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A study of the hydrogen production by thermochemical water splitting with a commercial perovskite La 0. 8 Sr 0. 2 CoO 3-δ (denoted as LSC) under different temperature conditions is presented. The experiments revealed that high operational temperatures for the thermal reduction step (>1000 °C) implied a decrease in the hydrogen production with each consecutive cycle due to the formation of segregated phases of Co 3 O 4. On the other hand, the experiments at lower thermal reduction operational temperatures indicated that the material had a stable behaviour with a hydrogen production of 15.8 cm3 STP/g material ·cycle during 20 consecutive cycles at 1000 °C, being negligible at 800 °C. This results comparable or even higher than the maximum values reported in literature for other perovskites (9.80–10.50 STP/g material ·cycle), but at considerable lower temperatures in the reduction step of the thermochemical cycle for the water splitting (1000 vs 1300–1400 °C). The LSC keeps the perovskite type structure after each thermochemical cycle, ensuring a stable and constant H 2 production. An energy and exergy evaluation of the cycle led to values of solar to fuel efficiency and exergy efficiency of 0.67 and 0.36 (as a percentage of 1), respectively, which are higher than those reported for other metal oxides redox pairs commonly found in the literature, being the reduction temperature remarkably lower. These facts point out to the LSC perovskite as a promising material for full-scale applications of solar hydrogen production with good cyclability and compatible with current concentrating solar power technology. [Display omitted] • Commercial perovskite La 0·8 Sr 0·2 Co O3-δ for H 2 production by water splitting. • Thermal reduction at temperatures >1000 °C led to a loss of cyclability. • Thermal reduction at 1000 °C preserves the stability of the cobalt oxides. • High solar to fuel and exergy efficiencies for commercial perovskite La 0·8 Sr 0·2 Co O3-δ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of GPETAFLR, a peptide isolated from Lupinus angustifolius L. protein hydrolysate (LPH), on osteoclastogenesis was investigated. Human osteoclasts generated from monocytes were used to analyse the effects of GPETAFLR (50–100 µg/mL) on osteoclastogenesis using TRAP reaction, RT-qPCR, and ELISA procedures. LPS enhanced TRAP activity and the expression of osteoclast marker genes (TRAP, OSCAR, RANK, and CATHK) while downregulated the expression of OPG gene in human monocyte-derived osteoclasts. These effects were reduced with GPETAFLR. Moreover, LPS increased the release of osteoclastogenic cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) meanwhile GPETAFLR increased the release of anti-osteoclastogenic cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the medium of human monocyte-derived osteoclasts. For the first time, we show that plant peptides from lupine protein hydrolysates have anti-osteoclastogenic activity. These exciting findings open opportunities for developing nutritional strategies with Lupinus angustifolius L. as dietary source of plant proteins, notably GPETAFLR, to prevent development and progression of osteoclast-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities and physicochemical properties of AH Plus sealer mixed with different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride (BC). Methods: AH Plus was tested alone and mixed with 1%, 2% and 3% of BC.The antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of the sealers against Enterococcus faecalis were evaluated by the direct contact test (DCT) and by confocal laser scanning microscopy, respectively. Setting time, flow and solubility were assessed according to ANSI/ADA specifications. Microhardness and contact angle tests were also performed. The chemical changes of the sealers were evaluated by X-ray diffraction analysis, and both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR). Results: AH Plus + 3% BC was the only sealer to promote total elimination of E. faecalis and the biovolume in this group was significantly lower than in the rest of the sealers (p > 0.05). The physical properties of the sealers were according to the ANSI/ADA specifications. The microhardness decreased significantly when BC was added and a significant reduction in contact angle was obtained when incorporating 2% and 3% BC (p < 0.05). No phase changes were observed with the modified sealers. Conclusions: The addition of 2% or higher concentrations BC to AH Plus showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities without affecting the properties specified in ANSI/ADA standards. However, additives to the root canal sealer altered other physical and chemical properties that are not commonly found in the literature to evaluate filling materials. Clinical significance: The present study highlights that the antimicrobial properties of AH Plus can be significantly improved with the addition of BC. Testing beyond what is specified in standards may be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of type of stunning (electrical v. gas) and the gas mixtures in a modified atmosphere (MA) packing system (MA-A: 30% CO2+70% O2; MA-B: 30% CO2+69.3% N2+0.7% CO; MA-C: 40% CO2+60% N2) on light lamb meat quality, obtained by 20 males of Manchego Spanish breed, was evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days post packing. For all ageing times, gas-stunned groups reached the highest pH ( P<0.001) and shear force (SF) values (P<0.05), and at 21 days, water losses were highest; in contrast, meat colour coordinates were lower ( P<0.001). In general, MA-B showed the highest stability for colour coordinates whereas the lowest tenderness (high SF) was found on MA-A. In this study, the gas mixture with a low carbon monoxide level (MA-B) promoted a higher colour stability and good tenderness, in comparison to the other two blends. In contrast, the conventional packaging system (type A, high oxygen levels) had a reduced tenderness and major colour instability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) has a great impact on women''s health, few studies have assessed the consequences on physiologic responses.Women abused by their intimate male partners either physically (n = 70) or psychologically (n = 46) were compared with nonabused control women (n = 46). Information about sociodemographic characteristics, smoking, pharmacologic treatment, lifetime history of victimization (childhood and adulthood), and mental health status (depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD) was obtained through structured interviews. Saliva samples were collected at 8 am and 8 pm for 4 consecutive days to determine morning and evening basal levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).Women who were victims of IPV had more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and incidence of PTSD and higher levels of evening cortisol and morning and evening DHEA compared with control women. Intimate partner violence was the main factor predicting the alterations in hormonal levels after controlling for age, smoking, pharmacologic treatment, and lifetime history of victimization. Mental health status did not have a mediating effect on the impact of IPV on hormonal levels.This study shows that both physical and psychological IPV have a significant impact on the endocrine systems of women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Determines the acceptability of diets containing sardines fried in olive oil or the fat extracted from those sardines and the normalization of serum lipids and lipoproteins, the hepatic lipid profile, and the fatty acid composition of the liver of growing Wistar rats fed diets after dietary loading of cholesterol. Suggestion that the diet of whole sardines fried in olive oil normalizes cholesterol metabolism in hypercholesterolemic rats more quickly than consumption of their extracted fat.

Presents a study that aimed to detect antibodies to Candida albicans germ tubes (CAGT) in intravenous heroin addicts with disseminated candidiasis. Adsorption method for CAGT antibody detection; Presence of ocular lesions in all patients; Value of a positive serum CAGT antibody finding.

Sensory evaluation by consumers allows validation of a solution for the food industry to overcome boar taint and market entire male pork with high levels of boar taint considered "unfit for human consumption". One possible technological strategy for improvement is the injection marination of entire male pork to help minimise the impact of boar taint and improve its marketability. The responses of 120 regular pork consumers, to entire males with high levels of boar taint and castrated pork, both injection-marinated, were evaluated. The results showed a similar response between entire and castrated male pork regardless of sex, and the detection of unpleasant odours and flavours (as farm/animal), thus offering a new alternative to the pork sector to mask the boar taint and revalue this pork. However, it was observed that consumer information on castration and animal welfare of entire male pork is scarce, and it is important to increase their knowledge so that they can place a value on this technological strategy with entire male pork and thus increase their purchase intention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sedimentary infill of the Quibas karstic site (Early Pleistocene, southern Spain) represents the only continuous succession with remains of continental vertebrates in Europe from pre-Jaramillo to post-Jaramillo age. The Quibas site, with a significant paleontological record, is dated between 1.1 and 0.9 Ma and offers a unique opportunity to carry out a paleoclimatic reconstruction of the time period immediately after the arrival of the first humans to western Europe. For this reason, defining the dominant sedimentary processes in the different stratigraphic units and the associated paleoenvironment is essential. The Quibas site is made up of two karstic features with two stratigraphic sequences: Quibas-Cueva, containing six lithostratigraphic units, and Quibas-Sima, which contains seven lithostratigraphic units. The detailed description and analyses of the stratigraphic sections have allowed the characterization of various autochthonous and allochthonous facies of cave deposits. Paleoclimatic proxies, inferred from sedimentological analyses, reveal a record of several alternating humid and arid phases resulting from the Early Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles, allowing correlation to the marine oxygen isotope record. The lowermost units (pre-Jaramillo) were deposited during a long-lasting interglacial, correlated to MIS 33–31. It was followed by an increase in aridity in the intermediate units of Quibas-Sima and uppermost unit of Quibas-Cueva (Jaramillo), revealing the beginning of a glacial period at the start of the Jaramillo subchron (1 Ma), which can be correlated to MIS 30. The upper Jaramillo and post-Jaramillo units suggest these were deposited in alternating periods of aridity and humid conditions, although less humid than the pre-Jaramillo period, probably representing the MIS 29 interglacial, the MIS 28 glacial and the MIS 27 interglacial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical castration of male piglets has traditionally been practised to prevent the development of boar taint in pork meat, but European rules aim to end this practice on a voluntary basis. This study represents a sensory characterization of the meat and meat products from entire male pigs. Three levels of androstenone concentration in fat were compared: low, 0–0.3 mg kg − 1 ; medium, 0.4–0.9 μg kg − 1 and high, 1–2.75 μg kg − 1 . The use of meat from entire males in meat products lowered the perception of boar taint compared with fresh meat but was insufficient to totally mask it. Androstenone levels seem to influence the intramuscular fat content and hence, on texture. The perception of boar taint in meat products depends on androstenone concentration as well as on the characteristics of the product. It is necessary to develop additional strategies to totally mask androstenone perception in meat and meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To screen some cardiovascular risk factors in institutionalized elderly persons of the Spanish Northwest who consume the Atlantic variant of the Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, olive oil and dairy products, anthropometric and dietary measurements were carried out and serum glucose and lipoprotein values were determined in 94 subjects. Men consumed significantly more legumes, fruit, meat, alcohol and precooked foods but fewer vegetables than women. Significant positive correlations were found between total fat and MUFA consumption and HDL-cholesterol. Fish intake correlated negatively with total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol. The prevalence of high TC, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and TC/HDL-cholesterol levels was 29%, 37%, 21%, 25% respectively, and that of low HDL-cholesterol was 15%. Women displayed a higher prevalence of dyslipemia, with significantly higher TC and higher LDL-cholesterol levels than men. Fifty percent of the women aged 75-80 presented concurrent hyperglycemia, excess weight and hypertriglyceridemia, predisposing them to the metabolic syndrome. Nonetheless, as regards the lipoprotein profile, the Atlantic diet appears appropriate for most institutionalized elderly persons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We present a coupled macroscopic traffic and emission modelling system tailored to the Barcelona metropolitan area that allows estimating hourly road transport emissions at road link level. We use the developed system to perform an emission sensitivity analysis of typically high uncertainty emission features and assess their impact. We also explore the uncertainties of our system compared to a microscopic approach in a representative area of Barcelona. The developed macroscopic system shows a high sensitivity to spatially-resolved vehicle fleet composition inputs, meteorological effects on diesel engines (+ 19% in NO x) and non-exhaust sources (80% of total PM emissions). The comparison with the microscopic system shows that discrepancies grow as a function of the congestion level, up to + 65% in NO x. The resulting coupled system will be used in further steps of the research to evaluate the impact of traffic management strategies upon urban emissions and air quality levels in Barcelona. • The coupled system provides dynamic street-level emissions across 265k street segments. • Satisfactory overall behaviour despite some limitations in heavy traffic conditions. • Accounting for real public bus routes and non-exhaust PM sources has a strong impact. • The system will help evaluating the impact of mobility policies on air quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pork production has undergone a shift towards the rearing of entire male pigs, however, its meat might carry with the presence of boar taint and it would be considered "unfit for human consumption". To offer a new alternative to the pork sector tailored to the needs of consumers, a viable option would be the use of edible spiced gelatin films to help minimize boar taint and improve its marketability. The responses of 120 regular meat consumers to entire pork with high levels of boar taint and castrated pork free of boar taint, both coated with spiced gelatin films were evaluated. They showed a similar response between entire and castrated male pork coated with spiced films, regardless of whether consumers usually detected unpleasant odours (as farm/animal) when consuming pork or not. Therefore, the new spiced films offer a new range of products to consumers as they contribute to the improvement of the sensory quality of entire male pork, especially among consumers who tend to buy new products. • Gelatine film has been a suitable vehicle for the incorporation of spices in meat. • Spiced edible films improve the sensory quality of entire male pork. • Coating films offers a new product range for masking boar taint in pork. • Spiced edible films ensure good consumer acceptability. • Providing additional information increases the purchase intention of entire pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three kinds of Rosmarinus officinalis extract (powder-acetone, liquid-methanol, liquid-acetone) were used to examine the effects of format-solvent on the active compounds extracted (total phenolic, carnosol and carnosic acid content) and antioxidant activity (FRAP, ABTS). The results showed that both, as the format but also the solvent used, had significant effect on the parameters analyzed ( p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant activity was found for the powder-acetone extract followed by the liquid methanol and liquid acetone extracts ( p < 0.05). The effect of the three different extracts on the physical–chemical and sensory quality of frozen chicken nuggets was evaluated. At the dose proposed by the European Union Directive 2010/69/EU for the carnosic and carnosol compounds [150 ppm (mg/kg fat basic)], the format-solvent combination of the rosemary extracts used did not modify the chicken nuggets quality characteristics (pH, colour, sensory quality) and still underlines the effectiveness of these extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this research was to test vacuum-frying as an alternative process in order to make fried chicken nuggets healthier. The compositional, textural and sensory properties of vacuum-fried chicken nuggets (130, 140 and 150 ºC) were evaluated and compared with the properties of deep-fat-fried nuggets (165 ºC) at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 min. A sensory analysis of the fried products was conducted to assess consumer preferences. The higher rate of moisture loss observed during the first 2 min of frying in vacuum conditions. The decrease ( p < 0.05) in the L* coordinate with frying time was more pronounced in vacuum conditions. a* and b* coordinates both increased significantly ( p < 0.05) with frying time and temperature, indicating that the temperature was the principal factor affecting the Maillard reaction for both treatments. Sensory analyses showed that vacuum-frying produced chicken nuggets with normal organoleptic characteristics but oil uptake was not significantly reduced. Industrial relevance Despite many studies have evaluated the effect of vacuum frying on fruit and vegetables, the researches on protein-based food vacuum frying are really scarce. Vacuum frying allows the use of low temperature and short oxygen rate during cooking process which it would be an interesting alternative in the output features in the frying industry. This study realized that chicken nuggets fried under frying vacuum conditions could provide products with compositional characteristics and sensory attributes similar to those from chicken nuggets fried by conventional deep fat frying, in addition to be crunchier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing food items with high satiating capacity is an area of increasing interest. It would be desirable for consumers to be able to make informed choices about individual products based on understanding the energy balance and the meaning of satiety. In the present work, the perceptions that consumers have of the word "satiating" and of different protein-based dishes were investigated in two populations (100 subjects related to the field of food science and technology and 100 unrelated to it). The Word Association (WA) technique was used, asking the consumers for the first four words that came into their mind when they thought of "satiating food". This was followed by a Free Listing (FL) exercise that asked them to list four satiating food items. They also completed a Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire. To evaluate the consumers' perception of the expected satiating capacity of different protein-based meals, they were shown eight photographs of equicaloric dishes composed of one piece of protein (beef, pork, chicken or fish) and one of two different side vegetables (salad or boiled potatoes). The expected satiety scores ranked fish last among the protein foods and potatoes last among the side vegetables. The results indicated that "satiating" food was related more with the immediate sensation of "stomach full" than with the cessation of hunger. This was reinforced by the mention of negative sensations of discomfort after a copious meal. Hearty dishes and meat were the meals most associated with satiating food items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study utilizes geomorphology, marine sediment data, environmental reconstructions and the Gorham''s Cave occupational record during the Middle to Upper Paleolithic transition to illustrate the impacts of climate changes on human population dynamics in the Western Mediterranean. Geomorphologic evolution has been dated and appears to be driven primarily by coastal dune systems, sea-level changes and seismo-tectonic evolution. Continental and marine records are well correlated and used to interpret the Gorham''s Cave sequence. Specific focus is given to the three hiatus sections found in Gorham''s Cave during Heinrich periods 4, 3 and 2. These time intervals are compared with a wide range of regional geomorphologic, climatic, paleoseismic, faunal and archeological records. Our data compilations indicate that climatic and local geomorphologic changes explain the Homo sapiens spp. occupational hiatuses during Heinrich periods 4 and 3. The last hiatus corresponds to the replacement of Homo neanderthalensis by H. sapiens. Records of dated cave openings, slope breccias and stalactite falls suggest that marked geomorphologic changes, seismic activity and ecological perturbations occurred during the period when Homo replacement took place. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]