Mechanical Barrier Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Techniques for Pit and Fissure Sealant Application to Reduce Microleakage.

Introduction In modern dentistry, the focus is more on preventing caries than on treating it, which helps preserve the tooth structure. Pit and fissure sealants (PFS) are the most effective methods for providing a mechanical barrier and avoiding the accumulation of dental plaque in deep pits and fissures, thereby preventing occlusal caries. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of dentin bonding agents (DBA) with or without fissurotomy in reducing microleakage before PFS placement. Materials and methods A total of 48 freshly extracted premolars were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group 1, the conventional technique of PFS (Clinpro, 3M ESPE sealant); Group 2, fissurotomy performed before PFS placement; Group 3, Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M ESPE DBA) applied before PFS placement; and Group 4, fissurotomy along with DBA was used before PFS placement. The teeth were subjected to thermocycling followed by dye penetration using a 1% solution of methylene blue for 24 hours. All teeth were then assessed for microleakage by a qualitative method using a stereomicroscope at 40X and depth of dye penetration by image analysis. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's test was used for intergroup comparisons of microleakage scores, and ANOVAfollowed by Tukey's test was used for intergroup comparisons of the depth of dye penetration. These analyses were conducted using statistical software (SPSS version 22, Chicago, IL, USA). Results Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the microleakage scores and depth of dye penetration (p<0.05). The group 4 showed a minimum microleakage score (0.50±0.52), and maximum scores were observed in Group 1 (2.16±0.71). Group 2 showed insignificant differences with groups 3 and 4 for depth of dye penetration (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed between groups 1 and 2, groups 1 and 4, and groups 3 and 4 for the microleakage score (p<0.05). Conclusion Fissurotomy with or without DBA significantly reduced microleakage before the PFS placement. Prior use of fourth-generation DBA significantly reduced microleakage compared with PFS placement without the use of DBA.

Pullulan nanofibrous films incorporated with W/O emulsions via microfluidic solution blow spinning technology

In this work, pullulan (PUL) nanofibrous films incorporated with water-in-oil emulsions (PE) were prepared by microfluidic blowing spinning (MBS). The microstructures of nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). With the addition of W/O emulsions, the thermal stability, mechanical, and water barrier properties of PUL nanofibers were improved. Increases in emulsion content significantly affected the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of nanofibrous films. ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging rates increased from 10.26 % and 8.57 % to 60.66 % and 57.54 %, respectively. The inhibition zone of PE nanofibers against E. coli and S. aureus increased from 11.00 to 20.00 and from 15.67 to 21.17 mm, respectively. In addition, we investigated the freshness effectiveness of PE nanofibrous films on fresh-cut apples. PE nanofibrous films significantly maintained the firmness, and reduced the weight loss and browning index of the fresh-cut apple, throughout the 4 days of storage. Thus, the PE nanofibrous films exhibited good potential to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit and promote the development of active food packaging.

The maternal embrace: the protection of plant embryos.

All land plants-the embryophytes-produce multicellular embryos, as do other multicellular organisms, such as brown algae and animals. A unique characteristic of plant embryos is their immobile and confined nature. Their embedding in maternal tissues may offer protection from the environment, but also physically constrains development. Across the different land plants, a huge discrepancy is present between their reproductive structures whilst leading to similarly complex embryos. Therefore, we review the roles that maternal tissues play in the control of embryogenesis across land plants. These nurturing, constraining, and protective roles include both direct and indirect effects. In this review, we explore how the maternal surroundings affect embryogenesis and which chemical and mechanical barriers are in place. We regard these questions through the lens of evolution, and identify key questions for future research.

Schiff base linkage of citral to zinc-casein hydrolysate chelates for preparing starch-based active films against L. monocytogenes on ready-to-eat foods

Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is a foodborne pathogen often found in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, posing significant threats to human health. In this study, an active film based on cross-linking via Schiff base and electrostatic interaction to inactivate L. monocytogenes on RTE foods was constructed. Zinc-casein hydrolysate chelates (Zn-HCas) was prepared and blended with cationic starch (CSt) to form the substrates of the film. Then, Citral (CI) with excellent antibacterial properties was added to enhance the biological and packaging properties of the film through covalent cross-linking (Schiff base). Based on the zinc ion-activated metalloproteinases produced by L. monocytogenes, the cross-linked film could be disrupted and the release of CI was accelerated. The variation in color, FTIR, and amino group content proved that Schiff base reaction had taken place. Enhanced mechanical properties, barrier properties, thermal stability and antimicrobial activity against L. monocytogenes (exceed 99.99 %) were obtained from the CI/Zn-HCas/CSt film. The application on RTE cheese results demonstrated that the cross-linked film could be employed in active packaging field with the ability in maintaining the original chroma and texture properties of RTE cheese. In summary, the prepared cross-linked film could be used as an active packaging against L. monocytogenes contamination with great potential.

New blend of renewable bioplastic based on starch and acetylated xylan with high resistance to oil and water vapor

Renewable materials of biological origin exhibit attractive properties in relation to traditional plastics, as they can be partially or completely replaced, thereby reducing environmental impacts. Hemicelluloses are a group of polysaccharides that have expanded applications when acetylated. Acetylation can improve the mechanical strength and water vapor barrier properties of xylan-based bioplastics. By partially acetylating xylan in the present study, it was possible to use water as a solvent for the film-forming solution and starch as a second polysaccharide in the formation of bioplastics. Xylan was modified via partial chemical acetylation by varying the reaction time, solvent, and catalyst content. The bioplastics were formed by non-acetylated xylan and acetylated xylan with degrees of substitution (DS) of 0.45 and 0.9, respectively, with starch to form blends using glycerol as a plasticizer. Acetylation with DS 0.45 showed better results in increasing the hydrophilicity of the bioplastic. On the other hand, acetylation influenced the thermal stability of bioplastics, increasing the maximum temperature of the degradation rate from 302 °C to 329 °C and 315 °C, owing to changes in the crystallinity of the polymers. In addition to the modulus of elasticity 2.99 to 290.61 and 274.67 MPa for the non-acetylated bioplastic and the bioplastic with DS of 0.45 and 0.90, respectively. Thus, the films obtained presented suitable physicochemical properties for use in various industrial applications, such as active and intelligent packaging in the food sector.

Camellia oil exhibits anti-fatigue property by modulating antioxidant capacity, muscle fiber, and gut microbial composition in mice.

Camellia seed oil (CO) has high nutritional value and multiple bioactivities. However, the specific anti-fatigue characteristics and the implied mechanism of CO have not yet been fully elucidated. Throughout this investigation, male C57BL/6J mice, aged 8 weeks, underwent exhaustive exercise with or without CO pretreatment (2, 4, and 6mL/kgBW) for 28 days. CO could extend the rota-rod and running time, reduce blood urea nitrogen levels and serum lactic acid, and increase muscle and hepatic glycogen, adenosine triphosphate, and anti-oxidative indicators. Additionally, CO could upregulate the mRNA and Nrf2 protein expression levels, as well as enhance the levels of its downstream antioxidant enzymes and induce the myofiber-type transformation from fast to slow and attenuate the gut mechanical barrier. Moreover, CO could ameliorate gut dysbiosis by reducing Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio at the phylum level, increasing the percentage of Alistipes, Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, and Muribaculaceae, and decreasing the proportion of Dubosiella at the genus level. In addition, specific bacterial taxa, which were altered by CO, showed a significant correlation with partial fatigue-related parameters. These findings suggest that CO may alleviate fatigue by regulating antioxidant capacity, muscle fiber transformation, gut mechanical barrier, and gut microbial composition in mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Our study revealed that camellia seed oil (CO) could ameliorate exercise-induced fatigue in mice by modulating antioxidant capacity, muscle fiber, and gut microbial composition in mice. Our results promote the application of CO as an anti-fatigue functional food that targets oxidative stress, myofiber-type transformation, and microbial community.

IPM Essentials: Combining Biology, Ecology, and Agriculture for Sustainable Pest Control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) represents a paradigm shift in pest control, moving away from heavy reliance on chemical pesticides to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly approach. This article explores IPM, an ecosystem based strategy that integrates biological, ecological, and agricultural sciences to achieve longterm pest control in agriculture. IPM emphasizes understanding pest life cycles and their interaction with the environment, utilizing a combination of techniques including biological control, cultural practices, mechanical and physical barriers, and targeted chemical interventions. Regular monitoring and informed decision making form the crux of this approach, focusing on economically viable and environmentally responsible pest control methods. The article highlights various success stories, the challenges faced in implementing IPM, and future directions including the incorporation of precision agriculture technologies and genetic advancements. Overall, IPM emerges as a crucial element in sustainable agriculture, promising to maintain ecological balance while ensuring effective pest management and provides an in depth examination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a multifaceted approach to sustainable pest control that synergizes biology, ecology, and agricultural science. IPM represents a paradigm shift from traditional, chemically intensive pest control methods to a more holistic, environmentally conscious framework. The core of IPM lies in understanding the life cycles and ecological interactions of pests, employing a diverse array of strategies including biological control through natural predators, cultural practices like crop rotation, mechanical and physical barriers, and judicious use of chemical pesticides. The article underscores the importance of regular monitoring and decision making based on established thresholds to maintain an effective, economically viable, and ecologically responsible pest management system. Case studies highlighting the successful implementation of IPM in various agricultural settings are discussed, alongside the challenges and prospects of IPM, particularly in the context of climate change and technological advancements. The article concludes that IPM is not only essential for sustainable pest control but also pivotal in ensuring long term agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Excipients for Novel Inhaled Dosage Forms: An Overview.

Pulmonary drug delivery is a form of local targeting to the lungs in patients with respiratory disorders like cystic fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), asthma, chronic pulmonary infections, and lung cancer. In addition, noninvasive pulmonary delivery also presents an attractive alternative to systemically administered therapeutics, not only for localized respiratory disorders but also for systemic absorption. Pulmonary delivery offers the advantages of a relatively low dose, low incidence of systemic side effects, and rapid onset of action for some drugs compared to other systemic administration routes. While promising, inhaled delivery of therapeutics is often complex owing to factors encompassing mechanical barriers, chemical barriers, selection of inhalation device, and limited choice of dosage form excipients. There are very few excipients that are approved by the FDA for use in developing inhaled drug products. Depending upon the dosage form, and inhalation devices such as pMDIs, DPIs, and nebulizers, different excipients can be used to provide physical and chemical stability and to deliver the dose efficiently to the lungs. This review article focuses on discussing a variety of excipients that have been used in novel inhaled dosage forms as well as inhalation devices.

Bio-Based Disposable Containers for Food Services

Currently, petrochemical plastics dominate the food service industry due to their good mechanical properties and barrier against heat, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. This widespread use is not only harmful to humans but also to the ecosystem as synthetic plastics disrupt ecological balance and deplete petroleum-based oil resources. Researchers and manufacturers are continuously addressing this problem by developing bio-based alternatives that provide numerous advantages including structural flexibility, biodegradability, and effective barrier properties. However, the high cost of production and unavailability of equipment for batch processing impede the potential for widespread manufacturing. Natural fibers mixed with bio-based adhesives derived from plants provide one of the biggest potential sources of bio-based materials for the food container industry. Not only does this address the issue of high raw material cost but it also has the potential to become sustainable once processing steps have been optimized. In this review, the current findings of several research related to the production of bio-based disposable food containers, packaging, and composites made from bio-based materials and bio-based adhesives are critically discussed. Several properties and characteristics important to the production of food service containers and primary packaging, as well as the existing challenges and future perspectives, are also highlighted.

Tannic acid alleviates ETEC K88-induced intestinal damage through regulating the p62-keap1-Nrf2 and TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway in IPEC-J2 cells.

Tannic acid (TA), a naturally occurring polyphenol, has shown diverse potential in preventing intestinal damage in piglet diarrhea induced by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88. However, the protective effect of TA on ETEC k88 infection-induced post-weaning diarrhea and its potential mechanism has not been well elucidated. Therefore, an animal trial was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with TA on the intestinal diarrhea of weaned piglets challenged with ETEC K88. In addition, porcine intestinal epithelial cells were used as an in vitro model to explore the mechanism through which TA alleviates intestinal oxidative damage and inflammation. The results indicated that TA supplementation (2 and 4 g kg-1) reduced diarrhea rate, enzyme activity (diamine oxidase [DAO] and Malondialdehyde [MAD]) and serum inflammatory cytokines concentration (TNF-α and IL-1β) (P < 0.05) compared to the Infection group (IG), group in vivo. In vitro, TA treatment effectively alleviated ETEC-induced cytotoxicity, increased the expression of ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, TA pre-treatment increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (such as T-SOD) and decreased serum cytokine levels (TNF-α and IL-1β). Furthermore, TA increased cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and decreased inflammatory response by down-regulating the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-kB and NLRP3. The present study showed that TA reduced the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets by restoring the intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier function, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. The underlying mechanism was achieved by modulating the p62-keap1-Nrf2 and TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemically Recyclable Linear and Branched Polyethylenes Synthesized from Stoichiometrically Self-Balanced Telechelic Polyethylenes.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a widely used commercial plastic due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and water vapor barrier properties. However, less than 10% of HDPE is mechanically recycled, and the chemical recycling of HDPE is challenging due to the inherent strength of the carbon-carbon backbone bonds. Here, we report chemically recyclable linear and branched HDPE with sparse backbone ester groups synthesized from the transesterification of telechelic polyethylene macromonomers. Stoichiometrically self-balanced telechelic polyethylenes underwent transesterification polymerization to produce the PE-ester samples with high number-average molar masses of up to 111 kg/mol. Moreover, the transesterification polymerization of the telechelic polyethylenes and the multifunctional diethyl 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate generated branched PE-esters. Thermal and mechanical properties of the PE-esters were comparable to those of commercial HDPE and tunable through control of the ester content in the backbone. In addition, branched PE-esters showed higher levels of melt strain hardening compared with linear versions. The PE-ester was depolymerized into telechelic macromonomers through straightforward methanolysis, and the resulting macromonomers could be effectively repolymerized to generate a high molar mass recycled PE-ester sample. This is a new and promising method for synthesizing and recycling high-molar-mass linear and branched PE-esters, which are competitive with HDPE and have easily tailorable properties.

Innate and adaptive immune-directed tumour microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

One of the most deadly and aggressive cancers in the world, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), typically manifests at an advanced stage. PDAC is becoming more common, and by the year 2030, it is expected to overtake lung cancer as the second greatest cause of cancer-related death. The poor prognosis can be attributed to a number of factors, including difficulties in early identification, a poor probability of curative radical resection, limited response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its immunotherapy resistance. Furthermore, an extensive desmoplastic stroma that surrounds PDAC forms a mechanical barrier that prevents vascularization and promotes poor immune cell penetration. Phenotypic heterogeneity, drug resistance, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are the main causes of PDAC aggressiveness. There is a complex and dynamic interaction between tumor cells in PDAC with stromal cells within the tumour immune microenvironment. The immune suppressive microenvironment that promotes PDAC aggressiveness is contributed by a range of cellular and humoral factors, which itself are modulated by the cancer. In this review, we describe the role of innate and adaptive immune cells, complex tumor microenvironment in PDAC, humoral factors, innate immune-mediated therapeutic advances, and recent clinical trials in PDAC.

Preventive effect of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 and its postbiotic elements on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Microbial-based therapies are one of the hotspots in the field of ulcerative colitis research. The lactic acid bacteria and their postbiotics occupy a key position in microbial therapies, however, the mechanism by which they alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice is unknown. We investigated the effects of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 2016SWU.05.0601 (Lr-0601) and its postbiotics on male Kunming mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC). The results showed that Lr-0601 significantly alleviated the deterioration of UC and restored the expression of intestinal mechanical barrier proteins. In addition, Lr-0601 significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the body and regulated the expression of key regulatory genes of the NF-κB-iNOS/COX-2 signaling pathway in colon tissues to a large extent. Our results suggest that supplementation with Lr-0601 and its postbiotics can effectively prevent DSS-induced UC and have a beneficial effect on intestinal health, which also provides new insights and research bases for the prevention as well as the treatment of ulcerative colitis and other diseases related to intestinal barrier dysfunction and other diseases.

Development of pro-angiogenic skin substitutes for wound healing.

Wounds pose significant challenges to public health, primarily due to the loss of the mechanical integrity and barrier function of the skin and impaired angiogenesis, causing physical morbidities and psychological trauma to affect patients. Reconstructing the vasculature of the wound bed is crucial for promoting wound healing, reducing scar formation and enhancing the quality of life for patients. The development of pro-angiogenic skin substitutes has emerged as a promising strategy to facilitate vascularization and expedite the healing process of burn wounds. This review provides an overview of the various types of skin substitutes employed in wound healing, explicitly emphasising those designed to enhance angiogenesis. Synthetic scaffolds, biological matrices and tissue-engineered constructs incorporating stem cells and primary cells, cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), pro-angiogenic growth factors and peptides, as well as gene therapy-based skin substitutes are thoroughly examined. The review summarises the existing challenges, future directions and potential innovations in pro-angiogenic dressing for skin substitutes. It highlights the need for continued research to develop new technologies and combine multiple strategies and factors, and to overcome obstacles and advance the field, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for wound patients.

The Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in the Outcome of Malignant Epitheliomas: Significance of CA215 Involvement

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were originally discovered as a part of the innate immune response of the host to bacteria. They form a web-like structure that can immobilize microorganisms or exhibit direct antimicrobial properties, such as releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). NETs are established when neutrophils undergo a sort of cellular death following exposure to ROS, chemokines, cytokines, or other soluble factors. This process results in the release of the neutrophil’s DNA in a web-like form, which is decorated with citrullinated histones (H3/H4-cit), neutrophil elastase (NE), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Emerging studies have put into perspective that NETs play an important role in oncology as they were shown to influence tumor growth, malignant initiation, and proliferation, mediate the transition from endothelial to mesenchymal tissue, stimulate angiogenesis or metastasis, and can even help cancer cells evade the immune response. The role of NETs in cancer therapy resides in their ability to form and act as a mechanical barrier that will provide the primary tumor with a reduced response to irradiation or pharmaceutical penetration. Subsequently, cancer cells are shown to internalize NETs and use them as a strong antioxidant when pharmaceutical treatment is administered. In this review, we explored the role of NETs as part of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in the context of malignant epitheliomas, which are capable of an autonomous production of CA215, a subvariant of IgG, and part of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) superfamily. Studies have shown that CA215 has a functional Fc subdivision able to activate the Fc-gamma-RS receptor on the surface of neutrophils. This activation may afterward stimulate the production of NETs, thus indicating CA215 as a potential factor in cancer therapy surveillance.

Resveratrol attenuates intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in dextran sulfatesodium-induced Caco-2 cells.

The intestinal tract serves as an innate barrier, safeguarding the internal milieu from microorganisms and toxins. Various intestinal inflammatory diseases have a strong association with intestinal barrier dysfunction. The primary functional cells within the intestinal tract, intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and their tight junctions (TJs), are crucial in preserving the integrity of this mechanical barrier. Resveratrol (Res), a plant-derived phenolic compound, exhibits a range of health-promoting benefits attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to examine Res's efficacy in bolstering IECs barrier function. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was employed to induce barrier dysfunction in IECs. Inflammatory cytokines in supernatants (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-1β, tumor necrotic factor [TNF]-α, and IL-10) were quantified viaenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then we assessed monolayer integrity using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). TJ protein expression (zonula occludens[ZO]-1 and Occludin) in IECs was evaluated through immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Network pharmacology helped identify the biological processes, signaling pathways, and key targets involved in Res's mitigation of DSS-induced IECs barrier dysfunction. The efficacy of the primary target was further corroborated using Western blot. Res was shown to increase cell viability and IL-10 expression while reducing TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, thus mitigating the inflammatory response. It enhanced TEER values and upregulated TJ protein expression (ZO-1 and Occludin). Network pharmacology revealed that Res potentially targets the NFE2L2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, Nrf2), a vital antioxidant factor. Significantly, Res augmented Nrf2 and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1) protein levels, counteracting oxidative stress in the IECs barrier dysfunction model. Overall, our findings suggested that Res ameliorated DSS-induced IECs barrier dysfunction by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, showcasing significant therapeutic potential in the early stages of colitis.

Sustainable paper-based packaging from hemp hurd fiber: A potential material for thermoformed molded fiber packaging

Hemp hurd fiber, a low-value waste stream from the hemp industry, has potential downstream applications as an alternative to non-renewable plastics for single-use food service ware and packaging applications. Packaging paper substrates made from chemically pulped hemp hurd, mixed in varying ratios with bleached thermomechanical radiata pine pulp were developed and tested. Handsheets were characterized using several mechanical property tests including tensile strength, tearing resistance, burst strength, short-span compression, ring crush, together with Gurley air resistance, contact angle, and Cobb60 tests. Generally, addition of hemp hurd fibers significantly improved handsheet mechanical properties. Hot-pressing of the handsheets so as to approximate molded fiber thermoforming further enhanced their performance, with pure hemp hurd handsheets having the highest mechanical properties and barrier performance. A prototype was successfully thermoformed from hemp fiber, demonstrating overall feasibility of this fibre source for molded fibre objects.

Enhancement of Strawberry Shelf Life via a Multisystem Coating Based on Lippia graveolens Essential Oil Loaded in Polymeric Nanocapsules.

Strawberries (Fragaria xannanasa) are susceptible to mechanical, physical, and physiological damage, which increases their incidence of rot during storage. Therefore, a method of protection is necessary in order to minimize quality losses. One way to achieve this is by applying polymer coatings. In this study, multisystem coatings were created based on polymer nanocapsules loaded with Lippia graveolens essential oil, and it was found to have excellent optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties compared to the control (coating formed with alginate and with nanoparticles without the essential oil). As for the strawberries coated with the multisystem formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens, these did not present microbial growth and only had a loss of firmness of 17.02% after 10 days of storage compared to their initial value. This study demonstrated that the multisystem coating formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens could be a viable alternative to preserve horticultural products for longer storage periods.

Preparation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/pueraria-based modified atmosphere film and its influence on delaying the senescent process of postharvest Agaricus bisporus

Based on the key factor of spontaneous modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)—gas permeability, a spontaneous MAP film was created for the preservation of Agaricus bisporus by delaying the senescence of white mushrooms. Compared with other mixed films, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/pueraria (P)-2 showed better mechanical properties, barrier properties and thermal stability energy. Applying the HPMC/P-2 film for preserving white mushrooms can spontaneously adjust the internal gas environment. Moreover, the O2 concentration in the package remained stable at 1–2 %, and the CO2 concentration was between 8 % and 14 %. The film can effectively reduce the respiration rate of white mushrooms, inhibit enzymatic browning, maintain their good color and texture, and delay their aging. In conclusion, the HPMC/P-2 film can be used not only for fruit and vegetables preservation but also provide theoretical basis for sustainable food packaging.

Somatostatin alleviates diversion colitis after fecal-stream bypass colostomy surgeries in rats

Diversion colitis (DC) is a prevalent complication of colostomy characterized by intestinal inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of somatostatin (SST) in managing DC. After establishing a rat DC model, SST was administered via Mini Osmotic Pumps 2001W at a pumping rate of 1.0μL/h. Various techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunofluorescence staining, and electron microscopy were employed to assess the effects of SST. Intestinal barrier functions were evaluated using Evans blue, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and MacConkey agar. After SST treatment, the significant weight loss and associated high mortality in the DC group were successfully mitigated. Upregulation of claudin-3 and claudin-4 restored mechanical barriers in colon epithelial tissue, whereas protection of goblet cells and stimulation of mucus secretion enhanced mucus barriers. SST effectively reduced leaky gut and alleviated systemic inflammation. This study provides initial evidence supporting the efficacy of SST in the treatment of DC. It offers insights into the role of SST in DC by elucidating its ability to restore damaged intestinal barriers.