Functional Properties In Relation Research Articles

Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Micromeritic Properties of Exudate Gum of Cussonia arborea Stem Bark in Conventional Tablet Formulation

Pharmaceutical excipients are classified based on the function(s) in the processing and/or finished product. However, functionality evaluations, procedures, and related acceptance criteria for excipients tend to depend on the dosage form, and assessment is usually done on a case-by-case basis. This means that any useful and reliable evaluation of the overall functionality-related properties is only possible within the context of the specific formulation method. This study evaluated the physicochemical, functional, and related properties of purified gum obtained from the stem bark of the Cussonia arborea tree. The purified gum was acidic (pH 5.32–5.50) with percentage (%) moisture content and insoluble matter of 13.33 ± 0.33 and 0.47 ± 0.01, respectively. Moreover, it was soluble in all the aqueous-based solvents but insoluble in all the organic solvents. The total ash of the gum was higher than that of international standard gum Arabic. Micromeritic properties indicated the need for a flow aid to improve flowability. Six formulated batches of tablets containing 0.5–5%w/w of gum, respectively, were generally soft with none passing the USP T80 standard of drug dissolution indicating poor tablet binding and drug-releasing properties. The disintegration action of CAPG was poor (only batches containing 0.5 and 1% CAPG passed) and was not comparable to that of the standard corn starch. The gum was therefore considered a poor disintegrant and binder in the formulation of conventional release tablets.

An Innovative Method for the Production of Yoghurt Fortified with Walnut Oil Nanocapsules and Characteristics of Functional Properties in Relation to Conventional Yoghurts.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial nutrients involved in a plethora of metabolic and physiological processes. PUFAs have been extensively researched for their effects on human nutrition and health. The high demand for these fatty acids offers the possibility of adding vegetable oils to dairy products such as yoghurt. The aim of this study was to produce nano/microcapsules comprising walnut oil through exclusively natural ingredients utilised in yoghurt manufacturing. Additionally, the study tested yoghurt supplemented with PUFAs using the acquired nano/microcapsules. Chemical and physiochemical properties, microbiological analysis, rheological measurements, texture analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and sensory and fatty acids profile analysis were performed. A physico-chemical analysis highlighted the impact of oil addition on fat and dry matter concentration, revealing an increased quantity of said components in yoghurt after oil addition. Based on the identified parameters for potential and active acidity in the yoghurts, normal lactic fermentation was observed. Furthermore, the addition of oil was found to have an impact on the pH of the yoghurt. Microbiological analysis indicated that the incorporation of nano-encapsulated walnut oil did not have any notable effect on the abundance of determined microorganisms in the yoghurt. However, it was observed that the number of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus increased as a result of storage. The incorporation of enclosed oil in yoghurt resulted in negligible alterations in rheological and sensory characteristics when compared with the plain variant. The addition of oil had an effect on most of the analysed fatty acids. Fortified yoghurt shows a more favourable proportion of the fatty acid groups tested (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA) and lower values of fat quality factors (AI and TI).

Formulation of Levocetirizine-Loaded Core-Shell Type Nanofibrous Orally Dissolving Webs as a Potential Alternative for Immediate Release Dosage Forms.

Several applications of nanofiber-based systems are based on their corresponding functionality-related properties, which often cannot be satisfied by a fiber web with a monolithic structure because of the various physicochemical properties and amounts of embedded compounds. Therefore, one of the main directions in the development of fiber systems is creating core–shell type complex fiber structures that can provide application-specific properties to the fiber matrix. The present study aimed to formulate levocetirizine-loaded core–shell type hydrophilic polymer-based fibrous systems. The core phase contained the antihistamine levocetirizine, while the permeation enhancer (Na-taurocholate), the local pH regulator (citric acid), and the cyclodextrin used as a taste masking agent were included in the shell phase of the fibrous formulation. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that a randomly oriented homogeneous fibrous structure was obtained, while the Raman mapping and chemometric analysis confirmed the partially formed core–shell structure. A fast release rate of the antihistamine drug from the complex structural fibrous system was obtained (within 1 min complete dissolution can be observed) due to its increased surface area to volume ratio and its more favorable wettability properties, which consequently allows for more erosion. The masking properties against the unpleasant bitter taste of API of the formulated complex nanostructure were confirmed by the results of the electronic tongue. The formulated complex nanostructure enabled fast and complete release of the API, providing a potential enhancement in the rate and extent of absorption while masking the unpleasant taste of levocetirizine, which has a high impact on the patient adherence. All in all, the results show that the developed orally dissolving fibrous web formulation can be a potential alternative to the commercially available orally disintegrating tablets.

Impact of common gastrointestinal disorders in elderly on in vitro meat protein digestibility and related properties

This study aimed to in vitro evaluate the impact of common gastrointestinal (GI) alterations appearing with aging on protein digestibility, and functional related properties, in four different meats (chicken, turkey, pork and beef). Thus, three elderly digestion models were stated as long as altered GI conditions affected at oral (E1), oral and gastric (E2) and oral, gastric and intestinal stages (E3). Healthy adult GI conditions were also mimicked as standard control model (C). A notable trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble protein and the free amino acids (FAA) release reduction (p<0.05) were found under intestinal suboptimal conditions (E3), being more accused in beef than in other meats. Thus, chicken intake would be more advisable, than other meats, in terms of protein digestibility; while beef would provide a greater net supply of FAA under E3 model conditions. Gastric altered conditions, seem to favor protein solubility. Finally, while gastric and intestinal suboptimal conditions diminish the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition of meat digesta, their antioxidant activity was only negatively affected by intestinal altered conditions.

Selection of lactic acid bacteria with promising probiotic aptitudes from fruit and ability to survive in different food matrices.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are among the most prevalent microorganisms forming the autochthonous microbiota of fruit. This study aimed to select LAB isolates with probiotic aptitudes from apple, banana, grape, and orange through evaluation of in vitro safety, technological, and functional-related properties. The ability of most promising selected isolates to survive in commercial apple and orange juice, meat stew, vegetable puree, and UHT milk during 28days of refrigeration storage was evaluated. Ninety-three isolates identified preliminarily as LAB were recovered from fruit and 66 of these isolates passed safety tests. Most of these isolates were pre-identified as belonging to Lactobacillus or Enterococcus genus based on MALDI-ToF MS profiling. These 66 isolates were categorized into three homogeneous groups based on a preliminary cluster analysis run with data from experiments to measure technological characteristics. Nine LAB isolates were selected as the most promising for probiotic use based on a principal component analysis run with data from experiments to measure probiotic-related properties. Four of these isolates were sensitive to different antibiotics and identified (16S-rRNA gene sequencing) as Lactobacillus brevis (recently reclassified as L. brevis) or Lactobacillus spp. These 4 selected isolates had high viable counts and high percentages of physiologically active cells in apple and orange juice, beef stew, vegetable puree, and UHT milk during refrigeration storage. The results showed that apple, banana, orange, and grape are potential sources of LAB with aptitudes to be exploited for a possible probiotic use and distinguished abilities to survive in different food matrices.

Oral biofilms revisited: A novel host tissue of bacteriological origin.

The central theme of this volume of Periodontology 2000 is that the microbial dental plaque biofilm, specifically the subgingival dental plaque biofilm, mimics a human tissue in both structure and function. As a basis for this assertion we use the definition of a tissue as an aggregate of similar cells and cell products forming a defined structure with a specific function, in a multicellular organism. Accordingly, we propose that the dental plaque biofilm represents an acquired human tissue largely of bacterial origin that maintains the health of gingival tissue. Furthermore, we acknowledge that disease can be defined as a deviation from the normal structure or an interruption to the function of any body part, organ, or system, and that is manifested by a characteristic set of symptoms and signs whose etiology, pathology, and prognosis may be known or unknown. Therefore, in this volume we present the concept that periodontitis is a disruption of the normal function of the healthy subgingival plaque biofilm with concomitant disruption to its functional properties in relation to innate defense surveillance and tissue maintenance, leading to excessive, deregulated inflammation and tissue destruction.

Texture, sensory properties and functionality of extruded snacks from pulses and pseudocereal proteins.

The protein-rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals exhibit a well-balanced amino acid profile, particularly when combined in different portions, and are therefore high-value ingredients for the production of extruded snacks. However, the impact of a combination of pulses and pseudocereals on the physical and sensory qualities of extruded snacks has not been investigated up to now. Native or preconditioned protein isolates and concentrates from pulses - as single ingredients or in combination with protein-rich flours of pseudocereals - were analyzed regarding their thermal and functional properties in relation to extrusion characteristics. Low moisture extrusion cooking was used to investigate the impact of protein source (lentil, lupin, faba bean), pseudocereal source (quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat) and protein content (30%, 50%, 70%) on sectional expansion, specific hardness, density and sensory properties of the snacks. With increasing protein content from 30% to 50%, the sectional expansion decreased and the density and specific hardness of the extrudates increased, which could be counteracted by preconditioning of the protein-rich ingredients. Lupin protein-based extrudates exhibited satisfactory texture and sensory properties. Extruded mixtures of pulses and pseudocereals (70% protein) exhibited a smaller sectional expansion compared to pulses as single ingredients (30%, 50%), regardless of pseudocereal type. However, the texture and sensory properties of the extruded blends were satisfactory. We show for the first time that protein-rich fractions of pulses and pseudocereals can be processed into expanded snacks with favorable texture and nutritional properties such as increased protein contents (70%) and balanced amino acid profiles. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

A Mass‐Spectrometry‐Based Modelling Workflow for Accurate Prediction of IgG Antibody Conformations in the Gas Phase

AbstractImmunoglobulins are biomolecules involved in defence against foreign substances. Flexibility is key to their functional properties in relation to antigen binding and receptor interactions. We have developed an integrative strategy combining ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) with molecular modelling to study the conformational dynamics of human IgG antibodies. Predictive models of all four human IgG subclasses were assembled and their dynamics sampled in the transition from extended to collapsed state during IM‐MS. Our data imply that this collapse of IgG antibodies is related to their intrinsic structural features, including Fab arm flexibility, collapse towards the Fc region, and the length of their hinge regions. The workflow presented here provides an accurate structural representation in good agreement with the observed collision cross section for these flexible IgG molecules. These results have implications for studying other nonglobular flexible proteins.

A Mass-Spectrometry-Based Modelling Workflow for Accurate Prediction of IgG Antibody Conformations in the Gas Phase.

Immunoglobulins are biomolecules involved in defence against foreign substances. Flexibility is key to their functional properties in relation to antigen binding and receptor interactions. We have developed an integrative strategy combining ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) with molecular modelling to study the conformational dynamics of human IgG antibodies. Predictive models of all four human IgG subclasses were assembled and their dynamics sampled in the transition from extended to collapsed state during IM‐MS. Our data imply that this collapse of IgG antibodies is related to their intrinsic structural features, including Fab arm flexibility, collapse towards the Fc region, and the length of their hinge regions. The workflow presented here provides an accurate structural representation in good agreement with the observed collision cross section for these flexible IgG molecules. These results have implications for studying other nonglobular flexible proteins.

High V-PPase activity is beneficial under high salt loads, but detrimental without salinity.

Summary The membrane‐bound proton‐pumping pyrophosphatase (V‐PPase), together with the V‐type H+‐ATPase, generates the proton motive force that drives vacuolar membrane solute transport. Transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing V‐PPases were shown to have improved salinity tolerance, but the relative impact of increasing PPi hydrolysis and proton‐pumping functions has yet to be dissected.For a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying V‐PPase‐dependent salt tolerance, we transiently overexpressed the pyrophosphate‐driven proton pump (NbVHP) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and studied its functional properties in relation to salt treatment by primarily using patch‐clamp, impalement electrodes and pH imaging.NbVHP overexpression led to higher vacuolar proton currents and vacuolar acidification. After 3 d in salt‐untreated conditions, V‐PPase‐overexpressing leaves showed a drop in photosynthetic capacity, plasma membrane depolarization and eventual leaf necrosis. Salt, however, rescued NbVHP‐hyperactive cells from cell death. Furthermore, a salt‐induced rise in V‐PPase but not of V‐ATPase pump currents was detected in nontransformed plants.The results indicate that under normal growth conditions, plants need to regulate the V‐PPase pump activity to avoid hyperactivity and its negative feedback on cell viability. Nonetheless, V‐PPase proton pump function becomes increasingly important under salt stress for generating the pH gradient necessary for vacuolar proton‐coupled Na+ sequestration.

Effects of xanthan gum on cooking qualities, texture and microstructures of fresh potato instant noodles

In the present investigation, fresh potato instant hot dry noodles were prepared to evaluate the effect of xanthan gum (XG) on cooking qualities, texture and microstructures of noodles. Three types of noodles were prepared with different incorporation level of XG (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9% w/w, wheat flour basis) and their physico-chemical and functional properties in relation to textural and rheological characteristics were evaluated. The results showed that incorporation of 0.60% XG (w/w, wheat flour basis) increased peak viscosity, trough, breakdown, final viscosity, setback increased dramatically, whereas pasting temperature declined compared with control. The addition of XG resulted in increased G′ and G″ and contributed to fast rehydration higher cooking loss, water absorption and increased porosity. The findings in this work provided evidence that XG could be used as a partial additive for wheat flour in non-fried instant noodles production.

DO ESTHETICS CONTRADICT WITH FUNCTION? IN VITRO ASSESSMENT OF LOAD DEFLECTION AND FRICTIONAL RESISTANCE OF COATED VERSUS UNCOATED SUPERELASTIC NICKEL-TITANIUM ARCHWIRES

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of esthetic coating on the load deflection properties, surface roughness and frictional resistance of superelastic Ni-Ti orthodontic wires. Materials and Methods: Four types of Ni-Ti wires were investigated: Alpha Wire Super Elastic Ni-Ti, OrthoPro (Uncoated OP) and its coated counterpart: Alpha Wire Tooth-Coated Super Elastic Ni-Ti, OrthoPro (Coated OP); Super-elastic Nitanium, Ortho Organizer (Uncoated OO) and its coated counterpart: Super-elastic Nitanium Tooth Tone, Orthodontic Organizer (Coated OO). The load deflection properties were investigated using three-point elastic bending test by a universal testing machine (Lloyd Instrument LR5K series, London, UK) to record the average unloading force (n=8). The surface roughness was measured using a non-contact profilometer (ZYGO Maxim-GP 200, USA) (n=4). The static and dynamic frictional resistances were measured using a specially designed test assembly that allows sliding the wires through the slots of monocrystalline zirconia brackets using a universal testing machine (n=8). Results: No significant difference was found between the coated OP wires and their uncoated controls regarding the load deflection, surface roughness or frictional resistance whether static or dynamic. On the contrary, compared to their uncoated group, the coated OO wires showed significantly lower average unloading force, higher surface roughness, and higher static and dynamic friction. Conclusions: The effects of the esthetic coating on the critical function-related properties of orthodontic wires vary from one manufacturer to another which indicates that satisfying the esthetic demand does not always come at the expense of wire function.

Comparative study of mode of addition of super Disintegrants on Methocarbamol tablets by Roller Compaction method

Methocarbamol, a BCS class II drug is an antispasmodic agent used to treat the spasms from peripheral musculoskeletal conditions. The research focus in recent years has shifted to the formulation of both fast dissolving and disintegrating tablets that are swallowed and tablets that are intended to dissolving in the oral cavity. Super-disintegrants are now frequently used in tablet formulation to improve the rate and extent of tablet disintegration and thus improve the rate of drug dissolution. The majority of this research has been directed at the function-related properties of the super-disintegrants with special emphasis on correlating these properties to disintegrant efficiency and drug release. The present study was to formulate immediate release tablets using various types of disintegrants in order to investigate the effect of mode of incorporation of disintegrants on release of drug from tablets. Methocarbamol immediate release tablets were prepared by the roller compaction method by using a plasdone S630 as binder and four different disintegrants in combination of three modes of incorporation. The prepared tablets were characterized based upon their physicochemical characteristics. The results showed that F4 (CCS) and F7 (PP-XL) 3 % formulations exhibit faster release when compared to others. It may be concluded that intra-granular addition has given improved drug release from dosage form when compared to extra-granular and both intra and extra-granular addition.

Rubber Trees Demonstrate a Clear Retranslocation Under Seasonal Drought and Cold Stresses.

Having been introduced to the northern edge of Asian tropics, the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) has become deciduous in this climate with seasonal drought and cold stresses. To determine its internal nutrient strategy during leaf senescence and deciduous periods, we investigated mature leaf and senescent leaf nutrients, water-soluble soil nutrients and characteristics of soil microbiota in nine different ages of monoculture rubber plantations. Rubber trees demonstrate complicated retranslocation of N, P, and K during foliar turnover. Approximately 50.26% of leaf nutrients and 21.47% of soil nutrients were redistributed to the rubber tree body during the leaf senescence and withering stages. However, no significant changes in the structure- or function-related properties of soil microbes were detected. These nutrient retranslocation strategy may be important stress responses. In the nutrient retranslocation process, soil plays a dual role as nutrient supplier and nutrient “bank.” Soil received the nutrients from abscised leaves, and also supplied nutrients to trees in the non-growth stage. Nutrient absorption and accumulation began before the leaves started to wither and fall.

Effect of acid–alcoholic treatment on the thermal, structural and pasting characteristics of European chestnut (Castanea sativa, Mill) starch

Starch modification studies have been carried out to overcome the shortcomings of native starches and to increase the usefulness of starch for industrial applications. The thermal, structural and pasting properties of starch from chestnut fruits (Castanea sativa, Mill), which were modified by mixtures of water–HCl, methanol–HCl and ethanol–HCl at different concentrations, were assessed. The thermogravimetry (TG) results showed that the chestnut starches had lower thermal stability when compared to starch from other botanic sources; however, after treatment, this stability increased. The differential scanning calorimetry results confirmed the gradual degradation of the amorphous areas of the starch granules by the acid–water mixture, which was enhanced by acid–ethanol treatment, leading to more crystalline residues that needed higher enthalpy to gelatinise. Using X-ray powder diffractometry, it was possible to observe a C-type starch and a reduction in relative crystallinity values when compared to native starch. In addition, the pasting viscosities decreased in all the modified starches, as was expected. However, obvious defects or signs of damage on the surface of the granules were not observed after treatment. This study is helpful to better understand the relationships between structure and functional properties in relation to the eventual industrial application of chestnut starches.

Definition of the Cattle Killer Cell Ig–like Receptor Gene Family: Comparison with Aurochs and Human Counterparts

Under selection pressure from pathogens, variable NK cell receptors that recognize polymorphic MHC class I evolved convergently in different species of placental mammal. Unexpectedly, diversified killer cell Ig–like receptors (KIRs) are shared by simian primates, including humans, and cattle, but not by other species. Whereas much is known of human KIR genetics and genomics, knowledge of cattle KIR is limited to nine cDNA sequences. To facilitate comparison of the cattle and human KIR gene families, we determined the genomic location, structure, and sequence of two cattle KIR haplotypes and defined KIR sequences of aurochs, the extinct wild ancestor of domestic cattle. Larger than its human counterpart, the cattle KIR locus evolved through successive duplications of a block containing ancestral KIR3DL and KIR3DX genes that existed before placental mammals. Comparison of two cattle KIR haplotypes and aurochs KIR show the KIR are polymorphic and the gene organization and content appear conserved. Of 18 genes, 8 are functional and 10 were inactivated by point mutation. Selective inactivation of KIR3DL and activating receptor genes leaves a functional cohort of one inhibitory KIR3DL, one activating KIR3DX, and six inhibitory KIR3DX. Functional KIR diversity evolved from KIR3DX in cattle and from KIR3DL in simian primates. Although independently evolved, cattle and human KIR gene families share important function-related properties, indicating that cattle KIR are NK cell receptors for cattle MHC class I. Combinations of KIR and MHC class I are the major genetic factors associated with human disease and merit investigation in cattle.

Effect of nanoprecipitates on the transformation behavior and functional properties of a Ti–50.8 at.% Ni alloy with micron-sized grains

In order to take advantage of both grain refinement and precipitation hardening effects, nanoscaled Ni4Ti3 precipitates are introduced in a Ti–50.8at.% Ni alloy with micron-sized grains (average grain size of 1.7μm). Calorimetry, electrical resistance studies and thermomechanical tests were employed to study the transformation behavior and functional properties in relation to the obtained microstructure. A significant suppression of martensite transformation by the obtained microstructure is observed. The thermomechanical tests show that the advantageous properties of both grain refinement and precipitation hardening are combined in the developed materials, resulting in superior shape memory characteristics and stability of pseudoelasticity. It is concluded that introducing nanoscaled Ni4Ti3 precipitates into small grains is a new approach to improve the functional properties of NiTi shape memory alloys.

Optimum conditions for extracting collagen from the tunica albuginea of immunologically castrated pig testes and the functional properties of the isolated collagen

This study evaluated alternative methods for extracting collagen from the tunica albuginea of pig testes and characterized the functional properties of the isolated collagen. Using the statistical tools of factorial design (24-1) and a central composite rotatable design (23), it was concluded that the best conditions were 0.83molL−1 acetic acid, 0.24% pepsin and 28h of hydrolysis to isolate 82.54g of collagen per 100g of sample. This purified collagen had improved functional properties in relation to bovine skin collagen, including water solubility, water-holding capacity, emulsifying capacity and emulsion stability. These results suggest that isolated collagen from the tunica albuginea can be used in pharmaceutical and food products.

Function-oriented method for the definition and verification of microstructured surfaces

Currently available measurement techniques enable high-resolution topography and structural measurements down to the subnanometer range. Nevertheless, in many cases despite extensive geometric data of the manufactured, real workpiece it is not possible to make a clear statement about the functional ability, because conventional concepts of tolerancing are solely geometry-oriented and standardized surface parameters are not sufficient or even missing completely for characterizing the degree of ability to fulfil a function. To define and determine appropriate parameters characterizing the functional behaviour, a method was developed based upon a parameterized mathematical–physical model of the function. From this model function-related properties can be identified and geometric parameters can be derived, which can be different for the manufacturing and the verification process. With this method it is possible to optimise the definition of the shape of the workpiece regarding the intended function by applying theoretical and experimental knowledge as well as modelling and simulation. Especially for the verification process of functional microstructures a model-based testing has benefits: Using the model like a kind of “virtual functional gauge” imprecise standardized definitions and measurement evaluations can be omitted, while the functional ability is getting quantitatively predictable. The exchange of information of the complex process chain from defining functional requirements, designing and dimensioning taking into regard the manufacturing process up to testing conformance and verification functional ability is increased. Focussing attention on a function oriented conformity decision, development priorities can be separated better and processes are getting more objective and transparent. Advantages of this approach for the design process, the manufacturing process and verification process will be discussed and demonstrated by the example of a microstructured inking roll.

From interleukin‐9 to T helper 9 cells

Interleukin-9 (IL-9), cloned more than 20 years ago, was initially thought to be a Th2-specific cytokine. This assumption was initially confirmed by functional analyses showing that both IL-9 and Th2 cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma, IgE class switch recombination, and resolution of parasitic infections. However, recently it was shown that IL-9-producing CD4(+) T cells represent the discrete T helper subset Th9 cells. Herein, we will review the cytokines and transcription factors known to promote the development of Th9 cells and their potential functional properties in relation to the biological activities of IL-9. In addition, we will discuss how Th9 cells are related to Th2, Th17, and T(reg) cells, as both an alternative source of IL-9 and in view of the fact that plasticity of CD4(+) T cell differentiation is currently a strong matter of debate in immunologic research.