Nutrient Delivery Research Articles

The Impact of E-Cigarettes on Oral and Dental Health: Narrative Review

E-cigarettes, also known as electronic cigarettes or vape pens, have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, there is growing concern about the potential impact of e-cigarettes on oral and dental health. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence on the topic and to highlight the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use. One of the main concerns surrounding e-cigarettes is the potential for oral and dental health problems. E-cigarettes contain a liquid solution that is heated and inhaled as a vapor, and this vapor can contain a variety of chemicals and toxins. Some of these chemicals have been found to have adverse effects on oral health, including inflammation of the gums, dry mouth, and an increased risk of cavities. Additionally, the act of vaping itself can lead to oral health issues, as the repetitive motion of inhaling and exhaling can cause irritation to the mouth and throat. Furthermore, the nicotine content in e-cigarettes can also have negative effects on oral and dental health. Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it restricts blood flow, which can lead to a decrease in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the gums and other oral tissues. This can result in a higher risk of gum disease and delayed healing after oral surgery or dental procedures. In addition, nicotine has been shown to contribute to the development of oral cancer, as well as other oral health issues such as tooth decay and tooth loss. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of e-cigarettes on oral and dental health, but in the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to take steps to protect their oral health and to be aware of the potential risks associated with e-cigarette use.

Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite on 3D-Printed Nanoattapulgite/Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration of Rat Cranium Defects.

Nanoattapulgite (nano-ATP), a magnesium-aluminum silicate clay, can absorb substances and is a suitable material for bone repair and regeneration. In this study, using three-dimensional printing technology, a nano-ATP/polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold was fabricated and modified using NaOH to form a rough surface. Biomimetic hydroxyapatite (HA) on nano-ATP/PCL scaffolds was fabricated using a biomineralized approach. The scaffold provided structural support through PCL and was modified with ATP and HA to improve hydrophilicity and promote the delivery of nutrients. The biocompatibility and osteogenic induction of scaffolds were assessed in vitro using mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. According to the in vitro study results, the nano-ATP/PCL/HA composite scaffold significantly boosted the expression levels of genes related to osteogenesis (p < 0.05), attributed to its superior alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition capabilities. The outcomes of in vivo experimentation demonstrated an augmentation in bone growth at the rat cranial defect site when treated with the ATP/PCL/HA composite scaffold. It can be inferred from the results that the implementation of ATP and HA for the bone tissue engineering repair material displays encouraging prospects.

Analysis and Closing of the High-Production-Maize Yield Gap in the Semi-Arid Area of Northeast China

A mulched drip fertigation system is an effective way to improve maize yield, but at present, the efficiency of nutrient delivery and water use are generally low. Therefore, this study conducted optimization field experiments to identify the main factors limiting the delivery of water and fertilizer, including regulations on nitrogen (N) fertilizer, irrigation conditions, planting density and maize varieties, in the semi-arid area of Northeast China. As part of an effort to close the yield gap for maize, an optimized system (DS) for optimal crop, nutrient and water management was designed to improve the agronomic and economic performance of maize farming in the area. The application rate of N fertilizer was 240 kg ha−1; the base fertilizer was applied four times (once at the jointing stage, twice at the belling stage and once at the silking stage); the rates of application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer were 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 90 kg K2O ha−1, respectively; the irrigation amount was 270 mm ha−1; the maize variety Fumin 985 was planted at a density of 80,000 plants ha−1 in DS; the grain yield of DS reached 13.8 Mg ha−1, 93% of the yield potential. DS yielded an economic benefit of 18,449 yuan ha−1, which was significantly higher than the economic benefit of 13,818 yuan ha−1 achieved under farmers’ practices (FP). Furthermore, the utilization rates of N, P, K, and water were significantly improved under DS. In conclusion, DS increased production potential, with high efficiency in nutrient delivery and water use and low losses of nutrients and water. The crop, fertilizer, and water management of DS provided a technological system to simultaneously improve crop production and resource-use efficiency in the semi-arid area of Northeast China.

Effect of high-intensity interval training in indivuduals after myocardial infarction: a systematic review

Cardiovascular diseases harm the heart and blood vessels, affecting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is serious due to sudden obstruction of a coronary artery and requires treatment. Frequent physical activity is crucial for health. OBJECTIVE: Promote a systematic review with meta-analysis on the effects of HIIT on patients suffering from AMI. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of studies published in the Pubmed database between 2019 and 2023 was carried out. The search used the terms "Physical Activity" and "Acute myocardial infarction" combined with the AND operator. The analysis of the diversity of studies was performed using the Chi-square test, and the meta-analysis was conducted using the GrafPad Prism software. RESULTS: Based on the selection criteria, five selected studies concluded that High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness, quality of life and other aspects in patients who have suffered Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). CONCLUSION: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) improves cardiovascular health and physical fitness when done correctly.

Effect of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield under protected structure

In modern agricultural practices, enhancing crop growth and yield has become a pivotal focus for ensuring food security and economic sustainability. One promising approach involves the utilization of foliar application techniques, which allow for the targeted delivery of essential nutrients directly to plant tissues. Tomato is the one of most important promising vegetables worldwide which is rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, sugars and dietary fibers. An experiment was conducted in 2023 at Kernel Agro Farm in Buddhabhumi municipality, Kapilvastu, Nepal. The aim of the study was to optimize the concentration of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield related attributes.A randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiment with five treatments and four replications was set up to explore the "Effect of zinc and boron foliar application on tomato growth and yield under protected structures." Treatments included control (no foliar spray), zinc 0.5%, zinc 1%, boron 0.25%, and boron 0.5%. A variety of observations were made, including plant height (cm), flower and fruit numbers, yield (ton/ha), and quality indicators (Total Soluble Solid, Titratable Acidity, and pH). The results revealed a noticeable difference between the treatments in terms of contributing features. Zinc 1% showed significantly superior outcomes for plant height (177 cm), flower and fruit production (63.1), number of fruit(61.3), and yield(40.57 tons/ha). Similar outcomes were also seen for boron at 0.25 percent as compared to zinc1% for yield and yield-attributing features.Boron0.25% showed significantly outcomes for plant height (176cm),flower and fruit production(53.8), number of fruit per plant(50.7) ,and yield(31.32tons/ha). The results for quality parameters were not significant. Therefore, tomato development and production can be improved by applying a foliar spray with 1% zinc and 0.25% boron. Taken together, these results offer valuable insights for tomato growers and agricultural practitioners seeking to optimize crop production in protected structures. Further research could delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms driving these effects and explore potential variations in application rates or timings for even greater outcomes.

Mtfp1 ablation enhances mitochondrial respiration and protects against hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis is the result of imbalanced nutrient delivery and metabolism in the liver and is the first hallmark of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is the most common chronic liver disease and involves the accumulation of excess lipids in hepatocytes, inflammation, and cancer. Mitochondria play central roles in liver metabolism yet the specific mitochondrial functions causally linked to MASLD remain unclear. Here, we identify Mitochondrial Fission Process 1 protein (MTFP1) as a key regulator of mitochondrial and metabolic activity in the liver. Deletion of Mtfp1 in hepatocytes is physiologically benign in mice yet leads to the upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) activity and mitochondrial respiration, independently of mitochondrial biogenesis. Consequently, liver-specific knockout mice are protected against high fat diet-induced steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Additionally, Mtfp1 deletion inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening in hepatocytes, conferring protection against apoptotic liver damage in vivo and ex vivo. Our work uncovers additional functions of MTFP1 in the liver, positioning this gene as an unexpected regulator of OXPHOS and a therapeutic candidate for MASLD.

Type II Muscle Fiber Capillarization Is an Important Determinant of Post-Exercise Microvascular Perfusion in Older Adults

Introduction: Microvascular perfusion is essential for post-exercise skeletal muscle recovery to ensure adequate delivery of nutrients and growth factors. This study assessed the relationship between various indices of muscle fiber capillarization and microvascular perfusion assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) at rest and during recovery from a bout of resistance exercise in older adults. Methods: Sixteen older adults (72 ± 6 y, 5/11 male/female) participated in an experimental test day during which a muscle biopsy was collected from the vastus lateralis and microvascular perfusion was determined by CEUS at rest and at 10 and 40 min following a bout of resistance exercise. Immunohistochemistry was performed on muscle tissue samples to determine various indices of both mixed and fiber-type-specific muscle fiber capillarization. Results: Microvascular blood volume at t = 10 min was higher compared with rest and t = 40 min (27.2 ± 4.7 vs. 3.9 ± 4.0 and 7.0 ± 4.9 AU, respectively, both p < 0.001). Microvascular blood volume at t = 40 min was higher compared with rest (p < 0.001). No associations were observed between different indices of mixed muscle fiber capillarization and microvascular blood volume at rest and following exercise. A moderate (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) and strong (r = 0.81, p < 0.001) correlation was observed between type II muscle fiber capillary-to-fiber ratio and the microvascular blood volume increase from rest to t = 10 and t = 40 min, respectively. In addition, type II muscle fiber capillary contacts and capillary-to-fiber perimeter exchange index were strongly correlated with the microvascular blood volume increase from rest to t = 40 min (r = 0.66, p < 0.01 and r = 0.64, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Resistance exercise strongly increases microvascular blood volume for at least 40 min after exercise cessation in older adults. This resistance exercise-induced increase in microvascular blood volume is strongly associated with type II muscle fiber capillarization in older adults.

Impact of Land Use Change on the Water Environment of a Key Marsh Area in Vientiane Capital, Laos

The water environment is critical to maintaining ecosystem balance and human well-being globally. It is essential to comprehend the effects of land use change on water quantity and quality for sustainable development of the urban environment. Expansion of urban areas leads to intensified human activity and increased pollution loads in natural waterbodies. This study aimed to monitor changes in land use over a span of two decades to evaluate the condition of the water environment in That Luang Marsh (TLM). The land use and land cover (LULC) classes, including agricultural land, bare land, built-up land, vegetation, waterbody, and wetland, were categorized via Landsat images utilizing the maximum likelihood algorithm. A digital elevation model was used to estimate the water surface area and volume, and the nutrient delivery ratio model was employed to analyze nutrient distribution across the LULC classes. The results showed that from 2001 to 2020, the bare land, built-up, waterbody, and wetland areas increased by 29.92, 18.64, 0.87, and 0.16 times, respectively, while the agricultural and vegetation land decreased by 0.80 and 0.76 times, respectively. A binary logistic regression model for influential factors implies that road network expansion within the special economic zone in TLM could result in an increase in residential areas, thereby impacting the LULC classes. The increase in water volume showed a robust correlation with the expansion of built-up land, bare land, and waterbody. TLM had an average nitrate-nitrogen export of 317 tons/year with a 95% confidence interval of (56, 770) tons/year in 2020. The distribution over LULC classes affected the export, which varied dynamically. Vegetation land had the highest nitrate-nitrogen load of 0.57 tons/ha/year, probably due to poorly managed use of fertilizers. The developed land surface for an artificial lake could lead to an increase in the water volume, which could be involved in the dilution of nutrient concentration. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize policies that aim to establish sustainable urban water environments through rational urban planning and by making LULC management a primary consideration, especially for developing countries undergoing similar processes of urbanization along the Mekong River in Southeast Asia.

Polymers usage in new plant nutrition system organization

The agricultural sector is constantly looking for new technologies (methods) to increase the efficiency of inputs (agrochemicals) and minimize possible anthropogenic impact on the environment. Accordingly, producers are proposing the use of controlled or slow-release fertilizers (technologies) to optimize the delivery of nutrients (using a polymer) to plants or chemicals to more effectively control weeds, pests and diseases (herbicides, insecticides and fungicides). This article considers the possibility of introducing innovative farming systems, where, in addition, agrarian producers, in addition to the goal of increasing yields, must maintain and increase soil fertility, including replenishment of nutrient reserves in the soil.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions stabilized by the complexes of ultrasound-treated pea protein isolate/mung bean starch for delivery of β-carotene

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs) stabilized by edible colloid particles have gained great interest. In this study, ultrasound-treated pea protein isolate and mung bean starch complexes (UPPI/MS) were prepared and used in stabilization of HIPPEs. The emulsifying properties of UPPI/MS were found to be superior to those of pea protein isolate (PPI), as evidenced by a smaller particle size and higher surface hydrophobicity. HIPPEs stabilized by UPPI/MS displayed a higher viscoelastic and gel-like structure. Low-Field NMR (LF-NMR) revealed that HIPPEs stabilized by UPPI60/MS (UPPI60/MS-HIPPEs) showed better ability to restrict the mobility of water. UPPI60/MS-HIPPEs also revealed the best environmental stability attributed a stronger three-dimensional network structure. Encapsulation of β-carotene within HIPPEs resulted in improving stability, with UPPI60/MS-HIPPEs exhibiting the highest retention rate of 73.58 %. Moreover, β-carotene encapsulated in HIPPEs displayed enhanced bioaccessibility, with UPPI60/MS-HIPPEs achieving the highest value of 25.37 %. This research highlighted the potential of UPPI60/MS complexes as effective stabilizers for HIPPEs and provided new insights on HIPPEs in nutrient delivery systems.

Modeling of Space Crop-Based Dishes for Optimal Nutrient Delivery to Astronauts and Beyond on Earth

Modeling of Space Crop-Based Dishes for Optimal Nutrient Delivery to Astronauts and Beyond on Earth

Investigating Urban Flooding and Nutrient Export under Different Urban Development Scenarios in the Rouge River Watershed in Michigan, USA

Adverse environmental impacts in the watershed are driven by urbanization, which is reflected by land use and land cover (LULC) transitions, such as increased impervious surfaces, industrial land expansion, and green space reduction. Some adverse impacts on the water environment include urban flooding and water quality degradation. Our study area, the Rouge River Watershed, has been susceptible to accelerated urbanization and degradation of ecosystems. Employing the Land Change Modeler (LCM), we designed four alternative urban development scenarios for 2023. Subsequently, leveraging the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST), we utilized two models—Nutrient Delivery Ratio (NDR) and Flood Risk Mitigation (UFRM)—to evaluate and compare the performance of these scenarios, as well as the situation in 2019, in terms of nutrient export and urban flooding. After simulating these scenarios, we determined that prioritizing the medium- and high-intensity development scenario to protect open space outperforms other scenarios in nutrient export. However, the four scenarios could not exhibit significant differences in urban flooding mitigation. Thus, we propose balanced and integrative strategies, such as planning green infrastructure and compact development, to foster ecological and economic growth, and enhance the Rouge River Watershed’s resilience against natural disasters for a sustainable future.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy: Insertion and Management

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the modality of choice for long-term enteral feeding in patients in whom oral intake is challenging. Compared with parenteral nutrition, gastrostomy feeding is the preferred choice for sustained nutritional support. Delivery of nutrients directly to the gastrointestinal tract and enhanced cellular immunity associated with this approach are clinically beneficial to patients. Endoscopic gastrostomy is favored for its high clinical success rates and economic advantages and is associated with minor discrepancies with regard to morbidity, mortality, and tube function compared with surgical gastrostomy. PEG procedures can be broadly classified into the pull- and push-types. Although PEG is a comparatively safe procedure, high risk of bleeding is a well-known complication of PEG placement, which necessitates prophylactic antibiotic therapy and careful periprocedural management in patients who receive antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents. Tube dislodgement, peristomal leakage, or infection following PEG placement may require tube replacement or removal. In this review, we investigated the concerns associated with early vs. delayed feeding in concordance with current guidelines. We also describe the indications for PEG tube insertion, post-procedural care strategies, and management of complications.

Effects of paracetamol/acetaminophen on the expression of solute carriers (SLCs) in late-gestation fetal rat brain, choroid plexus and the placenta.

Solute carriers (SLCs) regulate transfer of a wide range of molecules across cell membranes using facilitative or secondary active transport. In pregnancy, these transporters, expressed at the placental barrier, are important for delivery of nutrients to the fetus, whilst also limiting entry of potentially harmful substances, such as drugs. In the present study, RNA-sequencing analysis was used to investigate expression of SLCs in the fetal (embryonic day19) rat brain, choroid plexus and placenta in untreated control animals and following maternal paracetamol treatment. In the treated group, paracetamol (15mg/kg) was administered to dams twice daily for 5 days (from embryonic day15 to 19). In untreated animals, overall expression of SLCs was highest in the placenta. In the paracetamol treatment group, expression of several SLCs was significantly different compared with control animals, with ion, amino acid, neurotransmitter and sugar transporters most affected. The number of SLC transcripts that changed significantly following treatment was the highest in the choroid plexus and lowest in the brain. All SLC transcripts that changed in the placenta following paracetamol treatment were downregulated. These results suggest that administration of paracetamol during pregnancy could potentially disrupt fetal nutrient homeostasis and affect brain development, resulting in major consequences for the neonate and extending into childhood.

Global regionalized characterization factors for phosphorus and nitrogen impacts on freshwater fish biodiversity

Inefficient global nutrient (i.e., phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N)) management leads to an increase in nutrient delivery to freshwater and coastal ecosystems and induces eutrophication in these aquatic environments. This process threatens the various species inhabiting these ecosystems. In this study, we developed regionalized characterization factors (CFs) for freshwater eutrophication at 0.5 × 0.5-degree resolution, considering different fates for direct emissions to freshwater, diffuse emissions, and increased erosion due to agricultural land use. The CFs were provided for global and regional species loss of freshwater fish. CFs for global species loss were quantified by integrating global extinction probabilities. Results showed that the CFs for P and N impacts on freshwater fish are higher in densely populated regions that encompass either large lakes or the headwaters of large rivers. Focusing on nutrient-limited areas increases country-level CFs in 51.9 % of the countries for P and 49.5 % of the countries for N compared to not considering nutrient limitation. This study highlights the relevance of considering freshwater eutrophication impacts via both P and N emissions and identifying the limiting nutrient when performing life cycle impact assessments.

A cell-and-plasma numerical model reveals hemodynamic stress and flow adaptation in zebrafish microvessels after morphological alteration.

The development of a functional cardiovascular system ensures a sustainable oxygen, nutrient and hormone delivery system for successful embryonic development and homeostasis in adulthood. While early vessels are formed by biochemical signaling and genetic programming, the onset of blood flow provides mechanical cues that participate in vascular remodeling of the embryonic vascular system. The zebrafish is a prolific animal model for studying the quantitative relationship between blood flow and vascular morphogenesis due to a combination of favorable factors including blood flow visualization in optically transparent larvae. In this study, we have developed a cell-and-plasma blood transport model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to understand how red blood cell (RBC) partitioning affect lumen wall shear stress (WSS) and blood pressure in zebrafish trunk blood vascular networks with altered rheology and morphology. By performing live imaging of embryos with reduced hematocrit, we discovered that cardiac output and caudal artery flow rates were maintained. These adaptation trends were recapitulated in our CFD models, which showed reduction in network WSS via viscosity reduction in the caudal artery/vein and via pressure gradient weakening in the intersegmental vessels (ISVs). Embryos with experimentally reduced lumen diameter showed reduced cardiac output and caudal artery flow rate. Factoring in this trend into our CFD models, simulations highlighted that lumen diameter reduction increased vessel WSS but this increase was mitigated by flow reduction due to the adaptive network pressure gradient weakening. Additionally, hypothetical network CFD models with different vessel lumen diameter distribution characteristics indicated the significance of axial variation in lumen diameter and cross-sectional shape for establishing physiological WSS gradients along ISVs. In summary, our work demonstrates how both experiment-driven and hypothetical CFD modeling can be employed for the study of blood flow physiology during vascular remodeling.

Leveraging doppler ultrasound imaging to measure pulse wave velocity changes in a mouse model of arterial stiffening to elucidate molecular pathways underlying cerebral damage

AbstractBackgroundThe highly vascularized brain is particularly vulnerable to changes in pulsatility of blood flow. With age, elastin in arteries breaks down and is replaced by collagen, making arteries less compliant and resulting in arterial stiffening. Stiffening alters pulsatility, which can be measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), and damages small capillary beds and the neurovascular unit (NVU). The NVU is essential for proper delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. Human studies have demonstrated associations between increased arterial stiffness and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and neurodegeneration. We adapted a doppler ultrasound imaging method previously only used in rats to measure PWV in a mouse model of arterial stiffening to advance our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of AD and neurodegeneration.Method7‐month‐old, C57BL/6, male and female mice underwent a carotid calcification surgery, where the carotid artery was exposed to 0.3 mol/L CaCl2 (or saline as a control) for 20 minutes. PWV was measured using doppler ultrasound imaging before and after surgery. Two weeks post‐surgery, mice underwent behavioral testing, including locomotor activity, elevated zero maze, Barnes maze, and nest building. Collagen, calcium, and elastin levels in the carotid artery were determined 4 weeks post‐surgery by immunohistochemistry.ResultPreliminary results demonstrate the carotid calcification surgery successfully increased PWV in mice three weeks post‐surgery. Surgery did not inhibit behavioral task performances two weeks post‐operative. Additional data collection is underway applying this method in two transgenic AD mouse models, APP/PSEN1 and P301S, which will include behavioral testing and histological assessment of NVU components, specifically endothelial cells (CD31/PECAM), pericytes (PDGRFb), and astrocytes (GFAP) in the hippocampus.ConclusionElucidating a clear molecular link between increased arterial stiffness and cognition is essential to understanding how age‐related changes in systemic blood flow may influence AD pathology and neurodegeneration. Our preliminary results demonstrate that doppler ultrasound imaging, previously only used in rats, can be applied in mice as a reliable measurement of PWV. We will leverage this model to test the hypothesis that increased PWV is associated with worse spatial learning and memory, impaired functioning of the NVU, and increased AD pathology.

Three-Dimensional In Vitro Human Placental Organoids from Mononuclear Villous Trophoblasts or Trophoblast Stem Cells to Understand Trophoblast Dysfunction in Fetal Growth Restriction.

The placenta plays a critical role in the efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen from mother to fetus to maintain normal fetal growth. Human placental development and function is a highly orchestrated process, which is spatially and temporally controlled by hormones and growth factors. Specialized epithelial cells called trophoblasts play key roles in placental exchange capacity, and their abnormal function and development contribute to many pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR), a condition in which the fetus does not reach its full growth potential in utero. Great variation in the anatomy and development of the placenta in animal model systems (in vivo) and 2D culture model systems of trophoblasts (in vitro) limits our ability to understand pregnancy disorders. Generating in vitro models that recapitulate the unique features of the human placenta has been challenging. Here, we describe detailed methods to isolate mononuclear villous trophoblasts (containing cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells) from first trimester placentae, and use both these and trophoblast stem cell populations that can be grown long term in a three-dimensional (3D) placental organoid culture system.

Sustainable Water Management: Developing a Hydroponic-Watering System to Support Epiphytic Plant Growth

This study introduces an innovative hydroponic–epiphytic water system designed to address water conservation challenges in urban agriculture. The system involves repurposing water from a hydroponic setup to irrigate epiphytic plants, promoting sustainability and efficient water management. Expert opinions on the system's development and innovations were gathered using a structured evaluation based on key indicators. Notably, the mean scores were analyzed using an Inter-rater reliability assessment in order to determine the expert's opinion on the development and innovations of the hydroponic-epiphytic water system, and indicate strong acceptance in various aspects, including economic profitability, low initial cost, and compatibility with social values. However, identified areas for modification, such as time and effort savings and immediate benefits, offer valuable insights for refinement. The hydroponic–epiphytic system's components, meticulously detailed in the study, contribute to its structural integrity and water circulation efficiency. The chemical composition of the hydroponic solution, emphasizing nitrogen-rich urea, ensures precise nutrient delivery. The hydroponic growing medium, a blend of carbonized rice hull and coconut coir, provides an optimal environment for plant growth. The closed-loop water flow system minimizes wastage by recycling hydroponic water for epiphytic plants, aligning with sustainable gardening practices. In conclusion, the hydroponic–epiphytic water system proves effective in meeting its objectives of innovation and water conservation. Expert evaluations enhance its credibility, and the identified areas for improvement offer a roadmap for optimization. Recommendations include exploring alternative energy sources, conducting extended studies for long-term observations, and a more comprehensive expert opinion study. This study contributes to the advancement of urban-friendly, sustainable water management practices in agriculture.

Ultrasound-assisted alkaline hydrolysis of fish(Cyprinus carpio L.) scale gelatin: A possible curcumin delivery system with increased water solubility and sustained release

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment on the structural characteristics and curcumin loading efficiency in fish scale gelatin (FSG). The results showed that FSG treated with a combination of ultrasound and alkaline hydrolysis outperformed non-treated FSG, as well as alkaline- or ultrasound-treated FSG in augmenting curcumin loading efficiency (from 3.02 to 18.36 μg/mL). In contrast to FSG exposed to single treatments (alkaline or ultrasound), the FSG subjected to combined treatment exhibited a notably higher ratio of hydrophobic amino acids (47.51 ± 2.27%) and protein elution amount (180.87 μg/mL). Meanwhile, single and combined treatments significantly modified the molecular conformation as well as the microstructure of FSG, transforming the α-helical conformation to the β-sheet structure and presenting an ordered structure with increased voids. The curcumin-loaded FSG subjected to ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment revealed a sustained release profile under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The elucidated outcomes underscore the significant potential of FSG subjected to ultrasound-assisted alkaline treatment as a promising avenue for facilitating the controlled delivery of bioactive hydrophobic nutrients.