A method for evaluating time-resolved rheological functionalities of fluid foods.

We have developed an effective method for evaluating time-resolved rheological functionalities of swallowed foods using ultrasonic spinning rheometry (USR). USR can obtain variations over time in the rheological properties of fluids despite the fluids being in heterogeneous and nonequilibrium conditions. In addition, USR can evaluate time variations of shear-thinning property changing in a few seconds. Demonstrations were conducted with typical thickener solutions: starch, guar gum, and xanthan gum-based solutions, with alpha-amylase as a digestive enzyme. The flow curve of the starch-based solutions lowered with time, and a few minutes after addition of the amylase, the viscosity dropped to one-hundredth of the original value. In contrast, the guar gum- and xanthan gum-based solutions maintained the original viscosities as generally known. Applying the power law fitting to series of these flow curves, the time variation of the shear-thinning property is quantitatively characterized by the plots on typical K-n space, where K and n are parameters in the model, consistency index and power law exponent. The qualitative characteristics of the thickeners are successfully quantified in the K-n space, and this will be a practical tool for evaluating the time-resolved rheological properties of swallowed foods.

Association between the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III and early return to work after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Residual capacity evaluation via neuropsychological testing can facilitate the development of a rehabilitation plan in patients following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to confirm the tasks that patients must perform well for early return to work (RTW) following TBI using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III). METHODS: In total, 40 male and 13 female patients who suffered from neurobehavioral disabilities following TBI were recruited and classified into two groups: the successfully returned to work group (SRTW-G; n = 22) and the unsuccessfully returned to work group (USRTW-G; n = 31). The outcomes assessed by WAIS-III and the time to RTW were compared between the SRTW-G and USRTW-G groups. Multiple logistic regression, multiple regression analysis, and Cox regression were employed to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS: The Comprehension and Letter-Number Sequencing subtests of the WAIS-III were significantly correlated with early RTW more than the other subtests. CONCLUSIONS: We found that, as reflected in the two subtests, patients with TBI must be able to perform well in the following tasks for early RTW: Retention of information for short time periods, information processing, and social judgment based on the knowledge of the patient's experience.