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For the purpose of sensorless low-speed control of direct-drive permanent magnet synchronous generator–based wind power systems, a technique based on the rotating high-frequency voltage-signal injection is discussed in this article, which improves the efficiency of the method and eliminates the phase shift introduced by traditional filters; band pass and low-pass filters are replaced by an extended complex Kalman filter algorithm. In addition, a flywheel energy storage system based on a squirrel cage induction machine is connected with the wind power generator by a DC bus through two power converters. For sensorless control of the induction machine, a rotor speed estimation method based on the extended complex Kalman filter is established. Finally, network connection interface of the complete system is presented and the efficiency of the proposed sensorless control of the whole chain of wind power generation is shown by numerical simulations using MATLAB/Simulink environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the transepithelial transport of bioactive peptides derived from faba bean flour gastrointestinal digestates was investigated, in vitro, using a Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 coculture monolayer, in comparison to those of pea and soy. The profile of transported peptides was determined by mass spectrometry, and the residual antioxidant activity was assessed. The ORAC value significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased after transepithelial transport (24-36% reduction) for all legumes, while the antioxidant activity in ABTS assay significantly ( p < 0.05) increased, as shown by the EC 50 decrease of 26-44%. Five of the nine faba bean peptides that crossed the intestinal cell monolayer exhibited antioxidant activity. Two of these peptides, TETWNPNHPEL and TETWNPNHPE, were further hydrolyzed by the cells' brush border peptidases to smaller fragments TETWNPNHP and TWNPNHPE. These metabolized peptides were synthesized, and both maintained high antioxidant activity in both ABTS (EC 50 of 1.2 ± 0.2 and 0.4 ± 0.1 mM, respectively) and ORAC (2.5 ± 0.1 and 3.4 ± 0.2 mM of Trolox equivalent/mM, respectively) assays. These results demonstrated for the first time the bioaccessibility of faba bean peptides produced after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and how their bioactive properties can be modulated during transepithelial transport.

The emerging field of nanotechnology has paved the way for revolutionary advancements in drug delivery systems, with nanosystems emerging as a promising avenue for enhancing the therapeutic potential and the stability of various bioactive compounds. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychotropic compound of the Cannabis sativa plant, has gained attention for its therapeutic properties. Consequently, researchers have devoted significant efforts to unlock the full potential of CBD's clinical benefits, where various nanosystems and excipients have emerged to overcome challenges associated with its bioavailability, stability, and controlled release for its transdermal application. Therefore, this comprehensive review aims to explain CBD's role in managing acute inflammatory pain and offers an overview of the state of the art of existing delivery systems and excipients for CBD. To summarize this review, a summary of the cannabinoids and therapeutical targets of CBD will be discussed, followed by its conventional modes of administration. The transdermal route of administration and the current topical and transdermal delivery systems will also be reviewed. This review will conclude with an overview of in vivo techniques that allow the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of these systems.

Faba bean flour, after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, showed important antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. In the present study, 11 faba bean- derived peptides were synthesized to confirm their bioactivities and provide a deeper understanding of their mechanisms of action. The results revealed that 7 peptides were potent antioxidants, namely, NYDEGSEPR, TETWNPNHPEL, TETWNPNHPE, VIPTEPPH, VIPTEPPHA, VVIPTEPPHA, and VVIPTEPPH. Among them, TETWNPNHPEL had the highest activity in the ABTS (EC 50 = 0.5 ± 0.2 mM) and DPPH (EC 50 = 2.1 ± 0.1 mM) assays ( p < 0.05), whereas TETWNPNHPE had the highest activity ( p < 0.05) in the ORAC assay (2.84 ± 0.08 mM Trolox equivalent/mM). Synergistic and/or additive effects were found when selected peptides (TETWNPNHPEL, NYDEGSEPR, and VVIPTEPPHA) were combined. Four peptides were potent ACE inhibitors, where VVIPTEPPH (IC 50 = 43 ± 1 μM) and VVIPTEPPHA (IC 50 = 50 ± 5 μM) had the highest activity ( p < 0.05), followed by VIPTEPPH (IC 50 = 90 ± 10 μM) and then VIPTEPPHA (IC 50 = 123 ± 5 μM) ( p < 0.05). These peptides were noncompetitive inhibitors, as supported by kinetic studies and a molecular docking investigation. This study demonstrated that peptides derived from faba beans have multifunctional bioactivities, making them a promising food-functional and nutraceutical ingredient.

The Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) is the new gold standard method for the assessment of protein nutritional quality. The DIAAS is evaluated with in vivo models, that are complex, constraining and costly. There is still no established method to assess it in vitro. In this study, we proposed to add a jejunal-ileal digestion phase to the standardized in vitro gastrointestinal digestion protocol developed by the International Network of Excellence on the Fate of Food in the Gastrointestinal Tract (INFOGEST protocol) to mimic brush border digestion and to enable DIAAS assessment in vitro in a more physiologically relevant manner. This jejunal-ileal digestion phase was performed with a porcine intestinal aminopeptidase as an alternative to brush border membrane extract, which is more difficult to obtain in a standardized way. This modified INFOGEST protocol was applied to various food matrices (faba bean, pea and soy flours, whey protein isolate and caseins) and the results were compared to published in vivo data to assess the model's physiological relevance. The addition of the jejunal-ileal digestion phase lead to a significant (p < 0.05) increase of 31 and 29 % in free and total amino acid digestibility, respectively, and of 83 % on average for the in vitro DIAAS values for all food matrices. Although the in vitro DIAAS remained underestimated compared to the in vivo ones, a strong correlation between them was observed (r = 0.879, p = 0.009), stating the relevance of this last digestion phase. This improved digestion protocol is proposed as a suitable alternative to evaluate the DIAAS in vitro when in vivo assays are not applicable., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Faba bean is an ancient legume that is regaining interest due to its environmental and nutritional benefits. Very little is known on the protein quality of the new faba bean varieties. In this study, the digestibility and the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) of the protein quality of three Canadian faba bean varieties (Fabelle, Malik and Snowbird) were compared to pea and soy using the harmonized in vitro digestion procedure developed by the International Network of Excellence on the Fate of Food in the Gastrointestinal Tract (INFOGEST). The impact of boiling on the nutritional quality of faba bean flours was also ascertained. Protein content in faba bean (28.7-32.5%) was lower than defatted soy (56.6%) but higher than pea (24.2%). Total phenolics and phytate content were higher (p < 0.05) in faba bean (2.1-2.4 mg/g and 11.5-16.4 mg/g respectively) and soy (2.4 mg/g and 19.8 mg/g respectively) comparatively to pea (1.3 mg/g and 8.9 mg/g). Trypsin inhibitor activity was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in soy (15.4 mg/g) comparatively to pea (0.7 mg/g) and faba bean (0.8-1.1 mg/g). The digestibility of free amino acids of raw faba bean flours ranged from 31 to 39% while the digestibility of total amino acids ranged from 38 to 39%. The in vitro Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (IV-DIAAS) of raw faba bean flours ranged from 13 to 16 (when calculated based on free amino acid digestibility) to 32-38 (when calculated based on total amino acid digestibility) and was in a similar range to pea (13-31) and soy (11-40). Boiling modified the protein electrophoretic profile and decreased trypsin inhibitor activity (30-86% reduction), while total phenolics and phytate content were unaffected. The IV-DIAAS significantly decreased in all boiled legumes, possibly due to an increased protein aggregation leading into a lower protein digestibility (18-32% reduction). After boiling, the nutritional quality of faba bean was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than soy, but higher than pea. Our results demonstrate that faba bean has a comparable protein quality than other legumes and could be used in similar food applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Crown Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Hairless canary seed ( Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal that is now approved for human consumption in Canada and the United States. This true cereal grain has higher protein content (22%) than oat (13%) and wheat (16%) and represents a valuable source of plant proteins. Assessment of canary seed protein quality is therefore essential to evaluate its digestibility and ability to provide sufficient amounts of essential amino acids for human requirements. In this study, the protein nutritional quality of four hairless canary seed varieties (two brown and two yellow) were evaluated in comparison to oat and wheat. The assessment of anti-nutrients contents (phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity, and polyphenols) showed that brown canary seed varieties had the highest content in phytate and oat the highest in polyphenols. Trypsin inhibitor level was comparable among studied cereals, but slightly higher in the brown canary seed Calvi variety. In regard to protein quality, canary seed had a well-balanced amino acid profile and was particularly high in tryptophan, an essential amino acid normally lacking in cereals. The in vitro protein digestibility of canary seeds as determined by both the pH-drop and INFOGEST (international network of excellence on the fate of food in the gastrointestinal tract) protocols appears slightly lower than wheat and higher than oat. The yellow canary seed varieties showed better overall digestibility than the brown ones. For all studied cereal flours, the limiting amino acid was lysine. The calculated in vitro PDCAAS (protein digestibility corrected amino acid score) and DIAAS (digestible indispensable amino acid score) were higher for the yellow C05041 cultivar than the brown Bastia, similar to those of wheat, but lower than those of oat proteins. This study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of in vitro human digestion models for the assessment of protein quality for comparison purpose.

Faba beans are a promising emerging plant-based protein source to be used as a quality alternative to peas and soy. In this study, the potential health beneficial activities of three Canadian faba bean varieties (Fabelle, Malik and Snowbird) were investigated after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and compared to two commonly used legumes (peas and soy). The results revealed that the faba beans had a higher antioxidant activity than peas when assessed with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, except for the Fabelle variety. In the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the iron chelating assays, the faba beans had a lower antioxidant activity than soy. Interestingly, Fabelle and Snowbird showed a higher antioxidant effect than the peas and soy at the cellular level. The antihypertensive properties of Fabelle and Malik varieties were significantly higher than peas but lower than soy. The in vitro antidiabetic activity was higher for soy, but no differences were found at the cellular level. The faba bean peptides were further fractionated and sequenced by mass spectrometry. Eleven peptides with in silico predicted bioactivities were successfully identified in the faba bean digestate and support validating the health-promoting properties of peptides. The results demonstrate the bioactive potential of faba beans as a health-promoting food ingredient against non-communicable diseases.

Faba beans are emerging as sustainable quality plant protein sources, with the potential to help meet the growing global demand for more nutritious and healthy foods. The faba bean, in addition to its high protein content and well-balanced amino acid profile, contains bioactive constituents with health-enhancing properties, including bioactive peptides, phenolic compounds, GABA, and L-DOPA. Faba bean peptides released after gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects, indicating a strong potential for this legume crop to be used as a functional food to help face the increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current body of knowledge on the nutritional and biofunctional qualities of faba beans, with a particular focus on protein-derived bioactive peptides and how they are affected by food processing. It further covers the adverse health effects of faba beans associated with the presence of anti-nutrients and potential allergens, and it outlines research gaps and needs.

The efficiency of laccase-catalyzed protein cross-linking can be impacted by substrate protein structure and competing reactions. In this study, chemical grafting of ferulic acid (FA) on protein surface was applied to modulate the cross-linking of two inflexible globular proteins, lysozyme (LZM) and ovalbumin (OVA). The extent of FA-grafting was positively correlated with protein cross-linking extent, and determined the molecular weight profile and structures of the cross-linked product. While laccase-catalyzed reactions (with or without free FA mediator) did not lead to evident cross-linking of the native proteins, oligomeric (up to 16.4%), polymeric (up to 30.6%) FA-LZMs and oligomeric FA-OVA (5.1-31.1%) were obtained upon the enzymatic treatments. The cross-linking on the grafted FA sites occurred mainly through the formation of 8-5'-noncyclic-dehydro-diferulic linkages. The effects of investigated cross-linking approach on the emulsifying, foaming properties and the immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding capacity of LZM and OVA were also evaluated in relation to the structural properties of cross-linked proteins., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, easily form stable biofilms on many surfaces. Such biofilms have high resistance to antibiotics, and cause nosocomial and postoperative infections. The antimicrobial and antiviral behaviors of Ag and Cu nanoparticles (NPs) are well known, and possible mechanisms for their actions, such as released ions, reactive oxygen species (ROS), contact killing, the immunostimulatory effect, and others have been proposed. Ag and Cu NPs, and their derivative NPs, have different antimicrobial capacities and cytotoxicities. Factors, such as size, shape and surface treatment, influence their antimicrobial activities. The biomedical application of antimicrobial Ag and Cu NPs involves coating onto substrates, including textiles, polymers, ceramics, and metals. Because Ag and Cu are immiscible, synthetic AgCu nanoalloys have different microstructures, which impact their antimicrobial effects. When mixed, the combination of Ag and Cu NPs act synergistically, offering substantially enhanced antimicrobial behavior. However, when alloyed in Ag-Cu NPs, the antimicrobial behavior is even more enhanced. The reason for this enhancement is unclear. Here, we discuss these results and the possible behavior mechanisms that underlie them.

Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria is helpful in reducing soy protein immunoreactivity. However, how lactic acid fermentation influences the gastroduodenal digestibility and immunoglobulin E (IgE) binding capacity of soy proteins remains unclear. In this study, the protein digestion of a fermented soybean protein isolate (FSPI) was investigated and compared with that of a soybean protein isolate (SPI). The effect on their respective IgE binding capacities at the gastric and duodenal phases was also explored by using a novel in vitro dynamic gastrointestinal digestion model (Bionic Rat Model II+). Medium pH was measured, microstructural analysis was performed, peptide distribution and free amino acid content were determined, and SDS-PAGE analysis was performed to assess the differences between SPI and FSPI. The results showed that FSPI had lower pH (3.76), larger protein aggregates (>60 μm), and higher low-molecular-weight peptides than SPI. During the first 30 min of gastric and duodenal digestion, the extent of hydrolysis of FSPI was higher than that of SPI, and the gastric transition time of the former was longer than that of the latter. Conversely, differences tended to be narrower in the next 30-180 min of gastric and duodenal digestion. As a result, the IgE binding capacity of FSPI was significantly lower than that of SPI at 30 min of gastric and duodenal digestion. Therefore, fermentation by lactic acid bacteria affected the digestibility rate of soy proteins, especially at the initial phases of gastric and duodenal digestion, thereby reducing the exposure of intact epitopes in the duodenum. This study helped to elucidate how lactic acid fermentation affected the digestive behavior of soy proteins and its implication in IgE immunoreactivity reduction.

Of several samples of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) used to coat and stabilize freshly manufactured aqueous dispersions of silver nanoparticles, one batch gave anomalous results: the dispersion maintained continued stability, even on extensive dilution. Our efforts to understand this desirable feature concluded that the generally used spectral method of PVP purity verification, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, was incapable of answering our inquiry. This led to the employment of several other methods, including X-ray photoelectron and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies, which ultimately revealed several possible reasons for the dilution stability, including incomplete PVP hydrolysis during manufacture and the presence of hydroperoxide contaminants. It led, as well, to explanations for the shortcomings of FTIR spectroscopy as a verification method for PVP purity., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2020 American Chemical Society.)

Glabrous canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) is a novel true cereal grain produced primarily in Western Canada which has been approved for human consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada in 2016. Due to its high protein content (22%), this new edible grain is emerging as an alternative source of plant proteins. In the present work, protein extractability from four novel glabrous (2 yellow and 2 brown) canary seeds varieties was improved based on the selection of optimal pH of protein solubilisation and precipitation. Solubilisation at pH 12 followed by acid precipitation at pH 5 were retained as optimal conditions. Scale up of the protein optimized wet fractionation process resulted in highly purified canary seed protein isolates (purity of 91 to 93%) with protein recovery yield of 65 to 69%. In parallel, for the others canary seed components, a good recovery yields were obtained for the oil fraction (6.1-6.7 g/100 g flour), starch fraction (48.1-54 g/100 g flour), and crude fiber fraction (15.1-19.7 g/100 g flour). The study of the functional properties of the obtained canary protein isolates revealed, higher solubility at acidic than alkaline region; enhanced fat and water holding capacities and notably higher foaming and emulsifying capacities than control soy protein isolate. With growing global demand for protein, glabrous canary seed has high potential in the food industry, particularly as a good source of functional gluten free cereal proteins., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Peanut allergic individuals can be both co-sensitized and co-allergic to peanut and tree nuts. At the moment, standard diagnostic approaches do not always allow differentiation between clinically relevant sensitization and nonsignificant cross-reactions, and the responsibility of each allergen remains unclear. The objective of this study was therefore to determine a peanut sensitization profile in a cohort of Canadian peanut allergic children and assess the immunoglobulin E (IgE) molecular cross-reactivity between peanut, almond, hazelnut and pistachio. The specific IgE (sIgE) levels of each patient serum were determined by ImmunoCAP, indirect ELISA and immunoblot to examine their sIgE-binding levels and profiles to peanut proteins. Reciprocal inhibition ELISA and immunoblotting were used to study sIgE cross-reactions between peanut and the selected tree nuts using an adjusted and representative serum pool of the nine allergic patients. The results showed that the prepared peanut and tree nut protein extracts allowed for the detection of the majority of peanut and selected tree nut known allergens. The reciprocal inhibition ELISA experiments showed limited sIgE cross-reactivities between peanut and the studied tree nuts, with peanut being most likely the sensitizing allergen and tree nuts the cross-reactive ones. In the case of hazelnut and pistachio, a coexisting primary sensitization to hazelnut and pistachio was also demonstrated in the serum pool. Reciprocal inhibition immunoblotting further revealed that storage proteins (2S albumin, 7S vicilin and 11S legumin) could possibly account for the observed IgE-cross-reactions between peanut and the studied tree nuts in this cohort of allergic individuals. It also demonstrated the importance of conformational epitopes in the exhibited cross-reactions.

The bioactive properties and health-promoting effects of two novel yellow (C09052, C05041) and two brown (Calvi, Bastia) hairless canary seed ( Phalaris canariensis L.) cultivars were investigated in comparison to two common cereal grains (wheat and oat). The cereal flours were digested using the standardized INFOGEST in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion model. The three-kilo dalton molecular weight cutoff (3 kDa MWCO) permeate of the generated digestates was assessed in vitro for their antioxidant, chelating, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities. The results showed no significant differences in studied bioactivities between yellow and brown canary seed cultivars, except for antioxidant activity by the DPPH and chelating Fe2+ assays, where brown cultivars had higher activities. Canary seeds had superior or equivalent antioxidant activity than those from oat and wheat. The anti-hypertensive activity (Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition) in yellow canary seed cultivars was significantly higher than that of oat and wheat, particularly for C09052 and Calvi varieties. Peptides exhibiting the highest antihypertensive activity from the permeate of the C09052 canary seed variety were further fractionated and identified by mass spectrometry. Forty-six peptides were identified belonging to 18 proteins from the Pooideae subfamily. Fourteen of the parent proteins were homologous to barley proteins. Peptides were analyzed in silico to determine potential bioactivity based on their amino acid composition. All 46 peptides had potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities and 20 had potential antioxidant activity, thereby validating the in vitro assay data. Canary seed peptides also exhibited potential antiamnestic, antithrombotic, immunostimulating, opioid and neuro-activity, demonstrating important potential for health promoting effects, particularly against cardiovascular disease.

Currently, information on the allergens profiles of different mustard varieties is rather scarce. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess protein profiles and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding patterns of selected Canadian mustard varieties. Optimization of a non-denaturing protein extraction from the seeds of selected mustard varieties was first undertaken, and the various extracts were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed by means of protein recovery determination and protein profiling. The IgE-binding patterns of selected mustard seeds extracts were assessed by immunoblotting using sera from mustard sensitized and allergic individuals. In addition to the known mustard allergens-Sin a 2 (11S globulins), Sin a 1, and Bra j 1 (2S albumins)-the presence of other new IgE-binding protein bands was revealed from both Sinapis alba and Brassica juncea varieties. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the in-gel digested IgE-reactive bands identified the unknown ones as being oleosin, β-glucosidase, enolase, and glutathione-S transferase proteins. A bioinformatic comparison of the amino acid sequence of the new IgE-binding mustard proteins with those of know allergens revealed a number of strong homologies that are highly relevant for potential allergic cross-reactivity. Moreover, it was found that Sin a 1, Bra j 1, and cruciferin polypeptides exhibited a stronger IgE reactivity under non-reducing conditions in comparison to reducing conditions, demonstrating the recognition of conformational epitopes. These results further support the utilization of non-denaturing extraction and analysis conditions, as denaturing conditions may lead to failure in the detection of important immunoreactive epitopes., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Glabrous canaryseeds were recently approved for human consumption as a novel cereal grain in Canada and the United States. Previously, canaryseeds were exclusively used as birdseed due to the presence of carcinogenic silica fibers; therefore the nutritional value of the seeds has been seriously overlooked. Two cultivars of glabrous canaryseeds (yellow and brown) were created from the hairy varieties. They are high in protein compared to other cereal grains, and contain high amounts of tryptophan, an amino acid normally lacking in cereals, and are gluten-free. Bioactive peptides of canaryseeds produced by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion have shown antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive activity. The seeds contain other constituents with health promoting effects, including unsaturated fatty acids, minerals, and phytochemicals. Anti-nutritional components in the seeds are comparable to other cereal grains. Because of their beneficial health effects, canaryseeds should be regarded as a healthy food and have immense potential as a functional food and ingredient. Further research is required to determine additional bioactive peptide activity and capacity, as well as differences between the yellow and brown cultivars.

Spore-forming pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile , are associated with nosocomial infection, leading to the increased use of sporicidal disinfectants, which impacts socioeconomic costs. However, C. difficile can be prevented using microorganisms such as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens , a prophylactic agent that has been proven to be effective against it in recent tests or it can be controlled by sporicidal disinfectants. These disinfectants against spores should be evaluated according to a known and recommended standard. Unfortunately, some newly manufactured disinfectants like Bioxy products have not yet been tested. ASTM E2197-11 is a standard test that uses stainless steel disks (1 cm in diameter) as carriers, and the performance of the test formulation is calculated by comparing the number of viable test organisms to that on the control carriers. Surface tests are preferable for evaluating disinfectants with sporicidal effects on hard surfaces. This study applies improved methods, based on the ASTM E2197-11 standard, for evaluating and comparing the sporicidal efficacies of several disinfectants against spores of C. difficile and B. amyloliquefaciens , which are used as the test organisms. With the improved method, all spores were recovered through vortexing and membrane filtration. The results show that chlorine-based products are effective in 5 min and Bioxy products at 5% w/v are effective in 10 min. Although Bioxy products may take longer to prove their effectiveness, their non-harmful effects to hospital surfaces and people have been well established in the literature.

To investigate the possible developmental programming, we analyzed the effects of maternal and postnatal low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure on metabolic and redox parameters in the offspring. Postnatal changes in plasma biochemical parameters and plasma and tissue oxidative stress markers were determined in offspring of dams fed standard chow or diet containing alpha cypermethrin at 1.50mg/kg/day during gestation and lactation, weaned on to standard chow or on treated diet until adulthood (5months). Our results showed that exposure to alpha cypermethrin induced a significant reduction in body weight, food intake and metabolic alterations such as an increase in plasma glucose, triglyceride, urea, creatinine and AST levels in both postnatal and prenatal/postnatal treated female and male rats. This increase was more pronounced in prenatal/postnatal exposed rats. Alpha-cypermethrin exposure resulted in an imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant status, marked by high levels of carbonyl proteins and MDA, and low levels of antioxidants in erythrocytes, liver and kidney of both male and female offspring. Offspring of exposed dams have pre-existing oxidative stress that was accentuated with postnatal pesticide exposure. In conclusion, maternal alpha-cypermethrin exposure affected metabolism leading to permanent changes in biochemical parameters, enzyme activities and redox markers in the offspring. These abnormalities in offspring were worsened under postnatal pesticide exposure from weaning to adulthood., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to determine if surface analysis techniques could be used to detect endotoxin on stainless steel malleolus screws. New malleolus screws were compared to ones that had been coated in purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Artificial Test Soil (ATS) containing lipopolysaccharide. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and time-of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) were used to assess the fixation screws surface. Organic material was visualized on the LPS and ATS-LPS inoculated screws but not on the new unsoiled screws. This was further supported by the peaks observed at masses between 40 and 100 D in TOF-SIMS spectra of the LPS and ATS-LPS inoculated screws. After deconvolution of N1s high resolution XPS spectra, the LPS inoculated screws showed amide groups whereas the ATS-LPS inoculated screws showed predominantly nitroso groups (C-NO). Our data demonstrate that surface analysis can be used to detect organic residuals present on fixation screws. The XPS data confirmed that LPS reacted predominantly with positively charged surface metallic ions (Fe and Cr), whereas proteins reacted with the surface oxide layer of fixation screws, forming C-NO groups. The application of these surface analysis techniques will be helpful in determining if the reprocessing of such items results in an accumulation of organic material that might lead to aseptic loosening, when implanted. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:240-247, 2017., (© 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Pyrethroid insecticides are extensively used in agriculture and in household activities. During pregnancy, they might affect maternal metabolic status and there after fetal development. In this work, we studied metabolic and redox effects of low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure in pregnant rats and their offspring. The diet containing alpha cypermethrin at 0.02mg/kg/day was consumed during the entire gestation. Plasma biochemical parameters as well as liver lipid and oxidative stress markers were determined. Our results showed that alpha-cypermethrin induced an increase in body weight and in plasma glucose and lipid levels, as well as in plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities in pregnant rats and their newborns. Pregnant rats showed cellular oxidative stress and altered oxidant-antioxidant status when treated by the insecticide and these disturbances were also seen in their newborns. In conclusion, low dose alpha-cypermethrin exposure induced several metabolic and redox alterations leading to maternal physiological impairments and to fetal metabolic changes. Alpha-cypermethrin should be used with caution especially during pregnancy., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Intrinsic material skills have a deep effect on the mechanical and biological performance of bone substitutes, as well as on its associated biodegradation properties. In this work we have manipulated the preparation of collagenous derived fiber mesh frameworks to display a specific composition, morphology, open macroporosity, surface roughness and permeability characteristics. Next, the effect of the induced physicochemical attributes on the scaffold's mechanical behavior, bone bonding potential and biodegradability were evaluated. It was found that the scaffold microstructure, their inherent surface roughness, and the compression strength of the gelatin scaffolds can be modulated by the effect of the cross-linking agent and, essentially, by mimicking the nano-scale size of hydroxyapatite in natural bone. A clear effect of bioactive hydroxyapatite nano-rods on the scaffolds skills can be appreciated and it is greater than the effect of the cross-linking agent, offering a huge perspective for the upcoming progress of bone implant technology., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The characterization of synthetic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) surfaces prior to functionalization is an essential step in the prediction of their successful functionalization, and in uncovering issues that may influence their selection as magnetically targeted drug delivery vehicles (prodrugs). Here, three differently functionalized magnetite (Fe3O4) SPIONs are considered. All were identically prepared by the alkaline coprecipitation of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) salts. We use X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, time-of-flight SIMS, FTIR spectroscopy and magnetic measurements to characterize their chemical, morphological and magnetic properties, in order to aid in determining how their surfaces differ from those prepared by Fe(CO)5 decomposition, which we have already studied, and in assessing their potential use as drug delivery carriers., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Much recent research on nanoparticles has occurred in the biomedical area, particularly in the area of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs); one such area of research is in their use as magnetically directed prodrugs. It has been reported that nanoscale materials exhibit properties different from those of materials in bulk or on a macro scale [1]. Further, an understanding of the batch-to-batch reproducibility and uniformity of the SPION surface is essential to ensure safe biological applications, as noted in the accompanying article [2], because the surface is the first layer that affects the biological response of the human body. Here, we consider a comparison of the surface chemistries of a batch of SPIONs, before and after the supposedly gentle process of dialysis in water.

A D-optimal design was constructed to optimize allergen extraction efficiency simultaneously from roasted, non-roasted, defatted, and non-defatted almond, hazelnut, peanut, and pistachio flours using three non-denaturing aqueous (phosphate, borate, and carbonate) buffers at various conditions of ionic strength, buffer-to-protein ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction duration. Statistical analysis showed that roasting and non-defatting significantly lowered protein recovery for all nuts. Increasing the temperature and the buffer-to-protein ratio during extraction significantly increased protein recovery, whereas increasing the extraction time had no significant impact. The impact of the three buffers on protein recovery varied significantly among the nuts. Depending on the extraction conditions, protein recovery varied from 19% to 95% for peanut, 31% to 73% for almond, 17% to 64% for pistachio, and 27% to 88% for hazelnut. A modulation by the buffer type and ionic strength of protein and immunoglobuline E binding profiles of extracts was evidenced, where high protein recovery levels did not always correlate with high immunoreactivity., (Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A full factorial design was used to assess the single and interactive effects of three non-denaturing aqueous (phosphate, borate, and carbonate) buffers at various ionic strengths (I) on allergen extractability from and immunoglobulin E (IgE) immunoreactivity of peanut, almond, hazelnut, and pistachio. The results indicated that the type and ionic strength of the buffer had different effects on protein recovery from the nuts under study. Substantial differences in protein profiles, abundance, and IgE-binding intensity with different combinations of pH and ionic strength were found. A significant interaction between pH and ionic strength was observed for pistachio and almond. The optimal buffer system conditions, which maximized the IgE-binding efficiency of allergens and provided satisfactory to superior protein recovery yield and profiles, were carbonate buffer at an ionic strength of I=0.075 for peanut, carbonate buffer at I=0.15 for almond, phosphate buffer at I=0.5 for hazelnut, and borate at I=0.15 for pistachio. The buffer type and its ionic strength could be manipulated to achieve the selective solubility of desired allergens., (Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cerium oxide (CeO2) and Ce-doped nanostructured materials (NMs) are being seen as innovative therapeutic tools due to their exceptional antioxidant effects; nevertheless their bio-applications are still in their infancy., Methods: TiO2, Ce-TiO2 and CeO2-TiO2 NMs were synthesized by a bottom-up microemulsion-mediated strategy and calcined during 7h at 650°C under air flux. The samples were compared to elucidate the physicochemical characteristics that determine cellular uptake, toxicity and the influence of redox balance between the Ce(3+)/Ce(4+) on the cytoprotective role against an exogenous ROS source: H2O2. Fibroblasts were selected as a cell model because of their participation in wound healing and fibrotic diseases., Results: Ce-TiO2 NM obtained via sol-gel reaction chemistry of metallic organic precursors exerts a real cytoprotective effect against H2O2 over fibroblast proliferation, while CeO2 pre-formed nanoparticles incorporated to TiO2 crystalline matrix lead to a harmful CeO2-TiO2 material. TiO2 was processed by the same pathways as Ce-TiO2 and CeO2-TiO2 NM but did not elicit any adverse or protective influence compared to controls., Conclusions: It was found that the Ce atoms source and its concentration have a clear effect on material's physicochemical properties and its subsequent influence in the cellular response. It can induce a range of biological reactions that vary from cytotoxic to cytoprotective., General Significance: Even though there are still some unresolved issues and challenges, the unique physical and chemical properties of Ce-based NMs are fascinating and versatile resources for different biomedical applications., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have been prepared and coated with positively (-NH3(+)) and negatively (-COO(-)) charged shells. These NPs, as well as their "bare" precursor, which actually contain surface hydroxyl groups, have been characterized in vitro, and their influence on a human epithelial cell line has been assessed in terms of cell metabolic activity, cellular membrane lysis, mitochondrial activity, and reactive oxygen species production. Their physicochemical characterizations and protein-nanoparticle interactions have been determined using dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectrometry, and Coomassie Blue fast staining. Cell-SPION interactions have been determined by PrestoBlue resazurin-based, Trypan Blue dye exclusion-based, and MTS cell proliferation assays as well as by reactive oxygen species determination. The results show that different surface characteristics cause different protein corona and cell responses. Some proteins (e.g., albumin) are adsorbed only on positively charged coatings and others (e.g., fibrinogen) only on negatively charged coating. No cell deaths occur, but cell proliferation is influenced by surface chemistry. Proliferation reduction is dose dependent and highest for bare SPIONs. Negatively charged SPIONs were the most biocompatible.

Superparamagnetic carbon-encapsulated iron carbide nanoparticles (NPs), Fe 7 C 3 @C, with unique properties, were produced from pure ferrocene by high pressure-high temperature synthesis. These NPs combine the merits of nanodiamonds and SPIONs but lack their shortcomings which limit their use for biomedical applications. Investigation of these NPs by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy techniques, X-ray spectroscopic and magnetic measurement methods has demonstrated that this method of synthesis yields NPs with perfectly controllable physical properties. Using magnetic and subsequent fractional separation of magnetic NPs from residual carbon, the aqueous suspensions of Fe 7 C 3 @C NPs with an average particle size of ∼25 nm were prepared. The suspensions were used for in vitro studies of the interaction of Fe 7 C 3 @C NPs with cultured mammalian cells. The dynamics of interaction of the living cells with Fe 7 C 3 @C was studied by optical microscopy using time-lapse video recording and also by transmission electron microscopy. Using novel highly sensitive cytotoxicity tests based on the cell proliferation assay and long-term live cell observations it was shown that the internalization of Fe 7 C 3 @C NPs has no cytotoxic effect on cultured cells and does not interfere with the process of their mitotic division, a fundamental property that ensures the existence of living organisms. The influence of NPs on the proliferative activity of cultured cells was not detected as well. These results indicate that the carbon capsules of Fe 7 C 3 @C NPs are air-tight which could offer great opportunities for future use of these superparamagnetic NPs in biology and medicine.

The effect of glycation of potato proteins on their immunoreactivity was studied by using a pool of human sera with specific IgE to potato proteins. Patatin conjugates were more immunoreactive than protease inhibitors ones. To better understand this behavior, the changes in patatin structure upon glycation and heat treatment were investigated. Patatin demonstrated an increase in total immunoreactivity when glycated with galactose and galactooligosaccharides. However, galactan conjugation to patatin resulted in a decrease in immunoreactivity by restricting IgE's access to the epitopes. Although the heat treatment resulted in a decrease in patatin's immunoreactivity through aggregation, it was less effective when patatin conjugates were used due to the decrease in aggregation and the secondary structural changes. Upon digestion, native patatin exhibited the largest decrease in immunoreactivity resulting from the disruption of both conformational and sequential epitopes. Patatin conjugates were less digested and had higher IgE-immunoreactivity as compared to the digested patatin.

Objectives: It is our aim to understand the mechanisms that make calcium phosphates, such as bioactive calcium hydroxyapatite (HA), and biphasic calcium (BCP) and β-tricalcium (β-TCP) phosphates, desirable for a variety of biological applications, such as the filling of bone defects., Methods: Here, we have characterized these materials by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS) and laser granulometry., Results: SEM shows clearly that BCP is a matrix made of macro-organized microstructure, giving insight to the specially chosen composition of the BCP that offers both an adequate scaffold and good porosity for further bone growth. As revealed by laser granulometry, the particles exhibit a homogeneous size distribution, centered at a value somewhat larger than the expected 500 μm. XPS has revealed the presence of adventitious carbon at all sample surfaces, and has shown that Ca/P and O/Ca ratios in the outer layers of all the samples differ significantly from those expected. A peak-by-peak XPS comparison for all samples has revealed that TCP and BCP are distinct from one another in the relative intensities of their oxygen peaks. The PO3(-)/PO2(-) and CaOH+/Ca+ TOF-SIMS intensity ratios were used to distinguish among the samples, and to demonstrate that the OH- fragment, present in all the samples, is not formed during fragmentation but exists at the sample surface, probably as a contaminant., Conclusions: This study provides substantial insight into the nanoscale surface properties of BCP, HA and β-TCP. Further research is required to help identify the effect of surfaces of these bioceramics with proteins and several biological fluids., Clinical Relevance: The biological performance of implanted synthetic graft bone biomaterials is strongly influenced by their nanosurface characteristics, the structures and properties of the outer layer of the biomaterial., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The surfaces of three chitosan samples, differing only in their degrees of deacetylation and of carboxyethyl chitosan were chemically characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared, both before and after sterilization with ethylene oxide. Unexpected elemental ratios suggest that surface chemical modification occurred during the processing of the original chitin, with further surface modification on subsequent sterilization, despite previous reports to the contrary. Cell viability was evaluated by direct contact methyl thiazole tetrazolium and lactate dehydrogenase assays between the chitosan particles and A549 human epithelial cells, which demonstrated that the modifications incurred on sterilization are reflected in biocompatibility changes. All the samples were found to be biocompatible and nontoxic before sterilization and remained so subsequently., (Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

A graphene-based label-free voltammetric immunosensor for the sensitive detection of the egg white allergen ovalbumin has been developed. Graphene-modified screen printed carbon electrodes have been covalently functionalized using electrochemical reduction of in situ generated aryl diazonium salt forming a carboxyphenyl film on the graphene surface. The blocking property of the carboxyphenyl film grafted on to the graphene electrodes using different cyclic voltammetry cycles has been characterized using differential pulse voltammetry in [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) solution. Then, the terminal carboxylic groups on the graphene surface were activated using EDC/NHS and used to immobilize the ovalbumin antibody and construct the immunosensor. The fabrication steps of the immunosensor have also been characterized using differential pulse voltammetry. The decrease in the [Fe(CN)6](3-/4-) reduction peak current after the immunochemical reaction with ovalbumin has been used for the ovalbumin detection. The developed immunosensor has been used for ovalbumin detection in the concentration range of 1 pg mL(-1) to 0.5 μg mL(-1) with a detection limit of 0.83 pg mL(-1) in PBS buffer. The food matrix effect studied with ovalbumin spiked cake extract showed a good percentage of recovery, indicating the possible applicability of the developed immunosensor in real food samples.

A novel label-free voltammetric immunosensor for sensitive detection of β-lactoglobulin using graphene modified screen printed electrodes has been developed. The derivatization of the graphene electrode surface was achieved by electrochemical reduction of in situ generated 4-nitrophenyl diazonium cations in aqueous acidic solution, followed by electrochemical reduction of the terminal nitro groups to amines. The electrochemical modification protocol was optimized in order to generate monolayer of nitrophenyl groups on the graphene surface without complete passivation of the electrode. Unlike the reported method for graphene functionalization, we demonstrated here the ability of the electrografting of aryl diazonium salt to attach an organic film to the graphene surface in a controlled manner by choosing the suitable grafting protocol. Next, the amine groups on the graphene surface were activated using glutaraldehyde and used for the covalent immobilization of β-lactoglobulin antibodies. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry carried out in an aqueous solution containing [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) redox pair have been used for the immunosensor characterization. The results demonstrated that the DPV reduction peak current of [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) decreased linearly with increasing the concentration of β-lactoglobulin due to the formation of antibody-antigen complex on the modified electrode surface. The immunosensor obtained using this novel approach enabled a detection limit of 0.85 pg mL(-1) and a dynamic range from 1 pg mL(-1) to 100 ng mL(-1) of β-lactoglobulin in PBS buffer. In addition, the immunosensor evaluated in different samples including cake, cheese snacks, a sweet biscuit, showing excellent correlation with the results obtained from commercially enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this work a new generation of bioceramic personalized implants were developed. This technique combines the processes of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) and combustion synthesis (CS) to create personalized bioceramic implants with tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA). These porous bioceramics will be used to fill the tibial bone gap created by the opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). A freeform fabrication with three-dimensional printing (3DP) technique was used to fabricate a metallic mold with the same shape required to fill the gap in the opening wedge osteotomy. The mold was subsequently used in a CS process to fabricate the personalized ceramic implants with TCP and HA compositions. The mold geometry was designed on commercial 3D CAD software. The final personalized bioceramic implant was produced using a CS process. This technique was chosen because it exploits the exothermic reaction between P₂O₅ and CaO. Also, chemical composition and distribution of pores in the implant could be controlled. To determine the chemical composition, the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of the implant, cylindrical shapes were also fabricated using different fabrication parameters. Chemical composition was performed by X-ray diffraction. Pore size and pore interconnectivity was measured and analyzed using an electronic microscope system. Mechanical properties were determined by a mechanical testing system. The porous TCP and HA obtained have an open porous structure with an average 400 µm channel size. The mechanical behavior shows great stiffness and higher load to failure for both ceramics. Finally, this personalized ceramic implant facilitated the regeneration of new bone in the gap created by OWHTO and provides additional strength to allow accelerated rehabilitation.