Use of whey protein ingredients to produce milk fat simulants

The article deals with the problem of thermomechanical processing conditions influence on the properties of dry whey protein ingredient solutions: whey protein concentrates and isolates. The initial stage of obtaining fat property mimics is heat treatment of protein solutions to the temperature exceeding the denaturation threshold (65-75 °C). The next mechanical impact on the aggregates obtained leads to the formation of the particles similar to the fat globules. Protein mass fraction has a significant influence on the denaturation process. When its value becomes larger, the number of collisions between primary aggregates increases as well as the coagulation probability. In isolate solutions the denaturation rate was high, and it was observed intensive, irreversible coagulation at all protein concentrations. Aggregates were characterized as porous, branched, and polydisperse. Shear rate increase under mechanical impact resulted in even greater aggregates growth. Samples obtained at high shear rates were characterized by apparent physical instability. Large size of the protein aggregates was confirmed by a high degree of sedimentation. Suspensions were characterized as granular. The denaturation rate and coagulation intensity were lower in concentrate solutions. Presence of lactose helped to protect proteins from rapid loss of solubility by stabilizing their structure against thermal unfolding. The aggregates were characterized by a round compact shape, and the particle size didn’t differ a lot. Protein mass fraction change of the concentrate suspension samples did not have significant influence on the aggregates size and shape. Rotor rotation speed increase contributed to the particle size decrease. The solutions were characterized by the sedimentation stability and they had a uniform thick consistency imitating properties of the fat-containing products.

Application of pulsed electric fields for the valorization of platelets with no therapeutic value for transfusion medicine

Platelets are blood components with high biomedical potential due to their physiological role in wound healing and their rich growth factor content. This paper describes proof-of-concept experiments aimed to produce a new blood-derived product by applying pulsed electric fields (PEF) to platelet concentrates (PC) with no therapeutic value for transfusion medicine. A human platelet concentrate suspension was subjected to a PEF treatment of 1 pulse, 5[Formula: see text]kV/cm, for 2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. Release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from the electroporated platelets was measured by ELISA. Furthermore, the biological activity of the obtained blood-derived product was characterized. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) were cultured in the presence of the proteins released from the platelets after PEF application and evaluated for their expansion potential. Results show that platelet concentrates subjected to a single PEF treatment can release PDGF to the supernatant. Protein release from the single and transient PEF cycle was confirmed by the expansion of hMSC cultured with a medium supplemented with the platelet releasate obtained from electroporated platelets. These results demonstrate the potential of a new application of PEF for the valorization of PC into a biomedical product with therapeutic value.

Deltamethrin residues applied in different formulations in staked cucumber and the actions of insecticides on the pickleworm control

Pesticide residues, especially in vegetables and fruits, are a reason for concern with respect to the health of consumers and workers that need to return to areas that have been treated with these agrochemicals. The objectives of this experiment were to (a) study the behavior of deltamethrin residues from different formulations on cucumber fruits; and (b) correlate insecticide contents in the fruits with pickleworm control. Treatments were as follows: (a) control; (b) three 30 mL applications of deltamethrin 25 EC 100 L-1 water (emulsifiable concentrate formulation); (c) three 7.5 mL applications of deltamethrin 100 EC 100 L-1 water (emulsifiable concentrate); and (d) three 3.75 mL applications of deltamethrin 200 CS 100 L-1 water (concentrate suspension). Samples were taken at (-1), zero, 1; 3; 5; 7, and 14 days after the last application. Residues were determined by the gas chromatography technique, using an electron capture detector. In order to evaluate insecticide effectiveness, six infestation surveys were conducted during the same sampling times. Although at low levels, the deltamethrin residues in the fruits were above the maximum residue level (MRL = 0.03 mg kg-1), even one day after the end of the safety interval (2 days), and were higher for the CS formulation. The insecticide was effective to control the pest during the entire evaluation period.

Processing and transfusion of residual cardiopulmonary bypass volume: effects on haemostasis, complement activation, postoperative blood loss and transfusion volume

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the effects of the transfusion of unprocessed and cell saver-processed residual cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) volume on haemostasis, complement activation, postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements after elective cardiac surgery. Blood samples were taken at eight points in time, perioperatively. Haematological data, including haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelet counts as well as coagulation parameters, including activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen and the fibrinolytic parameter D-dimers, were measured from each blood sample. For the assessment of complement activation, the total complement CH50 was analysed. In addition, postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were measured during the first 24 hours, postoperatively. The results of the study showed impaired haemostasis after the transfusion of both unprocessed and processed CPB volume. No significant differences were found between the groups in the measured coagulation parameters. Nor was a significant difference found in the complement concentration. However, in patients trans-fused with unprocessed CPB volume, a significantly (p = 0.019) higher amount of blood loss was found, postoperatively. In the same group of patients, the number of units of allogeneic erythrocyte concentrate suspension transfused was also significantly (p = 0.023) higher during the first 24 hours, postoperatively, compared to the patients transfused with processed CPB blood. The number of units of fresh frozen plasma and platelet suspension transfused was not significantly different between the groups. In conclusion, processing CPB volume in combination with processing peroperative blood loss may result in reducing the volume of transfusion needed of allogeneic blood products.

Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Pyrethroids as Active Ingredients in Pesticide Formulations

A normal-phase liquid chromatographic method for determining pyrethroids as active ingredients in pesticide formulations was developed. The method uses isooctane–ethyl acetate as mobile phase and UV detection at 275 nm. The method was evaluated for the following 7 pyrethroid active ingredients: α-cypermethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, fenvalerate, fenpropathrin, and permethrin. Evaluation covered 3 formulation types (emulsifiable concentrate, suspension concentrate, and water-dispersible granule) containing a single pyrethroid active ingredient. The method separates diastereomers of cypermethrin, fenvalerate, and permethrin and can be used to determine total content as well as relative distribution of diastereomers.