Classification of feeding fats by FT‐IR spectroscopy

In this paper, a technique useful for the classification of different food oil co‐ and by‐products of potential use for feed preparation is shown. The proposal is based upon a Fourier transform infrared evaluation of different classes of compounds, and its elaboration was carried out starting from the knowledge of the chemical composition of each feedstock category. Using this technique, a sure classification of fatty acid calcium soaps, fully hydrogenated fatty acids, lecithins, acid oils from chemical refining, acid oils from physical refining and fish oils can be easily done. The remaining categories of animal fats, fried oils and oils recovered from exhausted bleaching earth can be differentiated by using one or two additional chemical tests. The scope of this paper is to provide a quick, easy and non‐expensive tool for a correct classification of feedstock, in order to allow the choice of correct and applicable analytical tests for the evaluation of the quality and of the composition of each sample.     

Terital MAP--一种新的抗起球聚酯纤维

本文阐述了织物起球的机理和测试方法，介绍了纤维抗起球的途径以及一种新的抗起球聚酯纤维。     

Metabolic Syndrome and Male Fertility: Beyond Heart Consequences of a Complex Cardiometabolic Endocrinopathy

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a highly prevalent condition among adult males, affecting up to 41% of men in Europe. It is characterized by the association of obesity, hypertension, and atherogenic dyslipidemia, which lead to premature morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Male infertility is another common condition which accounts for about 50% of cases of couple infertility worldwide. Interestingly, male infertility and MetS shares several risk factors (e.g., smoking, ageing, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption), leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and increased oxidative stress (OS), and resulting in endothelial dysfunction and altered semen quality. Thus, the present narrative review aims to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms which link male infertility and MetS and to investigate the latest available evidence on the reproductive consequences of MetS.     

Overexpression of miR-375 and L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1 in Pheochromocytoma and Their Molecular and Functional Implications

Pheochromocytoma (Pheo) is a tumor derived from chromaffin cells. It can be studied using 18F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)—positron emission tomography (PET) due to its overexpression of L-type amino acid transporters (LAT1 and LAT2). The oncogenic pathways involved are still poorly understood. This study examined the relationship between ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET uptake and LAT1 expression, and we explored the role of miR-375 and putative target genes. A consecutive series of 58 Pheo patients were retrospectively analyzed, performing ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET in 32/58 patients. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of LAT1, LAT2, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), miR-375, and the major components of the Hippo and Wingless/Integrated pathways. Principal germline mutations associated with hereditary Pheo were also studied. Pheo tissues had significantly higher LAT1, LAT2, and PNMT mRNA levels than normal adrenal tissues. MiR-375 was strongly overexpressed. Yes-associated protein 1 and tankyrase 1 were upregulated, while beta-catenin, axin2, monocarboxylate transporter 8, and Frizzled 8 were downregulated. A positive relationship was found between ¹⁸F-DOPA-PET SUV mean and LAT1 gene expression and for 24 h-urinary norepinephrine and LAT1. This is the first experimental evidence of ¹⁸F-DOPA uptake correlating with LAT1 overexpression. We also demonstrated miR-375 overexpression and downregulated (Wnt) signaling and identified the Hippo pathway as a new potentially oncogenic feature of Pheo.     

Iron-binding ability of melanoidins from food and model systems

Soluble high molecular weight fractions isolated from the development of the Maillard reaction in 22 different model systems and food matrices were studied in order to assess their iron-chelating ability in vitro. Melanoidins and iron were incubated in a Na-acetate buffer (0.1 M, pH 5) at different weight ratios and free iron was measured by FAAS and the bathophenantroline procedure at the steady state. Melanoidins were classified at three levels according to their number of co-ordination sites for iron. Melanoidins from coffee (medium roasted), different types of beer (Pilsener, Abbeys, and dry-stout styles), and sweet wine (Pedro Ximenez) exerted a low iron-binding effect compared with melanoidins from model systems. The type of sugar was shown to be a significant parameter for obtaining melanoidins with high iron ability, and glucose was more efficient than lactose. No relationship was observed between browning and iron binding ability of melanoidins from model systems. The chromophoric residues were not the main co-ordination sites for iron complexation in the melanoidin structure.     

Nonverbal indices of arousal in group psychotherapy.

Examined psychometric properties of a nonverbal measure of arousal in psychotherapy (J. K. Burgoon et al, 1989) used with depressed clients in 2 types of group psychotherapy: experiential (n?=?18) and cognitive (n?=?13). Results indicate that both general and specific aspects of emotional arousal can be reliably rated from nonverbal behaviors. Vocalic tension, nervous vocalizations and laughter, kinesic random movement, and vocal expressiveness were associated with higher global arousal. A 2nd study looked at the relationship between nonverbal arousal and within-session benefits in the 2 group psychotherapies. A depressed S experiencing positive response to therapy and one experiencing a poor response were studied from each type of therapy. Different patterns of arousal characterized the different group therapy modalities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hyperhomocysteinemia: Focus on Endothelial Damage as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to maintain and/or achieve a satisfactory erection. This condition can be influenced by the presence of atherosclerosis, a systemic pathology of the vessels that also affects the cavernous arteries and which can cause an alteration of blood flow at penile level. Among the cardiovascular risk factors affecting the genesis of atherosclerosis, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcys) plays a central role, which is associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. This review focuses on the biological processes that lead to homocysteine-induced endothelial damage and discusses the consequences of HHcys on male sexual function