Development and characterization of sustainable active pectin films: The role of choline chloride/glycerol-based natural deep eutectic solvent and lavender extracts.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential effects of choline chloride: glycerol-based natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) as a plasticizer, NADES extract (NADESext) of lavender as both plasticizer and active ingredient, as well as the lyophilized extract (LE) of lavender at different concentrations (0.5 %, 1 %, and 2 %) on the physical, mechanical, optical, thermal, barrier, morphological, and antioxidant properties of pectin films. The properties of the films were compared to those of the neat pectin film and the film plasticized with glycerol. The addition of plasticizers and LE increased thickness, water vapor permeability, and elongation at break values of the films while decreasing tensile strength and young modulus. Pectin films plasticized with glycerol, NADES, and NADESext had a similar color property but a lower opacity. The use of LE decreased lightness and increased opacity compared to the films with plasticizers. The addition of plasticizers revealed a smoother surface than neat pectin film while LE triggered the formation of agglomerates on the films. Changes in the FTIR spectra of the films showed some interactions between pectin and polyphenols in LE. The plasticizers had an insignificant effect on the antioxidant capacity of films whereas LE improved antioxidant capacity depending on the concentration. In conclusion, the results suggested that pectin films with NADES and LE could be beneficially used to improve antioxidant packaging technology along with acceptable mechanical properties.

A novel diagnostic tool for the detection of bladder cancer: Measurement of urinary high mobility group box-1.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of urinary High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1) level as a noninvasive tool that can be potentially used for diagnosis and during follow-up in patients with bladder cancer patients. METHOD: The study was conducted in a total of 121 participants including 61 patients diagnosed with primary bladder cancer, 30 patients with an acute urinary tract infection and 30 healthy controls. Age, gender and urinary HMGB1 levels of the study groups were evaluated. The association of clinical features (tumor diameter, number of foci, pathological grade, muscle invasion) with urinary HMGB1 levels was investigated in patients with bladder cancer. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed a normal age and gender distribution with no significant difference among them (P = 0.775 and P = 0.967, respectively). A significant difference was detected in urinary HMGB1 levels among the 3 groups (P < 0.001). When urinary HMGB1 levels were compared between patients with high grade vs. low grade tumors, the mean HMGB1 level was 44.39 pg/ml (12.1-505.2) in patients with low grade tumors and 280 pg/ml (18.7-2685.3) in patients with high grade tumors (P < 0.001). Patients with a greater number of tumor foci had higher HMGB1 levels in comparison to patients with a single tumor focus (P = 0.008). Urinary HMGB1 levels were higher in patients with a tumor diameter of ≥3 cm than in patients with a tumor diameter less than 3 cm (P = 0.001). Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer exhibited higher urinary HMGB1 levels compared to patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (P = 0.033). The cut-off values derived from the ROC analysis were 63.30 pg/ml for distinguishing bladder cancer from urinary tract infection, 30.94 pg/ml for urinary tract infection versus control group and 38.70 pg/ml for bladder cancer vs. control group, respectively. Sensitivity was 59% and specificity was found 77%. CONCLUSION: In future controlled studies involving larger patient groups, urinary HMGB1 levels can be used for diagnostic and screening purposes in bladder cancer patients.

[The prevention of home accidents among children aged 0-6 years]. / 0-6 yas grubu çocuklarda ev kazalarinin önlenmesi.

BACKGROUND: Research was carried out to train families with children between the ages of 0-6 years regarding home accidents and how to make their homes safer. METHODS: Five hundred and sixty-three people who exhibited potential trainer qualities and who dealt directly children aged 0-6 years and their families were trained. Trainers applied a home accident safety test to 5117 mothers. Each trainer interviewed 10 mothers with children aged 0-6 years, and a short training was provided and brochures were delivered. Home accident safety products were distributed to 500 homes with low home accident safety scores, and these homes were evaluated regarding the usage of the products. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between pretest-posttest average scores of trainers. The average score on the home accident safety test was 75.50 ± 8.22 before the distribution of home accident safety products, and this increased to 90.50 ± 7.77 after the distribution of those products, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Training the families on risk factors and ways of making their homes safer could be recommended to protect children aged 0-6 years from home accidents.