Dietary supplementation with integral chia and flax flours ameliorates systemic inflammation / La suplementación dietaria con harinas integrales de chia y lino tiene efectos antiinflamatorios sistémicos

Abstract Introduction : Chia and flax seeds are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is bioconverted into the active derivatives eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and doco sahexaenoic (DHA) having multiple beneficial effects. However, there is limited knowledge about the anti-inflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours diets rich in ALA. Objective : The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of dietary supplementation with integral chia and flax flours in a murine model of LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Methods : Balb/c mice were distributed into three groups: diet A (control), diet B (supplemented with inte gral chia flour), and diet C (supplemented with integral flax flour). Nutritional, hematological, and biochemical determinations were performed. ALA, EPA, and DHA were assessed by GC-MS in the liver, brain, cardiac and skeletal muscles. NF-kB immunoassays were per formed in kidney, liver, and peritoneal macrophages, respectively. The phagocytic capacity was determined in peritoneal macrophages and the expression of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was assessed by RT-qPCR in the kidney, liver, and spleen. Results : Diets B and C exhibited optimal nutritional adequacy and caused increased levels of ALA, EPA, and DHA in critical tissues compared to the control. The phagocytic capacity of murine peritoneal macrophages (p< 0.01) and IL-10 transcription increased, whereas the expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased in animals fed both experimental diets. Conclusions : This work contributes to the current knowledge of the anti-inflammatory effects of chia and flax integral flours rich in ALA and reinforces the health advantages of their consumption.

Resumen Introducción : Las semillas de chía y lino son ricas en ácido alfa-linolénico (ALA), sus derivados activos eico sapentaenoico (EPA) y docosahexaenoico (DHA) ejercen probados efectos beneficiosos. Existe un conocimiento limitado sobre los efectos protectores de ambas semillas bajo la forma de harinas integrales, siendo de particular interés el efecto antiinflamatorio. Objetivo : El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto antiinflamatorio de la suplementación dietaria con harinas integrales de semillas de chía y lino en un modelo murino de inflamación sistémica inducido por LPS. Métodos : Ratones de la cepa Balb/c fueron distribui dos en tres grupos: dieta A (control), dieta B (suplemen tada con harina integral de chía) y dieta C (suplementa da con harina integral de lino). Se efecturaron determi naciones nutricionales, hematológicas y bioquímicas. El contenido de ALA, EPA y DHA en hígado, cerebro, corazón y músculo esquelético se determinó por cromatografía GC-MS. Se realizó la inmunodetección de NF-kB en macrófagos peritoneales, riñón e hígado. Se determinó la capacidad fagocítica de macrófagos peritoneales y se evaluó la expresión de citoquinas pro y antiinflamatorias por RT-qPCR en riñón, hígado y bazo. Resultados : Las dietas B y C mostraron una adecua ción nutricional óptima y generaron niveles elevados de ALA, EPA y DHA en tejidos críticos. La capacidad fagocítica de los macrófagos peritoneales (p< 0.01) y la transcripción de IL-10 aumentó, mientras que la expre sión de NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6 y TNF-α disminuyó en animales de los grupos B y C. Conclusiones : Este trabajo contribuye al conocimien to actual de los efectos antiinflamatorios de ambas hari nas integrales y refuerza los beneficios de su consumo.

A novel ternary magnetic nanobiocomposite based on tragacanth-silk fibroin hydrogel for hyperthermia and biological properties.

This study involves the development of a new nanocomposite material for use in biological applications. The nanocomposite was based on tragacanth hydrogel (TG), which was formed through cross-linking of Ca2+ ions with TG polymer chains. The utilization of TG hydrogel and silk fibroin as natural compounds has enhanced the biocompatibility, biodegradability, adhesion, and cell growth properties of the nanobiocomposite. This advancement makes the nanobiocomposite suitable for various biological applications, including drug delivery, wound healing, and tissue engineering. Additionally, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in situ within the nanocomposite to enhance its hyperthermia efficiency. The presence of hydrophilic groups in all components of the nanobiocomposite allowed for good dispersion in water, which is an important factor in increasing the effectiveness of hyperthermia cancer therapy. Hemolysis and 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assays were conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nanobiocomposite for in-vivo applications. Results showed that even at high concentrations, the nanobiocomposite had minimal hemolytic effects. Finally, the hyperthermia application of the hybrid scaffold was evaluated, with a maximum SAR value of 41.2 W/g measured in the first interval.

Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review.

Medicinal plants have been a traditional remedy for numerous ailments for centuries. However, their usage is limited due to a lack of evidence-based studies elucidating their mechanisms of action. In some countries, they are still considered the first treatment due to their low cost, accessibility, and minor adverse effects. Mexico is in second place, after China, in inventoried plants for medicinal use. It has around 4000 species of medicinal plants; however, pharmacological studies have only been carried out in 5% of its entirety. The species of the Mexican arid zones, particularly in semi-desert areas, exhibit outstanding characteristics, as their adverse growing conditions (e.g., low rainfall and high temperatures) prompt these plants to produce interesting metabolites with diverse biological activities. This review explores medicinal plants belonging to the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico, focusing on those that have stood out for their bioactive potential, such as Jatropha dioica, Turnera diffusa, Larrea tridentata, Opuntia ficus-indica, Flourensia cernua, Fouquieria splendes, and Prosopis glandulosa. Their extraction conditions, bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and biological efficacy are presented, with emphasis on their role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, current research, novel applications, and perspectives concerning medicinal plants from these zones are also discussed.

Feasibility of Enzymatic Protein Extraction from a Dehydrated Fish Biomass Obtained from Unsorted Canned Yellowfin Tuna Side Streams: Part II.

The enzymatic extraction of proteins from fish biomasses is being widely investigated. However, little or almost no research has paid attention to the exploitation of unsorted fishery biomasses. This work is part of a larger study, Part I of which has already been published, and focuses on an extensive characterization of two collagenous samples, namely gelatin (G) and hydrolyzed gelatin peptides (HGPs), extracted from a dehydrated fish biomass coming from unsorted canned yellowfin tuna side streams. The results indicate crude protein fractions of 90-93%, pH values between 3 and 5, white-yellow colors, collagen-like FTIR spectra, and 17% in terms of total amino acid content. Viscosity and the study of dynamic viscous-elastic behavior were analyzed. Thermo-gravimetric analysis was performed to assess the residual ashes. Both samples were investigated to determine their molecular weight distribution via size-exclusion chromatography, with a higher total average molecular weight for G compared to HGPs, with values of 17,265.5 Da and 2637.5 Da, respectively. G demonstrated technological properties similar to analogous marine gelatins. HGPs demonstrated antioxidant activity as per FRAP assay. All the results open up new perspectives for the potential use of these substances in biodegradable packaging, dietary supplements, and skin care cosmetics.

Quantum mechanical analysis of yttrium-stabilized zirconia and alumina: implications for mechanical performance of esthetic crowns.

BACKGROUND: Yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and alumina are the most commonly used dental esthetic crown materials. This study aimed to provide detailed information on the comparison between yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and alumina, the two materials most often used for esthetic crowns in dentistry. METHODOLOGY: The ground-state energy of the materials was calculated using the Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code, which employs a first-principles method based on density functional theory (DFT). The electronic exchange-correlation energy was evaluated using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within the Perdew (Burke) Ernzerhof scheme. RESULTS: Optimization of the geometries and investigation of the optical properties, dynamic stability, band structures, refractive indices, and mechanical properties of these materials contribute to a holistic understanding of these materials. Geometric optimization of YSZ provides important insights into its dynamic stability based on observations of its crystal structure and polyhedral geometry, which show stable configurations. Alumina exhibits a distinctive charge, kinetic, and potential (CKP) geometry, which contributes to its interesting structural framework and molecular-level stability. The optical properties of alumina were evaluated using pseudo-atomic computations, demonstrating its responsiveness to external stimuli. The refractive indices, reflectance, and dielectric functions indicate that the transmission of light by alumina depends on numerous factors that are essential for the optical performance of alumina as a material for esthetic crowns. The band structures of both the materials were explored, and the band gap of alumina was determined to be 5.853 eV. In addition, the band structure describes electronic transitions that influence the conductivity and optical properties of a material. The stability of alumina can be deduced from its bandgap, an essential property that determines its use as a dental material. Refractive indices are vital optical properties of esthetic crown materials. Therefore, the ability to understand their refractive-index graphs explains their transparency and color distortion through how the material responds to light..The regulated absorption characteristics exhibited by YSZ render it a highly attractive option for the development of esthetic crowns, as it guarantees minimal color distortion. CONCLUSION: The acceptability of materials for esthetic crowns is strongly determined by mechanical properties such as elastic stiffness constants, Young's modulus, and shear modulus. YSZ is a highly durable material for dental applications, owing to its superior mechanical strength.

Free Radical Scavenging, Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Activity of Acorus calamus Leaves Extract Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Background Herbal medicine, or phytotherapy, has been used for centuries in traditional healing practices to harness the therapeutic properties of different plant-derived elements. Acorus calamus, a perennial herbaceous plant, has significant historical importance in traditional medicine, specifically in Ayurveda, where it is referred to as "Vacha." This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics of the A. calamus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extract. The objectives of the research are to provide valuable knowledge about the preparation of A. calamus DMSO extract and to explore its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Materials and methods The A. calamus DMSO extract was derived from leaves, and its antioxidant activity was evaluated through the use of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay (H2O2 assay), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the Bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation assay, egg albumin (EA) denaturation assay, and membrane stabilization assays. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the agar well diffusion technique and the time-kill curve assay. Results In DPPH and H2O2 tests, the DMSO extract of A. calamus showed significant antioxidant activity, near that of standard ascorbic acid. The FRAP assay demonstrated a correlation between the dose and the activity of reducing ferric ions. The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties in BSA and EA denaturation assays, similar to the standard diclofenac sodium. The anti-inflammatory potential of the A. calamus DMSO extract was further confirmed through the membrane stabilization assay. The DMSO extract of A. calamus exhibited a significant inhibition zone against the pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during the antimicrobial evaluation, surpassing the efficacy of the standard antibiotic. The time-kill curve assay validated the antibacterial efficacy, which was dependent on the concentration. Conclusion The A. calamus DMSO extract exhibited promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, supporting its traditional use in alternative medicine. The findings suggest its potential as a natural resource of compounds with bioactive properties for use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Glycated Walnut Meal Peptide-Calcium Chelates: Preparation, Characterization, and Stability.

Finding stable and bioavailable calcium supplements is crucial for addressing calcium deficiency. In this study, glycated peptide-calcium chelates (WMPHs-COS-Ca) were prepared from walnut meal protein hydrolysates (WMPHs) and chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) through the Maillard reaction, and the structural properties and stability of the WMPHs-COS-Ca were characterized. The results showed that WMPHs and COSs exhibited high binding affinities, with a glycation degree of 64.82%. After glycation, Asp, Lys, and Arg decreased by 2.07%, 0.46%, and 1.06%, respectively, which indicated that these three amino acids are involved in the Maillard reaction. In addition, compared with the WMPHs, the emulsifying ability and emulsion stability of the WMPHs-COS increased by 10.16 mg2/g and 52.73 min, respectively, suggesting that WMPHs-COS have better processing characteristics. After chelation with calcium ions, the calcium chelation rate of peptides with molecular weights less than 1 kDa was the highest (64.88%), and the optimized preparation conditions were 5:1 w/w for WMPH-COS/CaCl2s, with a temperature of 50 °C, a chelation time of 50 min, and a pH of 7.0. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the "bridging role" of WMPHs-COS changed to a loose structure. UV-vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry results indicated that the amino nitrogen atoms, carboxyl oxygen atoms, and carbon oxygen atoms in WMPHs-COS chelated with calcium ions, forming WMPHs-COS-Ca. Moreover, WMPHs-COS-Ca was relatively stable at high temperatures and under acidic and alkaline environmental and digestion conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, indicating that WMPHs-COS-Ca have a greater degree of bioavailability.

Application of a Carbon Fiber Microelectrode as a Sensor for Apocynin Electroanalysis.

In this study, a carbon fiber microelectrode (CF) was applied for the investigation of the electrochemical behavior of the natural antioxidant, apocynin (APO). Given the limited solubility of APO in water, a mixture of anhydrous acetic acid (AcH) with 20%, v/v acetonitrile (AN) and 0.1 mol L-1 sodium acetate (AcNa) was used. The electrochemical properties of APO were examined through linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The anodic oxidation of APO, which is the basis of the method used, proved to be diffusion-controlled and proceeded with a two-electron and one proton exchange. Both radicals and radical cations, arising from the first and second step of electrode reactions, respectively, underwent subsequent chemical transformations to yield more stable final products (EqCiEiCi mechanism). Using optimized DPV conditions, the anodic peak current of APO at a potential of 0.925 V vs. Ag/AgCl showed a good linear response within the concentration range of 2.7 × 10-6-2.6 × 10-4 mol L-1. The detection and quantification limits were determined as 8.9 × 10-7 and 2.7 × 10-6 mol L-1, respectively. The developed DPV method enabled the successful determination of APO in herbal extracts and in dietary supplements. It should be noted that this is the first method to be used for voltammetric determination of APO.

Correlation between the Chemical Structure of (Meth)Acrylic Monomers and the Properties of Powder Clear Coatings Based on the Polyacrylate Resins.

This paper presents studies on the influence of the chemical structure of (meth)acrylic monomers on the properties of powder coatings based on polyacrylate resins. For this purpose, a wide range of monomers were selected-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl acrylate (nBA), tert-butyl acrylate (tBA), dodecyl acrylate (DA), ethyl acrylate (EA) and benzyl acrylate (BAZ)-for the synthesis of the polyacrylate resin. The average molecular mass and molecular mass distribution of the synthesized resins were measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The glass transition temperature (Tg) and viscosity of polyacrylate resins were determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and a Brookfield viscometer. These parameters were necessary to obtain information about storage stability and behavior during the application of powder clear coatings. Additionally, DSC was also used to checked the course of the low-temperature curing reaction between the hydroxyl group contained in the polyacrylate resin and the blocked polyisocyanate group derived from a commercial agent such as Vestanat B 1358/100. The properties of the cured powder clear coatings were tested, such as: roughness, gloss, adhesion to the steel surface, hardness, cupping, scratch resistance, impact resistance and water contact angle. The best powder clear coating based on the polyacrylate resin L_HEMA/6MMA/0.5nBA/0.5DA was characterized as having good scratch resistance (550 g) and adhesion to the steel surface, a high water contact angle (93.53 deg.) and excellent cupping (13.38 mm). Moreover, its crosslinking density (CD) and its thermal stability was checked by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

Effect of Addition of Tannin Extract from Underutilized Resources on Allergenic Proteins, Color and Textural Properties of Egg White Gels.

Tannins, present in numerous plants, exhibit a binding affinity for proteins. In this study, we aimed to exploit this property to reduce the concentration of allergenic egg white proteins. Tannins were extracted, using hot water, from the lyophilized powder of underutilized resources, such as chestnut inner skin (CIS), young persimmon fruit (YPF), and bayberry leaves (BBLs). These extracts were then incorporated into an egg white solution (EWS) to generate an egg white gel (EWG). Allergen reduction efficacy was assessed using electrophoresis and ELISA. Our findings revealed a substantial reduction in allergenic proteins across all EWGs containing a 50% tannin extract. Notably, CIS and BBL exhibited exceptional efficacy in reducing low allergen levels. The addition of tannin extract resulted in an increase in the total polyphenol content of the EWG, with the order of effectiveness being CIS > YPF > BBL. Minimal color alteration was observed in the BBL-infused EWG compared to the other sources. Additionally, the introduction of tannin extract heightened the hardness stress, with BBL demonstrating the most significant effect, followed by CIS and YPF. In conclusion, incorporating tannin extract during EWG preparation was found to decrease the concentration of allergenic proteins while enhancing antioxidant properties and hardness stress, with BBL being particularly effective in preventing color changes in EWG.

Formation, physicochemical properties, and biological activities of theabrownins.

Theabrownins (TBs) are heterogeneous mixtures of water-soluble brown tea pigments, and important constituents to evaluate the quality of dark tea. TBs have numerous hydroxyl and carboxyl groups and are formed by the oxidative polymerization of tea polyphenols. Many biological activities attributed to TBs, including antioxidant, anti-obesity, and lipid-regulating, have been demonstrated. This review summarizes the research progress made on the formation mechanism and physicochemical properties of TBs. It also discusses their protective effects against various diseases and associated potential molecular mechanisms. Additionally, it examines the signaling pathways mediating the bioactivities of TBs and highlights the difficulties and challenges of TBs research as well as their research prospects and applications.

[Molding law of traditional Chinese medicine gel plaster based on physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates].

This paper aims to study the correlation between the physicochemical properties of raw materials and intermediates and the molding quality and law of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) gel plaster by using TCM slices and powder as raw materials. 48 TCM compounds are selected as model prescriptions to prepare gel plasters. The rotational rheometer is used to determine the rheological parameters of the plaster, including storage modulus(G'), loss modulus(G″), yield stress(τ), and creep compliance [J(t)]. The molding quality of the prepared TCM gel plaster is evaluated by subjective and objective measures. Clustering and principal component analysis are conducted to evaluate the physical properties of the plaster. By measuring the rheological properties of the plaster, the molding quality of the TCM gel plaster can be predicted, with an accuracy of 83.72% after seven days of modeling and 88.37% after 30 days of modeling. When the parameters such as G' and G″ of the plaster are large, and the [J(t)] is small, the molding quality of the plaster is better. When the plaster coating point is no less than 3, it is difficult to be coated. In addition, when the proportion of metal ions in the prescription is higher, the 30-day forming quality of the plaster is mainly affected, and the viscosity of the plaster is poor. If the prescription contains many acidic chemical components, the 7-day forming quality of the plaster is mainly affected, with many residuals. The results suggest that the rheological properties of the plaster can be used to predict the molding quality of TCM slice and powder gel plaster. It can provide a reference for the development of TCM gel plaster prescriptions.

Nanoformulated herbal compounds: enhanced antibacterial efficacy of camphor and thymol-loaded nanogels.

Herbal components are highly useful assets for the advancement of novel antibacterial drugs. Nanotechnology holds great promise as an approach to enhance the effectiveness and develop the composition of these substances. The study developed nanogels incorporating camphor, thymol, and a combination derived from the initial nanoemulsions with particle sizes of 103, 85, and 135 nm, respectively. The viscosity of nanogels and the successful loading of compounds in them were examined by viscometery and ATR-FTIR studies. The bactericidal properties of the nanogels were examined against four bacterial strains. The nanogel containing camphor and thymol at 1250 µg/mL concentration exhibited complete growth suppression against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The thymol nanogel at 1250 µg/mL and the camphor nanogel at 2500 µg/mL exhibited complete inhibition of growth on Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli, respectively. Both nanogels showed favorable effectiveness as antibacterial agents and could potentially examine a wide range of pathogens and in vivo studies.

Traditional Tibetan medicine: therapeutic potential in lung diseases.

Lung diseases have become a major threat to human health worldwide. Despite advances in treatment and intervention in recent years, effective drugs are still lacking for many lung diseases. As a traditional natural medicine, Tibetan medicine has had a long history of medicinal use in ethnic minority areas, and from ancient times to the present, it has a good effect on the treatment of lung diseases and has attracted more and more attention. In this review, a total of 586 Tibetan medicines were compiled through literature research of 25 classical works on Tibetan medicine, drug standards, and some Chinese and English databases. Among them, 33 Tibetan medicines have been studied to show their effectiveness in treating lung diseases. To investigate the uses of these Tibetan medicines in greater depth, we have reviewed the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of the four commonly used Tibetan medicines for lung diseases (rhodiola, gentian, sea buckthorn, liexiang dujuan) and the five most frequently used Tibetan medicines (safflower, licorice, sandalwood, costus, myrobalan). It is expected to provide some reference for the development of new drugs of lung diseases in the future.

Characteristics and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the therapeutic strategy of chronic coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) has always been controversial in its therapeutic strategy. Although invasive treatment and optimal medication therapy (OMT) are the most commonly used treatments, doctors continue to debate the best strategy. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for CCS is effective clinically. METHODS: To identify potentially eligible observational and experimental studies, we searched Pubmed, the Web of Science, and the China National Knowledge Internet. To be eligible, studies had to report with end-of treatment outcomes, such as major adverse cardiac events (MACE), deaths from myocardial infarctions (MI), all-cause mortality, angina, cardiac mortality, the effectiveness rate of electrocardiographs, and the reduction rate of the Nitroglycerin tablets. Risk differences (RDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) were calculated based on random-effects models or fixed-effects models. Citation screening, data abstraction, risk assessment, and strength-of-evidence grading were completed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: In Section 1 (13 studies, involving 17,287 patients), showed no significant difference between invasive treatment and medication treatment in MACE (RD = -0.04, 95% CI = -0.08 to 0.00, I2 = 76.4 %), all-cause mortality (RD = -0.01, 95%CI = -0.022 to 0.01, I2 = 73.44 %), MI (RD = 0.00, 95%CI = -0.00 to 0.01, I2 = 0.00 %) and cardiac mortality (RD = 0.00, 95 %CI = -0.01 to 0.01, I2 = 34.9 %). In Section 2 (21 studies, including 1820 patients), compared with WM treatment, TCM + WM treatment increased ECG effectiveness by 18 %, angina effectiveness by 20 %, and stopping or reducing Nitroglycerin tablets by 20 %. In Section 3 (25 studies, including 2859 patients) showed that TCM revealed a better electrocardiogram effective rate (RD = 0.10, 95 %CI = 0.05 to 0.14, I2 = 44.7 %) and angina effective rate (RD = 0.12, 95 %CI = 0.09 to 0.15, I2 = 44.9 %). We identified that TCM treatment properties of "Circulating blood and transforming stasis" and application of warm/heat-properties medicines were frequently used in CCS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TCM treatment has shown superior beneficial cardioprotective in CCS therapy strategy, among which "Circulating blood and transforming stasis" and the application of warm/heat-properties medicine are its characteristics.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): A Promising Source of Nutritional and Therapeutic Compounds.

BACKGROUND: Taraxacum officinale, commonly referred to as dandelion, is a selfgrowing plant/ weed in various parts of India and the rest of the world (particularly the northern hemisphere). The plant's chemical composition, including sesquiterpene lactones, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and many other compounds, contributes positively to the human body, promoting overall health. AIM: This review aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of dandelion by summarizing its nutritional benefits, phytochemical constituents, and effectiveness in addressing health conditions like diabetes, inflammation, and cancer. It also provides insights into the applications of this plant beyond the food industry to gain researchers' attention to unravel the unexplored aspects of this therapeutic plant. It will further help in laying specific considerations, which are required to be taken into account before the development of functional foods incorporated with dandelion. Scope and approach: Being rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and other phytoconstituents, dandelion is a natural remedy for various ailments. Whether consumed raw or cooked, the plant's inclusion in the diet poses potential therapeutic effects on conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, liver disease, and tumors. It also aids in immune system modulation and fights infections by targeting microbes at their root. Researchers have developed various value-added food products by incorporating different parts of dandelion. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the therapeutic potential of dandelion, emphasizing its effectiveness against various health conditions. Insights into dosage, toxicity, and diverse applications further underscore its role as a versatile and promising natural remedy.

Assessment of Empathy as a Prerequisite for Holistic Nursing: Psychometric Analysis of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students for Croatian BSc and MSc Nursing Students.

Purpose: To translate the original Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students version in a group of nursing students and asses its psychometrical characteristics according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 345 bachelor's and master's students in the nursing degree program. Construct validity was tested by exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Convergent validity was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient to test the relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence. The reliability of internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Findings: The final version of the 16-item scale with its three-factor structure has a high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86, and the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and the total score of the empathy scale and the three subscales. Conclusion: The contribution of the study is significant as the instrument is qualitatively validated and its content is clinically and educationally important for understanding the concept of empathy, especially in the education of nursing students. The correct assessment of empathy contributes to a better understanding and implementation of the components of holistic care.

Implementation of plant extracts for cheddar-type cheese production in conjunction with FTIR and Raman spectroscopy comparison.

Plant extracts have demonstrated the ability to act as coagulants for milk coagulation at an adequate concentration, wide temperatures and pH ranges. This research is focused on the use of different vegetative extracts such as Citrus aurnatium flower extract (CAFE), bromelain, fig latex, and melon extract as economical and beneficial coagulants in the development of plant-based cheddar-type cheese. The cheddar-type cheese samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis in comparison to controlled cheese samples made from acetic acid and rennet. The fat, moisture, protein, and salt contents remained the same over the storage period, but a slight decline was observed in pH. The Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) increased with the passage of the ripening period. The FTIR and Raman spectra showed exponential changes and qualitative estimates in the binding and vibrational structure of lipids and protein in plant-based cheeses. The higher FTIR and Raman spectra bands were observed in acid, rennet, bromelain, and CAFE due to their firm and strong texture of cheese while lower spectra were observed in cheese made from melon extract due to weak curdling and textural properties. These plant extracts are economical and easily available alternative sources for cheese production with higher protein and nutritional contents.

Bee Venom: Composition and Anticancer Properties.

Among the various natural compounds used in alternative and Oriental medicine, toxins isolated from different organisms have had their application for many years, and Apis mellifera venom has been studied the most extensively. Numerous studies dealing with the positive assets of bee venom (BV) indicated its beneficial properties. The usage of bee products to prevent the occurrence of diseases and for their treatment is often referred to as apitherapy and is based mainly on the experience of the traditional system of medical practice in diverse ethnic communities. Today, a large number of studies are focused on the antitumor effects of BV, which are mainly attributed to its basic polypeptide melittin (MEL). Previous studies have indicated that BV and its major constituent MEL cause a strong toxic effect on different cancer cells, such as liver, lung, bladder, kidney, prostate, breast, and leukemia cells, while a less pronounced effect was observed in normal non-target cells. Their proposed mechanisms of action, such as the effect on proliferation and growth inhibition, cell cycle alterations, and induction of cell death through several cancer cell death mechanisms, are associated with the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), caspases, and matrix metalloproteinases that destroy cancer cells. Numerous cellular effects of BV and MEL need to be elucidated on the molecular level, while the key issue has to do with the trigger of the apoptotic cascade. Apoptosis could be either a consequence of the plasmatic membrane fenestration or the result of the direct interaction of the BV components with pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors. The interaction of BV peptides and enzymes with the plasma membrane is a crucial step in the whole process. However, before its possible application as a remedy, it is crucial to identify the correct route of exposure and dosage of BV and MEL for potential therapeutic use as well as potential side effects on normal cells and tissues to avoid any possible adverse event.

Evaluation of the antifungal effect of plant extracts on oral Candida spp. - a critical methodological analysis of the last decade.

INTRODUCTION: In 2022, the World Health Organization published a report encouraging researchers to focus on Candida spp. to strengthen the global response to fungal oral infections and antifungal resistance. In the context of innovative research, it seems pertinent to investigate the antifungal potential of natural extracts of plants and the methodology involved in the recent reports. The aim of this systematic review is to identify the current state of in vitro research on the evaluation of the ability of plant extracts to inhibit Candida spp. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bibliographic search has been developed to on a 10-year period to identify which plant extracts have an antifungal effect on the Candida spp. found in the oral cavity. RESULTS: A total of 20 papers were reviewed and fulfilled all the selection criteria and were included in the full data analysis. DISCUSSION: Plants have been tested in a wide range of states - whole extracts, extraction of particular components such as flavonoids or polyphenols, or even using the plant to synthesize nanoparticles. Of forty-five plants tested, five of them did not show any effect against Candida spp., which weren't part of the same family. There is a wide range of plant that exhibit antifungal proprieties. CONCLUSION: Many plants have been tested in a wide range of states - whole extracts, extraction of components such as flavonoids or polyphenols, or even using the plant to synthetize nanoparticles. The combination of plants, the addition of plants to a traditional antifungal and the interference with adhesion provided by some plants seem to be promising strategies. Nonetheless, on contrary to drugs, there is a critical lack of standardization on methodologies and protocols, which makes it difficult to compare data and, consequently, to conclude, beyond doubts, about the most promising plants to fight Candida spp. oral infections.