An ultrasonic Bragg scattering technique for the quantitative characterization of marbling in beef

Subjective evaluation has not been considered as a consistent and totally reliable method for grading beef. Groundwork for the development of an unbiased instrument, useful for texture differentiation of marbling in beef, was accomplished with the use of ultrasound;Four grades of beef were ultrasonically examined in vitro. The ultrasonic signatures indicated different spatial distributions for varying amounts of marbling. A Bragg scattering technique was found to be useful for comparing the average spatial distribution of the intramuscular fat deposits. Ultrasonic signatures, obtained by integrating the back-scattered echoes, contained spatial frequency components which were used to predict specific grades of beef;The data were reduced by Fourier transform analysis so that statistical interpretations could be attained. The spatial frequency components were analyzed by a linear discriminant function;The classification accuracy, as predicted by linear discriminant analysis, is given for prime, choice, good and standard grades of beef;As the primary concern of the beef industry is to have an accurate distinction between the grades good and choice, utilization of this technique appears to be feasible

Real-time ultrasound (RTU) imaging methods for quality control of meats

In this chapter the use of real-time ultrasonography to predict in vivo carcass composition and meat traits will be reviewed. The chapter begins by discussing background and principles of ultrasound. Then aspects affecting the suitability of realtime ultrasonography and image analysis for predicting carcass composition and meat traits of meat producing species and fish will be presented. This chapter also provides an overview of the present and future trends in the application of real-time ultrasonography in the meat industry. © 2012 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The Importance Of Oral Health In Long-Term Care

Emerging evidence has shown a strong link between the effects of chronic oral inflammation and general health. The mouth is the visible gateway to the rest of the body and reflects what is happening deep inside. Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic disease; likewise, systemic disease can have an impact on oral health. In fact, there are over 100 systemic diseases that have oral manifestations, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory infections, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and nutritional problems. This is a bidirectional relationship and the link is inflammation. Oral health problems can have an adverse effect on the quality of life and are more prevalent in older adults, but are not caused by aging. Approximately 75% of baby boomers will enter long-term care facilities with the majority of their natural teeth and this trend is expected to continue. Studies indicate that residents with good oral care require less health care dollar expenditures. Therefore, dental professionals, such as the dental hygienist, should be part of the multidisciplinary team to assist in providing expert regular dental care and training to caregivers and other health care professionals in long-term care facilities. © 2009 American Medical Directors Association

Postmenopausal Females And The Link Between Oral Bisphosphonates And Osteonecrosis Of The Jaw: A Clinical Review

Purpose: To increase awareness for nurse practitioners (NPs) of new information concerning the plausible link between the oral bisphosphonate drug classification and necrosis in the jaw. Data sources: Selected research and clinical articles. In addition, several peer-reviewed, refereed medical and dental journals were consulted. Conclusions: Oral bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed by NPs for postmenopausal females with the diagnosis of osteoporosis to arrest bone loss and preserve bone density. Recent reports have shown a link between these medications and osteonecrosis of the jaw, which is a complication resulting in necrotic bone inside the mouth. Implications for practice: NPs must be able to determine early warning signs of osteonecrosis to ensure prompt referral to a dental specialist in order to prevent irreversible sequelae. Because of the aging population, osteoporosis is predicted to increase; therefore, treatment with these drugs and the side effects that go along with them will most likely also increase. © 2010 The Author(s) Journal compilation © 2010 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

An ultrasonic Bragg scattering technique for the quantitative characterization of marbling in beef

Subjective evaluation has not been considered as a consistent and totally reliable method for grading beef. Groundwork for the development of an unbiased instrument, useful for texture differentiation of marbling in beef, was accomplished with the use of ultrasound;Four grades of beef were ultrasonically examined in vitro. The ultrasonic signatures indicated different spatial distributions for varying amounts of marbling. A Bragg scattering technique was found to be useful for comparing the average spatial distribution of the intramuscular fat deposits. Ultrasonic signatures, obtained by integrating the back-scattered echoes, contained spatial frequency components which were used to predict specific grades of beef;The data were reduced by Fourier transform analysis so that statistical interpretations could be attained. The spatial frequency components were analyzed by a linear discriminant function;The classification accuracy, as predicted by linear discriminant analysis, is given for prime, choice, good and standard grades of beef;As the primary concern of the beef industry is to have an accurate distinction between the grades good and choice, utilization of this technique appears to be feasible.</p

IMPLEMENTATION OF SPECIALTY CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN A PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY CLINIC

Disclosure: Justin Joy has received advisory board compensation from Akcea Therapeutics and Pfizer Therapeutic Area: Preventive Cardiology Best Practices Background: PCSK9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) and icosapent ethyl have been shown to significantly improve cardiovascular outcomes in select patients at increased CV risk. Bempedoic acid is a novel adjunct low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering agent for patients at increased risk who require further LDL-C reduction. Many barriers to access exist for these medications resulting in delays in care, and nonadherence. To address these barriers, we incorporated a clinical pharmacist within our academic preventive cardiology clinic to facilitate medication access through enhanced collaboration between the clinic and hospital-based specialty pharmacy. Methods: A single center, retrospective study of patients seen within the preventive cardiology clinic whose medications were triaged by the hospital specialty pharmacy. The aim was to assess the time from prescription order to receipt of first dose for treatment-naïve patients. The medication approval rate, financial assistance use, median LDL-C reduction, and 90-day follow-up LDL-C was collected. Results: A total of 35 patients met inclusion criteria during the pilot period. Prescriptions included: 10 evolocumab, 18 alirocumab, 4 bempedoic acid, and 3 icosapent ethyl triaged by the specialty pharmacy. 19 (35%) patients had a clinical history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The majority of patients had commercial insurance, a median baseline LDL of 136 mg/dl, 125 mg/dl, and 146 mg/dl for evolocumab, alirocumab, and bempedoic acid respectively, and documented statin intolerance (Table 1). All prescriptions required prior authorization and were approved (4 patients required an appeal). 21 patients (60%) qualified for financial assistance: 15 required manufacture copay assistance cards, 4 required hospital charity care, 1 received foundation support, and 1 received free drug via manufacturer. The median time from prescription order to first dose was ≤ 10 days, and 22 patients (69%) on the LDL-C lowering agents had follow up labs performed within 90 days. Of these patients the median percent LDL-C reduction achieved for evolocumab, alirocumab, and bempedoic acid was 60%, 60%, and 34%, respectively (Table 2). Conclusion: At our institution, our experience highlights the value that a clinical pharmacist and health system specialty pharmacy can have on improving patient care within a multidisciplinary preventive cardiology clinic