Effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel powder supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and muscle fibre characteristics of fattening Angus calves under heat stress conditions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary Allium mongolicum Regel powder (AMRP) supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and muscle fibre characteristics of fattening Angus calves. Growth performance data and longissimus thoracis (LT) samples were collected from four groups of fattening Angus, which were fed either a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with an AMRP dose of 10 (LAMR), 15 (MAMR), or 20 g/animal/day AMRP (HAMR) for 120 days before slaughter. AMRP addition to the feed improved growth performance and meat quality and altered muscle fibre type. Some responses to AMRP supplementation were dose dependent, whereas others were not. Together, the results of this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation with 10 g/animal/day AMRP was the optimal dose in terms of fattening calf growth performance, while 20 g/animal/day AMRP supplementation was the optimal dose in terms of meat quality.

Regulation of optimized new Shengmai powder on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis in ischemic heart failure rats: The mediating role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/tumor protein 53 signaling pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Optimized New Shengmai Powder (ONSMP) is a sophisticated traditional Chinese medicinal formula renowned for bolstering vital energy, optimizing blood circulation, and mitigating fluid retention. After years of clinical application, ONSMP has shown a significant impact in improving myocardial injury and cardiac function and has a positive effect on treating heart failure. However, many unknowns exist about the molecular biological mechanisms of how ONSMP exerts its therapeutic effects, which require further research and exploration. AIM OF THE STUDY: Exploring the potential molecular biological mechanisms by which ONSMP ameliorates cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis in ischemic heart failure (IHF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, we constructed a rat model of IHF by inducing acute myocardial infarction through surgery and using echocardiography, organ coefficients, markers of heart failure, antioxidant markers, and histopathological examination to assess the effects of ONSMP on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis in IHF rats. Next, we used bioinformatics analysis techniques to analyze the active components, signaling pathways, and core targets of ONSMP and calculated the interactions between core targets and corresponding elements. Finally, we detected the positive expression of apoptosis and ferroptosis markers and core indicators of signaling pathways by immunohistochemistry; detected the mean fluorescence intensity of core indicators of signaling pathways by immunofluorescence; detected the protein expression of signaling pathways and downstream effector molecules by western blotting; and detected the mRNA levels of p53 and downstream effector molecules by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: ONSMP can activate the Ser83 site of ASK by promoting the phosphorylation of the PI3K/AKT axis, thereby inhibiting the MKK3/6-p38 axis and the MKK4/7-JNK axis signaling to reduce p53 expression, and can also directly target and inhibit the activity of p53, ultimately inhibiting p53-mediated mRNA and protein increases in PUMA, SAT1, PIG3, and TFR1, as well as mRNA and protein decreases in SLC7A11, thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis, effectively improving cardiac function and ventricular remodeling in IHF rat models. CONCLUSION: ONSMP can inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis through the PI3K/AKT/p53 signaling pathway, delaying the development of IHF.

Surface modification of the laser powder bed-fused Ti-Zr-Nb scaffolds by dynamic chemical etching and Ag nanoparticles decoration.

Metallic lattice scaffolds are designed to mimic the architecture and mechanical properties of bone tissue and their surface compatibility is of primary importance. This study presents a novel surface modification protocol for metallic lattice scaffolds printed from a superelastic Ti-Zr-Nb alloy. This protocol consists of dynamic chemical etching (DCE) followed by silver nanoparticles (AgNP) decoration. DCE, using an 1HF + 3HNO3 + 12H2O23% based solution, was used to remove partially-fused particles from the surfaces of different as-built lattice structures (rhombic dodecahedron, sheet gyroid, and Voronoi polyhedra). Subsequently, an antibacterial coating was synthesized on the surface of the scaffolds by a controlled (20 min at a fixed volume flowrate of 500 mL/min) pumping of the functionalization solutions (NaBH4 (2 mg/mL) and AgNO3 (1 mg/mL)) through the porous structures. Following these treatments, the scaffolds' surfaces were found to be densely populated with Ag nanoparticles and their agglomerates, and manifested an excellent antibacterial effect (Ag ion release rate of 4-8 ppm) suppressing the growth of both E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria up to 99 %. The scaffold extracts showed no cytotoxicity and did not affect cell proliferation, indicating their safety for subsequent use as implants. A cytocompatibility assessment using MG-63 spheroids demonstrated good attachment, spreading, and active migration of cells on the scaffold surface (over 96 % of living cells), confirming their biotolerance. These findings suggest the promise of this surface modification approach for developing superelastic Ti-Zr-Nb scaffolds with superior antibacterial properties and biocompatibility, making them highly suitable for bone implant applications.

The Synthesis and Analysis of the Cytotoxicity of Al2O3-Supported Silver Nanoparticles Prepared by the Plasma Chemical Process Initiated by Pulsed MW Radiation in the Al2O3-Ag Powder Mixtures.

An original plasma chemical process initiated by microwave discharge in a mixture of metal and dielectric powders was applied to prepare specific materials, which consisted of microsized spherical particles of aluminum oxide covered with silver nanoparticles. The prepared materials are highly uniform in shape, size distribution, and composition. Their cytotoxicity was investigated using the human cell lines MCF7, HEK293T, A549, and VA-13 and the bacterial strains E. coli JW5503 (ΔtolC) and E. coli K12. Their cytotoxicity was found not to exceed the cytotoxicity of the starting materials. Thus, the prepared materials can be considered highly promising for catalysis and biotechnology applications.

Selection of lubricant type and concentration for orodispersible tablets.

Lubricants are essential for most tablet formulations as they assist powder flow, prevent adhesion to tableting tools and facilitate tablet ejection. Magnesium stearate (MgSt) is an effective lubricant but may compromise tablet strength and disintegratability. In the design of orodispersible tablets, tablet strength and disintegratability are critical attributes of the dosage form. Hence, this study aimed to conduct an in-depth comparative study of MgSt with alternative lubricants, namely sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), stearic acid (SA) and hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), for their effects on the tableting process as well as tablet properties. Powder blends were prepared with lactose, sodium starch glycolate or crospovidone as the disintegrant, and a lubricant at different concentrations. Angle of repose was determined for the mixtures. Comparative evaluation was carried out based on the ejection force, tensile strength, liquid penetration and disintegratability of the tablets produced. As the lubricant concentration increased, powder flow and tablet ejection improved. The lubrication efficiency generally decreased as follows: MgSt > HCO > SA > SLS. Despite its superior lubrication efficacy, MgSt is the only lubricant of four evaluated that reduced tablet tensile strength. Tablet disintegration time was strongly determined by tensile strength and liquid penetration, which were in turn affected by the lubricant type and concentration. All the above factors should be taken into consideration when deciding the type and concentration of lubricant for an orodispersible tablet formulation.

Odontogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of magnesium-doped bioactive glass in vital pulp therapy.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of magnesium-doped bioactive glass (Mg-BG) on the mineralization, odontogenesis, and anti-inflammatory abilities of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). Mg-BG powders with different Mg concentrations were successfully synthesized via the sol-gel method and evaluated using x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Apatite formation was observed on the surfaces of the materials after soaking in simulated body fluid. hDPSCs were cultured with Mg-BG powder extracts in vitro, and no evident cytotoxicity was observed. Mg-BG induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and mineralization of hDPSCs and upregulated the expression of odontogenic genes, including those encoding dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein 1, ALP, osteocalcin, and runt-related transcription factor 2. Moreover, Mg-BG substantially suppressed the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Collectively, the results of this study suggest that Mg-BG has excellent in vitro bioactivity and is a potential material for vital pulp therapy of inflamed pulps.

Optimized preparation of Ni-Febm bimetallic particles by ball milling NiSO4 and iron powder for efficient removal of triclosan.

The excessive usage and emissions of triclosan (TCS) pose a serious threat to aquatic environments. Iron-based bimetallic particles (Pd/Fe, Ni/Fe, and Cu/Fe, etc.) were widely used for the degradation of chlorophenol pollutants. This study proposed a novel synthesis method for the preparation of Ni/Fe bimetallic particles (Ni-Febm) by ball milling microscale zero valent iron ZVI (mZVI) and NiSO4. Ball-milling conditions such as ball-milling time, ball-milling speed and ball-to-powder ratio were optimized to prepare high activity Ni-Febm bimetallic particles. During the ball-milling process, Ni2+ was reduced to Ni0 and formed a coupled structure with ZVI. The amount of Ni0 on ZVI significantly affected the activity of Ni-Febm bimetallic particles. The highest activity Ni-Febm bimetallic particles with Ni/Fe ratio of 0.03 were synthesized under optimized conditions, which could remove 86.56% of TCS (10 µM) in aerobic aqueous solution within 60 min. In addition, higher particle dosage, lower pH condition and higher reaction temperature were more conducive for TCS degradation. The higher corrosion current and lower electron transfer impedance of Ni-Febm bimetallic particles were the main reasons for its high activity. The hydrogen atom (•H) on the surface of Ni-Febm bimetallic particles was mainly contributed to the removal of TCS, as reductive transformation products of TCS were detected by LC-TOF-MS. Notably, a small amount of oxidation products were discovered. The total dechlorination rate of TCS was calculated to be 39.67%. After eight reaction cycles, the residual Ni-Febm bimetallic particles could still degrade 28.34% of TCS within 6 h. Low Ni2+ leaching during reaction indicated that Ni-Febm bimetallic particles did not pose potential environmental risks. The prepared environmental-friendly Ni-Febm bimetallic particles with high activity have great potential in the degradation of other chlorinated organic compounds in wastewater.

The Effect of Fermentation on the Chemical Constituents of Gastrodia Tuber Hallimasch Powder (GTHP) Estimated by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and HPLC.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of fermentation on the chemical constituents of Gastrodia Tuder Halimasch Powder (GTHP), to establish its fingerprinting and multicomponent content determination, and to provide a basis for the processing, handling, and clinical application of this herb. METHODS: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was used to conduct a preliminary analysis of the chemical constituents in GTHP before and after fermentation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine some major differential components of GTHP and establish fingerprints. Cluster analysis (CA), and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed for comprehensive evaluation. RESULTS: Seventy-nine compounds were identified, including flavonoids, organic acids, nucleosides, terpenoids, and others. The CA and PCA results showed that ten samples were divided into three groups. Through standard control and HPLC analysis, 10 compounds were identified from 22 peaks, namely uracil, guanosine, adenosine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), daidzin, genistin, glycitein, daidzein, genistein, and ergosterol. After fermentation, GTHP exhibited significantly higher contents of uracil, guanosine, adenosine, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and ergosterol and significantly lower genistein and daidzein contents. CONCLUSIONS: The UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS and HPLC methods can effectively identify a variety of chemical components before and after the fermentation of GTHP. This study provides a valuable reference for further research on the rational clinical application and quality control improvement of GTHP.

Effects of environmental exposure to iron powder on healthy and elastase-exposed mice.

Prolonged exposure to iron powder and other mineral dusts can threaten the health of individuals, especially those with COPD. The goal of this study was to determine how environmental exposure to metal dust from two different mining centers in Brazil affects lung mechanics, inflammation, remodeling and oxidative stress responses in healthy and elastase-exposed mice. This study divided 72 male C57Bl/6 mice into two groups, the summer group and the winter group. These groups were further divided into six groups: control, nonexposed (SAL); nonexposed, given elastase (ELA); exposed to metal powder at a mining company (SAL-L1 and ELA-L1); and exposed to a location three miles away from the mining company (SAL-L2 and ELA-L2) for four weeks. On the 29th day of the protocol, the researchers assessed lung mechanics, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammation, remodeling, oxidative stress, macrophage iron and alveolar wall alterations (mean linear intercept-Lm). The Lm was increased in the ELA, ELA-L1 and ELA-L2 groups compared to the SAL group (p < 0.05). There was an increase in the total number of cells and macrophages in the ELA-L1 and ELA-L2 groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Compared to the ELA and SAL groups, the exposed groups (ELA-L1, ELA-L2, SAL-L1, and SAL-L2) exhibited increased expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α, neutrophil elastase, TIMP-1, MMP-9, MMP-12, TGF-ß, collagen fibers, MUC5AC, iNOS, Gp91phox, NFkB and iron positive macrophages (p < 0.05). Although we did not find differences in lung mechanics across all groups, there were low to moderate correlations between inflammation remodeling, oxidative stress and NFkB with elastance, resistance of lung tissue and iron positive macrophages (p < 0.05). Environmental exposure to iron, confirmed by evaluation of iron in alveolar macrophages and in air, exacerbated inflammation, initiated remodeling, and induced oxidative stress responses in exposed mice with and without emphysema. Activation of the iNOS, Gp91phox and NFkB pathways play a role in these changes.

Innovative plasticization technique for talc-powder reinforced wheat-starch biomass composite plastics with enhanced mechanical strength.

N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) was initially created as a plasticizer for starch to produce thermoplastic wheat starch. Subsequently, talc powder was used as a reinforcing filler to enhance the mechanical strength of thermoplastic biomass-based composite plastics. The chemical structure, crystal structure, and microscopic morphology were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the thermal properties were explored through thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The hydrated NMMO plasticizer demonstrated an outstanding plasticizing effect on starch, resulting in a composite with remarkable mechanical properties. In fact, the pure thermoplastic wheat starch plasticized with hydrated NMMO exhibited the highest mechanical strength recorded so far, with a tensile strength of up to 9.4 MPa. In addition, talcum powder displayed a noticeable reinforcing effect. When the talcum powder content reached 30 wt%, the targeted composite achieved a tensile strength of 20.5 MPa and a Young's modulus of 177.9 MPa. These values were 118 % and 48 % higher, respectively, than those of the pure thermoplastic starch sample. This innovative plasticizing method opens up a new avenue for the development of high-mechanical-strength thermoplastic biomass-based composite plastics with promising potential applications.

An investigation into the effect of surfactants on iron oxide powder suspension formulations for fingermark development.

Iron oxide powder suspension (FePS) is a fingermark development technique that can be used on adhesive and non-porous surfaces, the efficacy of which is known to be influenced by the surfactant used in the formulation. Despite previous work optimising surfactants for use in FePS, there is limited understanding of the interactions between surfactants, powders and fingermark residue which aid the successful development of fingermarks. To better understand the effect of surfactant on development quality produced by FePS, this research assessed a wide range of surfactants of different ionic natures and evaluated their ability to develop fingermarks based on the quality of ridge detail, contrast and background development produced. It was found that surfactants play a critical role in the selective deposition of powder on fingermark residue, as formulations made with only water (no surfactant) produced heavy background deposition. The efficacy of each surfactant depended on the quality parameter considered, and the addition of some surfactants hindered fingermark development. Effective surfactants such as T20, KP and TX100 prevented background development and produced well contrasted developed marks. Poor contrast was produced by LN, SP80/T80 and T80 due to indiscriminate powder deposition either across the entire sample or preventing any powder to deposit on the surface, demonstrating the role surfactants play in allowing powder deposition in this technique. The effectiveness of a surfactant in PS was not directly dependent on its ionic nature, and most surfactants were more effective when diluted from stock concentrations. This research has provided a robust base for future work improving fundamental understanding of FePS, which will greatly aid the efficacy of future optimisation efforts.

[Mechanism of Shenling Baizhu Powder on treatment of alcoholic liver disease by regulating TLR4/NLRP3 pathway].

This study aims to investigate the regulatory effects of Shenling Baizhu Powder(SBP) on cellular autophagy in alcoholic liver disease(ALD) and its intervention effect through the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway. A rat model of chronic ALD was established by gavage of spirits. An ALD cell model was established by stimulating BRL3A cells with alcohol. High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was utilized for the compositional analysis of SBP. Liver tissue from ALD rats underwent hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and oil red O staining for pathological evaluation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was applied to quantify lipopolysaccharides(LPS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta(IL-1ß), and interleukin-18(IL-18) levels. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was conducted to evaluate the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88) and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4). The effect of different drugs on BRL3A cell proliferation activity was assessed through CCK-8 analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3(NLRP3), nuclear factor-kappa B P65(NF-κB P65), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B P65(p-P65), caspase-1, P62, Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3Ⅱ). The results showed that SBP effectively ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation, reduced liver function, mitigated hepatic tissue inflammation, and reduced levels of LPS, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-18. Moreover, SBP exhibited the capacity to modulate hepatic autophagy induced by prolonged alcohol intake through the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This modulation resulted in decreased expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1, an elevation in P62 expression, and the promotion of autolysosome formation. These research findings imply that SBP can substantially enhance liver function and mitigate lipid irregularities in the context of chronic ALD. It achieves this by regulating excessive autophagic responses caused by prolonged spirit consumption, primarily through the inhibition of the TLR4/NLRP3 pathway.

Psyllium husk powder increases defecation frequency and faecal score, bulk and moisture in healthy cats.

OBJECTIVES: Constipation is the infrequent or difficult emission of hard, dry faeces and is a common digestive condition in cats. Psyllium is a low-fermentable fibre, with soluble and insoluble components and water-holding properties. It forms a mucilaginous gel with water and is used for the symptomatic treatment of constipation in various species. This study evaluated the effect of dietary psyllium on faecal characteristics in cats. METHODS: Healthy neutered adult cats (six female and three male, aged 3.3-4.4 years) were consecutively fed a dry extruded diet containing either 6% psyllium (test) or 6% cellulose (control) for 10 days each. During the last 3 days (the collection days) of both feeding periods, bowel movements and faecal scores were recorded, and faeces were collected to measure wet weight and moisture. The statistical analysis used linear mixed models with diet, day and their interaction as fixed effects and animal as a random term. RESULTS: The test diet was associated with significantly more bowel movements per day over 3 days (P = 0.0052) and on collection day 2 (P = 0.0229) than the control diet. The mean faecal score was higher (softer faeces) over all three collection days (P <0.0001) and on collection days 1, 2 and 3 (P = 0.0011, P = 0.0349, P = 0.0003, respectively) for the test diet vs the control diet; the total faecal wet weight (P = 0.0003) and faecal moisture (%) were also higher (P = 0.0426) for the test diet. Faeces associated with the test diet often had a dry shell and soft interior, which increased the faecal score. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Psyllium promoted more bowel movements and higher faecal moisture and faecal score in healthy cats, consistent with a previous uncontrolled clinical trial in constipated cats. Together, the studies support the use of dietary psyllium for managing cats with constipation.

Surface modification of toner-based recyclable iron oxide self-doped graphite nanocomposite to enhance methylene blue and tetracycline adsorption.

An innovative task was undertaken to convert ubiquitous and toxic electronic waste, waste toner powder (WTP), into novel adsorbents. Alkaline modification with KOH, NaOH, and NH4OH was employed for the first time to synthesize a series of surface-modified WTP with enhanced dispersibility and adsorption capacity. XRD, XRF, FTIR, and BET analyses confirmed that the prepared KOH-WTP, NaOH-WTP, and NH4OH-WTP were oxygen-functionalized self-doped iron oxide-graphite nanocomposites. The prepared adsorbents were used to remove methylene blue and tetracycline from aqueous solutions. KOH-WTP (0.1 g/100 mL) adsorbed 80% of 10 mg/L methylene blue within 1 h, while 0.1 g/100 mL NH4OH-WTP removed 72% of 10 mg/L tetracycline in 3 h. Exploring surface chemistry by altering solution pH and temperature suggested that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π-π electron stacking, and pore filling were plausible adsorption mechanisms. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a diminishing adsorbents porosity after adsorption proving the filling of pores by the adsorbates. KOH-WTP and NH4OH-WTP removed 77% and 61% of methylene blue and tetracycline respectively in the fourth reuse. The adsorption data of methylene blue and tetracycline fitted the Freundlich isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacities of KOH-WTP and NH4OH-WTP for methylene blue and tetracycline were 59 mg/g and 43 mg/g respectively. The prepared adsorbents were also compared with other adsorbents to assess their performance. The transformation of waste toner powder into magnetically separable oxygen-functionalized WTP with outstanding recyclability and adsorption capacity showcases a significant advancement in sustainable wastewater treatment. This further aligns with the principles of the circular economy through the utilization of toxic e-waste in value-added applications. Additionally, magnetic separation of surface-modified WTP post-treatment can curtail filtration and centrifugation expenses and adsorbent loss during wastewater treatment.

Effect of (multi pin) atmospheric cold plasma treatment on curcumin extraction and investigating phytochemicals, antioxidants, physical and morphological properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder.

This investigation was focused on the impact of cold plasma (CP) on the extraction of curcumin and bioactive compounds of turmeric powder (TP). TP was treated with CP at different applied voltages (10, 20, and 30 kV), with various exposure times (10, 20, and 30 min). The curcumin content was highest at 30 kV for 10 min with a yield of 46.49 mg/g of TP. Total phenols significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced from 163.91 to 360.78 mg GAE/g DW accompanied by a remarkable 16% increment in total flavonoids, paralleled by a 26% increment in antioxidants as of control. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra justified the extraction of curcuminoids. Moreover, micrographs displayed cell lysis in the treated powder. CP has exhibited a positive effect on surface colour parameters and thermal properties of TP. Overall, CP technology can be tailored for better curcumin extraction and the enhancement of phytochemicals.

Clinical efficacy of crushed prednisolone and hydrocolloid powder in the primary treatment of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum and correlation to in vitro drug release data.

We evaluated the primary application of crushed prednisolone combined with hydrocolloid powder for clinically diagnosed peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum (PPG). We present our data on this cohort and follow-up of our previous patients. Of the 23 patients who were commenced on this regime, 18 healed (78%). Twenty-two patients commenced on this regime as the primary treatment for their PPG, and for one, it was a rescue remedy after failed conventional therapy. Four patients with significant medical comorbidities failed to heal and one had their stomal reversal surgery before being fully healed. The proposed treatment regime for PPG is demonstrated to be effective, inexpensive and able to be managed in the patient's usual home environment. In vitro drug release analysis was undertaken, and data are presented to provide further insights into the efficacy of this regime.

Flavor characteristics of garlic fish cakes using electronic nose and tongue analyses.

This study investigated the utility of garlic powder as a functional ingredient. The aim was to develop fish cakes with improved functionality and sensory preference based on the antioxidant activity and quality characteristics. Increasing amounts of garlic powder in the prepared fish cakes were associated with increasing total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) radical scavenging activity, and reducing power. Furthermore, electronic tongue and electronic nose analyses showed an increased the intensity of umami and sourness and increased the levels of volatile compounds. The lowest trimethylamine peak corresponded to the highest amount of garlic powder. Sensory evaluation indicated that 3% garlic powder had the highest score for all criteria. Fishy odor decreased as the proportion of garlic powder increased. These findings suggest that the addition of 3% garlic powder improves quality characteristics, sensory preference, and antioxidant activity of fish cakes.

Valorization of cashew nut testa phenolics through nano-complexes stabilized with whey protein isolate and ß-cyclodextrin: Characterization, anti-oxidant activity, stability and in vitro release.

Cashew nut testa (CNT) is an underutilized cashew by-product rich in polyphenols. The applications of CNT are limited due to its astringency, less solubility, and instability of polyphenols during the processing. Nanoencapsulation was used to overcome these limitations. ß-cyclodextrin alone and in combination with whey protein isolate (WPI) was used for nano-complex preparation. The WPI/CD-CNT nano-complex powder showed higher encapsulation efficiency (86.9%) and yield (70.5-80%) compared to CD-CNT powder. Both the spray-dried powders showed improved thermal stability, higher solubility (97%), less moisture content, and increased DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities indicating potential food and agricultural applications. In addition, the nano-complex powders showed a controlled release of core bio-actives under gastric and intestinal pH compared to the non-encapsulated CNT phenolic extract. Degradation kinetics studies of the CNT extract after thermal and light treatments were also discussed. Both the nano-complexes showed high stability under light and thermal treatment. The results suggest that valorization of CNT can be done through nano-complex preparation and WPI and ß-CD are efficient carrier materials for the encapsulation of polyphenols with potential applications in food and agriculture.

Comparison of blood loss between intra-articular microporous polysaccharide hemospheres powder and tranexamic acid following primary total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with substantial blood loss and tranexamic acid (TXA) effectively reduces postoperative bleeding. Although it is known that there is no difference between intravenous or intra-articular (IA) injection, the general interest is directed towards topical hemostatic agents regarding thromboembolic events in high-risk patients. This study aimed to compare the blood conservation effects of IA MPH powder and TXA in patients undergoing primary TKA. We retrospectively analyzed 103 patients who underwent primary TKA between June 2020 and December 2021. MPH powder was applied to the IA space before capsule closure (MPH group, n = 51). TXA (3 g) was injected via the drain after wound closure (TXA group, n = 52). All patients underwent drain clamping for three postoperative hours. The primary outcome was the drain output, and the secondary outcomes were the postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the hospitalization period and the perioperative blood transfusion rates. An independent Student's t-test was used to determine differences between the two groups. The drain output in the first 24 h after surgery was significantly higher in the MPH group than in the TXA group. The postoperative Hb levels were significantly lower in the MPH group than in the TXA group. In patients with simultaneous bilateral TKA, there was a significant difference in the blood transfusion volumes and the rates between groups. It is considered that IA MPH powder cannot replace IA TXA because of an inferior efficacy in reducing blood loss and maintaining postoperative Hb levels in the early postoperative period after primary TKA. Moreover, in the case of simultaneous bilateral TKA, we do not recommend the use of IA MPH powder because it was notably less effective in the field of transfusion volume and rate.

Preparation of etoposide liposomes for enhancing antitumor efficacy on small cell lung cancer and reducing hematotoxicity of drugs.

Etoposide (VP16) is commonly used in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in clinical practice. However, severe adverse reactions such as bone marrow suppression toxicity limit its clinical application. Although several studies on VP16 liposomes were reported, no significant improvement in bone marrow suppression toxicity has been found, and there was a lack of validation of animal models for in vivo antitumor effects. Therefore, we attempted to develop a PEGylated liposomal formulation that effectively encapsulated VP16 (VP16-LPs) and evaluated its therapeutic effect and toxicity at the cellular level and in animal models. First, we optimized the preparation process of VP16-LPs using an orthogonal experimental design and further prepared them into freeze-dried powder to improve storage stability of the product. Results showed that VP16-LPs freeze-dried powder exhibited good dispersibility and stability after redispersion. In addition, compared to marketed VP16 injection, VP16-LPs exhibited sustained drug release characteristics. At the cellular level, VP16-LPs enhanced the cellular uptake of drugs and exhibited strong cytotoxic activity. In animal models, VP16-LPs could target and aggregate in tumors and exhibit a higher anti-tumor effect than VP16-injection after intravenous injection. Most importantly, hematological analysis results showed that VP16-LPs significantly alleviated the bone marrow suppression toxicity of drug. In summary, our study confirmed that PEGylated liposomes could enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of VP16, which demonstrated that VP16-LPs had enormous clinical application potential.