Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) as analytical tool for the sustainable analysis of packed meat

As a highly sensitive food, the safety of meat is an important issue in the context of food safety. The current analytical methods for detection are based on different, invasive proce-dures. The analysis of these foods therefore causes avoidable food losses in the case of foods that are still suitable for consumption. Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) is a po-tential alternative analytical method, as it offers the possibility to measure through packag-ing. Using packaged chicken breast as an example, we simulated two different storage condi-tions and compared these samples to control samples using SORS. To validate the group as-signment and to monitor the resulting changes, total bacterial count and NMR spectra of the meat extracts were measured and evaluated. We overcame the various difficulties in the multivariate data evaluation of the through package measured Raman spectra and were able to classify samples deviating from the control group with very high accuracies and simulta-neous absence of false positive results

Addiction Panel Discussion: Finding Support

“Addiction Panel Discussion: Finding Support,” is the third of five in the, “Don’t Call Me Crazy: MU Mental Health Initiative,” panel discussion series, which was held on January 24, 2019. This initiative is comprised of three major components: “Resiliency through Education;” which includes: panel discussions with mental health professionals and a research guide, “Resiliency through Art;” an art exhibition that featured works form MU students, faculty and staff, and community members, and “Resiliency through Community;” an extensive collection of campus, local, state, and national mental health resources. Libraries hold a unique position as places to hold civil conversations on challenging subjects as well as purveyors of credible information in which to frame those conversations. The panel discussions provide opportunities for these conversations by bring experts together to answer questions and dispel misinformation. “Addiction Panel Discussion: Finding Support,” discusses topics such as: alcoholism, childhood, adolescent, and adult substance use disorders, opioid addiction and addiction treatment, substance use vs. addiction, medical vs. behavioral health model of treatment, family systems treatment, homelessness, harm reduction programs, compassion fatigue, and self-care. Panelists include: Karen Yost, Matthew Q. Christiansen, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. Lyn O’Connell, Dan Curry, Amy Saunders, Michelle Perdue Moderator: Sabrina Thoma

Mesenchymal stem cells, neural lineage potential, heparan sulfate proteoglycans and the matrix

Along with the tri-lineage of bone, cartilage and fat, human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) retain neural lineage potential. Multiple factors have been described that influence lineage fate of hMSCs including the extracellular microenvironment or niche. The niche includes the extracellular matrix (ECM) providing structural composition, as well as other associated proteins and growth factors, which collectively influence hMSC stemness and lineage specification. As such, lineage specific differentiation of MSCs is mediated through interactions including cell–cell and cell–matrix, as well as through specific signalling pathways triggering downstream events. Proteoglycans (PGs) are ubiquitous within this microenvironment and can be localised to the cell surface or embedded within the ECM. In addition, the heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) families of PGs interact directly with a number of growth factors, signalling pathways and ECM components including FGFs, Wnts and fibronectin. With evidence supporting a role for HSPGs and CSPGs in the specification of hMSCs down the osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic lineages, along with the localisation of PGs in development and regeneration, it is conceivable that these important proteins may also play a role in the differentiation of hMSCs toward the neuronal lineage. Here we summarise the current literature and highlight the potential for HSPG directed neural lineage fate specification in hMSCs, which may provide a new model for brain damage repair

Prospective observational cohort study on grading the severity of postoperative complications in global surgery research

Background The Clavien–Dindo classification is perhaps the most widely used approach for reporting postoperative complications in clinical trials. This system classifies complication severity by the treatment provided. However, it is unclear whether the Clavien–Dindo system can be used internationally in studies across differing healthcare systems in high- (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods This was a secondary analysis of the International Surgical Outcomes Study (ISOS), a prospective observational cohort study of elective surgery in adults. Data collection occurred over a 7-day period. Severity of complications was graded using Clavien–Dindo and the simpler ISOS grading (mild, moderate or severe, based on guided investigator judgement). Severity grading was compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Data are presented as frequencies and ICC values (with 95 per cent c.i.). The analysis was stratified by income status of the country, comparing HICs with LMICs. Results A total of 44 814 patients were recruited from 474 hospitals in 27 countries (19 HICs and 8 LMICs). Some 7508 patients (16·8 per cent) experienced at least one postoperative complication, equivalent to 11 664 complications in total. Using the ISOS classification, 5504 of 11 664 complications (47·2 per cent) were graded as mild, 4244 (36·4 per cent) as moderate and 1916 (16·4 per cent) as severe. Using Clavien–Dindo, 6781 of 11 664 complications (58·1 per cent) were graded as I or II, 1740 (14·9 per cent) as III, 2408 (20·6 per cent) as IV and 735 (6·3 per cent) as V. Agreement between classification systems was poor overall (ICC 0·41, 95 per cent c.i. 0·20 to 0·55), and in LMICs (ICC 0·23, 0·05 to 0·38) and HICs (ICC 0·46, 0·25 to 0·59). Conclusion Caution is recommended when using a treatment approach to grade complications in global surgery studies, as this may introduce bias unintentionally