1H-NMR Spectroscopy as an Alternative Tool for the Detection of ��-ray Irradiated Meat

The effect of γ-ray irradiation on the fatty acid profile of chicken meat was examined at doses of 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 15.0 kGy by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectral results revealed a dose-dependent effect of irradiation on the fatty acid profile. A trend toward an increase in the amount of saturated fatty acids and a decrease in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the triacylglycerol composition of the irradiated meat samples compared with the non-irradiated one was established with increasing the irradiation dose. The trend of decreasing polyunsaturated fatty acyl groups was associated with a decrease in oxidative stability of meat fat after application of γ-ray irradiation.     

Development of the Technology of Magnetron Sputtering Deposition of LiPON Films and Investigation of Their Characteristics

The results of developing the technology of magnetron sputtering deposition of a LiPON solid electrolyte and an experimental investigation of its characteristics are presented. The basic processing operations and parameters providing the formation of films of the proper morphology, structure, and elemental and phase composition are described. The data of the measurement of the physical parameters of the films by cyclic voltammetry and potentiometry are represented.     

eWALL: An Open-Source Cloud-Based eHealth Platform for Creating Home Caring Environments for Older Adults Living with Chronic Diseases or Frailty

Independent living of older adults is one of the main challenges linked to the ageing population. Especially those living with diseases like COPD, MCI or frailty, need more support in everyday life and this is by itself a big societal challenge with impact in multiple sectors. In this paper we present eWALL, an innovative open-source eHealth platform that aims to address these challenges by means of an advanced cloud-based infrastructure. eWALL is designed in an innovative manner and achieved technical breakthroughs in eHealth platforms, while prioritizing user and market needs that are often abandoned and are the major reason for technically sound solutions that fail. We consider this as an opportunity and we aim to change the eHealth systems’ experience for older adults and break the barriers for the penetration of ICT solutions.     

Minicholecystectomy--the technical aspects

In current interventional medicine operations on the gallbladder and biliary tracts, performed by "mini" access are ever more widely used in practice. Cholecystectomy done through minilaparotomy is an attractive procedure with well established superiorities, irrespective of the enthusiasm for laparoscopic accomplishment of the interventions in this particular field of surgery. Approbation of the method initiates in the early 80-ies, and ever since then it marks a ceaseless improvement in technical respect. In this report reference is made to a number of technical hints, rendering the procedure safer and readily accessible in the routine surgical practice, as well as successfully competing with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Digitizing Human Behavior with Wireless Sensors in Biogas 2020 Technological Business Model Innovation Challenges

Wireless Personal Communications - The ability to develop innovative Business Models (BMs) with high speed and good Return of Investment has become the cornerstone for the competitiveness of many...     

Serum Concentrations of Endothelin-1 and Matrix Metalloproteinases-2, -9 in Pre-Hypertensive and Hypertensive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known to date. While its plasma or serum concentrations are elevated in some forms of experimental and human hypertension, this is not a consistent finding in all forms of hypertension. Matrix metalloproteinases -2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), which degrade collagen type IV of the vascular basement membrane, are responsible for vascular remodeling, inflammation, and atherosclerotic complications, including in type 2 diabetes (T2D). In our study, we compared concentrations of ET-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in pre-hypertensive (PHTN) and hypertensive (HTN) T2D patients with those of healthy normotensive controls (N). ET-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were measured by ELISA. Concentrations of ET-1 in PHTN and N were very similar, while those in HTN were significantly higher. Concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PHTN and HTN were also significantly higher compared to N. An interesting result in our study is that concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HTN were lower compared to PHTN. In conclusion, we showed that increased production of ET-1 in patients with T2D can lead to long-lasting increases in blood pressure (BP) and clinical manifestation of hypertension. We also demonstrated that increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive patients with T2D mainly reflect the early vascular changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover.     

Novel environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐ and 2‐hetaryl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinones

A novel environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐ or 2‐hetaryl‐4(3H)‐quinazolinones by condensation of anthranilamide with various aromatic aldehydes in polyethylene glycol under microwave irradiation has been developed. In contrast with other reported methods, this procedure provides the corresponding quinazolinones with good to high yields and purity, in very short reaction times and without the use of an oxidant.     

Traditional Rosa damascena flower harvesting practices evaluated through GC/MS metabolite profiling of flower volatiles

Industrial cultivation of Rosa damascena and rose oil production is a centuries-old industry based on well-established traditional hand-picking of rose flowers. Here the traditional rose harvesting practices were evaluated through GC/MS analysis of the volatile compounds accumulation in R. damascena flowers at eight different developmental stages, flower buds with arrested development and flowers collected at six daytime points related to flower picking. The accumulation of 80 out of 100 volatile compounds was significantly influenced by the stage of flower development while 62 out of 103 compounds were significantly influenced by the daytime period of flower collection. Principal component analysis showed close clustering of the flower developmental stages and daytime periods preferable for flower harvesting and production of high quality and quantity of rose oil. Taken together the obtained results provide further support to the currently applied traditional rose flower harvesting practices. The possible applications of more precise flower harvesting for fine modulation of rose oil composition and reduction levels of the unwanted compound methyl eugenol are discussed.