Impact of Milk Storage and Heat Treatments on In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Soft Cheese.

Cheese is an important source of protein in the human diet, and its digestibility depends on its macro and microstructure. This study investigated the effect of milk heat pre-treatment and pasteurization level on the protein digestibility of produced cheese. An in vitro digestion method was used considering cheeses after 4 and 21 days of storage. The peptide profile and amino acids (AAs) released in digestion were analyzed to evaluate the level of protein degradation following in vitro digestion. The results showed the presence of shorter peptides in the digested cheese from pre-treated milk and 4-day ripening while this trend was not observed after 21 days of storage, showing the effect of storage period. A significantly higher content of AAs was found in digested cheese produced from milk subjected to a higher temperature of pasteurization, and there was a significant increase in total AA content in the cheese after 21 days of storage, confirming the positive effect of ripening on protein digestibility. From these results emerges the importance of the management of heat treatments on the digestion of proteins in soft cheese.

Chemical Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese Produced with Fresh and Frozen Curd.

Milk and dairy products can have variable contents of antioxidant compounds that contribute to counteract the oxidation of lipids and proteins during processing and storage. The content of active antioxidant compounds is closely linked to their protection by oxidation. Freezing is one of the factors that can reduce antioxidant activity. Freezing of milk or curd is frequently used in case of the seasonality of milk production and/or seasonal increased demand for some products. In this paper, the effect of using frozen curd on the oxidative stability of buffalo Mozzarella cheese was evaluated. Samples of buffalo Mozzarella with different frozen curd content (0%, 5%, 20%, and 50%) were produced and analyzed at one and nine days. Mozzarella cheese with higher frozen curd content had a significant increase in redox potential parallel to the decrease in antioxidant activity, showing less protection from oxidation. Lipid and protein oxidation, expressed respectively by malondialdehyde and carbonyl content, increased significantly with increasing frozen curd. At nine days, carbonyls significantly increased while malondialdehyde content did not vary, showing that during storage, fat was more protected from oxidation than protein. The average carbonyl levels were comparable to those of some cooked cheeses, and the malondialdehyde levels were even lower. The results of this study stimulate the investigation of new strategies to decrease the oxidative damage in cheeses produced in the presence of factors decreasing oxidative stability.

Adult Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I: A Narrative Review.

Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I) is a multifactorial painful disorder with a complex pathogenesis. Both peripheral and central mechanisms are involved. Acute CRPS I is considered to be an exaggerated inflammatory disorder; however, over time, because of altered function of the sympathetic nervous system and maladaptive neuroplasticity, CRPS I evolves into a neurological disorder. This review thoroughly describes the pathophysiological aspects of CRPS I and summarizes the potential therapeutic options. The mechanisms and targets of the treatment are different in the early and late stages of the disease. This current review builds on a previous review by this author group by deepening the role of the peripheral classic and neuronal inflammatory component in the acute stage of this painful disorder. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.

Graft union formation in artichoke grafting onto wild and cultivated cardoon: an anatomical study.

In order to develop a non-chemical method such as grafting effective against well-known artichoke soil borne diseases, an anatomical study of union formation in artichoke grafted onto selected wild and cultivated cardoon rootstocks, both resistant to Verticillium wilt, was performed. The cardoon accessions Belgio (cultivated cardoon) and Sardo (wild cardoon) were selected as rootstocks for grafting combinations with the artichoke cv. Romolo. Grafting experiments were carried out in the autumn and spring. The anatomical investigation of grafting union formation was conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on the grafting portions at the 3rd, 6th, 10th, 12th day after grafting. For the autumn experiment only, SEM analysis was also performed at 30 d after grafting. A high affinity between artichoke scion and cardoon rootstocks was observed, with some genotype differences in healing time between the two bionts. SEM images of scion/rootstock longitudinal sections revealed the appearance of many interconnecting structures between the two grafting components just 3d after grafting, followed by a vascular rearrangement and a callus development during graft union formation. De novo formation of many plasmodesmata between scion and rootstock confirmed their high compatibility, particularly in the globe artichoke/wild cardoon combination. Moreover, the duration of the early-stage grafting process could be influenced not only by the scion/rootstock compatibility, but also by the seasonal conditions, being favored by lower temperatures and a reduced light/dark photoperiod.

Disfiguring facial hemangioma compromising labial functionality: a case report.

Hemangiomas are proliferative lesions characterized by increased endothelial cell turnover. Lip hemangiomas can distort lip anatomy and are at increased risk of ulceration and/or bleeding, which lead to impaired function and disfigurement. Surgery can provide active treatment but it can be problematic because vermilion tissue is unique and not found elsewhere on the body. Since there is no similar tissue that can easily be used for reconstructing missing vermilion, its preservation is essential for a satisfactory cosmetic result. We present the case of a 74 year old woman suffering from a large hemangioma of the mid-face and particulary with an angiomatous ulcerated lesion at the level of the lower lip. We describe clinical management and surgical treatment of this pathology.

Free-style perforator flaps in the reconstruction of the lower limb.

INTRODUCTION: The evolving concept of free-style flaps with one or more perforators able to lend support, has been shown to have noteworthy advantages in the context of reconstructive surgery, especially in relation to the distal portion of the lower limb. Among the advantages, an analogy of the covering tissues with pre-existing ones in the compromised area, reduced morbidity of the donor site, less time spent in theatre and a greater flexibility from the surgeons' point of view. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, 18 patients were treated with local free-style flaps for lesions involving the leg and the foot. The median age of the patients, (11 men and 7 women) was 63.2 years. Subsequently, the patients were followed up for 6 months-1 year. RESULTS: In the period following surgery all the free style flaps have survived completely; further surgery has not been warranted. Healing of the donor sites took place by primary intention in 17 cases; in one case, a V-Y advancement flap adapted as a cover for a loss of substance of the calcaneus, it occurred by secondary intention. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Lower limb reconstruction, in virtue of the fact that adjacent tissues for reconstruction are scarce and vascularization is an issue, has always constituted a problem which has not been easy to solve for the surgeon. The application of the free-style concept to loco-regional flaps has yielded satisfactory results in our experience, from both a functional as well as an aesthetic point of view.

Organo-mineral fertilisers from glass-matrix and organic biomasses: a new way to release nutrients. A novel approach to fertilisation based on plant demand.

BACKGROUND: A glass-matrix fertiliser (GMF), a by-product from ceramic industries, releases nutrients only in the presence of complexing solutions, similar to those exuded by plant roots. This ensures a slow release of nutrients over time, limiting the risk of their loss in the environment. With the aim to improve fertiliser performance, GMF was mixed with vine vinasse (DVV), pastazzo (a by-product of the citrus processing industry, PAS) or green compost (COMP) and nutrient release was evaluated by citric and chloridric acid extraction, at different concentrations. RESULTS: Theoretical and actual nutrients release were compared to evaluate possible synergistic effects due to the organic component added to the mineral fertiliser: phosphorus (+7.1%), K (+4.8%), Fe (+8.5%) and Zn (+5.5%) were released more efficiently by 2% citric acid from GMF + DVV, while Ca availability was increased (+5.3%) by 2% citric acid from GMF + PAS mixture. Both DVV and COMP increased by 12-18% the Fe release from GFM matrix. CONCLUSION: Organic biomasses added to GMF increased the release of some macro and micronutrients through an 'activation effect', which suggests the employment of these organo-mineral fertilisers also in short-cycle crops production. Moreover, the re-use of some agro-industrial organic residues gives another 'adding value' to this novel organo-mineral fertilfertilisers.

Facial pain: a possible therapy with stellate ganglion block.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study is to verify the efficacy of stellate ganglion block (SGB) in the treatment of facial pain that can be found in different pathological syndromes, and also to examine whether the efficacy is dependent upon when this therapy is administered. PATIENTS: Fifty patients (divided into two randomized groups) with facial pain caused by traumas, iatrogenic issues, herpes zoster, or neurological pathologies participated in this study. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: The first group (N = 25) was treated with SGB produced by 10 administrations of 10 mg of levobupivacaine given every other day, followed by one administration per month for 6 months thereafter. The second group was treated with the drugs tramadol 100 mg/day and gabapentin 1800 mg/day orally for 6 months; during the 7th month they were given SGB therapy using the same methodology as that described for the first group. RESULTS: Before treatment, the mean visual analog scale (VAS) pain score for the first group was 8.89; after the 10th block treatment it was just 0.2, and it remained at that reduced level for the 6th and 12th months. Before treatment, the mean VAS pain score for the second group was 8.83; after the 20th day on medication it was reduced to 4.1, after 6 months it was 5.7 and after 12 months it was 4.9. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that patients must be treated with SGB therapy precociously to receive its full benefits.

The effect of growth regulators and sucrose on anthocyanin production in Camptotheca acuminata cell cultures.

The effect of different concentrations of growth regulators and sucrose on anthocyanin production in cell suspension cultures of Camptotheca acuminata Decaisne (Nyssaceae) was described for the first time and qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Anthocyanin production was significantly greater in the presence of kinetin, compared to benzyladenine, with the greatest concentration observed in the presence of 2 microM kinetin. No significant differences in anthocyanin production were observed when comparing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid, except when using 2 microM, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, which resulted in greater anthocyanin production. High sucrose concentration enhanced the production of anthocyanins. Based on the absence of anthocyanin production in the dark, we concluded that light was essential for stimulating anthocyanin production. The optimised medium consisted of: 2 microM kinetin, 2 microM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 292 mM sucrose. HPLC/DAD and HPLC/MS analyses revealed that the main anthocyanin was Cy 3-O-galactoside and that the minor derivative was Cy 3-O-glucoside.