Search

The effect of adding different proportions of transglutaminase (TG) on the structure and digestive characteristics of high-moisture pea protein extrudates prepared with a twin-screw extruder was investigated. The macrostructure and microstructure of the extrudates were characterized by measuring texture and texturization degree as well as using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structural properties and nutritional value were evaluated by measuring rheological properties, protein solubility and digestive properties. These results showed that addition of appropriate amounts of TG (0.25%–­1.00%) promoted the cross-linking between pea protein molecules, forming a dense network structure, increasing the digestibility of extrudates and promoting the release of free amino acids. However, addition of excess TG (2%) inhibited the fiber formation and digestive properties of extrudates. The extrudate with 1.00% of TG had higher texturization degree and nutritional value. This study demonstrated that high-moisture extrusion combined with addition of TG can improve the structure and digestive characteristics of plant protein-based meat analogs.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), known as the 'cancer' of cucurbits, is a seed‐borne disease of melons caused by Acidovorax citrulli. Traditional chemical treatments for BFB are ineffective and adversely affect the environment. Using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) nanosecond‐pulsed plasma technology, melon seeds were treated to promote germination and growth and to control BFB. RESULTS: Based on the evaluation parameters of seed germination, seedling growth, leaf yellowing and bacterial infection after seed plasma treatments, 9 min at 20 kV was selected as the optimal plasma discharge parameter. In this study, seedling growth was significantly improved after treating melon seeds carrying A. citrulli using this discharge parameter. The number of first true leaves measured on the eighth day was 2.3 times higher and the disease index was reduced by 60.5% compared to the control group. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared measurements show that plasma treatments penetrate the seed coat and denature polysaccharides and proteins in the seed kernel, affecting their growth and sterilization properties. CONCLUSION: Pre‐sowing treatment of melon seeds carrying A. citrulli using nanosecond‐pulsed plasma technology can effectively control seedling BFB disease and promote melon seedling growth by optimizing DBD parameters. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal–organic cage‐based photo‐responsive supramolecular frameworks (PSMFs) with permanent porosity have gained attention for their modular properties, controllable functionality, and light‐induced reversible responsiveness. However, their high porosity and photo‐responsive efficiency are often compromised due to poor structural stability upon solvent removal, limiting their potential applications. Here, a solution to overcome this challenge by employing a surface polymerization strategy using isophorone diisocyanate (IDI) to stabilize PSMF (PCC‐20t) is presented. This approach results in the composite of PCC‐20t@PolyIDI, which preserves crystallinity and permanent high‐porosity while avoiding structural collapse commonly observed in highly porous supramolecular frameworks. Moreover, compared to activated PCC‐20t, PCC‐20t@PolyIDI exhibits an 18.6‐fold increase in specific surface area. Remarkably, the structural variability of PCC‐20t@PolyIDI can be observed in the photo‐regulation behavior of CO2 capacity under the irradiation of vis‐ and UV‐light, showing a 27.9% change in adsorption amount for CO2 which is significantly higher than that of the activated PCC‐20t with 7.0% for CO2. Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the light‐regulated adsorption performance is attributed to the configuration transformation of azobenzene from trans‐ to buckling state. The findings may pave the way for stabilizing high‐porosity materials to simultaneously meet demands for high‐porosity and photo‐responsive efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to different social and cultural backgrounds, cervical cancer patients' experience of the treatment process and quality of life after treatment will be different. This study sought to gain in-depth understanding of the experiences of Chinese cervical cancer patients as regards their quality of life and physical symptoms. Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. We recruited 15 women with cervical cancer in eastern China for in-depth interviews. All data were entered into the NVivo 12 software program for analysis. Results: Four themes emerged from the data: (a) uncertainty; (b) physical suffering; (c) psychological pressure; and (d) challenges of marriage and family. Discussion: Cervical cancer patients showed concerns about the disease itself and the physical discomfort it causes, as well as changes in social relations. Health professionals need to talk about these issues and develop strategies to address them accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]