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Abstract: Ultrathin films of CdSe nannocrystals (CdSe‐NCs) modified with glycosilated molecules have shown interesting electrochemical properties which lead to the detection of lectin Jacalin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the preparation of new probiotic formulations based on chitosan-coated alginate microcapsules containing three different probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PBS070, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis PBS075 taken individually and as a mixture of them. The effects of microencapsulation on the viability of the strains in conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract and under industrial processes conditions were studied. In addition, an evaluation of their probiotic properties was also investigated by in vitro tests on the human intestinal cell line HT-29 to explore the effect of microencapsulation on health beneficial effect of the considered strains. Non-encapsulated cells were completely destroyed when exposed to simulated gastric juice and other stress conditions, while encapsulated cells exhibited a significantly higher resistance to artificial intestinal juice and heat and osmotic treatment. Moreover, in this study, the effect of the various microencapsulated probiotic strain formulations was compared with analogous formulations also containing the β-glucan Pleuran. The microencapsulation effectively protected the selected bacteria, as single strain and as a mixture of the three strains in both the formulations with and without Pleuran, from simulating gastrointestinal tract and industrial process conditions in delivering the viable cells without any significant adverse effect on their functionalities. The comparative study of the immunomodulatory properties of each single strain and the mixture of the three strains revealed a synergistic effect of the probiotic mixture, but no appreciable difference between the two kinds of formulations could be detected, as the effect of Pleuran is covered by the higher potential of the probiotic strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a biomaterial able to inhibit host cell bacterial adhesion is described. Pre-incubation of E. coli ATCC 25922 with a suspension of 0.1% CNCs afforded a significant 2 log reduction of bacterial adhesion to the intestinal cell monolayer HT29. This effect could be attributed to the interaction between the CNCs and the bacterial cell surface as confirmed using fluorescence microscopy experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of technology depends on innovation and here we take a look at a few companies who are working on some exciting new developments, ranging from a new type of atomic clock to a flexible foil that's an interactive touchscreen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computers are slowly invading every area of our lives and while they bring with them great power, they also come with great responsibility. This paper talks to about Robin Mannings, a futurologist at BT's Adastral Park, whose job is to predict the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inside Out is an executive performance coaching consultancy that works to improve the mental capabilities of their clients through sports, either golf or tennis. It offers a one-day program, called NOW!, wherein clients are taught to manage their mind to deliver more powerful presentations, learn to focus on the bigger picture, and do things in a calmer, clearer manner under all circumstances. The program believes that by switching off all internal distractions, people can become more effective and achieve more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does Britain retain its position at the top of Europe's wealth creation league, asks the author? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]