Steady and dynamic shear rheology of aqueous solutions of quince seed gum combinations with locust bean or xanthan gums.

This study presents the rheological properties of quince seed gum (Q) solution in comparison with xanthan gum (X) and locust bean gums (L) and the polymeric interactions of different ratios of Q:X and Q:L blends (1:1, 1:3 and 3:1). Q exhibits greater and stronger elastic properties than X and L. The frequency and temperature stability of Q and X are both higher than that of L. The viscoelastic properties of Q:X and Q:L solutions were found to be higher than those of the individual solutions. The higher polymer entanglements observed in Q:L blends resulted in enhanced synergistic interactions and thixotropy compared to Q:X. 3QX exhibited an enhanced elastic structure, but the best synergism was observed for 3QL due to the establishment of a stronger intermolecular bond for gelling. The lower tan δ observed with increasing Q indicate a Q-induced synergistic interaction with L. At all temperatures, 3QL showed the highest thixotropy. The combination of Q and L resulted in the formation of a true gel, with the higher gel strength being observed for QL and 3QL. This study shows that Q:L and Q:X combinations can yield desired flow properties. In particular, L provides a firmer gel network with Q.

Evaluation of beneficial effects of dexpanthenol on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a cause of serious morbidity and mortality in newborns. Dexpanthenol, which is metabolized into D-pantothenic acid, has antioxidant and other potentially therapeutic properties. We examined some effects of dexpanthenol on the brains of week-old rat pups with HIE induced by obstruction of the right carotid artery followed by keeping in 8% O2 for 2 hours. Dexpanthenol (500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to 16 of 32 pups with HIE. Protein, DNA, and lipid oxidation degradation products were assayed and hippocampal and cortical cell apoptosis and neuronal cell numbers were evaluated in stained sections. Dexpanthenol application reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine levels in HIE also decreased with dexpanthenol treatment. The numbers of caspase-3 positive cells in the dentate gyrus and CA1/CA2/CA3 regions of the hippocampus was lower, and apoptosis was decreased in the dexpanthenol-treated animals. These findings suggest possible clinical applications of dexpanthenol in human HIE.

Serum ADAMTS-9 Level in Newborn Babies with Congenital Heart Disease.

OBJECTIVE: A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin-9 (ADAMTS-9), one of the ADAMTS enzymes, is expressed in all fetal tissues, unlike other ADAMTS enzymes, and is thus thought to play a role in fetal development. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between ADAMTS-9 activity and the development of congenital heart diseases (CHD) with a view to using ADAMTS-9 level as a biomarker for CHDs. STUDY DESIGN: Newborns diagnosed with CHD and healthy newborns were included in the study as the CHD and control groups, respectively. Gestational age, maternal age, and mode of delivery information pertaining to the mothers and Apgar score and birthweight information pertaining to the newborns were recorded. Blood samples were taken from all newborns to determine their ADAMTS-9 levels in the first 24 hours of life. RESULTS: Fifty-eight newborns with CHD and 46 healthy newborns were included in the study. Median ADAMTS-9 levels were 46.57 (interquartile range [IQR]: 33.31 [min: 26.92, max: 124.25]) and 23.36 (IQR: 5.48 [min: 11.7, max: 37.71]) ng/mL in the CHD and control groups, respectively. ADAMTS-9 levels in the CHD group were statistically significantly higher than in the control group (p = 0.000). ADAMTS-9 levels of the CHD and control groups were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristics curve. The area under the curve value for ADAMTS-9 levels of >27.86 ng/mL as the cut-off value for predicting the development of CHD in newborns was 0.836 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.753-0.900, p = 0.0001). ADAMTS-9 levels of >27.86 ng/mL were determined to predict the development of CHD in newborns with a sensitivity of 77.78% (95% CI: 65.5-87.38) and a specificity of 84.78% (95% CI: 71.1-93.60). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it was found that the serum ADAMTS-9 levels were significantly higher in newborns with CHD than in healthy newborns. In parallel, ADAMTS-9 levels above a certain cut-off value were associated with CHD. KEY POINTS: · ADAMTS-9 is expressed in fetal tissues.. · Its level increases in congenital heart diseases.. · It can be used as a biochemical marker in diagnosis..

Gelatin production from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) skin as a new source: from waste to a sustainable food gelling agent.

BACKGROUND: Turkey skin, a byproduct of poultry processing, contains a significant amount of collagen that might be used to make non-mammal gelatin. However, gelatin production from turkey skin has not yet been investigated. The present study aimed to determine the optimum gelatin extraction conditions from turkey employing the central composite design and response surface methodologies. The independent factors such as temperature (50, 60, and 70 °C) and time (5, 7, and 9 h) were optimized for three response variables: yield, gel strength, and foam expansion (FE). RESULTS: With R2 values of 0.8576 for yield, 0.8386 for gel strength, and 0.9283 for foam expansion, linear, quadratic, and respective models were used. The yield, gel strength, and FE actual values were found to be 15.36%, 396.61 g, and 40%, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 62.90 °C for 6.84 h. The foam stability, L, and b values were significantly impacted by temperature and extraction time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The gel strength value of the gelatin extracted under optimal conditions was higher than that of commercial bovine. The findings of the present study showed that turkey skin is a suitable raw material for the manufacturing of gelatin. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of cold-pressed hazelnut cake incorporation on the quality characteristic of meat emulsion system and its potential application for frankfurter-type beef sausages.

This research was performed to investigate the effect of hazelnut cake (HC) as a cold press waste product on the physicochemical and textural properties of the frankfurter-type sausages during cold storage. According to the highest emulsion capacity (174.14 mL oil/g), emulsion stability (79.86%), and optimum rheological results obtained in emulsions, 1% HC concentration was selected for the utilization in the sausage formulation. HC added sausage was compared with the control sample at 4°C for 60 days of storage. HC addition increased the hardness and chewiness properties and decreased weight loss of sausages during storage. The incorporation of HC in formulation slowed down the increase in malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes concentrations after the 15th day of storage compared to the control sausages. The results demonstrated that HC presented a good opportunity for protecting the quality parameters of emulsified meat products during storage.

Diagnostic accuracy of complete blood cell count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, lymphocyte-to-monocyte, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios for neonatal infection.

Background: Complete blood cell (CBC) counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (PLR) are simple measurements that are conducted as part of routine diagnostic procedures. Objective: To determine the diagnostic importance, specificity, and sensitivity of these measurements for the diagnosis of neonatal infections and in discriminating between neonatal sepsis and various other infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of data from a consecutive series of 232 neonatal patients admitted to Yildirim Beyazit University Yenimahalle Training and Research Hospital in Ankara for 2 years from 2016 to 2018. We included patients with a diagnosis of or clinically suspected infection, and healthy neonates were included as controls. Data included CBC counts, and bacterial culture results, considered the criterion standard for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. NLR, LMR, and PLR were calculated. We compared data using independent Student t and Mann-Whitney U tests and determined the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio (LHOR) of the characteristics for neonatal sepsis using receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. Results: We included data from 155 neonatal patients with a diagnosis or suspicion of infection and 77 healthy neonates. NLR was significantly higher in neonates with sepsis or fever due to dehydration (P < 0.001) than in neonates with other infections or healthy neonates. LMR was significantly higher in neonates with sepsis or viral infection than in those with other infections or healthy controls (P = 0.003). In neonates with early-onset sepsis (EOS), we found cut-off values of ≥4.79 [area under curve (AUC) 0.845, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.93, LHOR 11.6, specificity 98.7%, sensitivity 15%] for NLR, ≥1.24 (AUC 0.295; CI 0.18-0.41, LHOR 1.02, specificity 2.6%, sensitivity 100%) for LMR, and ≥37.72 (AUC 0.268; CI 0.15-0.39, LHOR 0.86, specificity 7.8%, sensitivity 80%) for PLR. We found cut-off values of ≥4.94 (AUC 0.667; CI 0.56-0.77, LHOR 4.16, specificity 98.7%, sensitivity 5.4%) for NLR and ≥10.92 (AUC 0.384; CI 0.26-0.51, LHOR 6.24, specificity 98.7%, sensitivity 8.1%) for LMR in those with late-onset sepsis (LOS). Conclusions: CBCs, NLR, LMR, and PLR may be useful for the differential diagnosis of EOS and LOS, and neonates with sepsis from those with other infection. NLR may be a useful diagnostic test to identify neonatal patients with septicemia more quickly than other commonly used diagnostic tests such as blood cultures. NLR has high specificity and LHOR, but low sensitivity.

Gummy candies production with natural sugar source: Effect of molasses types and gelatin ratios.

Nowadays, attention has been dedicated towards the development of foodstuffs whose constituents are from natural sources. In this study, grape, mulberry, and carob molasses containing natural sugars were evaluated in order to replace the use of sugar syrup and artificial additives in the production of gummy candy which was prepared by varied gelatin ratios. The molasses which have similar °Brix values (78-79) presented different types and amounts of sugar components. High invert sugar with low sucrose was observed in grape and mulberry but high sucrose with low fructose and glucose appeared in carob molasses. Unlike grape and mulberry, carob based jellies had a whitish appearance possibly as a result of the crystallization due to its high sucrose/invert sugar ratio. For all parameters of TPA, carob candy with 5 g/100 g gelatin and grape candy with 10 g/100g gelatin had the lowest and highest values, respectively. Gelatin concentration dependency trend of hardness, gumminess, chewiness and resilience was determined as grape > mulberry > carob. No significant effect (p > 0.05) on gelling temperatures (21-29 °C) but significant effect (p < 0.05) on melting points (33-39 °C) of molasses types were observed for candies. The properties of grape based candy having higher thermal stability and lower temperature sensitivity were attributed to its higher total sugar contents than other samples. The sensorial acceptability score for molasses gummy candies obtained more than 3.0 on a 5-point hedonic scale. These results illustrate the potential for the use of molasses in a healthier confectionery product development instead of commonly used sugars.

The impact of therapeutic hypothermia on peripheral blood cell in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract The effect of hypothermia treatment on white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values as an indicator of inflammation was evaluated in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The study was performed that the before-therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and after-TH WBC, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and NLR, LMR and PLR values of the complete blood cell count were retrospectively evaluated. The results of the patient group were compared with the results of healthy newborns. A total of 78 patients who underwent TH were evaluated in our study. Mean values before and after TH were NLR3.8/2.7, LMR 5.6/8.6, and PLR 60.3/67.1 respectively. A statistical significance was present for NLR values before and after TH in those with seizure in our study (4.15±2.95/3.01±2.54) but no statistical significance was found for LMR or PLR. In neonates with HIE, effect of TH on complete blood cell count and inflammatory mechanisms (mediated neutrophil and lymphocyte) may be minimal.

Effect of Phototherapy on Peripheral Blood Cells in Hyperbilirubinemic Newborns.

This study was conducted to determine the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio; and to evaluate the effect of phototherapy on the peripheral blood cells in newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. A total of 180 newborns consisting of 119 hyperbilirubinemic newborns, who received phototherapy; and 61 healthy newborns were included in the study. A statistically significant difference was present only between the patient group and healthy newborn white blood cell values after phototherapy. The differences found for pre-phototherapy neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio values were statistically significant, but no statistical significance was present for the values after phototherapy. These results suggest that phototherapy may have an effect on peripheral blood cells by directly decreasing both the cytokine and bilirubin levels. The decrease in neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio after phototherapy could potentially be used in the evaluation of phototherapy's effect on peripheral blood cells. New studies on this subject are, therefore, required. Key Words: Newborn, Phototherapy, Inflammation, Peripheral blood cells.

Development of a water-resistant salep glucomannan film via chemical modification.

Deacetylation is a chemical modification process (DD, 0-50-100%) that was applied to purified salep glucomannan at different glycerol concentrations (G, 0-5-10%) to decrease its high hydrophilic film behavior and improve its barrier, mechanical and structural characteristics. The solubility and water vapor permeability of films were significantly reduced by deacetylation. The film mechanical parameters were decreased by 50% DD, but 100% DD increased these parameters compared with the unmodified film. The improved interactions between glucomannan chains induced by deacetylation were revealed by FTIR. SEM results indicated that acetyl-free films had a smooth and compact microstructure when treated with glycerol, but 50% DD films showed aggregation at the surface. XRD analysis showed the conformational rearrangement and improvement in the crystallinity of the films due to deacetylation. Deacetylated films possessed higher thermal stability. Overall, deacetylation provides a promising and potential approach to improve salep film performance, which can benefit its applications in the food industry.

Purification of glucomannan from salep: Part 2. Structural characterization.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different extraction temperatures (25, 55 and 85°C) on the structural characteristics of glucomannan (GM) purified from salep. All extraction conditions reduced protein content and molecular weight of salep. The effectiveness of removing the impurities and the highest purity of GM25 were observed with size exclusion profile. FTIR experiments demonstrated the presence of acetyl group, reduction of protein content and increment of polymer interaction of GM25. XRD patterns of GM25 with narrower and higher intensity than GM55, GM85 and native salep indicated strengthened interaction of GM25. Higher particle size was determined for GM25. The degradation peak observed with DSC increased from 293 to 314°C and GM25 had the higher thermal stability which was also supported with TGA results. These results could provide widening the applications in food industry and other fields and also progressing development of salep with a better structural characteristic.

Purification of glucomannan from salep: Part 1. Detailed rheological characteristics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different extraction temperatures (25, 55 and 85°C) on the rheological characteristics of glucomannan (GM) purified from salep. GM was isolated using the following method: extraction of GM with water, removal of impurities by centrifugation and precipitation of GM with ethanol. The extraction yield of GM was approximately 45% for all products. Higher GM (95%) and lower starch (3%) contents were obtained for GM25. GM25 showed higher apparent and intrinsic viscosity, storage and loss modulus and lower activation energy than GM55 and GM85. The addition of different salts and sugars did not affect viscosity due to the non-polyelectrolyte behavior of GM. Gel behavior of purified samples appeared at pH 9. The usage of salep in milk was reduced by purification. These results are potentially useful for widening the applications for salep and for furthering research and development of GM.

Effect of xanthan and locust bean gum synergistic interaction on characteristics of biodegradable edible film.

The present study was aimed to use different combinations of xanthan (XG) and locust bean gum (LBG) in the biodegradable edible film preparation by benefitting from their synergistic interactions for the first time. Concentrations of LBG, XG and glycerol of the optimized film sample were found to be 89.6%, 10.4% and 20%, respectively. At the optimum point the WVP, TS, E% and EM values of film were found 0.22gmmh-1 m2kPa, 86.97MPa, 33.34% and 177.25MPa, respectively. The optimized film was characterized for its physical, thermal and structural behavior. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses exhibited miscibility and presence of interaction between polymers. In conclusion, XG and LBG interaction was used successfully to get biodegradable films and coatings with improved characteristics.

The effect of gum tragacanth on the rheological properties of salep based ice cream mix.

The influence of concentration (0-0.5%, w/w) of gum tragacanth (GT) on thixotropy, dynamic, and creep-recovery rheological properties of ice cream mixes prepared with milk or water based were investigated. These properties were used to evaluate the viscoelastic behavior and internal structure of ice cream network. The textural properties of ice cream were also evaluated. Thixotropy values of samples were reduced by increasing GT concentration. The dynamic and creep-recovery analyses exhibited that GT addition increased both ice cream elastic and viscous behaviors. The increasing of Burger's model parameters with GT concentration indicated higher resistance network to the stress and more elastic behavior of samples. The applying of Cox-Merz rule is possible by using shift factor (α). GT also led to an increase in Young's modulus and the stickiness of ice creams. The obtained results highlighted the possible application of GT as a valuable member to promote structural properties of ice cream.

Rheological properties and structural characterization of salep improved by ethanol treatment.

Glucomannan is the main and important constituent of salep. The other contents are called as impurities. In this study, the removal of them was achieved by ethanol treatment to increase salep quality (40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%). The highest glucomannan and the lowest impurities contents were succeeded with the 40% ethanol treatment (SF40). Apparent viscosity of SF40 increased about 5 folds as compared with native salep. SF40 also had higher intrinsic viscosity [η] and lower critical concentration (C(*)) than other samples. The improved molecular entanglement between glucomannan chains were demonstrated with increased Berry number Cx[η]. The storage (G') and loss (G″) moduli spectra of SF40 were found higher within the whole range of frequency and temperature. This simple ethanol process could be used as a promising modification method for improving the properties of salep.

Goniometer Measurements of Oral Labial Angle and Evaluation of Oral Motor Reflexes in Preterm Infants: Comparison to Findings in Term Infants.

To date, no study has evaluated changes in oral labial angle as preterm infants mature. The main purpose of this study was to document goniometer measurements of the labial angle of the mouth in preterm infants, to assess changes with development, to compare to findings in healthy term infants, and also evaluate oral motor reflexes in these groups. Seventy-eight preterm infants and 45 healthy term infants were recruited for the prospective study. Labial angle was assessed via goniometer, and oral motor reflexes and the volume of milk ingested were evaluated. There was significant difference between term and preterm infants' labial angles (P < .01). The distribution of preterm infants' angles were similar to term infants' by 36 to 40 weeks' postmenstrual age. Goniometer measurements of the oral labial angle may reveal oral motor performance in preterm infants and may be relevant for feeding skills assessment in this group of infants.

Congenital hyperinsulinism in a newborn with a novel homozygous mutation (p.Q392H) in the ABCC8 gene.

Congenital hyperinsulinism is the most frequent cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infancy. We present the case of a preterm, large-for-gestation-age infant with congenital hyperinsulinism who was found to have a novel p.Q392H homozygous mutation in the ABCC8 gene. The patient had severe brain damage, despite early diagnosis and appropriate management. The new mutations may provide an understanding of the prognosis and treatment of the disease. In addition, the data will help the family make informed decisions about future pregnancies.

Association of respiratory distress syndrome and perinatal hypoxia with histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm infants.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between neonatal mortality-morbidity and pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), particularly those complicated by histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA), in preterm infants. A retrospective study was conducted on 58 preterm neonates born to 46 pregnant women with PPROM. Maternal characteristics, placental examination, and neonatal morbidity and mortality were analyzed. Of 1,392 deliveries, 46 (3.3%) pregnancies and 58 newborn infants were complicated with PPROM. HCA was present in 21 (1.5%) cases, and 15 of them were <28 weeks of gestational age. In the HCA (+) group, 8/21(38%) neonates had 5-minute Apgar scores of <5, 12/21 (57.1%) infants had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and 16/21 (76.1%) infants had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The latency period was significantly longer and the rate of chorioamnionitis and percentage of major neonatal morbidity and mortality were significantly higher in preterm infants with gestational age <28 weeks. Respiratory distress syndrome, perinatal hypoxia and PDA were significantly associated with HCA in preterm infants.

Noninvasive evaluation of swallowing sound is an effective way of diagnosing feeding maturation in newborn infants.

AIM: Despite extensive research, there is still controversy regarding the time at which sucking and swallowing functions mature in preterm infants. This study aimed to evaluate maturation using the noninvasive method of swallowing sound. METHODS: We compared 52 preterm infants of between 27 and 36 weeks' gestational age with a control group of 42 healthy full-term infants. Feeding performance was based on swallowing data collected during two-minute audio recordings. The following variables were generated for each evaluation: total number of swallows, total number of rhythmic swallows, total number of resting intervals, average time between resting intervals, average time between swallows, average time between rhythmic swallows, maximum number of rhythmic swallows and volume of milk ingested. The dependency of the variables on postmenstrual age was also investigated. RESULTS: The volume of milk ingested by the preterm infants and the maximum number of rhythmic swallows were positively correlated with postmenstrual age (PMA). The preterm infants reached the 10th percentile of the control infants at 34-35 weeks' PMA and were not significantly different from the control infants at 38-40 weeks' PMA. CONCLUSION: Swallowing sound can be used to assess feeding maturation in preterm infants during neonatal intensive care unit follow-up.

Characterization of a new biodegradable edible film made from salep glucomannan.

The aims of this study were to report the film-forming properties of salep glucomannan (SG) and characterize its physical, barrier, mechanical, sorption and thermal properties for the first time. Galactomannan films (LBG, locust bean gum; GG, guar gum) were also prepared to compare with SG films. The steady and oscillatory rheological behaviors of the film solution were evaluated. The viscosity of the SG was less dependent than that of LBG and GG on temperature. The physical properties of SG films showed good potential for food applications. The oxygen and water vapor barrier properties of SG were better than LBG and GG films. SG film was less mechanically resistant than LBG but more flexible than galactomannan films. The highest transition temperature (Tg) was determined to be -11.46 ± 0.65°C for SG film. The results showed that SG has good potential for use in producing an edible film for various food applications.