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The aim of this work was to analyze the influence of acute normobaric hypoxia on quadricep oxygenation. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) technology during a normobaric hypoxia tolerance test (NHTT). SmO2 was measured with a Humon Hex® device. In total, 54 healthy subjects participated, 68.5 of which were males and 31.5% of which were females. They performed an NHTT with the IAltitude® simulator, breathing air with an FiO2 level of 11% (equivalent to 5050 m). The maximum duration of the NHTT was set at 10 min, stopping if it reached 83% SpO2. The initial values (PRE) were compared with those obtained at the end of the test (POST) and after 10 min of recovery. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether (G1) they completed the ten minutes or not (G2). In total, 35.1% of men and 41.2% of women completed the 10 min. In both groups, significant differences were observed in the decrease in SmO2 values (p < 0.0001) (G1: PRE = 59.5 ± 12.48%; POST = 55.95 ± 14.30%; G2: PRE = 60.06 ± 13.46%; POST = 57.2 ± 12.3%). There were no differences between groups in any of the three periods. Exposure to normobaric hypoxia produces a decrease in quadricep levels of SmO2 in both sexes, regardless of whether the test is completed. Two patterns appeared: A.—less time and more hypoxia; B. a longer duration and less hypoxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient light sources with emission spanning from visible to infrared range are of central importance for applications including precision spectroscopy and sensing. Under irradiation with constant‐wave (CW) lasers, here, the generation and modulation of incandescence‐like ultra‐broad emission (600–4000 nm) from random aggregates of metal oxide nanoparticles are demonstrated by judicious doping of free carriers, that of any existing photoluminescence process and commercial broadband light sources. It is revealed that this emission is associated with a dominant thermal origin and it is characterized by a pump‐dependent nonlinear response with the maximum order of nonlinearity exceeding 8, which is benefited from the intensified light‐matter interaction mediated by the high density of hot spots in the random plasmonic nanostructures. Moreover, by leveraging the prominent plasmon response, the emission spectra and intensity can be tuned by the Drude terms of the oxide nanoparticles. the use of this broadband infrared (IR) emission is exploited further as the light source for the demonstration of IR spectrometry, exemplified by the examination of organic molecules. The method for producing strong and continuum IR emission based on engineered plasmonic oxide can stimulate further exploitation of miniaturized IR light sources for applications including imaging and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study focuses primarily on the real‐time monitoring of reducing sugar levels throughout solid‐state ethanol fermentation. A predictive model for accurate quantification of reducing sugar levels will be formulated through a comprehensive analysis of near‐infrared spectra across different fermentation stages. Building a predictive model using Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), The spectral data was pre‐processed using the Standard Normal Variate (SNV) method, followed by feature band selection using the Genetic Algorithm (GA), resulting in the identification of 181 characteristic wavelengths. The resulting GA‐AdaBoost model has excellent performance metrics: Rc2 of 0.989, RMSEC of 0.393, Rp2 of 0.978, RMSEP of 0.640, RPD of 6.651 and RER of 0.142. Comparative evaluations against Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS), Successive Projection Algorithm (SPA), Uninformative Variable Elimination (UVE) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) consistently underscore the superior efficacy of the GA‐AdaBoost model. These results robustly confirm its reliability in accurately quantifying reducing sugars in solid‐state fermentation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to analyze the influence of acute normobaric hypoxia on quadricep oxygenation. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) was measured using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) technology during a normobaric hypoxia tolerance test (NHTT). SmO2 was measured with a Humon Hex® device. In total, 54 healthy subjects participated, 68.5 of which were males and 31.5% of which were females. They performed an NHTT with the IAltitude® simulator, breathing air with an FiO2 level of 11% (equivalent to 5050 m). The maximum duration of the NHTT was set at 10 min, stopping if it reached 83% SpO2. The initial values (PRE) were compared with those obtained at the end of the test (POST) and after 10 min of recovery. The participants were divided into two groups based on whether (G1) they completed the ten minutes or not (G2). In total, 35.1% of men and 41.2% of women completed the 10 min. In both groups, significant differences were observed in the decrease in SmO2 values (p < 0.0001) (G1: PRE = 59.5 ± 12.48%; POST = 55.95 ± 14.30%; G2: PRE = 60.06 ± 13.46%; POST = 57.2 ± 12.3%). There were no differences between groups in any of the three periods. Exposure to normobaric hypoxia produces a decrease in quadricep levels of SmO2 in both sexes, regardless of whether the test is completed. Two patterns appeared: A.—less time and more hypoxia; B. a longer duration and less hypoxia.

The flour milling industry—a vital component of global food production—is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the integration of smart devices and advanced technologies. This transition promises improved efficiency, quality and sustainability in flour production. The accurate estimation of protein, moisture and ash content in wheat grains and flour is of paramount importance due to their direct impact on product quality and compliance with industry standards. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a non-destructive, efficient and cost-effective method for measuring the aforementioned essential parameters in wheat and flour by investigating the effectiveness of a low-cost handle NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, a novel approach using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is proposed to estimate the protein, moisture and ash content in grain seeds and flour, marking the first known application of FCMs in this context. Our study includes an experimental setup that assesses different types of wheat seeds and flour samples and evaluates three NIR pre-processing techniques to enhance the parameter estimation accuracy. The results indicate that low-cost NIR equipment can contribute to the estimation of the studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a worldwide leader among analogous regulatory organizations in other countries. The FDA uses current good manufacturing practices to regulate the processes that produce drugs. Nevertheless, investigative journalists have pointed out problems in the drug supply, and pharmacies are not required to test the drugs they receive. The University of Kentucky Drug Quality Study does perform screening on the sterile injectable drugs that it receives and regularly reports new findings to FDA, practitioners, and the public. A Sentinel Screening Network of academic health systems could provide independent data on drug quality to FDA not available through manufacturers. Graphical Abstract This is a visual representation of the abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been an excellent strategy for enhancing sports performance recovery, although there is still no consensus on the ideal protocol. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of IPC with different cuff pressures (low pressure, medium pressure, and high pressure) on the attenuation of neuromuscular fatigue after an isometric test protocol. And to verify whether this improvement was related to muscle oxygen saturation during the test protocol. Thirty males (18-35 years old) with experience in resistance training were allocated to three different groups: low pressure (20 mmHg), medium pressure (100 mmHg), and high pressure (190 mmHg). The individual occlusion pressure of each participant was identified using ultrasound. Each participant performed two test protocols (8 maximal isometric contractions lasting 20-s with a 10-s rest interval) in an extension chair; after the first test protocol, the participant received the IPC intervention with a low, medium, or high cuff pressure or received the noncuff intervention (randomized order). Only the medium-pressure group showed a smaller decrease in mean force change compared to the no-cuff condition (-4.40% vs. -13.10%, p=0.01, respectively), and the low- and high-pressure groups did not exhibit significant pressure differences (IPC vs. noncuff: -8.40% vs. -13.10%, p=0.11 and -9.10% vs. - 14.70%, p=0.12, respectively). Muscle oxygen saturation across test protocols showed no significant differences in all IPC conditions (p>0.05). Although, IPC with medium pressure was effective at optimizing the recovery of neuromuscular performance, this improvement is not related to an increase in muscle oxygen saturation during exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an algorithm for the operation of a brain–computer interface based on recording hemodynamic activity using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) adapted for use in the rehabilitation of motor disorders. The algorithm includes a filtration method that takes account of the frequency of presentation of instructions with the aim of minimizing the time delay in the target frequency range, sequential classification of the states of rest and the mental tasks being performed, as well as additional training of the interface classifier using previously obtained data. The influences of the proposed methods for filtration, additional training, and selection of a smaller number of channels on the accuracy of recognition of motor imagery is evaluated using data from three series of experiments previously conducted in the laboratory with healthy volunteers. Removal of low-frequency noise components from the NIRS signal using the proposed filtration method is shown to produce significant increases in classification accuracy, as did use of additional training from previous sessions in the same person; the number of recording channels could be decreased without loss of recognition accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flour milling industry—a vital component of global food production—is undergoing a transformative phase driven by the integration of smart devices and advanced technologies. This transition promises improved efficiency, quality and sustainability in flour production. The accurate estimation of protein, moisture and ash content in wheat grains and flour is of paramount importance due to their direct impact on product quality and compliance with industry standards. This paper explores the application of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a non-destructive, efficient and cost-effective method for measuring the aforementioned essential parameters in wheat and flour by investigating the effectiveness of a low-cost handle NIR spectrometer. Furthermore, a novel approach using Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) is proposed to estimate the protein, moisture and ash content in grain seeds and flour, marking the first known application of FCMs in this context. Our study includes an experimental setup that assesses different types of wheat seeds and flour samples and evaluates three NIR pre-processing techniques to enhance the parameter estimation accuracy. The results indicate that low-cost NIR equipment can contribute to the estimation of the studied parameters.

Blueberry leaves (BBL) are a natural source with strong antioxidant activity, but bioactive compounds and their seasonal variation remain vague. Here, two major classes of compounds including four caffeoylquinic acids and eight flavonoids were identified in two southern highbush cultivars ("Lanmei" #1 and "Jewel") grown in China. Major bioactive compounds were discovered using an online HPLC post-column derivatization system and determined as neochlorogenic acid (NeoCA), chlorogenic acid (CA), rutin, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin. CA contributed the most to the BBL antioxidant activity. "Lanmei" showed significant advantages in terms of rutin content and antioxidant activity over "Jewel" (P < 0.05). The highest CA content (CAC) of juvenile "Jewel" leaves reached 17.9%. July was the optimum harvest time for both cultivars after fruiting stage. Total phenolic content (TPC) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of fresh BBL were accurately predicted by a portable near-infrared (NIR) device in a rapid, low-cost, and non-destructive way in situ. [Display omitted] • Major antioxidant bioactive compounds in blueberry leaves were designated. • The higheset chlorogenic acid content of blueberry leaves reached 17.9%. • July was the optimum harvest time for blueberry leaves cultivated locally. • Antioxidant activity of fresh blueberry leaves was accurately predicted in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) is a new pharmacopoeial method. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for quality control of medicinal products at various production stages (control of raw materials and finished products), and for detection of substandard and counterfeit drugs.The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of using NIRS as an identification test for active ingredients during pre-marketing quality control of medicinal products.Materials and methods: 327 drugs samples represented as solid and semisolid dosage forms were tested by NIRS following their examination by well-established pharmacopoeial Identification methods during pre-marketing laboratory evaluation. The NIR spectra of the test samples were compared with the spectral library classification models.Results: NIRS confirmed the identity of 3.1% of the tested medicinal products. It was demonstrated that library classification models could be used for identification of only those medicines that were produced by a specific manufacturer, i.e. for confirmation of medicine identity.Conclusions: the NIRS method is unpractical as an Identification test for active ingredients in medicinal products during the pre-marketing laboratory evaluation stage. The main limitations of NIRS are lack of complete sets of library classification models for all medicinal products available in the market and non-reproducibility of spectral library data obtained with a different instrument.

Abstract Background Although PEEP and inversed I:E ratio have been shown to improve gas exchange in ARDS, both can adversely affect systemic hemodynamics and cerebral perfusion. The goal of this study was to assess how changes in PEEP and I:E ratio affect systemic and cerebral oxygenation and perfusion in normal and injured lung. Methods Eight anesthetized Chinchilla-Bastard rabbits were ventilated at baseline with pressure-regulated volume control mode, VT = 6 ml/kg, PEEP = 6 cmH2O, FIO2 = 0.4; respiratory rate set for ETCO2 = 5.5%, and I:E = 1:2, 1:1 or 2:1 in random order. Ultrasonic carotid artery flow (CF), arterial (PaO2), jugular venous blood gases and near infrared spectroscopic cerebral oxygenation (∆HBO2) were recorded for each experimental condition. After induced lung injury, the animals were ventilated with PEEP = 9 followed by 6 cmH2O. Results At baseline, inverse-ratio ventilation (IRV) significantly reduced cerebral oxygenation (∆O2HB; − 27 at 1:2; − 15 at 1:1 vs. 0.27 μmol/L at 2:1; p

Background: During carotid arterial endarterectomy (CAE) surgery, an intraluminal shunt is used to prevent hypoperfusion, which can be caused by a cross-clamping cerebral ischemia. However, routine shunt use is not recommended. Various cerebral monitoring techniques are used to determine the need for shunt placement. In this study, retrospective analysis of data on the efficacy of cerebral oximetry in the decision of shunt use during elective CAE surveys was planned. Materials and Methods: We collected data on 68 patients operated under general anesthesia between December 2016 and December 2017. Patients were evaluated for near infrared spectrometry (NIRS) and stump pressure values and whether shunt was placed or not. Results: Eight (11.7%) patients were shunting. NIRS value after cross-clamping was lower in patients with shunt. Stump pressure values were below 40 mmHg. Conclusions: Cerebral monitoring in elective CAE operations has great importance in determining the necessity of using intraluminal shunt to reduce the complications that may occur.

Currently, muscle activity can be assessed by oxygen muscle saturation (SmO2) measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is a non-invasive technique that can be used in training planning and control, but more needs to be known about it. To analyse gender differences in the SmO2 of quadriceps and hamstrings, in several phases of a maximum stress test. A total of 20 subjects, with an average age of 21 years (10 males and 10 females), were the subjects of maximal treadmill exercise testing. We obtained maximum oxygen consumption (Metalyzer 3B) and monitored the electrocardiogram continuously. In addition, we measured the SmO2 of quadriceps and hamstrings in rest (R), start decline (D) and maximum effort (M), with two Humon Hex devices, one placed on the anterior side of the thigh and another on the back. Quadriceps SmO2 in males: R=59.4±11.5%; D=48.3±19.1%; M=52.5±13%. Quadriceps SmO2 in women: R=51±11.5%; D=48.5±9.4%; M=43.1±6.9%. Hamstrings SmO2 in males: R=56.2±13.1%; D=62.9±9.1%; M=57.5±13.9%. Hamstrings SmO2 in women R=56.9±18.9%; D=49.7±7.4%; M=38.2±14.6%. There are no significant differences between muscles. There are only significant differences in M in hamstrings (p-0.009). SmO2 during treadmill exercise is similar in both sexes, but the overall decrease with maximum exercise is greater in women's hamstrings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data of fatty acid composition of intermuscular fat on the graded surface from 1,095 Japanese black cattle were collected both by the handheld fiber-optic near-infrared spectrometry (NIR method) and the gas chromatography (GC method). The phenotypic correlations of fatty acid composition between estimated by NIR method and GC method were high (0.76-0.81), and genetic correlations were also high (0.92-0.97). The heritability of fatty acid composition by GC method (0.64-0.71) was higher than NIR method (0.39-0.45). The predicted breeding values of paternal 121 sires about oleic, monounsaturated, and saturated fatty acid composition were highly correlated between GC method and NIR method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of active preconditioning techniques using blood flow restriction or/and systemic hypoxic exposure on repeated sprint cycling performance and oxygenation responses.MethodsParticipants were 17 men; 8 were cycle trained (T: 21 ± 6 h/week) and 9 were untrained but physically active (UT). Each participant completed 4 cycles of 5 min stages of cycling at 1.5 W⋅kg–1 in four conditions [Control; IPC (ischemic preconditioning) with partial blood flow restriction (60% of relative total occlusion pressure); HPC (hypoxic preconditioning) in normobaric systemic hypoxia (FIO2 13.6%); and HIPC (hypoxic and ischemic preconditioning combined)]. Following a 40 min rest period, a repeated sprint exercise (RSE: 8 × 10 s sprints; 20 s of recovery) was performed. Near-infrared spectroscopy parameters [for each sprint, change in deoxyhemoglobin (Δ[HHb]), total hemoglobin (Δ[tHb]), and tissue saturation index (ΔTSI%)] were measured.ResultsTrained participants achieved higher power outputs (+10–16%) than UT in all conditions, yet RSE performance did not differ between active preconditioning techniques in the two groups. All conditions induced similar sprint decrement scores during RSE in both T and UT (16 ± 2 vs. 23 ± 9% in CON; 17 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 6% in IPC; 18 ± 5 vs. 20 ± 10% in HPC; and 17 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 5% in HIPC, for T and UT, respectively). During the sprints, Δ[HHb] was larger after IPC than both HPC and CON in T (p < 0.001). The Δ[tHb] was greater after HPC than all other conditions in T, whereas IPC, HPC, and HIPC induced higher Δ[tHb] than CON in UT.ConclusionNone of the active preconditioning methods had an ergogenic effect on repeated sprint cycling performance, despite some specific hemodynamic responses (e.g., greater oxygen extraction and changes in blood volume), which were emphasized in the trained cyclists.

Background and Aims: Controlled hypotensive anesthesia in endoscopic sinus surgery would provide a clean surgical field. Cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) is important in endoscopic sinus surgery patients and it may be low during controlled hypotension.The aim of the present study was to assess ScO2 in these patients. Material and Methods: In this observational study, 41 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with hypotensive anesthesia were enrolled for the study and all of the patients received the same anesthetic medication, nitroglycerin for controlled hypotension. Variables were measured prior to surgery, after induction of anesthesia, 5 min, and every 30 min after controlled hypotension. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used for ScO2 evaluation. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained at 55–60 mmHg in the surgical duration. We used t-test, Wilcoxon, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). We examined the cross-correlation functions of the time series data between end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)/MAP and ScO2. Results: The mean of intraoperative ScO2 was not significantly different from the baseline evaluation (P > 0.05). ETCO2 was cross correlated with current ScO2 [r: 0.618, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.46–0.78]. We found moderate cross correlation between the MAP and current ScO2 (r: 0.728, CI 95%: 0.56–0.88). About 92% of the patients recovered within 30 min. Recovery time was associated with intraoperative MAP (P: 0.004, r: 0.438), intraoperative ETCO2 (P: 0.003, r: 0.450), and ScO2(P: 0.026, r: 0.348). Conclusions: Based on our findings, the assessment of ScO2 and maintained MAP >55 mmHg may provide safe conditions for endoscopic sinus surgery.

• Root protein estimation of 53 introduced and 174 local sweetpotato accessions. • NIRS is a convenient and effective method for high-throughput assessment of protein content. • The large genetic variability opens up possibilities for breeding for higher root protein levels in sweetpotato. • The study provides much needed information on protein content of diverse sweetpotato germplasm. Sweetpotato [ Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is a relatively cheap source of nutrients for humans in most developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding for essential quality traits is an important goal of sweetpotato breeding programs. This may include root protein content (RPC), since protein-energy malnutrition is a common problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity in RPC present among sweetpotato accessions maintained in the genebank of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa in order to characterize and select the most promising clones for breeding. Both, Dumas combustion and Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) were used to determine RPC for a diverse set of accessions. In addition, total root yield and dry matter content were determined and root flesh colour recorded. Data was subjected to standard analysis of variance. A total of 227 sweetpotato accessions (53 introduced accessions, 18 local cultivars, 24 local landraces and 132 ARC breeding lines) were screened for total RPC, and a large variation was observed. As measured by the Dumas combustion, RPC values varied from 2.65 to 6.45% on a dry weight basis (dwb). RPC estimated by NIRS ranged from 0.68 to 11.51%. The NIRS proved to be an efficient and quick tool that can be useful in sweetpotato breeding programs towards selecting for quality traits such as RPC. A total of 31 medium to high yielding accessions with high, intermediate and low RPC were selected for genetic analysis and breeding for enhanced nutrition. Some promising germplasm included the local informal market cultivar 'Impilo' (orange-fleshed) at 6.18%, and the breeding line '2012-29-4', seed imported from Mozambique, at 6.45%. NIRS values for 'Tanzania' and 'Maria Angola' were promising. The study is one of only a few that provides protein data for a large set of sweetpotato accessions from various parts of the world and is useful for sweetpotato breeding programs. Future work can focus on the determination of the concentrations of individual amino acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of active preconditioning techniques using blood flow restriction or/and systemic hypoxic exposure on repeated sprint cycling performance and oxygenation responses. Methods: Participants were 17 men; 8 were cycle trained (T: 21 ± 6 h/week) and 9 were untrained but physically active (UT). Each participant completed 4 cycles of 5 min stages of cycling at 1.5 W⋅kg–1 in four conditions [Control; IPC (ischemic preconditioning) with partial blood flow restriction (60% of relative total occlusion pressure); HPC (hypoxic preconditioning) in normobaric systemic hypoxia (FIO2 13.6%); and HIPC (hypoxic and ischemic preconditioning combined)]. Following a 40 min rest period, a repeated sprint exercise (RSE: 8 × 10 s sprints; 20 s of recovery) was performed. Near-infrared spectroscopy parameters [for each sprint, change in deoxyhemoglobin (Δ[HHb]), total hemoglobin (Δ[tHb]), and tissue saturation index (ΔTSI%)] were measured. Results: Trained participants achieved higher power outputs (+10–16%) than UT in all conditions, yet RSE performance did not differ between active preconditioning techniques in the two groups. All conditions induced similar sprint decrement scores during RSE in both T and UT (16 ± 2 vs. 23 ± 9% in CON; 17 ± 3 vs. 19 ± 6% in IPC; 18 ± 5 vs. 20 ± 10% in HPC; and 17 ± 3 vs. 21 ± 5% in HIPC, for T and UT, respectively). During the sprints, Δ[HHb] was larger after IPC than both HPC and CON in T (p < 0.001). The Δ[tHb] was greater after HPC than all other conditions in T, whereas IPC, HPC, and HIPC induced higher Δ[tHb] than CON in UT. Conclusion: None of the active preconditioning methods had an ergogenic effect on repeated sprint cycling performance, despite some specific hemodynamic responses (e.g., greater oxygen extraction and changes in blood volume), which were emphasized in the trained cyclists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The re-introduction paradigm is that Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) herds adjust the size of their home ranges depending on the availability of vegetation, which is directly related to rainfall. In Israel, Arabian oryx were released in two hyper-arid sites: the Arava Valley and in the Paran wilderness, belonging to the Sudanese and the Saharo–Arabian biogeographic zones, respectively. While post-release survival was similar in both, reproductive success in the Paran wilderness reintroduction site was extremely low, resulting in an acute decline of the reintroduced population over time. The hypothesis that impaired nutrition might be associated with this finding was assessed with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-aided chemistry of monthly sampled fecal pellets, used as remote sensing evidence of ingested diets, throughout a year. Fecal nitrogen (FN), used as an estimate of nutritional status, was consistently higher in the Arava. Grass was never the sole or even a major dietary component. The dietary contribution of tannin-rich browse was high and steady all year-round in the Arava and increased steadily in Paran from winter to summer, corresponding to the period of availability of Acacia raddiana pods in both regions. The oryx in Paran had a home-range that was ten-fold, compared to the Arava, suggesting less feed availability. Acacia browsing may mitigate the effects of temporal variance in primary production. Under such conditions, oryx should be preferably released in areas that support significant acacia stands.

Fatty acid triglycerides are essential components of the human diet, while possessing unique biological activity. Their content in biological media is traditionally determined by gas and liquid chromatography. They are not readily available for mass analysis of food products and blood serum due to the complexity of these methods. The aim of our work is to study the correlation of the absorption spectra of near-infrared radiation with the characteristic oscillations of functional groups of clinically important fatty acids, such as palmitic saturated ones and oleic and linoleic unsaturated ones, as well as their trans-isomers, as well as to develop techniques and test equipment for rapid assessment of their content in fat products and blood serum. As a result, evidence of the applicability of the Fourier spectrometer in the wavelength range of 1.0–2.4 μm for the operational analysis of clinically important fatty acids in butter, spreads and serum, as well as the correlation of the absorption spectra of serum with the content of total triglycerides and cholesterol were revealed. In addition, using a portable spectrometer in the wavelength range of 1.0–1.65 μm suitable for mass analysis of fat-and-oil products quality, the content of these fatty acids was determined, and the selectivity of their determination was studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During carotid arterial endarterectomy (CAE) surgery, an intraluminal shunt is used to prevent hypoperfusion, which can be caused by a cross-clamping cerebral ischemia. However, routine shunt use is not recommended. Various cerebral monitoring techniques are used to determine the need for shunt placement. In this study, retrospective analysis of data on the efficacy of cerebral oximetry in the decision of shunt use during elective CAE surveys was planned.Materials and Methods: We collected data on 68 patients operated under general anesthesia between December 2016 and December 2017. Patients were evaluated for near infrared spectrometry (NIRS) and stump pressure values and whether shunt was placed or not.Results: Eight (11.7%) patients were shunting. NIRS value after cross-clamping was lower in patients with shunt. Stump pressure values were below 40 mmHg.Conclusions: Cerebral monitoring in elective CAE operations has great importance in determining the necessity of using intraluminal shunt to reduce the complications that may occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTotal oxygen consumption has been found to be reduced under deep neuromuscular blockade due to a lower rate of metabolism of skeletal muscles. However, the magnitude of this effect in individual muscles has not been investigated. Thus the aim of this study was to compare the oxygenation of paralyzed versus non-paralyzed forearm muscle under tourniquet-provoked ischemia.MethodsAfter ethics approval and written informed consent, 30 patients scheduled for elective hand and wrist surgery were included. Ischemia was provoked by inflation of bilateral upper arm tourniquets and muscle relaxation was achieved via intravenous administration of rocuronium 0.9 mg/kg. Bilateral tourniquets were applied to both upper arms before induction of anesthesia and near infrared spectrometry (NIRS) electrodes applied on both forearms. Muscular ischemia in an isolated (= non-paralyzed, NP) as well as a paralyzed forearm (P) was created by sequential inflation of both tourniquets before and after intravenous administration of rocuronium. Muscle oxygen saturations (SmO2) of NIRS in both forearms and their changes were determined and compared.ResultsData of 30 patients (15 male, 15 female; 41.8 ± 14.7 years) were analyzed. The speed of SmO2 decrease (50% decrease of SmO2 from baseline (median [percentiles]: NP 210 s [180/480s] vs. P 180 [180/300]) as well as the maximum decrease in SmO2 (minimum SmO2 in % (median [percentiles]: NP 20 [19/24] vs. P 21 [19/28]) were not significantly affected by neuromuscular paralysis.ConclusionsNo significant effect of muscle relaxation on NIRS-assessed muscle oxygenation under tourniquet-induced ischemia was found in human forearm muscles.

Background and Aims: Controlled hypotensive anesthesia in endoscopic sinus surgery would provide a clean surgical field. Cerebral oxygen saturation (ScO2) is important in endoscopic sinus surgery patients and it may be low during controlled hypotension. The aim of the present study was to assess ScO2 in these patients. Material and Methods: In this observational study, 41 patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with hypotensive anesthesia were enrolled for the study and all of the patients received the same anesthetic medication, nitroglycerin for controlled hypotension. Variables were measured prior to surgery, after induction of anesthesia, 5 min, and every 30 min after controlled hypotension. Near‑infrared spectroscopy was used for ScO2 evaluation. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was maintained at 55–60 mmHg in the surgical duration. We used t‑test, Wilcoxon, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). We examined the cross‑correlation functions of the time series data between end‑tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2)/MAP and ScO2. Results: The mean of intraoperative ScO2 was not significantly different from the baseline evaluation (P > 0.05). ETCO2 was cross correlated with current ScO2 [r: 0.618, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.46–0.78]. We found moderate cross correlation between the MAP and current ScO2 (r: 0.728, CI 95%: 0.56–0.88). About 92% of the patients recovered within 30 min. Recovery time was associated with intraoperative MAP (P: 0.004, r: 0.438), intraoperative ETCO2 (P: 0.003, r: 0.450), and ScO2 (P: 0.026, r: 0.348). Conclusions: Based on our findings, the assessment of ScO2 and maintained MAP >55 mmHg may provide safe conditions for endoscopic sinus surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to genetic diversity within and among switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), there may be genotype x environment and management-induced differences among secondary cell walls. Consequently, two separate experiments were conducted to determine feedstock variance using near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS). One experiment tested legume-intercrops [red clover (RC;Trifolium pratense), crimson clover (CC;Trifolium incarnatum), hairy vetch (HV;Vicia villosa), and partridge pea (PP;Chamaechrista fasciculata)], nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 67, and 135 kg-N ha−1), and location impacts on characteristics. The second one determined on-farm bale variance within and across locations. Clustering NIRS data indicated that chemical signatures differed among locations and N-levels, but less so among intercrops. Results suggest that homogeneity may vary within a region responsible for supplying biomass to a biorefinery. Thus, conversion efficiencies and enzymatic requirements for ethanol production may be affected. Consequently, legumes may displace inorganic-N with minimal compositional changes, whereas location and N-level influence feedstock quality and recalcitrance level to a greater extent. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) allows continuous noninvasive monitoring of in vivo oxygenation in selected tissues. It has been used primarily as a research tool for several years, but it is seeing wider application in the clinical arena all over the world. It was recently used to monitor brain circulation in cardiac surgery , carotid endarteriectomy , neurosurgery and robotic surgery. According to the few studies used NIRS in pregnancy, it may be helpful to assess the impact of severe forms of preeclampsia on brain circulation, to evaluate the efficacy of different treatments. It may also be used during cesarean section to detect earlier sudden complications. The evaluation of placental function via abdominal maternal approach to detect fetal growth restriction is a new field of application of NIRS.

This is the first report on development of a library search-based screening system for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA) in ecstasy tablets using a portable near-infrared ( NIR) spectrometer. The spectrum library consisted of spectra originating from standard substances as well as mixtures of MDMA hydrochloride ( MDMA- HCl) and diluents. The raw NIR spectra were mathematically pretreated, and then, a library search was performed using correlation coefficient. To enhance the discrimination ability, the wavelength used for the library search was limited. Mixtures of MDMA- HCl and diluents were used to decide criteria to judge MDMA-positive or MDMA-negative. Confiscated MDMA tablets and medicinal tablets were used for performance check of the criteria. Twenty-two of 27 MDMA tablets were truly judged as MDMA-positive. Five false-negative results may be caused by compounds not included in the library. No false-positive results were obtained for medicinal tablets. This system will be a useful tool for on-site screening of MDMA tablets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powdered infant formula (PIF) can be the sole source of nutrition for babies and infants. Monitoring conformational changes in protein during manufacture of PIF is critical in order to maintain its nutritional value. This study presents the development of a calibration model for monitoring conformational changes in PIF protein by applying a novel multipoint near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry. NIR spectra were collected for PIF and PIF proteins, casein and whey protein isolate, before and after heat treatment. Results show that principal component analysis showed discrimination between native protein at room temperature and protein conformational changes caused at elevated temperature. Partial least squares regression analysis showed good calibration models with correlation coefficients ranging between 87% and 99% for the prediction of protein quality. This novel multipoint NIR spectrometry could serve as a simple in-line tool to rapidly monitor protein quality during processing stages, contributing to product nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to develop non-destructive methods to determine the drug content of suppositories using near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The suppository samples (acetaminophen content: 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/suppository) consisted of acetaminophen powder and hard fat. NIR spectra of 18 standard suppository samples were recorded, and the data were divided into two wave number ranges, 4000-10 000 cm−1 (LR), and 4280-6650 cm−1 (SR). The best calibration model was determined to minimize the standard error of cross-validation (SECV) by the leave-one-out method in the partial least squares regression (PLS). Sliced XCT images of the suppositories were measured, and apparent density (AD) was evaluated using the image of the sample. The NIR models gave the best correlation coefficient constant ( R) values, since the results for LR and SR gave straight lines with R of 0.9274 and 0.9707, respectively. The AD of the suppositories by XCT increased with increasing drug content, and the relationship between the AD and drug content had a straight line with R of 0.9958. Both NIR and X-ray CT performed accurate measurements of suppository samples through plastic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx , Pallas 1777) once roamed the Middle Eastern deserts, but went extinct in the wild by 1972. More than 30 years after re-introduction programs were implemented the oryx is still classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its poor reproductive performance was determined to be nutrition-related, and the availability of tannin-rich acacia browse has been crucial for the oryx in compensating for unpredictable grass production. Faecal N (FN) is an ubiquitous estimate of nutritional status, but its interpretation depends on dietary tannins that bind with proteins in the gastro-intestinal tract. Using three captive male oryx fed diets varying in the percentage of tannin-rich Acacacia tortilis pods, we demonstrated that dietary polyethylene-glycol-binding tannins (PEG-b-T) were partly recovered in faeces and that faecal PEG-b-T represented qualitative evidence of browsing. Faecal PEG-b-T and FN were positively correlated, but we found no relationship between the dietary percentages of acacia pods, dietary protein, PEG-b-T, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and FN. Beyond the effect of dietary tannins, where the provision of crude protein and energy are sufficient for maintenance, efficient urea recycling might compromise the value of FN as an estimate of dietary status in oryx. [Display omitted] • Tannin-rich browse is a major component in oryx diets. • Faecal PEG-binding tannins serve as evidence of browsing. • Faecal N and PEG-binding tannins are correlated. • Faecal N is not responsive to dietary protein and energy at the maintenance level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper proposes a method for fast, non-destructive screening analysis of natural gas (NG) with respect to methane content by using near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry. A total of 55 NG samples were collected from vehicle fueling stations in north-eastern Brazil by using a lab-made high-pressure sampling cylinder with a purpose-built admission system. In addition, a gas mixing system was specifically developed for use in this investigation in order to simulate NG samples with methane content smaller than 85.0% mol/mol, which is the lower limit specification established by the Brazilian National Fuel Authority. A total of 23 simulated samples were prepared by mixing NG with nitrogen, compressed air, lighter fluid (commercial propane–butane mixture) and ethane. The NIR screening analysis was then carried out by using a SIMCA (soft independent modelling of class analogies) model. For this purpose, samples with methane content above and below the 85.0% mol/mol specification were considered negative and positive cases, respectively. At a confidence level of 95%, all test samples were correctly classified, i.e. no false positives or false negatives were obtained. These findings indicate that the use of NIR spectrometry can be of value for routine quality control of NG with respect to methane content. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The cerebral protective effect of xenon anesthesia could be of interest during carotid surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of xenon on cerebral oxygen saturation with those of propofol during carotid clamping. Methods: After approval of Research Ethics Board and patient informed consent, 74 patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy were enrolled. Patients were not randomized but were well matched by preoperative characteristics. Patients in the Xenon group were the ones scheduled for surgery in the operative theater equipped with the xenon anesthesia system. Anesthesia was started with a target control infusion of propofol and remi-fentanil. Patients were then divided into the control group (37 patients) with anesthesia maintained with target control infusion propofol and remifentanil and the Xenon group with anesthesia maintained with xenon (target inspired concentration of 60 %) and target control infusion remifentanil. Remifentanil and xenon or propofol were stopped at the end of skin closure. Results: A cerebral oxygen saturation decrease below 55 % was less frequently observed in the Xenon group during carotid cross-clamping (7/37 patients vs 15/37; p = 0.01). Compared with values observed before clamping, the decrease in cerebral oxygen saturation during clamping was significantly less important in the Xenon group (12 ± 11 % vs 17 ± 14%, p = 0.04). Blood pressure and heart rate were not different between groups during carotid clamping. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests that xenon anesthesia may be associated to higher cerebral oxygen saturation values when compared to propofol anesthesia during cross-clamping for carotid endarterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a wireless wearable electronic system dedicated to remote data recording for brain monitoring. The reported wireless recording system is used for a) simultaneous near-infrared spectrometry (NIRS) and scalp electro-encephalography (EEG) for noninvasive monitoring and b) intracerebral EEG (icEEG) for invasive monitoring. Bluetooth and dual radio links were introduced for these recordings. The Bluetooth-based device was embedded in a noninvasive multichannel EEG-NIRS system for easy portability and long-term monitoring. On the other hand, the 32-channel implantable recording device offers 24-bit resolution, tunable features, and a sampling frequency up to 2 kHz per channel. The analog front-end preamplifier presents low input-referred noise of 5 \mu VRMS and a signal-to-noise ratio of 112 dB. The communication link is implemented using a dual-band radio frequency transceiver offering a half-duplex 800 kb/s data rate, 16.5 mW power consumption and less than 10^-10 post-correction Bit-Error Rate (BER). The designed system can be accessed and controlled by a computer with a user-friendly graphical interface. The proposed wireless implantable recording device was tested in vitro using real icEEG signals from two patients with refractory epilepsy. The wirelessly recorded signals were compared to the original signals recorded using wired-connection, and measured normalized root-mean square deviation was under 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: This paper proposes a NIR spectrometric method for screening analysis of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) samples. The proposed method is aimed at discriminating samples with low and high propane content, which can be useful for the adjustment of burn settings in industrial applications. A gas flow system was developed to introduce the LPG sample into a NIR flow cell at constant pressure. In addition, a gas chromatographer was employed to determine the propane content of the sample for reference purposes. The results of a principal component analysis, as well as a classification study using SIMCA (soft independent modeling of class analogies), revealed that the samples can be successfully discriminated with respect to propane content by using the NIR spectrum in the range 8100–8800cm−1. In addition, by using SPA-LDA (linear discriminant analysis with variables selected by the successive projections algorithm), it was found that perfect discrimination can also be achieved by using only two wavenumbers (8215 and 8324cm−1). This finding may be of value for the design of a dedicated, low-cost instrument for routine analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics has been utilized in predictions of natural medicine content without destroying samples. Suppositories (oren powdered extract content 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 10, 12.5, and 15%) were produced by mixing oren powdered extract with macrogol mixture consisting of 1 part macrogol 1500 and 2.5 parts macrogol 4000 at 54°C, and pouring the melt mixture into a plastic container. NIR spectra of the 10 prepared samples were recorded 10 times, and a total of 100 spectra were randomly divided into two data sets, one for calibration and the other for validation. The calibration model for the oren content of the suppository was calculated based on NIR spectra using a partial least-squares regression analysis after pre-treatment (smoothing and the multiplicative scatter correction). The relationship between the actual and predicted values for calibration and validation models had a straight line with correlation coefficients of 0.9936 and 0.9898, respectively. The regression vector result of the calibration model indicates that the peaks at 6945, 5747, and 5160 cm in the regression vector were consistent with those in oren powder extracts. NIR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics offers promise as a method of predicting the oren powder content in suppositories without destroying the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of applying near-IR spectroscopy for drug quality control with respect to dose uniformity was studied. Methods for the calibration and determination of the content of active ingredients in model drugs with various mass fractions of the active ingredient were developed. Statistical processing of the results showed that both methods give reproducible results and do not introduce systematic errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether expiratory muscle loading induced by the application of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during exercise in healthy subjects causes a reduction in quadriceps muscle blood flow in favor of the blood flow to the intercostal muscles. We hypothesized that, during exercise with EFL quadriceps muscle blood flow would be reduced, whereas intercostal muscle blood flow would be increased compared with exercise without EFL. We initially performed an incremental exercise test on eight healthy male subjects with a Starling resistor in the expiratory line limiting expiratory flow to ~ 1 1/s to determine peak EFL exercise workload. On a different day, two constant-load exercise trials were performed in a balanced ordering sequence, during which subjects exercised with or without EFL at peak EFL exercise workload for 6 min. Intercostal (probe over the 7th intercostal space) and vastus lateralis muscle blood flow index (BFI) was calculated by near-infrared spectroscopy using indocyanine green, whereas cardiac output (CO) was measured by an impedance cardiography technique. At exercise termination, CO and stroke volume were not significantly different during exercise, with or without EFL (CO: 16.5 vs. 15.2 l/min, stroke volume: 104 vs. 107 ml/beat). Quadriceps muscle BFI during exercise with EFL (5.4 nM/s) was significantly (P = 0.043) lower compared with exercise without EFL (7.6 nM/s), whereas intercostal muscle BFI during exercise with EFL (3.5 nM/s) was significantly (P = 0.021) greater compared with that recorded during control exercise (0.4 nM/s). In conclusion, increased respiratory muscle loading during exercise in healthy humans causes an increase in blood flow to the intercostal muscles and a concomitant decrease in quadriceps muscle blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]