Discrimination of Glutopeak Test and Mixograph Parameters for Evaluation of Wheat Flour Supplemented with Hazelnut Skin, Cross-Linked Starch, and Oxidized Starch

Hazelnut skin is a by-product produced from hazelnut processing. It can be used as a nutritional supplement due to its high nutrient values. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dough properties of refined flour (RF) with the addition of hazelnut skin (HS), cross-linked starch (CS), and oxidized starch (OS). Principal component analysis showed a positive correlation between maximum torque, torque after maximum, and aggregation energy. Usage of 10% HS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the mixograph MID line peak value indicating a weaker dough. Random forest (RFT) was conducted to classify the samples and to determine the importance levels of the analysis parameters. According to the results, AE and mixograph MID line peak values were the most discriminant parameters to distinguish the samples into groups. High-level HS alone caused undesirable effects on the dough quality, yet the addition of modified starches could be used to compensate for the undesirable effects. When used together, the interaction between hazelnut skin and modified starches should be considered. Glutopeak provides a means for assessing the impacts of additives such as hazelnut skin or modified starches on flour functionality.

Evaluation of mean gray values of a cat with chronic renal failure: case report

ABSTRACT In this case, a 12-year-old female domestic cat with chronic renal failure (CRF), which had lived longer than the mean survival time for cats with that condition, was monitored to evaluate the effects of treatment and mean gray value (MGV) changes. The cat has lived for nearly four years since the diagnosis. Probiotics have been used as an additional, classical supportive therapy since the beginning of treatment. The temporal changes in renal MGV were statistically evaluated in the last year of the four-year period. The cat had a comfortable existence and good body condition all her life and probiotic therapy may have had a positive influence post-CRF diagnosis. Ultrasonography (US) examination is a commonly used tool for monitoring the CRF situation, but it is not particularly sensitive. Therefore, MGV may be more useful for the quantitative evaluation of the extent of renal failure. Also, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for a long-term clinical evaluation of MGV in a cat with CRF. The aim of this case report was the evaluation of the relationship between MGV and clinical and biochemical changes in a cat with chronic renal failure.

Physical, Barrier, Mechanical, and Biodegradability Properties of Modified Starch Films with Nut By-Products Extracts

Starch-based films with phenolic extracts could replace the use of petroleum-based plastics. In this study, octenyl succinate starch (OSS) films with pecan nutshell extract (PSE) or hazelnut skin extract (HSE) were prepared. The water resistance, as well as the optical, physical, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of these films, were investigated. The PSE and HSE improved the water resistance (decreasing the solubility to 17% and increasing the contact angle to 96.80°) and UV-light barrier properties of the films. For PSE and HSE, as their concentrations increased, the film rigidity decreased since these extracts acted as plasticizers. Micrographs obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted a homogeneous surface as a result of extracts dispersion through the polymeric matrix and the interactions between the phenolic compounds (PC) of the extracts and the OSS. The phenolic extracts from nut by-products and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch could be used to develop films to replace the conventional plastics.

Nontraumatic giant fat necrosis of the breast presenting as a rapidly growing tumor

Nontraumatic rapid growing giant fat necrosis of the breast mimicking breast tumors is a rare clinical manifestation. The imaging features of the fat necrosis which range from benign to malign findings may be better explained with associated aetiology. The present paper reports a 54-year old woman with a rapid growing, fibrous, and hard giant mass originating in the subareolar region of the left breast. Mammography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a heterogeneous, well circumscribed mass in 12 × 12 cm size in the left breast. The lesion was suspected as a malignant tumor and underwent core biopsy. The histopathology examination of the biopsy revealed mononuclear cells, foamy, vacuolated, and bubbly cells containing fat. Excision biopsy of the mass was performed and the final pathological diagnosis was confirmed as fat necrosis. The wide clinical and radiologic manifestations of fat necrosis are still difficult to diagnose even with the new diagnostic modalities and a great proportion of these lesions need a biopsy to diagnose.