Endosperm and whole grain rye breads are characterized by low post-prandial insulin response and a beneficial blood glucose profile

Background  

Rye products have previously been shown to induce comparatively low post-prandial insulin responses; irrespectively of their glycaemic indices (GI). However, the mechanism behind this lowered insulin demand remains unknown. An improved insulin economy might contribute to the benefits seen in epidemiological studies with whole grain diets on metabolic risk factors and weight regulation. The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism for a reduced post-prandial insulin demand with rye products.     

Acute renal failure secondary to acute pyelonephritis

A six year-old girl presented with acute oliguric renal failure, secondary to acute, non-obstructive pyelonephritis. Evidence for pyelonephritis as the cause of renal failure included: the evolution of typical changes on serial intravenous pyelograms, an acute interstitial inflammatory exudate on percutaneous renal biopsy, and gram-positive cocci on gram stain of the biopsy tissue. Although a specific causative organism was not conclusively identified, enterococcus was isolated from the initial catheterized urine specimen. The patient recovered from the acute illness but was left with impaired renal function, hypertension, and cortical scarring. Acute, non-obstructive pyelonephritis can produce acute renal failure in children and must be considered in the differential diagnosis of this syndrome.     

Actinomycosis of the colon

A 44-year-old woman with severe pain in the right upper quadrant, simulating acute cholecystitis, was found to have a large tumour in the transverse colon. Cultures from the mass grew Actinomyces israelii. Actinomycosis may often be missed; involvement of the large bowel is not confined to the appendiceal and cecal areas and may simulate other intra-abdominal conditions.     

Unique corrosion and wear resistant identification tags via LISI™ laser marking

A method of marking metal items with unique corrosion and wear resistant identification tags has been developed at the Center for Laser Applications (CLA) at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI). The method, coined LISI™ laser marking, uses a laser beam to melt a pre-placed powder mix of alloying compounds into the surface of the part in a desired pattern. The formulation of the powder mix is designed to enhance the surface properties of the laser processed areas and protect the identification tags from the specific corrosion and aggressive wear during transportation, operation and overhaul. The specific marking preparation steps, typical processing conditions and a representative set of results are presented for LISI™ laser marking of AISI 4340 steel with Cr-CrB₂, and 2024 aluminum with WC. Results include transverse cross-sectional views and hardness measurements of the marked material, and data on the concentration of alloying compounds within the laser melted layer. The corrosion and wear resistance of LISI™ data matrix marks was also investigated.     

Precipitation Study in Inconel 625 Alloy by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy

Precipitation in Inconel 625 alloy has been studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The observed dependence of annihilation characteristics on aging time is attributed to the change of the positron state due to the increase and decrease of the density and size of the γ″ precipitates. Hardness measurements and lifetime measurements are in good agreement.