Non-targeted analysis of per- and polyfluorinated substances in consumer food packaging.

This study sought to develop a non-targeted workflow using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to investigate previously unknown PFAS in consumer food packaging samples. Samples composed of various materials for different food types were subjected to methanolic extraction, controlled migration with food simulants and total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay. The developed HRMS workflow utilized many signatures unique to PFAS compounds: negative mass defect, diagnostic breakdown structures, as well as retention time prediction.

Structural characterization of strawberry pomace.

Strawberries are a nutrient dense food rich in vitamins, minerals, non-nutrient antioxidant phenolics, and fibers. Strawberry fiber bioactive structures are not well characterized and limited information is available about the interaction between strawberry fiber and phenolics. Therefore, we analyzed commercial strawberry pomace in order to provide a detailed carbohydrate structural characterization, and to associate structures with functions.

Differential behavior of Lactobacillus helveticus B1929 and ATCC 15009 on the hydrolysis and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibition activity of fermented ultra-high-temperature milk and nonfat dried milk powder.

Consumers' growing interest in fermented dairy foods necessitates research on a wide array of lactic acid bacterial strains to be explored and used. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the proteolytic capacity of Lactobacillus helveticus strains B1929 and ATCC 15009 on the fermentation of commercial ultra-pasteurized (UHT) skim milk and reconstituted nonfat dried milk powder (at a comparable protein concentration, 4%). The antihypertensive properties of the fermented milk, measured by angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory (ACE-I) activity, were compared.

Use of outcome measurement by paediatric AHPs in Northern Ireland.

Background: Professional standards advocate routine use of outcome measurement (OM) in the practice of allied health professionals (AHPs). Historically, OM has focused on impairment and its immediate constraints on activity, while current policy encourages the development and addition of impact-based OM. There appears to be an assumption at this stage of AHP development that the use of OM is well embedded into practice.

An Experimental Trial of Adaptive Programming in Drug Court: Outcomes at 6, 12 and 18 Months.

Objectives: Test whether an adaptive program improves outcomes in drug court by adjusting the schedule of court hearings and clinical case-management sessions pursuant to performance criteria.

Methods: Consenting participants in a misdemeanor drug court were randomly assigned to the adaptive program (n = 62) or to a baseline-matching condition (n = 63) in which they attended court hearings based on the results of a criminal risk assessment. Outcome measures were re-arrest rates at 18 months post-entry to the drug court and urine drug test results and structured interview results at 6 and 12 months post-entry.