Recovery Of Fraction Research Articles

Evaluation of pretreatments for solubilisation of components and recovery of fermentable monosaccharides from microalgae biomass grown in piggery wastewater

Microalgae-bacteria biomass cultured in wastewater is an interesting renewable material capable of metabolising nutrients from wastes into carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids through photosynthesis. Despite the interest in the valorisation of this biomass to improve the viability of microalgae-based wastewater treatment processes, very scarce research has been devoted to the fractional recovery of its components. This work evaluates the effect of different pretreatments coupled with enzymatic hydrolysis on the solubilisation of biomass components and on the recovery of fermentable monosaccharides (glucose and xylose) from Scenedesmaceae based biomass grown in a thin layer reactor feed with piggery wastewater.Chemical pretreatments generated high concentrations of byproducts, mainly organic acids. No bacterial DNA was found in these pretreated biomasses. The acid pretreatment provided the highest carbohydrate solubilisation (98%) and monosaccharide recovery (81%). Enzymatic hydrolysis coupled with alkaline NaOH 2 M pretreatment achieved almost complete solubilisation of the biomass components, but high carbohydrate losses.Physical pretreatments remarkably increased the solubilisation of the biomass components during the enzymatic hydrolysis step, especially bead milling, which achieved solubilisation yields of 83% of carbohydrates, 43% of proteins, and 60% of lipids. The presence of viable bacteria in these pretreated biomasses could be related to the high carbohydrate losses and the generation of methanol and ethanol in addition to organic acids as byproducts.

Peculiarities of extraction of β-lactoglobuline in protein mineral concentrates at electroactivation of whey

Introduction. Whey is a by-product and an excellent source of proteins that is rather aggressive due to a large amount of organic substances it contains. The electro-activation of whey applied in the experiments is a wasteless method that allows the va-lorification of all whey components. β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) makes up 50% of the whey proteins and 12% of the total protein content in milk. 
 Material and methods. The recovery of β-Lg in protein-mineral concentrates (PMC) by electro-activation processing of different types of whey with different initial protein content was investigated in seven configurations. The recovery of protein fractions in the PMCs were analyzed via electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) and 15% non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel (PAAG). 
 Results. Whey electro-fractionation and the obtaining of PMCs with predetermined protein content, namely of β-Lg, were studied on three whey types, processed at different treatment regimens and in seven configurations. The proper management of electroactivation by varying the treatment regimens will allow the electro-fractionation of different types of dairy by-products.
 Conclusions. The maximum amount of β-Lg recovered in PMCs on electroactivation is 66-71% depending on the processed whey and on the treatment regimens. Obviously, the extraction of β-Lg from initially lower protein content shows a higher recovery degree of β-Lg. The registered temperatures allows formation of PMCs without thermal denaturation.

Abstract 16967: Predictors for Recovery of Ejection Fraction in Urban Cohort of Patients With Heart Failure

Introduction: Despite the clinical and economic impact of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), understanding surrounding factors associated with resolution of ejection fraction (EF) as well as its prognostic value, remains elusive. Hypothesis: Predictors for Recovery of EF may differ in African Americans compared to the general population. Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective chart review on patients following up in the adult heart failure clinic at our inner city hospital located in Central Brooklyn. Chart review of 312 patients was performed and data including, demographics, comorbidities, medications and echocardiographic parameters. Patients not on an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were excluded as were those with a diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Results: Of 312 patients identified, 158 (50.6%) were male and 289 (92.6%) identified as African in ancestry. Mean time since diagnosis was 86.2 months (SEM 4.9). There were 113 (36.2%) patients who had recovery of ejection fraction to greater than 50%. There were 59 patients on Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) therapy. Patients on ARNI were less likely to have ventricular recovery with an Odds Ratio (OR) of 0.484. The duration of heart failure in the patients with ARNI was significantly less than those on ACE/ARB therapy, 29.15 months versus 99.49 months respectively (2 tailed P value for difference of means <0.0001). Beta blocker use and Aldosterone antagonism were also associated with a reduced likelihood of recovery in ejection fraction (OR 0.177 and 0.294) respectively. Other classes of medication as well as comorbidities including an ischemic etiology had no statistically significant impact. Conclusion: In our predominantly African American cohort of patients, key GDMT medication including ARNI, Beta blockers and aldosterone antagonists reduced the odds of EF recovery.

Abstract 15512: Predictors of Normalization of Left Ventricular Systolic Function After Acute Myocarditis -multicenter Observational Study

Introduction: The clinical presentation of acute myocarditis is highly variable, and its prognosis is occasionally unpredictable. Even the patients discharge alive, left ventricular (LV) remodeling occurs during the follow-up period in some cases, which causes the progression of dilated cardiomyopathy or sudden cardiac death. Purpose: We aimed to investigate the predictors of the recovery of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with acute myocarditis. Methods: This multicenter observational study included 20 patients [average age 38 years, 18 (90%) male] suffering acute myocarditis who were urgently hospitalized between 2007 and 2019. Enrolled patients were assigned into 2 groups depending on a recovery of LV function that was defined as LVEF ≥55% by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) within 12 months after the onset; the Recovery group (n=8) and Non-recovery group (n=12). Results: Overall, LVEF increased from 37% to 52% (p<0.001) during the follow-up period (median interval: 180 (IQR: 42-332) days). There was no statistically differences in baseline clinical profiles or medications at discharge between the groups. However, LVEF at admission was significantly higher in the Recovery group than Non-recovery group (47±13% vs. 31±13%, p=0.014). The univariate logistic regression analysis showed that baseline LVEF was related to a recovery of LV function (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.26). The ROC curve for a recovery of LV function revealed that the cut-off value of LVEF at admission was 42% (sensitivity: 75%, specificity: 83%, area under the curve: 0.83, Figure A ). Patients with baseline LVEF ≥42% achieved significantly higher rates of LV functional recovery after acute myocarditis than those with LVEF <42% (17% vs 75%, p=0.019, Figure B ). Conclusions: Baseline LVEF could predict a normalization of LV function in patients with acute myocarditis. Close observation and TTE follow-up should be considered in such a refractory population.

Strategic biorefinery platform for green valorization of agro-industrial residues: A sustainable approach towards biodegradable plastics

The production of cellulose reinforced bio-composites has emerged as an efficient bio-sustainable alternative for high-quality functional polymeric materials to replace the presently dominated petroleum-based plastics. Also because, lignocellulose biorefinery from waste agro-industrial residues has attracted widespread attention for combating increasing environmental pollution caused by incineration of such wastes. In this prospect, the fractionation of tender coconut husks (TCH) to yield cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin fractions has been investigated by different pretreatment methodologies using conventional and novel reaction media. Excellent outcomes were obtained with the use of the deep eutectic solvent composed of choline chloride and oxalic acid dihydrate that led to the dissolution of 95.5% of the initial lignin in TCH to yield a cellulose fractional recovery of 87.5% at the optimal conditions attained by parametric variations. Interestingly, the same eutectic mixture also functionalized the obtained cellulose to cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with 69% yield, crystallinity index of 88.6% and average particle size of 146 nm. Further, isolated starch from waste tamarind seeds was used as the polymer matrix wherein the CNC was added as a suitable bio-filler to cast bioplastic films using biodiesel byproduct glycerol as a plasticizer. The characterization of the biodegradable films revealed a tensile strength of 21.8 MPa along with outstanding thermal and moisture barrier properties. The results elucidate that the huge dependence for petro-plastics could be reduced with the integrated valorization of solid wastes that can aid wide-ranging industries and align with the rising motto of a bioeconomy.

Multiple cycle chromium poisoning and in-situ electrochemical cleaning of LSM-based solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Electrochemical cleaning, a recently proposed mitigation strategy for chromium poisoning in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes, involves rapid in-situ removal of Cr 2 O 3 deposits from LSM-YSZ cathodes accompanied by a recovery of a large fraction of the cell performance originally lost due to Cr poisoning. By operating the cell briefly as a solid oxide electrolyzer cell (SOEC), the cleaning method effectively reverses the Cr deposition reactions, reforming Cr-containing vapor species, thereby freeing up electrochemically active sites and restoring cell performance. In practice, this method can be periodically applied to the system after a specified amount of degradation due to chromium poisoning has occurred. The current study investigates the efficacy of this method by cycling a single cell through a stage of accelerated poisoning followed by electrochemical cleaning for a total of three times. Current-voltage measurements demonstrate repeated loss in performance due to Cr poisoning and recovery in performance due to electrochemical cleaning, reinforcing the utility of this cleaning method over the lifetime of the cell operation. • Chromium poisoning leads to degradation in cell performance. • In-situ electrochemical cleaning can be achieved by running the cell under mild electrolytic conditions. • The electrochemical cleaning process removes Cr 2 O 3 deposits and restores cell performance. • The electrochemical cleaning process does not damage the cell microstructure. • The cleaning process can be used effectively multiple times without changing cell temperature.

Incomplete recovery of takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a major determinant of cardiovascular mortality

Abstract Introduction Although there is an apparent rapid and spontaneous recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy, recent studies have demonstrated the long-lasting functional impairment in those patients. Purpose We sought to evaluate the predictors of incomplete recovery in chronic phase and its impact on cardiovascular mortality after takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Methods Patients with takotsubo cardiomyopathy between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively enrolled in three different institutions. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was diagnosed according to the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association criteria. After exclusion of in-hospital deaths, 407 patients were split into 2 subgroups according whether their LVEF were >50% (recovery group; n=333), or ≤50% (incomplete recovery group; n=74) at follow-up. The primary endpoint was the impact of incomplete recovery on cardiovascular mortality. Results Patients with incomplete recovery were more likely to be male, to have dementia, pacemaker, and supraventricular arrhythmia. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission, at peak, and at discharge were significantly higher in patients with incomplete recovery. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, lower EF at discharge (odds ratio [OR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88 to 0.95; p<0.001) and higher CRP levels (OR: 5.56; 95% CI: 1.86 to 16.61; p<0.001) were independent predictors of incomplete recovery at follow-up. The cumulative event-free survival rate according to cardiovascular death was significantly lower in the incomplete recovery group (p<0.001; log-rank test). Conclusions We demonstrate that incomplete recovery after takotsubo cardiomyopathy is characterized by a residual systemic inflammation and an increased cardiac mortality at follow-up. Altogether, our findings underline patients with persistent inflammation as a high-risk subgroup, to target in future clinical trials with specific therapies to attenuate inflammation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Supercritical water gasification and partial oxidation of municipal sewage sludge: An experimental and thermodynamic study

Supercritical gasification (SCWG) and supercritical partial oxidation (SCWPO) technologies have emerged as preferred means of converting wet biomass to hydrogen-rich gases. We experimentally investigated the effects of moisture content, pressure and oxidation coefficient (n) on mole fraction, yield, gasification efficiency and energy recovery of gaseous products from SCWG or SCWPO of municipal sewage sludge, as well as on the carbon and nitrogen contents in liquid products. Potential of sludge for producing gaseous products was thermodynamically analyzed by an Aspen Plus model. The results show that 87 wt%, 25 MPa and n = 0 were optimum conditions for sludge gasification. Sludge with 87 wt% moisture content was pumpable at 75 °C, and further increasing the moisture content decreased the heating value and energy recovery of gaseous products. Pressure played little role in both the experimental and equilibrium gas yields. Highest mole fractions and yields of H2 and CH4 were achieved at n = 0.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Recovery, Remission, and Relapse in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Single-Center Longitudinal Experience

Introduction With increasing number of patients living with chronic systolic heart failure, the number of patients with recovery of their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has increased over time. Similarly the number of patients that have had LVEF recovery and has relapse of reduced ejection fraction is a patient group that is under recognized and not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to describe our single-center long-term experience of patients with who have had recovery in LVEF and relapse of reduced ejection fraction during that time, and to describe what clinical predictors might be associated with this improvement or relapse. Hypothesis We hypothesized that gender and race is associated with LVEF recovery and relapse. Methods We reviewed serial LVEF in patients with a diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (defined as ejection fraction ≤ 35%) from 2000-2016. Hazard ratios (HR) for independent clinical predictors of recovery (defined by original LVEF ≤ 35% and follow-up LVEF ≥ 40%), relapse (defined by patients that had recovery, that subsequently had LVEF Results In our study cohort of 19,888 patients (67% male; 22.4% white), 7,327 (37%) experienced recovery of LVEF over a maximum time course of 5 years. Male gender was significantly associated with a lack LVEF recovery (HR 0.7, P Conclusions In our large single center experience of patients with chronic systolic heart failure, over a third of patients experienced recovery of their LVEF. Males were significantly less likely to recovery than females. Additionally a history of atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, and guideline-directed medications for heart failure were associated with LVEF recovery. In terms of relapse, African American race, CABG, and diuretic use were associated with relapse.

Echocardiographic parameters associated with recovery in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

The study aims to determine the clinical and echocardiographic parameters of patients with recovered heart failure (HFrecEF). Sixty-seven patients (cases) were identified as heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF), defined as improvement in EF≥10%. Sixty-nine patients (controls) were randomly selected by convenience sampling with no or <10% improvement in EF (HFrEF non-recovered). The mean interval between baseline and follow-up echocardiography was 10.5months in cases and 11.2months in the control group. HFrecEF showed a 22.7% improvement in mean ejection fraction, and HFrEF non-recovered group also showed a minor increment of 5.5%. HFrecEF patients were significantly younger (49.51 vs 57.54years, P .001) with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (86.6% vs 52.2%). Patients with HFrecEF had significantly less left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (LVEDV: 162.51mL vs 208.54mL, P<.001; LVESV: 119.81mL vs 157.13mL, P<.001) and index left atrial volume (37.66mL vs 47.09mL, P<.001) than patients with non-recovered EF. The right ventricle (RV) and inferior vena cava were significantly dilated with higher mean tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) among patients with HFrecEF than HFrEF non-recovered. Based on univariate analysis, younger age, non-ischemic etiology, LVEDV, LVESV, deceleration time, better TAPSE, dilated right ventricle, dilated IVC, and smaller left atrial volumes were found significant, but on multivariate logistic regression model only left ventricle end-diastolic volume, left atrial volume, and TAPSE were linked to the recovery of ejection fraction.

Fractional recovery of oleaginous bioactive produced by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CCT3892 using deep eutectic solvents

The use of four choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DES) in the recovery of oleaginous compounds from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CCT3892 cells were investigated in this study, focusing on a novelty treatment to recovery mini-compounds intercellular produced by the yeast, as alternative for conventional methods. Regarding DES ability to improve the yeast permeability for an eventual oil-lipids recovery, it was noticed that all solvents were as efficient as a hydrochloride acid treatment, presenting a recovery percentage above 100.0% in relation untreated cells extraction. The best total carotenoid recovery was achieved using DES synthetized with choline chloride an glycerol (ChGy treatment) (0.110 ± 0.005 mg.mL−1). DES promoted a fractional recovery of carotenoids being such process for R. mucilaginosa mentioned for the first time in this paper. Thus, showing potential to be used in the industry once the solvent preserved the antioxidant activity of carotenoids and exhibit moderated cytotoxicity.

Preparation and characterization of a decentralized modular yellow water nutrient recovery system

The peculiarity of human urine as a resource, in terms of ethical and cultural considerations, and human perception, demands the development of a highly decentralized modular system, to enable the feasibility of the emerging concept of nutrient recovery in this regard. Consequently, a modular reactor, with packed bed of granular Gastropod shell (GS) was constructed for nutrient recovery from yellow water and the operational parameters were derived in simulated and pilot studies. Prior to the design of the modular reactor, both the raw and calcined GS were screened in a batch reactor for nutrient fraction recovery (i.e. total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN)). The TP recovery was more favorable than the TN, but the TN recovery was the rate determining step. Despite the low TN capture efficiency of the reactor, the hydrolysis of the urea fraction that promotes nitrogen loss from yellow water was greatly impeded. The system showed higher selectivity for the nutrient fraction than the other constituents of the human urine, as manifested in the high residual COD and creatinine values in the treated yellow water. The volume of yellow water treated and the nutrient recovery capacity of the modular reactor were HRT dependent. A diminution in the nutrient recovery efficiency was observed in the pilot study, when compared with the simulated studies of the same HRT.

Pilot continuous centrifugal liquid-liquid extraction of extra virgin olive oil biophenols and gram-scale recovery of pure oleocanthal, oleacein, MFOA, MFLA and hydroxytyrosol

This study provides an efficient pilot-scale liquid-liquid extraction process for the recovery of total phenolic fraction (TPF) from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the further purification of the major TPF constituents (oleocanthal, oleacein, monoaldehydic form of oleuropein aglycone, monoaldehydic form of ligstroside aglycone and hydroxytyrosol) using successively centrifugal partition chromatography and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. Special attention was paid for the selection of the appropriate raw material, which should be rich in the targeted high-value compounds. For the extraction of the selected EVOOs, a green technique based on liquid-liquid partitioning using the biphasic system n-Hept/EVOO/EtOH/H2O 3:2:3:2 v/v was carried out, first on pioneering laboratory-scale annular centrifugal extractor (ACE) and then on pilot device. 240 L from three different EVOOs (3x80 L of each EVOO) were extracted yielding 285 g of TPF in approximately 2 h. The second step of this procedure was the purification of the target compounds. A preparative centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) process was firstly applied for the initial TPF fractionation using a step gradient elution-extrusion method with a series of 4 biphasic systems composed of n-Hept/EtOAc/EtOH/H2O in ratios 4:1:3:2, 3:2:3:2, 2:3:3:2 and 1:4:3:2 (v/v/v/v). Preparative reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (prep-RP-HPLC) was then carried out to polish the target compounds from the enriched CPC fractions resulting in purity higher than 97%. In parallel, the above purification analysis led to the isolation of four minor TPF constituents of which three are new natural products (EDA lactone, (1R, 8E)-1-ethoxy-ligstroside aglycon and (1S, 8E)-1-ethoxy-ligstroside aglycon) and one ((9E, 11E)-13-oxotrideca-9,11-diencoic acid) is described for the first time as EVOO constituent.

Environmentally friendly approach for the recovery of metallic fraction from waste printed circuit boards using pyrolysis and ultrasonication

Electronic waste (e-waste) with an annual growth rate of 3–5% is one of the fastest-growing waste streams. The unregulated accumulation and improper recycling can cause grave hazards to human beings and the environment. On the contrary, e-waste can be considered as a secondary source of metals and energy due to its high metal content and polymeric material. Thus, the present study demonstrates technology for the metallic fraction recovery and the production of valuable gases from e-waste. The process involves pyrolysis at a temperature range of 200 °C–600 °C in a fixed bed setup for 10–60 min. Under optimized operating conditions, 35 wt% combustible gases and 60 wt% solid product were obtained at a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C in 20 min. The gaseous product consisted of CH4, H2, CO and CO2, having the heating value 28 MJ/kg whereas, the solid product is a mixture of metals and other solid residue material. Treatment of the solid product using an ultrasonication process resulted in around 90 wt% recovery of metallic fraction, thereby leaving behind solid residue. Moreover, the transfer of precious metals (Au, Ag, Pd and Pt) was nearly 100% to the metallic fraction. This process combines mild temperature pyrolysis and ultrasonication process to provide a solution for efficient management of e-waste, metallic fraction recovery and valuable gases production.

From the Chief Executive and IFST News

From the Chief Executive and <scp>IFST</scp> News

Left atrial fibrosis predicts left ventricular ejection fraction response after atrial fibrillation ablation in heart failure patients: the Fibrosis-HF Study.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often coexist. Catheter ablation has been reported to restore left ventricular (LV) function but patients benefit differently. This study investigated the correlation between left atrial (LA) fibrosis extent and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after AF ablation. In this study, 103 patients [64 years, 69% men, 79% persistent AF, LVEF 33% interquartile range (IQR) (25-38)] undergoing first time AF ablation were investigated. Identification of LA fibrosis and selection of ablation strategy were based on sinus rhythm voltage mapping. Continuous rhythm monitoring was used to assess ablation success. Improvement in post-ablation LVEF was measured as primary study endpoint. An absolute increase in post-ablation LVEF ≥10% was defined as 'Super Response'. Left atrial fibrosis was present in 38% of patients. After ablation LVEF increased by absolute 15% (IQR 6-25) (P < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction improvement was higher in patients without LA fibrosis [15% (IQR 10-25) vs. 10% (IQR 0-20), P < 0.001]. An inverse correlation between LVEF improvement and the extent of LA fibrosis was found (R2 = 0.931). In multivariate analysis, the presence of LA fibrosis was the only independent predictor for failing LVEF improvement [odds ratio 7.2 (95% confidence interval 2.2-23.4), P < 0.001]. Echocardiographic 'Super Response' was observed in 55/64 (86%) patients without and 21/39 (54%) patients with LA fibrosis, respectively (P < 0.001). Presence and extent of LA fibrosis predict LVEF response in HF patients undergoing AF ablation. The assessment of LA fibrosis may impact prognostic stratification and clinical management in HF patients with AF.

A novel synthesis and characterization of polyhedral shaped amorphous iron oxide nanoparticles from incense sticks ash waste

This research study has investigated the potential applicability of incense sticks ash (ISA), a waste material, in synthesizing highly pure iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs). Synthesis of IONPs from ISA involved five major steps: burning of incense sticks to collect ISA, recovery of ferrous fractions from wet slurry by magnetic separation method, acidic treatment of ferrous fractions under sonication, formation of IONPs by co-precipitation method by using NaOH, calcination of the obtained powder in a muffle furnace. The IONPs synthesized from ISA extracted ferrous particles have two different types of particles, small circular disk shaped of size 60–200 nm in diameter, while larger rectangular particles whose diameter was 150–600 nm by length. The formation of large particles is due to the agglomeration of several small IONPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were amorphous and polyhedral in shape. These IONPs were characterized by Particle size analyzer (PSA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The FTIR spectra revealed the characteristic bands at 452 and 565 cm−1 which is attributed to Fe–O bonds of IONPs, while the XRD diffractogram supported the amorphous nature of IONPs by showing a broad peak at 2θ, 36.090. The average particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) revealed by PSA was 734.9 nm and 0.357respectively. Since the size given by PSA is in hydrodynamic radius so there is large average size of the particles. The polyhedral shape was confirmed by the microscopic techniques while the presence of Fe and O peaks only by EDS confirmed the purity of the synthesized IONPs. The result obtained in the mentioned method proves that ISA waste can be utilized to synthesize highly pure IONPs by an economical and eco-friendly approach. The current method also focuses on the reduction of solid waste and water pollution arising due to the ISA disposal in water bodies. In, future, ISA may be used as substitute source material for all the ferrous and ferrous based industries (steel). Moreover, based on the purity, in subsequent time it could be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), drug delivery, and as an adsorbents for the environmental clean-up.

Targeting TLR4 with ApTOLL Improves Heart Function in Response to Coronary Ischemia Reperfusion in Pigs Undergoing Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) contributes to the pathogenesis of coronary ischemia/reperfusion (IR). To test whether the new TLR4 antagonist, ApTOLL, may prevent coronary IR damage, we administered 0.078 mg/kg ApTOLL or Placebo in pigs subjected to IR, analyzing the levels of cardiac troponins, matrix metalloproteinases, pro-, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, heart function, and tissue integrity over a period of 7 days after IR. Our results show that ApTOLL reduced cardiac troponin-1 24 h after administration, improving heart function, as detected by a significant recovery of the left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) and the shortening fraction (FS) cardiac parameters. The extension of necrotic and fibrotic areas was also reduced, as detected by Evans blue/2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, Hematoxylin/Eosine, and Masson Trichrome staining of heart sections, together with a significant reduction in the expression of the extracellular matrix-degrading, matrix metalloproteinase 9. Finally, the expression of the following cytokines, CCL1, CCL2, MIP1-A-B, CCL5, CD40L, C5/C5A, CXCL1, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, G-CSF, GM-CSF, ICAM-1, INF-g, IL1-a, ILI-b, IL-1Ra, IL2, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, IL13, IL16, IL17-A, IL17- E, IL18, IL21, IL27, IL32, MIF, SERPIN-E1, TNF-a, and TREM-1, were also assayed, detecting a pronounced decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines after 7 days of treatment with ApTOLL. Altogether, our results show that ApTOLL is a promising new tool for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Omega-3 rich oils from microalgae: A chitosan mediated in situ transesterification method

Microalgae are a precious source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), however extraction is difficult due to the peculiar microalgae cell structure. Here we describe a new method based on the application of chitosan nanoaggregates as CO2 responsive emulsifier, used to promote the swelling of algae cell wall and the formation of a large oil – ethanol interphase area during the ethanolysis. Tests were carried out with Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Nannochloropsis sp. at different biomass/ethanol/chitosan ratios. CO2 was added to trigger demulsification to promote an easy recovery of the lipid fraction. The highest yields in PUFA were obtained with Nannochloropsis sp. (207.9 mg/g of oil) using 0.4% wt of chitosan and 1:10 biomass:ethanol ratio; 43.6 mg/g of linolenic acid were obtained from Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. Overall, because the method employs ethanol, a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvent, and food grade additives, it is suited for the preparation of PUFA supplements.

Ubiquinol supplementation in elderly patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: biochemical and clinical aspects.

Epidemiological data show a rise in the mean age of patients affected by heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. Senescent myocardium reduces the tolerance to ischemic stress and there are indications about age-associated deficit in post-operative cardiac performance. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and more specifically its reduced form ubiquinol (QH), improve several conditions related to bioenergetic deficit or increased exposure to oxidative stress. This trial (Eudra-CT 2009-015826-13) evaluated the clinical and biochemical effects of ubiquinol in 50 elderly patients affected by severe aortic stenosis undergoing aortic valve replacement and randomized to either placebo or 400 mg/day ubiquinol from 7 days before to 5 days after surgery. Plasma and cardiac tissue CoQ10 levels and oxidative status, circulating troponin I, CK-MB (primary endpoints), IL-6 and S100B were assessed. Moreover, main cardiac adverse effects, NYHA class, contractility and myocardial hypertrophy (secondary endpoints) were evaluated during a 6-month follow-up visit. Ubiquinol treatment counteracted the post-operative plasma CoQ10 decline (p<0.0001) and oxidation (p=0.038) and curbed the post-operative increase in troponin I (QH, 1.90 [1.47–2.48] ng/dL; placebo, 4.03 [2.45–6.63] ng/dL; p=0.007) related to cardiac surgery. Moreover, ubiquinol prevented the adverse outcomes that might have been associated with defective left ventricular ejection fraction recovery in elderly patients.