Predicting functional properties of milk powder based on manufacturing data in an industrial-scale powder plant

The fundamental science relating key physical and functional properties of milk powder to plant operating conditions is complex and largely unknown. Consequently this paper takes a data-driven approach to relate the routinely measured plant conditions to one vital function property known as sediment in an industrial-scale powder plant. Data from four consecutive production seasons was examined, and linear regression models based on a chosen set of processing variables were used to predict the sediment values. The average prediction error was well within the range of the uncertainty of the laboratory test. The models could be used to predict the effect of each individual plant variable on the sediment values which could be beneficial in quality optimisation. In addition the choice of the training data set used to compute regression coefficients was studied and the resultant regression models were compared to alternative PLS models built on the same data

Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Protects the Brain Against Injury After Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest

Background-Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) is a mechanism protecting tissues from injury during ischemia and reperfusion. Remote IPC (RIPC) can be elicited by applying brief periods of ischemia to tissues with ischemic tolerance, thus protecting vital organs more susceptible to ischemic damage. Using a porcine model, we determined whether RIPC of the limb is protective against brain injury caused by hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA).Methods and Results-Twelve piglets were randomized to control and RIPC groups. RIPC was induced in advance of cardiopulmonary bypass by 4 cycles of 5 minutes of ischemia of the hind limb. All animals underwent cardiopulmonary bypass followed by 60 minutes of HCA at 18 degrees C. Brain metabolism and electroencephalographic activity were monitored for 8 hours after HCA. Assessment of neurological status was performed for a week postoperatively. Finally, brain tissue was harvested for histopathological analysis.Study groups were balanced for baseline and intraoperative parameters. Brain lactate concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.0001, ANOVA) and recovery of electroencephalographic activity faster (P < 0.05, ANOVA) in the RIPC group. RIPC had a beneficial effect on neurological function during the 7-day follow-up (behavioral score; P < 0.0001 versus control, ANOVA). Histopathological analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in cerebral injury in RIPC animals (injury score; mean [interquartile range]: control 5.8 [3.8 to 7.5] versus RIPC 1.5 [0.5 to 2.5], P < 0.001, t test).Conclusions-These data demonstrate that RIPC protects the brain against HCA-induced injury, resulting in accelerated recovery of neurological function. RIPC might be neuroprotective in patients undergoing surgery with HCA and improve long-term outcomes. Clinical trials to test this hypothesis are warranted. (Circulation. 2011; 123: 714-721.

Reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia: pathophysiology, MR imaging, and potential therapies

INTRODUCTION: Restoration of blood flow following ischemic stroke can be achieved by means of thrombolysis or mechanical recanalization. However, for some patients, reperfusion may exacerbate the injury initially caused by ischemia, producing a so-called “cerebral reperfusion injury”. Multiple pathological processes are involved in this injury, including leukocyte infiltration, platelet and complement activation, postischemic hyperperfusion, and breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. METHODS/RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide extensive information on this process of injury, and may have a role in the future in stratifying patients’ risk for reperfusion injury following recanalization. Moreover, different MRI modalities can be used to investigate the various mechanisms of reperfusion injury. Antileukocyte antibodies, brain cooling and conditioned blood reperfusion are potential therapeutic strategies for lessening or eliminating reperfusion injury, and interventionalists may play a role in the future in using some of these therapies in combination with thrombolysis or embolectomy. The present review summarizes the mechanisms of reperfusion injury and focuses on the way each of those mechanisms can be evaluated by different MRI modalities. The potential therapeutic strategies are also discussed