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Vacuum freeze drying (VFD) has been widely used for drying berries, by combining with pretreatment technology, energy consumption and cost can be effectively reduced as well as product quality improved. However, the effect of cold plasma pretreatment (CPP) on the drying efficiency and quality characteristics of VFD haskap has not been investigated. In this study, an innovative drying technology, cold plasma pretreatment–assisted vacuum freeze drying, was applied to process haskap. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of different times of CPP (0–75 s) on VFD haskap performance. The results indicated that the application of CPP enhanced the effective diffusion rate and drying rate (27.68%) owing to pretreatment etching larger and more cracks in the microstructure, increasing cell membrane permeability (15.59%), and altering cell wall pectin composition. Midilli is the most recommended model for drying kinetics. CPP contributed to increased hydrophilicity (25.33%) and degraded enzymatic activity, thereby prompting the enhancement of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. Besides, the physico-chemical properties were ameliorated, the possible mechanism for the enhanced drying rate and quality properties of VFD haskap by CPP was explained by chemometrics. Overall, CPP is a promising pretreatment technology for haskap VFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of versatile hydrogels in a facile and effective manner represents a pivotal challenge in the field of biomaterials. Herein, a novel strategy is presented for preparing on‐demand degradable hydrogels with multilevel responsiveness. By employing selenol‐dichlorotetrazine nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) to synthesize hydrogels under mild conditions in a buffer solution, the necessity of additives or posttreatments can be obviated. The nucleophilic and redox reactions between selenol and tetrazine culminate in the formation of three degradable chemical bonds—diselenide, aryl selenide, and dearomatized selenide—in a single, expeditious step. The resultant hydrogel manifests exceptional adaptability to intricate environments in conjunction with self‐healing and on‐demand degradation properties. Furthermore, the resulting material demonstrated light‐triggered antibacterial activity. Animal studies further underscore the potential of integrating metformin into Se‐Tz hydrogels under green light irradiation, as it effectively stimulates angiogenesis and collagen deposition, thereby fostering efficient wound healing. In comparison to previously documented hydrogels, Se‐Tz hydrogels exhibit controlled degradation and drug release, outstanding antibacterial activity, mechanical robustness, and bioactivity, all without the need for costly and intricate preparation procedures. These findings underscore Se‐Tz hydrogels as a safe and effective therapeutic option for diabetic wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina based ceramic materials, such as LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) containing amounts of Al, usually resist the CMAS corrosion through forming a compact layer of the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. In this work, the LMA/CeO 2 mixed powders in mole ratios of 5:5 (L5C5), 7:3 (L7C3) and 9:1 (L9C1) were pressed and sintered to prepare the ceramic bulks. The resistance to CMAS corrosion of the LMA/CeO 2 , the CeO 2 and the LMA ceramic bulks were tested and compared at 1250ºC and 1350ºC for 1 h, 5 h and 10 h. Results showed that the added CeO 2 in the LMA can decrease the porosity and improve the resistance to CMAS corrosion. The combined effects of the LMA and CeO 2 promoted the formation of the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. The L5C5 and the L9C1 with appropriate composition have good resistance to CMAS corrosion at 1250ºC, and the L9C1 can alleviate CMAS infiltration compared with the LMA and other proportional materials at 1350ºC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulus-responsive materials containing selenide under oxidizing conditions have wide application prospects, especially in biomedicine. Due to the intricate preparation process, the scarcity of studies on the structure–activity relationship of regulatory factors in the oxidative stimulus response poses challenges to material design. Herein, based on selenol-ene chemistry, a diverse library of unsymmetric selenides is synthesized, enabling systematic investigation into the regulation of selenide oxidative elimination with variable substituent groups and positions. The α/β-positions of β-carbonyl unsymmetric selenides are efficiently modified with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups through a one-pot, two-step reaction involving ammonolysis of γ-selenobutyrolactone (SBL), followed by nucleophilic addition with unsaturated acrylate. In situ NMR tracking shows that the oxidative elimination of selenide had a distinct substituent effect. Both the electron and steric effects of the substituent influence the induction period of the selenide oxidative and elimination reactions. With the optimal substituent and position, the selenides would exhibit a timebomb-type response upon oxidation stimulus. Finally, a novel amphiphilic polymer comprising selenide-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cholesterol moieties is synthesized as a representative ROS-sensitive material and exhibits a time-dependent reduction in micelle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between saturated fatty acids (SFA) and bladder cancer (BC) risk has been conflicting. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane SFA and BC risk. A total of 404 participants were enrolled in the study (including 112 cases and 292 controls). A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the food intake. The constitutive composition of fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane was measured by gas chromatography. After adjustment for BC risk factors, SFA had no significant association with BC risk. However, C18:0 was positively linked with BC risk with an odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) of 2.99 (1.37–6.53). In contrast, very-long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFA), especially C24:0, were negatively related to BC risk with an OR (95% CI) of 0.28 (0.12–0.65) for VLCSFA and 0.33 (0.15–0.75) for C24:0. Higher total odd-chain SFA (C15:0 and C17:0) were associated with a lower risk of BC with OR (95% CI) of 0.18 (0.076–0.44), 0.18 (0.068–0.47), 0.34 (0.14–0.81), respectively. After subgroup analysis, the protective effects C15:0 and C17:0 were still remained. Receiver operating characteristic analysis displayed that the combination of C15:0 and C17:0 indexes increased the accurate predictive rate of BC risk. Further mediation effect analysis showed that C15:0 and C17:0 could be used as partial mediation effectors for milk and dairy products and bladder carcinogenesis. Overall, the combination of odd-chain SFA (C15:0 and C17:0) in the erythrocyte membrane could serve as a reliable mediator and predictor, indicating a relationship between a high intake of milk and dairy products and a lower risk of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina based rare earth oxides ceramic materials, with the good performance against the CMAS corrosion, were widely used as the thermal/environmental barrier coatings. In this work, three Y 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 binary ceramic bulks, which were the Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , YAlO 3 and Y 4 Al 2 O 9 , were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction using the Y 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 as the raw materials. The resistances to CMAS corrosion of these materials at 1250 °C and 1350 °C were compared fully. The compositions and structures of the samples before and after corrosion were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the different chemical compositions of the materials resulted in the different optical basicity (OB) values which can decide the reactivity of the material with the CMAS melts. The Y 3 Al 5 O 12 ceramic material was inert to the CMAS for its low OB value of 0.75 and damaged seriously by the CMAS through physical penetration. The YAlO 3 and Y 4 Al 2 O 9 with the high OB values of 0.80 and 0.87 reacted with the CMAS to form the Ca 4 Y 6 (SiO 4) 6 O. The YAlO 3 ceramic bulk exhibited the good performance against the CMAS corrosion benefitting from the formation of the Ca 4 Y 6 (SiO 4) 6 O and the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is essential for the overall well-being of the human body due to its numerous structural, catalytic, and signalling functions. Therefore, maintaining a constant state of zinc homeostasis is crucial. The disturbances in zinc homeostasis are linked to numerous diseases and disorders, including metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have discussed a general overview of zinc absorption and homeostasis, particularly the factors affecting zinc absorption and the body's mechanisms to maintain zinc homeostasis at both the systemic and cellular levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in medicine have led to continuous enhancements and innovations in wound dressing materials, making them pivotal in medical care. We used natural biological macromolecules, γ-polyglutamic acid and gum arabic as primary raw materials to create nanofibers laden with curcumin by blending electrostatic spinning technology in the current investigation. These nanofibers were meticulously characterized using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our comprehensive analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of curcumin within the nanofiber carrier and it has uniform diameter, good water absorption and mechanical properties. Subsequently, we evaluated the antimicrobial effects of these curcumin-loaded nanofibers against Staphylococcus aureus through an oscillating flask method. We created a mouse model with acute full-thickness skin defects to further investigate the wound healing potential. We conducted various biochemical assays to elucidate the mechanism of action. The results revealed that curcumin nanofibers profoundly impacted wound healing. They bolstered the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, leading to an accelerated re-epithelialization process, enhanced wound contraction, and increased regeneration of new blood vessels and hair follicles. Furthermore, these nanofibers positively influenced the proportion of three different collagen types. This comprehensive study underscores the remarkable potential of curcumin-loaded nanofibers to facilitate wound healing and lays a robust experimental foundation for developing innovative, natural product-based wound dressings. • The nanofiber contains polyglutamic acid and gum arabic; both are natural biopolymers found in human tissues. • Curcumin encapsulation success was ensured via comprehensive characterization, enabling precise drug delivery system control • The nanofiber has good antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus and certain biocompatibility. • Nanofiber sped up re-epithelialization, boosted wound contraction, and stimulated new blood vessel and hair follicle growth. • The nanofiber bolstered the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF and concurrently reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Abietic acid with an excellent assembly profile is used to stabilize curcumin. • The bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with loading by abietic acid. • Abietic acid and curcumin have synergistic antioxidant activity. This research constructed composite nanoparticles (NP s) using abietic acid (AA) as a carrier for significantly enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin (CCM). CCM -loaded AA NPs were synthesized using a low-energy microemulsification method, and the obtained nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 458.66 nm, a narrow size distribution and a negative surface charge of −19.13 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CCM was 17.98 %, while its solubility was 20-fold that of free curcumin. FITR, UV, and MD revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between AA and CCM. The in-vitro release profile showed sustainable release of CCM in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids up to 2 h at 37 °C. In cellular studies, CCM -loaded AA NPs with the same CCM concentration exhibited greater bioaccessibility and bioavailability than free CCM. These data suggested a possible utilization of AA NPs in improving water solubility, bioavailability and activity of lipophilic bioactive food factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimal process for ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide was determined; • The physicochemical properties and activities of polysaccharide extracted by different methods were evaluated; • Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharide exhibited significant amelioration of cell damage stimulated by uric acid. An efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted hot water method for Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPs) extraction was developed. According to the response surface results, the optimal ultrasonic time was 85 min, ultrasonic power was 192.75 W, temperature was 90.74 °C, liquid–solid ratio was 26.1, and polysaccharide yield was 28.50 %. The polysaccharide mainly consisted of arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc), with a molecular weight of 62.3 kDa. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (UICP) exhibited stronger anti-oxidant activity and ability to ameliorate cellular damage due to uric acid stimulation compared with traditional hot water extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPC-b). It also exhibited higher thermal stability, indicating its potential value for applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel 3D anisotropic random porous structure based on anisotropic Voronoi diagrams with high strength and high stiffness. • The parallel 3D anisotropic Voronoi diagram algorithm which eliminates the need for iterative calculations and is applicable to complex 3D shapes, including intricate concave shapes and structures with non-zero genus. • The stress driven strategy in which the distribution of Voronoi cells is related with the spatial distribution of stress magnitudes, while the cell orientations are controlled by the direction of stress tensor. Porous structures exhibit excellent mechanical properties and are widely utilized in engineering design. However, there is still substantial potential for enhancing the mechanical performance of these structure. By customizing the anisotropic design of each pore in the porous structure, the strength and stiffness of the structure can be significantly enhanced. In this work, we present a novel method for designing 3D anisotropic Voronoi porous structures (AVPSs). To construct these structures, we propose a novel algorithm for generating 3D anisotropic Voronoi diagrams (AVDs) based on Riemannian distance. The geometries of Voronoi cells are controlled to conform with both the stress distribution and the principal stress directions. The distribution of Voronoi cells are graded using a stress-based site sampling strategy, the orientation of Voronoi cells are modified by introducing stress-mapped Riemann tensor fields. The AVPSs are then modeled by computing implicit surfaces based on AVDs. The AVPSs conform closely to the geometric profile of the input model by clipping AVDs using the tetrahedral mesh. Furthermore, the results obtained from numerical simulations and experimental tests indicate that the AVPSs possess both high strength and high stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R. suavissimus (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee), also known as Chinese sweet tea, is a deciduous shrub of the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae in China. R. suavissimus leaves contain various chemical components with excellent physiological functions, making them both drinkable as tea and medicinal. Moreover, rubusoside, regarded as the main sweet component in R. suavissimus , is an ideal sweetener with the characteristics of high sweetness and low-calorie. However, less attention has been paid to R. suavissimus , which hinders its popularization and application. This paper comprehensively summarizes the research progress on the nutritional components of R. suavissimus leaves, including chemical structure, extraction methods, health benefits, and mechanism of action, as well as expounds on the application status of R. suavissimus. Additionally, the production of rubusoside through biotransformation and biosynthesis is concerned. R. suavissimus leaves are rich in nutrients such as rubusoside, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which can resist allergies, reduce inflammation, prevent dental caries, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and are widely applied in the fields of food, beverages, medicine, and skincare. As the main sweet component, rubusoside is expected to be a natural green substitute for sweeteners such as sucrose. In addition to being extracted from R. suavissimus , rubusoside can also be produced in large quantities through biotransformation and biosynthesis. Overall, R. suavissimus leaves have three major functions of "tea, sugar and medicine", and are a kind of health care product and sweetener with great development value. • The chemical components of R. suavissimus are comprehensively summarized. • The health benefits of R. suavissimus are emphasized. • The application status of R. suavissimus is elaborated. • The production methods of rubusoside through biotransformation and biosynthesis are concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]