UTILIZATION OF CORN GERM AND SUNFLOWER SEEDS AS A NEW SOURCES OF LECITHINS AND THEIR MODIFIED FORMS IN MANUFACTURE OF CARAMEL

Fractionation and acylation by ethyl alcohol and acetic anhydride were carried out to produce a modified corn germ and sunflower lecithins from their crude leci-thins. Emulsification activity and emulsion stability indices (EAI & ESI) were de-termined at different pH values (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10) for commercial and studied leci-thins. EAI was significantly improved in modified lecithins in comparison to crude lecithins with increasing rate of 52.9 and 58.6 % for corn germ and sunflower etha-nol soluble fraction lecithins and 15.6 and 20.5 % for acylated corn germ and sun-flower lecithins, respectively. The changes in ESI after times of 20, 40 and 60 min. showed a higher stability of emulsions prepared using modified lecithins which were closed to that prepared using commercial soy lecithin. Caramel was prepared using commercial soy, corn germ, sunflower lecithins and their modified forms. Hardness of tested samples was determined in the start of storage time while, acid value, per-oxide value, fatty acid pattern and sensory attributes were determined during storage period at room temperature for six months. Data revealed insignificant difference in caramels hardness. Samples contained crude sunflower; acylated corn germ and sun-flower lecithins were more sensitive to oxidation while, those prepared using com-mercial soy, crude corn germ, ethanol soluble fraction of corn germ and sunflower lecithins showed higher oxidative stability with significant differences (P0.05) to control one that contained commercial soy lecithin. The quality and quantity of lecithin that used in prepared of caramel samples played a major role in their characteristics. The modified corn germ and sunflower lecithin forms were preferred than the raw lecithins owing to their higher emulsifying activity and lesser quantity used. The ethanol soluble lecithins fraction, especially of corn germ can be competitive to the commercial soy lecithin in all emulsified food products

Optimal Deployment of Tethered Drones for Maximum Cellular Coverage in User Clusters

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assisted cellular communication is gaining significant interest recently. Although it offers several advantages over terrestrial communication, UAV communication suffers from two main shortcomings. The typical untethered UAV (uUAV) has a limited battery power supply and therefore limited flying time, and it needs an extra wireless backhaul link to connect users to the core network. In this paper, we propose the utilization of the tethered UAV (tUAV) to assist the cellular network, where the tether provides power supply and connects the tUAV to the core network through high capacity link. The tUAV however has a limited mobility due to the limited tether length. A stochastic geometry-based analysis is provided for the coverage probability of an UAV-assisted cellular network where the mobile users located within a circular hot-spot. For that setup, we analyze and compare two scenarios: (i) utilizing uUAV and (ii) utilizing tUAV, for offloading the terrestrial base station (TBS). We capture the aforementioned limitations of each of the uUAV and the tUAV in our analysis. A novel user association analysis is provided given the TBS and the UAV locations. Next, we study the optimal locations of the uUAV and the tUAV to maximize the coverage probability. Multiple useful insights are revealed. For instance, numerical results show that tUAVs outperform uUAVs when the tether length is above 75 m, given that the uUAV is available for 80% of the time due to its battery limitations.Comment: Accepted at the IEEE Transaction on Wireless Communication

ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIRADICAL ACTIVITY OF GREEN TEA (Camellia sinensis) AQUEOUS EXTRACT AND ITS CAPABILITY TO RETARDATION OF RATS LIVER CIRRHOSIS

he aim of the present study was to optimize the extraction conditions of green tea aqueous extract [green tea concentration (G) and extraction temperature (T)]. Response surface methodology was applied to determine the highest radical scavenging activity (RSA), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reducing power (RP) of the prepared green tea extract. Effect of green tea aqueous extract prepared using the optimal conditions on the liver cirrhosis retardation in rats was also investigated. Two-factors central composite design was established to determine the effects of G or T and radical scavenging holding time as independent variables on RSA, FRAP and RP as dependent variables. The optimum G, T and holding time with maximum RSA were 1.0 %, 88.7 °C for 25 min, with a predicted RSA of 81.3 % (r2=0.9115) compared to the BHT, which had a scavenging value of 87.4 % at concentration 150 ppm and holding time 30 min The same predicted concentration and temperature obtained with the highest FRAP and RP were 2.566 and 1.687 with r2 0.9780 and 0.9550, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were 81.2 mg gallic acid equivalent and 33.5 mg quercetin equivalent per 100 ml green tea extract. The extract prepared at optimal conditions was used for treatment of cirrhotic rats by CCl4. Insignificant (P≥0.05) differences were observed between the green tea group and control group in obtained total protein or albumin values. Total protein and albumin were dramatically decreased in the group treated by CCL4.  The same trend was observed with studying the transaminase enzymes. Histopathological sections appeared the effect of green tea extract on the retardation of liver cirrhosis in rats

EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION OF WHEAT FLOUR WITH QUINOA FLOUR ON QUALITY OF PAN BREAD AND BISCUIT

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of partial substitution (5, 10 and15%) of wheat flour (72% ext.) by whole meal quinoa flour (QF) on quality parameter of pan bread. QF contained the highest percentage of protein, Lipids, ash and crude fiber. Also, QF contained the highest amount of essential amino acids such as (threonine, methionine, lysine and histidine). From the results, it could be seen that, water absorption and degree of softening increased by increasing the substitution levels, but stability, resistance to extensions and energy of dough decreased. The addition of QF adversely affected on the specific volume of pan bread. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of pan bread decreased, but redness (a*) increased gradually by increasing QF. Evaluation of the organoleptic properties of pan bread revealed that no significant differences (P≥0.05) between control sample and bread samples contained QF for taste and summitry form. The bread contained QF had higher score for crust color, pore size and overall acceptability than control sample. Hardness (g) of pan bread increased and springiness decreased gradually during storage of bread at (25˚c ±2). The rate of staling of bread contained QF lower than control sample. Gluten – free biscuit made from 100%QF contained the highest percentage of protein, lipids, ash and crude fiber compared to that of corn and rice – quinoa composite flour. The addition of corn and rice flour adversely affected on the thickness, diameter and  spread ratio. The highest spread ratio was noticed in the biscuit made from 100% QF. It is worth mentioning that the biscuit made from 100 % QF or that of corn and rice – quinoa composite flour gave the biscuit with sensory acceptable. On the other hand, it could be noticed to that the biscuit contained high level of quinoa flour was darker in compared to another samples

FUNCTIONAL, RHEOLOGICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF DEFATTED-HYDROLYZED RICE BRAN AS FAT REPLACERS IN PREPARED BISCUIT

Defatted rice bran (DRB) and hydrolyzed defatted rice bran (DRBT) were prepared from rice bran meal (RBM). Proximate composition, oil and water binding capacities, emulsifying and foaming characteristics were determined. Effect of different substitution of DRB and DRBT as Fat replacers in biscuit on the farenograph parameters and sensory characteristics were also evaluated. The total protein, ash and crude fiber were significantly (P≤0.05) increased in each of DRB and DRBT compared to RBM. Defatted rice bran protein hydrolyzed improved the DRBT water, oil absorption index being 1.7. Used each of DRB or DRBT gave high emulsifying activity and stability indices in casein model system. The same trend was observed with foam activity and stability indices in egg albumin system. farenogram parameters significant (P≤0.05) affected by using DRB and DRBT. The prepared biscuits samples had high sensory scores with 10 to 50 % DRB and DRBT attributes and recorded non-significant (P≤0.05) differences compared to control sample

INFLUENCE OF α-AMYLASE AND ASCORBIC ACID COMBINATION ON EXTENSOGRAPH OF WEAK WHEAT FLOUR DOUGH AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF PAN BREAD

The response of different concentrations of α-amylase and ascorbic acid on rheological characteristics of weak wheat flour was studied by the three dimension polynomial quaternary model. Flour physicochemical characteristics, dough extensogram, bread texture profile analysis and sensory properties of pan bread were determined. All-purpose flour was treated by fungal α-amylase and ascorbic acid compared with strong flour which using for pan bread production, and then investigates differences of dough extensograms and pan bread quality characteristics. Predicting individual extensograph parameters (Y) was assumed by quadratic polynomial regression model for the independent variables (fungal α-amylase concentrations or ascorbic acid concentrations (X)) to optimize the extensograph parameters (Y) used regression analysis. Three-dimension contour plot was used as a method to study the response surface of different extensograph parameters (Y) as dependent variables with fungal α-amylase concentration and ascorbic acid concentration (X and Z) as independent variables. The obtained optimum predicting concentrations were verified, by using applied extensograph trials and then manufacturing pan bread. Using optimal predictive fungal α-amylase and ascorbic acid concentration levels give accepted extensogram parameters relationship r2 values and good pan bread quality, fit to the strong flour characteristics

EFFECT OF GRINDING AND PARTICLE SIZE ON SOME PHYSICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN

The present study was conducted to prepare nano-chitosan particles (CN) by ultrafine grinding  from crude chitosan powder (CC) using a ball mill with 130 numbers of zirconia beads in range from 0.5 to 1.5 mm diameter (75 beads 0.5 mm diameter, 30 beads 1.0 mm diameter and 25 beads 1.5 mm diameter). In addition, physical and rheological properties of chitosan solutions were determined. The results revealed that ultrafine grinding has effectively milled the chitosan particles to nanoscale. Prepared chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by  devices  X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Zetasizer particle sizes and Zeta potential of chitosan particles (after milling for 30, 60 and 90 minutes). The particle size of nano-chitosan was distributed in a range of 250-600 nm. with a polydispersity index use as an anti-oxidant and antimicrobial with reducing the amount used to deliver the desired purpose. Additional research is required to further investigate the potential value-added utilization of these chitosan derivatives in improving the quality and safety of some food products

Epilepsy care during the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the care of all patients around the world. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) COVID-19 and Telemedicine Task Forces examined, through surveys to people with epilepsy (PWE), caregivers, and health care professionals, how the pandemic has affected the well-being, care, and services for PWE. The ILAE included a link on their website whereby PWE and/or their caregivers could fill out a survey (in 11 languages) about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including access to health services and impact on mental health, including the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. An anonymous link was also provided whereby health care providers could report cases of new-onset seizures or an exacerbation of seizures in the context of COVID-19. Finally, a separate questionnaire aimed at exploring the utilization of telehealth by health care professionals since the pandemic began was available on the ILAE website and also disseminated to its members. Seventeen case reports were received; data were limited and therefore no firm conclusions could be drawn. Of 590 respondents to the well-being survey (422 PWE, 166 caregivers), 22.8% PWE and 27.5% caregivers reported an increase in seizure frequency, with difficulty in accessing medication and health care professionals reported as barriers to care. Of all respondents, 57.1% PWE and 21.5% caregivers had severe psychological distress (k score >13), which was significantly higher among PWE than caregivers (p<0.01). An increase in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by health care professionals, with 40% of consultations conducted by this method. Although 74.9% of health care providers thought that this impacted positively, barriers to care were also identified. As we move forward, there is a need to ensure ongoing support and care for PWE to prevent a parallel pandemic of unmet health care needs

Pharmacovigilance in children in Camagüey Province, Cuba

Purpose: Our aim was to describe the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) detected following increased education about pharmacovigilance and drug toxicity in children in Camagüey Province, Cuba. Methods: Over a period of 24 months (January 2009 to December 2010), all reports of suspected ADRs in children to the Provincial Pharmacovigilance Centre in Camagüey Province were analysed. ADRs were classified in relation to causality and severity. Results: There were 533 reports involving suspected ADRs in children in the period. Almost one third of the reports received were classified as moderate (155, 29%) or severe (10, 2%). There was one fatality in association with the use of ceftriaxone. Vaccines and antibiotics were responsible for most of the ADR reports (392, 74%) and for all ten severe ADRs. After an intensive educational package, both within the community and the Children’s Hospital, the number of reports increased from 124 in 2008 to 161 in 2009 and 372 in 2010. This was equivalent to a reporting rate of 879 and 2,031 reports per million children per year for 2009 and 2010, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of ADRs in children Camagüey Province, Cuba, is greater than previously reported. An educational intervention about pharmacovigilance and drug toxicity in children can improve the reporting of ADRs

Factors associated with antenatal care adequacy in rural and urban contexts-results from two health and demographic surveillance sites in Vietnam

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Antenatal Care (ANC) is universally considered important for women and children. This study aims to identify factors, demographic, social and economic, possibly associated with three ANC indicators: number of visits, timing of visits and content of services. The aim is also to compare the patterns of association of such factors between one rural and one urban context in northern Vietnam.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Totally 2,132 pregnant women were followed from identification of pregnancy until birth in two Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites (HDSS). Information was obtained through quarterly face to face interviews.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Living in the rural area was significantly associated with lower adequate use of ANC compared to living in the urban area, both regarding quantity (number and timing of visits) and content. Low education, living in poor households and exclusively using private sector ANC in both sites and self employment, becoming pregnant before 25 years of age and living in poor communities in the rural area turned out to increase the risk for overall inadequate ANC. High risk pregnancy could not be demonstrated to be associated with ANC adequacy in either site. The medical content of services offered was often inadequate, in relation to the national recommendations, especially in the private sector.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Low education, low economic status, exclusive use of private ANC and living in rural areas were main factors associated with risk for overall inadequate ANC use as related to the national recommendations. Therefore, interventions focussing on poor and less educated women, especially in rural areas should be prioritized. They should focus the importance of early attendance of ANC and sufficient use of core services. Financial support for poor and near poor women should be considered. Providers of ANC should be educated and otherwise influenced to provide sufficient core services. Adherence to ANC content guidelines must be improved through enhanced supervision, particularly in the private sector.</p