Monaghan Biosciences (Ireland)

Films were fabricated using the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) sourced high molecular weight chitosan with or without potato starch using the casting method. Glycerol was used as the plasticizer. Chitosan content in the film-forming solution (FFS) was varied (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% w/v of FFS) while potato starch (1.0% of FFS) and glycerol (25% of the total solid content in the solution) contents were not varied. The control sample contained only chitosan (1.0% of the FFS) and glycerol. The effect of increasing the content of chitosan on the rheological properties of FFS and the properties of the films were investigated. The FFS's shear viscosity and shear modulus (elastic and viscous components) increased with increasing chitosan content. Morphological examination revealed that the films exhibited a compact structure devoid of large pores and cracks. Surface roughness captured with an atomic force microscope was reduced (19-6 nm) with increasing content of chitosan in the film. The films exhibited two hydrated crystalline phases at 9 and 20o. Light transmittance and glossiness of the films were enhanced with increasing chitosan content. FTIR analysis indicated the increasing availability of reactive sites with the increasing content of chitosan leading to an enhanced hydrogen bonds network and increased cohesion of the film structure. This may be the reason for improved mechanical properties and reduced water vapour permeability of the films with increasing chitosan content.

BackgroundIndividuals undergoing cancer treatment can experience a range of symptoms that can detrimentally impact health, wellbeing and overall quality of life. The effect that this has on food planning and preparation as well as eating behaviours has not been well explored.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey of ambulatory cancer patients and survivors attending the day ward and outpatient departments of two hospitals in Ireland. This bespoke questionnaire was developed in collaboration with an oncology dietitian and oncology specialist nurse. Recruitment took place between September 2018 and May 2019.ResultsA total of 215 individuals completed the questionnaire. The majority were female (n=134, 62.3%), aged 60+years (n=132, 61.4%), living with a partner, family or relatives (n=163, 75.8%), had breast cancer (n=65, 30.3%) and were attending the outpatient clinic (n=131, 60.9%). One quarter (n=54, 25.1%) reported it being more difficult to get to the shops for food since their diagnosis, with one in five (n=46, 21.4%) sometimes struggling to shop as they felt too unwell. Over one third of the cohort reported that the enjoyment they got from cooking and preparing food has changed (n=73, 33.9%). One in ten reported only shopping for food when they have no food left (n=24, 10.7%). One third of respondents found it difficult to finish meals sometimes (n=71, 33%) and sometimes ate for comfort rather than hunger (n=75, 34.8%). One fifth felt too tired to eat (n=44, 20.5%) and reported pressure from others to eat despite not wanting to (n=42, 19.5%). Activity was reported to impact appetite with 39% (n=84) indicating that being less active now has decreased their appetite.ConclusionChallenges with appetite, preparing and finishing meals and enjoyment of food are prevalent in this group.

The application of chitin in food systems is limited by its insolubility in some common solvents and poor degradability. Hence, it is deacetylated to obtain chitosan, an industrially important derivative with excellent biological properties. Fungal-sourced chitosan is gaining prominence and industrial attraction because of its superior functional and biological properties, and vegan appeal. Further, the absence of such compounds as tropomyosin, myosin light chain, and arginine kinase, which are known to trigger allergic reactions, gives it an edge over marine-sourced chitosan in food and pharmaceutical applications. Mushrooms are macro-fungi with a significant content of chitin, with many authors reporting the highest content to be in the mushroom stalks. This indicates a great potential for the valorisation of a hitherto waste product. Hence, this review was written to provide a global summary of literature reports on the extraction and yield of chitin and chitosan from different fruiting parts of some species of mushrooms, different methods used to quantify extracted chitin, as well as physicochemical properties of chitin and chitosan from some mushroom species are presented. Critical comparisons of reports on chitin and chitosan from mushrooms and other sources are made. This report concludes with an exposition of the potential application of mushroom-sourced chitosan for food packaging application. The reports from this review provide a very positive outlook regarding the use of mushrooms as a sustainable source of chitin and chitosan and the subsequent application of chitosan as a functional component in food packaging.

The present study aimed to describe the proportion of cancer patients and survivors who receive nutrition advice, the sources of that advice and to explore the nutrition advice this cohort would like to have received. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was completed by 211 cancer patients and survivors recruited through two hospitals in the North-West of Ireland. The survey consisted of open-ended and closed questions that aimed to explore the provision of and sources of nutrition advice and desired guidance in this cohort. Descriptive analysis was conducted using SPPS, while open-ended questions underwent thematic analysis. Respondents were mainly female (n = 133; 63%), aged 50-69 years old (n = 118; 56%), attending the outpatient department (n = 128; 60.7%) and < 5 years since diagnosis (n = 150; 71.7%). Breast (n = 69; 32.7%) was the most common cancer type. Respondents experienced a mean ± SD of 5 ± 3.1 nutrition impact symptoms. The most common was changes in taste/smell (n = 122; 57.8%). Although 53.6% (n = 113) reported being given advice, only 34.1% (n = 72) received this advice from a dietitian. The main sources of nutritional advice were friends and family. Respondents expressed their desire for nutrition advice from a dietitian and that this should be individualised, clear and practical. There was also a desire to avoid misinformation and uncertainty. The results of the present study can be used to help tailor nutrition support for this group. There is a need to ensure that patients and survivors consistently receive evidence-based advice tailored to their needs, cancer type and treatment stage.

The author discusses her piece The Chinwag as sound art that has recorded memory and history, its impermanence and its relationship to digital memory and traditional music.

IntroductionCOPD places a huge clinical and economic burden on the US health care system, with acute exacerbations representing a key driver of direct medical costs. Current treatments, although effective in reducing symptoms and limiting exacerbations, do not adequately target the underlying disease processes that drive exacerbation development. The Aerobika* oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) device has been shown in a real-world effectiveness study to lower the frequency of moderate-to-severe exacerbations during a 30-day post-exacerbation period. This study sought to determine the impact on exacerbations and costs and to determine the cost-effectiveness of the Aerobika* device.MethodsData from published literature and national fee schedules were used to model the cost-effectiveness of the Aerobika* device in patients who had experienced an exacerbation in the previous month, or a post-exacerbation care population. Exacerbation trends and the impact of the Aerobika* device on reducing exacerbation frequency were modeled using a one-year Markov model with monthly cycles and three health states: (i) no exacerbation, (ii) exacerbation, and (iii) death. Scenario analysis and one-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) were also performed.ResultsWhen the effect of Aerobika* device was assumed to last 30 days, use of the device resulted in cost-savings ($553 per patient) and improved outcomes (ie, six fewer exacerbations per 100 patients per year) compared to no OPEP/positive expiratory pressure therapy. When the effect of the Aerobika* device was assumed to extend beyond the conservative 30-day time frame, the Aerobika* device remained the dominant strategy (21 fewer exacerbations per 100 patients per year; cost savings of $1,952 per patient). Consistency in findings after performing OWSAs indicates the robustness of results.ConclusionThe Aerobika* device is a cost-effective treatment option that provides clinical benefit and results in direct medical cost savings in a post-exacerbation care COPD population.

PRIMUS publishes occasional Special Issues on timely topics of broad interest to our readers. These Special Issues have invited guest editors chosen for their particular interest and expertise in t...

An abstract is not available for this content so a preview has been provided. As you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the 'Save PDF' action button.

Hurling is a native sport to Ireland with limited scientific research. It is played using a Caman (hurling stick) and Sliotar (ball). Notational analysis is a means of providing reliable feed back on sporting performance. The purpose of the study is to determine the frequency of occurrence of selected skills providing information to refine current skill training. Four high level championship games were analyzed using defined criteria; the method was determined to be reliable. Descriptive statistics used for analysis. The aerial strike is the highest occurring skill. Jab lift is the most prominent method for possession gain. Taking steps most common method of travel. Non occurrence of ground hook was observed. Prevention of jab lift could reduce opponents in possession striking by 44.67% This method of striking accounts for 77.8% of all in play striking meaning a significant impact could be made. 18% of dispossessions did not register due to set criteria. 70% of possession striking skills occurred after traveling 4 or more steps. A higher level of performance can be attained through a focus on preventing opponent from jab lifting and increasing own proficiency with jab lift and aerial strike while moving.

Abstract Lead encephalopathy is a relatively rare medical condition. It can present with multiple seizures, delirium, blindness, aphasia and dementia. Usually it is due to environmental exposure. This paper describes a case of delayed diagnosis of lead encephalopathy secondary to petrol sniffing which responded to chelating agents therapy. A high index of suspicion must be maintained to diagnose this treatable cause of encephalopathy.