Soft Gel Research Articles

Evaluation of oral nano-curcumin efficacy on respiratory function and quality of life in patients with bronchial non-atopic asthma: A randomized controlled trial.

Asthma is a common disease and curcumin has modest effect in inflammatory disorders. This study investigated the efficacy of nano-curcumin on asthma. In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with non-atopic bronchial asthma were randomly stratified in two groups of intervention (N=30) and control (N=30) groups. Apart from their standard treatment, the intervention group received 40 mg nano-curcumin (soft gel) three times daily while the control group received placebo. During the 60-day study, patients were assessed using spirometry to measure Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). Asthma control test (ACT) was completed every 30 days and asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) was completed at the first and end of the study. Totally, 31 patients (51.7%) were male and the mean age was 51.45±12.58 years. FEV1 was improved but there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups. ACT and AQLQ domains scores significantly improved. However, it was not statistically different between control and intervention groups. Nano-curcumin at administered dosage had no additive effect on the standard treatment in asthmatic patients.

Neuroprotective Effects of Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Ischaemic Stroke Induced in Wistar Rat

Stroke is one of the most prevalent vascular diseases in the world and has persistently ranked as at least the third leading cause of death globally over the past few decades (WHO). Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) contains flavonoids and ginkgolides making it a promising anti-oxidative natural product. The aim was to evaluate neuroprotective effects of GBE on hippocampus and cerebrum of Wistar rat with acute ischaemia induced by the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO).Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 study groups (n=6) and acclimatized in clean cages for a week. Group A, received Normal saline, Group B received GBE only, Group C had BCCAO only, Group D received GBE presurgery, and Group E received GBE postsurgery. The safe oral GBE daily dose of 100 mg/kg/day was administered for 14 days. 2 rats shared 1 capsule per day at average weight of 200 grams. Giloba, the soft gel capsule used, was manufactured by Mega Life Sciences Nigeria Ltd.: NAFDAC Reg. No. A7-0404L. After adequate anaesthesia at 80-100mg/kg of intraperitoneal Ketamine, BCCAO was performed with 3/o silk suture ligation. Reperfusion was allowed after 30 minutes. Analgesia and antibiotic prophylaxis were with intramuscular paracetamol injection and topical penicillin cream. Neurobehavioral changes in spatial exploration was assessed using Y-Maze toolkit. On day 21, from onset of acclimatization, the rats were sacrificed by gentle cervical dislocation under mild anaesthesia and the whole brain harvested for histomorphological studies.GBE offered neuroprotection as evidenced by remarkably less pyknotic cells and perineuronal vacuolations in the brain tissue with prophylactic effect being more pronounced than therapeutic action. It also boosted spatial working memory in the rats.

The impact of heat-set milk protein gel textures modified by pH on circulating amino acid appearance and gastric function in healthy female adults: a randomised controlled trial.

Modification of dairy proteins during processing impacts structural assemblies, influencing textural and nutritional properties of dairy products, and release and availability of amino acids during digestion. By modifying only pH, acid heat-set bovine dairy gels with divergent textural properties were developed to alter protein digestion. In vitro assay confirmed faster digestion of protein from a firm gel (pH 5.65) versus a soft gel (pH 6.55). We hypothesised that firm gel (FIRM-G; pH 5.6) would result in greater indispensable amino acid (IAA) appearance in circulation over 5 h and corresponding differences in gastric myoelectrical activity relative to soft gel (SOFT-G; pH 6.2). In a randomised, single-blind cross-over trial, healthy females (n = 20) consumed 150 g of each gel; plasma amino acid appearance was assessed over 5 hours. Iso-nitrogenous, iso-caloric gels were prepared from identical mixtures of bovine milk and whey protein concentrates; providing 17.7 g (FIRM-G) and 18.9 g (SOFT-G) of protein per serving. Secondary outcomes included gastric myoelectrical activity measured by body surface gastric mapping, glycaemic, triglyceridaemic, and subjective appetite and digestive responses. Overall plasma IAA (area under the curve) did not differ between gels. However, plasma IAA concentrations were higher, and increased more rapidly over time after SOFT-G compared with FIRM-G (1455 ± 53 versus 1350 ± 62 μmol L-1 at 30 min, p = 0.024). Similarly, total, branched-chain and dispensable amino acids were higher at 30 min with SOFT-G than FIRM-G (total: 3939 ± 97 versus 3702 ± 127 μmol L-1, p = 0.014; branched-chain: 677 ± 30 versus 619 ± 34 μmol L-1, p = 0.047; dispensable: 2334 ± 53 versus 2210 ± 76 μmol L-1, p = 0.032). All other measured parameters were similar between gels. Peak postprandial aminoacidaemia was higher and faster following ingestion of SOFT-G. Customised plasma amino acid appearance from dairy is achievable by altering gel coagulum structure using pH during processing and may have minimal influence on related postprandial responses, with implications for targeting food design for optimal health. The Clinical Trial Registry number is ACTRN12622001418763 (https://www.anzctr.org.au) registered November 7, 2022.

Aluminosilicate colloidal gels: from the early age to the precipitation of zeolites.

Aluminosilicate hydrogels are often considered to be precursors for the crystallisation of zeolites carried out under hydrothermal conditions. The preparation of mechanically homogeneous aluminosilicate gels enables the study of these materials through bulk rheology and observation of the aging dynamics until the precipitation of crystalline zeolites. The first part of this study deals with the establishment of ternary state diagrams, in order to identify the range of chemical formulations that enable preparation of single-phase homogeneous gels. Then, by studying the viscoelastic moduli during the gelation reaction, and by yielding the gel under large deformation, we propose an empirical law considering the partial order of reaction on each chemical element, to predict the gelation time according to the chemical formulation. The scaling behavior of the elastic properties of this colloidal gel shows a transition from a strong link behavior to a weak link regime. Long term aging results in the shrinkage of the gel, accompanied by syneresis of interstitial liquid at the surface. Zeolites precipitate through crystallisation by a particle attachment mechanism, when thermodynamic equilibrium is reached. The stoichiometry of the precipitated zeolites is not only consistent with the concentration of the remaining species in the supernatant but, surprisingly, it is also very close to the partial order of the reaction of the chemical elements involved in the determination of the critical gel point. This indicates a strong correlation between the morphology of the soft amorphous gel network that is formed at an early age and those of the final solid precipitated crystals.

Impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on lipid levels in pregnant women with previous pregnancy losses: a retrospective longitudinal study.

This research aims to investigate the impact of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the lipid levels of pregnant women who have experienced pregnancy losses. This retrospective study analyzed data from pregnant women with previous pregnancy losses from two medical centers. Their lipid profiles were measured at least twice during pregnancy. According to the use of omega-3 soft gel capsules, participants were divided into the omega-3 group and the control group. We assessed the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and longitudinal lipid levels during pregnancy using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Subsequently, we conducted subgroup analyses to delineate the profile of beneficiaries who received omega-3 fatty acids based on body mass index (BMI), age, menstrual regularity, number of previous pregnancy losses, number of previous live births, and educational level. The omega-3 group included 105 participants, while the control group comprised 274 participants. Women in the omega-3 group started supplementation between 3.43 and 17.14 weeks of gestation. According to GEE analysis, supplementing omega-3 fatty acids significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) levels during pregnancy (adjusted β = -0.300, 95% CI -0.445 to -0.154, p < 0.001). No associations between omega-3 fatty acids supplementation and total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were observed. Subgroup analyses revealed that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation was related to a reduction in TG levels among pregnant women with age of ≤35 years, a normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), 1-2 previous pregnancy losses, no previous live births, or an educational level above high school. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may significantly reduce TG levels, yet it does not seem to improve TC, LDL-C, or HDL-C levels in pregnant women with previous pregnancy losses.

Low solid content mouldable chitin physical hydrogel prepared by atypical rupture-free swelling.

In this study, the atypical swelling gelation of chitin physical hydrogels was investigated. Just by tuning the amount of the N-acetylation reagent, the degree of acetylation varied and mouldable chitin hydrogels with a wide variety of gel concentrations (0.2-6.4 wt%) were obtained. In response to the gel concentration, the mechanical properties ranged from swollen soft gels to shrunken rigid gels (compressive moduli of 4-310 kPa). The thus-prepared chitin hydrogels, which were composed of only chitin and water, exhibited high transparency and integrity. The swelling gelation of chitin physical hydrogels was achieved owing to both the positive charges of the amino groups inducing the osmotic pressure and the toughness of the crystalline nanofibrous network structure of the chitin hydrogels that endured the large volume change. These previously unnoticed advantageous aspects of chitin have pioneered a novel area of swellable physical gels that has been exclusive to chemical gels so far.

Mechanical characterization of soft biomaterials: which time and spatial scale to choose?

The mechanical properties of soft gels hold significant relevance in biomedicine and biomaterial design, including the development of tissue engineering constructs and bioequivalents. It is important to adequately characterize the gel's mechanical properties since they play a role both in the overall structural properties of the construct and the physiological responses of cells. The question remains which approach for the mechanical characterization is most suitable for specific biomaterials. Our investigation is centered on the comparison of three types of gels and four distinct mechanical testing techniques: shear rheology, compression, microindentation, and nanoindentation by atomic force microscopy. While analyzing an elastic homogeneous synthetic hydrogel (a polyacrylamide gel), we observed close mechanical results across the different testing techniques. However, our findings revealed more distinct outcomes when assessing a highly viscoelastic gel (Ecoflex) and a heterogeneous biopolymer hydrogel (enzymatically crosslinked gelatin). To ensure precise data interpretation, we introduced correction factors to account for the boundary conditions inherent in many of the testing methods. The results of this study underscore the critical significance of considering both the temporal and spatial scales in mechanical measurements of biomaterials. Furthermore, they encourage the employment of a combination of diverse testing techniques, particularly in the characterization of heterogeneous viscoelastic materials such as biological samples. The obtained results will contribute to the refinement of mechanical testing protocols and advance the development of soft gels for tissue engineering.

Control of plant-based biopolymer composite gel texture: Combining potato proteins with different high acyl-low acyl gellan gum ratios

The impact of blending different kinds of gellan gum (GG) on the textural attributes of potato protein-based biopolymer composites was studied. The total potato protein concentration (10 wt%) and gellan gum concentration (3 wt%) of the composite gels was fixed but the ratio of HAGG (forms soft and elastic gel) to LAGG (forms hard and brittle gel) was varied (100:0 to 0:100). During cooling, HAGG set at a higher temperature than LAGG, due to differences in steric hindrance effects. As the LAGG content increased, the shear modulus, Young's modulus, and brittleness of the gels increased, while their water holding capacity decreased. There were no major differences in the nature of the molecular interactions between the proteins in composite gels formulated using different gellan gum ratios. The addition of an antifoaming agent significantly reduced the variability in the textural attributes of the gels and increased their gel strength, which was attributed to its ability to suppress bubble formation. Overall, our results suggest that the textural attributes of biopolymer composite gels can be controlled by using plant proteins in combination with a pair of polysaccharides with different gelling properties. This knowledge may aid in the formulation of soft solid plant-based foods with more desirable textural attributes, such as meat, seafood, or egg analogs.

An organo-hydrogel with extreme mechanical performance and tolerance beyond skin

Soft polymer gels encounter difficulties in meeting the demanding requirements of real-life applications due to the long-standing challenge to reproduce the excellent mechanical properties and multifunctionalities observed in natural soft tissues. Here, a skin-like hierarchically structured organo-hydrogel with an all-around performance that matches and outperforms mammalian skin is reported, including high stretchability of 2227% strain, remarkable strength of 20.78 MPa, record-breaking fracture toughness up to 260 MJ/m3, together with excellent resistance to fracture and fatigue (fatigue threshold over 30.4 kJ/m2), superior long-term stability and tolerance to freezing and elevated temperatures. It also shows high conductivity and excellent electrical sensing capability. The underlying synergistic multi-scale reinforcement mechanisms of the organo-hydrogel are also validated via molecular dynamics simulations and experimental results. Hence, this work formulates a model design applicable to various polymer gels to expand their potential in applications including flexible electronics, multi-functional bionic sensors, energy storage devices and soft robotics.

Angle-Independent Color Change in Thermoresponsive Gel-Immobilized Colloidal Amorphous Film Attached to PET Substrate.

Gel-immobilized colloidal amorphous structures comprise short-range-ordered monodisperse submicrometer particles embedded into a soft polymer gel. They exhibit an angle-independent structural color that is tunable in response to external stimuli via a volume change in the gel, which has significant potential for the development of sensors that respond to stimuli via angle-independent color changes. In this study, the amorphous structure of a charged colloidal suspension in water was immobilized in a thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) gel film and simultaneously attached to a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The gel film exhibited a uniform angle-independent color that changed in response to changes in temperature (i.e., thermosensitivity). Attachment to the PET substrate suppressed changes in the gel film area and film distortion, despite significant volume changes in the gel. Consequently, the degree of thermosensitivity was enhanced. The PET-attached gel-immobilized colloidal amorphous film was easy to handle and had excellent flexibility, allowing it to wrap around the surfaces of curved objects. These features are advantageous for sensor applications.

Poynting effect in fluid-saturated poroelastic soft materials in torsion

This work studies the Poynting effect in fluid-saturated poroelastic soft materials in torsion. The Poynting effect is a nonlinear mechanical phenomenon commonly observed in soft solids such as biological soft tissues, gels and rubber. When sheared or twisted, such materials tend to either expand or contract in the direction perpendicular to the plane of shearing or twisting. Thus, to maintain a constant height, a compressive (positive Poynting effect) or tensile (negative Poynting effect) normal force must be applied to the material’s sheared face or twisted end. The mechanical response of fluid-saturated poroelastic soft materials can be described using mixture theory. Although both of its constituents are intrinsically incompressible, the biphasic material as a whole is compressible since it may gain or lose fluid through its pores. Our model—an extension of the single-constituent, incompressible solid models found in anterior studies—allows one to quantify the effect of the fluid and the solid on the normal force and torque required to maintain the torsion deformation and shows that the anomalous negative Poynting effect cannot be attributed to the poroelastic nature of the material alone. We use finite element simulations to predict the normal force and torque for biphasic materials with weakly-compressible and fully-compressible Mooney–Rivlin skeletons and Holmes–Mow-type hydraulic permeability. We also approximate analytical expressions for the normal force and torque for a weakly-compressible Mooney–Rivlin solid, which set a benchmark for the numerical simulations.

Stiffened tumor microenvironment enhances perineural invasion in breast cancer via integrin signaling.

Accumulating studies have shown that tumors are regulated by nerves, and there is abundant nerve infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. Many solid tumors including breast cancer (BRCA) have different degrees of perineural invasion (PNI), which is closely related to the tumor occurrence and progression. However, the regulatory mechanism of PNI in BRCA remains largely unexplored. PNI-related molecular events are analyzed by the RNAseq data of BRCA samples deposited in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the tumor microenvironment are analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of α-SMA, Sirius red staining, and Masson trichrome staining. Soft and stiff matrix gels, living cell imaging, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) coculture assay are used to monitor cancer cell invasiveness towards nerves. Western blotting, qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay combined with neutralizing antibody and small molecular inhibitors are employed to decode molecular mechanisms. Comparative analysis that the ECM was significantly associated with PNI status in the TCGA cohort. BRCA samples with higher α-SMA activity, fibrillar collagen, and collagen content had higher frequency of PNI. Compared with soft matrix, BRCA cells cultured in stiff matrix not only displayed higher cell invasiveness to DRG neurons but also had significant neurotrophic effects. Mechanistically, integrin β1 was identified as a functional receptor to the influence of stiff matrix on BRCA cells. Moreover, stiffened matrix-induced activation of integrin β1 transduces FAK-YAP signal cascade, which enhances cancer invasiveness and the neurotrophic effects. In clinical setting, PNI-positive BRCA samples had higher expression of ITGB1, phosphorylated FAK, YAP, and NGF compared with PNI-negative BRCA samples. Our findings suggest that stiff matrix induces expression of pro-metastatic and neurotrophic genes through integrin β1-FAK-YAP signals, which finally facilitates PNI in BRCA. Thus, our study provides a new mechanism for PNI in BRCA and highlights nerve-based tumor treatment strategies.

Soft Gelatine Capsules- Critical Quality Attributes of Chosen Excipients and Capsules Parameters Following the Quality by Design Concept

Soft gel capsules are a common form of medicine and food supplements. Quality, productivity and manufacturing time is crucial for producers during their development and industrial operations. To ensure the best quality of the product, it is necessary to know all critical process steps and parameters. The use of QbD elements is to ensure the quality of the drug product throughout its "life cycle". Quality by design (QbD) and its elements are described by the International Council of Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and in their guideline - chapter ICH Q8 (Pharmaceutical Development). One of the first steps in pharmaceutical product development is to prepare Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) and analyse Critical Material Attributes (CMAs) and Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and final product. During this research, we investigated the CQAs of the excipients used in vitamin D3 soft gelatin capsules containing high doses of cholecalciferol, from 10 000 to 200 000 IU per capsule. We considered the viscosity of the gelatin mass, the effect of the addition of dye on the viscosity, and the impact of the colour of the gelatin mass on the active substance content in the final capsules. It was also investigated oily carriers (medium chain triglycerides and safflower oil) and antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol acetate vs butylhydroxytoluene), and their effect on API concentration in the capsule.

Evaluation of outpatient prescription patterns of COVID-19 drugs in Iran: comparison of real practice with local therapeutic recommendations

BackgroundA comprehensive guideline named “Diagnostic Therapeutic Flow Chart for Covid-19″ (DTFC) was released by the Scientific Committee of Covid-19 of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education and regularly was updated. The aim of this study was to compare the prescription pattern of drug treatment in outpatient Covid-19 patients with the DTFC.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on the prescription pattern of drugs given to outpatients with a diagnosis of Covid-19, in Isfahan City from June to September 2021 (concurrent with the fifth peak of Covid-19 in Iran) taking into account the recommendations of the 9th version of DTFC (December 2020). A total of 8250 prescriptions were retrieved from the Public Health Department of Isfahan City.ResultsFamotidine 20, 40 mg tablets (N = 936 patients) was the most prescribed drug followed by dexamethasone ampule (N = 588), prednisolone 5, 50 mg tablets (N = 478), azithromycin 250, 500 mg capsules (N = 452), diphenhydramine syrup (N = 362), vitamin D3 soft gel 50,000 Iu (N = 526), naproxen 250, 500 mg tablets (N = 266) and favipiravir 200 mg tablet (N = 191). The following drugs were administered against the recommendation of the DTFC-9: azithromycin, favipiravir, remdesivir, cetirizine, corticosteroids, vitamin C, vitamin B12, multivitamins, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omperazole, anticoagulants (rivaroxaban,….), aspirin and ivermectin. Administration of analgesics, famotidine, hydroxychloroquine, vitamin D3, diphenhydramine and statins were in concordance with the DTFC-9.ConclusionIn this study, we showed frequent use of drugs with unproven efficacy in outpatient cases of Covid-19 mostly attributed to corticosteroids and antibiotics use. Our research highlights the discrepancy between recommendations for care and clinical practice and the need for strategy to bridge gaps in evidence-based informed decision-making.

Why are adults exposed to liquid laundry detergent capsules?

Introduction Exposures to liquid laundry detergent capsules in adults are less well characterized than in children. Methods All enquiries to the Centro Antiveleni di Milano regarding adults (>18 years) who were exposed to these capsules between July 2010 and July 2023 were analyzed. Enquiries were followed up with one or more recalls depending on the severity of the patient. Results Over the study period, 127 adults were exposed. The age distribution was as follows: 34 patients were aged 18-39 years, 29 were 40-59 years, 24 were 60-79 years, 26 were 80-96 years, and the age was unknown in 14. Exposure occurred mainly as a result of ingestion alone (n = 54), skin contact alone (n = 23), and eye contact alone (n = 31). Oral exposure without swallowing occurred in nine cases, and inhalation of the odour from a disintegrated capsule in four. Multiple routes of exposure were involved in six patients. Thirty-four (63 per cent) of the 54 ingestions occurred in those with dementia or intellectual disability, and three patients in this group died. Dermal or eye exposures did not involve those with dementia. Conclusions These data show that the majority of adults in Italy who ingest liquid laundry detergent capsules are suffering from dementia or other cognitive impairment.

Chemicals in Cigarette Flavor Capsules From Guatemala and Mexico.

The global market share for cigarettes with flavor capsules has grown exponentially over the last decade, particularly in Latin America. When smoking, consumers crush a liquid capsule in the filter that flavors the smoke. Little is known about the chemical constituents of the liquids in capsules or their potential health risks. Based on consumer data and availability in Mexico and Guatemala, 31 flavor capsule brands were purchased (19 and 12, respectively) in 2020. Since some cigarettes included multiple capsules in a stick (up to 2) or pack (up to 4), the final analytic sample included 50 capsules. We conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Agilent Technologies, Inc). The qualitative analysis detected 296 compounds (range = 9-67 per capsule), and all capsules contained menthol. Among the compounds detected in more than half the sample were limonene, menthone, benzaldehyde, eucalyptol, and triacetin. Traces of nicotine were found in 22% of the capsules. In the quantitative analysis, menthol concentrations were 33 times greater than the next most common compound (limonene). Benzyl alcohol and vanillin were also found in high concentrations. Comparing same-brand varieties across countries showed substantial variability in the concentration of menthol and other compounds. Menthol is an omnipresent constituent in capsule cigarettes, perhaps because of its anesthetizing and reinforcing addictive properties. Other compounds found are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and may enhance addictiveness. Variance in the presence and concentrations of such compounds highlights the importance of product standards to regulate capsule content. This study evaluated the chemical content of capsule cigarettes from two Latin American countries that have two of the highest market shares for capsule cigarettes worldwide. Compared to other studies, our assessment included brand varieties from two countries to compare the differences in chemical content by country. Our results yield that menthol is found in all capsules, and that other chemicals found may prolong nicotine exposure and therefore reinforce the addictive properties of cigarettes.

To the magnetorheological properties of magnetic gels with non-spherical particles. Viscoelastic modulus relaxation after the field alternation

We present a theoretical model of magnetorheological effects in a soft magnetic gel with non spherical (disc-shaped) magnetizable particles. This model is based on micro-mechanic consideration of the particles reorientation in a soft elastic-viscous medium after step-wise alternation of an applied magnetic field. Analysis of dynamics of the composite macroscopic shear modulus change after the field alternation is in focus of our consideration. The presented results explain recently experimentally observed magnetorheological and relaxation effects in ferrogels with the discotic particles: increase of the composite modulus under the field action; relaxation of its storage and loss components as well as overshoot of the loss modulus after the field stepwise activation and deactivation.

Nano-curcumin effects on nicotine dependence, depression, anxiety and metabolic parameters in smokers: A randomized double-blind clinical study

BackgroundSmoking is clearly associated with metabolic profiles/abnormalities, psychological dysfunction, and symptoms of nicotine dependence. Nano-Curcumin (Nano-CUR) is a medicinal herb with antianxiety, antioxidant antidepressant‐like effects, and anti-inflammatory properties. This RCT aimed to determine the therapeutic effects of Nano-CUR in smokers on clinical symptoms and metabolic parameters. MethodsThis trial was conducted on 70 participants with cigarette smoking. Smokers in two arms received soft gel capsules Nano-CUR 80 mg/daily for 3 months (n = 35) and placebo (n = 35), respectively. Primary outcomes (Nicotine dependence syndrome scale, depression, and anxiety beck score), and secondary outcomes (glycemic, lipid, stress oxidative, and inflammation profiles) were analyzed before and 3-months after the intervention in smokers. ResultsNano-CUR supplementation significantly decreased nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and C-reactive protein levels (P < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, no significant effect change was shown in nicotine dependence syndrome, depression, anxiety, and other metabolic parameters (p > 0.05). ConclusionNano-CUR intake may have favorable effects on C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide in subjects with cigarette smoking. More RCT are required to evaluate the effectiveness of Nano-CUR supplementations in smokers in order to reject or support these conclude.

Tunable rice protein–starch composite soft gels: Structural role of ultrasound-modified protein

Soft composite gels were prepared with ultrasound-treated rice protein (URP, 4%) and rice starch (RS, 6%). The compositional and physical attributes of URP were elucidated, and the textural, rheological and structural properties of the composite gels were characterized. URP showed a reduced particle size, improved solubility, and increased heat tolerance. Cooked (65 °C for 20 min, then heated to 95 °C at 1 °C/min) RS + URP gels displayed a homogeneous and smooth texture with a range of reduced hardness (62%–78.3%) compared with RS gel while largely retaining the water-holding capacity. The viscosity and shear moduli (Gʹ and G′′) of the gels decreased correspondingly, and starch retrogradation was partially inhibited by the interaction with URP. A salient amorphous state revealed by X-ray diffraction confirmed weaker amylose association, in corroboration with non-covalent interactions between RS and URP shown by FTIR spectroscopy. These findings suggest that URP can be a functional ingredient for the development of soft, protein-rich, starch-based gel products suitable for the dysphagia diet.

Bigels as novel carriers of bioactive compounds: Applications and research trends

Bigels have drawn more attention recently than other carriers because of their improved storage stability and potential for longer intestinal release. Due to their poor solubility, quick oxidation, and high degradation during physiological transit, bioactive compounds (bioactives) like flavors, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants are challenging to supply in food systems. Bigels are a new family of soft solid gels with intriguing release qualities, which can deliver drugs/nutritional supplement components. In order to design functional foods with bioactive-loaded bigels, this paper attempts to obtain a deeper understanding of the structures and functionalities of bigels as carriers by improving their stability and bioavailability. By manipulating the physical properties of bigels, such as how they behave during digestion in the digestive tract, it is possible to create bigels that behave differently in various environments. By adjusting bigels’ stability and release properties, the bioavailability of the incorporated bioactives would be enhanced. Also, bigels are appropriate for the production of foods with lower fat content.