The evaluation of the quality of beta-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland using the alkaline hydrolysis method in summer

The present project was aimed at determining the content, quality, and purity of β-carotene extracted from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland, comparing it with synthetic β- carotene, and measuring its economic value. One treatment had β-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides in the Anzali Wetland through the alkaline hydrolysis method in the summer of 2014. Treatments were kept at 4 °C for one year. Synthetic β-carotene was used as the control. The quality of the treatments was assessed by applying some chemical tests, including the measurement of the content and quality of β-carotene, colorimetry using the Hunter-LAB method, determination of the purity and vitamin A employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), estimation of the dwell-time duration at 5 °C, and measurement of the solubility of β-carotene in water. The results of the tests regarding the purity, concentration, colorimetry, vitamin compounds, dwell time, and solubility in the experimental β-carotene, compared with those in the control, revealed no significant difference (p>0.05). Moreover, the factors showed no significant difference between the control and experimental treatments during the dwell time (p>0.05). The natural β-carotene had a good quality during the storage period at 5 °C for one year. Since there was no significant difference between the β-carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides and the synthetic one in terms of the chemical tests, purity, and dwell time, and since the natural β- carotene derived from Azolla filiculoides takes precedence over the synthetic one in terms of the economic value, it is recommended that natural β-carotene extracted from Azolla filiculoides be substituted for synthetic β-carotene in the food industry

Investigation on proximate composition, fatty acid profile and sensory evaluation of Nile (Oreochromis niloticus) and Hybrid Red Tilapia fillet farmed in brackish ground water of Bafgh, Yzad

The aim of this study was to determine proximate compositions and sensory evaluation of tilapia meat. For this purpose, farmed Nile tilapia and Red tilapia were collected from the Inland Saline Waters Aquaculture Research Center located in Bafgh, Yazd. Fish were transported to Aquatic Fish Processing Research Center. Fatty acid composition, protein, fat, moisture, ash and sensory evaluation in fish meat were analyzed. Results showed that the tilapia meat had 1.30–1.68% fat, 18.70-19.26 protein, 78-79% moisture and 1.34-1.8% ash. Twenty seven fatty acids were identified in the tilapia meat. Saturated fatty acids were found between 24.84–27.12%, mono-unsaturated fatty acids 36.14-39% and poly unsaturated fatty acids 32.38-38.12%. Amount of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was calculated between 0.50-0.63% and between 6.12-6.19%, respectively. Results of sensory evaluation showed highest score for sensory evaluation parameters (color, odor, texture, test and flavors)

Effects of different packaging methods on microbial, [chemical] and sensory properties of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) fillets during refrigerator storage

The effect of three different packaging methods including Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum Packaging and normal Packaging was investigated on the quality of Nile tilapia fresh fillets stored in the refrigerator's temperature. The packaged samples were examined for 10 days with regard to the changes in chemical (TVN, PV, pH), microbial (total viable count) and sensory evaluations. The results indicated that the samples packed in MAP condition had higher quality than that of other methods at the end of the storage period. In addition, the slower destructive impacts and microbial growth was observed in MAP. The results of present study suggest that packaging tilapia under MAP conditions results in the increase in the durability, storing, and distribution period for fillets

Esophageal cancer presenting with atrial fibrillation: A case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Atrial fibrillation was previously reported in patients with esophageal cancer as a complication of total esophagectomy or photodynamic therapy. Here, we propose that atrial fibrillation may also be caused by external compression of the left atrium by esophageal cancer.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present a 58-year-old man who developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular rate in the emergency room while being evaluated for dysphagia and weight loss. Atrial fibrillation lasted less than 12 hours and did not recur. Echocardiogram did not reveal any structural heart disease. A 10-cm, ulcerated mid-esophageal mass was seen during esophagogastroscopy. Microscopic examination showed squamous cell carcinoma. Computed tomography of the chest revealed esophageal thickening compressing the left atrium.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>External compression of the left atrium was previously reported to provoke atrial fibrillation. Similarly, esophageal cancer may precipitate atrial fibrillation by mechanical compression of the left atrium or pulmonary veins, triggering ectopic beats in susceptible patients.</p

HRS/EHRA/ECAS expert consensus statement on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation: Recommendations for personnel, policy, procedures and follow-up. A report of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) Task Force on catheter and surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation

During the past decade, catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) has evolved rapidly from a highly experimental unproven procedure, to its current status as a commonly performed ablation procedure in many major hospitals throughout the world. Surgical ablation of AF, using either standard or minimally invasive techniques, is also performed in many major hospitals throughout the world. The purpose of this Consensus Statement is to provide a state-of-the-art review of the field of catheter and surgical ablation of AF, and to report the findings of a Task Force, convened by the Heart Rhythm Society and charged with defining the indications, techniques, and outcomes of this procedure. The Heart Rhythm Society was pleased to develop this Consensus Statement in partnership with the European Heart Rhythm Association and the European Cardiac Arrhythmia Society. This statement summarizes the opinion of the Task Force members based on their own experience in treating patients, as well as a review of the literature, and is directed to all health care professionals who are involved in the care of patients with AF, particularly those who are undergoing or are being considered for catheter or surgical ablation procedures for AF. This statement is not intended to recommend or promote catheter ablation of AF. Rather the ultimate judgment regarding care of a particular patient must be made by the health care provider and patient in light of all the circumstances presented by that patient. In writing a "consensus" document, it is recognized that consensus does not mean that there was complete agreement among all Task Force members. We attempted to identify those aspects of AF ablation for which a true "consensus" could be identified ( Tables 1 and 2 ). Surveys of the entire Task Force were used to identify these areas of consensus. The main objective of this document is