Combining fracture mechanics and rheology to investigate the impact of micro-aeration on chocolate oral processing.

This study presents a rigorous mechanical characterisation investigation on milk chocolate with varying porosities, at different temperatures and strain rate levels. Uniaxial compression tests at temperatures varying from 20 °C to 30 °C were performed to measure the bulk properties of chocolate as a function of porosity and temperature. Fracture experiments were also conducted to compute the fracture energy at temperature levels between 20 °C and 30 °C for all tested samples. Additionally, rheological experiments are conducted to compute the viscosity of the different chocolates at 37 °C. This combined experimental analysis of solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, and rheology aims to define the impact of temperature and chocolate's phase change from solid to liquid on its mechanical properties. Moreover, the impact of micro-aeration on the relationship between material properties and temperature is discussed. The results demonstrate a significant impact of both temperature and micro-aeration on the chocolate's material properties; fracture stresses decrease with micro-aeration due to the presence of micro-pores creating weak links in the chocolate matrix, the critical strain energy release rate decreases with micro-aeration at temperatures up to 25 °C and increases at temperatures above 30 °C. Finally, the viscosity at 37 °C increases with increasing porosity due to the obstruction of the flow by micro-pores acting as "solid" particles. The results highlight how the impact of micro-aeration on the material properties of chocolate alters as the testing temperature rises and the material changes phase. The relationships between the micro-aeration and material properties and the dependence of temperature on the different mechanical properties are used to explain the difference in textural attributes as obtained from temporal dominance sensation tests. This study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the field of chocolate technology, emphasizing the need for a combined engineering approach to understand the structural breakdown of chocolate during oral processing as mechanisms such as chewing, melting, mixing and shearing occur.

Managing systemic reactions and venom immunotherapy in vespid-venom allergy: observations from a retrospective study of Portuguese patients.

Summary: Background. Vespula spp. and Polistes spp. are relevant species in South Europe, with Vespa velutina nigrithorax (VVN) being considered a public health problem. We aimed to characterize a cohort of Portuguese patients referred for large local reaction (LLR) and/or systemic reaction (SR) to vespids. In patients treated with venom immunotherapy (VIT), induction protocol and frequency of adverse reactions were evaluated. Methods. Retrospective study including patients with LLR and SR to vespids referred to our Immunoallergology Department (2008-2022). Results. A total of 129 patients were evaluated, the majority were male adults (n = 77, 59.7%), from rural areas. From these, 51 patients had SR (Mueller classification: 7.8% grade I, 19.6% grade II, 37.3% grade III, 35.3% grade IV). We found no differences regarding the levels of total serum IgE, basal serum tryptase value, sIgE levels to the eliciting venom or their molecular components, regarding the severity of the SR that motivated the referral to our clinic. In the SR group, previous LLR Hymenoptera sting were reported in 15.7%. Thirty-eight patients (74.5%) initiated VIT: 22 with wasp venom, 14 with paper wasp venom and 2 with Vespa velutina venom. There was one mild systemic reaction, not requiring adrenaline and 4 LLR. Re-stings after VIT occurred in 16 patients, without any systemic or local reactions. Currently, eleven patients remain under VIT. Conclusions. Most vespid-venom allergic patients are male adults from rural areas. Sensitization to wasp venom was present in 52.9%, paper wasp in 33.3% and Vespa velutina in 13.7%. The frequency of adverse reactions during both induction and maintenance phases appears to be low. Despite a reduced sample size, our experience with VVN VIT, suggests its safety.

Effect of temperature, light, seeding depth and mulch on germination of Commelina benghalensis and Richardia brasiliensis.

One of the major limitations to proper weed management is the lack of knowledge about the biology of the species. The aim of this study was to understand the influence of temperature and light on the germination and emergence of Commelina benghalensis and Richardia brasiliensis, as well as the influence of burial depth in the soil and the presence of mulch. The experiment regarding the influence of light and temperature on germination was conducted using a 2x4 factorial design, with two light conditions (presence for 12 hours and absence for 24 hours) and four temperature alternations every 12 hours (20-25 ºC, 20-30 ºC, 20-35 ºC, and 15-35 ºC), with four replications. The second experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, testing seven sowing depths (0.0; 0.5; 1.0; 2.0; 4.0; 6.0; 10.0 cm) in clay-textured soil. In the third experiment, millet, black oat, and sun hemp straw were placed on the surface of the pot where the weeds were sown. R. brasiliensis showed high germination rates at 15°-35°C and in the presence of light, indicating positive photoblastism, as the germination percentage was 63.50% in the presence of light and 1% without light. C. benghalensis showed higher germination rates at 20-35ºC, with a germination percentage of 46.5% under light treatment and 44% in the absence of light. R. brasiliensis exhibited the highest germination percentage at a depth of 0.5 cm, with 72.50%. C. benghalensis showed better germination at depths of 1 and 4 cm, with 48.33% and 49.16%, respectively. Both crotalaria and millet caused significant inhibition of germination in both weed species. R. brasiliensis and C. benghalensis exhibit higher seed germination under alternating temperatures, with R. brasiliensis displaying positive photoblastism and C. benghalensis being neutral. Greater seeding depths negatively influence germination, and cover crops such as crotalaria and millet can be used to suppress these weeds.

Vitamin D supplementation in primary hyperparathyroidism: effects on 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D and FGF23 levels.

PURPOSE: In patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) vitamin D deficiency has been associated with more severe presentations. Our aim was to investigate the effects of Vitamin D supplementation on mineral homeostasis and related hormones in individuals with and without PHPT. METHODS: Individuals with and without PHPT (CTRL) received 14,000 IU/week of oral vitamin D3 for 12 weeks. At baseline and endpoint, blood samples were collected to measure 1,25(OH)2vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), intact Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23), 25OHD, Parathormone, and other biochemical markers. The 1,25(OH)2D measurement was performed using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS: 70 PHPT patients and 75 CTRL were included, and 55 PHPT and 64 CTRL completed the 12-week protocol. After the intervention, there were significant increases in the FGF23 levels (PHPT: 47.9 ± 27.1 to 76.3 ± 33.3; CTRL: 40.5 ± 13.9 to 59.8 ± 19.8 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and significant decreases in 1,25(OH)2D levels (PHPT: 94.8 ± 34.6 to 68.9 ± 25.3; CTRL: 68.7 ± 23.5 to 56.4 ± 20.7 pg/mL, p < 0.001). The reduction of 1,25(OH)2D was inversely associated with the increase of FGF23 in both the PHPT (r = -0.302, p = 0.028) and CTRL (r = -0.278, p = 0.027). No changes in plasmatic or uninary calcium concentrations were observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: The weekly administration of 14,000 IU of Vitamin D3 was safe and efficient to increase in 25OHD levels in both groups. However, a paradoxical decrease in 1,25(OH)2D levels measured by LC-MS/MS was associated with a significant increase in FGF23 levels in both groups. This phenomenon might represent a defense against hypercalcemia after vitamin D supplementation and paves the way for new studies in this regard.

The genetic landscape of mitochondrial diseases in the next-generation sequencing era: a Portuguese cohort study.

Introduction: Rare disorders that are genetically and clinically heterogeneous, such as mitochondrial diseases (MDs), have a challenging diagnosis. Nuclear genes codify most proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, despite all mitochondria having their own DNA. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the understanding of many genes involved in the pathogenesis of MDs. In this new genetic era, using the NGS approach, we aimed to identify the genetic etiology for a suspected MD in a cohort of 450 Portuguese patients. Methods: We examined 450 patients using a combined NGS strategy, starting with the analysis of a targeted mitochondrial panel of 213 nuclear genes, and then proceeding to analyze the whole mitochondrial DNA. Results and Discussion: In this study, we identified disease-related variants in 134 (30%) analyzed patients, 88 with nuclear DNA (nDNA) and 46 with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, most of them being pediatric patients (66%), of which 77% were identified in nDNA and 23% in mtDNA. The molecular analysis of this cohort revealed 72 already described pathogenic and 20 novel, probably pathogenic, variants, as well as 62 variants of unknown significance. For this cohort of patients with suspected MDs, the use of a customized gene panel provided a molecular diagnosis in a timely and cost-effective manner. Patients who cannot be diagnosed after this initial approach will be further selected for whole-exome sequencing. Conclusion: As a national laboratory for the study and research of MDs, we demonstrated the power of NGS to achieve a molecular etiology, expanding the mutational spectrum and proposing accurate genetic counseling in this group of heterogeneous diseases without therapeutic options.

Fatal interactions of albatrosses with weather radiosondes/balloons on the Southern and Southeastern coasts of Brazil.

Weather radiosondes play a crucial role in gathering atmospheric data for weather modeling and forecasting. However, their impact on marine wildlife, particularly seabirds, has raised concerns regarding the potential threats posed by these instruments. This study aims to assess the adverse effects of weather balloons on albatrosses, with a focus on the Southwest Atlantic region. The research reveals seven cases of entanglement of radiosonde equipment, leading to severe injuries and mortality along the Southern and Southeastern coasts of Brazil. Recommendations for mitigating the environmental impact of weather balloons include the adoption of biodegradable materials in their design and the implementation of improved retrieval protocols. Furthermore, the study stresses the importance of continued monitoring and research to address the interaction of weather radiosondes with marine animals. This approach is vital for ensuring the sustainable collection of scientific data while minimizing harm to marine life and ecosystems.

Level function levels and oxidative stress markers in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study aimed to correlate the values of liver markers with oxidative stress markers in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 30 patients from the Tuberculosis clinic of a referral hospital were admitted to the study. Whole blood samples were collected for analysis of liver enzyme values and oxidative stress markers by spectrophotometry. The prevalence was male (60%) and the 18-29 age group was the most affected. Patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis presented catalase values with a median equal to 6.94 U/gHb and for glutathione, the median was equal to 14.76 µg∕ml. As for the values of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Gamma-GT and Alkaline phosphatase) the patients had medians equal to 60.50 (U/L); 80 (U/L); 54 (U/L); and 100 (U/L) respectively (p<0.0001). The results suggest a hepatotoxic effect of the drug, which recommends further studies with a larger number of samples in order to investigate the predictors of liver damage in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Predictors of poor health-related quality of life among people living with HIV aged ≥60 years in the PISCIS cohort: Findings from the Vive+ project.

INTRODUCTION: Advancements in and accessibility to effective antiretroviral therapy has improved the life expectancy of people living with HIV, increasing the proportion of people living with HIV reaching older age (≥60 years), making this population's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) more relevant. Our aim was to identify the determinants of poor HRQoL in people living with HIV aged ≥60 years and compare them with those of their younger counterparts. METHODS: We used data from the 'Vive+' study, a cross-sectional survey conducted between October 2019 and March 2020, nested within the PISCIS cohort of people living with HIV in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Spain. We used the 12-item short-form survey (SF-12), divided into a physical component summary (PCS) and a mental component summary (MCS), to evaluate HRQoL. We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator for variable selection and used multivariable regression models to identify predictors. RESULTS: Of the 1060 people living with HIV (78.6% males) who participated in the study, 209 (19.7%) were aged ≥60 years. When comparing older people living with HIV (≥60 years) and their younger counterparts, older people exhibited a worse PCS (median 51.3 [interquartile range {IQR} 46.0-58.1] vs. 46.43 [IQR 42.5-52.7], p < 0.001) but a similar MCS (median 56.0 [IQR 49.34-64.7] vs. 57.0 [IQR 48.9-66.3], p = 0.476). In the multivariable analysis, cognitive function correlated with a PCS (ß correlation factor [ß] -0.18, p = 0.014), and depressive symptoms and satisfaction with social role correlated with an MCS (ß 0.61 and ß -0.97, respectively, p < 0.001) in people living with HIV aged ≥60 years. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms, poor cognitive function, and lower satisfaction with social roles predict poorer HRQoL in older people living with HIV. These factors need to be considered when designing targeted interventions.

Intra-annual density fluctuations in tree rings are proxies of air temperature across Europe.

Intra-Annual Density Fluctuations (IADFs) are an important wood functional trait that determine trees' ability to adapt to climatic changes. Here, we use a large tree-ring database of 11 species from 89 sites across eight European countries, covering a climatic gradient from the Mediterranean to northern Europe, to analyze how climate variations drive IADF formation. We found that IADF occurrence increases nonlinearly with ring width in both gymnosperms and angiosperms and decreases with altitude and age. Recently recorded higher mean annual temperatures facilitate the formation of IADFs in almost all the studied species. Precipitation plays a significant role in inducing IADFs in species that exhibit drought tolerance capability, and a growth pattern known as bimodal growth. Our findings suggest that species with bimodal growth patterns growing in western and southern Europe will form IADFs more frequently, as an adaptation to increasing temperatures and droughts.

Big data-based parathyroid hormone (PTH) values emphasize need for age correction.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the relationship between aging and increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) values. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study with data from patients who underwent outpatient PTH measurements performed by a second-generation electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. We included patients over 18 years of age with simultaneous PTH, calcium, and creatinine measurements and 25-OHD measured within 30 days. Patients with glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, altered calcemia, 25-OHD level < 20 ng/mL, PTH values > 100 pg/mL or using lithium, furosemide or antiresorptive therapy were excluded. Statistical analyses were performed using the RefineR method. RESULTS: Our sample comprised 263,242 patients for the group with 25-OHD ≥ 20 ng/mL, that included 160,660 with 25-OHD ≥ 30 ng/mL. The difference in PTH values among age groups divided by decades was statistically significant (p < 0.0001), regardless of 25-OHD values, ≥ 20 or ≥ 30 ng/mL. In the group with 25-OHD ≥ 20 ng/mL and more than 60 years, the PTH values were 22.1-84.0 pg/mL, a different upper reference limit from the reference value recommended by the kit manufacturer. CONCLUSION: We observed a correlation between aging and PTH increase, when measured by a second-generation immunoassay, regardless of vitamin D levels, if greater than 20 ng/mL, in normocalcemic individuals without renal dysfunction.

Microvascular density and tumor budding in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most prevalent malignant head and neck tumor, excluding the nonmelanoma skin cancer. Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment, the disease's mortality rate is nonetheless high. The presence of isolated neoplastic cells or small clusters of up to four cells at the tumor's invasive front, named tumor budding, is associated with a worse prognosis in OSCC. Angiogenesis has also been recognized as a determining factor in the progression of malignancies and in the development of metastases. Several studies have investigated the assessment of microvascular density (MVD) as a potential prognostic factor in OSCC. This study aimed to evaluate, in OSCC, differences in MVD between tumors with high-intensity tumor budding and tumors with low-intensity or no tumor budding. In samples with high-intensity tumor budding, differences in MVD between the budding area and the area outside the budding were also evaluated. Moreover, the study assessed differences in MVD concerning clinicopathological characteristics such as sex, age, tobacco smoking, tumor location and tumor size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty [150] samples of OSCC were subjected to immunohistochemistry to assess the intensity of tumor budding (by immunostaining for multi-cytokeratin) and MVD (by immunostaining for CD34 and CD105, independently). The data were treated using descriptive and analytical statistics. RESULTS: There were no differences in MVD, assessed by immunostaining for CD34 or CD105, concerning clinicopathological characteristics such as sex, age, tobacco smoking, tumor location and tumor size (p > 0.05). Tumors with high-intensity tumor budding did not show differences in MVD, assessed by immunostaining for CD34 or CD105, when compared to tumors with low-intensity or no tumor budding (p > 0.05). However, in samples with high-intensity tumor budding, the MVD assessed by immunostaining for CD34 was higher in the budding area than in the area outside the budding (p < 0.05). This difference was not observed when MVD was assessed by immunostaining for CD105 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The higher MVD in the budding area may be an additional indication that this is a peculiar region of the tumor, associated with biological phenomena related to tumor progression.

Intraoperative Analgesia with Magnesium Sulfate versus Remifentanil Guided by Plethysmographic Stress Index in Post-Bariatric Dermolipectomy: A Randomized Study.

Background: Magnesium sulfate reduces pain scores and analgesic consumption. Its use as an analgesic resource in opioid-free or opioid-sparing techniques have also been tested. The evaluation of the antinociceptive potency of drugs and doses indirectly, through hemodynamic oscillations has been questioned. A relatively new algorithm called the plethysmographic stress index has been considered sensitive and relatively specific as a parameter for assessing the need for intraoperative analgesia. Objectives: The aim of this trial was to assess the intraoperative analgesic capacity of magnesium sulfate compared to remifentanil. The secondary objectives were propofol consumption and its latency, the consumption of opioids, ephedrine, and cisatracurium. Patients and Methods. Forty patients scheduled for post-bariatric dermolipectomy were randomly assigned to two groups to receive total intravenous anesthesia with target-controlled hypnosis induced with propofol. Analgesia was obtained in the remifentanil group with remifentanil at an initial dose of 0.2 µg·kg-1·min-1 and in the magnesium sulfate group with magnesium sulfate 40 mg·kg-1 + 10 mg·kg-1·h-1. Results: There was no statistical hemodynamic difference between the groups before and after orotracheal intubation (p = 0.062) and before and after the surgical incision (p = 0.656). There was also no statistical difference in the variation of mean arterial pressure before and after intubation (p = 0.656) and before and after the surgical incision (p = 0.911). There was similar consumption of cisatracurium, ephedrine, and postoperative opioids between the groups. Some patients in the magnesium sulfate group needed more intraoperative fentanyl and propofol, although the latency of propofol was similar in both the groups. Conclusion: We conclude that using magnesium sulfate in intravenous general anesthesia for post-bariatric dermolipectomy is related to a significant reduction in opioid consumption without compromising hemodynamic stability. Overall, PSI monitoring was helpful in driving the analgesic strategy. The use of magnesium sulfate proved to be an important adjunct in the scenario presented, allowing the use of opioids to be avoided in certain cases. We found no statistical differences in the consumption of neuromuscular blocker and vasoconstrictor. Substituting opioids for magnesium sulfate leads to an increase in propofol consumption in the scenario presented. Studies with a larger sample are needed to corroborate the results presented and evaluate other potential advantages in reducing opioid consumption.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations' management in Portuguese hospitals - EvaluateCOPDpt, a multicentre, observational, prospective study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In order to improve the quality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients' care, better knowledge of clinical practice and the factors associated with patient outcomes are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the relation between clinical practice and the outcomes of patients admitted for COPD exacerbations in Portuguese hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, multicentre, prospective study with a 60-days follow-up period, in 11 hospitals, including patients aged ≥ 30 years, admitted to hospital for at least 24 hours due to an acute exacerbation of COPD. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including sex, age, smoking habits, hospitalisations, pulmonary function, comorbidities, COPD symptoms, and treatment. Sixty days after discharge, COPD exacerbations management, outcome measures, and readmission data were evaluated through a structured phone follow-up interview. RESULTS: 196 patients were included (85.7% male, mean age 71.2 years), the majority admitted through the emergency service. Ex-smokers and current smokers accounted for 51% and 36%, respectively. On admission, 72.4% were on LAMA, 54.6% on LABA, and 45.5% were on LABA/LAMA. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were used in 37.3% and systemic steroids (SCS) in 10.3%. 35.7 % had had at least one exacerbation, with hospitalisation, in the previous year. There was no spirometry data for 23.2%. On hospitalisation, 98.5% of patients were treated with oxygen and 38.3% with non-invasive ventilation. Additionally, 93.4% used SCS and 60.2% ICS. Antibiotics were administered to 85.2%. 95.4% of patients were discharged; 9 died, 5 of whom had a COPD-related death. The median length of stay was 12 days for discharged patients and 33 days for patients who died. At discharge, 79.1% were prescribed with LAMA, 63.6% SCS, 61.5% LABA and 55.6% LAMA+LABA. 26,2% were prescribed with ICS+LABA+LAMA. At follow-up, 44.4% had a scheduled medical appointment within the 60 days after being discharged, and 28.3% were later readmitted due to exacerbation, of whom 52.8% were hospitalised. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of COPD, particularly in exacerbations, is directly related to impaired lung function and quality of life, mortality, and significant health system costs. Knowledge about COPD exacerbations' management in acute hospital admissions in Portugal may help stimulate a national discussion and review of existing data to engage clinicians, policymakers, managers, and patients, raising awareness and promoting action on COPD.

Nonlinear Thomson scattering with ponderomotive control.

In nonlinear Thomson scattering, a relativistic electron reradiates the photons of a laser pulse, converting optical light to x rays or beyond. While this extreme frequency conversion offers a promising source for probing high-energy-density materials and driving uncharted regimes of nonlinear quantum electrodynamics, conventional nonlinear Thomson scattering has inherent trade-offs in its scaling with laser intensity. Here we discover that the ponderomotive control afforded by spatiotemporal pulse shaping enables regimes of nonlinear Thomson scattering that substantially enhance the scaling of the radiated power, emission angle, and frequency with laser intensity. By appropriately setting the velocity of the intensity peak, a spatiotemporally shaped pulse can increase the power radiated by orders of magnitude. The enhanced scaling with laser intensity allows for operation at significantly lower electron energies or intensities.

Dopamine depletion in wistar rats with epilepsy.

The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model's chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo's model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.

Lactate modulates cardiac gene expression in mice during acute physical exercise.

The aim of the present study was to verify the role of lactate as a signaling molecule in cardiac tissue under physiological conditions. C57BL6/J male mice were submitted to acute running bouts on a treadmill at different exercise intensities (30, 60, and 90% of maximal speed - Smax) under the effect of two doses (0.5 and 5 mM) of α-cyano-4-hydroxycynnamate (CINN), a blocker of lactate transporters. Cardiac lactate levels, activity of the enzymes of glycolytic [hexokinase (HK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)] and oxidative metabolism [citrate synthase (CS)], and expression of genes also related to metabolism [LDH, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2), cytochrome oxidase IV (COX-IV), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)] were evaluated. Elevated cardiac lactate levels were observed after high intensity running at 90% of Smax, which were parallel to increased activity of the HK and CS enzymes and mRNA levels of PGC-1α and COX-IV. No changes were observed in cardiac lactate levels in mice running at lower exercise intensities. Interestingly, prior intraperitoneal administration (15 min) of CINN (0.5 mM) significantly reduced cardiac lactate concentration, activities of HK and CS, and mRNA levels of PGC-1α and COX-IV in mice that ran at 90% of Smax. In addition, cardiac lactate levels were significantly correlated to both PGC-1α and COX-IV cardiac gene expression. The present study provides evidence that cardiac lactate levels are associated to gene transcription during an acute bout of high intensity running exercise.

Experimental and numerical evaluation of the effect of micro-aeration on the thermal properties of chocolate.

Thermal properties, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and latent heat, influence the melting and solidification of chocolate. The accurate prediction of these properties for micro-aerated chocolate products with varying levels of porosity ranging from 0% to 15% is beneficial for understanding and control of heat transfer mechanisms during chocolate manufacturing and food oral processing. The former process is important for the final quality of chocolate and the latter is associated with sensorial attributes, such as grittiness, melting time and flavour. This study proposes a novel multiscale finite element model to accurately predict the temporal and spatial evolution of temperature across chocolate samples. The model is evaluated via heat transfer experiments at temperatures varying from 16 °C to 45 °C. Both experimental and numerical results suggest that the rate of heat transfer within the micro-aerated chocolate is reduced by 7% when the 15% micro-aerated chocolate is compared to its solid counterpart. More specifically, on average, the thermal conductivity decreased by 20% and specific heat capacity increased by 10% for 15% micro-aeration, suggesting that micro-pores act as thermal barriers to heat flow. The latter trend is unexpected for porous materials and thus the presence of a third phase at the pore's interface is proposed which might store thermal energy leading to a delayed release to the chocolate system. The developed multiscale numerical model provides a design tool to create pore structures in chocolate with optimum melting or solidifying response.