highest number of differentially abundant genera between the sampling points. In fungi, Ascomycota tended to dominate in most of the sampled locations, while Mortierellomycota was particularly abundant in roots of P. alliacea in Valle. Furthermore, the study of AMF indicated differentiation in the colonization for both plants, with the genera Glomus and Paraglomus being predominant. Differences in the Shannon diversity index were recorded between sampling types within these sampling points, possibly influenced by local and environmental factors. Our findings reveal that the microbiomes of both medicinal plants exhibit distinct community assemblies, which could be a significant factor for their future therapeutic use.
Since the early 2000s, there has been a growing interest in using exercise video games (exergames) and virtual reality (VR)-based interventions as innovative methods to enhance physical ...rehabilitation for individuals with multiple disabilities. Over the past decade, researchers and exercise professionals have focused on developing specialized immersive exercise video games for various populations, including those who have experienced a stroke, revealing tangible benefits for upper limb rehabilitation. However, it is necessary to develop highly engaging, personalized games that can facilitate the creation of experiences aligned with the preferences, motivations, and challenges communicated by people who have had an episode of stroke.
This study seeks to explore the customization potential of an exergame for individuals who have undergone a stroke, concurrently evaluating its usability as a technological tool in the realm of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
We introduce a playtest methodology to enhance the design of a VR exergame developed using a user-centered approach for upper limb rehabilitation in stroke survivors. Over 4 playtesting sessions, stroke survivors interacted with initial game versions using VR headsets, providing essential feedback for refining game content and mechanics. Additionally, a pilot study involving 10 stroke survivors collected data through VR-related questionnaires to assess game design aspects such as mechanics, assistance, experience, motion sickness, and immersion.
The playtest methodology was beneficial for improving the exergame to align with user needs, consistently incorporating their perspectives and achieving noteworthy results. The pilot study revealed that users had a positive response. In the first scenario, a carpenter presents a game based on the flexion-extension movement of the elbow; the second scenario includes a tejo game (a traditional Colombian throwing game) designed around game mechanics related to the flexion-extension movement of the shoulder; and in the third scenario, a farmer challenges the player to perform a movement combining elbow flexion and extension with internal and external rotation of the shoulder. These findings suggest the potential of the studied exergame as a tool for the upper limb rehabilitation of individuals who have experienced a stroke.
The inclusion of exergames in rehabilitation for stroke-induced hemiparesis has significantly benefited the recovery process by focusing on essential shoulder and elbow movements. These interactive games play a crucial role in helping users regain mobility and restore practical use of affected limbs. They also serve as valuable data sources for researchers, improving the system's responsiveness. This iterative approach enhances game design and markedly boosts user satisfaction, suggesting exergames have promising potential as adjunctive elements in traditional therapeutic approaches.
Edible films and coatings: tomorrow's packagings: a review Debeaufort, F. (ENS.BANA-Universite de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.); Quezada-Gallo, J.A; Voiley, A
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition
38, Številka:
4
Journal Article
The laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) technique has been well described. Most surgeons have used a 4-trocar technique, with an additional incision for a liver retractor. Single incision ...(SI)-LAGB seeks to further decrease the invasiveness of the procedure. The purpose of the present report was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SI-LAGB and the effect on the learning curve.
All cases performed from October 2008 to October 2009 were reviewed. Both true SI and dual-incision LAGB cases were included. The cases were performed through either a left paramedian or a transumbilical incision. The liver was retracted using the Nathanson retractor or an intracorporeal retractor.
Of the 89 patients studied, 89% were women. Their mean age was 41 ± 12 years (range 19-74), and their body mass index was 46 ± 12 kg/m(2) (range 32-63). The first 27 patients underwent dual-incision LAGB using the Nathanson retractor. The operative time was 45 ± 12 minutes (range 21-90). After the first 35 cases, a reduction in the operative time was observed (P = .03). Simultaneous hiatal hernia repair added an average of 11 minutes of operative time for 40 patients (45%). The conversion rate was 26% for the first 35 cases, 5% for the second 35 cases, and 0% for the last 19 cases. Conversion was represented by adding a 5-mm trocar or the Nathanson retractor. The length of stay was 7 ± 9 hours (range 2-36), and 81 patients (91%) qualified for outpatient surgery. The complications included 1 seroma, 1 reoperation because of band obstruction, and 1 case of esophageal dysmotility after surgery.
The results of our study have shown that SI-LAGB is a viable alternative to traditional LAGB and can be considered reliable, with low morbidity. The learning curve for consistent completion of SI-LAGB in our experience appeared to be the first 35 cases. We advise standardizing the procedure to facilitate the reproducibility of this technique.
