Texture analysis of Red Delicious fruit: Towards multiple measurements on individual fruit

The sensory texture of Red Delicious apples was studied using single point and time–intensity (TI) methods together with penetrometers and in vivo techniques. Testing was performed in two trials on a per fruit basis, not with fruit batches. The standard penetrometer was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) to sensory hardness, juiciness, mealiness, crunchiness and degree of breakdown, but not to skin toughness. Facial muscle activity during chewing was collected with electromyography (EMG) together with spit outs for individuals. Parameters such as work done during chewing were extracted from the full EMG signals, and some were found to be related significantly (p < 0.05) to the penetrometer data and to sensory hardness. The aspect ratio of expectorated particles related significantly (p < 0.05) to sensory hardness and skin toughness. Principal component analysis shows that 76% of the variance in the combined data set was explained by seven components in Trial 1 and 73% by six components in Trial 2. The first component in both trials was described, principally by hardness, mealiness and the penetrometer value. The second component was described by the EMG signal parameters in Trial 1, and the apple skin properties in Trial 2. Sensory terms hardness, mealiness, crunchiness and juiciness were inter-correlated which may indicate that the texture of Red Delicious apples is perceived as mainly one-dimensional

A randomized, single-blinded, vehicle-controlled study of a topical active blend in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

Αndrogenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair disorder, affecting approximately 50% of men and women. A topical lotion that contains two patented formulas (Redensyl and Sepicontrol A5), has been introduced as an alternative approach to standard therapies for AGA. Forty-four patients with AGA were randomized either to apply the active lotion or the vehicle, twice daily for 24 weeks. Subjects were evaluated at 0, 12, and 24 weeks by clinical examination, photographic documentation, quality of life evaluation (DLQI), and trichogram (anagen-to-telogen ratio). Forty-one patients, 18 males and 23 females, completed the study. Among patients receiving active treatment (n = 26), 7.7% had great improvement, 73.1% had moderate improvement, and 19.2% remained stable. The median self-assessment score increased from 4 at baseline to 6 at 24 weeks (P &lt;.001), while the DLQI improved from 4 to 3, respectively (P &lt;.001). The median anagen-to-telogen ratio increased from 2.25 to 4.00 to 6.02 at weeks 0, 12, and 24, respectively. No significant adverse events were reported. This new topical active blend is effective in the treatment of AGA, with high degree of patients&apos; satisfaction, improvement of quality of life, and an excellent safety profile. Thus, it may represent a useful alternative therapeutic approach for AGA. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC

Genomic Epidemiology of the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Cyprus from November 2020 to October 2021: The Passage of Waves of Alpha and Delta Variants of Concern

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 resulted in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has had devastating repercussions for public health. Over the course of this pandemic, the virus has continuously been evolving, resulting in new, more infectious variants that have frequently led to surges of new SARS-CoV-2 infections. In the present study, we performed detailed genetic, phylogenetic, phylodynamic and phylogeographic analyses to examine the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus using 2352 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from infected individuals in Cyprus during November 2020 to October 2021. During this period, a total of 61 different lineages and sublineages were identified, with most falling into three groups: B.1.258 & sublineages, Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), and Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages), each encompassing a set of S gene mutations that primarily confer increased transmissibility as well as immune evasion. Specifically, these lineages were coupled with surges of new infections in Cyprus, resulting in the following: the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Cyprus, comprising B.1.258 & sublineages, during late autumn 2020/beginning of winter 2021; the third wave, comprising Alpha (B.1.1.7 & Q. sublineages), during spring 2021; and the fourth wave, comprising Delta (B.1.617.2 & AY. sublineages) during summer 2021. Additionally, it was identified that these lineages were primarily imported from and exported to the UK, Greece, and Sweden; many other migration links were also identified, including Switzerland, Denmark, Russia, and Germany. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus was characterized by successive introduction of new lineages from a plethora of countries, resulting in the generation of waves of infection. Overall, this study highlights the importance of investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in the context of Cyprus, as well as the impact of protective measures placed to mitigate transmission of the virus, providing necessary information to safeguard public health.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe