No antidepressant effects of low intensity transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields for treatment resistant depression.

Background: Noninvasive neurostimulation with transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (tPEMF) may be a promising method for treatment resistant depression (TRD). Studies shown substantial improvement of depressive symptoms in patients with TRD, but there is no information on long-term antidepressant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term efficacy of tPEMF in participants with TRD.

Setting an International Research Agenda for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: An Online Delphi Consensus Study.

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common amongst cancer survivors. There is rapidly growing research interest in FCR but a need to prioritize research to address the most pressing clinical issues and reduce duplication and fragmentation of effort. This study aimed to establish international consensus among clinical and academic FCR experts regarding priorities for FCR research.

Enumeration and Identification of Bacterial Spores in Cocoa Powders.

Abstract: The presence of bacterial spores in cocoa powders is inevitable due to the cocoa bean fermentation process, during which members of the genera Bacillus and Geobacillus are typically present. Spores are a concern in heat-treated foods when they survive heat treatments and the finished product supports germination, growth, and potentially toxin production. In this study, available methods for the enumeration of total mesophilic and thermophilic spores (TMS and TTS, respectively) were evaluated, leading to the recommendation of one global method specifically for cocoa powders.

Facts and figures about patient associations in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2009: review of their activities and aims.

Introduction: To facilitate empowerment, the government encourages patient associations to participate in policy making discussions. To play a crucial role as one of the partners for the government in formulating policy on healthcare, information was needed about the activities and aims of Dutch patient associations. This article describes the development of the monitor in 2005 and 2006 and the most important outcomes and trends for 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Microbiota dynamics and diversity at different stages of industrial processing of cocoa beans into cocoa powder.

We sampled a cocoa powder production line to investigate the impact of processing on the microbial community size and diversity at different stages. Classical microbiological methods were combined with 16S rRNA gene PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, coupled with clone library construction, to analyze the samples. Aerobic thermoresistant spores (ThrS) (100°C; 10 min) were also isolated and characterized (identity, genetic diversity, and spore heat resistance), in view of their relevance to the quality of downstream heat-treated cocoa-flavored drinks.