Optimization of Thermally Processed Bambara Groundnut Flour Nutrients using Response Surface Methodology

White/cream colourbambara groundnut (BGN) seed (Vigna subterranean L.) Was grouped into 12 portions and subjected to different processing methods by soaking in water at room temperature (280C) for 12- 48h and further boiling for different times (30 – 60min). The soaked-boiled seeds were dried and milled into flours. Proximate composition and functional properties of these processed flours were determined and significant (P = .05) differences among the samples recorded. Combination of soaking and boiling of the seeds for different times resulted to irregular functional properties and nutrient losses of the BGN. Optimization of the responses showed that the seed soaked for 12h and further boiled for 46.26min would yield flour with optimum nutrient properties, while soaking for 12h before boiling for 9.96 min would produce flour with optimum functional properties

Current development of bioreactors for extracorporeal bioartificial liver(Review)

10.1116/1.3521520Biointerphases53116-13

Cardiac Remodelling Part 1: From Cells and Tissues to Circulating Biomarkers.

Cardiac remodelling refers to changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function over time, with a progressive deterioration that may lead to heart failure (HF) development (adverse remodelling) or vice versa a recovery in response to HF treatment. Adverse remodelling predicts a worse outcome, whilst reverse remodelling predicts a better prognosis. The geometry, systolic and diastolic function and electric activity of the left ventricle are affected, as well as the left atrium and on the long term even right heart chambers. At a cellular and molecular level, remodelling involves all components of cardiac tissue: cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and leukocytes. The molecular, cellular and histological signatures of remodelling may differ according to the cause and severity of cardiac damage, and clearly to the global trend toward worsening or recovery. These processes cannot be routinely evaluated through endomyocardial biopsies, but may be reflected by circulating levels of several biomarkers. Different classes of biomarkers (e.g., proteins, non-coding RNAs, metabolites and/or epigenetic modifications) and many biomarkers of each class might inform on some aspects on HF development, progression and long-term outcomes, but most have failed to enter clinical practice. This may be due to the biological complexity of remodelling, so that no single biomarker could provide great insight on remodelling when assessed alone. Another possible reason is a still incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling. Such role will be investigated in the first part of review paper on biomarkers of cardiac remodelling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved