The Laparoscopy in Biliary Exploration Research and Training Initiative (LIBERTI) trial: simulator-based training for laparoscopic management of choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is equivalent in safety and efficacy to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plus laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while decreasing number of procedures and length of stay (LOS). Despite these advantages LCBDE is infrequently utilized. We hypothesized that formal, simulation-based training in LCBDE would result in increased utilization and improve patient outcomes across participating institutions. METHODS: Data was obtained from an on-going multi-center study in which simulator-based transcystic LCBDE training curricula were instituted for attending surgeons and residents. A 2-year retrospective review of LCBDE utilization prior to LCBDE training was compared to utilization up to 2 years after initiation of training. Patient outcomes were analyzed between LCBDE strategy and ERCP strategy groups using χ2, t tests, and Wilcoxon rank tests. RESULTS: A total of 50 attendings and 70 residents trained in LCBDE since November 2020. Initial LCBDE utilization rate ranged from 0.74 to 4.5%, and increased among all institutions after training, ranging from 9.3 to 41.4% of cases. There were 393 choledocholithiasis patients analyzed using LCBDE (N = 129) and ERCP (N = 264) strategies. The LCBDE group had shorter median LOS (3 days vs. 4 days, p < 0.0001). No significant differences in readmission rates between LCBDE and ERCP groups (4.7% vs. 7.2%, p = 0.33), or in post-procedure pancreatitis (0.8% v 0.8%, p > 0.98). In comparison to LCBDE, the ERCP group had higher rates of bile duct injury (0% v 3.8%, p = 0.034) and fluid collections requiring intervention (0.8% v 6.8%, p < 0.009) secondary to cholecystectomy complications. Laparoscopic antegrade balloon sphincteroplasty had the highest technical success rate (87%), followed by choledochoscopic techniques (64%). CONCLUSION: Simulator-based training in LCBDE results in higher utilization rates, shorter LOS, and comparable safety to ERCP plus cholecystectomy. Therefore, implementation of LCBDE training is strongly recommended to optimize healthcare utilization and management of patients with choledocholithiasis.

Pattern of anuran infection by acanthocephalans from the Cerrado, Northeastern Brazil with a summary for South America.

In Brazil, acanthocephalans parasitise anurans in several biomes. In the present study, we performed an analysis of acanthocephalan infections across 175 anuran individuals from the Cerrado biome, belonging to ten species: Boana raniceps, Pithecopus hypochondrialis, Scinax fuscomarginatus, Scinax x-signatus, Leptodactylus pustulatus, Leptodactylus macrosternum, Leptodactylus vastus, Physalaemus cuvieri, Adenomera hylaedactyla, and Elachistocleis piauiensis. We also verified the specificity of the parasites using the STD* index. Additionally, we conducted a survey of acanthocephalan infection in anurans in South America. The studied assemblage in the Brazilian Cerrado presented 57 parasitised hosts of 175 specimens (overall prevalence: 32.6%). In total, 437 acanthocephalans cystacanths were recorded, among which 286 presented the same morphotype but could not be identified, 148 belonged to the genus Centrorhynchus, and three belonged to Oncicola. Unidentified acanthocephalans had a higher prevalence in L. vastus (53.85%) and the highest intensity was in L. pustulatus (17±16). The highest prevalence of Centrorhynchus sp. was in the species S. fuscomarginatus (28.57%), while the highest intensity was observed in L. vastus (111). The taxon Oncicola sp. it had a prevalence of 3.23% and an intensity of 3 only in S. x-signatus. The highest specificity was recorded for Oncicola sp. (STD*= 1), whereas the lowest was found in Centrorhynchus sp. (STD*= 2.21). Finally, according to the survey for South America, we found ten records of acanthocephalan taxa parasitizing 58 species of anurans distributed in seven countries (Brazil with the most records).

Associations and discrepancies between global self-ratings of oral health and general health: a Bayesian approach.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the discrepancies between global ratings of oral health and general health and investigate the factors associated with self-rated oral health (SROH) and self-rated general health (SRGH). METHODS: Data were collected from 502 participants aged 18 to 81 years. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported conditions. Global self-ratings of oral health and general health were the main outcomes. Discrepancies between self-ratings of oral health and general health were stratified by independent variables. Bayesian ordinal logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the posterior distributions of parameters and 95% credible intervals (95% CrI). RESULTS: The proportion of participants who rated their oral health worse than general health was 28.6% (95% CrI: 24.7-32.3). Negative discrepancies between SROH and SRGH were associated with being men, reporting gingivitis, and lower income. Sex (95% CrI: 1.12-2.25) impacted only on SRGH. Income (SROH - 95% CrI: 1.52-6.40; SRGH - 95% CrI: 1.08-4.56), tertiary education (SROH - 95% CrI: 1.13-2.53; SRGH - 95% CrI: 1.01-2.32), self-reported missing teeth (SROH - 95% CrI: 1.57-3.46; SRGH - 95% CrI: 2.21-4.92), self-reported gingivitis (SROH - 95% CrI: 1.10-2.40; SRGH - 95% CrI: 1.71-3.82), and self-reported chronic health problem (SROH - 95% CrI: 1.38-3.08; SRGH - 95% CrI: 1.61-3.59) impacted on both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial discrepancies between self-rated oral health and self-rated general health were found and were associated with being male, reporting gingivitis, and having lower income.

Dyadic Adjustment and Sexual Satisfaction in HPV Diagnosed Portuguese Women: A Longitudinal Study.

This study examined the relationship between dyadic adjustment and sexual satisfaction, in Portuguese women diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV), using a 1-year longitudinal design. Women were assessed at the beginning of the study (N = 209), six months after (N = 178) and twelve months later (N = 105). A better dyadic adjustment predicted more sexual satisfaction but the inverse was not observed. Younger women (< 40 years) showed greater difficulties in dyadic adjustment, while older women (> 40 years) reported lower sexual satisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of intervening with couples, using different intervention programs according to women's age.

Developmental programming: intrauterine caloric restriction promotes upregulation of mitochondrial sirtuin with mild effects on oxidative parameters in the ovaries and testes of offspring.

According to the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, changes in the maternal environment are known to reprogram the metabolic response of offspring. Known for its redox modulation, caloric restriction extends the lifespan of some species, which contributes to diminished cellular damage. Little is known about the effects of gestational caloric restriction, in terms of antioxidant parameters and molecular mechanisms of action, on the reproductive organs of offspring. This study assessed the effects of moderate (20%) caloric restriction on redox status parameters, molecular expression of sirtuin (SIRT) 1 and SIRT3 and histopathological markers in the ovaries and testes of adult rats that were subjected to gestational caloric restriction. Although enzyme activity was increased, ovaries from female pups contained high levels of oxidants, whereas testes from male pups had decreased antioxidant enzyme defences, as evidenced by diminished glyoxalase I activity and reduced glutathione content. Expression of SIRT3, a deacetylase enzyme related to cellular bioenergetics, was increased in both ovaries and testes. Previous studies have suggested that, in ovaries, diminished antioxidant metabolism can lead to premature ovarian failure. Unfortunately, there is little information regarding the redox profile in the testis. This study is the first to assess the redox network in both ovaries and testes, suggesting that, although intrauterine caloric restriction improves molecular mechanisms, it has a negative effect on the antioxidant network and redox status of reproductive organs of young adult rats.

Structural and thermodynamic properties of hard-sphere fluids.

This Perspective article provides an overview of some of our analytical approaches to the computation of the structural and thermodynamic properties of single-component and multicomponent hard-sphere fluids. For the structural properties, they yield a thermodynamically consistent formulation, thus improving and extending the known analytical results of the Percus-Yevick theory. Approximate expressions linking the equation of state of the single-component fluid to the one of the multicomponent mixtures are also discussed.

Reciprocal interactions between sodium appetite and need-free sugar intake.

Behavioral sensitization occurs during sodium appetite (expressed as sodium intake to compensate for depleted sodium) and need-free sodium intake (expressed as daily overnight sodium intake in excess of dietary sodium need). Previously, we found that a slow-onset sodium appetite protocol cross-sensitized need-free sucrose intake in sucrose-naïve adult rats. That is, a history of sodium depletion elevated later sucrose intake. The objective of the present work was, first, to investigate whether a protocol that evokes a rapid-onset (within 2 h) sodium appetite using furosemide along with a low dose captopril (Furo/Cap), also cross-sensitizes sucrose intake. Then, we investigated whether 1) sensitization of need-free 0.3 M NaCl intake interacts with need-free sucrose intake, and 2) MK-801, a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist, inhibits cross-sensitization of sucrose intake. Groups received 3-4 Furo/Cap or vehicle treatments with 48/72-h intervals. We investigated sucrose intake in hydrated and fed conditions for 2 h/day for 5 days, starting 6-10 days after the last Furo/Cap treatment. Episodes of Furo/Cap sensitized need-free sodium intake, as expected. Similar to our prior work, the rapid-onset Furo/Cap protocol cross-sensitized sucrose intake in sucrose-naïve rats and had no persistent effect on blood biochemistry. MK-801 treatment along with Furo/Cap injections appeared to prevent cross-sensitization of sucrose consumption. Sucrose intake tests unexpectedly reduced sensitized need-free sodium intake. However, MK-801 treatment allowed a rebound in need-free sodium intake subsequent to the last sucrose intake test. The results suggest that plasticity in glutamatergic mechanisms mediate inverse and reciprocal interactions between the production of sodium appetite and sucrose intake.

Slow Acceptance of Universal Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Among Mothers Enrolled in IMPAACT PROMISE Studies Across the Globe.

The PROMISE trial enrolled asymptomatic HIV-infected pregnant and postpartum women not eligible for antiretroviral treatment (ART) per local guidelines and randomly assigned proven antiretroviral strategies to assess relative efficacy for perinatal prevention plus maternal/infant safety and maternal health. The START study subsequently demonstrated clear benefit in initiating ART regardless of CD4 count. Active PROMISE participants were informed of results and women not receiving ART were strongly recommended to immediately initiate treatment to optimize their own health. We recorded their decision and the primary reason given for accepting or rejecting the universal ART offer after receiving the START information. One-third of participants did not initiate ART after the initial session, wanting more time to consider. Six sessions were required to attain 95% uptake. The slow uptake of universal ART highlights the need to prepare individuals and sensitize communities regarding the personal and population benefits of the "Treat All" strategy.

Prediction of effects of dairy selection indexes on methane emissions.

Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions is a threat to the survival of humans and other organisms living on Earth. The greenhouse gases released from the dairy sector of New Zealand accounted for 18.2 Mt of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) in 2016, mainly from methane generated by enteric fermentation in the rumen of milking cows and their replacement stock. A productivity commission established by the New Zealand government in 2018 estimated that methane emissions from livestock needed to be reduced from 2016 levels by 10 to 22% by 2050 (i.e., 2.8 to 6.1 million t lower), so as to restrict future increases in global temperature to less than 2°C. In this study, we evaluated genetic effects of 8 traits included in the New Zealand national dairy breeding objective, on 3 types of methane emissions metrics: gross methane emissions per dairy cow per year (E), methane emissions per hectare (EH), and methane emissions intensity per milk protein equivalents (EI), as carbon dioxide equivalents. These effects were then aligned with recent genetic changes in these traits brought about by breeding schemes, so that the overall genetic trend for each metric into the future was estimated. The results showed that EH and EI are currently being reduced at rates of -2.31 kg of CO2-eq per hectare per cow per year (current average is 6,915 kg of CO2-eq/ha per cow per year) and -0.04 kg of CO2-eq per kg of milk protein equivalents per cow per year, respectively (current average is 9.7 kg of CO2-eq/milk protein-eq per cow per year). These improvements directly reflect increased production efficiency through selection for farm profitability. If the pastureland area in New Zealand remains the same, at the same productivity and with no increase in supplementation rates from external land sources, in 20 years gross emissions would be reduced by only 0.6%, or 89 Mt. Increased production efficiency will likely result in corresponding changes to the stocking rate, to fully utilize the pasture resource available, and might further encourage a greater rate of intensification via supplementary feeding. Both consequences of current genetic selection could negate any benefits for the national greenhouse gas inventory. New selection criteria for reduced methane production are needed to help achieve New Zealand's national methane reduction targets.

Influence of pretreatments on oil absorption of plantain and cassava chips.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of pretreatments of CaCl2 and osmotic dehydration (OD) on oil absorption in plantain and cassava chips. Plantain and cassava slices (1 mm thickness and 35 mm diameter) were prepared. Pretreatment with and without 5% CaCl2 solution before applying OD with sucrose solutions at 30 and 45%, and NaCl at 3 and 6% in a product/solution ratio of 1:25, at 40 °C were employed. OD kinetics and diffusivity were estimated by Page's model and Fick's law, respectively. Best OD treatments for plantain chips were 45% sucrose with CaCl2 and 6% NaCl without CaCl2. However, for cassava chips, the best OD treatments were 45% sucrose without CaCl2 and 3% NaCl with CaCl2. Page's model predicted the OD experimental results with an R2 = 0.94-0.97. Effective diffusivity of water (EDW) and effective diffusivity of solids (EDS) for osmo-dehydrated cassava samples, with and without CaCl2, decreased as the concentration of the osmotic solutions was increased. However, in general, the inverse effect was obtained for plantain samples for EDW and EDS. Use of CaCl2 when applying OD reduced EDW and EDS in plantain and cassava chips. In general, it was observed that when increasing the concentration of the osmotic solution, oil absorption capacity decreased. Treatments that showed the lowest oil absorption were 45% sucrose OD in plantain chips pretreated with CaCl2 (11.49%) and fresh cassava chips with 45% sucrose OD (10.72%). The results and effectiveness will depend on food, process conditions and type of osmotic agent.

Biomedical applications of glyconanoparticles based on quantum dots.

BACKGROUND: Quantum dots (QDs) are outstanding nanomaterials of great interest to life sciences. Their conjugation versatility added to unique optical properties, highlight these nanocrystals as very promising fluorescent probes. Among uncountable new nanosystems, in the last years, QDs conjugated to glycans or lectins have aroused a growing attention and their application as a tool to study biological and functional properties has increased. SCOPE OF REVIEW: This review describes the strategies, reported in the literature, to conjugate QDs to lectins or carbohydrates, providing valuable information for the elaboration, improvement, and application of these nanoconjugates. It also presents the main applications of these nanosystems in glycobiology, such as their potential to study microorganisms, the development of diseases such as cancer, as well as to develop biosensors. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: The development of glyconanoparticles based on QDs emerged in the last decade. Many works reporting the conjugation of QDs with carbohydrates and lectins have been published, using different strategies and reagents. These bioconjugates enabled studies that are very sensitive and specific, with potential to detect and elucidate the glycocode expressed in various normal or pathologic conditions. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Produce a quick reference source over the main advances reached in the glyconanotechnology using QDs as fluorescent probes.

Association study of functional polymorphisms of dopaminergic pathway in epilepsy-related factors of temporal lobe epilepsy in Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are few data about the role of neurotransmission modulated by dopamine in epilepsy, especially temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This is the first study that aimed to analyze the dopaminergic polymorphisms in an etiologically homogeneous group of patients with TLE with hippocampal sclerosis. Selected polymorphisms were: (i) the most expressed D2-like receptors in the limbic system (DRD2/ANKK1 TAQ-1A, D4_VNTR and D4_rs1800955); (ii) the dopamine transporter (DAT) 3'-untranslated region and intron 8; and (iii) two degrading enzymes regulating the synaptic activity, i.e. the main metabolizer of dopamine, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase A. METHODS: We assessed 119 patients with unequivocal TLE with hippocampal sclerosis and 112 healthy volunteers. Individuals were genotyped for the polymorphisms of the gene encoding dopaminergic pathway transporter DAT haplotype, dopaminergic receptors, catechol-O-methyltransferase and monoamine oxidase A. We also evaluated epilepsy-related factors (e.g. seizure frequency, age of onset, duration and status epilepticus). RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups for the studied polymorphisms. The polymorphism DRD4_VNTR was associated with family history of epilepsy (P = 0.003), DRD2_rs1800497 was related to status epilepticus (P = 0.022), and intron 8 VNTR DAT was related to higher seizure frequency (P = 0.019) and family history of epilepsy (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that polymorphisms of the dopaminergic pathway are associated with significant clinical features of this form of epilepsy, such as seizure frequency, family history of epilepsy and status epilepticus.

Photodynamic effect of zinc porphyrin on the promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease present in more than 88 countries. The currently adopted chemotherapy faces challenges related to side effects and the development of resistance. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is emerging as a therapeutic modality for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Zn(ii) meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (ZnTE-2-PyP4+, ZnP) is a cationic, water-soluble, zinc porphyrin-based photosensitizer whose photodynamic effect on Leishmania braziliensis was analyzed by evaluating the number of visibly undamaged and motile cells, cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ultrastructural damage. Treatment of parasites with ZnP and light induced damage in up to 90% of L. braziliensis promastigote cells. Propidium iodide labeling suggested the loss of plasma membrane integrity. In samples treated with ZnP and light, a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential was also observed. Ultrastructural evaluation of promastigotes after photodynamic treatment indicated a loss of cytoplasmic material and the presence of vacuoles. Scanning electron microscopy showed wrinkling of the plasma membrane and a reduced cell volume. Additionally, the number of amastigotes per macrophage was reduced by about 40% after photodynamic application. The treatment showed no considerable toxicity against mammalian cells. Therefore, the results indicated that PDT associated with ZnTE-2-PyP4+ represents a promising alternative to cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment.

Biomass sorghum as a novel substrate in solid-state fermentation for the production of hemicellulases and cellulases by Aspergillus niger and A. fumigatus.

AIMS: We investigated the role of carbon and nitrogen sources in the production of cellulase and hemicellulase by Aspergillus strains. METHODS AND RESULTS: The strains Aspergillus niger SCBM1 and Aspergillus fumigatus SCBM6 were cultivated under solid-state fermentation (SSF), with biomass sorghum (BS) and wheat bran (WB) as lignocellulosic substrates, in different proportions, along with variable nitrogen sources. The best SSF condition for the induction of such enzymes was observed employing A. niger SCBM1 in BS supplemented with peptone; maximum production levels were achieved as follows: 72 h of fermentation for xylanase and exoglucanase (300·07 and 30·64 U g-1 respectively), 120 h for ß-glucosidase and endoglucanase (54·90 and 41·47 U g-1 respectively) and 144 h for ß-xylosidase (64·88 U g-1 ). CONCLUSIONS: This work demonstrated the viability of the use of BS for the production of hemi- and cellulolytic enzymes; the high concentration of celluloses in BS could be associated with the significant production of cellulases, mainly exoglucanase. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study which presents the promising use of biomass sorghum (genetically modified sorghum to increase its biomass content) as an alternative carbon source for the production of enzymes by SSF.

Molecular identification and physiological characterization of Zymomonas mobilis strains from fuel-ethanol production plants in north-east Brazil.

Zymomonas mobilis has long attracted attention owing to its capacity to ferment hexose to ethanol. From a taxonomic viewpoint, Z. mobilis is a unique species of the genus Zymomonas, separated into three subspecies, Z. mobilis subsp. mobilis, Z. mobilis subsp. pomaceae and Z. mobilis subsp. francensis on the basis of physiological tests, which are often unreliable owing to the genetic proximity among these species. Currently, the use of molecular techniques is more appropriate for identification of these bacterial subspecies. In this study, the 32 strains of Z. mobilis present in the UFPEDA bacterial collection were characterized using molecular techniques, such as sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene and its theoretical restriction profile, classifying them as members of the subspecies, Z. mobilis subsp. mobilis. In addition, anaerobic cultivations were performed, which showed the biological diversity of the strains in terms of growth, sugar consumption and ethanol production. From these results, it was possible to identify the strain Z-2-80 as a promising bacterium for use in the fermentation process. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Zymomonas mobilis is a bacterium of great relevance to biotechnology, owing to its capacity to ferment hexose to ethanol. On a molecular basis, 32 isolates were identified as Z. mobilis subsp. mobilis. However, intraspecific diversity was identified when these were grown under strictly anaerobic conditions. The results obtained from this study suggest a strain of Z. mobilis as an alternative for use in the fermentation process.

Assessment of the genetic and economic impact of performance recording and genotyping in Australian commercial sheep operations.

With the new opportunities from DNA technology, multitier breeding schemes have the potential to become more effective and more integrated. Integrated breeding schemes can also be better adapted to account for potential genotype by environment interactions (G × E) between tiers. In this case, phenotypic and genotype information from lower tiers becomes more valuable as it involves measurement of traits that directly represent the breeding objective. The objective of this study was to compare scenarios that represented different selection strategies and their economic effectiveness in fine-wool commercial sheep operations that exploit multitier breeding structures. Genomic selection (GS) applied in the multiplier and the commercial tier presented the largest additional revenue among all scenarios, as it resulted in the largest amount of genetic progress. The largest benefits from GS were outweighed by the genotyping costs, which made DNA parentage the most feasible strategy for the multiplier tier, resulting in the highest cumulative net present value (CNPV). The benefits of phenotypes and genotype information from the commercial environment were larger in the presence of G × E between the nucleus and the commercial tier. The CNPV was larger with a 50% reduction in genotyping costs, which increased the returns of GS scenarios by 2.7-fold on average. Higher selection intensity when selecting multiplier rams also resulted in larger benefits. In this case, returns for the breeding scheme were 3.5-fold higher when 33% of multiplier males were selected based on commercial information, compared to scenarios selecting 50% of the available multiplier rams. The benefits of collecting commercial phenotypes and genotypes were long term, which means that return on investment often took more than 10 years to be achieved, and were largely dependent on two-stage selection to reduce cost while maintaining selection efficiency and on the cost of a genotype test.

Effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the physical quality of plantain (Musa ssp., group AAB) employing airflow reversal drying.

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of enzymatic pretreatment on the color and texture of plantain (Musa ssp., group AAB) dried by airflow reversal drying. Plantain slices 1.0 cm thick were used. Pretreatment with two commercial enzymes, Pectinex Ultra SPL (Aspergillus aculeatus) and Pectinex 3XL (Aspergillus niger), was performed. Drying kinetics were determined with and without pretreatment at temperatures of 50, 65 and 80 °C using a fixed bed convective dryer. An air speed of 6 m/s, a bed height of 5 cm and either unidirectional flow or airflow reversal (every 15 min) were used for drying. Color and texture were analyzed, and consumer acceptance of the results of the best treatments was determined. Pretreatment with the enzyme A. niger and airflow reversal gave the best drying kinetics and showed the greatest reduction in drying time (59.0%) at 80 °C. The best hardness results were found at 80 °C with A. niger enzymatic pretreatment with both types of air flow. Brightness and hue angle showed that samples pretreated with enzymes and dried at 65 °C had a lighter yellow color compared to non-pretreated samples. Plantain samples enzymatically pretreated and dried at 65 and 80 °C were the most accepted by consumers. This kind of enzymatic pretreatment on plantain could allow the conservation of some physical properties and reduction of drying times relative to the current methodology.

Optimization and characterization of an extruded snack based on taro flour (Colocasia esculenta L.) enriched with mango pulp (Mangifera indica L.).

The aim of this study was to optimize and characterize an extruded snack made with taro flour and mango pulp. A central experimental design composed of the following three variables was used: mango pulp proportion (MPP = 0-10 g/100 g) in taro flour, feed moisture content (FMC = 16-30 g/100 g) and extrusion temperature (zone 4 of extruder) (T = 80-150 °C) using a single-screw extruder with a compression screw ratio of 3:1. Increasing FMC values decreased the torque, pressure, specific mechanical energy (SME), expansion index (EI), water solubility index and pH values and increased the residence time, bulk density (BD), hardness and total colour difference. Increasing T values led to a decrease in the torque, pressure, BD and hardness values, while increasing MPP values only caused a significant increase in the hardness values and ß-carotene content and a decrease in the pressure value. The optimal extrusion conditions were T = 135.81 °C, FMC = 18.84 g/100 g and MPP = 7.97 g/100 g, with a desirability value of 0.772, to obtain a snack with EI = 1.52, BD = 0.66 g/cm3, hardness = 24.48 N, ß-carotene content = 99.1 µg/g and SME = 428.54 J/g. The mango pulp is an available and economical source of ß-carotene for the enrichment of extruded expanded taro snacks.

Virial coefficients, equation of state, and demixing of binary asymmetric nonadditive hard-disk mixtures.

Values of the fifth virial coefficient, compressibility factors, and fluid-fluid coexistence curves of binary asymmetric nonadditive mixtures of hard disks are reported. The former correspond to a wide range of size ratios and positive nonadditivities and have been obtained through a standard Monte Carlo method for the computation of the corresponding cluster integrals. The compressibility factors as functions of density, derived from canonical Monte Carlo simulations, have been obtained for two values of the size ratio (q = 0.4 and q = 0.5), a value of the nonadditivity parameter (Δ = 0.3), and five values of the mole fraction of the species with the biggest diameter (x1 = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9). Some points of the coexistence line relative to the fluid-fluid phase transition for the same values of the size ratios and nonadditivity parameter have been obtained from Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. A comparison is made between the numerical results and those that follow from some theoretical equations of state.

Vitamin E nanoemulsion activity on stored red blood cells.

BACKGROUND: Stored red blood cells (RBCs) undergo numerous changes that have been termed RBC storage lesion, which can be related to oxidative damage. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant, acting on cell lipids. Thus, this study aimed to investigate vitamin E activity on stored RBCs. METHODS: We prepared a vitamin E nanoemulsion that was added to RBC units and stored at 4 °C. Controls, without vitamin E, were kept under the same conditions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was monitored for up to 35 days of storage. RBC elasticity was also evaluated using an optical tweezer system. RESULTS: Vitamin E-treated samples presented a significant decrease in ROS production. Additionally, the elastic constant for vitamin E-treated RBCs did not differ from the control. CONCLUSION: Vitamin E decreased the amount of ROS in stored RBCs. Because vitamin E acts on lipid oxidation, results suggest that protein oxidation should also be considered a key factor for erythrocyte elastic properties. Thus, further studies combining vitamin E with protein antioxidants deserve attention, aiming to better preserve overall stored RBC properties.