Jian Gan powder ameliorates immunological liver injury in mice by modulating the gut microbiota and metabolic profiles.

BACKGROUND: Immunological liver injury (ILI) is a common liver disease associated with the microbiota-gut-liver axis. Jian Gan powder (JGP) exhibits both protective and therapeutic effects on hepatitis virus-induced ILI in the clinic. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects and associated mechanisms of JGP in the context of gut microbiota, utilizing a mouse model of ILI. METHODS: The mouse model was established employing Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Following treatment with JGP (7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg), serum, liver, and fresh fecal samples were analyzed. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics profiling were performed to assess the role of JGP on the gut microbiota and its metabolites. RESULTS: JGP treatment markedly reduced serum IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-22, and hepatic p-STAT3 (phosphorylated transducer and activator of transcription-3) expression. In contrast, JGP increased the percentage of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive liver cells in treated mice. Fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that JGP treatment restored the levels of Alloprevotella, Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia, Muribaculum, Streptococcus, and Stenotrophomonas. Additionally, metabolomics analysis of fecal samples showed that JGP restored the levels of allylestrenol, eplerenone, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (P-20:0/0:0), sphingomyelin (SM) d27:1, soyasapogenol C, chrysin, and soyasaponin I. CONCLUSIONS: JGP intervention improves ILI by restoring gut microbiota and modifying its metabolic profiles. These results provide a novel insight into the mechanism of JGP in treating ILI and the scientific basis to support its clinical application.

Chinese herb ultrafine powder supplementation improves egg nutritional value and quality in laying hens.

This study evaluates the effects of dietary Chinese herb ultrafine powder (CHUP) supplementation in late-phase laying hens on the quality and nutritional values of eggs. A total of 576 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (300-day-old) were randomly allocated into eight groups for a 120-day feeding trial. Each group contained eight replicates with nine hens per replicate. The experimental groups included the control (basal diet) and different levels of CHUP groups (details in 'Materials and methods'). The results showed that the eggshell strength was increased (p < 0.05) in the L, LF, L-LF, L-T, and LF-T groups on day 60 of the trial. In addition, the plasma estradiol level in the L-LF, LF-T, and L-LF-T groups and unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in egg yolk of the CHUP groups (except LF-T group) were increased, whereas total cholesterol (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) in egg yolk and the atherogenicity (T, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) and thrombogenicity (T, L-LF, L-T, and L-LF-T groups) indexes were decreased (p < 0.05) on day 60 of the trial compared with the control group. Moreover, bitter amino acids in egg albumen were decreased (p < 0.05) in the L-LF group on day 60 and the L-LF-T group on day 120 of the trial. Collectively, these findings indicate that dietary CHUP supplementation could improve eggshell quality and increase plasma reproductive hormone, fatty acid and amino acid composition, and nutritional values of eggs, especially L-LF and L-LF-T.

Effects of varying levels of Cynara scolymus powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of dietary Cynara scolymus (CS) powder on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal microbiota, immune and haemato-biochemical parameters in female quails. A total of 120-day-old female quails used for the research were divided into 3 treatment groups: 0% CS, 0.75% CS and 1.50% CS having 4 replicates (n = 10). Blood samples collected were analyzed for differential leukocyte count, red blood cell count and its indices, uric acid, lipid profile, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphorous, creatinine, thyroid hormone, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and antibody titres. Quails were euthanized for evaluation of carcass and microbial bacteria and sensory characteristics of the breast and thigh meat. Supplementation of CS at 0.75% and 1.50% increased (P < 0.05) wing, drumstick, ileum, jejunum and spleen lengths, high-density lipoprotein, and decreased (P < 0.05) low-density lipoprotein: high-density lipoprotein ratio. Diets supplemented with 0.75% CS increased (P < 0.05) albumin while 1.50% decreased (P < 0.05) abdominal fat and increased (P < 0.05) corpuscular volume, red blood cell count, lactobacillus population, and color of thigh meat. Both CS levels (0.75% and 1.50%) may improve intestinal morphology, quality of meat, immunity, erythropoiesis, intestinal microbial population, and decrease bad cholesterol in quails.

The effect of Jian Gan powder on the proliferation, migration and polarization of macrophages and relative mechanism.

CONTEXT: Jian Gan powder (JGP) is a Chinese medicine compound comprised ginseng, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Radix Astragali, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Yujin, Rhizoma Cyperi, Fructus aurantii, Sophora flavescens, Yinchen, Bupleurum and licorice. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the inhibitory effects, polarization and potential mechanisms associated with JGP in macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were randomly divided into six groups for 24 h: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), overexpression, 1% JGP, 2% JGP, 4% JGP, 8% JGP and 16% JGP. The effects of JGP on RAW264.7 cell proliferation were assessed using colony formation assays and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. The Transwell assay was used to evaluate its impact on RAW264.7 cell migration. Moreover, we analysed the interleukin-6 (IL-6)/signal transducer and activator of the transcription 3 (IL-6/STAT3) signaling pathway using quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Furthermore, we examined the M1/M2 polarization levels. RESULTS: Unlike LPS stimulation, JGP serum treatment markedly suppressed macrophage proliferation and migration capacity, while STAT3 overexpression enhanced RAW264.7 cell proliferation and migration. JGP inhibited the proliferation and migration of RAW264.7 cells by attenuating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, it inhibited macrophage M1 polarization, promoting M2 polarization. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: JGP effectively suppressed the cellular function of RAW264.7 cells by down-regulating the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and modulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization. These findings provide valuable theoretical and experimental basis for considering the potential clinical application of JGP in the treatment of immune-mediated liver injury in clinical practice.

Cohering Plasma into Adhesive Gel by Natural Biopolymer-Nanoparticle Hybrid Powder for Efficient Hemostasis and Wound Healing.

Hemostatic powder is commonly used in emergency bleeding control due to its suitability for irregularly shaped wounds, ease of use, and stable storage. However, traditional powder often has limited tissue adhesion and weak thrombus support, which makes it vulnerable to displacement by blood flow. Herein, we have developed a tricomponent hemostatic powder (MQS) composed of mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticle (MBG), positively charged quaternized chitosan (QCS), and negatively charged catechol-modified alginate (SADA). Upon application to the wound, MBG with its high specific surface area quickly absorbs plasma, concentrating the blood coagulation factor. Simultaneously, the water-soluble QCS and SADA interact with each other and form a net, which can be further cross-linked by MBG. This network efficiently binds and entraps clustered blood coagulation factors, ultimately resulting in the formation of a durable and robust thrombus. Furthermore, the formed net adheres to the injury site, offering protection against thrombus disruption caused by the bloodstream. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of these three components, MQS demonstrates superior hemostatic performance compared to commercial hemostatic powders like Celox in both arterial injuries and noncompressible liver puncture wounds. Furthermore, MQS can effectively accelerate wound healing. In addition, MQS exhibits excellent antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility, and hemocompatibility. These advantages of MQS, including strong blood clotting, wet tissue adherence, antibacterial activity, wound healing ability, biosafety, ease of use, and stable storage, make it a promising hemostatic agent for emergency situations.

Dietary supplementation of Capsicum powder affects the growth, immunoglobulins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, meat, and liver histology of aflatoxin B1 exposed broiler chickens.

The effects of dietary supplementation with Capsicum annuum fruit pericarp powder (CPP) and Capsicum annuum fruit seed powder (CSP) on the health and performance of broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) was investigated. Four dietary groups were established: CON (control), AFT (0.5 mg/kg AFB1), CPAF (0.5 g/kg CPP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1), and CSAF (0.5 g/kg CSP and 0.5 mg/kg AFB1). The AFT group shows a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the relative growth rate compared to CON, CPAF, and CSAF. In contrast, the latter two groups exhibit growth rates similar (P > 0.05) to CON. Additionally, immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, and IgA) in the AFT group are significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared to the other treatment groups. Serum interleukin-6 levels in the CPAF and CSAF groups were similar (P > 0.05) to CON but higher (P < 0.05) than in AFT. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in AFT compared to the other treatment groups. Interferon-gamma concentrations in AFT were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in the other treatment groups. The liver histology reveals that the AFT treatment group has periportal hepatic inflammation. In contrast, the CPAF and CSAF treatment groups exhibit normal hepatic microanatomy. In conclusion, 0.5 g/kg CPAF dietary supplementation may help to ameliorate the adverse effects of AFB1 exposure on broiler chicken health, specifically the growth, immune parameters and liver histology.

Engineering Atomic Ag1-N6 Sites with Enhanced Performance of Eradication Drug-Resistant Bacteria over Visible-Light-Driven Antibacterial Membrane.

Utilizing visible light for water disinfection is a more convenient, safe, and practical alternative to ultraviolet-light sterilization. Herein, we developed silver (Ag) single-atom anchored g-C3N4 (P-CN) nanosheets (Ag1/CN) and then utilized a spin-coating method to fabricate the Ag1/CN-based-membrane for effective antibacterial performance in natural water and domestic wastewater. The incorporated Ag single atom formed a Ag1-N6 motif, which increased the charge density around the N atoms, resulting in a built-in electric field ∼17.2 times stronger than that of pure P-CN and optimizing the dynamics of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Additionally, the Ag1-N6 motif inhibited the release of Ag ions, ensuring good biocompatibility. Based on the first-principles calculation, the adsorption energy of O2 on the Ag1/CN (-0.32 eV) was lower than that of P-CN (-0.07 eV), indicating that loaded Ag single atom can lower the energy barrier for O2 activation, generating extra *OH radicals that cooperated with *O2- to effectively neutralize bacteria. As a result, the Ag1/CN powder-catalyst with the concentration of 30 ppm demonstrated a 99.9% antibacterial efficiency against drug-resistant bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, kanamycin-resistant Escherichia coli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) under visible-light irradiation for 4 h. This efficacy was 24.8 times higher than that of the P-CN powder catalyst. Moreover, the Ag1/CN-based-membrane can maintain a 99.9% bactericidal efficiency for natural water and domestic wastewater treatment using a homemade flow device, demonstrating its potential for water disinfection. Notably, the visible-light-driven antibacterial efficiency of the Ag1/CN catalyst outperformed the majority of the reported g-C3N4-based catalysts/membranes.

Exploring the potential of jujube seed powder in polysaccharide based functional film: Characterization, properties and application in fruit preservation.

In this study, we fabricated a novel biodegradable functional film using natural polysaccharides by adding jujube seed powder as an active ingredient. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed agglomerate formation in the film with increasing concentration of seed powder. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy study demonstrated an electrostatic interaction between pectin and chitosan. The water solubility and swelling degree significantly decreased from 55.5 to 47.7 % and 66.0 to 41.9 %, respectively, depicting the film's water resistance properties. Higher opacity and lower transmittance value of the film indicated its protective effect towards light-induced oxidation of food. It was observed that the fabricated active film biodegraded to 82.33 % in 6 days. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of 98.02 % was observed for the functional film. The film showed antifungal activity against B. cinerea and P. chrysogenum. The highest zone of inhibition was obtained against food spoiling bacteria B. subtilis followed by S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Genotoxicity studies with the fabricated film showed a mitotic index of 8 % compared to 3 % in the control film. We used the fabricated film to preserve grapefruits, and the result showed that it could preserve grapes for ten days with an increase in antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content.

Robust and Wet Adhesive Self-Gelling Powders for Rapid Hemostasis and Efficient Wound Healing.

Healing traumatic wounds is arduous, leaving miscellaneous demands for ideal wound dressings, such as rapid hemostasis, superior wet tissue adhesion, strong mechanical properties, and excellent antibacterial activity. Herein, we report a self-gelling, wet adhesive, stretchable (polyethylenimine/poly(dimethylammonium chloride)/(poly(acrylic acid)/poly(sodium styrenesulfonate)/alkylated chitosan)) ((PEI/PDDA)/(PAA/PSS)/ACS) powder as a new option. The self-gel utilizes noncovalent interactions among in situ formed PDDA/PSS nanoparticles and PEI/PAA polymetric matrices to earn sensational mechanical properties and tensile strength while incorporating ACS to obtain fast hemostasis and therapeutic capacities. The powder can form a hydrogel patch in situ within 3 s upon liquid absorption, capable of resisting pressure higher than twice the blood pressure. Deposition of the self-gelling powders on various wounds, such as rat liver and femoral artery wounds, can stop bleeding in 10 s and lessen the amount of bleeding 6-fold plus in corresponding models. Furthermore, the self-gelling powders can significantly advance the chronic wound healing process by displaying a high wound healing rate and a low inflammatory response and promoting the formation of new blood vessels and tissue regeneration. The satisfactory mechanical properties, strong wet adhesion, sufficient antibacterial properties, ease of usage, adaptability to complex wounds, rapid hemostasis, and superior therapeutic capacities of (PEI/PDDA)/(PAA/PSS)/ACS self-gelling powders render them as a profound wound dressing biomaterial.

Fermented natto powder alleviates obesity by regulating LXR pathway and gut microbiota in obesity rats.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the positive effect of natto powder on obese rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with a HFD for 8 weeks continuously and gavaged with natto powder, respectively, for 8 weeks starting from the ninth week. The results showed that natto powder significantly reduced the body weight of rats and maintained the balance of cholesterol metabolism in the body by inhibiting the activity of liver X receptors (LXR) target genes, increasing the active expression of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase, and reducing the active expression of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR). Furthermore, natto powder increased the relative abundance of potentially beneficial microbiota in gut and decreased the relative abundance of obesity-related harmful bacteria, and also increased the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and improved the composition of gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: Natto powder maintains the balance of cholesterol metabolism by inhibiting the LXR pathway and regulating the gut microbiota.

Does Topical Vancomycin Powder Use in Fracture Surgery Change Bacteriology and Antibiotic Susceptibilities? An Analysis of the VANCO Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intrawound vancomycin changes the bacteriology of surgical site infection pathogens and investigate the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of phase III, prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Thirty-six US trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients who became infected after fixation of tibial plateau or pilon fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Pathogen types and bacterial susceptibilities as determined from routine clinical culture in the operating room. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were studied who were 67.5% male with a mean age of 48.6 years. A lower proportion of gram-positive cocci was observed in the vancomycin powder compared with the standard-of-care group (3.7% vs. 8.0%, P = 0.01). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection incidence was comparable in both the vancomycin powder and the standard-of-care groups, but rates of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus infections were lower in the treatment group (1.4% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.01). The incidence of coagulase-negative Staphylococci and gram-negative rod infections were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference in susceptibilities between groups in rates of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus. CONCLUSIONS: Topical vancomycin powder decreases the likelihood of gram-positive infections consistent with the biologic activity of vancomycin. Fewer methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci infections were observed in the group treated with vancomycin powder. An effect of vancomycin powder on methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection risk was not detected given the low incidence in both the intrawound vancomycin and the standard-of-care groups. There was no emergence of gram-negative rod infections or increased resistance patterns observed. Use of topical vancomycin powder does not seem to produce infections in these patients with greater antibiotic resistance than would have occurred without its use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Steamed Ginseng Berry Powder Ameliorates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy via Myogenic Effects.

Sarcopenia is an age-related loss of muscle mass and function for which there is no approved pharmacological treatment. We tested direct efficacy by evaluating grip strength improvement in a sarcopenia mouse model rather than drug screening, which inhibits specific molecular mechanisms. Various physiological functions of ginseng berries are beneficial to the human body. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of steamed ginseng berry powder (SGBP). SGBP administration increased myotube diameter and suppressed the mRNA expression of sarcopenia-inducing molecules. SGBP also reduced the levels of inflammatory transcription factors and cytokines that are known to induce sarcopenia. Oral administration of SGBP improved muscle mass and physical performance in a mouse model of sarcopenia. In summary, our data suggest that SGBP is a novel therapeutic candidate for the amelioration of muscle weakness, including sarcopenia.

Thinned young apple powder prevents obesity-induced neuronal apoptosis via improving mitochondrial function of cerebral cortex in mice.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the triggers for obesity-induced neuron apoptosis. Thinned young apple is getting more attention on account of the extensive biological activities because of rich polyphenols and polysaccharides. However, the neuroprotective effect of thinned young apple powder (YAP) is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the preventive effect of YAP on obesity-induced neuronal apoptosis. C57BL/6J male mice were divided into 5 groups, control (CON), high fat diet (HFD), HFD + orlistat (ORL), HFD + low-dose young apple powder (LYAP) and HFD + high-dose young apple powder (HYAP) groups and intervened for 12 weeks. It was found that the YAP effectively reduced body weight gain. Importantly, the levels of pro-apoptosis protein were lower in LYAP and HYAP groups than the HFD group, such as Bak/Bcl2 and cleaved caspase3/caspase3. Pathway analysis based on untargeted metabolomics suggested that YAP alleviated obesity-induced neuronal apoptosis by three main metabolic pathway including arginine metabolism, citrate cycle (TCA cycle) and glutathione metabolism. Meanwhile, YAP improved the protein expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex, maintained the homeostasis of TCA cycle intermediates, protected the balance of mitochondrial dynamics and alleviated lipid accumulation. In addition, the levels of several antioxidants in cerebral cortex were higher in HYAP group than the HFD group like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). In summary, YAP supplementation suppressed neuronal apoptosis in the cerebral cortex of HFD-induced obesity mice by improving mitochondrial function and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Biovalorization of Fruit Wastes for Development of Biodegradable Antimicrobial Chitosan-Based Coatings for Fruits (Tomatoes and Grapes).

Organic wastes are generated from high consumption of fruits. In this paper, fruit residual wastes collected from fruit-juice centres were transformed into fine powder, and thereafter, proximate analysis along with SEM, EDX and XRD was done to get into the surface morphology, minerals and ash content of fine powder. Aqueous extract (AE) prepared from this powder was studied using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The phytochemicals identified are N-hexadecanoic acid; 1,3-dioxane,2,4-dimethyl-, diglycerol, 4-ethyl-2-hydroxycyclopent-2-en-1-one, eicosanoic acid, etc. AE showed high antioxidant and a low MIC value (2 mg/ml) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa MZ269380. AE having acceptance as nontoxic to biological system, formulation of chitosan (2%)-based coating was done with 1% AQ. Surface coatings of tomatoes and grapes showed significant inhibition of microbial growth even after 10 days of storage at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Colour, texture, firmness and aceptability of coated fruits showed no degradation compared to negative control. Additionally, the extracts showed insignificance haemolysis of goat RBC and damage of Calf Thymus DNA which exhibited its biocompatible nature. Biovalorization of fruit wastes yields useful phytochemicals and can be utilized in various sectors thereby finding a sustainable solution for disposal of fruit wastes.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) ameliorates ethanol-induced cognitive impairment by modulating NMDA and GABA-A receptors in rat hippocampus.

Brain damage caused by ethanol abuse may lead to permanent damage, including severe dementia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ginger powder on ethanol-induced cognitive disorders by examining oxidative damage and inflammation status, and the gene expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptors in the hippocampus of male rats. 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated randomly to four groups as follows control, ethanol (4g/kg/day, by gavage), ginger (1g/kg/day, by gavage), and ginger-ethanol. At the end of the study, memory and learning were evaluated by the shuttle box test. Moreover, to explore mechanisms involved in ethanol-induced cognitive impairment and the protective effect of ginger, the expression of Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NMDA receptor, and GABA-A receptor was measured along with inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in the hippocampus tissue. The results showed that ethanol could induce cognitive impairment in the ethanol group, while pretreatment with ginger could reverse it. The gene expression of the NF-κB/ Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/Interleukin (IL)-1ß pathway and NMDA and GABA-A receptors significantly increased in the ethanol group compared to the control group. While pretreatment with ginger could significantly improve ethanol-induced cognitive impairment through these pathways in the ginger-ethanol group compared to the ethanol group (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that ginger powder could ameliorate ethanol-induced cognitive impairment by modulating the expression of NMDA and GABA-A receptors and inhibiting oxidative damage and the NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-1ß pathway in the rat hippocampus.

Development and biological evaluation of smart powder bandage for wound healing and dressing applications.

Cutaneous wounds are one of the pressing concerns for healthcare systems globally. With large amounts of water, conventional hydrogels encounter obstacles in effectively delivering small molecules and peptides for wound healing. The surplus water content challenges the stability and sustained release of small molecules and peptides, diminishing their therapeutic efficacy. Our pioneering smart powder bandage, fabricated through freeze-drying, ensures a water content of <1 % during storage. Upon contact with wound exudate, it forms hydrogel layers, thereby optimizing the delivery of peptides. Tailored for thermosensitive peptides such as EGF, this strategy surmounts the limitations of conventional hydrogels, providing a robust platform for efficacious therapeutic delivery in wound healing applications. Developing multifunctional wound dressings with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and healing properties is essential to promote wound healing. Therefore, the current investigation reports the development of multifunctional EGF@Silnanom SPB with the above-mentioned properties to promote wound healing using silver nanomix (Silnanom) and bioactive epidermal growth factors (EGF) as active therapeutics. The characterization of smart powder bandage (SPB) revealed that Silnanom were homogeneously dispersed in the entangled polymer network. The multifunctional smart powder bandage exhibited high bacterial inhibition rates against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and rigorous hemocompatibility, cell compatibility, and in vivo studies also confirmed its biocompatibility. Furthermore, multifunctional EGF@Silnanom SPB effectively reduced pro-inflammatory markers, enhanced collagen deposition, promoted angiogenesis, and accelerated wound healing in a full-thickness mouse wound model through the sustained release of Silnanom and EGF. Additionally, the results of hemostasis analysis on the tail amputation mouse model confirmed the hemostasis properties of the EGF@Silnanom SPB. Overall, the multifunctional EGF@Silnanom SPB shows promising potential for skin wound repair, offering a potent and effective solution to the challenges posed by conventional wound dressings.

A microbial bioherbicide for Striga hermonthica control: production, development, and effectiveness of a seed coating agent.

Witchweed (Striga hermonthica), also called striga, is a parasitic weed that causes high yield losses in maize on more than 200 000 ha in Kenya alone. A new commercial, biological herbicide developed in Kenya is able to control striga effectively. The product was approved for use by the Pest Control Products Board in Kenya in September, 2021. It is self-produced in villages using a secondary inoculum provided by a commercial company. The formulated product has some disadvantages, which are a complicated production process, a very short shelf life and high application rate. Additionally, the product has to be applied manually and therefore can only be used in manual production, leaving out the opportunity for farmers using mechanization. For this reason, efforts have been made to formulate the active ingredient Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae strain DSM 33471, as a powder and to use it as a seed coating agent. This article deals with the production of the Fusarium spore powder, its properties, its application to the seed, and its herbicidal effect demonstrated in the first two field trials. The F. oxysporum strain was originally isolated from a wilting striga plant in Kenya. The strain was virulence enhanced to over produce the amino acids leucine, methionine and tyrosine. These amino acids are responsible for a second mode of action apart from the wilting causing effect of the fungus on striga. Whereas leucine and tyrosine have a herbicidal effect, ethylene from methionine triggers the germination of striga seeds in the soil. Additionally, the strain has been improved to be resistant to the fungicide captan, which is commonly used to treat maize seed in Kenya. Seed coating tests conducted on 25 striga-infested small holder farms spread out in six counties of western Kenya reported yield increases of up to 88%. A second trial carried out by the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization showed a 93% reduction of emerged striga plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder Dressing Improves Wound Inflammation, Perfusion, and Breaking Strength of Repaired Tissue.

Objective: Hydrolyzed collagen-based matrices are widely used as wound care dressings. Information on the mechanism of action of such dressings is scanty. The objective of this study was to test the effect of a specific hydrolyzed collagen powder (HCP), which is extensively used for wound care management in the United States. Approach: The effects of HCP on resolution of wound inflammation, perfusion, closure, and breaking strength of the repaired skin were studied in an experimental murine model. Results: In early (day 7) inflammatory phase of wound macrophages, HCP treatment boosted phagocytosis and efferocytosis of wound-site macrophages. In these cells, inducible reactive oxygen species were also higher on day (d) 7. HCP treatment potentiated the expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 cytokine and proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. Excisional wounds dressed with HCP showed complete closure on day 21, while the control wounds remained open. HCP treatment also demonstrated improved quality of wound healing as marked by the improved breaking strength of the closed wound tissue/repaired skin. Innovation: These data represent first evidence on the mechanism of action of clinically used HCP. Conclusion: HCP dressing favorably influenced both wound inflammation and vascularization. Improved breaking strength of HCP-treated repaired skin lays the rationale for future studies testing the hypothesis that HCP-treated closed wounds would show fewer recurrences.

Effect of whitening toothpastes and activated charcoal powder on enamel wear and surface roughness.

This study aimed to evaluate surface roughness (Sa), roughness profile (Rv), and enamel wear after brushing with different whitening toothpastes and charcoal powders. Sixty (n = 10) bovine enamel blocks (6 × 6 × 3 mm) were randomly distributed into six groups according to toothpaste type: regular toothpaste (CONT), toothpaste containing 2% hydrogen peroxide (HP), toothpaste containing titanium dioxide (TiO2), toothpaste containing charcoal (COAL), toothpaste containing charcoal and TiO2 (COAL+TiO2), and activated charcoal powder (COAL_PWD). Each block was subjected to 30,000 reciprocal cycles at a 1:3 proportion slurry. After brushing, the blocks were analyzed using an optical profilometer to determine Sa, Rv, and enamel wear. In addition, representative 3D images of each group and wear profiles were obtained. Sa was analyzed using generalized linear models followed by Bonferroni correction, whereas Rv was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. After brushing, COAL and COAL+TiO2 showed higher Sa values than COAL_PWD. However, no significant difference was observed in Sa between whitening toothpaste and COAL_PWD, and CONT (p > 0.05). In addition, no differences were observed among the groups in Rv (p > 0.05). Conversely, enamel wear was higher for TiO2, COAL, COAL+TiO2, and COAL_PWD than for CONT. CONT showed the least enamel wear, whereas HP showed intermediate values. Representative 3D images and line profiles showed lower step-height and lower mean surface losses for the CONT and HP groups than for the other groups. Whitening toothpastes and COAL_PWD did not increase Sa or Rv compared with CONT, while CONT demonstrated lower enamel wear.

Turmeric Powder Counteracts Oxidative Stress and Reduces AFB1 Content in the Liver of Broilers Exposed to the EU Maximum Levels of the Mycotoxin.

The most frequent adverse effects of AFB1 in chicken are low performance, the depression of the immune system, and a reduced quality of both eggs and meat, leading to economic losses. Since oxidative stress plays a major role in AFB1 toxicity, natural products are increasingly being used as an alternative to mineral binders to tackle AFB1 toxicosis in farm animals. In this study, an in vivo trial was performed by exposing broilers for 10 days to AFB1 at dietary concentrations approaching the maximum limits set by the EU (0.02 mg/kg feed) in the presence or absence of turmeric powder (TP) (included in the feed at 400 mg/kg). The aims were to evaluate (i) the effects of AFB1 on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant parameters, histology, and the expression of drug transporters and biotransformation enzymes in the liver; (ii) the hepatic accumulation of AFB1 and its main metabolites (assessed using an in-house-validated HPLC-FLD method); (iii) the possible modulation of the above parameters elicited by TP. Broilers exposed to AFB1 alone displayed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation in the liver, which was completely reverted by the concomitant administration of TP. Although no changes in glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were detected in any treatment group, AFB1 significantly upregulated and downregulated the mRNA expression of CYP2A6 and Nrf2, respectively. TP counteracted such negative effects and increased the hepatic gene expression of selected antioxidant enzymes (i.e., CAT and SOD2) and drug transporters (i.e., ABCG2), which were further enhanced in combination with AFB1. Moreover, both AFB1 and TP increased the mRNA levels of ABCC2 and ABCG2 in the duodenum. The latter changes might be implicated in the decrease in hepatic AFB1 to undetectable levels (