Results Of Stability Tests Research Articles

Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation versus Anatomical Repair with Hamstrings of the ACL – A Clinical Data Comparison Study

AIM: Investigation into the clinical results of internal brace ligament augmentation technique compared to the simple anatomical repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). METHODS: From May 2016 to November 2019, 128 patients underwent an operation using the internal brace technique. During the same time, 104 patients were operated on using the simple anatomical ACL repair. The mean age was 22.5-year-old for the first group and 26.8-year- old for the second one. The minimum follow-up was 24 months. All the patients performed an X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging. Two hypotheses were raised to assess the superiority of the internal brace technique versus the anatomical one in the early post-operative phase and the rehabilitation one. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 71 (65–75) min for the internal brace (IB) and 62 (55–65) for the anatomical. We had two post-operative infected knees in the first group (IB) and no infection in the second one. The clinical stability test results were much better in the IB group using the KT 1000. The rehabilitation phase showed a superior IB technique. The return to sport-time of the sportsmen was 6 months for the first group and 7–8 months for the anatomical. All the IB-operated patients found physiotherapy significantly easier than the anatomical ones. CONCLUSIONS: IB-technique performs better clinical outcomes than the anatomical repair. The presence of a foreign body (Ultrabraid) inside the knee may be a risk factor contributing toward the elevated infection rate. The IB technique costs are significantly more expensive compared to the anatomical but the low physiotherapy costs compensate for the final result.

Interfacial characteristics of artificial oil body emulsions (O / W) prepared using extrinsic and intrinsic proteins: Inspired by natural oil body

In order to explore the stabilization mechanisms of intrinsic protein (IP) and extrinsic protein (EP) in natural oil-bodies, the effects of adding EP and IP in different relative proportions on the stability, interfacial characteristics, and digestibility of artificial oil body (AOB) emulsions were studied. The stability test results showed that the AOB emulsion prepared using 40% EP/60% IP exhibited the highest ζ-potential (−36.3 mV) and storage stability. According to the results of interface properties, competitive adsorption occurred at the interface in the emulsions prepared using IPs and EPs. Furthermore, by measuring the bioavailability of free fatty acids and curcumin during the digestion process, it was elucidated that 40% EP/60% IP developed a stable interfacial membrane, which facilitated the targeted release of curcumin in the intestine and yielded higher bioavailability. These results lay the foundation for clarifying the stabilization mechanism of natural oil body emulsions from an interfacial perspective.

Effects of different gases on the performance of foams stabilized by Cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant and silica nanoparticles: A comparative experimental study

Application of CO 2 gas in foam enhanced oil recovery (EOR) processes has emerged as a win-win strategy for achieving higher oil recovery factor and reducing greenhouse gas emission, which can significantly help the protection of the ozone layer from depletion. However, lower stability of CO 2 -foam, as compared to the N 2 - and CH 4 -foams, has tempted us to examine combinations of CO 2 with these gases to not only improve the stability of the produced foam but also have CO 2 as the gaseous phase of the foam. In this study, we investigated the effect of different gases and the mixture thereof on the performance of foams in EOR while the aqueous phase of foams is a constant mixture of Cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant (0.03 wt %) and silica nanoparticle (0.1 wt%). To this end, seven different gases, including N 2 , CO 2 , CH 4 , 80% N 2 + 20% CO 2 , 80% CH 4 + 20% CO 2 , 50% CH 4 + 50% CO 2 , 50% N 2 + 50% CO 2 were used as the gases phase for foam generation, and the performance of the produced foams were examined through the following experiments: bulk foam stability tests, apparent foam viscosity measurements, and core flooding tests. The results of foam stability tests showed that half-life time for the CO 2 -, CH 4 -, and N 2 -foams are 13.5, 17.0, and 44.0 min, respectively. Also, as revealed from apparent viscosity measurements, the N 2 - and 80% N 2 +20% CO 2 foams have higher apparent foam viscosity values followed by 50% N 2 +50% CO 2 foam. Furthermore, we showed that a combination of 80% N 2 + 20% CO 2 as the gaseous phase for foam generation could not only improve CO 2 -foam stability, as compared to other foams, but also can substantially increase ultimate oil recovery (56.6 %OOIP), even more than that for N 2 foam (48.6 %OOIP), obtained from core flooding experiments.

Treatment of Severe Dry Eye in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Umbilical Cord Serum Eye Drops.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of umbilical cord serum eye drops for dry eyes in ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). A pre-post test study with umbilical cord serum (UCS) eye drop for ocular SJS patient with moderate to severe dry eyes. Study was conducted at Kirana Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital from June 2020 to December 2020. A total of five patients (five eyes) with a diagnosis of SJS more than 6 months, dry eye symptoms, and abnormal tear stability test results were included in the study. Each patient was asked to instill UCS drop into the affected eye six times daily. Evaluation of ocular symptoms with ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaires, non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT), Schirmer I, and keratoepitheliopathy scores was administered before applying UCS drop and at week 2 and 4 of eye drop use. From June 2020 to December 2020, five eyes of five patients were evaluated in this study. Patients were aged from 22 to 71 years old with history of SJS over periods from 1 to 35 years. Three patients underwent ocular surgeries prior to the study. After four weeks of treatment, symptoms score, Schirmer I, and keratoepitheliopathy scores improved significantly, while NIBUT scores improved insignificantly. No side effects were noted during treatment. Administration of UCS eye drop was effective in improving symptoms and signs of dry eye in chronic SJS patients.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon versus quadriceps tendon with bone block.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there was a difference in clinical outcomes between patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) with all-soft tissue quadriceps tendon (sQT) autograft versus QT with bone block (bQT). A retrospective cohort study of 708 patients who underwent QT ACLR was conducted. Primary ACLR patients with at least 1year of follow-up were identified and those who received sQT were compared to those who received bQT. Data collection entailed patient demographics, surgical variables, patient reported outcomes (PROs), knee stability testing, and complications. The primary outcome of interest was International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, reported as mean score, pre- and postoperative difference, and number who met minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Secondary outcomes included Lachman and pivot shift grade, other patient reported outcomes (PROs), complication rates, and return to sport (RTS). A total of 195 patients (147 sQT, 48 bQT) who underwent primary QT ACLR met criteria for analysis, with mean follow-up of 17.0 ± 7.9months. No difference was detected between cohorts with respect to postoperative IKDC score (sQT: n = 120, 81.0 ± 18.9, bQT: n = 10, 80.9 ± 20.4, n.s.), proportion of patients who met MCID (sQT: 68/78 [87%], bQT: 6/7 [86%], n.s.), or results of stability testing. In the sQT cohort, 86% (106/123) of athletes achieved full RTS, compared to 85% (34/40) in the bQT cohort (n.s.). Time to RTS was less than a year in both cohorts (sQT: 10.5 ± 3.8months [n = 106], bQT: 11.1 ± 3.9months [n = 31], n.s.). Graft rupture occurred in 7 (5%) sQT patients and 3 (6%) bQT patients (n.s.), and all clinical failures were due to graft rupture (n.s.). No differences were detected for rates of postoperative complications. No differences in clinical outcomes were detected between patients who underwent primary ACLR with sQT autograft versus bQT autograft. Currently, the decision to employ sQT or bQT is largely determined by surgeon preference. This study demonstrates excellent outcomes with both preparations and supports the use of either graft type at the discretion of the treating surgeon. III.

Aligned porous nickel electrodes fabricated via ice templating with submicron particles for hydrogen evolution in alkaline water electrolysis

Though a large number of nickel-based catalysts have been applied to alkaline water electrolysis, the effect of the catalyst structure on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is often ignored. In this work, aligned porous nickel electrodes (APNEs) are fabricated by ice templating and tested for HER in 1 M KOH electrolyte. Compared to isotropic porous structures, such as nickel foam and nickel fiber felt, the present anisotropic porous structure with aligned channels has a smaller pore size, larger area of electrocatalytic activity, and stronger bubble removal ability, resulting in outstanding HER performance. Three kinds of nickel powders with different diameters are also used to prepare APNEs. The results show that the particle size plays a dominant role in the structure: smaller particles lead to wider pores and thinner walls with more protuberances. The APNE-A prepared with the smallest particles shows the most outstanding HER performance, with a minimum overpotential of 101 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 94.3 mV dec−1. And the analysis results of stability tests and electrolytic voltage efficiency further support the positive effect of the structure on HER performance.

Power draw characteristics and comparison of scaling criteria for sawtooth impellers used in high shear mixing of shear thinning paint slurry

Power draw characteristics and scale-up procedures for high-speed sawtooth impellers were introduced by investigating various production sizes, fluids, impellers, and scale-up criteria to obtain the same product properties between different scales. The relationship between dimensionless Power number, Reynolds number, and Froude numbers were found for each impeller type at transitional flow regimes. The effect of Froude number was found to be very little, even though there was a deep vortex formation and no baffles in the mixing tank. Metzner – Otto constant which gives the relationship between rotational speed and shear rate was found as 20.7 and 12.4 for sawtooth impeller with big and small teeth, respectively. Productions were made by equalizing tip speed, shear rate, and power per volume between the commercial production and laboratory scales. In the result of rheological behavior measurement, stability test, and optical color evaluation, it was observed that the equal tip speed method gives a more intense dispersion in smaller batch sizes while the power per volume and shear rate method results in an insufficient particle size reduction performance.

A random forest model to assess snow instability from simulated snow stratigraphy

Abstract. Modeled snow stratigraphy and instability data are a promising source of information for avalanche forecasting. While instability indices describing the mechanical processes of dry-snow avalanche release have been implemented into snow cover models, there exists no readily applicable method that combines these metrics to predict snow instability. We therefore trained a random forest (RF) classification model to assess snow instability from snow stratigraphy simulated with SNOWPACK. To do so, we manually compared 742 snow profiles observed in the Swiss Alps with their simulated counterparts and selected the simulated weak layer corresponding to the observed rutschblock failure layer. We then used the observed stability test result and an estimate of the local avalanche danger to construct a binary target variable (stable vs. unstable) and considered 34 features describing the simulated weak layer and the overlying slab as potential explanatory variables. The final RF classifier aggregates six of these features into the output probability Punstable, corresponding to the mean vote of an ensemble of 400 classification trees. Although the subset of training data only consisted of 146 profiles labeled as either unstable or stable, the model classified profiles from an independent validation data set (N=121) with high reliability (accuracy 88 %, precision 96 %, recall 85 %) using manually predefined weak layers. Model performance was even higher (accuracy 93 %, precision 96 %, recall 92 %), when the weakest layers of the profiles were identified with the maximum of Punstable. Finally, we compared model predictions to observed avalanche activity in the region of Davos for five winter seasons. Of the 252 avalanche days (345 non-avalanche days), 69 % (75 %) were classified correctly. Overall, the results of our RF classification are very encouraging, suggesting it could be of great value for operational avalanche forecasting.

Novel Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Single Bulb Garlic: Stability, Toxicity, and Antiinflammation in 3T3-L1 Cells

Single bulb garlic (SBG) has the potential as an immunomodulator; however, it has low solubility and bioavailability. A lipid-based delivery system, that is, the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), offers a novel opportunity in drug delivery. SBG can be a suitable candidate for SNEDDS development. This research aims to describe the physical stability, toxicity test of the SNEDDS, and SNEDDS SBG potential as antiinflammation in 3T3-L1 cells. The SNEDDS is made with various ratios of concentrations of carrier oil, surfactants, and cosurfactants, namely, 0.50: 3.45: 0.96, and added with SBG extract (SBGE) of 20 mg/mL. The results of the response test of SNEDDS SBGE formulation indicate an average and standard deviation of emulsification time of 16.38±3.01 (second), pH 7.21±0.08, and transmittance of 98.40±0.23(%). The average nanoemulsion size is 14.333±0.416 nm, polydispersion index of 0.213±0.056, and zeta potential of -14.67±0.72 mV. The results of the physical stability test indicate no segregation, deposition, cracking, or creaming in all nanoemulsion samples and SNEDDS SBG. The MTT test in a dose of 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 100, 2000, and 4000 µg/mL suggests that the highest viability of the 3T3-L1 cells is at a dose of 2000 µg/mL, which is 97.83%±1.55%. Therefore, SNEDDS SBGE can be a potential candidate for oral preparation by increasing bioavailability and reducing toxicity in the 3T3-L1 cells. An antiinflammatory test on the TNF-𝛼 and IL-1𝛽 expressions influences the 3T3-L1 cells. the SNEDDS of SBGE has the potential to reduce the expression of TNF-𝛼 and IL-1𝛽 and increase IL-10 expression in the methylglyoxal-induced 3T3-L1 cells.

Evaluating the substitution potential of SBS with crumb rubber-polypropylene blends as asphalt binder and mixture modifiers

The study aimed to assess the suitability of substituting styrene–butadienestyrene with waste crumb rubber-polypropylene blends as modifiers to enhance the performance characteristics of asphalt binders and mixtures. Six crumb rubber-polypropylene blends including three styrene–butadienestyrene percentages were used to modify a base binder and then the modified binders were used to fabricate asphalt concrete mixtures. To obtain the physical and compatibility behavior of the unmodified and modified binders, various conventional binder tests such as softening point, penetration, and storage stability were employed. Dynamic shear rheometer, multiple stress creep recovery, and linear amplitude straintests were performed on unaged and long-term aged samples to achieve a broad understating of rheological characteristics at high and intermediate temperatures. In order to assess the influence of the modifiers on asphalt mixtures, various test methods were implemented including indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, and four-point beam fatigue and dynamic creep tests. The findings of the physical tests represented a decline in penetration and a rise in softening point by the crumb rubber-polypropylene and styrene–butadienestyrene modifications compared with the base one. Results of the storage stability test proved that only 3% styrene–butadienestyrene modified was a storage-stable blend at high construction temperatures and the instability increased by incorporating more polymer content. According to the rotational viscosity test, all of the modifications increased the viscosity, reducing the workability of the modified mixture. Based on the rheological tests, the addition of the modifiers resulted in a reduction in phase angles, and an increase in complex modulus at high temperatures, thereby decreasing binder sensitivity to permanent deformation. With increasing the percentage of the polymer, more improvement would be obtained regarding rutting resistance. At intermediate temperatures, however, the complex modulus of modified binders decreased while no notable changes were observed for phase angle compared to the base binder. Considering the mechanical test results, the crumb rubber-polypropylene and styrene–butadienestyrene modified mixtures resulted in an enhancement in indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, four-point beam fatigue, and dynamic creep tests results which would cause better resistance against rutting, fatigue damage, and moisture susceptibility compared with the base one. Besides, a radial bias function neural network model was designed to predict tensile strength ratio, and fracture energy ratio. The results showed the high performance of this method in the estimation of these values.

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of a novel green-emitting LiYGeO4 :Tb3+ long afterglow phosphor.

A new green luminescent phosphor, Li(Y1-x Tbx )GeO4 , was prepared using a high-temperature solid-phase method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) measured spectrum agreed well with the standard card JCPDS No. 02-3479, indicating that it is a quaternary compound belonging to the space group of Pnma(62) with an orthogonal crystalline phase; the excitation and emission spectra measured using the phosphor spectrometer showed that it can be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet light at 378 nm and blue light at 482 nm, and produced excellent strong emission of green light at 550 nm. The afterglow test results show that the sample had a good long afterglow effect at lower doping concentrations; the thermal stability test results showed that its thermal burst activation energy ΔE ≈ 0.37 eV had its excellent thermal stability. The rare earth Tb3+ -doped green phosphor, LiYGeO4 :Tb3+ , has potential applications in household lighting, medical therapy, and optical storage.

Grain yield stability of black soybean lines across three agroecosystems in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract Black soybean (Glycine soja (L.) Merril) is one of the potential agricultural commodities in Indonesia. The multilocation trial is the primary requirement for variety release before farmers can widely use the new varieties. Various stability measurements on grain yields will provide more accurate information in selecting superior lines. The aims of the study were to: (i) identify the effect of genotype by environment interactions (G×E) on black soybean grain yields; (ii) select the black soybean lines with stable and high grain yields in different agroecosystems; and (iii) determine the best representative environment for testing black soybean lines. The field trials used an augmented design that was applied in three blocks for each location. The research was conducted in West Java, Indonesia, specifically in Sumedang, Indramayu, and Majalengka. The three locations are traditionally soybean production areas in West Java. The results showed that G×E significantly affected grain yields, with a contribution of 38.35%. Based on the results of stability testing using parametric, non-parametric, and genotype plus genotype by environments (GGE) biplot measurements, the G13, G22, G25, and G26 lines were considered the most stable and produced the highest yields in the three agroecosystems. In addition, Sumedang is the most representative location for testing black soybeans in Indonesia. Therefore, the four lines can be proposed as new superior lines for black soybeans with high yields and stability in three environments. Information about the relationship between the yield stability parameters can be used for the most accessible parameter selection.

Multi-buffer engineering of nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets/carbon nanotubes network encapsulated and carbon coated silicon anode for high performance lithium-ion batteries

The commercial application of silicon (Si) anode is still hindered by unfavorable phenomena such as huge volume expansion, low intrinsic conductivity and unstable solid electrolyte interface film of Si during cycling. Developing a simple and scalable synthesis for multi-buffer engineering with different carbon structures is significant and challenging for the commercial prospects of Si anode. Herein, we propose a multi-buffer engineering strategy with nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets/carbon nanotubes network encapsulated and carbon-coated Si hybrid structure (Si@C@N-CNs/CNTs) via an efficient and convenient resin coating followed by in-situ catalytic pyrolysis of melamine and paraffin oil. The designed Si@C@N-CNs/CNTs delivers high discharge capacity (2950.6 mAh g−1 at 0.4 A g−1), good cyclability (1017.4 mAh g−1 after 350 cycles), and outstanding rate performance (1068.5 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1). The electrochemical kinetics and structural stability test results demonstrate such superior performance is originated from the multi-buffer engineering by the 3D conductive N-CNs/CNTs networks, carbon coated layer and fine dispersed CoSi2 nanoparticles, which can provide fast electron and ion transfer, effective volume buffer effect and excellent structural stability. Direct comparison with other two Si anodes reveals the significance of the multi-buffering synergistic effect and its great potential in application of high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries.

Structural and optical properties of O-doped and Molecular Terminal Phenyl Grafted g-C3N4 microspheres

Nanostructured g-C3N4 was prepared by a simple one-step method, and O doping and molecular terminal phenyl grafting were achieved by precursor processing. Using melamine (MA) and cyanuric acid (MC) as raw materials, supramolecular precursor is self-assembled from MA and MC molecules in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution. l-phenylalanine (L-PHE) added at the same time not only serves as the sources of O dopant and phenyl in g-C3N4 micro-spheres, but also plays an important role in promoting more complete microsphere structure of g-C3N4 through the morphology regulation of the precursor. Then, O atoms are doped by substituting N atoms in g-C3N4 molecules, and phenyl is grafted at the terminals of g-C3N4 molecules simultaneously. Therefore, the introduction of L-PHE in precursor plays three promoting roles on the final g-C3N4 as a photocatalyst: morphology regulation, O doping and phenyl grafting. The microsphere structure composed of thin nanosheets greatly increases the number of reaction sites in photocatalytic degradation reactions. O dopant acts as a donor in g-C3N4 and provides more additional electrons for the generation of active groups in photocatalysis. The grafted phenyl in g-C3N4 molecules serves as midgap states (MS), and promotes the separation of photo-generated electrons and holes, thus prolonging the lifetime of excitons and allowing more photo-generated carriers to participate in photocatalytic degradation reactions. In addition, the cycle photocatalytic performance stability test results show that the modified g-C3N4 sample shows good stability and light corrosion resistance, and exhibits a practical application prospect.

Research on electrochemical behaviour of reference electrodes for corrosion test under high hydrostatic pressure for simulating deep-sea

• The effects of 0–80 MPa hydrostatic pressure on the performance of three different reference electrodes were studied. • Hydrostatic pressure accelerated the potential fluctuation range and the destruction of the electrode surface. • Hydrostatic pressure promotes the penetration of NaCl solution into the electrode, causing AgCl on the surface to decompose into Ag. • Ag/AgCl reference electrode made by the electrolytic chlorination method is suitable for use in the deep ocean. The reference electrode is one of the most crucial parts of electrochemical testing. However, there is little research on the performance of the deep-sea reference electrode. In this work, three different deep-sea reference electrodes were fabricated, high-purity zinc reference electrode and two kinds of Ag/AgCl reference electrode made by the pressed pellets and the electrolytic chlorination method. The effect of deep-sea hydrostatic pressure varying from 0 MPa to 80 MPa on the electrochemical behaviour in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was investigated. The potential stability test results showed that the three electrodes’ potentials were relatively stable in the atmospheric environment. At 80 MPa, the potential of the zinc electrode was undulant, the maximum fluctuation range was 0.360 V, and its surface corrosion was severe. As the hydrostatic pressure increased to 80 MPa, the embryo body of the Ag/AgCl electrode prepared by the pressed pellets method became loose and infiltrated amounts of NaCl solution. The potential fluctuation reached 0.036 V. For the Ag/AgCl reference electrode produced by the electrolytic chlorination method, its potential fluctuation under high hydrostatic pressure was not significant, which was 0.003 V. The exchange current density obtained by polarization curve fitting reached 1.281 mA/cm 2 at 80 MPa. The equivalent circuit fitted to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that the internal resistance increased slowly with the hydrostatic pressure. The highest value was only 1906 Ω•cm 2 .

Physical Stability and Antioxidant Activity of Pee-Off Gel Mask Ethanol Extract of Buas-buas Leaf (Premna serratifolia L.)

This study aims to determine the physical stability and antioxidant activity of peel-off gel mask ethanol extract of buas-buas leaf (Premna serratifolia L.). The ethanol extract of buas-buas leaves was obtained by maceration using 70% ethanol solvent, then concentrated using a rotary evaporator to get a thick extract. Formulation EEDB into a peel-off gel mask with a concentration of each EEDB (FI: 1%, FII: 2%, FIII : 3%). The EEDB peel-off gel mask formula was tested for physical stability by cycling test method using a climatic chamber at a temperature of 40°C ± 2°C and 4°C ± 2°C for six cycles. The tests included organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, spreadability, and drying time. An antioxidant test was carried out using the DPPH method. The results of the physical stability test on the three EEDB peel-off gel mask formulas (FI: 1%, FII: 2%, FIII: 3%) showed good physical stability because there was no significant difference during six storage cycles (P>0.05) with the results of the preparation have a characteristic aroma of oleum citri, brownish-green in color, have a thick, homogeneous texture, meet the requirements of pH, viscosity, spreadability, and drying time. The stability test results of the antioxidant activity of the peel-off gel mask EEDB in the three formulas showed no significant change (P>0.05). The antioxidant activity during six storage cycles with the highest average percent inhibition before and after the cycling test, namely in Formula III, was 77.20 ± 0.28%.

Formulasi Sediaan Lip Cream Ekstrak Daun Miana (Coleus scuatellariodes [L] Benth.) sebagai Pewarna Alami

Miana leaf (Coleus scutellarioides L.) is a plant that contains anthocyanins that can provide certain dyes. The purpose of this study was to formulate miana leaf extract in lip cream preparations as a natural dye. The research method includes the manufacture of ethanol extract of miana leaves (Coleus scutellarioides L.) by maceration method. The extract formulas used were 25%, 50%, and 75%. The tests carried out included organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, physical tests, pH tests, irritation tests and color preference tests. The results of the lip cream preparation, the results of the organoleptic examination were declared to have a semi-solid dosage form, distinctive odor and varied colors F1 pink F2 purplish red, F3 blackish red, homogeneity test results were declared homogeneous, stability test results showed that the preparation did not change shape, color and the odor of the preparation for 14 days of storage, the results of the pH test showed that the preparation was still within the permissible pH range on the use of the skin, the test results were declared non-irritating. Miana leaf ethanol extract can be made as a colorant in lip cream preparations.

Novel Probiotic/Bacterial Cellulose Biocatalyst for the Development of Functional Dairy Beverage.

The development of innovative functional products with potential health benefits, under the concept of bio-economy, is flourishing. This study undertook an evaluation of non-dairy lactobacilli Lactiplantibacillus pentosus B329 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 820 as “ready to use” starter cultures. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) cultures were evaluated for their fermentation efficiency, before and after freeze-drying, using cheese whey (CW) as a fermentation substrate and subsequent immobilization on bacteria cellulose (BC) to produce a novel biocatalyst. The biocatalyst was applied in functional sour milk production and compared with free cells via the assessment of physicochemical and microbiological properties and sensory evaluation. Evidently, LAB strains exhibited high fermentative activity before and after freeze-drying. Results of a 5-month storage stability test showed that viability was 19% enhanced by immobilization on BC, supporting the concept of “ready to use” cultures for the production of fermented beverages. Likewise, sour milk produced by the BC biocatalyst presented higher organoleptic scores, compared to the free cells case, whereas immobilization on BC enhanced probiotic viability during post-fermentation storage (4 °C, 28 days). The obtained high viability (>107 log cfu/g) demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed bioprocess for the production of functional/probiotic-rich beverages. Ultimately, this work presents a consolidated scheme that includes the advantages and the cooperative effect of probiotic LAB strains combined with a functional biopolymer (BC) towards the formulation of novel functional products that coincide with the pillars of food systems sustainability.

Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Inclusion Complexes Formed between S-Allylcysteine and Cyclodextrins.

The present study prepared inclusion complexes of S-allylcysteine (SAC) and cyclodextrin (α, β, γ) by the freeze-drying (FD) method and verified the inclusion behavior of the solid dispersion. Also, the study investigated the effect of SAC/CD complex formation on liver tumor cells. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements confirmed the exothermic titration curve for SAC/αCD, suggesting a molar ratio of SAC/αCD = 1/1, but no exothermic/endothermic reaction was obtained for the SAC/βCD and SAC/γCD system. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results showed that the characteristic diffraction peaks of SAC and CDs disappeared in FD (SAC/αCD) and FD (SAC/γCD), indicated by a halo pattern. On the other hand, diffraction peaks originating from SAC and βCDs were observed in FD (SAC/βCD). Near-infrared (NIR) absorption spectroscopy results showed that CH and OH groups derived from SAC and OH groups derived from αCD and γCD cavity were shifted, suggesting complex formation due to intermolecular interactions occurring in SAC/αCD and SAC/γCD. Stability test results showed that the stability was maintained with FD (SAC/αCD) over FD (SAC/βCD) and FD (SAC/γCD). In 1H–1H of NOESY NMR measurement, FD (SAC/αCD) was confirmed to have a cross peak at the CH group of the alkene of SAC and the proton (H-3, -5, -6) in the αCD cavity. In FD (SAC/γCD), a cross peak was confirmed at the alkyl group on the carbonyl group side of SAC and the proton (H-3) in the cavity of γCD. From the above, it was suggested that the inclusion mode of SAC is different on FD (SAC/CDs). The results of the hepatocyte proliferation inhibition test using HepG2 cells showed that FD (SAC/βCD) inhibited cell proliferation. On the other hand, FD (SAC/αCD) and FD (SAC/γCD) did not show a significant decrease in the number of viable cells. These results suggest that the difference in the inclusion mode may contribute to the stability and cell proliferation inhibition.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of quercetin nanosuspension stabilized by gypenosides

This study was designed to explore the potential of gypenosides as a novel natural stabilizer for the production of nanosuspensions. The gypenosides-stabilized quercetin nanosuspensions(QUE-NS) were prepared using the high-speed shearing and high-pressure homogenization method with quercetin as a model drug, followed by their in vitro evaluation.Based on the measured mean particle size and polydispersity index(PDI) of QUE-NS,the single factor experiment was conducted to optimize the preparation process parameters.The freeze-drying method was used to transform QUE-NS into freeze-dried powders, whose storage stability and saturation solubility were then studied.Moreover, the effects of pH and ionic strength on the physical stability of the nanosuspension system were examined.According to the results, the optimized process parameters were listed as follows: shear rate 13 000 r·min~(-1),shear time 2 min, homogenization pressure 100 MPa, and homogenization frequency 12 times.The mean particle size of QUE-NS prepared under the optimum process conditions was(461.9±2.4) nm, and the PDI was 0.059±0.016.During the two months of storage at room temperature, the freeze-dried QUE-NS powders remained stable.The saturation solubility of freeze-dried QUE-NS powders was proved higher than those of quercetin and the physical mixture.The results of stability testing demonstrated that QUE-NS stabilized with gypenosides exhibited good stability within the pH range of 6 to 8,while coalescence was prone to occur in the presence of salt.Overall, gypenosides is expected to become a new natural stabilizer for the preparation of nanosuspensions.