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Analytical Science Advances Jun 2024Increasing concerns about global food safety and security demands innovative solutions, particularly in food packaging technologies. This review paper investigates the... (Review)
Review
Increasing concerns about global food safety and security demands innovative solutions, particularly in food packaging technologies. This review paper investigates the advanced integration of natural colourimetric sensors with biopolymer-based packaging materials, with a focus on developments over the past 5 years. These sensors change colour in response to environmental stimuli such as oxygen, temperature, pH and relative humidity, intuitively indicating food freshness and safety. The paper emphasizes the recent advancements in using natural colourants, such as alizarin, anthocyanins, betacyanins, chlorophyll, curcumin and shikonin. When combined with either natural or synthetic biopolymers, these colourants contribute to a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to food packaging. Such technological advances could notably decrease the incidence of foodborne illnesses by signaling potential spoilage or contamination, while also addressing food wastage by providing clear indications of edibility. Although challenges remain in sensor longevity and widespread adoption, the prospects for biopolymer-based food packaging with embedded natural colourimetric sensors are promising.
PubMed: 38948319
DOI: 10.1002/ansa.202300065 -
Analytical Science Advances Jun 2024Detecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising... (Review)
Review
Detecting foodborne contamination is a critical challenge in ensuring food safety and preventing human suffering and economic losses. Contaminated food, comprising biological agents (e.g. bacteria, viruses and fungi) and chemicals (e.g. toxins, allergens, antibiotics and heavy metals), poses significant risks to public health. Microfluidic technology has emerged as a transformative solution, revolutionizing the detection of contaminants with precise and efficient methodologies. By manipulating minute volumes of fluid on miniaturized systems, microfluidics enables the creation of portable chips for biosensing applications. Advancements from early glass and silicon devices to modern polymers and cellulose-based chips have significantly enhanced microfluidic technology, offering adaptability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness and biocompatibility. Microfluidic systems integrate seamlessly with various biosensing reactions, facilitating nucleic acid amplification, target analyte recognition and accurate signal readouts. As research progresses, microfluidic technology is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing evolving challenges in the detection of foodborne contaminants. In this short review, we delve into various manufacturing materials for state-of-the-art microfluidic devices, including inorganics, elastomers, thermoplastics and paper. Additionally, we examine several applications where microfluidic technology offers unique advantages in the detection of food contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens and more. This review underscores the significant advancement of microfluidic technology and its pivotal role in advancing the detection and mitigation of foodborne contaminants.
PubMed: 38948318
DOI: 10.1002/ansa.202400003 -
Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban =... May 2024To experimentally validate the effects of a self-developed heat-stable thickening agent on the textual characteristics of enteral nutrition solutions of standard...
OBJECTIVE
To experimentally validate the effects of a self-developed heat-stable thickening agent on the textual characteristics of enteral nutrition solutions of standard concentration and its applicability in improving dysphagia.
METHODS
A gradient of different doses of the self-developed thickening agent (1.0 g, 1.5 g, 2.0 g, 2.5 g, and3.0 g) and three commonly used commercial thickeners were mixed with 23.391 g of a complete nutrition formula powder dissolved in 85 mL of purified water to prepare 100 mL standard concentration nutrition solutions. The textual parameters (cohesiveness, viscosity, thickness, and hardness) of these nutrition solutions were measured using a texture analyzer at various temperature gradients (20 ℃, 40 ℃, 60 ℃, and 80 ℃) to compare their thermal stability. A dysphagia rat model was created via epiglottectomy to explore the effects of the thickener on lung tissue damage scores and levels of inflammatory markers. The rats were divided into a test intervention group, a positive control group, a negative control group, and a blank control group (no surgery and normal feeding after fasting for one day), with 15 rats in each group. After fasting for one day post-surgery, the test intervention group was fed with the standard concentration nutrition solution thickened with the self-developed thickener, while the positive control group was given a standard concentration nutrition solution thickened with product 3, and the negative control group was fed a normal diet. All groups were fed for two weeks with food dyed with food-grade green dye. General conditions, body mass, and food intake were observed and recorded. After two weeks, abdominal aorta blood was collected, and heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney tissues were harvested and weighed to calculate the lung tissue organ coefficient. The organ conditions were evaluated using routine H&E staining, and lung damage was semi-quantitatively analyzed based on the Mikawa scoring criteria. Blood supernatants were collected to measure the total serum protein and albumin levels to determine the nutritional status of the rats. The expression of and genes in lung tissues was measured by RT-qPCR. IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression levels in lung tissues, lung tissue homogenate, and serum were measured by ELISA. The aspiration incidence rate was calculated.
RESULTS
Within the dosage range of 1.0 g to 3.0 g, the self-developed thickener in the test samples exhibited superior thermal stability in cohesiveness compared to the three commercially available thickeners, with a statistically significant difference (<0.01). The differences in the thermal stability of viscosity and hardness between the self-developed thickener and the three commercially available thickeners were not statistically significant. The viscosity stability was optimal for the self-developed thickener, followed by the commercially available thickeners 1 and 3, with thickeners 2 being the least stable, though the differences were not statistically significant (>0.05). Product 1 showed the best thermal stability in thickness, followed by the self-developed thickener and product 2, while the product 3 exhibited the worst performance, with the difference being statistically significant (<0.01). The self-developed thickener had the best thermal stability in hardness at temperatures ranging from 20℃ to 80 ℃, followed by products 1 and 2, with product 3 being the least stable. However, the differences were not statistically significant (>0.05). Animal experiment results indicated that the body weight gain in the positive control group and the test intervention group was lower than that in the blank and negative control groups (<0.01). The spleen coefficient of the intervention group was lower than that of the positive control group and the blank control group (<0.01), while the heart, liver, and kidney coefficients were lower than those of the blank control group (<0.01). The differences in the lung coefficient of the intervention group and those of the other three groups were no statistically significant. Levels of TP and ALB in the test intervention group, the positive control group, and the negative control group were all lower than those in the blank control group, with statistically significant differences (<0.01). ELISA results showed that serum IL-6 levels in the blank and test intervention groups were lower than those in the negative and positive control groups (<0.05), while the difference in the other indicators across the four groups were not statistically significant (>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among the four groups in terms of lung tissue damage pathology scores, or in the levels of and gene expression in lung tissues. The aspiration incidence rate was 0% in all groups.
CONCLUSION
The self-developed enteral nutrition thickening agent demonstrated excellent thermal stability and swallowing safety. Further research to explore its application in patients with dysphagia is warranted.
PubMed: 38948293
DOI: 10.12182/20240560203 -
Journal of Clinical & Translational... Jun 2024Gut microbiota influences energy homeostasis in part through circulating hormones. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 is a biomarker whose increase in...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Gut microbiota influences energy homeostasis in part through circulating hormones. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-2 is a biomarker whose increase in systemic circulation is associated with positive effects on body weight and metabolism. In a recent clinical trial, probiotic HA-114 supplementation showed positive effects on eating behaviors and insulin resistance in overweight participants undergoing a weight-loss intervention. In this context, this ancillary study aimed at assessing the impact of HA-114 supplementation on plasma IGFBP-2 levels in these individuals, and whether this modulation correlated with changes in fat mass, energy metabolism, and eating behaviors.
METHODS
Fasting plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations were quantified in 100 overweight or obese men and women enrolled in a 12-week diet-based weight reduction program (-500 kcal/day), in combination with probiotic or placebo supplementation. Baseline and changes in circulating IGFBP-2 concentrations were correlated with anthropometric parameter, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiorespiratory function and eating behaviors.
RESULTS
On average, the intervention reduced BMI by 4.6 % and increased IGFBP-2 by 13 %, regardless of supplementation group. Individuals who presented an increase in IGFBP-2 levels had significantly greater reductions in BMI. Changes in IGFBP-2 levels were correlated with loss in fat mass (r = 0.2, p < 0.001) in the probiotic-supplemented group, but not with other metabolic parameters or eating behaviors. Baseline IGFBP-2 levels were not associated with weight loss or improvements in cardiometabolic parameters.
CONCLUSION
Probiotic supplementation with did not modulate plasma IGFBP-2 levels. Changes in IGFBP-2 levels were correlated with greater reductions in BMI, but not with other metabolic parameters or eating behaviors, indicating that the benefits of HA-114 on eating behaviors are likely independent of IGFBP-2. Additional changes in microbiota might be required to modulate IGFBP-2 and observe its associations with eating behaviors and cardiometabolic improvements.
PubMed: 38948244
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2024.100357 -
PeerJ 2024species are among the most common pathogens in agriculture and forestry, and their control is urgently needed.
BACKGROUND
species are among the most common pathogens in agriculture and forestry, and their control is urgently needed.
METHODS
In this study, a total of 68 strains of biocontrol bacteria were isolated and identified from × rhizosphere soil.
RESULTS
The isolates were identified as by 16S rRNA. The inhibitory effect of TR-4 on was confirmed by an antagonistic experiment. The inhibitory effect of TR-4 was 98% at a concentration of 10 µl/ml bacterial solution, protection of the plant and inhibition of was evident. Moreover, the secretion of cellulase and chitosan enzymes in the TR-4 fermentation liquid cultured for three days was 9.07 mol/L and 2.15 µl/mol, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that TR-4 destroyed the cell wall of , resulting in leakage of the cell contents, thus weakening the pathogenicity of the bacteria.
PubMed: 38948232
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17568 -
Imaging Science in Dentistry Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate image artifacts in the vicinity of dental implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained with different spatial...
Impact of the spatial orientation of the patient's head, metal artifact reduction, and tube current on cone-beam computed tomography artifact expression adjacent to a dental implant: A laboratory study using a simulated surgical guide.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate image artifacts in the vicinity of dental implants in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans obtained with different spatial orientations, tube current levels, and metal artifact reduction algorithm (MAR) conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One dental implant and 2 tubes filled with a radiopaque solution were placed in the posterior region of a mandible using a surgical guide to ensure parallel alignment. CBCT scans were acquired with the mandible in 2 spatial orientations in relation to the X-ray projection plane (standard and modified) at 3 tube current levels: 5, 8, and 11 mA. CBCT scans were repeated without the implant and were reconstructed with and without MAR. The mean voxel and noise values of each tube were obtained and compared using multi-way analysis of variance and the Tukey test (α=0.05).
RESULTS
Mean voxel values were significantly higher and noise values were significantly lower in the modified orientation than in the standard orientation (<0.05). MAR activation and tube current levels did not show significant differences in most cases of the modified spatial orientation and in the absence of the dental implant (>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Modifying the spatial orientation of the head increased brightness and reduced spatial orientation noise in adjacent regions of a dental implant, with no influence from the tube current level and MAR.
PubMed: 38948193
DOI: 10.5624/isd.20240016 -
Moving to Shared Equity: Locational Outcomes for Households in Shared Equity Homeownership Programs.Housing Studies 2024
PubMed: 38948154
DOI: 10.1080/02673037.2022.2115467 -
Regenerative Therapy Jun 2024Skeletal muscle injury (SMI) is often treated conservatively, although it can lead to scar tissue formation, which impedes muscle function and increases muscle re-injury...
BACKGROUND
Skeletal muscle injury (SMI) is often treated conservatively, although it can lead to scar tissue formation, which impedes muscle function and increases muscle re-injury risk. However, effective interventions for SMIs are yet to be established.
HYPOTHESIS
The administration of Silk Elastin® (SE), a novel artificial protein, to the SMI site can suppress scar formation and promote tissue repair.
STUDY DESIGN
A controlled laboratory study.
METHODS
: Fibroblast migration ability was assessed using a scratch assay. SE solution was added to the culture medium, and the fibroblast migration ability was compared across different concentrations. : An SMI model was established with Sprague-Dawley rats, which were assigned to three groups based on the material injected to the SMI site: SE gel (SE group; n = 8), atelocollagen gel (Atelo group; n = 8), and phosphate buffer saline (PBS group; n = 8). Histological evaluations were performed at weeks 1 and 4 following the SMI induction. In the 1-week model, we detected the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the stroma using immunohistological evaluation and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. In the 4-week model, we measured tibialis anterior muscle strength upon peroneal nerve stimulation as a functional assessment.
RESULTS
: The fibroblast migration ability was suppressed by SE added at a concentration of 10⁴ μg/mL in the culture medium. : In the 1-week model, the SE group exhibited significantly lower TGFβ -1 expression than the PBS group. In the 4-week model, the SE group had a significantly larger regenerated muscle fiber diameter and smaller scar formation area ratio than the other two groups. Moreover, the SE group was superior to the other two groups in terms of regenerative muscle strength.
CONCLUSION
Injection of SE gel to the SMI site may inhibit tissue scarring by reducing excessive fibroblast migration, thereby enhancing tissue repair.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The findings of this study may contribute to the development of an early intervention method for SMIs.
PubMed: 38948131
DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.012 -
Endoscopic Ultrasound 2023Management of hepatic abscesses has traditionally been performed by image-guided percutaneous techniques. More recently, EUS drainage has been shown to be efficacious...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Management of hepatic abscesses has traditionally been performed by image-guided percutaneous techniques. More recently, EUS drainage has been shown to be efficacious and safe. The aim of this study is to compare EUS-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) of hepatic abscesses.
METHODS
Patients who underwent EUS-guided drainage or PCD of hepatic abscesses from January 2018 through November 2021 from 4 international academic centers were included in a dedicated registry. Demographics, clinical data preprocedure and postprocedure, abscess characteristics, procedural data, adverse events, and postprocedure care were collected.
RESULTS
Seventy-four patients were included (mean age, 63.9 years; 45% male): EUS-guided ( = 30), PCD ( = 44). Preprocedure Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were 4.3 for the EUS group and 4.3 for the PCD group. The median abscess size was 8.45 × 6 cm (length × width) in the EUS group 7.3 × 5.5 cm in the PCD group. All of the abscesses in the EUS group were left-sided, whereas the PCD group contained both left- and right-sided abscesses (29 and 15, respectively). Technical success was 100% in both groups. Ten-millimeter-diameter stents were used in most cases in the EUS group, and 10F catheters were used in the PCD group. The duration to resolution of symptoms from the initial procedure was 10.9 days less in the EUS group compared with the PCD group ( < 0.00001). Hospital length of stay was shorter in the EUS group by 5.2 days ( = 0.000126). The EUS group had significantly fewer number of repeat sessions: mean of 2 7.7 ( < 0.00001) and trended toward fewer number of procedure-related readmissions: 10% 34%. The PCD group had a significantly higher number of adverse events ( = 27 [61%]) when compared with the EUS group ( = 5 [17%]; = 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
EUS-guided drainage is an efficacious and safe intervention for the management of hepatic abscesses. EUS-guided drainage allows for quicker resolution of symptoms, shorter length of hospital stay, fewer adverse events, and fewer procedural sessions needed when compared with the PCD technique. However, EUS-guided drainage may not be feasible in right-sided lesions.
PubMed: 38948125
DOI: 10.1097/eus.0000000000000033 -
KDD : Proceedings. International... Aug 2023Matrix low rank approximation is an effective method to reduce or eliminate the statistical redundancy of its components. Compared with the traditional global low rank...
Matrix low rank approximation is an effective method to reduce or eliminate the statistical redundancy of its components. Compared with the traditional global low rank methods such as singular value decomposition (SVD), local low rank approximation methods are more advantageous to uncover interpretable data structures when clear duality exists between the rows and columns of the matrix. Local low rank approximation is equivalent to low rank submatrix detection. Unfortunately, existing local low rank approximation methods can detect only submatrices of specific mean structure, which may miss a substantial amount of true and interesting patterns. In this work, we develop a novel matrix computational framework called RPSP (Random Probing based submatrix Propagation) that provides an effective solution for the general matrix local low rank representation problem. RPSP detects local low rank patterns that grow from small submatrices of low rank property, which are determined by a random projection approach. RPSP is supported by theories of random projection. Experiments on synthetic data demonstrate that RPSP outperforms all state-of-the-art methods, with the capacity to robustly and correctly identify the low rank matrices when the pattern has a similar mean as the background, background noise is heteroscedastic and multiple patterns present in the data. On real-world datasets, RPSP also demonstrates its effectiveness in identifying interpretable local low rank matrices.
PubMed: 38948121
DOI: 10.1145/3580305.3599361