Sorption of propylene oxide by various commodities

Sorption of propylene oxide (PPO) by various commodities was studied at different concentrations during a 4-h exposure at 30 °C. A gas chromatograph was used to determine sorption of PPO applied at concentrations of 24, 49, 82 and 112 mg/l by 1±0.01 kg of narcissus bulbs, wheat, corn and cocoa beans in 2.64-l fumigation chambers. Results showed that for corn and cocoa beans the decrease in concentration during the first hour, that ranged from 40% to 76% of the initial concentration applied, was much greater than that for narcissus bulbs and wheat, which ranged from 25% to 41% of the initial concentration applied. PPO was initially taken up faster by corn and cocoa beans than by narcissus bulbs and wheat. The average sorption rate for each commodity increased with increasing initial concentration. The average sorption rate of PPO by corn and cocoa beans ranged from 14.9 to 48.6 ((mg/kg)/h) which was higher at each concentration than sorption by narcissus bulbs and wheat. In spite of the relatively high rates of sorption, the PPO residues among wheat, corn and cocoa beans immediately following a 4-h fumigation were well below the 300 ppm tolerance. These data show that PPO rapidly desorbed from the commodities under fumigation at 30 °C and at ambient atmospheric pressure.     

The G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER/GPR30) in Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumors

Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are thought to arise from cells of the ovarian follicle and comprise a rare entity of ovarian masses. We recently identified the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER/GPR30) to be present in granulosa cells, to be regulated by gonadotropins in epithelial ovarian cancer and to be differentially expressed throughout folliculogenesis. Thus, supposing a possible role of GPER in GCTs, this study aimed to analyze GPER in GCTs. GPER immunoreactivity in GCTs (n = 26; n (primary diagnosis) = 15, n (recurrence) = 11) was studied and correlated with the main clinicopathological variables. Positive GPER staining was identified in 53.8% (14/26) of GCTs and there was no significant relation of GPER with tumor size or lymph node status. Those cases presenting with strong GPER intensity at primary diagnosis showed a significant reduced overall survival (p = 0.002). Due to the fact that GPER is regulated by estrogens, as well as gonadotropins, GPER may also be affected by endocrine therapies applied to GCT patients. Moreover, with our data supposing GPER to be associated with GCT prognosis, GPER might be considered as a possible confounder when assessing the efficacy of hormone-based therapeutic approaches in GCTs.     

Magnetic Force Microscopy in Liquids

In this work, the use of magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to acquire images of magnetic nanostructures in liquid environments is presented. Optimization of the MFM signal acquisition in liquid media is performed and it is applied to characterize the magnetic signal of magnetite nanoparticles. The ability for detecting magnetic nanostructures along with the well‐known capabilities of atomic force microscopy in liquids suggests potential applications in fields such as nanomedicine, nanobiotechnology, or nanocatalysis.     

Radon index of a local administrative unit

The determination of radon-prone areas is usually based on indoor radon data and on the prognosis of the occurrence of houses exceeding the action level. However, the sample of houses in the survey must be representative and large enough, which is not easy to fulfill. Despite this, the determination of localities with high radon risk is useful not only for planning of indoor radon surveys, but also mainly for predicting the risk in newly built houses. There exist two more sources of data that can be used when assigning radon-related index to territories: soil gas radon measurements and gamma dose rate maps, both having their own inaccuracies. An attempt has been made to combine Czech indoor radon data, soil gas radon data and gamma dose rate maps for municipalities, where available. The radon-related index has been constructed by means of statistical analysis (linear regression). The equations found can be used for predicting the radon risk of the municipalities where the data sets are not large enough.     

The evolving food and nutrition agenda: policy and research priorities for the coming decade

Enormous progress has been made in the past 100 years in improving diet and nutritional status. However, the job is not done. This paper summarizes some of the current challenges and proposes priorities for future research and policy development. The nutrition agenda is more complex than it was 100 years ago. The world now faces undernutrition side-by-side with dietary excess and related chronic diseases. The complexity of modern nutrition necessitates using a systems approach to identifying effective policies and programs. There is a renewed interest in addressing the new nutrition agenda.     

Thermal, microstructural and textural characterisation of gelatinised corn, cassava and yam starch blends

The functional properties of mixtures of maize, cassava and yam starches and their relationships with microstructural characteristics were investigated. Experiments were performed following the simplex‐centroid design with internal points and restrictions (upper limit) for yam starch proportion. The statistical model used (Scheffé canonical equation) was a powerful tool to predict the pastes behaviour within the limits of the experimental area. Polynomials with second level interactions were applied to obtain the surface response. Viscoelastic attributes of mixtures differed from those of individual starches. As shown by differential scanning calorimetry and microscopical observations, physical properties of the mixtures depended on the type of networks obtained. These networks varied upon yam, corn and cassava starch proportions as each one has a particular characteristic: gelatinisation temperature, granule size, swelling capacity and amylose/amylopectin ratio among others.