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Food Chemistry Oct 2024Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this...
Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this regard, using food and agricultural byproducts as packaging materials reduces environmental and economic concerns and supports their sustainable management. Herein, cellulosic residue from corncob was employed as a renewable source for developing biodegradable packaging films. It was solubilized in ZnCl solution, crosslinked with Ca ions, and plasticized with sorbitol to form films and used to improve the shelf-life of raspberries. The optimized film possesses water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 1.8(4) x10 g s Pa, 4.7(1) MPa, and 15.4(7)%, respectively. It displays UV-blocking and antioxidant properties and biodegrades within 29 days at 24% soil moisture. It preserves raspberries for 7 and 5 more days at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, respectively, compared to polystyrene film. Overall, more value addition could be envisioned from agricultural residues to minimize post-harvest losses and food waste through biodegradable packaging, which also aids in mitigating plastic perils.
Topics: Food Packaging; Rubus; Food Preservation; Permeability; Tensile Strength; Biodegradable Plastics; Biodegradation, Environmental; Fruit; Cellulose
PubMed: 38797104
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139749 -
Nutrients May 2024The World Health Organization recommends adjusting salt intake as a part of the nine global targets to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable chronic diseases... (Review)
Review
The World Health Organization recommends adjusting salt intake as a part of the nine global targets to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable chronic diseases as a priority and the most cost-effective intervention. In 2006, the main aim of the Croatian Action on Salt and Health was to decrease salt intake by 16% because of its critical intake and consequences on human health. We have organized educative activities to increase awareness on salt harmfulness, define food categories of prime interest, collaborate with industries and determine salt intake (24 h urine sodium excretion). It was determined that the proportion of salt in ready-to-eat baked bread should not exceed 1.4%. In the period 2014-2022, salt in semi-white bread was reduced by 14%, 22% in bakery and 25% in the largest meat industry. Awareness of the harmfulness of salt on health increased from 65.3% in 2008 to 96.9% in 2023 and salt intake was reduced by 15.9-1.8 g/day (22.8% men, 11.7% women). In the last 18 years, a significant decrease in salt intake was achieved in Croatia, awareness of its harmfulness increased, collaboration with the food industry was established and regulatory documents were launched. However, salt intake is still very high, underlying the need for continuation of efforts and even stronger activities.
Topics: Croatia; Humans; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Food Industry; Female; Nutrition Policy; Male; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Health Promotion; Bread
PubMed: 38794755
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101518 -
Nutrients May 2024The excessive intake of sodium (Na) and insufficient intake of potassium (K) are major concerns in the prevention of hypertension. Using low-Na/K seasonings (reducing...
Na and K Intake from Lunches Served in a Japanese Company Cafeteria and the Estimated Improvement in the Dietary Na/K Ratio Using Low-Na/K Seasonings and Dairy to Prevent Hypertension.
The excessive intake of sodium (Na) and insufficient intake of potassium (K) are major concerns in the prevention of hypertension. Using low-Na/K seasonings (reducing 25% of the NaCl and adding K salt) may improve the dietary Na/K ratio and help prevent hypertension. To devise an intervention study using low-Na/K seasonings at a company cafeteria, we calculated the Na and K contents of the meals served at the cafeteria and estimated changes in the intakes when suitable low-Na/K seasonings were used. We also considered using milk as a good source of K. We used an ingredient list of a company cafeteria and calculated Na and K contents in each dish. The average amounts of NaCl and K per use were 5.04 g and 718 mg, respectively. Seasonings contributed 70.9% of the NaCl. With the use of low-Na/K seasonings, an estimated reduction in NaCl of 0.8 g/day and an estimated increase in K of 308 mg/day was achieved. With an additional serving (200 mL) of milk, NaCl was reduced by 0.57 g/day and K was increased by 610 mg/day, with an overall decrease in the dietary Na/K ratio from 3.20 to 2.40. The use of low-Na/K seasonings and dairy may improve the dietary Na/K ratio among cafeteria users and help prevent hypertension.
Topics: Hypertension; Humans; Potassium, Dietary; Japan; Sodium, Dietary; Dairy Products; Food Services; Milk; Animals; Diet, Sodium-Restricted; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Female; East Asian People
PubMed: 38794671
DOI: 10.3390/nu16101433 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This work is focused on a novel, promising low temperature phase change material (PCM), based on the eutectic Glauber's salt composition. To allow phase transition...
This work is focused on a novel, promising low temperature phase change material (PCM), based on the eutectic Glauber's salt composition. To allow phase transition within the refrigeration range of temperatures of +5 °C to +12 °C, combined with a high repeatability of melting-freezing processes, and minimized subcooling, the application of three variants of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) with distinct molecular weights (700,000, 250,000, and 90,000) is considered. The primary objective is to optimize the stabilization of this eutectic PCM formulation, while maintaining the desired enthalpy level. Preparation methods are refined to ensure repeatability in mixing components, thereby optimizing performance and stability. Additionally, the influence of Na-CMC molecular weight on stabilization is examined through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), T-history, and rheology tests. The PCM formulation of interest builds upon prior research in which borax, ammonium chloride, and potassium chloride were used as additives to sodium sulfate decahydrate (Glauber's salt), prioritizing environmentally responsible materials. The results reveal that CMC with molecular weights of 250 kg/mol and 90 kg/mol effectively stabilize the PCM without phase separation issues, slowing crystallization kinetics. Conversely, CMC of 700 kg/mol proved ineffective due to the disruption of gel formation at its low gel point, hindering higher concentrations. Calculations of ionic concentration indicate higher Na ion content in PCM stabilized with 90 kg/mol CMC, suggesting increased ionic interactions and gel strength. A tradeoff is discovered between the faster crystallization in lower molecular weight CMC and the higher concentration required, which increases the amount of inert material that does not participate in the phase transition. After thermal cycling, the best formulation had a latent heat of 130 J/g with no supercooling, demonstrating excellent performance. This work advances PCM's reliability as a thermal energy storage solution for diverse applications and highlights the complex relationship between Na-CMC molecular weight and PCM stabilization.
PubMed: 38793509
DOI: 10.3390/ma17102442 -
Neuroscience May 2024Gamma-aminobutyric acid and glycine (GABA/Gly) are predominantly inhibitory neurotransmitters in the mature central nervous system; however, they mediate membrane...
Gamma-aminobutyric acid and glycine (GABA/Gly) are predominantly inhibitory neurotransmitters in the mature central nervous system; however, they mediate membrane potential depolarization during development. These differences in actions depend on intracellular Cl concentrations ([Cl]), which are primarily regulated by potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2). After nerve injury, KCC2 expression markedly decreases and GABA/Gly mediate depolarization. Following nerve regeneration, KCC2 expression recovers and GABA/Gly become inhibitory, suggesting that KCC2 reduction and GABA/Gly excitation may be crucial for axonal regeneration. To directly clarify their involvement in regeneration, we analyzed recovery processes after tibial nerve severance and suturing between heterozygous KCC2 knockout mice (HT), whose KCC2 levels are halved, and their wild-type littermates (WT). Compared with WT mice, the sciatic functional index-indicating lower limb motor function-was significantly higher until 28 days after operation (D28) in HT mice. Furthermore, at D7, many neurofilament-positive fibers were elongated into the distal part of the sutured nerve in HT mice only, and myelinated axonal density was significantly higher at D21 and D28 in HT animals. Electron microscopy and galanin immunohistochemistry indicated a shorter nerve degeneration period in HT mice. Moreover, a less severe decrease in choline acetyltransferase was observed in HT mice. These results suggest that nerve degeneration and regeneration proceed more rapidly in HT mice, resulting in milder motor dysfunction. Via similar microglial activation, nerve surgery may reduce KCC2 levels more rapidly in HT mice, followed by earlier increased [Cl] and longer-lasting GABA/Gly excitation. Taken together, reduced KCC2 may accelerate nerve regeneration via GABA/Gly excitation.
PubMed: 38788828
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.018 -
Biochemical and Biophysical Research... Aug 2024We used an animal model of salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH) in which ovariectomized (oVx) rats developed hypertension with high salt (HS) intake. Hypertension is...
We used an animal model of salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH) in which ovariectomized (oVx) rats developed hypertension with high salt (HS) intake. Hypertension is accompanied by changes in the percentage of CD4 T lymphocytes, immune CD45 cell infiltration into renal tissue, and changes in Na, K- ATPase (NKA) expression in both renal tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). To determine whether the observed changes resulted from HS intake, high blood pressure, or both, hydralazine (HDZ) was used to lower blood pressure. The oVx HS rats received two HDZ schedules either to prevent or to treat hypertension. NKA was overexpressed in the kidneys of all oVx groups and in PBMCs of oVx HS rats. This pattern was not altered with HDZ treatment. Changes in CD4 T lymphocytes and renal infiltration of CD45 cells were not reversed either. High salt, but not high blood pressure, induces immune cell activation and renal infiltration. Overexpressed NKA is the primary event, and HS is the perturbation to the system in this model of SSH, which resembles the postmenopausal state.
Topics: Animals; Ovariectomy; Female; Rats; Kidney; Rats, Wistar; Hypertension; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Blood Pressure; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Hydralazine
PubMed: 38788356
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150147 -
Obstetric Medicine Jun 2024Primary hypokalaemic periodic paralysis during pregnancy has been rarely reported. Four pregnant women with the acute onset of flaccid paralysis presented between...
Primary hypokalaemic periodic paralysis during pregnancy has been rarely reported. Four pregnant women with the acute onset of flaccid paralysis presented between January 2018 and December 2021. Focussed history and physical examination helped an appropriate radiological and laboratory investigation plan to be made. All women recovered within 4-7 days of potassium supplementation. Supplemental potassium continued until delivery. A pain management plan with continuous epidural infusion helped in avoiding stress-induced hypokalaemia. None of the women developed an episode of muscle weakness during the intervening period. In conclusion, a focussed history and targeted laboratory investigation are needed to diagnose primary hypokalaemic periodic paralysis. Early administration of oral or intravenous potassium is crucial in improving fetomaternal outcomes.
PubMed: 38784184
DOI: 10.1177/1753495X221144670 -
BMC Ophthalmology May 2024Vitreous humor (VH) is used for postmortem biochemical studies because it is well protected in an uncontaminated state even after death. The goal of this research was to...
PURPOSE
Vitreous humor (VH) is used for postmortem biochemical studies because it is well protected in an uncontaminated state even after death. The goal of this research was to investigate electrolyte concentrations in the VH from human eyes with and without a history of vitrectomy surgery.
METHODS
We analyzed the sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations from 34 VH samples from 34 patients. Eleven samples were from eyes with a history of vitrectomy, and the remaining 23 eyes had no history of vitrectomy. The correlations of Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations with patient age, interval between first and second vitrectomy, and lens status (history of cataract surgery) were also evaluated.
RESULTS
The Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes were 134.1 ± 7.9 mmol/L, 3.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L, 99.7 ± 6.7 mmol/L and 0.59 ± 0.09 mmol/L, respectively; all were significantly lower than the corresponding concentrations in VH from control eyes (lower by 5.0%, 11.0%, 11.7%, and 22.6%, respectively). Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH from vitrectomized eyes did not show significant correlations with patient ages or the interval between their first and second vitrectomies. There were no significant differences in Na, K, Cl and Mg concentrations in VH between phakic eyes and intraocular lens-implanted eyes.
CONCLUSIONS
With the increasing number of vitrectomies being performed, it is necessary to consider the history of vitrectomy when using a subject's VH in forensic examination.
Topics: Humans; Vitrectomy; Vitreous Body; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Adult; Electrolytes; Forensic Medicine; Sodium; Potassium; Magnesium
PubMed: 38783230
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03445-2 -
Journal of Hypertension May 2024Potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, with K+-induced natriuresis playing a potential key role in this process....
OBJECTIVES
Potassium supplementation reduces blood pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, with K+-induced natriuresis playing a potential key role in this process. However, whether these beneficial effects occur in diabetes remains unknown.
METHODS
In this study, we examined the impact of high-K+ intake on renal Na+/K+ transport by determining the expression of major apical Na+ transporters, diuretics responses (as a proxy for specific Na+ transporter function), urinary Na+/K+ excretion, and plasma Na+/K+ concentrations in db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
RESULTS
Although db/m mice exhibited increased fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and fractional excretion of potassium (FEK) under high-K+ intake, these responses were largely blunted in db/db mice, suggesting impaired K+-induced natriuresis and kaliuresis in diabetes. Consequently, high-K+ intake increased plasma K+ levels in db/db mice, which could be attributed to the abnormal activity of sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3), sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC), and epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), as high-K+ intake could not effectively decrease NHE3 and NCC and increase ENaC expression and activity in the diabetic group. Inhibition of NCC by hydrochlorothiazide could correct the hyperkalemia in db/db mice fed a high-K+ diet, indicating a key role for NCC in K+-loaded diabetic mice. Treatment with metformin enhanced urinary Na+/K+ excretion and normalized plasma K+ levels in db/db mice with a high-K+ diet, at least partially, by suppressing NCC activity.
CONCLUSION
Collectively, the impaired K+-induced natriuresis in diabetic mice under high-K+ intake may be primarily attributed to impaired NCC-mediated renal K+ excretion, despite the role of NHE3.
PubMed: 38780161
DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003777 -
Hypertension Research : Official... May 2024To explore the mechanism of the hypertension in dopamine receptor-4 (Drd4) null mice, we determined the salt sensitivity and renal sodium transport proteins in Drd4 and...
To explore the mechanism of the hypertension in dopamine receptor-4 (Drd4) null mice, we determined the salt sensitivity and renal sodium transport proteins in Drd4 and Drd4 mice with varied salt diets. On normal NaCl diet (NS), mean arterial pressures (MAP, telemetry) were higher in Drd4 than Drd4; Low NaCl diet (LS) tended to decrease MAP in both strains; high NaCl diet (HS) elevated MAP with sodium excretion decreased and pressure-natriuresis curve shifted to right in Drd4 relative to Drd4 mice. Drd4 mice exhibited increased renal sodium-hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3), sodium-potassium-2-chloride cotransporter (NKCC2), sodium-chloride cotransporter (NCC), and outer medullary α-epithelial sodium channel (αENaC) on NS, decreased NKCC2, NCC, αENaC, and αNa-K-ATPase on LS, and increased αENaC on HS. NKCC2, NCC, αENaC, and αNa-K-ATPase in plasma membrane were greater in Drd4 than in Drd4 mice with HS. D4R was expressed in proximal and distal convoluted tubules, thick ascending limbs, and outer medullary collecting ducts and colocalized with NKCC2 and NCC. The phosphorylation of NKCC2 was enhanced but ubiquitination was reduced in the KO mice. There were no differences between the mouse strains in serum aldosterone concentrations and urinary dopamine excretions despite their changes with diets. The mRNA expressions of renal NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, and αENaC on NS were not altered in Drd4 mice. Thus, increased protein expressions of NHE3, NKCC2, NCC and αENaC are associated with hypertension in Drd4 mice; increased plasma membrane protein expression of NKCC2, NCC, αENaC, and αNa-K-ATPase may mediate the salt sensitivity of Drd4 mice.
PubMed: 38778170
DOI: 10.1038/s41440-024-01724-5