The effect of citral loading and fatty acid distribution on the oleogels: Physicochemical properties and in vitro digestion.

Oleogels containing bioactive substances such as citral (CT) are used as functional food ingredients. However, little information is available on the influence of different oleogel network structure caused by CT addition and fatty acid distribution on its digestion behavior. Coconut oil, palm oil, high oleic peanut oil, safflower seed oil, and perilla seed oil were used in this study. The results showed that perilla seed oil-CT-based oleogels had the highest oil-holding capacity (99.03 ± 0.3), whereas CT addition higher than 10 wt% could lead to the morphology collapse of oleogels. Physical and thermodynamic analyses revealed that CT could reduce oleogel hardness and higher unsaturated fatty acid content is more likely to form oleogel with stable and tight crystalline network. Moreover, the dense structure of oleogels hinders the contact between oleogels and lipase, thus weakening triglyceride digestion. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of oleogels loading with CT.

Interface chemistry affected the digestion fate of ketogenic diet based on medium- and long-chain triglycerides.

Ketogenic diet, characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate content, is gradually becoming a new perspective in the human diet; however, the mechanism of digestion of ketogenic diet remains unknown. In this study, we explored the oil-water interface to elucidate the digestion of a ketogenic diet based on typical representative medium- and long-chain triglycerides. The free fatty acids (FFAs) release indicated that glycerol trioctanoate with a shorter carbon chain (FFA = 920.55 ± 10.17 µmol) was significantly more digestible than glycerol tripalmitate (851.36 ± 9.48 µmol) and glycerol tristearate (805.81 ± 10.03 µmol). Particle size analysis revealed that the length of the carbon chain increased the size of triglycerides, resulting in a decreased contact area with lipase. The interfacial phenomenon indicated that the longer the carbon chain of triglycerides, the greater the reduction in binding capacity with salt ions in the digestive solution. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that the length of the carbon chain induced the displacement of the lipase peak, suggesting that the carbon chain length could alter the structure of lipase. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the longer the carbon chain of triglycerides, the easier it was to loosen the structure of lipase. Bond energy analysis showed that the carbon chain length of triglycerides was positively correlated with the bond energy strength of the ester bonding. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that the ketogenic diet should primarily consist of shorter carbon chain triglycerides because carbon chain length can alter the digestion of triglycerides. This provides a new perspective on the quest for more effective ketogenic diet, in line with the current view of healthy diet.

Casein-phosphatidylcholine emulsifier remodels LPS-induced intestinal barrier disfunction via regulating ferroptosis and lipid metabolism.

Recently, the biosafety of synthetic emulsifier in intestinal barrier has raised significant concerns. Casein- phosphatidylcholine (CP), which is a natural emulsifier, has better emulsification and stability. However, the effect of CP on intestinal barrier remains unknow. Intestinal permeability and lipomics analysis showed that carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and CP have no significant effect on intestinal barrier in normal intestinal barrier model, whereas CP increased transmembrane resistance value and remodeled lipid homeostasis in LPS induced intestinal barrier dysfunction model, indicating its superior biosafety. To explore the underlying molecular mechanism of emulsifier on intestinal barrier dysfunction, the bioinformatics analysis of six original microarray datasets including 168 cases in NCBI-Gene Expression Omnibus database showed ferroptosis-related genes showed a significant differential expression. The quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that CP can repair the imbalance of lipid homeostasis induced by LPS and restore normal intestinal permeability by regulating the expression of ferroptosis-related genes, while CMC could can enhance intestinal permeability by inducing ferroptosis of intestinal epithelial cells through lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, this study highlighted CP could remodel LPS-induced intestinal barrier disfunction via regulating ferroptosis and lipid metabolism. These findings can be used as a new insight for the design of new healthy emulsifier.

Research of segmentation recognition of small disease spots on apple leaves based on hybrid loss function and CBAM.

Identification technology of apple diseases is of great significance in improving production efficiency and quality. This paper has used apple Alternaria blotch and brown spot disease leaves as the research object and proposes a disease spot segmentation and disease identification method based on DFL-UNet+CBAM to address the problems of low recognition accuracy and poor performance of small spot segmentation in apple leaf disease recognition. The goal of this paper is to accurately prevent and control apple diseases, avoid fruit quality degradation and yield reduction, and reduce the resulting economic losses. DFL-UNet+CBAM model has employed a hybrid loss function of Dice Loss and Focal Loss as the loss function and added CBAM attention mechanism to both effective feature layers extracted by the backbone network and the results of the first upsampling, enhancing the model to rescale the inter-feature weighting relationships, enhance the channel features of leaf disease spots and suppressing the channel features of healthy parts of the leaf, and improving the network's ability to extract disease features while also increasing model robustness. In general, after training, the average loss rate of the improved model decreases from 0.063 to 0.008 under the premise of ensuring the accuracy of image segmentation. The smaller the loss value is, the better the model is. In the lesion segmentation and disease identification test, MIoU was 91.07%, MPA was 95.58%, F1 Score was 95.16%, MIoU index increased by 1.96%, predicted disease area and actual disease area overlap increased, MPA increased by 1.06%, predicted category correctness increased, F1 Score increased by 1.14%, the number of correctly identified lesion pixels increased, and the segmentation result was more accurate. Specifically, compared to the original U-Net model, the segmentation of Alternaria blotch disease, the MIoU value increased by 4.41%, the MPA value increased by 4.13%, the Precision increased by 1.49%, the Recall increased by 4.13%, and the F1 Score increased by 2.81%; in the segmentation of brown spots, MIoU values increased by 1.18%, MPA values by 0.6%, Precision by 0.78%, Recall by 0.6%, and F1 Score by 0.69%. The spot diameter of the Alternaria blotch disease is 0.2-0.3cm in the early stage, 0.5-0.6cm in the middle and late stages, and the spot diameter of the brown spot disease is 0.3-3cm. Obviously, brown spot spots are larger than Alternaria blotch spots. The segmentation performance of smaller disease spots has increased more noticeably, according to the quantitative analysis results, proving that the model's capacity to segment smaller disease spots has greatly improved. The findings demonstrate that for the detection of apple leaf diseases, the method suggested in this research has a greater recognition accuracy and better segmentation performance. The model in this paper can obtain more sophisticated semantic information in comparison to the traditional U-Net, further enhance the recognition accuracy and segmentation performance of apple leaf spots, and address the issues of low accuracy and low efficiency of conventional disease recognition methods as well as the challenging convergence of conventional deep convolutional networks.

Novel Self-Assembled Micelles With Increased Tumor Penetration and Anti-Tumor Efficiency Against Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: Recently, docetaxel (DTX) micelles based on retinoic acid derivative surfactants showed lower systemic toxicity and bioequivalence to polysorbate-solubilized docetaxel (Taxotere®) in a phase II clinical study. However, the poor stability of these surfactants in vitro and in vivo led to extremely harsh storage conditions with methanol, and the formed micelles were quickly disintegrated with rapid drug burst release in vivo. To further enhance the stability and accumulation in tumors of DTX micelles, a novel surfactant based on acitretin (ACMeNa) was synthesized and used to prepare DTX micelles to improve anti-tumor efficiency. METHODS: Novel micelle-forming excipients were synthesized, and the micelles were prepared using the thin film hydration technique. The targeting effect in vitro, distribution in the tumor, and its mechanism were observed. Pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor effect were further investigated in rats and tumor-bearing female mice, respectively. RESULTS: The DTX-micelles prepared with ACMeNa (ACM-DTX) exhibited a small size (21.9 ± 0.3 nm), 39% load efficiency, and excellent stability in vitro and in vivo. Long circulation time, sustained and steady accumulation, and strong penetration in the tumor were observed in vivo, contributing to a better anti-tumor effect and lower adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: The micelles formed by ACMeNa showed a better balance between anti-tumor and adverse effects. It is a promising system for delivering hydrophobic molecules for cancer therapy.

A comprehensive review on acquisition of phenotypic information of Prunoideae fruits: Image technology.

Fruit phenotypic information reflects all the physical, physiological, biochemical characteristics and traits of fruit. Accurate access to phenotypic information is very necessary and meaningful for post-harvest storage, sales and deep processing. The methods of obtaining phenotypic information include traditional manual measurement and damage detection, which are inefficient and destructive. In the field of fruit phenotype research, image technology is increasingly mature, which greatly improves the efficiency of fruit phenotype information acquisition. This review paper mainly reviews the research on phenotypic information of Prunoideae fruit based on three imaging techniques (RGB imaging, hyperspectral imaging, multispectral imaging). Firstly, the classification was carried out according to the image type. On this basis, the review and summary of previous studies were completed from the perspectives of fruit maturity detection, fruit quality classification and fruit disease damage identification. Analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of images in the study, and try to give the next research direction for improvement.

Sponge particulates for biomedical applications: Biofunctionalization, multi-drug shielding, and theranostic applications.

Sponge particulates have attracted enormous attention in biomedical applications for superior properties, including large porosity, elastic deformation, capillary action, and three-dimensional (3D) reaction environment. Especially, the tiny porous structures make sponge particulates a promising platform for drug delivery, tissue engineering, anti-infection, and wound healing by providing abundant reservoirs of broad surface and internal network for cargo shielding and shuttling. To control the sponge-like morphology and improve the diversity of drug loading, some optimized preparation techniques of sponge particulates have been developed, contributing to the simplified preparation process and improved production reproducibility. Bio-functionalized strategies, including target modification, cell membrane camouflage, and hydrogel of sponge particulates have been applied to modulate the properties, improve the performance, and extend the applications. In this review, we highlight the unique physical properties and functions, current manufacturing techniques, and an overview of spongy particulates in biomedical applications, especially in inhibition of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity. Moreover, the current challenges and prospects of sponge particulates are discussed rationally, providing an insight into developing vibrant fields of sponge particulates-based biomedicine.

Fabrication of caseins nanoparticles to improve the stability of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside.

The influence of encapsulation with caseins on the stability of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (C3G) was investigated. The modified casein nanoparticles (MCs) prepared at pH 5.5 after heated at 80 °C for 30 min was applied to encapsulate C3G. The diameter of nanoparticle (MCs-C3G) was 110 ± 0.31 nm and zeta-potential was -8.83 ± 0.52 mV. The molecular weight of α-casein (32 kDa) and ß-casein (25 kDa) increased along with the encapsulation of C3G. The interactions of MCs with C3G were examined at pH 6.3 by fluorescence spectroscopy and IR spectroscopy. MCs encapsulated C3G mainly via the hydrophobic interaction. The secondary structures of caseins were changed along with the combination of C3G, with a decreasing in α-helix, turn random, and coil structure, as well as increased ß-sheet. In addition, the MCs-C3G interaction appeared to have a positive effect on the thermal, oxidation and photo stability of C3G.

A self-emulsifying formulation of Sonchus oleraceus Linn for an improved anti-diabetic effect in vivo.

The aim of the present study was to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) containing the extract of S oleraceus Linn (SOL) with improved intestinal stability in order to increase oral bio-potency. SOL was effectively incorporated into emulsions, which showed resistance to in vitro digestion without any destruction of its phenolic acids, glycosides and aglycone. SEDDS and SOL were also prepared for the comparison of in vivo anti-diabetic effects. Four weeks of daily treatments of SEDDS dramatically improved the quality of life for diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) caused body weight reduction, which was reversed by SEDDS at a low dose (100 mg kg-1), and it was more effective than SOL at a high dose (200 mg kg-1). SEDDS also improved the response to glucose tolerance, which was significantly higher than that of SOL. On the basis of these findings, the SEDDS approach might be an efficacious dosage option to enhance the nutraceutical properties of SOL.

Anti-inflammatory effect of self-emulsifying delivery system containing Sonchus oleraceus Linn extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Edible Sonchus oleraceus Linn is a medicinal plant with many bioactivities such as anti-diabetic activity and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the main bioactive components such as polyphenols in S. oleraceus Linn are poorly absorbed in gastrointestinal tract and rapidly metabolized. Thereby, a self-emulsifying delivery system containing S. oleraceus Linn extracts (SSEDDS) was introduced to evade these problems. Herein, the anti-inflammatory effect of SSEDDS on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was investigated. The plasma glucose level was increased and plasma insulin level was decreased in diabetic rats. The levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the liver were significantly improved in diabetic rats (p < 0.05). Conversely, daily fed diabetic rats with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of SSEDS and 1 mg/kg/day metformin for 4 weeks, significantly (p < 0.05) restored all the above mentioned parameters to near normal levels. The immuno-histochemical studies confirmed the anti-inflammatory effects of SSEDDS.

Sonchus oleraceus Linn extract enhanced glucose homeostasis through the AMPK/Akt/ GSK-3ß signaling pathway in diabetic liver and HepG2 cell culture.

The extracts of S. oleraceus Linn (SOL) and its main phenolic compounds have shown anti-diabetic effects, but their underlying mechanisms for glucose homeostasis remain unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic mechanism of SOL by using the streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat model. When diabetic rats were fed with SOL at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks, the concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were reduced by 43%, 22%, and 16%, respectively. Meanwhile, it was also found that daily feeding of SOL to diabetic rats led to a decrease in plasma glucose level by approximately 23%. Positive effects were observed on glucose homeostasis due to the down-regulation of AMPK/Akt/GSK-3ß pathway, as indicated by the suppressions of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase (Akt) phosphorylation, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3ß), and the hepatic insulin resistance. In HepG2 cells, AMPK, Akt and GSK-3ß showed a consistent transcript regulation. SOL at dose of 400 mg/kg/day feeding for 6 weeks showed a positive effect comparable to metformin.

Inhibitory effect of the extract from Sonchus olearleu on the formation of carcinogenic heterocyclic aromatic amines during the pork cooking.

The aim of this study was to assess the inhibitory effects of Sonchus olearleu extract on the generation of heterocyclic amines in roasted pork patties cooked by pan-frying. All samples were cooked for two different durations (45 min and 105 min) under 200 °C and 230 °C. 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), 2-ami- no-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinox-aline (4,8-DiMeIQx), harman, and norharman were detected and quantified. In patties cooked at 230 °C for 105 min, S. olearleu extract (0.5%) significantly inhibited the formation of IQ, harman, and norharman by 39%, 67%, and 63%, respectively. In contrast to IQ, the levels of harman and norharman were significantly reduced by the extracts tested. However, no such effects were observed for MeIQx and 4, 8-DiMeIQx. Notably, the inhibitory effect on heterocyclic amines is significantly correlated with the antioxidant potential and total phenolic content of S. olearleu extract.

Sonchus oleraceus Linn protects against LPS-induced sepsis and inhibits inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sonchus oleraceus Linn (SOL) belongs to family of Asteraceae, is a traditional medicinal plant, which has been used to treat tumor, inflammatory diseases, infection and so on in Chinese folk culture. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work investigated the influence of aqueous ethanol extract of whole plant of SOL and contribution of its main components on inflammation METHODS AND RESULTS: Oral administration of SOL (10 mg/kg) to mice reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, in the LPS-induced sepsis mouse model. Major phenolics in SOL were isolated and determined by HPLC. Results indicate that SOL at the concentration range from 25 to 100 µg/mL and its main components, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid (25-100 µM) significantly reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, attenuated iNOS and COX-2 expression in LPS-stimulated Macrophages. In addition, western blot analysis showed SOL suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). CONCLUSION: The underlying mechanism of anti-inflammation might be in according with the inhibition of MAPKs activation as well as down regulation of iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).

[Effluent carbon source improvement and sludge reduction by hydrolysis reactor with enhanced sludge utilization].

In order to strengthen the sludge hydrolysis and improve effluent carbon source, the structure of currently existing hydrolysis reactor was reformed. The new process combined separation of suspended solids in influent and hydrolysis of settled sludge. Experimental results show that the removal rate of SS was 81.4%, the average SS/BOD5 ratio of effluent was dropped to 0.4, far less than that of the influent ratios; SCOD/COD and COD(0.45-5)/COD ratio of the effluent increased by 35.4% and 17.7%, but the COD(> 100)/COD ratio reduced by 53.2%; BOD5/TN ratio increased from 3.7 to 4.7 and the BOD5/TP ratio from 23.8 to 36.4. The improvement of effluent carbon source was helpful for nitrogen and phosphorus removal in follow-up process. Meanwhile, the hydrolytic rate of sludge was up to 51.9%, realizing the reduction and resource-regeneration.

[Research of input water ratio's impact on the quality of effluent water from hydrolysis reactor].

Based on high SS/BOD and low C/N ratio of waste water of municipal wastewater treatment plant, the structure of currently existing hydrolysis reactor was reformed to improve the influent quality. In order to strengthen the sludge hydrolysis and improve effluent water quality, two layers water distributors were set up so that the sludge hydrolysis zone was formed between the two layers distribution. For the purpose of the hydrolysis reactor not only plays the role of the primary sedimentation tank but also improves the effluent water biodegradability, input water ratios of the upper and lower water distributor in the experiment were changed to get the best input water ratio to guide the large-scale application of this sort hydrolysis reactor. Results show, four kinds of input water ratio have varying degrees COD and SS removal efficiency, however, input water ratio for 1 : 1 can substantially increase SCOD/COD ratio and VFA concentration of effluent water compared with the other three input water ratios. To improve the effluent biodegradability, input water ratio for 1 : 1 was chosen for the best input water ratio. That was the ratio of flow of upper distributor was 50%, and the ratio of the lower one was 50%, at this case it can reduce the processing burden of COD and SS for follow-up treatment, but also improve the biodegradability of the effluent.