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Scientific Reports Jun 2024In this work, the surface of polyvinyl chloride PVC sheet was modified by blending it with sunflower seed oil SSO to obtain PVC sheet/SSO films of ratios 100/0, 90/10,...
In this work, the surface of polyvinyl chloride PVC sheet was modified by blending it with sunflower seed oil SSO to obtain PVC sheet/SSO films of ratios 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, and 50/50 (v/v)% using the solution casting method. Various techniques were used to characterize the prepared films, besides the use of hemolysis assays and blood clot formation tests. FTIR spectra revealed that there was a good interaction between the PVC sheet and the oil. The dielectric measurement indicated that SSO addition enhanced the dielectric properties of the sheet. The study of dielectric relaxation times confirmed the interaction between SSO and the sheet. DC conductivity increased to 6 × 10 S/m, so it could be applied in antistatic applications. Also, SSO addition increased the value of the thermal stability. According to SEM micrographs, the film was roughened at a ratio of 60/40 and smoothed out at 50/50. This behavior was confirmed with roughness and contact angle measurement results, in which the film of ratio 60/40 had the highest value equal to (72.03°) and then decreased at 50/50 to (59.62°). These results were confirmed by XRD measurement as the crystallinity increased at the film ratio of 60/40 and decreased again at 50/50. Also, the ratio of 60/40 demonstrated a large decrease in thrombus weights along with a slight increase in hemolysis, which is within the acceptable range and has a high degree of biocompatibility, so this concentration is recommended to be used in blood bags applications.
Topics: Sunflower Oil; Polyvinyl Chloride; Hemolysis; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Humans; Animals; Blood Coagulation; Surface Properties; Plant Oils
PubMed: 38844516
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62709-5 -
PloS One 2024This research presents a comprehensive study of sequential oxidative extraction (SOE) consisting of alkaline and acidic oxidation processes to extract nanocellulose from...
This research presents a comprehensive study of sequential oxidative extraction (SOE) consisting of alkaline and acidic oxidation processes to extract nanocellulose from plant biomass. This proposed process is advantageous as its operation requires a minimum process with mild solvents, and yet successfully isolated high-quality nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) from raw OPEFB. The SOE involved ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH, 2.6 M) and formic acid (HCOOH, 5.3 M) catalyzed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 3.2 M). This approach was used to efficiently solubilize the lignin and hemicellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) at the temperature of 100°C and 1 h extraction time, which managed to retain fibrous NFC. The extracted solid and liquor at each stage were studied extensively through physiochemical analysis. The finding indicated that approximately 75.3%dwb of hemicellulose, 68.9%dwb of lignin, and 42.0%dwb of extractive were solubilized in the first SOE cycle, while the second SOE cycle resulted in 92.3%dwb, 99.6%dwb and 99.8%dwb of solubilized hemicellulose, lignin, and extractive/ash, respectively. High-quality NFC (75.52%dwb) was obtained for the final extracted solid with 76.4% crystallinity, which is near the crystallinity of standard commercial NFC. The proposed process possesses an effective synergy in producing NFC from raw OPEFB with less cellulose degradation, and most of the degraded hemicellulose and lignin are solubilized in the liquor.
Topics: Cellulose; Fruit; Oxidation-Reduction; Arecaceae; Lignin; Nanofibers; Palm Oil; Polysaccharides; Hydrogen Peroxide
PubMed: 38843202
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299312 -
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice May 2024Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the etiology of fatigue in patients with MS, it has been reported that fatigue is caused by irregular or disrupted sleep patterns.
AIM
The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on the sleep and fatigue of MS patients.
METHODS
The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Description Form, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
RESULTS
The mean FSS score in the experimental group was 6.86 ± 0.94 before the procedure and 3.42 ± 0.85 after the procedure, the mean PSQI score was 9.45 ± 1.23 before the procedure and 6.68 ± 2.87 after the procedure, and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has significant impacts on fatigue and sleep in MS patients. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy can be used by nurses as an independent nursing practice. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique to manage fatigue in individuals with MS.
Topics: Humans; Oils, Volatile; Aromatherapy; Lavandula; Turkey; Female; Plant Oils; Adult; Multiple Sclerosis; Male; Fatigue; Middle Aged; Sleep; Sleep Wake Disorders; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38842713
DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_811_23 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024Pear decline (PD) is one of the most devastating diseases of in Europe and North America. It is caused by the pathogen Phytoplasma pyri' and transmitted by pear...
INTRODUCTION
Pear decline (PD) is one of the most devastating diseases of in Europe and North America. It is caused by the pathogen Phytoplasma pyri' and transmitted by pear psyllids (, , and ). Identifying attractant and repellent volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could improve the development of alternative plant protection measurements like push-pull or attract-and-kill strategies against pear psyllids. Our objective was to investigate which chemical cues of the host plant could influence the host-seeking behavior of pear psyllids, and if cedarwood (CWO) and cinnamon bark (CBO) essential oils could serve as repellents.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Based on the literature, the five most abundant VOCs from pear plants elicited EAG responses in both and psyllid species. In Y-olfactometer trials, single compounds were not attractive to . However, the main compound mixture was attractive to and females. CWO and CBO were repellent against , and when formulated into nanofibers (NF), both were repellent in olfactometer trials. However, CBO nanoformulation was ineffective in masking the odors of pear plants. In a field trial, attractive, repellent CWO and blank formulated NF were inserted in attractive green sticky traps. captures in traps with CWO NF were statistically lower than in traps with the attractive mixture. Nevertheless, no statistical differences in the numbers of caught specimens were observed between CWO NF and those captured in green traps baited with blank NF. Transparent traps captured fewer psyllids than green ones. In a second field study with a completed different design (push-and-count design), dispensers filled with CBO were distributed within the plantation, and attractive green sticky traps were placed around the plantation. The numbers of trapped pear psyllids increased significantly in the border of the treated plantation, showing that psyllids were repelled by the EOs in the plantation. Although further field evaluation is needed to assess and improve their effectiveness, our results show that these aromatic compounds, repellent or attractive both in nanoformulations and marking pen dispensers, offer great potential as an environmentally sustainable alternative to currently applied methods for managing pear decline vectors.
PubMed: 38841281
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1375495 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024
Topics: Ontario; Cannabis; Humans; Plant Oils; Product Labeling; Drug Labeling
PubMed: 38837163
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14922 -
Journal of Inflammation Research 2024Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-sp ecific inflammatory disease of the colorectal mucosa. Researchers have associated UC onset with familial genetics, lifestyle... (Review)
Review
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-sp ecific inflammatory disease of the colorectal mucosa. Researchers have associated UC onset with familial genetics, lifestyle behavior, inflammatory immune factors, intestinal microbiota, and the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The primary therapeutic interventions for UC consist of pharmacological management to control inflammation and promote mucosal healing and surgical interventions. The available drugs effectively control and decelerate the progression of UC in most patients; nonetheless, their long-term administration can exert adverse effects and influence the therapeutic effect. Plant essential oils (EOs) refer to a group of hydrophobic aromatic volatile substances. EOs have garnered considerable attention in both domestic and international research because of their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. They include peppermint, peppercorns, rosemary, and lavender, among others. Researchers have investigated the role of EOs in medicine and have elucidated their potential to mitigate the detrimental effects of UC through their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-insomnia properties as well as their ability to regulate the intestinal flora. Furthermore, EOs exert minimal toxic adverse effects, further enhancing their appeal for therapeutic applications. However, these speculations are based on theoretical experiments, thereby warranting more clinical studies to confirm their effectiveness and safety. In this article, we aim to provide an overview of the advancements in utilizing natural medicine EOs for UC prevention and treatment. We will explore the potential pathogenesis of UC and examine the role of EOs therapy in basic research, quality stability, and management specification of inadequate EOs for UC treatment. We intend to offer novel insights into the use of EOs in UC prevention and management.
PubMed: 38836243
DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S461466 -
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases May 2024This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of various tick-borne diseases in medical and veterinary contexts. Selected for their potential repellent and acaricidal properties, the 4 essential oils were tested on adult and nymph H. longicornis ticks at different concentrations. The experiment assessed mortality rates and repellency, particularly during tick attachment to host skin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tick mortality and repellency scores across all groups. At a 1% concentration, adult tick mortality ranged from 36% to 86%, while nymph mortality ranged from 6% to 97%. Clove oil exhibited notable efficacy, demonstrating high mortality rates of nymphs and adults. Clove oil also displayed strong repellency properties, with a repellency index of 0.05, surpassing those of mint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. Clove oil showed the highest effectiveness in deterring nonattached adult ticks (90%) and nymphs (95%) when applied to skin. Clove oil was the most effective against adult and nymph ticks, achieving mortality rates of 86% and 97%, respectively, and led to the highest nonattachment rates when applied to skin. In conclusion, essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint oils present promising results for tick population control.
Topics: Animals; Oils, Volatile; Ixodidae; Acaricides; Nymph; Insect Repellents; Plant Oils; Female; Eucalyptus; Clove Oil; Lavandula; Haemaphysalis longicornis
PubMed: 38835262
DOI: 10.3347/PHD.23097 -
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS Jun 2024Neuroinflammation is widely acknowledged as a characteristic feature of almost all neurological disorders and specifically in depression- and anxiety-like disorders. In...
BACKGROUND
Neuroinflammation is widely acknowledged as a characteristic feature of almost all neurological disorders and specifically in depression- and anxiety-like disorders. In recent years, there has been significant attention on natural compounds with potent anti-inflammatory effects due to their potential in mitigating neuroinflammation and neuroplasticity.
METHODS
In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of oleacein (OC), a rare secoiridoid derivative found in extra virgin olive oil. Our goal was to explore the BDNF/TrkB neurotrophic activity of OC and subsequently assess its potential for modulating neuroinflammatory response using human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y cells) and an in vivo model of depression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated inflammation.
RESULTS
In SH-SY5Y cells, OC exhibited a significant dose-dependent increase in BDNF expression. This enhancement was absent when cells were co-treated with inhibitors of BDNF's receptor TrkB, as well as downstream molecules PI3K and MEK. Whole-transcriptomics analysis revealed that OC upregulated cell cycle-related genes under normal conditions, while downregulating inflammation-associated genes in LPS-induced conditions. Furthermore, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays demonstrated that OC exhibited a stronger and more stable binding affinity to TrkB compared to the positive control, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Importantly, bioluminescence imaging revealed that a single oral dose of OC significantly increased BDNF expression in the brains of Bdnf-IRES-AkaLuc mice. Furthermore, oral administration of OC at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight for 10 days significantly reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test compared to the LPS-treated group. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that OC significantly decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines Tnfα, Il6, and Il1β, while simultaneously enhancing Bdnf expression, as well as both pro and mature BDNF protein levels in mice hippocampus. These changes were comparable to those induced by the positive control antidepressant drug fluoxetine. Additionally, microarray analysis of mouse brains confirmed that OC could counteract LPS-induced inflammatory biological events.
CONCLUSION
Altogether, our study represents the first report on the potential antineuroinflammatory and antidepressant properties of OC via modulation of BDNF/TrkB neurotrophic activity. This finding underscores the potential of OC as a natural therapeutic agent for depression- and anxiety-related disorders.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Receptor, trkB; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice; Neuroinflammatory Diseases; Cell Line, Tumor; Cyclopentane Monoterpenes; Male; Neuroprotective Agents; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Olive Oil; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Aldehydes; Membrane Glycoproteins; Phenols
PubMed: 38835076
DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01691-x -
Analytica Chimica Acta Jul 2024Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a diverse group of organic compounds characterized by the fusion of two or more benzene rings arranged in various...
BACKGROUND
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a diverse group of organic compounds characterized by the fusion of two or more benzene rings arranged in various structural forms. Due to their harmful effects on human health, it is essential to implement monitoring systems and preventive measures to regulate human exposure. Given the affinity of PAHs for lipids, extensive research has been focused on their presence in vegetable oils. This study aimed to develop an on-line liquid-gas chromatography (LC-GC) method (using tandem mass spectrometry) with minimized solvent consumption for the determination of 16 PAHs in extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO).
RESULTS
A side-by-side comparison of the selected-ion-monitoring and the pseudo multiple-reaction-monitoring (p-MRM) acquisition modes was performed, in terms of specificity and detectability. The results obtained using the p-MRM mode were superior, and for this reason it was selected. The method was linear over the concentration range 1-200 μg kg (except in five cases, over 2-200 and 5-200 μg kg ranges). Accuracy (at the 2 μg kg and 20 μg kg concentration levels) was in the 86.9-109.3 % range, with an RSD <10 %. Intra-day and inter-day precision (at 2 μg kg and 20 μg kg concentration levels) were in the 1.2-9.7 % and 3.2-10.8 % ranges, respectively. For all the PAHs, a negative matrix effect was observed. Three out of sixteen PAHs were detected in three EVOOs (among ten samples), albeit at the low ppb level. Limits of quantification were satisfactory in relation to EU legislation on the presence of PAHs in vegetable oils.
SIGNIFICANCE
A dilute-and-inject LC-GC-tandem mass spectrometry method is herein proposed fulfilling EU legislation requirements; sample preparation was very simple, inasmuch that it involved only a dilution step, thus avoiding extraction, clean-up, and thus a high consumption of organic solvents. In fact, considering both oil dilution and the LC mobile phase, less than 8 mL of solvents were used.
Topics: Olive Oil; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Chromatography, Liquid
PubMed: 38834260
DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342740 -
Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Jul 2024This study focuses on developing a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion system using high-intensity ultrasound (HIU)-treated pea protein isolate (HIU-PPI) and...
This study focuses on developing a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion system using high-intensity ultrasound (HIU)-treated pea protein isolate (HIU-PPI) and pectin to encapsulate Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum). The effects of ultrasound treatment on pea protein isolate (PPI) characteristics such as solubility, particle size, emulsification, surface hydrophobicity, and surface free sulfhydryl group were examined, determining optimal HIU processing conditions was 400 W for 10 min. The developed W/O/W double emulsion system based on HIU-PPI demonstrated effective encapsulation and protection of L. plantarum, especially at the HIU-PPI concentration of 4 %, achieving an encapsulation efficiency of 52.65 %. Incorporating both HIU-PPI and pectin as emulsifiers increased the particle size and significantly enhanced the emulsion's viscosity. The highest bacterial encapsulation efficiency of the emulsion, 59.94 %, was attained at a HIU to pectin concentration ratio of 3:1. These emulsions effectively encapsulate and protect L. plantarum, with the concentration of HIU-PPI being a critical factor in enhancing probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal digestion. However, the concurrent utilization of pectin and HIU-PPI as emulsifiers did not provide a notable advantage compared to the exclusive use of HIU-PPI in enhancing probiotic viability during in vitro simulated digestion. This research offers valuable perspectives for the food industry on harnessing environmentally friendly, plant-based proteins as emulsifiers in probiotic delivery systems. It underscores the potential of HIU-modified pea protein and pectin in developing functional food products that promote the health benefits of probiotics.
Topics: Lactobacillus plantarum; Emulsions; Pea Proteins; Pectins; Particle Size; Water; Ultrasonic Waves; Sonication; Solubility; Probiotics; Oils; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
PubMed: 38834000
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106936