Towards to understanding the preliminary loss and absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus under different treatments in cotton drip- irrigation in northwest Xinjiang.

Drip irrigation under plastic mulch is widely used in Xinjiang, Northwest China. It can not only save water, but also reduce nutrient loss and improve fertilizer utilization. However, it is not clear whether the leaching occurs or not, what is the leaching amount? What is the relationship among fertilization, irrigation regimes, loss, cotton absorption, and cotton field under different fertilization and irrigation management under drip irrigation? Studying these issues not only provides reference for the formulation of fertilization and irrigation systems, but also is of great significance for reducing non-point source pollution. A long-term positioning experiment was conducted from 2009 to 2012 in Baotou Lake farm in Korla City, Xinjiang, with drip-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) under different N fertilizer and irrigation amounts. The treatments were designed comprising Control (CK,0 N, 0 P, and 0 K with an irrigation of 480 mm) and the following three other treatments: (1) Conventional fertilize and irrigation (CON, 357 kg N hm-2, 90 kg P hm-2, 0 kg K hm-2, and irrigation of 480 mm); (2) Conventional fertilization and Optimizing irrigation (OPT, 357 kg N hm-2, 90 kg P hm-2, 62 kg K hm-2, and irrigation of 420 mm); and (3) Optimizing fertilization and irrigation (OPTN, 240 kg N hm-2, 65 kg P hm-2, 62 kg K hm-2, and irrigation of 420 mm). The results found that the leaching would occur in arid area under drip irrigation. The loss of total N, NH4+, P, N and P loss coefficient was higher under conventional fertilize and irrigation treatment while the loss of NO3- was higher under conventional fertilization and optimizing irrigation treatment. The correlations among N, P absorption by cotton, loss of NH4+ and total phosphorus were quadratic function. The total nitrogen loss and cumulative nitrogen application was lineally correlated. The loss of NO3- and cumulative nitrogen application was exponential. The nitrogen and phosphorus absorption by cotton under conventional fertilization and optimizing irrigation treatment was 24.53% and 35.86% higher than that in conventional fertilize and irrigation treatment, respectively. The cotton yield under conventional fertilization and optimizing irrigation treatment obtained higher than that in other three treatments. Therefore, the conventional fertilization and optimizing irrigation treatment was the optimal management of water and fertilizer in our study. These results demonstrate that reasonable water, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilize could not only effectively promote the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, but also reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses under drip fertigation and plastic mulching.

Effects of preliminary treatment by ultrasonic and convective air drying on the properties and oil absorption of potato chips.

The initial water content was closely related to the oil absorption and properties of fried food. The effects of convective air drying (D) and ultrasound combined convective air drying (UD) pretreatment on the properties and oil absorption of potato chips have been investigated. The oil contents were 48.48 ± 1.42% and 39.78 ± 3.08% for control samples (without D and UD pretreatment) and ultrasound treated samples (without D pretreatment). When the mass loss of samples was reached the proportion of quality to without drying samples quality 80%, 50%, and 20%, the oil contents of D pretreated samples decreased by 12.67%, 28.24% and 62.07%, respectively, and the oil contents of UD pretreated samples decreased by 7.42%, 24.10% and 51.76% (compared to the ultrasound pretreated samples ), respectively. By applying ultrasound before frying, more cracks and pores were exhibited of fried potato chips. After drying process, potato chips exhibited less disruption of cell structure and less deformation of cell irregular. The hardness of the D and UD pretreated potato chips increased with the extension of drying. The FTIR analysis stated the formation of amylose-lipid complexes. This research could contribute to providing evidence for the development and application of the pretreatment strategies.

Pectin/lignocellulose nanofibers/chitin nanofibers bionanocomposite as an efficient biosorbent of cholesterol and bile salts.

A new biosorbent Ca-crosslinked pectin/lignocellulose nanofibers/chitin nanofibers (PLCN) was synthesized for cholesterol and bile salts adsorption from simulated intestinal fluid during gastric-intestinal passage. The physico-chemical properties of PLCN were studied using SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC and BET. Before gastrointestinal passage, PLCN had an amorphous single-phase, compact structure formed via hydrogen and van der Waals bonds that revealed an irregular shape with the shriveled surface but watery condition and enzymatic digestion led to create a porous structure without destruction because of the water-insoluble nanofibers, therefore increasing the adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity reached 37.9 and 5578.4 mg/g for cholesterol and bile salts, respectively. Freundlich isotherm model indicated the reversible heterogeneous adsorption of both cholesterol and bile salts on PLCN. Further, their adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetic model. These results suggest that PLCN has potential as a gastrointestinal-resistant biosorbent for cholesterol and bile salts adsorption applicable in medicine and food industry.

Efficient fortification of folic acid in rice through ultrasonic treatment and absorption.

Folate deficiencies are prevalent in countries with insufficient food diversity. Rice fortification is seen as a viable way to improve the daily intake of folates. This work reports an efficient process of rice fortification involving ultrasonic treatment and absorption of the folic acid fortificant. Increased porosity due to sonication allowed the efficient absorption of folic acid into the brown rice kernel up to 5.195 × 104 µg/100 g, a 1,982-fold increase from its inherent content. The absorbed folic acid in brown rice has 93.53% retention after washing and cooking. Fortification of ultrasound-treated milled rice with folic acid was also efficient affording 6.559 × 104 µg/100 g, a 4,054-fold increase from its basal content. The effect of fortification caused a decrease in the thermal and pasting temperatures. The fortification also caused yellow coloration, decrease in hardness, and increase in the adhesiveness of the rice. The resulting fortified brown rice showed improved textural properties favorable for consumers.

Effects of frying temperature and pore profile on the oil absorption behavior of fried potato chips.

In present study, total oil (TO), surface oil (SO), structural oil (STO), penetrated surface oil (PSO), and oil distribution during frying were analyzed. Results showed STO (53.10-75.89%) fraction made up the largest part of TO followed by PSO (36.26-58.28%) and SO (2.59-3.50%), and the proportion of STO in TO decreased with the increasing frying time, while PSO elevated, indicating the higher frying temperature facilitated the formation of less and smaller pore in samples, and thus led to the less oil content. Therefore, effect of pore on oil absorption was further investigated. Results showed there was no significant difference in oil content of samples with initial pore diameter of 0-0.2 mm. While, TO (mainly STO) increased with the increasing initial pore diameter of 0.3-1.2 mm. The bigger initial pore diameter induced bigger pore volume and porosity. Taken together, this study provided new ideas to clarify oil absorption based on pore profiles.

Reviewing the recent advances in application of pectin for technical and health promotion purposes: From laboratory to market.

Pectin is natural biopolymer derived from various plant sources and its activity is driven by functional groups. Affinity of pectin and chemical interactions of the active sites to chemicals in media determines fate of adjuvant molecules. Pectin is appropriate co-polymer in modulation of drawbacks of other biopolymers such as low glass transition temperature, low water solubility, and susceptibility to human digestive tract. However, functionality of pectin is improved by its optimized complexation with other chemicals especially in food packaging and tissue engineering. In the last decade, several technical and health-related functions of pectin have been studied through which some products designed and marketed progressively. Pectin-based formulations were commercialized in food, medicine, and radioprotection sectors. It is also advised for alleviation of constipation symptoms. Cost-effectiveness of this multifunctional biopolymer compared to the others that are currently used, has introduced it as a potential alternative for the next years.

Transformations and functional role of starch during potato crisp making: A review.

Potato chips are a major product in the savory snack market and are consumed worldwide because of their enjoyable and distinctive organoleptic properties. They are conventionally produced by deep-frying thin slices of fresh potato. In contrast, potato crisps are manufactured from dried potato derivatives such as potato flakes (PFs). Their production is reviewed in this manuscript and requires the formation of dough based on hydrated PFs. Expansion of the dough during deep-frying provides the crisps with their desired crunchy texture. As part of an overall trend, the consumer search for calorie-reduced food products has also stimulated research to lower oil uptake during crisp production. However, minimizing oil absorption without losing the characteristic palatability of deep-fried products is challenging and requires fundamental knowledge on factors determining product texture and oil absorption. The transformations and functional role of starch, potato's main constituent, during crisp making are key in this respect and are reviewed here.

Effect of microwave treatment (low power and varying time) on potato starch: Microstructure, thermo-functional, pasting and rheological properties.

The present study focused on the effect of microwave treatment (300 W for 1, 3 and 5 min) on the physicochemical, morphological, structural and rheological properties of potato starch. Significant effect (p < 0.05) of treatment time was observed on water activity and moisture content while non-significant effect occurred on color. Water absorption capacity increased from 0.82-1.16 g/g with treatment time while oil absorption capacity decreased from 0.63-0.53 g/g. Dynamic and loss moduli, pasting temperatures and final viscosities were positively correlated with treatment time. The peak and pasting viscosity incremented till 3 min treatment but decreased at 5 min. Onset temperature of gelatinization ranged from 53.8 to 57.4 °C with treatment time. SEM micrographs showed unaffected starch granules at 1 min of treatment while fissures and indentations developed at 3 and 5 min. The X-Ray diffraction patterns indicated the transformation of starch crystals from B crystallite to amorphic type.

Pectin-capped gold nanoparticles synthesis in-situ for producing durable, cytocompatible, and superabsorbent hydrogel composites with chitosan.

Studies report the production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and polysaccharides-based composites. However, there are few reports about AuNPs synthesis in-situ followed by the formation of hydrogel composites. Here, we show AuNPs synthesis in-situ into the pectin solutions to yield cytocompatible pectin-capped AuNPs/chitosan hydrogel composites. Visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements confirm the AuNPs synthesis. The hydrodynamic radius of the pectin-capped AuNPs ranges from approximately 510 to 721 nm, while the Zeta potential is around -43 mV. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the composites present compact structures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterize the composites as well. Hydrogels (with or without AuNPs) containing the highest pectin content (at 4.12 pectin/chitosan weight ratio) have low stability (disintegrates approximately 60% after 14 days in phosphate buffer). Composites obtained at 3.75 pectin/chitosan weight ratio disintegrate between 25 and 30% after 14 days in phosphate buffer (physiological condition = pH 7.4). The AuNPs reinforce the hydrogel structures, increasing the elastic modulus (from 3.5 to 7.6 Pa) and decreasing the water uptake from 4465 to 2976%. 3.75 PT/CS weight ratio and 3.0 × 10-4 M Au(III) content provide a durable, cytocompatible, and superabsorbent hydrogel composite. These properties can support materials for drug delivery purposes.

Facile fabrication of wood-inspired aerogel from chitosan for efficient removal of oil from Water.

Aerogels that derived from biomass have long been attractive as absorbents for oil clean-up. However, it remains a significant challenge to prepare fully bio-based oil absorbents that combines fast oil/water separation capacity, adequate mechanical robustness and easy recyclability through green and facile strategy. Inspired by the fascinating structure of wood, here we report a highly porous and anisotropic bio-based aerogel by taking advantage of the directional freezing technology, followed by a freeze-drying and silylation process. Due to the directional growth of ice crystals along the vertical direction, a special spring like morphology was obtained, which is mainly composed of well aligned low-tortuosity channels that seamlessly connected to bottom layer. Superior mechanical properties that allow for high mechanical compressing and fast elastic recovery were consequently acquired. Moreover, the silylated CS aerogel displays a rather high oil absorption capacity of 63 g g-1, together with excellent recyclability via simple hand squeezing. By virtue of such hierarchical morphology, a device that could continuously separate oil from water was successfully designed. Given the natural abundance of raw material as well as the easy processability, this work would lay solid foundation for further fabrication of bio-based oil absorbents toward low-cost, high-performance and large-scale commodities.

Nanoplatforms with Remarkably Enhanced Absorption in the Second Biological Window for Effective Tumor Thermoradiotherapy.

Thermoradiotherapy acts as an important antitumor modality because heating can increase the blood flow and improve the oxygen level in tumor, thus remission of hypoxia-associated resistance for radiotherapy (RT). However, most agents for thermoradiotherapy are used either in the first near-infrared biological window or low photothermal conversion efficiency. Here, a facile method to prepare CuxS/Au nanocomposites via reduction methods from CuxS templates in mild synthetic conditions (i.e., aqueous solution and room temperature) is presented. After the growth of Au nanoparticles, the CuxS/Au nanocomposites have greater benefits for photothermal efficiency than that of CuxS nanoparticles due to the enhanced absorbance in the second near-infrared window. Moreover, biocompatibility and stability of these nanocomposites are greatly improved by lipoic acid poly(ethylene glycol). After the tumors were irradiated with a 1064 nm laser, their oxygenation status is subsequently improved, and the combination of photothermal therapy and RT achieves remarkable synergistic therapeutic effects. This work provides a novel idea to design a new-generation nanomedicine for tumor thermoradiotherapy.

Evaluation of Small Molecule Drug Uptake in Patient-Derived Prostate Cancer Explants by Mass Spectrometry.

Patient-derived explant (PDE) culture of solid tumors is increasingly being applied to preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutics and for biomarker discovery. In this technique, treatments are added to culture medium and penetrate the tissue via a gelatin sponge scaffold. However, the penetration profile and final concentrations of small molecule drugs achieved have not been determined to date. Here, we determined the extent of absorption of the clinical androgen receptor antagonist, enzalutamide, into prostate PDEs, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser/desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). In a cohort of 11 PDE tissues from eight individual patients, LC-MS/MS quantification of PDE homogenates confirmed enzalutamide (10 µM) uptake by all PDEs, which reached maximal average tissue concentration of 0.24-0.50 ng/µg protein after 48 h culture. Time dependent uptake of enzalutamide (50 µM) in PDEs was visualized using MALDI MSI over 24-48 h, with complete penetration throughout tissues evident by 6 h of culture. Drug signal intensity was not homogeneous throughout the tissues but had areas of markedly high signal that corresponded to drug target (androgen receptor)-rich epithelial regions of tissue. In conclusion, application of MS-based drug quantification and visualization in PDEs, and potentially other 3-dimensional model systems, can provide a more robust basis for experimental study design and interpretation of pharmacodynamic data.

Plasmonic Pt Superstructures with Boosted Near-Infrared Absorption and Photothermal Conversion Efficiency in the Second Biowindow for Cancer Therapy.

Photothermal therapy triggered by near-infrared light in the second biowindow (NIR-II) has attracted extensive interest owing to its deeper penetration depth of biological tissue, lower photon scattering, and higher maximum permissible exposure. In spite of noble metals showing great potential as the photothermal agents due to the tunable localized surface plasmon resonance, the biological applications of platinum are rarely explored. Herein, a monocomponent hollow Pt nanoframe ("Pt Spirals"), whose superstructure is assembled with three levels (3D frame, 2D layered shells, and 1D nanowires), is reported. Pt Spirals exhibit outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency (52.5%) and molar extinction coefficients (228.7 m2 mol-1 ) in NIR-II, which are much higher than those of solid Pt cubes. Simulations indicate that the unique superstructure can be a significant cause for improving both adsorption and the photothermal effect simultaneously in NIR-II. The excellent photothermal effect is achieved and subsequently verified in in vitro and in vivo experiments, along with superb heat-resistance properties, excellent photostability, and a prominent effect on computed tomography (CT) imaging, demonstrating that Pt Spirals are promising as effective theranostic platforms for CT imaging-guided photothermal therapy.

Novel small molecular dye-loaded lipid nanoparticles with efficient near-infrared-II absorption for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant cancers worldwide and is the second leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. Thus, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of the malignancy is very critical for HCC patients. The photoacoustic (PA) nanoparticle with ultra-sensitive imaging signals and high photothermal conversion efficacy is a new and promising method for achieving the desired goals. In this study, we have synthesized a novel lipid nanoparticle based on IR-1061 dyes by encapsulating the dye into a liposome which was modified by DSPE-PEG2000. We conducted serial experiments to investigate the PA diagnosis performance, the surgical navigation, and the photothermal therapy (PTT) capability of the novel nanoparticle (Polipo-IR NP) in nude mice bearing HCC. The results showed that our novel nanoparticles exhibited strong laser energy absorption at 1064 nm wavelength, high photothermal conversion efficacy (45.25%) and ultra-sensitive PA signals. The in vivo PA studies demonstrated that the proposed nanoparticles could diagnose tumors non-invasively and accurately with a strong signal-to-noise ratio of 5.98 ± 0.23 at 3 h post-injection and could successfully achieve radical resection of tumors intraoperatively. Furthermore, the PTT test demonstrated a remarkable cancer cell killing ability because of its high photothermal conversion efficacy. The excellent photostability and high biocompatibility were also validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Thus, our proposed NIR-II PA and PTT nanoparticles based on the IR-1061 dye would potentially provide novel insights into understanding polymethine dyes in nanomedicine and would greatly benefit early diagnosis and treatment of HCC patients.

Sex, but not skin tone affects penetration of red-light (660 nm) through sites susceptible to sports injury in lean live and cadaveric tissues.

Red-light treatment is emerging as a novel therapy for promoting tissue recovery but data on red-light penetration through human tissues are lacking. We aimed to: (1) determine the effect of light irradiance, tissue thickness, skin tone, sex and bone/muscle content on 660 nm light penetration through common sites of sports injuries, and (2) establish if cadaver tissues serve as a useful model for predicting red-light penetration in live tissues. Live and cadaver human tissues were exposed to 660 nm light at locations across the skull, spinal cord and upper and lower limbs. Red-light was produced by a light emitting diode array of various irradiances (15-500 mW/cm2 ) and measured by a light-probe positioned on the tissue surface opposite to the light emitting diodes. 100 mW/cm2 successfully penetrated tissue <50 mm thick; a disproportionate irradiance increase was required to achieve deeper penetration. Penetration was unaffected by skin tone, increased with irradiance and relative bone/muscle composition, and decreased with greater tissue thickness and in males. Live and cadaveric tissue penetration did not differ statistically for tissues <50 mm but cadavers required more red-light to penetrate >50 mm. These results assist clinicians and researchers in determining red-light treatment intensities for penetrating human tissues.

Chondroprotective Properties of Human-Enriched Serum Following Polyphenol Extract Absorption: Results from an Exploratory Clinical Trial.

Polyphenols are widely acknowledged for their health benefits, especially for the prevention of inflammatory and age-related diseases. We previously demonstrated that hydroxytyrosol (HT) and procyanidins (PCy), alone or in combination, drive preventive anti-osteoathritic effects in vivo. However, the lack of sufficient clinical evidences on the relationship between dietary phytochemicals and osteoarthritis remains. In this light, we investigated in humans the potential osteoarticular benefit of a grapeseed and olive extract (OPCO) characterized for its hydroxytyrosol (HT) and procyanidins (PCy) content. We first validated, in vitro, the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties of the extract on primary cultured human articular chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 ß). The sparing effect involved a molecular mechanism dependent on the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. To confirm the clinical relevance of such a nutritional strategy, we designed an innovative clinical approach taking into account the metabolites that are formed during the digestion process and that appear in circulation after the ingestion of the OPCO extract. Blood samples from volunteers were collected following ingestion, absorption, and metabolization of the extract and then were processed and applied on human primary chondrocyte cultures. This original ex vivo methodology confirmed at a clinical level the chondroprotective properties previously observed in vitro and in vivo.

In vitro study of the nephrotoxicity of total Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati) anthraquinones and emodin in monolayer human proximal tubular epithelial cells cultured in a transwell chamber.

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in the morphology and physiological functions of human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells) caused by total Dahuang (Radix Et Rhizoma Rhei Palmati) anthraquinones (TDA) and emodin. METHODS: HK-2 cells were cultured on polycarbonate (PCF) membranes to form a complete monolayer of cells. A fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC) permeability assay was conducted and secretion of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) was examined. The reabsorption of glucose and the excretion of para-aminohippuric acid (PAH) by HK-2 cells were also examined. The morphology of HK-2 cells was observed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The cytoskeleton of HK-2 cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Compared with the results for the dimethyl sulfoxide group, treatment of cells with TDA and emodin showed statistically significant differences in the FITC leakage rate, the apical / basolateral ratio of LDH and GGT, and the secretion of GGT, LDH, NAG and KIM-1. At 64 µg/mL, TDA markedly inhibited blood glucose reabsorption and remarkably suppressed PAH excretion by HK-2 cells. Both TDA and emodin caused various degrees of damage to the morphology and cytoskeleton of HK-2 cells with the degree of damage correlating positively with the dosage of the tested substances. CONCLUSION: Both TDA and emodin caused damage to human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells at certain dosages. At the same dosage, TDA caused more severe damage than emodin to the HK-2 cells.

2,4-Dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic Acid Derivatives: In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity, Molecular Modeling and In silico ADMET Screening.

BACKGROUND: Postprandial hyperglycemia can be reduced by inhibiting major carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, such as α-glucosidase and α-amylase which is an effective approach in both preventing and treating diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to synthesize a series of 2,4-dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl] benzoic acid derivatives and evaluate α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity along with molecular docking and in silico ADMET property analysis. METHOD: Chlorosulfonation of 2,4-dichloro benzoic acid followed by reaction with corresponding anilines/amines yielded 2,4-dichloro-5-[(N-aryl/alkyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic acid derivatives. For evaluating their antidiabetic potential α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory assays were carried out. In silico molecular docking studies of these compounds were performed with respect to these enzymes and a computational study was also carried out to predict the drug-likeness and ADMET properties of the title compounds. RESULTS: Compound 3c (2,4-dichloro-5-[(2-nitrophenyl)sulfamoyl]benzoic acid) was found to be highly active having 3 fold inhibitory potential against α-amylase and 5 times inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase in comparison to standard drug acarbose. CONCLUSION: Most of the synthesized compounds were highly potent or equipotent to standard drug acarbose for inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzyme and hence this may indicate their antidiabetic activity. The docking study revealed that these compounds interact with active site of enzyme through hydrogen bonding and different pi interactions.

The Bioavailability of Various Oral Forms of Folate Supplementation in Healthy Populations and Animal Models: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Folate is an essential nutrient required for many different functions in the body. It is particularly important for DNA synthesis, immune functions, and during pregnancy. Folate supplements are commonly prescribed by health professionals for a number of different conditions, however, the absorption of the different derivatives remains unclear. The aim of this review was to assess the bioavailability of various forms of folate supplements in healthy populations and animal models. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted of original research, which assessed the bioavailability of different oral forms of folate in healthy adults or animal models. The following databases were searched: PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), ProQuest Medical Collection (ProQuest) and ScienceDirect (Elsevier) up to March 30, 2017. The inclusion criteria consisted of both animal and human research, no disease state or condition, and assessed levels after an intervention of a folate derivative. RESULTS: A total of 23 studies out of 5226 met the full inclusion criteria. Of these, 4 were animal studies and 19 were human studies. There was variation in supplement forms used with the most commonly tested being folic acid followed by 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). Dosages ranged from 25 µg up to 200 mg. Only three studies found a statistically significant difference in folate bioavailability when evaluating different supplement forms. These studies found 5-MTHF to be more effective at increasing folate levels in participants. CONCLUSIONS: This review has found a number of methodological limitations and conflicting results. Only three out of the 23 studies assessed found a statistically significant difference between different supplemental forms of folate. Quality absorption studies assessing the bioavailability of oral folate supplements are crucial if clinicians are to make effective evidence-based recommendations. More research is required for greater clarification regarding the bioavailability of these supplements.

Optical windows for head tissues in near-infrared and short-wave infrared regions: Approaching transcranial light applications.

Optical properties of the rat head tissues (brain cortex, cranial bone and scalp skin) are assessed, aiming at transcranial light applications such as optical imaging and phototherapy. The spectral measurements are carried out over the wide spectral range of 350 to 2800 nm, involving visible, near-infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) regions. Four tissue transparency windows are considered: ~700 to 1000 nm (NIR-I), ~1000 to 1350 nm (NIR-II), ~1550 to 1870 nm (NIR-III or SWIR) and ~2100 to 2300 nm (SWIR-II). The values of attenuation coefficient and total attenuation length are determined for all windows and tissue types. The spectra indicate transmittance peaks in NIR, NIR-II and SWIR-II, with maximum tissue permeability for SWIR light. The use of SWIR-II window for the transcranial light applications is substantiated. Furthermore, absorbance of the head tissues is investigated in details, by defining and describing the characteristic absorption peaks in NIR-SWIR.