Deasphalting process using supercritical water

The authors aimed to study the deasphalting process on laboratory scale through the design and development of a supercritical extraction experimental unit. The experimental unity used in tests is composed by a pump, an extractor with useful volume of 3 L and one separator vessel. Extractions in supercritical condition were carried out using petroleum residue (vacuum residuum) as feedstock and water as solvent. Temperature and pressure were manipulated to maintain the solvent in the required conditions, thus facilitating the extraction process and avoiding sharp changes in the system. In both phases, the products in the deasphalted oil stream present adequate characteristics for the production of lubricant oils and those in the asphalt residue stream present an elevated concentration of asphalt molecules.     

Challenges in Model Development for Meat Composition Using Multipoint NIR Spectroscopy from At‐Line to In‐Line Monitoring

This study evaluates the efficiency of multipoint near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the fat and moisture content of minced beef samples both in at‐line and on‐line modes. Additionally, it aims at identifying the obstacles that can be encountered in the path of performing in‐line monitoring. Near‐infrared (NIR) reflectance spectra of minced beef samples were collected using an NIR spectrophotometer, employing a Fabry‐Perot interferometer. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models based on reference values from proximate analysis yielded calibration coefficients of determination of 0.96 for both fat and moisture. For an independent batch of samples, fat was estimated with a prediction coefficient of determination of 0.87 and 0.82 for the samples in at‐line and on‐line modes, respectively. All the models were found to have good prediction accuracy; however, a higher bias was observed for predictions under on‐line mode. Overall results from this study illustrate that multipoint NIR systems combined with multivariate analysis has potential as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool for monitoring process parameters such as fat and moisture in the meat industry, providing real‐time spectral and spatial information.     

Influence of acidification on dough viscoelasticity of gluten-free rice starch-based dough matrices enriched with exogenous protein

The impact of acid incorporation (acetic + lactic, 0.5%) into rice starch-based doughs enriched with different proteins (egg albumin, calcium caseinate, pea protein and soy protein isolates) at different doses (0, 5 and 10%) has been investigated on dough viscoelastic and pasting profiles. Oscillatory (stress and frequency sweeps) and creep-recovery tests were used to characterize the fundamental viscoelastic behaviour of the doughs, and thermomechanical assays were performed to assess dough viscometric performance. Supplementation of gluten-free doughs with proteins from vegetal sources led to more structured dough matrices (higher viscoelastic moduli and steady viscosities, and lower tan δ, instantaneous and retarded elastic compliances) effect being magnified with protein dose. Acid addition decreased these effects. Incorporation of proteins from animal source resulted in different viscoelastic behaviours according to the protein type, dosage and acidification, especially for casein. Acidification conferred lower dough deformation and notably higher steady viscosity and viscoelastic moduli for 5 %-casein-added dough. Protein-acid interaction favoured higher viscosity profiles, particularly for doughs with proteins of vegetable origin and lower dosage. Dough acidification decreased the pasting temperatures and the amylose retrogradation. Acidification of protein-enriched rice-starch doughs allowed manipulation of its viscometric and rheological properties which is of relevant importance in gluten-free bread development.     

Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals That Cyclooxygenase-2 Modulates Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Complex IV in Cardiomyocytes

The biochemical mechanisms of cell injury and myocardial cell death after myocardial infarction remain unresolved. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), a key enzyme in prostanoid synthesis, is expressed in human ischemic myocardium and dilated cardiomyopathy, but it is absent in healthy hearts. To assess the role of COX-2 in cardiovascular physiopathology, we developed transgenic mice that constitutively express functional human COX-2 in cardiomyocytes under the control of the α-myosin heavy chain promoter. These animals had no apparent phenotype but were protected against ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated hearts, with enhanced functional recovery and diminished cellular necrosis. To further explore the phenotype of this animal model, we carried out a differential proteome analysis of wild-type vs. transgenic cardiomyocytes. The results revealed a tissue-specific proteomic profile dominated by mitochondrial proteins. In particular, an increased expression of respiratory chain complex IV proteins was observed. This correlated with increased catalytic activity, enhanced respiratory capacity, and increased ATP levels in the heart of COX-2 transgenic mice. These data suggest a new link between COX-2 and mitochondria, which might contribute to the protective cardiac effects of COX-2 against ischemia-reperfusion injury.     

The new pyrochlores Pb2(M0 · 5Sb1 · 5)O6 · 5 (M = Al,Sc, Cr,Fe, Ga,Rh)

From mixtures of PbO, M₂O₃ (M = Al, Sc, Cr, Fe, Ga, Rh), and Sb₂O₃, the new oxides Pb₂(M_{0 · 5}Sb_{1 · 5})O_{6 · 5} have been obtained as coloured powders giving X-ray diffraction patterns typical of cubic pyrochlores, S.G. Fd3?m (No. 227), and $\text{a}\text{A}\text{?}$ values from 10.3964(1) (M = Al) to 10.5558(1) (M = Sc). The best R factors were obtained for Pb in 16(c) positions, M and Sb (1:3) randomly distributed in 16(d), oxygen in 48(f) and one half of the 8(a) sites, and $\text{x}$ values for the oxygen positional parameter (origin at center, 3?m) from 0.430 (M = Sc) to 0.436 (M = Al). Apparent interatomic distances compare with those calculated. The angles of the coordination polyhedra around the metals are reported for the compounds of Al and Sc. Seven-coordination of Pb(II) is accounted for by the non-bonded electron pair effect.     

Acute pain, analgesia and sedation in children (IV): analgesia and sedation in medical procedure and in emergency room

Clinicians are confronted with a complex challenge when a patient is admitted to a critical care unit (CCU) with a significant chest roentgenography (CXR) abnormality. The etiology of a new infiltrate seen on CXR in a patient already in the CCU is more difficult to establish, but is of equal concern.     

Toenail onychomycosis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome: treatment with terbinafine

The samples of blood freshly taken from healthy men were gamma-irradiated with a dose of 10 Gy. It was shown that after the treatment the blood gained the capacity to emit secondary biogenic radiation. Emission lasted for some hours, passed through quartz-glass cuvette and was revealed by stimulating influence on biological detector (sprouting seeds).