Assessment of Balance and Vestibular Functions in Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

This study investigated the relationship among the severity of hearing impairment,vestibular function and balance function in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss（ISSNHL）.A total of 35 ISSNHL patients（including 21 patients with vertigo） were enrolled.All of the patients underwent audiometry,sensory organization test（SOT）,caloric test,cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potential（cV EMP） test and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potential（o VEMP） test.Significant relationship was found between vertigo and hearing loss grade（P=0.009）,and between SOT VEST grade and hearing loss grade（P=0.001）.The abnormal rate of o VEMP test was the highest,followed by the abnormal rates of caloric and c VEMP tests,not only in patients with vertigo but also in those without vertigo.The vestibular end organs were more susceptible to damage in patients with vertigo（compared with patients without vertigo）.Significant relationship was found between presence of vertigo and SOT VEST grade（P=0.010）.We demonstrated that vestibular end organs may be impaired not only in patients with vertigo but also in patients without vertigo.The cochlear and vestibular impairment could be more serious in patients with vertigo than in those without vertigo.Vertigo does not necessarily bear a causal relationship with the impairment of the vestibular end organs.SOT VEST grade could be used to reflect the presence of vertigo state in the ISSNHL patients.Apart from audiometry,the function of peripheral vestibular end organs and balance function should be evaluated to comprehensively understand ISSNHL.Better assessment of the condition will help us in clinical diagnosis,treatment and prognosis evaluation of ISSNHL.

Changes in sensorimotor regions of the cerebral cortex in congenital amusia:a case-control study

Perceiving pitch is a central function of the human auditory system;congenital amusia is a disorder of pitch perception.The underlying neural mechanisms of congenital amusia have been actively discussed.However,little attention has been paid to the changes in the motor rain within congenital amusia.In this case-control study,17 participants with congenital amusia and 14 healthy controls underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while resting with their eyes closed.A voxel-based degree centrality method was used to identify abnormal functional network centrality by comparing degree centrality values between the congenital amusia group and the healthy control group.We found decreased degree centrality values in the right primary sensorimotor areas in participants with congenital amusia relative to controls,indicating potentially decreased centrality of the corresponding brain regions in the auditory-sensory motor feedback network.We found a significant positive correlation between the degree centrality values and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia scores.In conclusion,our study identified novel,hitherto undiscussed candidate brain regions that may partly contribute to or be modulated by congenital amusia.Our evidence supports the view that sensorimotor coupling plays an important role in memory and musical discrimination.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Xiangya Hospital,Central South University,China(No.WDX20180101GZ01)on February 9,2019.

Production of Dietetic Jam of Umbu-Caja (<i>Spondias</i>sp.): Physical, Physicochemical and Sensorial Evaluations

The umbucajazeira is specie native to the Brazilian Northeast semiarid areas, which is economically explored based on the fruit. The fruit has a high agroindustrial potential, mainly for jam production. The aim of this study was to evaluate through sensorial analysis, two formulations of umbu-caja jams: a dietetic one with xylitol, used as an option for substitution of the sugars, and a conventional one. The proportion of 50:50:0.5 (pulp/sugar/pectin or pulp/xylitol/pectin) was used for jam processing. The mixture was concentrated up to reach 65°Brix. The jams were evaluated by 50 non-trained tasters, through a hedonic scale of nine points, whereas the following attributes were used: appearance, color, flavor, aroma and texture. The results of the physical and physicochemical analysis showed that the characteristics of jams prepared with sucrose are close to the ones made with xylitol, except for the total sugars and the energetic value. The jams had pH values ranging between 2.37 and 2.92;titratable acidity varying between 0.56 and 0.78 g citric acid/100 g pulp;soluble solids ranging between 60.92°and 65.08°Brix, respectively. A tendency for yellow color was noticed by the color analysis. Jam diet had the highest scores for appearance (7.4 - 7.7). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were obtained to flavor and texture. The fruit of the umbucajazeira showed to be adequate for jam manufature since they had good sensorial acceptance. The use of xylitol was satisfactory for obtaining a product with jam characteristics similar to the conventional jam, but with lower energetic value.

The Impact of Sweet Potato Flour Supplementation on Functional and Sensorial Properties of Yoghurt

Sweet potatoes have become a research focus in recent years, due to their particular nutritional and functional qualities. Considering yoghurt is one of the most popular dairy products, sweet potato supplementation will play a significant impact on the produced yoghurt texture it will also add attractive orange colour to the final product. The article focused on the replacement of the stabilizers used in the manufacture of yoghurt with sweet potato flour dehydrated in a lab (SPFL) due to its functional features and a less expensive alternative and the improvement of yoghurt colour due to the presence of anthocyanin pigment. In order to reach these goals, experimental yoghurt was fortified with 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g SPFL/100g cow milk (%) and stored at 4&degC for 14 days. The obtained data were then compared with commercial yoghurt samples (CS1, CS2, CS3, and CS4). Sensory evaluation revealed that the 2% SPFL, CS1, and CS3 obtained higher scores than the other treatments. The fat content of the yoghurts was identical whereas, the other physicochemical parameters and water holding capacity (WHC %) levels varied. SPFL supplementation had a significant impact on the rheological properties of yoghurt production, allowing sweet potato flour to replace the industrial stabiliser. Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of yoghurt enriched with SPFL revealed denser and smaller gaps, as well as the presence of sweet potato globules embedded in and attached to the gel matrix. The results obtained in the present research imply that sweet potatoes can be used to produce a kind of cohesive and gummy yoghurt that can be used instead of industrial stabilizers.

Sensori-Neural Hearing Loss Client’s Performance with Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Background: Individuals fitted with hearing aids complain of the unnatural sound quality of their voice, other internally generated sounds such as chewing and swallowing sounds “hollow”, “muffled” sounds. Receiver-In-Canal hearing aids are favored due to small size, discrete appearance and ability to minimize occlusion. Aim: To compare the performance of Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) to traditional ear tip (ET), ear moulds (EM) fittings using Functional gain measures. Method: Ten subjects with flat moderately severe sensori neural hearing loss participated in the study. Subjective unaided and aided measures for digital BTE hearing aids with ear tip, ear mould or Receiver-In-Canal for pure tones of 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz were obtained. Results and Discussion: Higher scores were obtained with Receiver-In-Canal fitting on Functional gain measures. No significant difference between all the three conditions was obtained at low frequencies especially at 500 Hz, as Receiver-In-Canal hearing aids attenuate low frequency sounds automatically when the ear is left open (up to 30 dB less amplification at 500 Hz) especially for hearing in noisy situations. Conclusion: The results suggest that Receiver-In-Canal fittings are an effective means of overcoming the major barriers to the acceptance of amplification and further suggest the clinical importance of subjective measures in measuring aided benefit of open-fit devices in the rehabilitation of person’s with moderately severe to severe SN hearing loss.

Some Fuzzy Logic Based Methods to Deal with Sensorial Information

Sensorial information is very difficult to elicit, to represent and to manage because of its complexity. Fuzzy logic provides an interesting means to deal with such information, since it allows us to represent imprecise, vague or incomplete descriptions, which are very common in the management of subjective information. Aggregation methods proposed by fuzzy logic are further useful to combine the characteristics of the various components of sensorial information.

Progress in sensorimotor rehabilitative physical therapy programs for stroke patients

Impaired motor and functional activity following stroke often has negative impacts on the patient, the family and society. The available rehabilitation programs for stroke patients are reviewed. Conventional rehabilitation strategies(Bobath, Brunnstrom, proprioception neuromuscular facilitation, motor relearning and function-based principles) are the mainstream tactics in clinical practices. Numerous advanced strategies for sensory-motor functional enhancement, including electrical stimulation, electromyographic biofeedback, constraint-induced movement therapy, robotics-aided systems, virtual reality, intermittent compression, partial body weight supported treadmill training and thermal stimulation, are being developed and incorporated into conventional rehabilitation programs. The concept of combining valuable rehabilitative procedures into "a training package", based on the patient's functional status during different recovery phases after stroke is proposed. Integrated sensorimotor rehabilitation programs with appropriate temporal arrangements might provide great functional benefits for stroke patients.

Effect of Castration on Sensorial and Instrumental Characteristics of Longissimus Dorsi Muscle （LDM） of Brahman Cattle

This study aimed to investigate the effect of castration on the sensory and instrumental qualities of the longisssimus dorsi muscle of Brahman. Fifty animals （25 Brahman castrated and 25 uncastrated） were fed with forage and finished with forage and a commercial feed. The sensory analysis was performed by a seven-member sensory panel that had been trained. The panel evaluated the juiciness, myofibril tenderness, overall tenderness, connective tissue amount and flavor intensity of each sample according to an 8-point scale. The steaks that were to be used in the instrumental analysis were frozen, thawed, and cooked just like those used in the sensory analysis test. In order to assess shear force, the steaks were cooled 2 h at room temperature. Each strip was sheared once with a Warner-Bratzler ceil, and an average shear force value was calculated and recorded for each steak. Water retention capacity was measured as weight loss during cooking. Steaks used for shear force analysis were weighted before and after cooking. Significant differences were observed （P 〈 0.05） among sensory attributes, shear force, and cooking loss values in the beef of castrated and uncastrated. Both the panel and the consumers were able to detect differences in sensory characteristics between castrated and uncastrated, with the ratings favoring the castrated. The Warner-Bratzler device was also able to detect differences in tenderness between both groups, with steer beef having lower shear force and cooking loss values.

Evaluation of the ＂Harmony/Balance Value＂ on the Development of the Sensorial Quality of EVOOmExperiences in Germany and Europe

Since 2015 the methodology of the harmony value in the framework of the official organoleptic assessment has been accredited by the German authorities. It initiated additional background for this parameter which is set on top of the Official Paneltest （Standard IOC/T15/Reg. （EWG） 2568/91 in its actual version） which classifies Olive oil in the relevant classifications ＂extra virgin＂, ＂virgin＂ or ＂virgin lampante＂. This study will proof the possible accuracy of this additional parameter ＂harmony/balance＂ and the benefits which arise with this additional parameter for all stakeholders. The German Olive Oil Panel （DOP） is practicing this extended methodology for the sensory evaluation of extra virgin olive oil since 2003. In addition to the verification of the category ＂extra virgin＂ the Panel is continuously training for additional descriptors used to appraise the quality-discrimination for this category. But in case the panel decides for a valid median of a defect the panel supervisor （PSV） will set the harmony level to zero. In the focus is the additional attribute called ＂harmony＂ （in some world areas called ＂balance＂--both mean a quantification of the specific overall quality with one single parameter） which is responsible for this advancement in the methodological approach. Using ＂harmony/balance＂ （H/B） as a quality-factor, the discrimination between bad, average, good, very good and premium quality within the category of EVOO became possible. ＂Harmony＂ includes olfactory, tactile and kinesthetic stimuli and is evaluated on a bipolar 100 mm scale, which leads to this parameter from ＂average＂ in the center to ＂complex/harmonious＂ on one side or to ＂totally disharmonious＂ on the other side. In the study at hand we are able to prove the development of qualities in the framework of the accredited Panel in German speaking countries over more than 10 years. In this study the development of the increasing quality can be proved in yearly figures of the DOP. The trend could be disturbed however in case of climatological circumstances or orders from outside Germany with over proportional low qualities. The official organoleptic assessment method of IOC/EC separates defect free from defected olive oils and is marking the olive oils with a relevant label of classification （EV, V, Lampant）. The additional step to evaluate the harmony value----carried out by the same panel during the same procedure--is quantifying the category of EVOO in relevant quality sectors. This study shows on one side the progress of this method in German speaking countries and their supporting companies. On the other side it revealed the quality problems which arise in markets like the private label/low price （PL/LP） sections in other countries of the European Union. This important market segment covers today about 75%-80% of the market. The IGO study （2015） proved that from 70 samples out of 16 European countries 58.5% （41 samples） have been analyzed as defect; only 41.5% （29 samples） matched the classification EVOO. And from these 29 samples 18 have been evaluated with the additional parameter ＂harmony/balance＂ as ＂lower standard＂ or ＂not sufficient＂. The long experience with this additional parameter is able to stabilize and quantify the quality of EVOO in favor of all stakeholders.

Improvement of the Quality of Brazilian Conilon through Wet Processing: A Sensorial Perspective

Conilon coffee represents almost 20% of all coffee production in the Brazilian territory;however, it is inexpressive in relation to the sensory quality when compared to Arabica coffee. It is noteworthy that the coffee from the species Coffea canephora PIERRE has a denser sensorial profile, is less sweet, less acidic and with strong pronunciation of the body at the time of tasting. This study has unprecedentedly applied the use of starter cultures (yeast) to optimize and modify the metabolic pathways and consequently the sensorial quality perceived by Q-graders. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design with five replicates, in the 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with three fermentation times—24, 48 and 72 hours and four wet processing tests—Washed, Yeast fermentation, Fully washed without yeast and Fully washed with yeast. The sensorial results indicate a new perspective for the application of wet processing with starter cultures for Conilon coffee. They indicate gains in sensory scale, opening a new phase of studies on spontaneous and induced fermentation for Conilon coffee in Brazil and worldwide.

Effects of flash-boil shucking on biochemical,sensorial and ultrastructural properties of Yesso Scallop(Mizuhopecten yessoensis)adductor muscle during refrigeration

Scallop adductor muscle has great popularity for raw consumption in Japan,but conventionally shucking live scallops with high vitality by knife requires skill and is time-consuming.Flash-boil shucking is a convenient shucking method in sushi restaurants for live scallops.However,the effects of this treatment on the quality of its main edible part,the adductor muscle,are not clear.This study was conducted to investigate the impact of flash-boil shucking on the quality of raw-edible scallop adductor muscle,focusing on flavor-enhancing components and ultrastructure.Thermal treatment could contribute to the formation of flavor-enhancing nucleotides in the external layer of the adductor muscle.Adenosine monophosphate content increased with the boiling time,which significantly increased to 1.47±0.42μmol/g in the 30 s-boiled group compared with 0.38±0.13μmol/g in the control group(p<0.05).The rapid adenosine monophosphate accumulation after boiling resulted in a faster accumulation of inosine and hypoxanthine during subsequent refrigeration,which could bring bitterness to aquatic products.Flash-boil shucking had no discernible effect on the proportion of free amino acids relevant to the flavor of scallop adductor muscle,despite the possibility of a reduction in total free amino acids.The external layer of the scallop adductor muscle could be hardened after flash-boil shucking.At the ultrastructural level,muscle fibers tend to aggregate transversely and contract longitudinally depending on the heating time.Flash-boil shucking is ideal for consuming the raw-edible scallop adductor muscle promptly.Flash-boil shucking treatment is recommended for households,restaurants,and small factories for treating scallops with high vitality.

青砖茶感官审评方法比较分析

为提出适合青砖茶的感官审评方法,本实验以湖北代表性青砖茶作为研究对象进行煮泡(浸泡式煮茶和喷淋式煮茶),分析不同煮泡条件对青砖茶感官品质及主要品质成分浸出率的影响,并与现行国家标准中冲泡法所得茶汤的感官品质和化学成分进行比较。结果表明,对于紧压型青砖茶,煮泡法茶汤的感官品质明显优于国标冲泡法,煮泡法茶汤的水浸出物、茶多酚、氨基酸、可溶性糖和茶色素等主要品质成分的浸出率远高于国标冲泡法。综合感官品质和品质成分浸出率分析,采用浸泡式煮茶法,在1∶80茶水比、煮沸2 min、静置2~4 min条件下制备的青砖茶茶汤浓度适中,内质品质呈现较为全面。进一步的相关性分析结果表明,可溶性糖、茶褐素及水浸出物浸出率与滋味品质的相关系数较高。该研究结果可为青砖茶及其他类型紧压茶感官品质的客观性评价提供参考。

黄芪药渣与全株玉米混合青贮对饲料感官、发酵品质及营养成分的影响

本试验探讨黄芪(Astragalus membranaceus(Fisch.) Bunge)药渣和全株玉米(Zea mays L.)混合青贮对青贮饲料感官、发酵品质及营养成分的影响,旨在为黄芪药渣及其它中药渣饲料资源化应用提供新途径。共设4个混合水平,黄芪药渣分别占全株玉米鲜重的0%,5%,10%,15%。青贮饲料发酵240 d后,取样检测评定。结果表明:黄芪药渣和全株玉米混合青贮有利于改善青贮饲料的气味和结构;0%混合水平的饲料pH值、乙酸(Acetic acid, AA)和氨态氮(Ammoniacal nitrogen, NH3-N)含量显著高于其他混合水平(P<0.05);乳酸(Lactic acid, LA)含量显著低于其他混合水平(P<0.05);0%混合水平饲料粗蛋白(Crude protein, CP)、磷(Phosphorus)含量显著低于其他混合水平(P<0.05),5%混合水平CP、粗脂肪(Ether Extract, EE)、P含量显著高于其它混合水平(P<0.05);随着混合水平升高,干物质(Dry matter, DM)、中性洗涤纤维(Neutral detergen fiber, NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(Acid detergent fiber, ADF)含量显著升高(P<0.05)。综上所述,5%混合水平饲料青贮品质较好。

不同前处理联合压差闪蒸干燥对红枣脆片品质的影响

为探究不同前处理方式联合压差闪蒸干燥对红枣脆片产品品质的影响,该研究以新疆地区灰枣为原料,利用热烫、超声波、高密度二氧化碳(dense phase carbon dioxide,DPCD)3种前处理方式联合压差闪蒸干燥技术对红枣脆片进行加工,对比了3种前处理方式对红枣脆片色泽、硬度、脆度、膨化度、可溶性固形物含量、总糖含量、总酚含量、总黄酮含量、维生素C含量、感官及微观结构的影响。结果表明:1)前处理方式对产品色泽具有显著性影响(P<0.05),DPCD前处理所得枣片与新鲜枣片色泽最为接近(ΔE=3.73);2)DPCD前处理后红枣脆片的维生素C含量明显高于其他两种前处理方式(P<0.05);3)热烫、超声波前处理的红枣脆片硬度分别为4.59、3.50 N/cm^(2),而DPCD前处理的红枣脆片硬度仅为2.74 N/cm^(2),枣片最为酥脆;4)扫描电镜图表明3种前处理方式均能得到疏松多孔的组织结构,DPCD前处理所得枣片比热烫和超声波前处理所得枣片组织结构更为疏松,这可能是因为在二氧化碳的作用下,红枣细胞结构发生了改变,有些空隙间发生了断裂。综合比较,DPCD前处理能够提高产品的色泽、脆度及膨化度,并且能够较好的保留产品的营养成分,是红枣压差闪蒸干燥较适宜的前处理方式。该研究为高品质压差闪蒸红枣脆片的加工工艺选择提供一定的理论依据。

白酒中风味成分的检测分析技术研究进展

白酒历史悠久,是中国的国酒。白酒中的风味成分虽然含量较低,但其类别、组成及比例对产品口感、风味及香气极为重要。近年来,对风味成分的研究已成为白酒领域的热点,本文综述了白酒风味成分检测分析方面的研究进展,介绍了风味成分检测前处理技术与分析方法,总结了各大香型白酒中的风味挖掘及分析的最新成果,探讨了研究中存在的局限与不足,并展望了未来技术发展的方向和趋势。

挤压重组米食用品质研究进展

挤压重组米因其丰富的营养价值及特殊的功能作用而被越来越多的人接受,然而,人们也普遍认为挤压重组米食用品质不如天然大米。本文综述了目前常见的3种挤压重组米(营养强化型重组米、低GI重组米和挤压型方便米饭)的研究现状,从重组米原辅材料、挤压工艺和蒸煮条件等多角度系统性阐述挤压重组米食用品质的影响因素,并探讨了淀粉、脂质和蛋白质等组分对重组米食用品质的影响,以期为挤压重组米食用品质的改善提供参考。

模糊数学感官评价法优化蓝靛果果汁脱涩工艺

以蓝靛果为原料,以单宁含量和感官评分为评价指标,通过单因素试验研究明胶添加量、脱涩温度、脱涩时间对蓝靛果果汁脱涩效果的影响,采用模糊数学感官评价法结合正交试验优化蓝靛果果汁脱涩工艺,并对比脱涩前后蓝靛果果汁中活性成分含量的变化。结果表明,优化后明胶脱涩的最佳工艺条件为:明胶添加量1.5%、脱涩温度43℃、脱涩时间55 min。在此优化条件下,单宁含量为724.46 mg/L,感官评分为92.75分,蓝靛果果汁中花色苷、黄酮、维生素C、可溶性固形物的保留率分别为87.78%、95.90%、90.80%、96.73%。说明明胶可用于蓝靛果果汁脱涩,经优化脱涩工艺生产的蓝靛果果汁质地均匀、涩感适度、有明显的果味及果香,且活性成分保留率高,本研究为蓝靛果果汁的工业化发展提供数据参考。

两种产地藏羊肉挥发性风味物质和脂肪酸组成比较研究

为评定不同地区藏羊肉的挥发性风味物质和脂肪酸组成,选取甘肃省甘南藏族自治州和青海省海北藏族自治州的藏羊各20只,分别取背最长肌进行肉品质、脂肪酸以及挥发性成分组成、感官评价等指标的测定。结果表明,两种产地的藏羊宰后pH45min和pH24h均在正常范围内,且二者之间无显著性差异;甘南藏羊的色泽和嫩度优于海北藏羊;共检测出18种脂肪酸,其中包括7种饱和脂肪酸和11种不饱和脂肪酸。两种产地藏羊肉的脂肪酸组成和含量均存在显著差异,甘南藏羊脂肪酸组成比例更佳,ω-6/ω-3接近1∶1,显著低于海北藏羊(P<0.05)。共检测出12类70种挥发性风味物质,气味活性值(OAV)分析结果表明,甘南藏羊肉比海北藏羊肉具有更丰富的肉脂香味和果香味。综上,甘南藏羊肉的脂肪酸和挥发性成分组成都更加优异,感官评分更高。

玉米须不溶性膳食纤维分析及其对面包品质和消化特性的影响研究

首先分析玉米须不溶性膳食纤维(corn silk insoluble dietary fiber,CSIDF)的组分和物理特性,再研究其添加量及粒径对面包比容、色泽、质构、孔隙度、感官等品质和消化特性的影响。结果表明,其主要含80.64%膳食纤维和10.15%蛋白质,以及少量的灰分和脂肪,主要由50.41%纤维素和28.80%半纤维素组成,具有良好的持水、持油和膨胀特性,且粒径越大,3种特性越好;添加玉米须不溶性膳食纤维后面包比容减小,色泽加深,硬度增大,孔隙度降低,不同CSIDF添加量及粒径间存在差异,面包品质与CSIDF添加量及粒径基本呈现负相关,综合分析确定粒径最小的D_(1)(平均粒径为24.91μm)最适宜添加,其添加量为3%时较合适;体外消化试验表明,CSIDF可以通过降低面包中RDS含量、提高SDS和RS含量来延缓淀粉的消化吸收,维持血糖稳定。