Optimisation of organosolv pretreatment for the extraction of polyphenols from spent coffee waste and subsequent recovery of fermentable sugars

In the present study, organosolv pretreatment strategy was modified for the comprehensive utilisation of spent coffee waste (SCW) for polyphenol extraction and reducing sugar production. A response surface design involving four factors viz. ethanol concentration, temperature, time and H2SO4 concentration was created for optimisation of polyphenol extraction from SCW. 11.2 mg GAE of polyphenol content/g of SCW was obtained using ethanol (68% v/v) at 51 °C for 45 min in the presence of 1.5% H2SO4 as catalyst. Furthermore, 13.78 of QE of Total Flavonoid Content/g of SCW was obtained following this process which was 7.6-fold higher than control (1.81 QE/g of SCW). Lignin removal of 24.4% was achieved following modified organosolv protocol. Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated SCW yielded 29.05 mg/g of total reducing sugar, which was 1.27-fold higher than control (22.8 mg/g). XRD, FTIR, and DSC profiles of the pretreated substrates were analysed for various changes incurred in pretreated SCW

Casino Gaming From a Border State Perspective: Impact on the Hospitality Industry

Stakeholders of the hospitality industry, defined as owners and managers of hotels and restaurants, from a state contiguous to states where casino gaming is legalized were questioned regarding their attitudes toward the legalization of casino gaming and their perceptions of its impact on business currently and if gaming were legalized in the state. The data were analyzed using frequency distributions, cross tabulations, and Chi Square statistics. Results included the following: Opinions about legalizing gaming in the state were evenly divided between favor and disfavor. Based on region, organizational structure and job title, observable differences in opinion were noted concerning the effects on business. These findings should be of interest to other states or provinces that border casino gaming areas

DOP69 Tofacitinib in ulcerative colitis: Early ‘real-world’ experience from four UK tertiary centres

Background Tofacitinib is a partially selective Janus kinase inhibitor that was approved for the treatment of refractory moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in 2018. We report the real-world clinical effectiveness and adverse effects of tofacitinib in UC. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of tofacitinib-treated patients with UC between October 2018 to October 2019 from 4 UK centres. Disease activity was assessed using the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) or Partial Mayo Score (PMS) depending on the study site. Response and remission were defined at week 8 and 26 as a reduction in SCCAI or PMS of ≥3, and SCCAI <3 or PMS <2, respectively. Corticosteroid-free remission was defined as remission with no corticosteroid use at the time of assessment irrespective of baseline corticosteroid status. Results We included 140 patients (65% M; median age 37y [range 16–81]) with a median disease duration of 5.5y (IQR 2.2–11.8). Forty-six per cent (65/140) were receiving corticosteroids at baseline and 83% (116/140) had previously received at least one biologic (62 anti-TNF, 4 vedolizumab, 50 both). Median (IQR) serum CRP and faecal calprotectin levels at baseline were 4 mg/l (1.6–15) and 540 µg/g (316–1175). Response and remission rates were 73% (81/111) and 56% (62/111) respectively at week 8 (median ΔSCCAI of −3 [IQR -6 to -1], median ΔPMS −4 [−6 to −1]) and 48% (39/82) and 39% (32/82) respectively at week 26 (median ΔSCCAI −3 [IQR −7 to –1], median ΔPMS −4 [−6 to –1]). Steroid-free remission was seen in 47% (52/111) and 37% (30/82) patients at week 8 and 26. Patients with response or remission had a significantly lower CRP (p = 0.02) but not calprotectin (p = 0.38) levels at baseline. Response and remission rates were no different stratified by prior biologic use (p = 0.56). Treatment was discontinued after a median of 3 months (IQR 2–4) in 43 patients: 32 with primary non-response, 9 loss of response and in 1 each because of an adverse drug reaction (headache) and patient choice. 7/17 patients had a clinical response to dose re-escalation following a loss of response on dose reduction. The median time to dose de-escalation was 67 (IQR 25–240) days. Seven patients were hospitalised and 5 underwent colectomy. Six serious infections were noted including 2 herpes zoster infections but there were no venous thromboembolic events. Median total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein increased from 4.4 mmol/l (IQR 3.7–5.2), 2.47 (1.9–2.9) and 1.5 (1.1–1.9) to 4.8 mmol/l (4.1–6.0), 2.8 (2.13.5) and 1.7 (1.4–1.9) respectively after 8 weeks of tofacitinib. graphic Conclusion Clinical effectiveness and side-effect profile of tofacitinib in UC in this multi-centre real-world cohort were similar to that reported in the pivotal OCTAVE clinical trials.This article is freely available via Open Access. Click on the Publisher URL to access it via the publisher's site.published version, accepted version (12 month embargo), submitted versio

Stroke awareness in the general population: knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in older adults

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Stroke is a leading cause of death and functional impairment. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have the poorest awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. This study examined knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among community-dwelling older adults.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Randomly selected community-dwelling older people (aged 65+) in Ireland (n = 2,033; 68% response rate). Participants completed home interviews. Questions assessed knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors, and personal risk factors for stroke.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the overall sample, 6% had previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. When asked to identify stroke risk factors from a provided list, less than half of the overall sample identified established risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypercholesterolaemia), hypertension being the only exception (identified by 74%). Similarly, less than half identified established warning signs (e.g., weakness, headache), with slurred speech (54%) as the exception. Overall, there were considerable gaps in awareness with poorest levels evident in those with primary level education only and in those living in Northern Ireland (compared with Republic of Ireland).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Knowledge deficits in this study suggest that most of the common early symptoms or signs of stroke were recognized as such by less than half of the older adults surveyed. As such, many older adults may not recognise early symptoms of stroke in themselves or others. Thus, they may lose vital time in presenting for medical attention. Lack of public awareness about stroke warning signs and risk factors must be addressed as one important contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from stroke.</p

Effect of pulsed delivery and bouillon base on saltiness and bitterness perceptions of salt delivery profiles partially substituted with KCl

Reducing salt levels in processed food is an important target for a growing numbers of food manufacturers. The effects of pulsed delivery (Dynataste) and bouillon base on saltiness and bitterness perception of partially substituted solutions (KCl) were investigated. Pulsed delivery did not enhance salt perception and resulted in greater Overall Bitterness Scores for the same level of substitution with KCl. The presence of the bouillon base masked to a certain extent the loss of saltiness induced by the substitution and resulted in lower Overall Bitterness Scores of the substituted profiles

A Qualitative Study Exploring Access to Mental Health and Substance Use Support among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness during COVID-19

People experiencing homelessness have higher rates of mental ill-health and substance use and lower access to health services compared to the general population. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in service delivery across health and social care services, with many adopting virtual or telephone support for service users. This paper explores the experiences of access to community-based mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women and 16 men (ages 25 to 71) who self-identified as experiencing homelessness in North East England between February and May 2021. With five individuals with lived experience, results were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Reactive changes to support provision often led to inadvertent exclusion. Barriers to access included: physical locations, repetition of recovery stories, individual readiness, and limited availability. Participants suggested creating services reflective of need and opportunities for choice and empowerment. Community mental health and substance use support for people experiencing homelessness should ensure the support is personalised, responsive to need, inclusive, and trauma-informed. The findings of this research have important implications for mental health and substance use policy and practice for individuals who experience homelessness during a public health crisis

GWIPS-viz: development of a ribo-seq genome browser

We describe the development of GWIPS-viz (http://gwips.ucc.ie), an online genome browser for viewing ribosome profiling data. Ribosome profiling (ribo-seq) is a recently developed technique that provides genome-wide information on protein synthesis (GWIPS) in vivo. It is based on the deep sequencing of ribosome-protected messenger RNA (mRNA) fragments, which allows the ribosome density along all mRNA transcripts present in the cell to be quantified. Since its inception, ribo-seq has been carried out in a number of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Owing to the increasing interest in ribo-seq, there is a pertinent demand for a dedicated ribo-seq genome browser. GWIPS-viz is based on The University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser. Ribo-seq tracks, coupled with mRNA-seq tracks, are currently available for several genomes: human, mouse, zebrafish, nematode, yeast, bacteria (Escherichia coli K12, Bacillus subtilis), human cytomegalovirus and bacteriophage lambda. Our objective is to continue incorporating published ribo-seq data sets so that the wider community can readily view ribosome profiling information from multiple studies without the need to carry out computational processing

Uptake and adherence to an online intervention for cancer-related distress: older age is not a barrier to adherence but may be a barrier to uptake

Purpose: While online interventions are increasingly explored as an alternative to therapist-based interventions for cancer-related distress, limitations to efficacy potentially include low uptake and adherence. Few predictors of uptake or adherence to online interventions have been consistently identified, particularly in individuals with cancer. This study examined rates and predictors of uptake and adherence to Finding My Way, a RCT of an online intervention versus an information-only online control for cancer-related distress. Methods: Participants were adults with cancer treated with curative intent. Adherence was assessed by login frequency, duration and activity level; analyses examined demographic, medical and psychological predictors of uptake and adherence. Results: The study enrolled 191 adults (aged 26–94 years) undergoing active treatment for cancer of any type. Uptake was highest for females and for individuals with ovarian (80%) and breast cancer (49.8%), and lowest for those with melanoma (26.5%). Adherence was predicted by older age and control-group allocation. Baseline distress levels did not predict adherence. High adherers to the full intervention had better emotion regulation and quality of life than low adherers. Conclusions: Uptake of online intervention varies according to age, gender and cancer type. While uptake was higher amongst younger individuals, once enrolled, older individuals were more likely to adhere to online interventions for cancer-related distressThis work was conducted as part of a larger clinical trial, supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (grant number 1042942)

Efficiency and safety of varying the frequency of whole blood donation (INTERVAL): a randomised trial of 45 000 donors

Background: Limits on the frequency of whole blood donation exist primarily to safeguard donor health. However, there is substantial variation across blood services in the maximum frequency of donations allowed. We compared standard practice in the UK with shorter inter-donation intervals used in other countries. Methods: In this parallel group, pragmatic, randomised trial, we recruited whole blood donors aged 18 years or older from 25 centres across England, UK. By use of a computer-based algorithm, men were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 12-week (standard) versus 10-week versus 8-week inter-donation intervals, and women were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 16-week (standard) versus 14-week versus 12-week intervals. Participants were not masked to their allocated intervention group. The primary outcome was the number of donations over 2 years. Secondary outcomes related to safety were quality of life, symptoms potentially related to donation, physical activity, cognitive function, haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations, and deferrals because of low haemoglobin. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN24760606, and is ongoing but no longer recruiting participants. Findings: 45 263 whole blood donors (22 466 men, 22 797 women) were recruited between June 11, 2012, and June 15, 2014. Data were analysed for 45 042 (99·5%) participants. Men were randomly assigned to the 12-week (n=7452) versus 10-week (n=7449) versus 8-week (n=7456) groups; and women to the 16-week (n=7550) versus 14-week (n=7567) versus 12-week (n=7568) groups. In men, compared with the 12-week group, the mean amount of blood collected per donor over 2 years increased by 1·69 units (95% CI 1·59–1·80; approximately 795 mL) in the 8-week group and by 0·79 units (0·69–0·88; approximately 370 mL) in the 10-week group (p&lt;0·0001 for both). In women, compared with the 16-week group, it increased by 0·84 units (95% CI 0·76–0·91; approximately 395 mL) in the 12-week group and by 0·46 units (0·39–0·53; approximately 215 mL) in the 14-week group (p&lt;0·0001 for both). No significant differences were observed in quality of life, physical activity, or cognitive function across randomised groups. However, more frequent donation resulted in more donation-related symptoms (eg, tiredness, breathlessness, feeling faint, dizziness, and restless legs, especially among men [for all listed symptoms]), lower mean haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations, and more deferrals for low haemoglobin (p&lt;0·0001 for each) than those observed in the standard frequency groups. Interpretation: Over 2 years, more frequent donation than is standard practice in the UK collected substantially more blood without having a major effect on donors' quality of life, physical activity, or cognitive function, but resulted in more donation-related symptoms, deferrals, and iron deficiency. Funding: NHS Blood and Transplant, National Institute for Health Research, UK Medical Research Council, and British Heart Foundation