Impact of organic contaminant viscosity and cation hydrated radius on the rheological properties of sodium-bentonite: experimental and numerical investigations.

Soil contamination by organic and hazardous substances is a critical environmental issue, particularly in developing countries. This study investigates the limitations of double-layer theory for bentonite-organic contaminant interactions through experimental and numerical analysis. Using NaCl and KCl as salts and acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and glycerol as organic contaminants, the research explores the rheological properties of Na-bentonite dispersions.

Formation and Physicochemical Properties of Freeze-Dried Amyloid-Like Fibrils From Pinto Bean Protein: Amyloid-Like Fibrils From Pinto Bean Protein.

Amyloid nanofibrils are long and thin strands with cross structures associated by hydrogen bonds. These structures can be formed under suitable conditions commonly at low pH and high temperatures. Fibrillated pinto bean protein isolate (FPBPI) was made by heating pinto bean protein at 85°C in an acidic condition while gently stirring at initial protein solution concentrations of 4 mg/mL, 13 mg/mL, and 21 mg/mL.

The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts and exosomal miRNAs-mediated intercellular communication in the tumor microenvironment and the biology of carcinogenesis: a systematic review.

CAFs (cancer-associated fibroblasts) are highly flexible cells of the cancer microenvironment. They produce the extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents that form the structure of the tumor stroma but are also a source of metabolites, growth factors, chemokines, and exosomes that impact every aspect of the tumor, including its response to treatment. It is believed that exosomal miRNAs facilitate intercellular signaling, which is essential for the development of cancer.

Biochemical profile of isolates, with a main focus on the fatty acid profile.

Biochemical characterization of new microalgal strains that are isolated from diverse environmental conditions is an important starting point for the establishment of high-quality feedstock for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. In this research study, the biochemical composition of three Iranian native subspecies of microalgae (, , and sp.), with the main focus on fatty acid composition, was studied.

Medicinal Chemistry of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Therapeutic Use in SARS-CoV-2: Design Strategies and Challenges for Targeted Delivery.

Background: The evolution of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains with greater degrees of infectivity, resistance to vaccine-induced acquired immunity, and more severe morbidity have contributed to the recent spread of COVID-19. In light of this, novel therapeutic alternatives with improved effectiveness and fewer side effects have become a necessity. Despite many new or repurposed antiviral agents recommended for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) therapy, this objective remains unfulfilled.

Optimization of Bioactive Compound Extraction from Saffron Petals Using Ultrasound-Assisted Acidified Ethanol Solvent: Adding Value to Food Waste.

The saffron industry produces large by-products, including petals with potential bioactive compounds, which are cheap and abundant, making them an attractive alternative to expensive stigmas for extracting bioactive components. This study aimed to optimize the extraction conditions of bioactive compounds from vacuum-dried saffron petals using an ultrasound-assisted acidified ethanol solvent. Three factors were considered: ethanol concentration (0-96%), citric acid concentration in the final solvent (0-1%), and ultrasound power (0-400 watt).

Wheat germ, a byproduct of the wheat milling industry, as a beneficial source of anti-aging polyamines: A quantitative comparison of various forms.

Polyamines have received a lot of attention since the 1990s because of their anti-aging, anti-chronic disease, and proliferative effects. Wheat germ was reported as one of the natural sources of high polyamine, especially spermidine. The current study used three types of wheat germ: group A was industrially separated germ from whole grain, group B was the commercially available germinated wheat germ, and group C was manually separated wheat germ from germinated grain.

On the nature of the two-positron bond: evidence for a novel bond type.

The nature of the newly proposed two-positron bond in (PsH), which is composed of two protons, four electrons and two positrons, is considered in this contribution. The study is done at the multi-component-Hartree-Fock (MC-HF) and the Diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) levels of theory by comparing data, analyzing the spatial structure of the DMC wavefunction, and applying the multi-component quantum theory of atoms in molecules and the two-component interacting quantum atoms energy partitioning schemes to the MC-HF wavefunction. The analysis demonstrates that (PsH) to a good approximation may be conceived of as two slightly perturbed PsH atoms, bonded through a two-positron bond.

Influence of Food Type on Human Psychological-Behavioral Responses and Crime Reduction.

The purpose of this narrative review is to emphasize the importance of food consumption and meal selection on mental health and brain function, including psychological and behavioral reactions such as mood, loving relationships, violence, and criminal activity. Additionally, by being aware of the link between food and mental health, the community can be encouraged to make informed food choices in order to avoid unfavorable outcomes like criminality. Food behaviors are shifting significantly over the world.

Optimization of Bioactive Compound Extraction from Eggplant Peel by Response Surface Methodology: Ultrasound-Assisted Solvent Qualitative and Quantitative Effect.

Anthocyanin pigments, which the peel of eggplant is rich in, contribute to food quality because of their function in color, appearance, and nutritional advantages. For the first time, this study aimed to optimize the composition of the extracting solvent as three factors: factor A (ratio of ethanol to methanol 0-100% /), factor B (ratio of water to alcohol 0-100% /), and factor C (citric acid in the final solvent 0-1% /) using response surface methodology (RSM), central composite design (CCD) with α 2, and two repeats in axial and factorial points and four central points, for maximum total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, extraction yield, antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay of the eggplant peel dry extract assisted by ultrasound (200 watts power, frequency of 28 kHz) in 60 °C for 45 min has been investigated. The best optimal formulas determined using RSM for the final solvent comprised optimal formula 1 (i.

The effect of periodate oxidation of basil seed gum and its addition on protein binding.

This study attempted to determine the best point of basil seed oxidation by applying response surface methodology (RSM) with 3 factors of temperature (35-45 °C), pH (3-7) as well as time (3-7 h), at 3 levels. The produced dialdehyde basil seed gum (DBSG) was collected and its physicochemical properties were determined. Fitting of quadratic, linear polynomial equations was subsequently done by considering the insignificant lack of fit, as well as highly considerable R, in order to probe the probable relationship existing between these considered variables as well as the obtained responses.

MC-QTAIM analysis reveals an exotic bond in coherently quantum superposed malonaldehyde.

The proton between the two oxygen atoms of the malonaldehyde molecule experiences an effective double-well potential in which the proton's wavefunction is delocalized between the two wells. Herein we employ a state-of-the-art multi-component quantum theory of atoms in molecules partitioning scheme to obtain the molecular structure, atoms in molecules and bonding network, from the superposed wavefunctions of malonaldehyde. In contrast to the familiar clamped-proton portrayal of malonaldehyde, in which the proton forms a hydrogen basin, for the superposed states the hydrogen basin disappears and two novel hybrid oxygen-hydrogen basins appear instead, with an even distribution of the proton population between the two basins.

The Effects of Phosphorylation and Microwave Treatment on the Functional Characteristics of Freeze-Dried Egg White Powder.

The effects of phosphorylation pre-treatments at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.

Two-component density functional theory for muonic molecules: Inclusion of the electron-positive muon correlation functional.

It is well-known experimentally that the positively charged muon and the muonium atom may bind to molecules and solids, and through muon's magnetic interaction with unpaired electrons, valuable information on the local environment surrounding the muon is deduced. Theoretical understanding of the structure and properties of resulting muonic species requires accurate and efficient quantum mechanical computational methodologies. In this paper, the two-component density functional theory (TC-DFT), as a first principles method, which treats electrons and the positive muon on an equal footing as quantum particles, is introduced and implemented computationally.

Review of proposed different irradiation methods to inactivate food-processing viruses and microorganisms.

Coronaviruses, which have been enveloped nonsegmented positive-sense RNA viruses, were first mentioned in the mid-1960s and can attack people as well as a wide range of animals (including mammals and birds). Three zoonotic coronaviruses have been identified as the cause of large-scale epidemics over the last two decades: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and swine acute diarrhea syndrome (SADS). Epithelial cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract are the principal targeted cells, and viral shedding occurs via these systems in diverse ways such as through fomites, air, or feces.

Migration of Various Nanoparticles into Food Samples: A Review.

Nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for the food industry with its applications in food packaging. The addition of nanoparticles, such as clay, silver and copper, can improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of food packaging. However, nanoparticles may have an adverse impact on human health.

The effect of chelating agents including potassium tartrate and citrate on the maximum reduction of lead and cadmium during soaking and cooking from some different varieties of rice available in Iran.

This study aimed to determine the percentage of reduction of lead and cadmium by chelating agents (potassium tartrate and potassium citrate) in the steps of soaking, cooking, and simultaneous soaking and cooking in some varieties of rice for the first time. Each chemical experiment was performed in ten replications. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Agilent-7700X ICP-MS) was used to assess the complete Cd and Pb content in rice samples acid-digested (500 mg dry-sample, 9 ml HNO: 3 ml HCl).

Predisposing factors of important invasive fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients: a review article.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has caused a devastating pandemic lasting for more than a year. To date, 47 million individuals have been infected and 1.2 million individuals have died worldwide.

The effect of complete replacing sodium with potassium, calcium, and magnesium brine on sodium-free ultrafiltration Feta cheese at the end of the 60-day ripening period: Physicochemical, proteolysis-lipolysis indices, microbial, colorimetric, and sensory evaluation.

The effect of complete substitution of NaCl with KCl, MgCl, and CaCl in brine used for the ripening stage in Na-free ultrafiltration (UF) Feta cheese making investigated. The chemical, microbial, textural, colorimetric, and sensory evaluation did at the end of the 60-day ripening period. As the ripening period of the cheese increased, the amount of acidity and total solid significantly increased while pH and moisture significantly decreased.

Construction of a sensitive and specific lead biosensor using a genetically engineered bacterial system with a luciferase gene reporter controlled by pbr and cadA promoters.

Background: A bacterial biosensor refers to genetically engineered bacteria that produce an assessable signal in the presence of a physical or chemical agent in the environment.

Methods: We have designed and evaluated a bacterial biosensor expressing a luciferase reporter gene controlled by pbr and cadA promoters in Cupriavidus metallidurans (previously termed Ralstonia metallidurans) containing the CH34 and pI258 plasmids of Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, and that can be used for the detection of heavy metals. In the present study, we have produced and evaluated biosensor plasmids designated pGL3-luc/pbr biosensor and pGL3-luc/cad biosensor, that were based on the expression of luc+ and under the control of the cad promoter and the cadC gene of S.

Review of novel human β-coronavirus (2019-nCoV or SARS-CoV-2) from the food industry perspective-Appropriate approaches to food production technology.

Coronaviruses, enveloped nonsegmented positive-sense RNA viruses, can affect the respiratory and digestive systems of humans and a variety of birds and mammals. The primary target cells of coronaviruses compromise the respiratory and gastrointestinal region epithelial cells due to their cell features and delivery through fomites, airborne, or fecal-oral routes. Some functional food sources due to having crucial chemical compounds may help individuals to overcome this infection by modulating the body's immune system, generating antiviral activity against the infection, and reducing other respiratory problems.

Effects of Replacing Inorganic with Organic Iron on Performance, Egg Quality, Serum and Egg Yolk Lipids, Antioxidant Status, and Iron Accumulation in Eggs of Laying Hens.

This study compared the effects dietary organic (ferrous glycine [FG]) versus inorganic (ferrous sulfate [FS]) iron in laying hens on performance, egg quality, serum and egg yolk lipids, antioxidant status, and iron enrichment of eggs. A total of 378 Shaver White layers were allotted to 7 treatments with 6 replicates (9 birds each) from 30 to 42 weeks of age. A basal diet (19 mg iron/kg) served as control, while the other six diets were supplemented with either FS or FG to provide 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of added iron.

Bacterial staphylokinase as a promising third-generation drug in the treatment for vascular occlusion.

Vascular occlusion is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity. Blood vessel blockage can lead to thrombotic complications such as myocardial infarction, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, peripheral occlusive disease, and pulmonary embolism. Thrombolytic therapy currently aims to rectify this through the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Loading lime by-product into derivative cellulose carrier for food enrichment.

The objective here is to enrich orange juice through encapsulated lime by-product extract (LBE) through freeze-drying, in order to increase lime by-product consumption, in addition to increasing nutrition value of orange juice. The properties of both the LBE and microparticles are measured. The total polyphenolic compound (TPC) was measured to be 34.