Mannooligosaccharide production from açaí seeds by enzymatic hydrolysis: optimization through response surface methodology.

Recognized for its bioactive compounds, açaí has become a functional food, but it has a low pulp yield, and the seeds are the main waste. This study investigates the potential of açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) to produce mannooligosaccharides (MOS) through enzymatic hydrolysis.

Life cycle inventory data for banana-fiber-based biocomposite lids.

This data article is related to the research article "Comparative life cycle assessment of coffee jar lids made from biocomposites containing poly (lactic acid) and banana fiber". The article reports the model parameters used to construct each stage and unit process inventory of the life cycle of coffee jar lids, and the subsequent inventories of the investigated system. It also contains details of calculations and descriptions of inventory uncertainties.

Comparative life cycle assessment of coffee jar lids made from biocomposites containing poly(lactic acid) and banana fiber.

Composites containing bio-based materials, like banana fiber and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), are potential food-packaging materials. We carried out an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of coffee jar lids made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), PLA, and banana fiber to assess their environmental performance. We considered differences in the type of blend (content of PLA and banana fiber in the composite), origin of the banana fiber feedstock (considered as either biowaste or as a co-product from banana production) and banana fiber pretreatment conditions (either no pretreatment or pretreatment using chemicals).

A literature review on life cycle tools fostering holistic sustainability assessment: An application in biocomposite materials.

Sustainability of products and services has become a compulsory requirement and an essential requirement for organizations, governments, markets and society in general. Among the various ways of measuring sustainability that have been developed, those based on life cycle thinking provide one of the frameworks for assessing the potential impacts of products and services. However, despite sustainability of triple bottom line parameters (ecological, financial and social), the life cycle assessment is the most mature and prominent available tool.

Evaluation of Some Ingredients and Energy Content on Front-of-Pack Cereal Bar Labeling as Drivers of Choice and Perception of Healthiness: A Case Study with Exercisers.

The objective of this study was to explore the drivers of choice and perceptions of healthiness that specific ingredient or energy content information displayed on the front-of-pack label of cereal bars triggers among different groups of consumers. The participants (18 to 50 years old), classified as exercisers (n = 103, 52 women) or nonexercisers (n = 101, 51 women), completed a questionnaire and then rated their interest using images of cereal bars that varied in four characteristics ("With fruit," "With chocolate," "High protein," and calorie content). Conjoint analysis showed that the most important motives were associated with the convenience, pleasure/indulgence and liking dimensions, which did not differ between groups.

Encapsulation of antioxidant phenolic compounds extracted from spent coffee grounds by freeze-drying and spray-drying using different coating materials.

Freeze-drying and spray-drying techniques were evaluated for encapsulation of phenolic compounds (PC) extracted from spent coffee grounds. Additionally, the use of maltodextrin, gum arabic and a mixture of these components (ratio 1:1) as wall material to retain the PC and preserve their antioxidant activity was also assessed. The contents of PC and flavonoids (FLA), as well as the antioxidant activity of the encapsulated samples were determined in order to verify the efficiency of each studied condition.

Full Expression of Cardiomyopathy Is Partly Dependent on B-Cells: A Pathway That Involves Cytokine Activation, Immunoglobulin Deposition, and Activation of Apoptosis.

Background: Limited information exists on the role of B-cell-dependent mechanisms in the progression of heart failure (HF). However, in failing human myocardium, there is evidence of deposition of activated complement components as well as anticardiac antibodies. We aimed to determine the contribution of B-cells in HF progression using a nonsurgical mouse model of nonischemic cardiomyopathy (CMP).

Chemical and sensory comparison of fresh and dried lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.) fruit aroma.

The odour-active volatile compounds of lulo fruit (Solanum quitoense Lam.) were isolated by solvent extraction followed by solvent-assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE). GC-O and GCMS analyses as well as quantitation by internal standard method showed that (Z)-3-hexenal, ethyl butanoate, 3-sulphanylhexyl acetate, and ethyl hexanoate were key aroma compounds in this fruit.

Atrial arrhythmias after lung transplant: underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and prognosis.

Background: Atrial arrhythmias (AAs) early after lung transplant are frequent and have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. However, the pathogenesis of AAs after lung transplant remains incompletely understood. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and other AAs, as well as risk factors, clinical outcomes and possible underlying mechanisms associated with AAs after lung transplant.

Percutaneous placement of an intra-aortic balloon pump in the left axillary/subclavian position provides safe, ambulatory long-term support as bridge to heart transplantation.

Objectives: This study evaluated the feasibility, tolerability, and efficacy of a strategy for percutaneous intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement through the left axillary-subclavian artery to provide mechanical circulatory support in patients with end-stage heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation.

Background: The transfemoral approach to IABP placement is associated with major disadvantages, including the risk for infection and limitation of patient mobility in those requiring extended support.

Methods: We developed a percutaneous technique for placing IABPs in the left axillary artery that permits upright sitting and ambulation.

A case series of reversible acute cardiomyopathy associated with H1N1 influenza infection.

Cardiomyopathy refers to nonspecific myocardial dysfunction that may be due to a variety of causes. Viral illnesses have long been known to cause cardiomyopathy, and the list of viral causes is extensive. Influenza infection is a rare cause of myocarditis.

Growth, fruiting and lignocellulolytic enzyme production by the edible mushroom Grifola frondosa (maitake).

Cultivation of specialty mushrooms on lignocellulosic wastes represents one of the most economical organic recycling processes. Compared with other cultivated mushrooms, very little is known about the nature of the lignocellulolytic enzymes produced by the edible and medicinal fungus Grifola frondosa, the parameters affecting their production, and enzyme activity profiles during different stages of the developmental cycle. In this work we investigated the enzymes that enable G.

Usefulness of routine surveillance endomyocardial biopsy 6 months after heart transplantation.

Background: Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains the gold standard for detecting rejection episodes in orthotopic heart transplant (OTH) patients. Follow-up protocols vary widely between transplant centers. At our center, we have implemented a conservative strategy protocol and here we report our outcomes.

Cellular evidence of reverse cardiac remodeling induced by cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) induce reverse cardiac remodeling by reducing myocyte size and collagen deposition. On the other hand, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) induces reverse cardiac remodeling by improving electromechanical synchronization. The clinical and structural changes produced by CRT in failing myocardium are known, but whether these changes are accompanied by reverse cellular remodeling is unknown.

Therapeutic plasma exchange a potential strategy for patients with advanced heart failure.

Background: Previous reports had emphasized the importance of humoral immunity in heart failure in humans, primarily determined by the presence of circulating antibodies. However, there is little or no information about the frequency of anticardiac antibodies present in failing human myocardium.

Methods: Clinical data and myocardial tissue samples were analyzed to determine the role of humoral immunity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in different SETTINGS.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan membranes by using a combined freeze gelation and mild crosslinking method.

When gelification is performed by freezing-thawing repeated cycles, the resultant gel-like polymer systems are called cryogels. This work aims to assess the effect of the addition of glutaraldehyde and 18 Crown Ether-6 on surface properties and protein loading of dried chitosan cryogel films. Residual water content of treated chitosan membranes ranged between 11.

[Cloacal and nasal bacterial flora of Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) from the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica].

Cloacal and nasal bacterial flora of Lepidochelys olivacea (Testudines: Cheloniidae) from the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The aerobic cloacal and nasal bacterial flora of 45 apparently healthy female olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) was studied at Nancite nesting beach, in Santa Rosa National Park (Costa Rican North Pacific) during July and August 2002. Bacterial samples were obtained by inserting sterile swabs directly into the cloaca and the nasal cavities of the turtles.

Cytokines and acute heart failure.

In patients with chronic heart failure, ongoing myocardial injury partially results from activation of the inflammatory system, with production and release of proinflammatory cytokines, activation of the complement system, production of autoantibodies, overexpression of major histocompatibility complex molecules, and expression of adhesion molecules that may perpetuate the inflammatory state. Acute decompensated heart failure modifies the course of chronic heart failure and worsens outcomes via a combination of potential mechanisms, including neurohormonal activation, apoptosis, and the inflammatory cascade. Proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, play a pathogenetic role in chronic heart failure, and anti-inflammatory immune therapy is currently under investigation.