Multifunctional catalysts based on carbon nanotubes and titanate nanotubes for oxidation of organic compounds in biphasic systems.

Amphiphilic catalysts composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and titanate nanotubes (TiNTs) have been successfully synthesized by refluxing anatase TiO2 and functionalised CNTs in concentrated NaOH solution. The prepared materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 physisorption isotherms. The catalytic activity of the synthesized composites was first evaluated in the oxidation of methyl yellow (MY) using H2O2 as oxidant in a single liquid phase system and in a biphasic water/oil mixture. The results of these experiments indicated that the catalytic activities of nanocomposites were very similar in the single liquid-phase oxidation. However, the modification of TiNTs with CNTs led to a substantially enhanced MY oxidation in the biphasic system. The nanocomposites show excellent interaction with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds and thus stabilise emulsions. Under biphasic conditions, the catalysts can be easily separated and recycled, retaining catalytic activity even after eight runs. Additionally, the hybrid materials show superior catalytic activity and selectivity in the biphasic oxidation of benzyl alcohol with H2O2, as compared to pure TiNTs.

Assessment of goat fat depots using ultrasound technology and multiple multivariate prediction models.

Assessment of fat depots for several goat body parts is an expensive and time-consuming task requiring a trained technician. Therefore, the establishment of models to predict fat depots based on data requiring simpler and easier procedures, such as ultrasound measurements, that could be carried out in vivo, would be a major advantage. An interesting alternative to the use of multiple linear regression models is the use of partial least squares or artificial neural network models because they allow the establishment of one model to simultaneously predict different fat depots of interest. In this work, the applicability of these models to simultaneously predict 7 goat fat depots (subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, total carcass fat, omental fat, kidney and pelvic fat, mesenteric fat, and total body fat) was investigated. Although satisfactory correlation and prediction results were obtained using the multiple partial least squares model (cross-verification and validation R(2) and standard prediction error values between 0.66 and 0.98 and 247 and 2,168, respectively), the best global correlation and prediction performances were achieved with the multiple radial basis function artificial neural network (verification and validation R(2) and standard prediction error values between 0.82 and 0.96 and 304 and 1,707, respectively). These 2 multiple models allowed correlating and predicting simultaneously the 7 goat fat depots based on the goat BW and on only 2 ultrasonic measures (lumbar subcutaneous fat between fifth and sixth vertebrae and the fat depth at the third sternebra). Moreover, both multiple models showed better results compared with those obtained with multiple linear regression models proposed in previous work.

Comparison of adsorption equilibrium of fructose, glucose and sucrose on potassium gel-type and macroporous sodium ion-exchange resins.

Adsorption equilibrium of fructose, glucose and sucrose was evaluated on sulfonated poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) cation-exchange resins. Two types of resins were used: potassium (K+) gel-type and sodium (Na+) macroporous resins. Influence of the cation and effect of the resin structure on adsorption were studied. The adsorption isotherms were determined by the static method in batch mode for mono-component and multi-component sugar mixtures, at 25 and 40 degrees C, in a range of concentrations between 5 and 250 g L(-1). All adsorption isotherms were fitted by a linear model in this range of concentrations. Sugars were adsorbed in both resins by the following order: fructose > glucose > sucrose. Sucrose was more adsorbed in the Na+ macroporous resin, glucose was identically adsorbed, and fructose was more adsorbed in the K+ gel-type resin. Data obtained from the adsorption of multi-component mixtures as compared to the mono-component ones showed a competitive effect on the adsorption at 25 degrees C, and a synergetic effect at 40 degrees C. The temperature increase conducted to a decrease on the adsorption capacity for mono-component sugar mixtures, and to an increase for the multi-component mixtures. Based on the selectivity results, K+ gel-type resin seems to be the best choice for the separation of fructose, glucose and sucrose, at 25 degrees C.

Raw bovine meat fatty acids profile as an origin discriminator.

Consumers are very concerned in "Protected Designation of Origin" (PDO) products, namely meat, since they associate these products to quality and healthy foods. Thus, it is necessary to implement analytical methodologies that could assure consumers about the products they purchase. Since this kind of meat is usually sold with no information concerning cattle sex, age and slaughter season, these characteristics were intentionally not taken into account. In this study, two Portugueses PDO bovine breeds (Mirandesa and Barrosã) and two production sub-systems (traditional and organic farming) were studied during a two-year period. Statistical analysis showed that production system and breed had a significant effect on the overall raw meat fatty acids (FA) content. Besides, the FA profiles could be used as an effective tool to differentiate the four groups studied allowing a 100% correct classification. The meat FA content was also correlated with the relative importance of the animal feeding stuff area.

Casein breakdown in terrincho ovine cheese: comparison with bovine cheese and with bovine/ovine cheeses.

Terrincho cheese is an uncooked, pressed cheese made from raw whole ovine milk from the "Churra da Terra Quente" breed. It requires a minimum ripening time of 30 d. A detailed evaluation of the effect of ripening time on the breakdown of the casein fractions, along with the formation of major breakdown products of casein hydrolysis, was monitored by HPLC to contribute to a more complete characterization of this product. In 30-d-old cheeses, only 20% of alpha(S1)-casein remained intact; the beta-casein fraction was more resistant to hydrolysis. The ripening time of Terrincho cheese can be predicted using 2 variables of normalized peak areas of alpha(S1)-casein and alpha(S1)-I peptide, and a constant; the estimation error is 2.5 d. The pH 4.3-insoluble fraction of Terrincho and cheeses manufactured with bovine milk and with ovine milk combined with 2 levels of bovine milk (10 and 20%) revealed different chromatographic and electrophoretic profiles, especially the alpha(S1)-casein fraction. Similar proteolysis progress was observed, particularly in the percentage of casein fraction degradation. However, using both analytical methods, the detection of 10% bovine milk at 30 d of ripening was no longer possible as result of alpha(S1)-casein hydrolysis. The discriminate analysis applied to HPLC data indicated that at 30 d of ripening, differences between the casein fractions of Terrincho cheese and mixture cheeses were mainly from beta1-casein content. The function thus obtained was able to correctly classify all the samples according to cheese type. Using the descriptive sensory profile, Terrincho cheese at 30 d of ripening could be distinguished from bovine and mixture cheeses owing to its higher fracturability and adhesiveness and lower elasticity and hardness, which correlated with its lower total casein content.

[Pelvic lipomatosis]. / Lipomatosis pélvica.

Pelvian lipomatosis is a proliferative process of fatty tissue in the perivesical and perirectal pelvian space. The etiology is unknown and some authors consider that in reality is a localized form of obesity. Diagnosis can be incidental, or be part of a sequence within a study for unspecific symptoms such as pelvian complains or perineal problems. As part of the presentation of a clinical case report, the authors make a revision of this disease, focusing in several particular aspects, like diagnostic methods, treatment, etc.