Free Form Research Articles

Composition of Gases in the Interporous Space of Technogenic Bodies

Abstract —We present results of studies of inclusions in secondary sulfates (antlerite and a mixture of copiapite and coquimbite) and arsenates (erythrite and picropharmacolite) formed on the surface of technogenic bodies, such as stored waste from the enrichment of sulfide (Belovo and Ursk waste heaps) and arsenide (disposal maps of the Tuvakobalt plant) ores. A wide range of components were identified in the gas–liquid inclusions, the main ones being water and carbon dioxide. Hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing organic compounds, and nitrogen- and sulfur-containing gases were found in smaller but measurable amounts. Arsine H3As was also detected in inclusions in picropharmacolite (calcium and magnesium arsenate–arsenite). The gas–liquid inclusions in secondary minerals reflect the composition of the interporous space in the waste body, filled with particular atmospheric gases entering the body in free form and with seasonal precipitation. The combination of in situ generated and penetrating gases determines the diversity of inorganic and biotic interactions in technogenic bodies. The presence of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing organic compounds is, most likely, associated with bacterial transformations of organic matter (residual vegetation, wood, microalgae, and fungi). At the same time, carbon disulfide and sulfur dioxide are indicators of active inorganic reactions of decomposition of the sulfide matrix.

Fabrication of millet starch nanocapsules loaded with beta carotene using acid hydrolysis and ultrasonication: Characterisation, release behaviour and bioactivity retention

The acid hydrolysis process was used to create novel millet starch-based nanoparticles from three different sources: sorghum, foxtail millet and pearl millet. An environment-friendly, risk-free ultrasonication technique was used for encapsulating beta carotene in starch nanoparticles to create nanocapsules that will shield the bioactivity of beta carotene in gastrointestinal conditions and increase its accessibility after consumption. Formulated nanocapsules were examined for zeta potential, particle size and encapsulation efficiency. The particle dimensions of beta carotene-loaded sorghum (SSB), foxtail millet (FSB), and pearl millet (PSB) starch nanoparticles were 416, 399 and 587 nm with zeta potential of −17.98, −19.03 and –22.31 mV respectively. Encapsulation efficiencies of nanocapsules were found to be 85.83, 89.65 and 78.32 % for SSB, FSB and PSB respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also harnessed as a confirmatory tests towards the presence of beta carotene in nanocapsules. Beta carotene encapsulation in starch nanoparticles was also demonstrated using ATR-FTIR which revealed broad characteristic peaks at 3000, 1086 and 885 cm−1 that occur without any discernible interaction. Intestinal juice with higher beta carotene content ensured controlled release in the intestine. Encapsulated beta carotene showed more bioactive properties in terms of antioxidant activity as compared to free beta carotene form

Features of the immune system and levels of blood transport components in residents of the arctic of the Russian Federation.

The peripheral venous blood of 191 residents of the Arctic of the Russian Federation (Murmansk Oblast) aged 21-55 analyzed comprehensively. Blood was sampled from the ulnar vein on an empty stomach in the morning. The hemogram, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, lymphocyte content with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD19, CD16, CD71, CD25, HLA-DR and CD95 phenotypes, concentrations of cytokines: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, extracellular receptor pool: sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL, circulating immune complexes (CIC) and blood transport components: haptoglobin (Hp), transferrin, IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE (immunoglobulins M, G, A and E) low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were evaluated. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative, factorial, and regression analyses. Residents of the Murmansk Oblast exhibit a high prevalence of erythrocytosis (62.3%), thrombocytosis (25.0%), leukocytosis (20.1%), and increased hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations (42.5%), coupled with a significantly decreased level of active phagocytes (47.6%). A significantly decreased level of lymphocytes with phenotypes CD3 (92.4%), CD4 (40.4%), CD71 (62.3%) was revealed, coupled with the activation of lymphocytes with phenotypes CD16 (50.1%), CD8 (37.5%), CD19 (15.9%) and increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory IFN-γ (47.9%), IL-6 (33.3%), and TNF-α (20.1%). Elevated levels of sCD71 (56.6%), sCD62L (32.1%), sApo-1/Fas (22.1%), sFasL (10.2%), and autoantibodies to double-stranded DNA (57.1%), RNA (10.4%), and oLDL (oxidized-modified LDL) (16.3%) were recorded in residents of the Murmansk Oblast. Arctic residents showed elevated concentrations of Hp (63.3%), IgM (63.9%), IgA (42.4%), IgE (18.8%), LDL (24.9%), and a decreased level of HDL (21.1%) owing to an ApoA-I ligand deficiency (58.1%). Elevated levels of Hp in the blood are associated with increased erythrocyte aggregation frequency, T-lymphocyte activation, and increased concentration of free receptors of the extracellular pool. Increased IgM and IgA levels in the blood are attributed to the need to bind components of the extracellular receptor pool sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL and are associated with decreased levels lymphocyte with CD8 and CD16 phenotypes. The humoral immune response in Arctic residents is triggered when the cellular component of immunity is under strain which compounded by ineffective clearance of metabolic byproducts owing to imbalanced LDL and HDL lipid transport complexes. The immune system of Arctic residents is characterized by excessive cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes and increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, free forms of receptors of the extracellular pool, and autoantibodies. The change in the content of transport components of the blood system is directed at maintaining homeostasis by exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory properties.

Enhanced Catalytic Activity for Production of Biodiesel from Aloe vera Oil and the Removal of Methyl Violet Dye using Polyaniline-Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanocomposite

The aim of this work was to use a unique technique to maximize the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biodiesel synthesis utilizing Aloe vera oil. Moreover, in order to facilitate the magnetic separation from the resultant mixture, lipase was immobilized on a magnetic nanocomposite consisting of polyaniline (PANI) and Fe3O4. Utilizing XRD, SEM, TGA and FTIR spectroscopy, the nanocomposite was thoroughly characterized. The results indicated that the immobilized lipase exhibited enhanced thermal stability and a modified optimum pH compared to its free form. Using immobilized lipase also significantly improved the biodiesel conversion yield from 27% with free enzyme to 60%. Remarkably, after five cycles of reutilization in the production of biodiesel, the immobilized lipase retained 90% activity. The catalytic effectiveness of lipase during biodiesel synthesis was significantly enhanced and its resistance to heat and pH fluctuations was strengthened by this novel immobilization approach. Beyond its potential usage in biodiesel production, the PANI-Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite also demonstrated photocatalytic removal and degradation of methyl violet dye from aqueous solution.

Ultrasound Evaluation of the Optic Nerve Sheath as a Predictor of Severity and Complications

Objectives: Ultrasonography has the potential advantage of being a repeatable tool, safe at the bedside and low cost, without risks of radiation and side effects. Emerging as a tool with potential to promote the optimization of the prognosis of neurosurgical patients. Methods: 31 participants diagnosed with expansive brain injury were selected, all over 18 years of age, after signing the free consent form and clarification, the postoperative evaluation was carried out at the time of hospital discharge and 3 months after surgery on an outpatient basis. The ultrasound evaluation of the optic nerve sheaths was performed by a team member, who was blind to the clinical and radiological information and using the same GE VERSANA ACTIVE ultrasound device. Results: During the preoperative analysis of 31 patients, 41.9% were male (n=13) and 58.06% female (n=16), with a mean age of 50.64 +- 16.29. Regarding the functional analysis with KPS, it was found that 58% of patients (regardless of sex) had results >=70, equivalent to 18 patients. Regarding the diameter of the optic nerve sheath performed by ultrasound, the value of the preoperative BOD was greater than 6.1 mm, the value greater than 6.2 mm determined unfavorable prognosis in 3 months. Discussion: In the present study, the cutoff point of the BNO measurement for favorable or unfavorable prognosis was 6.1 mm, and when we correlated this variable with the analyzed KPS variable, we can observe that they correlate, mainly with outcome, getting an unfavorable result.

Contribution of distinct components in divergent organic amendments to long-term accumulation of soil organic matter in agricultural soils: evidence from thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation-GC/MS.

Although maintaining/improving soil organic matter (SOM) quantity through utilizing organic amendments (OAs) is a productive practice, information on OA components contributing to long-term SOM accumulation in agricultural soils remains meager. Hence, we examined soil samples from a long-term experiment with different fertilizer managements, including no fertilizer (NF), chemical fertilizer (CF) only (CF), bark compost plus CF (BC + CF), coffee residue compost plus CF (CRC + CF), cattle manure compost plus CF (CMC + CF), and cattle manure compost (CMC) or sewage sludge compost (SSC) alone at a higher application rate. SOM in those samples was physically fractionated into free particulate form (fSOM), free form occluded in aggregates (oSOM), weakly bound form (wSOM), and strongly bound form (sSOM). Analysis of structural components in OAs and SOM fractions using thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-GC/MS) revealed OA components that have contributed to long-term SOM accumulation in each treatment. The SSC was characterized by higher proportions of short-chain fatty acids (FAs; 50%) and other aliphatic compounds (22%). Correlation analysis suggested that these characteristics may be effective for greater C accumulation in the bulk soil and wSOM fraction. The proportion of lignin-derived phenols, e.g., 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde (Vh) and 1,2-dimethoxy-4-(1,2,3-trimethoxypropyl)benzene, was high in CMC (43%), presumably vital for promoting C accumulations in the oSOM, wSOM, and sSOM fractions in the CMC treatment. The short-chain FAs in CRC and aromatic components in BC are likely important for contributing fSOM accumulation.

Evaluation of whey protein coating containing free and Pickering emulsion forms of Trachyspermum copticum L. essential oil on quality of refrigerated beef

AbstractThe purpose of the present research was to prepare a novel biodegradable coating of whey protein (whey) and essential oil of Trachyspermum copticum L. (forms of free (EO) and Pickering emulsion (NEO)) to improve the shelf life of beef. In this study, various microbiological, chemical, and sensory analyses were performed. The results showed that after 18 days, the highest and lowest microbiological counts were related to control samples and whey‐NEO treatments, respectively. The total viable count (TVC) was 8.2 and 6.8 log CFU/g, the total psychrotrophic count (TPC) was 8.5 and 6.7 log CFU/g, and the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was 7.7 and 6.5 log CFU/g for control and whey‐NEO treatments, respectively. Chemical analysis of whey‐NEO treatment and control sample were 6.3 and 7.5 for pH, 9.8 and 13.9 meq/kg for PV (peroxide value), 5.45 and 8.85 mg/kg for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and 25.1 and 39.4 mgN/100 g for TVB‐N (total volatile basic nitrogen), respectively. The best result was associated with the whey‐NEO treatment; consequently, coatings with whey and EO Pickering emulsion should be considered as a potential active coating in the meat industry.

SURF2 is a MDM2 antagonist in triggering the nucleolar stress response

Cancer cells rely on high ribosome production to sustain their proliferation rate. Many chemotherapies impede ribosome production which is perceived by cells as “nucleolar stress” (NS), triggering p53-dependent and independent pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. The 5S ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particle, a sub-ribosomal particle, is instrumental to NS response. Upon ribosome assembly defects, the 5S RNP accumulates as free form. This free form is able to sequester and inhibit MDM2, thus promoting p53 stabilization. To investigate how cancer cells can resist to NS, here we purify free 5S RNP and uncover an interaction partner, SURF2. Functional characterization of SURF2 shows that its depletion increases cellular sensitivity to NS, while its overexpression promotes their resistance to it. Consistently, SURF2 is overexpressed in many cancers and its expression level is an independent marker of prognosis for adrenocortical cancer. Our data demonstrate that SURF2 buffers free 5S RNP particles, and can modulate their activity, paving the way for the research of new molecules that can finely tune the response to nucleolar stress in the framework of cancer therapies.

Engineering Functional Particles to Modulate T Cell Responses.

T cells play a critical role in adaptive immune responses. They work with other immune cells such as B cells to protect our bodies when the first line of defense, the innate immune system, is overcome by certain infectious diseases or cancers. Studying and regulating the responses of T cells, such as activation, proliferation, and differentiation, helps us understand not only their behavior in vivo but also their translation and application in the field of immunotherapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy and immune checkpoint therapy, the situations in which T cells cannot fight cancer alone and require external engineering regulation to help them. Nano- to micrometer-sized particulate biomaterials have achieved great progress in the assistance of T cell-based immunomodulation. For example, various types of microparticles decorated with T cell recognition and activation signals to mimic native antigen-presenting cells have shown successful ex vivo expansion of primary T cells and have been approved for clinical use in adoptive T cell therapy. Functional particles can also serve as vehicles for transporting cargos including small molecule drugs, cytokines, and antibodies. Especially for cargos with limited bioavailability and high repeat-dose toxicity, systemic administration in their free form is difficult. By using particle-assisted systems, the delivery can be tailored on demand, of which targeting and controlled release are two typical examples, ultimately aiding in the regulation of T cell responses. Furthermore, when T cells become overactive and behave in ways that contradict our expectations, such as attacking our own cells or innocuous foreign molecules, this can lead to a breakdown of immune tolerance. In such cases, particles to help reprogram those overactive T cells or suppress their activity are appreciated in vivo. The urgent need to introduce immune stimulation into the treatment of cancers, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases has driven recent advances in the engineering of functional particulate biomaterials that regulate T cell responses. In this Account, we will first cover a brief overview of the process of T cell-based immunomodulation from principle to development. It then outlines critical points in the design of functional particle platforms, including materials, size, morphology, surface engineering, and delivery of cargos, to modulate the features of T cells, and introduces selected work from our and other research groups with a focus on three major therapeutic applications: adoptive T cell therapy, immune checkpoint therapy, and immune tolerance restoration. Current challenges and future opportunities are also discussed.

In vivo reduction of skin inflammation using ferulic acid-loaded lipid vesicles derived from Brewer’s spent grain

Breweŕs spent grain (BSG) is the main by-product of the brewing industry, and due to its rapid decomposition, it generates serious environmental problems such as malodors and greenhouse gases emissions. On the other hand, this lignocellulosic compound contains a large number of antioxidants, being ferulic acid (FA) the most abundant. FA is a powerful antioxidant molecule that has demonstrated significant protective effects on key components of the skin, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, collagen, and elastin. FA inhibits melanogenesis, promotes angiogenesis and accelerates the wound healing although its use is limited by its rapid oxidation. In this study, different hydrolysis treatments (chemical, enzymatic and hydrothermal) were performed on BSG to obtain FA. Herein FA-loaded ultradeformable liposomes (ULs) were designed to improve their stability and in vivo performance. These nanosystems allow FA permeability through human skin, as proven by an ex vivo skin permeability assay using Franz diffusion cells. The toxicity and anti-inflammatory activity of the formulation has been investigated. The free form and 100 nm FA_ULs were evaluated. Cell viability was dose-dependent and provided optimal results for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions in an in vivo Oxazolone-induced Delayed Type Hypersensitivity model using Swiss CD1 mice, demonstrated by the reduction of the inflammatory cytokines expression, ear thickness, bioluminescence and histological evaluation. These results pave the way for FA-based treatments of skin and inflammatory conditions.

Understanding a new wrinkling behavior of annular grooved panel during flexible free incremental sheet forming

Wrinkling behavior of sheet metal by inappropriate process parameters and the resultant variation of thickness and microstructure during incremental sheet forming (ISF) have significant impact on forming stability and geometric profile. The wrinkling-related mechanism is yet to be well understood, which make it difficult to effectively control wrinkling defects during ISF. In the present work, the wrinkling behavior and related mechanism of a typical annular grooved panel are investigated during a novel flexible free ISF process. Experiments demonstrate that during this ISF process, the sheet material sequentially undergoes 4 deformation modes: contacting state under plane strain condition, contracting state with only elastic deflection, thickening state under uniaxial compression condition, and wrinkling state where the circumferential compressive stress exceeds the critical wrinkling stress. The evolution of these deformation modes is dominantly caused by the increasing of edge contraction and circumferential stress, which are induced by the bending moment from the forming tool and auxiliary sheets. Based on the mechanism, an analytical model is developed to predict the wrinkling behavior, by which the corresponded sheet thickness, bending moment, circumferential compressive stress and critical wrinkling stress during the wrinkling process could be comprehensively calculated. Experimental results validate that the analytical model can accurately predict the wrinkling behavior under different process parameters, material properties and auxiliary sheet materials. Through microstructural characterization, numerical simulation and analytical modeling, the influence of process parameter and material property on wrinkling behavior is systematically investigated, along with the variation of sheet thickness and microstructure under different wrinkling modes. This work enhance a deep understanding of wrinkling behavior during ISF process, thereby providing effective methods for process optimization and quality improvement.

Comparative effects of curcumin, nano curcumin and their combination on reproductive traits and spawning performance of red tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus X O. Mossambicus)

Curcumin, the main polyphenol component of turmeric powder, has garnered increasing attention as an effective supplement in fish diets. A comparative trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of dietary supplementation with different forms of curcumin (free, in combination, or nanoparticles) on hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expressions of red tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. mossambicus) broodstock. Fish (n = 168) were fed an isonitrogenous (30% CP), isocaloric (18.72 MJ kg − 1) diet containing basal diet (Control), 60 mg kg-1 of either free curcumin (Cur), curcumin/nano-curcumin blend (Cur/NCur), or nano-curcumin (NCur) for 56 days. Red tilapia broodstock (155 ± 5.65 g) were stocked at a male: female ratio of 1:3. Blood samples and gonads were collected to assess hemato-biochemical parameters, reproductive capacity, and related gene expression at the end of the feeding trial. The results indicated that the values of hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, hemoglobin), total protein, albumin values, and reproductive hormones (T, LH, and FSH) were significantly increased, while liver function enzymes were decreased in the NCur group (P < 0.05). Reproductive performances (GSI, gonad maturation, total number of fry per female) were significantly improved in the NCur group compared with those in other groups (p < 0.05). The expression of reproductive genes (CYP19A1A, FSHR, LHR, FOXL2A, ESR1, ESR2A, and PGR) were significantly up‐regulated in the gonads of fish fed NCur. Collectively, feeding red tilapia diets containing NCur led to noticeably better results followed by Cur/NCur blend, then free Cur compared to the control diet. These results indicate the superiority of NCur over its free or blended form, suggesting that a diet containing about 60 mg/kg of NCur is beneficial for enhancing hemato-biochemical parameters, improving reproductive performance, and enhancing the gonadal architecture of red tilapia.

Integrating crystal plasticity and experimentation for investigating the size effect on the deformation characteristics of AISI304 microtubes manufactured by free bending technology

During the deformation process of micro-bending, the size effect resulting from the variation in the grain size of the microtubes is the primary factor affecting the bending behavior. The current study on free bending mainly focuses on using macroscopic finite element simulation and experimental analysis to investigate the factors affecting the bending radius and forming quality. However, due to the size effect, the practices and insights gained from macroscopic forming may not directly apply to microforming. Thus, this study aims to reveal and explain the reason for the increase in the bending radius of microtubes with decreasing grain size by combining experimental investigations with crystal plasticity finite element modeling (CPFEM). It was determined that the grain size is a crucial consideration in the micro-bending process of microtubes. Additionally, the CPFEM approach can provide guidance for the process parameters of free bending forming of microtubes.

"Pensar a pura vida"

I argue that Hegel’s concept of freedom requires the dissolution of dichotomies between history and nature. Ultimately, dissolving them would lead to an embodied concept of agency, whereby the singularity of each concrete organism finds normative expression within a free form of life. For that, I suggest that the dialectical thesis of speculative identity intertwines social critique with the critique of philosophical language. I shall call this procedure a “grammatical critique”, revealing Hegel’s shift to a vital normativity as its therapeutic moment. That will allow me to present the social pathologies of dualistic forms of life as a withholding of the fluidity of organic nature, instantiated in the body-mind split. I then turn to Adorno’s notion of “recording nature”, arguing that it fulfills the dialectical criteria for free a form of life, that is: where its agents are able to reflexively enact their vital normativity

Geochemical Modeling and Quality Assessment of the Surface Waters from the Mouhoun River System, Burkina Faso: Implications of Water–Rock Interactions and Anthropogenic Activities

Major ion and heavy metal geochemistry was used to investigate the factors that control the Mouhoun River water quality in western Burkina Faso. Major cation concentrations was in the following decreasing order: Ca2+&gt; Na+&gt; K+&gt; Mg2+, reflecting silicate weathering. However, relatively high HCO3- and SO42- concentrations could be related to dissolution of calcite and sulfide minerals, respectively. The average heavy metal concentrations in the riverine system were in the following order: FeT&gt;Ag&gt;Mn&gt;Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Cu&gt;Ni&gt;AsT&gt;Cr&gt;Hg&gt;Co&gt;Cd with FeT and Ag exceeding the World Health Organization permissible limits. Concentrations of all heavy metals, except Cr, were higher in the Mouhoun system compared to the average world river concentrations. Adsorption and speciation models showed that Zn, Ag, Cd, Co, Cr and Ni are likely to remain in their free ionic forms, and thus posing serious threats to aquatic life and human health. Ag-Hg-Ni-Cd association around Poura and Tenado on the principal component plot suggested that the widespread artisanal gold mining in these areas may have contributed to these metals’ loading. In contrast, NH4+, Pb, Cu, Cr, AsT and Zn were clustered around a densely populated and industrialized Kou watershed, pointing to agricultural and industrial sources of these pollutants. Furthermore, the Kou River had the highest metal index followed by Tenado, Samendeni, Poura and Boromo. Hence, the chemistry of the Mouhoun River and its tributary appears to be mainly controlled by population density and various anthropogenic activities taking place in their drainage basins. The findings could provide avenues for sound and sustainable water resource management in a water scarce semi-arid environment.

Strategies for Effective Product Roadmap Development and Execution in Data Analytics Platforms

Manufacturing is only one of several industries going through a digital transformation in this era of digital disruption. Manufacturing businesses are racing to adopt IoT-based solutions in order to innovate, increase productivity, lower costs, and gain greater market share because of the enormous transformational potential offered by Internet-of-Things (IoT) &amp; Big Data. It is being used by industrial companies all over the world to increase flexibility while achieving cost savings, reduced inefficiencies, and better performance. It is no longer a trend for the future. But putting Industry 4.0 technology support into practice is a tough endeavour that gets increasingly harder in the absence of a common method. These are produced during the course of business operations and are kept in databases, email communication, transaction logs, free form texts on (business) social media, and other places. Businesses want to integrate data analytics methods into their decision-making processes by utilisation of these data. The field of Big Data analyses has seen tremendous progress in the IT sector in recent years. It appears that in order to deal with the extremely dynamic situations of today, new methods for product route mapping are required. This article provides an overview of the literature in science on product road mapping in order to shed light on the current state of the art &amp; pinpoint research gaps. In order to demonstrate the influence of Industry 4.0 technological innovations on the manufacturing sector, this study provides an organised and content-focused evaluation of the literature. This paper offers recommendations for converting a legacy manufacturing facility into an Industry 4.0-compliant smart plant. Research gaps encompass topics including how to include objectives or results in product roadmaps, how to match a roadmap with the item's vision, and how to include activities related to product discovery in product roadmaps.

Modeling the Change in Amino Acid and Peptide Contents during the Aging of Bottled-Fermented Sparkling Wines by Image Processing Methods

In this study, natural sparkling wine was produced using a mixture (1:1) of Emir and Dimrit grapes harvested (Around the Urgup District of Turkey). The change of free amino acid and peptide contents in sparkling wine depending on the aging time and yeasts (free and immobilized forms of the Saccharomyces bayanus and Saccharomyces oviformis) used in the second fermentation stage were examined by image processing methods. The immobilized yeasts were determined as more than the free ones along the second fermentation. It was also determined that the yeast type does not have a significant effect on both the peptides and free amino acid contents of sparkling wines and these contents were divided into 3 classes from high to low by measuring separately along the aging time. The amino acid contents of sparkling wines reached the highest level between the 335th and 365th days of aging time and also exceeded the amino acid contents of base wine.

Are the Effects of Bioactive Components on Human Health a Myth?: Black Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) from Exotic Fruits.

Black elderberry has come to the fore in recent years due to its health benefits. Black elderberry fruit (Sambucus nigra L.), collected from natural sources, has a rich content of protein, vitamins, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals as it contains conjugated and free forms of amino acids. Black elderberry can prevent oxidative stress and reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases thanks to the polyphenols it contains. It can prevent diseases, stimulate the immune system, show an antitumor effect, and be effective in the course of disease processes by rising the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione. Since black elderberry is a promising food in terms of bioactive components, it is considered as promising to treat and prevent many diseases. However, it is not correct to prove its beneficial effects on the prevention of chronic diseases and to make generalisations. Therefore, there is a need of more comprehensive evidence-based clinical studies and data. This review examined current evidence and discussions about the health-related effects of black elderberry, which contains many biologically active components such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols, proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins, as well as terpenes and lectins, and offered some suggestions on its use in the future.

Enhancing ketoprofen's solubility and anti-inflammatory efficacy with safe methyl-β-cyclodextrin complexation

Improved solubility and anti-inflammatory (AI) properties are imperative for enhancing the effectiveness of poorly water-soluble drugs, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). To address these critical issues, our focus is on obtaining NSAID materials in the form of inclusion complexes (IC) with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD). Ketoprofen (KTP) is selected as the NSAID for this study due to its potency in treating various types of pain, inflammation, and arthritis. Our objective is to tackle the solubility challenge followed by enhancing the AI activity. Confirmation of complexation is achieved through observing changes in the absorbance and fluorescence intensities of KTP upon the addition of MCD, indicating a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio. Phase solubility studies demonstrated improved dissolution rates after the formation of ICs. Further analysis of the optimized IC is conducted using FT-IR, NMR, FE-SEM, and TG/DTA techniques. Notable shifts in chemical shift values and morphological alterations on the surface of the ICs are observed compared to their free form. Most significantly, the IC exhibited superior AI and anti-arthritic (AA) activity compared to KTP alone. These findings highlight the potential of ICs in expanding the application of KTP, particularly in pharmaceuticals, where enhanced stability and efficacy of natural AIs and AAs are paramount.

Entrapment of Cyanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus Using Biomimetic Silica and Its Application for Cyanate Bioremediation.

Cyanate, a toxic product from the chemical oxidation treatment of highly toxic cyanide, can be converted to harmless ammonia and carbon dioxide by cyanase (EC 4.2.1.104). Cyanase from Thermomyces lanuginosus was entrapped in biomimetic silica to improve stability and reusability. After entrapment, the enzyme's activity increased by two-fold, and the residual activity after 30-min of incubation at 60 °C also increased by two-fold, compared to the free enzyme. After being stored at room temperature for 28 days, the entrapped cyanase retained 79% of the initial activity, while the free form retained 61%. The immobilized cyanase was successfully applied to cyanate detoxification; the co-entrapment of carbonic anhydrase from Sulfurihydrogenibium azorense decreased the amount of bicarbonate necessary for cyanate detoxification by 50%. The cyanate degradation retained 53% of the initial value after the co-entrapped cyanate and carbonic anhydrase were reused five times.