Betulin is a pentacyclic triterpene found in the outer barks of innumerous plants. This secondary metabolite is easily isolated from plants with the major interest in converting it to betulinic acid, which pharmacological properties were much more exploited than betulin. But, investments in the own betulin have been grown since no chemical step is necessary. In this study we focused the precursor betulin in order to evaluate its mutagenicity by Salmonella/microsome assay (Ames test). The Ames test was carried out using a commercial betulin exposed to Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA97a, in experiments with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation. Betulin was unable to increase the number of revertants (+S9 and -S9 metabolic activation) showing the absence of any mutagenic effect by Ames test. This study allowed attribute safety to betulin being important for exploiting its pharmacological uses.
In every statistical analysis, a critical step is to determine the smallest effect size of interest (i.e., the arbitrary dividing line between meaningful and negligible results).
Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD, 21250, USA.
Mycelial materials are an emerging, natural material made from filamentous fungi that have the potential to replace unsustainable materials used in numerous commercial applications (e.g., packaging, textiles, construction).
Objective: Ventricular assist device (VAD) serves as either a bridge to transplantation (BTT) or destination therapy (DT) for end-stage heart failure. In Japan, the extended wait time for heart transplants can make VAD usage for BTT comparable in duration to DT in other countries. Previous studies suggest that while DT patients experience improved quality of life post-VAD implantation, BTT patients often see a decline after two years.
Despite the significant advances made involving the additive manufacturing (AM) of metals, including those related to both materials and processes, challenges remain in regard to the rapid qualification and insertion of such materials into applications. In general, understanding the process-microstructure-property interrelationships is essential. To successfully understand these interrelationships on a process-by-process basis and exploit such knowledge in practice, leveraging monitoring, modeling, and statistical analysis is necessary.
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) such as the Impossible Burger imitate animal meat appearance, taste, feel, and texture. Part of their consumer appeal are the views that PBMAs are more environmentally friendly, reduce inhumane treatment of animals, and/or have preferred nutritional attributes. College-educated adults are one of the larger markets for these products.
