Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Syndrome or acardiac twin: a case report in Madagascar

TRAP syndrome is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy. It is characterized by the association of an acardiac twin with a healthy twin. The acardiac twin is a parasite who put the healthy twin at high risk of cardiac failure. We report a case in a 25-year-old Malagasy woman, primigravida, who had a consultation at gestational week 31 for significant dyspnea and a threat of premature delivery. Ultrasound scans discovered an acute polyhydramnios, fetus with anasarca and low cardiac activity, and a para-fetal mass. She gives birth to a male newborn and an acardiac twin without head an upper body. The first twin died short time after birth

Edible bio-based nanostructures: delivery, absorption and potential toxicity

The development of bio-based nanostructures as nanocarriers of bioactive compounds to specific body sites has been presented as a hot topic in food, pharmaceutical and nanotechnology fields. Food and pharmaceutical industries seek to explore the huge potential of these nanostructures, once they can be entirely composed of biocompatible and non-toxic materials. At the same time, they allow the incorporation of lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive compounds protecting them against degradation, maintaining its active and functional performance. Nevertheless, the physicochemical properties of such structures (e.g., size and charge) could change significantly their behavior in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The main challenges in the development of these nanostructures are the proper characterization and understanding of the processes occurring at their surface, when in contact with living systems. This is crucial to understand their delivery and absorption behavior as well as to recognize potential toxicological effects. This review will provide an insight into the recent innovations and challenges in the field of delivery via GI tract using bio-based nanostructures. Also, an overview of the approaches followed to ensure an effective deliver (e.g., avoiding physiological barriers) and to enhance stability and absorptive intestinal uptake of bioactive compounds will be provided. Information about nanostructures potential toxicity and a concise description of the in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies will also be given.Joana T. Martins, Oscar L. Ramos, Ana C. Pinheiro, Ana I. Bourbon, Helder D. Silva and Miguel A. Cerqueira (SFRH/BPD/89992/2012, SFRH/BPD/80766/2011, SFRH/BPD/101181/2014, SFRH/BD/73178/2010, SFRH/BD/81288/2011, and SFRH/BPD/72753/2010, respectively) are the recipients of a fellowship from the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE, Portugal). The authors thank the FCT Strategic Project PEst-OE/EQB/LA0023/2013 and the project "BioInd-Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and Agro-Food processes," REF.NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028, co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2-O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. We also thank to the European Commission: BIOCAPS (316265, FP7/REGPOT-2012-2013.1) and Xunta de Galicia: Agrupamento INBIOMED (2012/273) and Grupo con potencial de crecimiento. The support of EU Cost Action FA1001 is gratefully acknowledged

Application of polymeric nanoparticles in food sector

Nanotechnology presents opportunities to create new and better products. Nano technology has huge impact in many applications including food industry. Product of nanotechnology, such as polymeric nanoparticle, can be utilized to improve food quality by extending food shelf life, increase food safety, lower the cost and enhance the nutritional benefits. This chapter provides an overview of the properties of polymeric nanoparticle, preparation techniques, as well as the role polymeric nano-particles in the food industr

Uncoupled activation and cyclization in catmint reductive terpenoid biosynthesis

Terpene synthases typically form complex molecular scaffolds by concerted activation and cyclization of linear starting materials in a single enzyme active site. Here we show that iridoid synthase, an atypical reductive terpene synthase, catalyzes the activation of its substrate 8-oxogeranial into a reactive enol intermediate, but does not catalyze the subsequent cyclization into nepetalactol. This discovery led us to identify a class of nepetalactol-related short-chain dehydrogenase enzymes (NEPS) from catmint (Nepeta mussinii) that capture this reactive intermediate and catalyze the stereoselective cyclisation into distinct nepetalactol stereoisomers. Subsequent oxidation of nepetalactols by NEPS1 provides nepetalactones, metabolites that are well known for both insect-repellent activity and euphoric effect in cats. Structural characterization of the NEPS3 cyclase reveals that it binds to NAD+ yet does not utilize it chemically for a non-oxidoreductive formal [4 + 2] cyclization. These discoveries will complement metabolic reconstructions of iridoid and monoterpene indole alkaloid biosynthesis

Transformation alimentaire du manioc = Cassava food processing

Le manioc, deuxième aliment de base à Madagascar, devient le premier aliment consommé en période de soudure. Il existe plusieurs modes de préparations culinaires, qui varient d'une région à l'autre. A l'état frais, le manioc peut être cuit avec de la viande de boeuf, des haricots ou de la pâte d'arachide et accompagne généralement le riz au déjeuner. Dans le sud de Madagascar, le manioc frais est déposé au fond d'une rivière pendant quatre à cinq jours, après quoi il est cuit à la vapeur. Alors que dans le Sud-Est, on le fait d'abord sécher au soleil, puis on le transforme en farine à partir de laquelle on prépare le bononoka et le moforavina. Ceux-ci sont également cuits à la vapeur. Ces différentes préparations culinaires peuvent être valorisées et améliorées en vue de la fabrication d'aliments de sevrage. (Résumé d'auteur

Valorization of shrimp by-products (<em>Penaeus</em> spp.) by enzymatic hydrolysis

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Potential of membrane processes for fractionation of wet microalgal biomass: recovery of targeted metabolites after cell disruption

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Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) Syndrome or acardiac twin: a case report in Madagascar

TRAP syndrome is a rare complication of monochorionic twin pregnancy. It is characterized by the association of an acardiac twin with a healthy twin. The acardiac twin is a parasite who put the healthy twin at high risk of cardiac failure. We report a case in a 25-year-old Malagasy woman, primigravida, who had a consultation at gestational week 31 for significant dyspnea and a threat of premature delivery. Ultrasound scans discovered an acute polyhydramnios, fetus with anasarca and low cardiac activity, and a para-fetal mass. She gives birth to a male newborn and an acardiac twin without head an upper body. The first twin died short time after birth