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Recent Advances in Food, Nutrition &... Dec 2022The paper discusses the causes and needs of controlling the level of microbiological contamination of juice in a vertical extractor and the methods to control the level...
The paper discusses the causes and needs of controlling the level of microbiological contamination of juice in a vertical extractor and the methods to control the level of contamination. The requirements and possibilities for controlling the microbiological contamination level of juice extracted from the vertical extractor are described using redox potential value measurement. Aerating the extractor in a controlled manner, regulating the pH level of the juice, and implementing one of the presented proposals on how to record the measurement results will automatically regulate microbiological contamination levels of the juice in the tower extractor.
PubMed: 36545711
DOI: 10.2174/2772574X13666220509005250 -
Journal of Vision Mar 2018Eye-tracking parameters (fixation and pupillary responses) have been shown to be modulated by the aesthetic perception and evaluation of visual and auditory artworks...
Eye-tracking parameters (fixation and pupillary responses) have been shown to be modulated by the aesthetic perception and evaluation of visual and auditory artworks (e.g., paintings, music). The present study investigated whether similar effects can be found in visual text processing. Participants read four groups of short sentences in which a key predictor of aesthetic liking, i.e., familiarity, was systematically modified to four degrees. Across all four groups, the sentences moreover varied with regard to featuring or not featuring meter. During reading, pupil sizes and eye movements were recorded. Aesthetic ratings of all sentences were collected afterwards, and the relationships between the ratings, levels of familiarity, meter, and eye-tracking datasets were tested. The results showed that the rating scores were interactively modulated by both familiarity-driven and meter-driven fluency. Using factor analysis, we extracted two key factors of the aesthetic appeal of the texts: an affective and a cognitive factor. The cognitive factor comprised the rating items "succinctness" and "familiarity," whereas the affective factor reflected the ratings for "beauty" and "liking." A higher cognitive factor predicted shorter dwelling time. Moreover, the two factors modulated the pupillary data antagonistically: A higher affective factor predicted larger pupil dilations, whereas a higher cognitive factor predicted smaller pupil dilations. The study shows a possible application of the eye-tracking method for capturing aesthetically evaluative dimensions of processing sentences.
Topics: Adult; Cognition; Esthetics; Eye Movements; Female; Fixation, Ocular; Humans; Male; Reading; Reflex, Pupillary; Young Adult
PubMed: 29677335
DOI: 10.1167/18.3.19 -
American Journal of Clinical Pathology Oct 2021To determine the influence of pH on recovery of analytes in body fluids (BFs), investigate the mechanism of pH interference, measure the frequency of abnormal-pH BFs...
OBJECTIVES
To determine the influence of pH on recovery of analytes in body fluids (BFs), investigate the mechanism of pH interference, measure the frequency of abnormal-pH BFs received, and compare pH measured by meter and paper.
METHODS
We performed pH titration in residual BFs. A low-pH BF was spiked and neutralized to investigate pH interference. We measured analytes on a Roche cobas c501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) and calculated the percent recovery. Measurement of pH using a meter and paper was conducted on 122 BF samples received in the laboratory.
RESULTS
Enzyme activity in BFs was unaffected when pH = 7.4-8.5 lactate dehydrogenase, pH = 7.3-10.2 amylase, pH = 6.0-9.9 lipase, and pH = 1.3-11.7 all other analytes. BFs had mean (range) pH of 8.0 (5.1-8.9), with a mean (range) difference (paper ‒ meter) of ‒0.4 (‒0.6 to 1.1).
CONCLUSIONS
Irreversible loss of enzyme activity occurs in BFs at low pH. Few clinical BFs have pH < 7.0, but laboratories should incorporate pH measurement in BF workflows.
Topics: Amylases; Body Fluids; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Enzyme Assays; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase; Lipase
PubMed: 34075393
DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab025 -
Analytical Chemistry Nov 2021The determination of pH values is essential in many chemical, medical, and environmental monitoring processes, which has been relying on conventional pH meters (glass...
The determination of pH values is essential in many chemical, medical, and environmental monitoring processes, which has been relying on conventional pH meters (glass electrodes) for quantitation and pH test strips for qualitative (or semi-quantitative) assessment. In this work, we demonstrate a smartphone-based pH determination technique, which performs digital image analysis of commercial test strips, particularly the determination of either the dominant wavelength (λ) or complementary wavelength (λ) of the color image. In conjunction with a 3D-printed optical accessory (with a surface light source and a macro lens), the quality of captured images have been warranted, and the quantitation accuracy of 0.05 pH units has been achieved. More importantly, the performance of this smartphone-based pH reading system (namely "Smart-pH-Reader") was validated using multiple real-world samples, as the results are consistent with those determined with a standard pH meter. The Smart-pH-Reader is envisioned to be a simple, portable, and accurate tool for pH determination in the fields of environmental monitoring, medical diagnosis, and beyond.
Topics: Electrodes; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Smartphone
PubMed: 34762419
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03393 -
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces Jul 2023There remains a critical need for the detection of bacterial contamination to ensure public health. In this work, we developed a pH meter-assisted biosensor based on...
There remains a critical need for the detection of bacterial contamination to ensure public health. In this work, we developed a pH meter-assisted biosensor based on glucose oxidase (GOx)-conjugated magnetic zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (mZIF-8) for on-site evaluation of bacterial contamination. The mZIF-8/GOx conjugate was produced from the electrostatic interaction between GOx and mZIF-8 and was demonstrated to inhibit GOx activity without protein denaturation. However, the presence of bacteria can cause the release of GOx from the mZIF-8 surface through competitive binding with mZIF-8, resulting in the recovery of GOx activity, which converts glucose into gluconic acid and provides an amplified pH signal. This finding allows the mZIF-8/GOx conjugate to be a biosensor for on-site detection of bacterial contamination with a pH meter as a readout. Benefiting from the magnetic separation property of mZIF-8, greatly enhanced sensitivity and precision have been achieved with detection limits of 10 cfu/mL for and 30 cfu/mL for . Meanwhile, the flexibility of this biosensor was validated by quantitative analysis of mixed bacteria including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with desired performances. The accurate bacterial determination in contaminated drinking water samples demonstrates the applicability of this biosensor for reliable home monitoring of water quality.
Topics: Glucose Oxidase; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Glucose; Biosensing Techniques; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Magnetic Phenomena
PubMed: 37341650
DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c04377 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2020Mechanical power may act as a key indicator for physiological and mechanical changes during running. In this scoping review, we examine the current evidences about the... (Review)
Review
Mechanical power may act as a key indicator for physiological and mechanical changes during running. In this scoping review, we examine the current evidences about the use of power output (PW) during endurance running and the different commercially available wearable sensors to assess PW. The Boolean phrases endurance OR submaximal NOT sprint AND running OR runner AND power OR power meter, were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS. Nineteen studies were finally selected for analysis. The current evidence about critical power and both power-time and power-duration relationships in running allow to provide coaches and practitioners a new promising setting for PW quantification with the use of wearable sensors. Some studies have assessed the validity and reliability of different available wearables for both kinematics parameters and PW when running but running power meters need further research before a definitive conclusion regarding its validity and reliability.
Topics: Biomechanical Phenomena; Humans; Physical Endurance; Reproducibility of Results; Running
PubMed: 33202809
DOI: 10.3390/s20226482 -
Journal of Oral Biology and... 2015Saliva, "Mirror of body's health" has long been of particular interest as a substitute for blood for disease diagnosis and monitoring. The radiation effects on salivary...
BACKGROUND
Saliva, "Mirror of body's health" has long been of particular interest as a substitute for blood for disease diagnosis and monitoring. The radiation effects on salivary glands are of particular interest in which salivary amylase is a good indicator of salivary glands function. Thus, estimation of these parameters represents a reasonable approach in evaluation of patient's risk for disease occurrence, intensity and prognosis.
AIM OF STUDY
To evaluate and compare the pH and amylase levels in saliva of cancer patients prior to treatment, patients during treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Saliva samples of 90 individuals were taken which were divided into 3 groups - 30 individuals without cancer, 30 cancer patients prior treatment and 30 cancer patients during treatment. Materials used were pH strips and pH meter, Salivary Amylase assay.
RESULTS
Statistical analysis - ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's test. 1) Significant decrease in salivary amylase levels - in cancer patients, during treatment when compared to others. 2) Significant decrease in salivary pH levels in newly diagnosed cancer patients prior to treatment.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, pH strips and pH meter showed to be a useful tool in the measurement of pH of saliva in individuals with and without cancer. This study showed that cancer patients without treatment have a lower pH of saliva. Treatment increased the pH of the saliva to a more alkaline level whereas amylase levels decreased in those subjects. Therefore those parameters can be an area of further research with an increased sample size, which in-turn may help in opening the doors for new dimension in non invasive prognostic markers.
PubMed: 26258019
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2015.04.002 -
European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Sep 2021Custom-made mouthguards have many advantages compared to the stock and ready-made types, but sport treatments with custom made mouthguards involve changes in ecological...
AIM
Custom-made mouthguards have many advantages compared to the stock and ready-made types, but sport treatments with custom made mouthguards involve changes in ecological factors of the oral cavity. In the present study we investigated the potential protective role of salivary factors, such as pH value, volume, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2? (8-iso-PGF2?) levels during training with customised mouthguards.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 80 subjects were selected: 40 athletes, of whom 20 practice volleyball and 20 basketball (test group), and 40 subjects who attend a gym at a non-competitive level (control group). The athletes (test group) were analyzed at baseline (T0), pre-training (T1), post-training with custom-made Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate (EVA) mouthguards (T2), post-training without mouthguards (T3). The control group was analyzed only at baseline (T0). On each player, in the 4 time points, and on the control group at T0, we stimulated saliva for determining PGE2 and 8-iso-PGF2? levels by radioimmunoassay and pH value by a pH meter and volume/ml. Saliva pH was calculated with a pH meter.
RESULTS
We observed an inhibition of 8-iso-PGF2? salivary release induced by physical exercise and by use of custom-made mouthguard, while we found an increase in PGE2 salivary level in athletes after training and wearing the mouthguard. Furthermore, in the test of the volume of saliva produced in 5 minutes, a significant inhibition of saliva production emerged in the athletes who did not use the mouthguard during sports activities.
CONCLUSION
Sports activity could lead to a reduction in oxidative stress and the use of mouth guards seems even more effective for athletes.
Topics: Athletes; Athletic Injuries; Equipment Design; Humans; Mouth; Mouth Protectors; Saliva
PubMed: 34544251
DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2021.22.03.8 -
Annals of Dermatology Apr 2016The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical...
BACKGROUND
The clinical symptoms of facial and truncal acne differ. Skin surface acidity (pH), which is affected by sebum secretions, reflects the different clinical characteristics of the face and trunk. However, no studies have been conducted on truncal sebum production and skin pH.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the differences and relationship between pH values of the face and trunk. We also evaluated the relationship between pH and the quantity of sebum produced in the trunk.
METHODS
A total of 35 female patients clinically diagnosed with truncal acne were included. We measured pH on the face and truncal area using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905®. We measured truncal sebum secretions using the Sebumeter SM 815®. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations and differences between pH and sebum.
RESULTS
Facial pH was significantly higher than chest and back pH values. The correlation between pH on the trunk and the face was significant. We used linear regression equations to estimate truncal pH using only measured pH from the chin. There was no significant relationship between truncal sebum secretion and pH.
CONCLUSION
This was the first study that evaluated the differences and correlations between facial and truncal pH. We found that facial pH can predict truncal pH. In addition, we conclude that differences in pH and sebum secretion between the face and trunk are one of the reasons for differences in acne symptom at those sites.
PubMed: 27081270
DOI: 10.5021/ad.2016.28.2.216 -
Journal of Dairy Science Aug 2020Commonly used lactose assays [enzymatic spectrophotometric absorbance (EZA) and HPLC] for dairy ingredients are relatively expensive and time consuming. A blood glucose...
Commonly used lactose assays [enzymatic spectrophotometric absorbance (EZA) and HPLC] for dairy ingredients are relatively expensive and time consuming. A blood glucose meter (BGM)-based method has successfully been documented as a rapid lactose assay in milk. However, the BGM-based method has not been evaluated in dairy ingredients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the BGM-based lactose analysis method in whey-derived (WD) and skim milk-derived (SMD) ingredients. The study was carried out in 4 phases. In phase 1, the effect of pH and lactose concentrations on the BGM reading was investigated using a factorial design with 2 factors: pH (6.02-7.50) and lactose (0.2 or 0.4%). We found that BGM readings were significantly affected by lower pH values at both lactose levels. In phase 2, the effect of total solids and ingredient type was investigated using a factorial design with 2 factors: ingredient type (WD or SMD) and total solids (0-8%). It was observed that the BGM reading was significantly affected by ingredient type and total solids. Phase 3 involved developing a linear relationship between the BGM reading and the EZA reference method to ascertain the accuracy of the proposed BGM method. Different ingredient types (WD or SMD) and non-lactose solids (0.5-27%) model ingredient dilutions prepared over a range of lactose contents (0.08-0.62%) were measured using the BGM and EZA methods. The average absolute percentage bias difference between the BGM method and EZA reference method results for these model dilutions was found to be between 2.2 and 7.3%. In phase 4, 15 samples procured from commercial sources ranging from 0.01 to 81.9% lactose were evaluated using the BGM method and EZA reference method. The average absolute percentage bias difference for lactose results between the 2 methods ranged from 3.6 to 5.0% and 5.3 to 9.7% for well-performing and poorly performing meters, respectively. Overall, the BGM method is a promising tool for rapid and low-cost analysis of lactose in both high-lactose and low-lactose dairy ingredients.
Topics: Animals; Biosensing Techniques; Blood Glucose; Cattle; Dairy Products; Lactose; Milk; Whey; Whey Proteins
PubMed: 32505394
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17903