Near-infrared techniques for fraud detection in dairy products: A review.

The dairy products sector is an important part of the food industry, and their consumption is expected to grow in the next 10 years. Therefore, the authentication of these products in a faster and precise way is required for the sake of public health. This review proposes the use of near-infrared techniques for the detection of food fraud in dairy products as they are faster, nondestructive, environmentally friendly, do not require sample preparation, and allow multiconstituent analysis. First, we have described frequent forms of food fraud in dairy products and the application of traditional techniques for their detection, highlighting gaps and counterproductive characteristics for the actual global food chain, as longer sample preparation time and use of reagents. Then, the application of near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging for the detection of food fraud mainly in cheese, butter, and yogurt are described. As these techniques depend on model development, the coverage of different dairy products by the literature will promote the identification of food fraud in a faster and reliable way.

Signs for Early Detection of Dysphagia in Older Adults with Severe Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to detect signs of dysphagia in older adults with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 280 institutionalized older adults (with AD = 145; without AD = 135), aged > 70 years, with oral feeding, both sexes were examined. MEASUREMENTS: Modified water-swallowing test determined the dysphagia. Independent variables were dependency level (modified Barthel Index), oral health and function status (residual teeth, occlusal contacts, passive lip sealing, tongue function, rinsing and gargling ability), nutritional status (Body Mass Index, Mini Nutritional Assessment), and diet-related assessments (appetite, storing or stuffing food in the mouth). Statistical analysis was carried out by Fisher´s Exact and chi-square tests. The analyzes of associations with the dysphagia outcome were performed by simple and multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: Severity of AD was significantly associated with dysphagia. The signs associated with dysphagia were decreased nutritional status, absence of appetite, and storing food in the mouth. CONCLUSION: These signs can be useful tools for early diagnosis of dysphagia in AD older adults.

Feelings related to motherhood among women living with HIV in Brazil: a qualitative study.

A qualitative study was carried out with 12 HIV-positive women to describe their feelings about motherhood, to learn whether they make plans for the care of their children, and to identify mechanisms of defence they use to face their seropositivity. Motherhood was seen as an essential attribute of women and a reason of living. Breastfeeding was considered a fundamental component of the maternal role. Some women made provisions with their family for the care of their children. Thinking about the possibility of their children becoming orphans made women feel impotent and guilty. Such painful feelings were minimized through mechanisms of defence like compensation, denial, rationalization and projection. Health care professionals should consider that clinical assistance and free distribution of medication are not sufficient to HIV-positive women. These women need continuous support and guidance with respect to their physical, mental and emotional health as well as that of their children.

Cervical enamel projection related to furcation involvement.

Reviewing the literature the authors show the importance of cervical enamel projections (CEP) in the involvement of molar furcation. The dento-gingival relationship of CEP structure is peculiar for not having connective attachment but only long junctional epithelium. In numerous studies, most mandibular and maxillary molars presented CEP, mainly of little extension, with an incidence ranging from 8.8 to 87.4%. The studies showed a relationship between cervical enamel projection and the presence of inflammatory periodontal disease, and furcation involvement of molars. These data suggest that a detailed clinical trial must be carried out as well as early diagnosis of periodontal disease at the region of furcation.