Sesame Oil Research Articles

Ready-to-use therapeutic food as a promising therapy for the prevention and cure of undernutrition in pre-school children: A review

The nutritional status of pre-school children is a reflection of health of children in the world and forms the basis for the development of success-oriented interventional programs. This study indicates the prevalence of under-nutrition in under five children in the world, Africa and Nigeria. It also showed the prevalence of under-nutrition in the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria, with the Northern regions reported to have the highest burden of under-nutrition compared to the other regions due to several factors such as inadequate breast feeding, lack of access to healthcare, lack of clean water, armed conflict, inadequate dietary intake, inappropriate feeding, foetal growth restriction, inadequate sanitation, lack of parental education, large family size, incomplete vaccination, poverty and low socio-economic status and desire to have more children. Several nutritional interventions have been put in place to prevent and cure under-nutrition in pre-school children, which include Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding, Micronutrient supplementation, Food fortification, Nutrition education, Complimentary feeding, and Cash transfer programs, Ready-to-use therapeutics foods (RUTF), Nutritional rehabilitation centers, Parenteral nutrition, and Nutritional counseling and education. However, RUTF has been reported to have an effective intervention in the prevention and treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in pre-school children. It is an energy dense, shelf stable and ready to eat food which composed of peanut butter, sugar, full fat milk and mineral-vitamin premix. Other plant-based ingredients such as chickpea, soybean, sesame, maize, oats, sorghum and sunflower oil have also, been used in the production of RUTF and reported to be effective for complete recovery of SAM children.

Freeze-dried wafers containing sesame oil for alleviation of dry mouth

A dry mouth is a condition with significant morbidity. Conventional saliva substitutes are expensive, short-lived, and prone to contamination. This study presents a Freeze-Dried Sesame Oil Emulsion Saliva Substitute (FD-SOESS), which combines the advantages of sesame oil through a freeze-drying process and assesses its effectiveness. High-speed homogenization (HSH) as well as high-pressure homogenization (HPH) techniques were employed to fabricate the FD-SOESS. The formulations that underwent the additional HPH step demonstrated improved physical properties, such as lower viscosity and faster redispersion times, compared to HSH alone. The optimized formulation (F11) possessed a near neutral pH of 6.67 and rapid re-dispersibility that was <141.5 s), which is acceptable for oral administration. Additionally, the FD-SOESS formulation revealed heterogeneous porous structures with a layered arrangement of different pore sizes, and the resulting formulation had low moisture content (2.76 %). The formulation met the microbial limit test. The antioxidant IC₅₀ of sesamin was found to be 0.318 μM. Furthermore, it was not toxic to periodontal cells at 50 μg/mL or 100 μg/mL. Human periodontal cell lines subjected to scratch and treated with FD-SOESS demonstrated notable migration that achieved complete wound closure within two days. The administration of FD-SOESS led to a notable elevation in the mucus concentrations found in the saliva samples of all participants. Overall, the results indicated that FD-SOESS is a highly promising alternative to saliva and may improve oral health for individuals suffering from dry mouth.

8245 Estradiol Interacts with the Val66Met Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene to Alter Endometrial Thickness in a Rat Model

Abstract Disclosure: S. Moosa: None. E. Kohlmeir: None. S. Kujawa: None. D. Korol: None. A. Prakapenka: None. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is most known for its involvement in cell development, survival, and plasticity in the nervous system. BDNF and its cognate receptors can also be found in non-neural tissue including the ovary and uterus in humans and in animal models, suggesting that BDNF signaling may regulate reproductive functions. Indeed, disruptions in BDNF signaling are associated with health conditions related to the reproductive system, such as endometriosis. Studies show that treatment with estradiol increases expression of uterine BDNF and its cognate receptors, suggesting that estradiol can modulate BDNF signaling and its effects in the reproductive system. A common human functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BDNF gene, Val66Met (rs6265), is thought to decrease activity-dependent release of BDNF, altering BDNF signaling. Using a CRISPR/cas9 rat model of the human Val66Met BDNF SNP, we investigated the interacting role of estradiol and this variation in the BDNF gene on female uterine structure. Middle-aged (11-14-months-old) female rats were either homozygous for the Val allele (Val/Val; control) or the Met allele (Met/Met; BDNF SNP). All rats were ovariectomized and after three weeks randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous treatment of vehicle (sesame oil) or estradiol (17beta-estradiol benzoate) for two consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the second injection, rats were euthanized and tissue collected, weighed, and placed in fixative. Uterine tissue weights differed significantly by treatment and by genotype such that uterine horns were heavier in estradiol-treated compared to vehicle-treated rats within each genotype and uterine horns were heavier in Met/Met compared to Val/Val rats within each treatment condition. To determine which uterine layer contributed to the weight differences, uterine horns were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Thickness of myometrium, endometrium, and lumen were individually measured. Although there were no treatment and no genotype effects on myometrial thickness, there were significant treatment and genotype effects on endometrial thickness. Of note, the endometrium of estradiol-treated Met/Met rats was thicker compared to vehicle-treated Met/Met rats and compared to estradiol-treated Val/Val rats, suggesting that estradiol and the BDNF gene variation interact to modulate endometrial size. Lumen circumference did not differ between genotypes but did increase with estradiol compared to vehicle treatment within each genotype. Altogether, findings suggest that BDNF genotype affects uterine structure, notably the endometrium. Differences with BDNF gene variation emerged with estradiol exposure, implicating the hormone’s role in modulating BDNF signaling and warranting future research on the interactive effects of estradiol and BDNF genotype on the endometrium. Presentation: 6/2/2024

8245 Estradiol Interacts with the Val66Met Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene to Alter Endometrial Thickness in a Rat Model

Abstract Disclosure: S. Moosa: None. E. Kohlmeir: None. S. Kujawa: None. D. Korol: None. A. Prakapenka: None. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is most known for its involvement in cell development, survival, and plasticity in the nervous system. BDNF and its cognate receptors can also be found in non-neural tissue including the ovary and uterus in humans and in animal models, suggesting that BDNF signaling may regulate reproductive functions. Indeed, disruptions in BDNF signaling are associated with health conditions related to the reproductive system, such as endometriosis. Studies show that treatment with estradiol increases expression of uterine BDNF and its cognate receptors, suggesting that estradiol can modulate BDNF signaling and its effects in the reproductive system. A common human functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the BDNF gene, Val66Met (rs6265), is thought to decrease activity-dependent release of BDNF, altering BDNF signaling. Using a CRISPR/cas9 rat model of the human Val66Met BDNF SNP, we investigated the interacting role of estradiol and this variation in the BDNF gene on female uterine structure. Middle-aged (11-14-months-old) female rats were either homozygous for the Val allele (Val/Val; control) or the Met allele (Met/Met; BDNF SNP). All rats were ovariectomized and after three weeks randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous treatment of vehicle (sesame oil) or estradiol (17beta-estradiol benzoate) for two consecutive days. Twenty-four hours after the second injection, rats were euthanized and tissue collected, weighed, and placed in fixative. Uterine tissue weights differed significantly by treatment and by genotype such that uterine horns were heavier in estradiol-treated compared to vehicle-treated rats within each genotype and uterine horns were heavier in Met/Met compared to Val/Val rats within each treatment condition. To determine which uterine layer contributed to the weight differences, uterine horns were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Thickness of myometrium, endometrium, and lumen were individually measured. Although there were no treatment and no genotype effects on myometrial thickness, there were significant treatment and genotype effects on endometrial thickness. Of note, the endometrium of estradiol-treated Met/Met rats was thicker compared to vehicle-treated Met/Met rats and compared to estradiol-treated Val/Val rats, suggesting that estradiol and the BDNF gene variation interact to modulate endometrial size. Lumen circumference did not differ between genotypes but did increase with estradiol compared to vehicle treatment within each genotype. Altogether, findings suggest that BDNF genotype affects uterine structure, notably the endometrium. Differences with BDNF gene variation emerged with estradiol exposure, implicating the hormone’s role in modulating BDNF signaling and warranting future research on the interactive effects of estradiol and BDNF genotype on the endometrium. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Effects of repeated voluntary oral consumption of synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on locomotor activity and cannabinoid receptor 1 expression

As cannabis legalization expands, preclinical studies continue to investigate the impact of repeated exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in the plant. With the increasing popularity of cannabis infused foods, the rise of THC in medicinal applications have also expanded. The present study addresses a critical gap in existing literature by investigating the behavioral and neurobiological effects of low-dose edible THC in a preclinical rodent model. Adult male rats were administered synthetic-THC (Dronabinol) (0.0625mg/kg, 0.125mg/kg, and 0.25mg/kg) or vehicle (sesame oil) through edible cookies, 90min prior to eight locomotor sessions. Locomotor activity significantly increased in both 0.0625mg/kg and 0.25mg/kg THC groups, indicating a dose-dependent relationship. Repeated 0.25mg/kg THC administration dose-dependently reduced cannabinoid receptor 1 expression in the hippocampus. The observed neurobiological change from low dose oral THC advances our understanding of repeated cannabis use. These findings also emphasize the importance of refining rodent models for translational relevance.

Influence of oil base and gelling agent on the performance of oil gels

Abstract Oil gels, as a novel delivery system, have broad prospects in carrying nutrients and active substances. It has been found that the properties of oil gels are closely related to the types of oil bases and gelling agents used. In this study, soybean oil, sesame oil, and coconut oil were used as oil bases, while ethyl cellulose (EC), monoglycerides (MG), herbal extracts (HE), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-xanthan gum (HPMC-XG) were used as gelling agents to prepare different oil gels. The performance of the oil gels was evaluated based on appearance, microstructure, viscosity, oil-holding capacity, and drug-loading capability.

Impact of Feeding Artemia franciscana Enriched with Various Oil Resources on Growth, Blood Biochemical and Behavioral Indices, and Survival of Oreochromis Niloticus

Abstract The main objective of the present trial was to examine the efficacy of feeding tilapia fry fish on Artemia franciscana diets supplemented with various oil emulsion resources in terms of performance, behavior indices, survival rate, blood biochemical parameters, and immunological response. Four hundred Nile tilapia fry (weighing 0.15±0.05 g and measuring 2.17±0.08 cm) were randomly allocated into four equal groups (each with five repetitions) and acclimatized for fifteen days. The first group served as the control and received unenriched Artemia franciscana (G0), while the remaining three groups were fed Artemia franciscana diets enriched with different oil resources (0.5 mL oil per liter for 6 hours): soybean oil (G1), sesame oil (G2), and rice bran oil (G3). Behavioral observations were recorded during the 45-day experimental period. At the end of the feeding trial, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fingerlings were analyzed. Furthermore, the growth performance, survival, and immune response of the fingerlings were evaluated. The results indicated noticeable improvements in behavioral measurements (feeding, foraging and schooling), performance (final length, final weight, net weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate), survival, and immune response among fry fish supplemented with enriched Artemia, particularly those enriched with soybean oil. Additionally, the chemical composition and fatty acid content of both Artemia and fish fry were significantly enhanced when oil emulsions are applied, with soybean oil demonstrating the most prominent improvements. Whereas, supplementing fry fish Artemia diets with oil resulted in lower liver enzyme activity and higher protein component levels in plasma in comparison to the control group. In brief, feeding Nile tilapia fry fish Artemia diets enriched with a soybean oil emulsion (0.5 mL/L) is recommended for promoting high performance, immunological activity, and survival throughout the early stage till fingerlings phase.

Cationic UV‐Curing of Shape Memory Biobased Polyurethanes Sensing Low Heat

ABSTRACTThe environmental problems caused by thermal reactions have prompted the search for new approaches. Photochemical curing, which uses light energy, offers a sustainable solution for polymerizing complex polymers, reducing energy consumption, and emissions. Current study involves cationic UV‐curing of biobased polyurethanes (PU) with a thermo‐responsive shape memory behavior on very low temperature almost equal to human body temperature. This product has a potential to be utilized as drug carrier or related biomedical applications, as well as self‐tightening materials against human body heat. Polymer has been designed from sesame oil, with slight modification through a facile epoxidation approach. Main objectives of this research were to prepare biobased PU recipe; to utilize a specially designed UV‐curing approach for this synthesis; and to develop shape memory properties upon sensing human body temperature. Prepared material has been analyzed through FTIR, SEM, TGA, DSC, water absorption capacity (WAC), and gel contents (GCs). Shape memory behavior has been tested in both air and water against a range of temperatures (35°C–80°C). At 35°C in 208 s, prepared sample, presented 96.60% Rr and 90.56% Rf, whereas at 80°C in 55 s Rr increased to 98.33% and Rf increased to 100%. Hydrophobic nature of sample was confirmed by 4.1% water absorption in 48 h.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Effects of Coenzyme Q10 against Hyperglycemia-Mediated Oxidative Stress by Focusing on Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in the Liver of Diabetic Rats.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress can damage the liver and lead to diabetes complications. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) reduces diabetes-related oxidative stress. However, its molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to examine CoQ-10's antioxidant capabilities against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in the livers of diabetic rats, specifically targeting the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway. This study was conducted between 2020-2021 at Arak University of Medical Sciences. A total of 30 male adult Wistar rats (8 weeks old) weighing 220-250 g were randomly assigned to five groups (n=6 in each group): control healthy, sesame oil (CoQ-10 solvent), CoQ-10 (10 mg/Kg), diabetic, and diabetic+CoQ-10. Liver oxidative stress indicators, including malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione, were estimated using the spectrophotometry method. Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 gene expressions were measured using real-time PCR tests in the liver tissue. All treatments were conducted for 6 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. One-way ANOVA followed by LSD's or Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare the results of different groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The findings showed that induction of diabetes significantly increased Keap1 expression (2.1±0.9 folds, P=0.01), and significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of Nrf2 (0.38±0.2 folds, P=0.009), HO-1 (0.27±0.1 folds, P=0.02), and NQO1 (0.26±0.1 folds P=0.01), compared with the healthy group. In the diabetic group, the activity of glutathione peroxidase, catalase enzymes, and glutathione levels was decreased with an increase in malondialdehyde level. CoQ-10 supplementation significantly up-regulated the expressions of Nrf2 (0.85±0.3, P=0.04), HO-1 (0.94±0.2, P=0.04), NQO1 (0.88±0.5, P=0.03) genes, and inhibited Keap1 expression (1.1±0.6, P=0.02). Furthermore, as compared to control diabetic rats, CoQ-10 ameliorated oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde levels and increasing catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities, and glutathione levels in the liver tissues of the treated rats in the treatment group. The findings of this study revealed that CoQ-10 could increase the antioxidant capacity of the liver tissue in diabetic rats by modulating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway.

Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Cooking Dynamics in Industrial Sesame Seed Oil Extraction

Application of Artificial Neural Networks for Predicting Cooking Dynamics in Industrial Sesame Seed Oil Extraction

Evaluating changes in body composition, bone mass, and metabolic profile in an animal model undergoing transfeminine hormone therapy and physical exercise

Background & AimsGender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is essential for transgender individuals seeking body modifications. For transfeminine people assigned male at birth, GAHT typically involves a combination of antiandrogens and estrogens. Despite its importance, the scientific literature presents inconsistencies regarding the effects of these hormones on nutritional status, body composition, and biochemical markers. This study aims to evaluate the impact of estradiol enanthate and dihydroxyprogesterone acetophenide (E2EN/DHPA) hormonal treatment, in conjunction with resistive physical exercise, on body composition and metabolic profiles. MethodsTwenty-eight male rats were divided into three groups: MO (control group, n=8), receiving sesame oil vehicle; MH (n=11), receiving E2EN/DHPA; and MEH (n=9), receiving E2EN/DHPA along with physical exercise. The hormonal treatment was administered every ten days for two months, while the exercise regimen involved stair climbing with progressively increasing weights, performed five times weekly for seven weeks. Evaluated parameters included body mass index (BMI), body composition (fat and lean mass), bone mineral density (BMD), and lipid profile (triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C). ResultsThe rats that received E2EN/DHPA showed significant changes in body composition and BMI, regardless of exercise. The MH group had increased body fat, while both the MH and MEH groups had decreased bone area and mineral content. However, BMD remained the same across all groups. Elevated triglyceride levels were observed, and the MEH group also had reduced LDL-C levels. HDL-C levels did not show significant variation. ConclusionThe study's findings show similarities to changes seen in transfeminine individuals undergoing GAHT with estrogen and antiandrogens. These changes include decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, preserved bone mineral density, and elevated triglycerides. The study also found that resistance exercise positively impacted lipid profiles, particularly in reducing LDL-C. These results highlight the need for further research and comparative trials on hormone therapy regimens.

Assessment of the effects of cannabidiol and a CBD-rich hemp extract in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Consumer use of cannabidiol (CBD) is growing, but there are still data gaps regarding its possible adverse effects on reproduction and development. Multiple pathways and signaling cascades involved in organismal development and neuronal function, including endocannabinoid synthesis and signaling systems, are well conserved across phyla, suggesting that Caenorhabditis elegans can model the in vivo effects of exogenous cannabinoids. The effects in C. elegans on oxidative stress response (OxStrR), developmental timing, juvenile and adult spontaneous locomotor activity, reproductive output, and organismal CBD concentrations were assessed after exposure to purified CBD or a hemp extract suspended in 0.5% sesame oil emulsions. In C. elegans, this emulsion vehicle is equivalent to a high-fat diet (HFD). As in mammals, HFD was associated with oxidative-stress-related gene expression in C. elegans adults. CBD reduced HFD-induced OxStrR in transgenic adults and counteracted the hypoactivity observed in HFD-exposed wild-type adults. In C. elegans exposed to CBD from the onset of feeding, delays in later milestone acquisition were irreversible, while later juvenile locomotor activity effects were reversible after the removal of CBD exposure. CBD-induced reductions in mean juvenile population body size were cumulative when chronic exposures were initiated at parental reproductive maturity. Purified CBD was slightly more toxic than matched concentrations of CBD in hemp extract for all tested endpoints, and both were more toxic to juveniles than to adults. Dosimetry indicated that all adverse effect levels observed in C. elegans far exceeded recommended CBD dosages for humans.

Biosynthetic Sesame Oil and Nano Titanium Dioxide As a Therapy For Second Degree Burns

As the healing of burn wounds delay that affect the skin and lead to tearing and damage to its parts, as well as the remaining traces and scars on the skin because of exposure to heat, radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction, or contact with chemicals, it has become necessary to investigate and discover effective medicines. Burns that affect the skin have an important purpose, Therefore, it is important to continue studying and experimenting with new and effective medicines, including effective nanomaterials, to reach efficient treatments to treat such injuries. In the current study, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were prepared, and this material was examined using a device a Field Emission Electron Scanning Microscope (FE-SEM). The results obtained were on the nanoscale, with sizes ranging from (31.52-69.08) nanometers. The effectiveness and effect of biosynthetic nanomaterials and sesame seeds were investigated in vivo at a concentration of 1% TiO2 and 20% sesame oil on burns in the skin of laboratory rats and compared with a control group of natural skin of the same type of laboratory rats. They were also compared with rats treated with Mebo ointment. Randomly, 18 rats were put into three equal groups and treated once daily for 28 days. The results of the study showed effective activity and a noticeable speed in the healing of burns that affected the skin of laboratory rats using a nano-titanium dioxide preparation supported by sesame seed extract whose burn mean amounted to 0.005 compared to the control treatment, whose burn mean was 2.443. According to the current study's findings, using biosynthetic nano-titanium dioxide and sesame oil together results in better burn wound healing than using each of them separately.

A comparative study of the healing effects of sesame oil and TiO2 nanoparticles gel on second-degree burn

Burns, a severe form of soft tissue injury, can cause significant damage and, in extreme cases, be fatal. They also lead to considerable mental and emotional distress due to excessive scarring and skin contractures. Despite various treatment methods, burn care remains a challenging medical issue. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), revealing particle sizes ranging from 31.52 to 69.08 nanometers. The impact of biosynthetic nanomaterials and sesame seed oil on burn healing in laboratory rats was investigated. The study compared the effects of a 1% TiO2 solution and 20% sesame oil on burned skin with a control group of rats having natural skin. Fifteen rats were divided into three groups, each receiving daily treatment for 28 days. The results indicated that the TiO2 treatment significantly accelerated healing compared to the sesame seed oil group, which had a slower healing rate of 0.12 points per day. The TiO2 treatment demonstrated a marked improvement in healing speed and effectiveness.

Effect of thermal pretreatments on the quality attributes and irradiation markers of sesame oil extracted from sesame seeds without and with gamma irradiation

This study comparatively studied the effects of three thermal pretreatment methods, i.e., wet-heat (WT), roasting (RT) and microwave (MT), on the quality attributes and irradiation markers of sesame oil obtained from sesame seeds without and with gamma irradiation. Results showed that gamma irradiation had negligible effect on the quality of sesame seeds and their extracted oils. The effects of thermal pretreatments on irradiated and non-irradiated sesame seeds and their oils were similar, little synergistic effects were observed. The RT-treated oils had more carotenoids, chlorophyll, total phenols, tocopherols, and heterocyclic volatiles content, as well as longer oxidation induction time, but darker color compared with their WT- and MT-treated counterparts. All oil samples had identical FTIR spectra. Eight radiolytic hydrocarbons were identified in the irradiated sesame oils. Thermal pretreatments reduced the content of radiolytic hydrocarbons, but did not significantly change their composition. Our study helps to identify products from irradiated sesame seeds.

Carbonaceous aerosol emissions from secondary lighting sources: Emission factors and optical properties

India is shifting towards cleaner residential fuels, but this transition does not fully address household lighting challenges. Power disruptions, especially in rural areas, lead to the use of secondary lighting sources such as kerosene lamps, edible oil lamps, and candles. Our previous work identified kerosene wick and hurricane lamps as major secondary lighting sources in Indian households. This study presents the emission factors (EF) and optical properties of carbonaceous aerosols from five major secondary lighting devices in India, measured using a laboratory extractor hood system. Dominant secondary lighting devices, such as simple wick lamps (61.4 ± 9.8 g kg⁻1) and hurricane lamps (17.2 ± 4.8 g kg⁻1), exhibit higher elemental carbon (EC) EFs than typical residential biomass burning. Sesame oil lamps, primarily used in India during the Diwali festival, also have significant EC emission potential, with an EC EF of 71.6 ± 16.9 g kg⁻1. The low absorption Angstrom exponent (AAE) of ∼1 at near-UV wavelengths indicates a dominance of black carbon (BC) and negligible brown carbon absorption, corroborated by very low organic carbon concentrations. India-wide EC emissions (12.5 Gg year⁻1) from residential kerosene lighting show a higher (∼50%) contribution from eastern India. Additionally, the use of oil lamps during the Diwali festival could emit ∼3 Gg of EC in two days, with a potential reduction of ∼90% if wax-based lamps replace oil lamps. These measured EFs, aerosol optical properties, and estimated emissions will help future studies derive more accurate climate and health impacts from these otherwise overlooked lighting devices.

A dual-layer nano dressing with enhanced antimicrobial and healing properties via sesame nanoemulgel with efficient levofloxacin delivery for wound management

Creating suitable wound dressings is considered a promising approach for treating severe skin injuries, as they can provide the environment for healing and protection against infection. The optimum wound dressing should possess biocompatibility, high absorbency, antimicrobial activity, breathability, and mechanical strength. So, in this study, we created a two-layer dressing that includes a surface layer composed of xanthan, polyvinyl alcohol, and sesame oil, as well as a nanofibrous sublayer that contains polyvinyl alcohol, collagen, levofloxacin, and sesame oil nanoemulsion (Video 1). This dual structure is designed to offer antimicrobial properties and facilitate wound healing while having suitable physical stability. The films showed desirable morphological features and significantly increased flexibility (less than 1000). These features were respectively proven through scanning electron microscopy and tensile strength. Laboratory investigations were conducted to examine the precise compatibility and anti-inflammatory features. According to the obtained results, the nanosystems showed compatibility with hemolysis below 5 percent and by adding sesame oil to the films, their anti-inflammatory properties (88 ± 0.19 %) and blood compatibility (1.3507 ± 0.20) increased. In-vivo studies using the rat skin defect model showed that the dressings significantly accelerate the closure of skin wounds and enhance the reconstruction of skin appendage structures. The therapeutic effect resulted from reducing inflammatory factors, and the film's antimicrobial properties effectively prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. In conclusion, the study suggests that the new nano-biocomposite films suit wound management.

The Effect of Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels on the Oil and Fatty Acid Composition of Sesame and Its Economic Analysis

The Effect of Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels on the Oil and Fatty Acid Composition of Sesame and Its Economic Analysis

Enhancing Functional Compounds in Sesame Oil through Acid-Soaking and Microwave-Heating of Sesame Seeds.

This study investigated whether pre-treating sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds with a combination of acid-soaking and microwave-heating could significantly enhance the quality of the resulting sesame oil, particularly by increasing its content of functional compounds such as lignans, tocopherol, phytosterol, and squalene. The study revealed that soaking the sesame seeds in a solution of HCl and citric acid, along with microwave-heating, significantly increased the content of these compounds. The detected ranges were sesamin (1365-6927 µg g-1), sesamolin (605-3493 µg g-1), tocopherol (69.31-282.76 µg g-1), asarinin (ND-383.52 µg g-1), sesamol (ND-49.59 µg g-1), phytosterol (3690-6201 µg g-1), and squalene (532-1628 µg g-1). Additionally, the study found that the pre-treatment of sesame seeds had a minimal effect on the fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity (92.94-95.08% DPPH scavenging activity), and oxidative stability (2.13-2.90 mg MDA kg-1 oil). This is the first study to demonstrate that using acid-soaking and microwave-heating to prepare sesame seeds can produce sesame oil enriched with functional compounds, potentially benefiting cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and health applications.

Metamaterial enhanced sensor for powder material classification

In this paper, a simple and efficient approach is presented to classify different power materials based on a one port microwave sensor in X-band. This classification focuses on powder materials, unlike prior studies that focused on liquids (castor oil, neem oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and mahua oil), this classification represents a shift towards powdered materials. The response of the proposed sensor is enhanced by adding a metamaterial (MTM) unit cell of F-shape to focus electromagnetic waves on the sample under test. This metamaterial-based sensor is designed to differentiate between different types of materials based on the corresponding reflection coefficient. The sample under test is included inside a dielectric box inserted inside a rectangular waveguide. The MTM unit cell is added on the front face of this box towards the direction of the incident wave. The resonance frequency depends on the characteristics of the powder material inside the box. The MTM unit cell enhances this resonance to simplify the process of classification of different materials. The measured results show that the proposed sensor can detect a wide range of powder materials, including clay, cement, sand, and mixtures: cement & sand, and clay & sand. The designed sensor can be used in various applications, including detection and classification of different powder materials in industrial applications.