Preliminary Study for Inspecting Moisture Content, Dry Matter Content, and Firmness Parameters of Two Date Cultivars Using an NIR Hyperspectral Imaging System.

The assessment and assurance of the quality attributes of dates is a key factor in increasing the competitiveness and consumer acceptance of this fruit. The increasing demand for date fruits requires a rapid and automated method for monitoring and analyzing the quality attributes of date fruits to replace the conventional methods used by inspection which limits the production and involves human errors. Moisture content (MC), dry matter content (DMC), and firmness (F) are three important quality attributes for two date cultivars (Khalas and Sukkari) that have been inspected using the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technique based on the reflectance mode. Images of intact date fruits at the maturity stage Tamr were obtained within the wavelength range of 950-1750 nm. Monitoring and assessment of MC, DMC, and F [first maximum rupture force (MF, N)] were performed using a partial least squares regression model. Accurate prediction models were attained. The results highlight that the coefficients of determination (R2 Prediction) are estimated to be 0.91 and 0.89 for MC, DMC, and F (N) with the lowest values of the standard error of prediction (SEP) equal to 0.82, 0.81 (%), and 4.12 (N), respectively, and the residual predictive deviation (RPD) values were 3.65, 3.69, and 3.42 for MC, DMC, and F (N), respectively. The results obtained from this preliminary study indicate the great potential of applying HSI for the assessment of physical, chemical, and sensory quality attributes of date fruits overall in the five maturity stages.

Tapentadol for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Acute Pain in Children Under the Age of Two Years.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, and safety of the opioid analgesic tapentadol in the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain have so far not been investigated in pediatric patients <2 years of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two multicenter, open-label trials assessed the pharmacokinetic profile, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of single doses of tapentadol oral solution (OS; NCT02221674; n=19) or intravenous infusion (IV, EudraCT 2014-002259-24; n=38) in children from birth to <2 years of age. Of these, 8 preterm neonates were included in the IV trial. A third randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02081391) investigated the efficacy and safety of multiple tapentadol OS doses in patients from birth to <2 years (placebo n=4, tapentadol n=11) using an immediate rescue trial design. Patients in all three trials underwent surgery that, in the investigator's opinion, reliably produced moderate-to-severe pain requiring opioid treatment. RESULTS: Administration of single tapentadol doses resulted in tapentadol serum concentrations within the targeted range known to be safe and efficacious in adults and compared well to the range observed for children aged 2 to <18 years. Pain intensity already improved 15 min after administration. In the multiple dose trial, amounts of supplemental opioid analgesic medication within the first 24 h after start of trial medication were low (placebo 0.02 mg/kg, tapentadol 0.05 mg/kg). All patients stopped treatment with the trial medication because opioid analgesics were no longer required. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 42.1% (tapentadol OS single dose), 28.9% (tapentadol IV), and 75% of placebo and 54.5% of tapentadol patients (tapentadol OS multiple doses), none of them serious. CONCLUSION: Tapentadol showed a favorable PK and safety profile in children <2 years of age. Multiple tapentadol OS dosing is efficacious and generally well tolerated in children ≥2 years and might also be a useful treatment option for children <2 years in need of strong analgesics.

Celiac Plexus Block to Treat Refractory Feed Induced Dystonia in Children with Severe Neurodisability: A Single Center Case Series.

This observational study describes the procedure technique, safety outcomes, and patient responses to celiac plexus blockade (CPB) in children with severe neurodisability with refractory feed intolerance, feed induced pain or feed induced dystonia (FID). Method: A review of the pathophysiological response to feeding in children with significant neurodisability and the effect on the neuroenteric system. A 2-stage CT-guided temporary celiac plexus blockade followed by neurolysis technique is described. We compile a case series of 5 patients with life limiting conditions and significant disability undergoing CPB in a single tertiary pediatric hospital. Results: A total of 10 separate procedures in 5 children were completed. A positive outcome was observed in 3 out of 4 cases of pediatric FID. Two of the three patients on parenteral nutrition had improved feed tolerance postprocedure. All children tolerated the procedure well, no postprocedure complications were documented. Conclusions: In selected cases, children with life-threatening feed induced dystonia or effective intestinal failure can be safely treated with celiac plexus blockade when other therapies have failed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Saudi Database (RASD): Disease Characteristics and Remission Rates in a Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND: National Registries are essential to direct current practice. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) registries in the middle east and North Africa remain scarcely represented. OBJECTIVE: To describe a population of Saudi RA patients and to compare the findings to internationally reported data. METHODS: This is an observational study that was conducted at Doctor Soliman Fakeeh Hospital (DSFH) in Saudi Arabia. The study ran from 2014 to 2018 using a pool of 433 patients. Inclusion criteria included adults older than 18 years of age who fulfilled the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for the diagnosis of RA and who were also regular visitors in our rheumatology clinics. Data were collected directly from patients and entered in a specially designed program. RESULTS: At initial presentation, 45.5% had demonstrated active disease (moderate or high disease activity) based on DAS-28-CRP scores, while 54.5% were in low disease activity or remission. The remission rates after 1 year had increased to 79.6% (345 patients), while 9.7% (42 patients) and 10.6% (46 patients) had low disease activity and moderate disease activity, respectively. It was also found that the female gender, higher Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and longer lag1/lag2 periods were associated with higher disease activity in our population. CONCLUSION: We detected higher remission rates at 1 year of follow-up. This could be attributed to many factors, including good referral systems with easier access to biologics. We aim to expand this registry to the national level.