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In this study, tempeh was developed using a probiotic culture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus adjunct culture. Purposely, soybean seeds were soaked overnight at room temperature and then boiled at 100°C for 10 to 15 min. The hot beans were then spread out in a thin layer and allowed to cool to room temperature. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus culture was added to the soybeans, which were then tightly packed in perforated plastic bags and incubated at 30°C for 24 h to produce fresh tempeh. The tempeh was then analyzed for its physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics, and the data obtained was statistically analyzed. The results of the physical and chemical analysis showed that the probiotic tempeh had a slight increase in pH, ash, and protein content, while there was a significant decrease in acidity, moisture, and fat content during storage. The microbial analysis revealed that both the total plate count and probiotic count increased over time, with treatment T4, which contained a high amount of culture, exhibiting the maximum plate count and probiotic count. The sensory evaluation showed that both the treatment and storage duration significantly impacted the aroma, color, taste, and overall acceptability of the tempeh, with all sensory attributes decreasing over time. The sensory panelists rated treatment T4 the highest for overall acceptance. In conclusion, the study suggests that probiotic soybean tempeh could be a beneficial carrier for producing a product with good physicochemical properties, acceptability, high probiotic viability, and storage durability.

Background Since current fascial traction methods involve invasive procedures, they are generally employed late in the management of the open abdomen (OA). This study aimed to evaluate early versus late placement of a non-invasive, pressure-regulated device for fascial reapproximation and gap reduction in OA patients.Methods The study included all patients who had the abdominal fascia intentionally left open after damage control operation for trauma and emergency general surgery and were managed with the device in an academic hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. Time of device placement in relation to the end of index laparotomy was defined as early (≤24 hours) versus late (>24 hours). Time-related mid-incisional width reduction of the fascial gap and fascial closure were assessed using descriptive and linear regression analysis.Results There was a significantly higher percent reduction in the fascial gap at the midpoint of the laparotomies in the early (≤24 hours) AbClo placement group compared with the late (>24 hours) AbClo placement group, respectively, median 76% versus 43%, p24 hours). Early non-invasive intervention could prevent abdominal wall myofascial retraction in OA patients.Level of evidence IV.

Gelatin is a protein molecule that can be hydrolyzed from collagen, animal bones, skin and it easily soluble in water. Source animals for gelatin ingredients must be evaluated, as well as their halal status. The omics method towards gelatin authentication in food and pharmaceutical products has several advantages, including high sensitivity and reliable data. Omics investigation employs the process of breaking down substances into small particles, hence enhancing the ability to detect a greater number of compounds. Omics study has the capability to identify substances at the subclass level, which makes it highly suitable for gelatin authentication. Gelatin lipids, metabolites, proteins, and volatile chemicals can be utilized as references to authenticate gelatin. In adopting gelatin authentication, lipidomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and volatilomics must be combined with chemometrics for data interpretation. Chemometrics can convert omics analysis data into easily viewable data. Chemometric approaches capable of presenting omics analysis data for gelatin authentication include PCA, HCA, PLS-DA, PLSR, SIMCA, and FACS. Visually chemometrically explain the differences in gelatin from different animal sources. The combination of omics analysis and chemometrics is a very promising technology for gelatin authentication in food and pharmaceutical products.

The effect of non-thermal (HPP and semi-HPP-CO2) and thermal (flash pasteurization, FP) treatments on phytonutrients of flowable smoothie prepared from quadrable vegetable blends (FQVS) was investigated using multidimensional methods. First, FQVS gained an acceptability sensorial index (85.7%) compared with other formulas. FQVS/semi-HPP-CO2 showed a greater microbial stability during storage (0–30 d) compared to HPP and FP. Fructose and glucose highly declined than sucrose in all smoothies, where semi-HPP-CO2 steadily declined this reduction during storage. LC/MS-MS analysis showed that semi-HPP-CO2 preserved most of FQVS's phytonutrients and their antioxidant effects measured by ORAC and oxidative enzymes inhibition assays. Semi-HPP-CO2 acquired the lowest apparent viscosity among different FQVS smoothies, showing its post-processing flowability behavior. Most importantly, semi-HPP-CO2 predicted a reduced power consumption for HPP and reduced the gas emission. In conclusion, blending different vegetables assisted with semi-HPP-CO2 could be a novel approach to produce storage-stable smoothies with adequate amounts of phytonutrients and sensorial scores.

This study investigated the effects of various processing methods on the lipid composition of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), specifically focusing on high-temperature frying, hydrogenation, freezing, and thawing. The research revealed that these processing methods significantly alter lipid profiles, with high-temperature techniques such as frying and hydrogenation leading to increased lipid oxidation and trans fat formation. These alterations have notable implications for the nutritional quality and health impacts of UPFs. The study found that the changes in lipid composition due to these processing methods significantly affect the nutritional value of UPFs and are linked to adverse health outcomes, including an increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic conditions. In contrast, methods like freezing and thawing produced different effects on lipid profiles. The findings emphasize the critical role of processing methods in determining lipid composition and highlight the potential health risks associated with consuming processed foods high in harmful fats. Incorporating healthier fats, such as unsaturated fats, into the diet could mitigate some of these risks. This study enhances the understanding of how food processing impacts lipid composition and health outcomes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different encapsulation materials, namely Sodium alginate, Whey protein isolate, Kappa-carrageenan, and Citrus pectin, on the viability and stability of probiotics. The probiotics were encapsulated using the internal gelation method and the resulting microbeads were measured for their size and encapsulation efficiency. The viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, both free and encapsulated, was evaluated under gastric and intestinal conditions. The results revealed that all wall materials had a significant impact (p

Background: The literature on gun violence is broad and variable, describing multiple legislation types and outcomes in observational studies. Our objective was to document the extent and nature of evidence on the impact of firearm legislation on mortality from firearm violence. Methods: A scoping review was conducted under PRISMA-ScR guidance. A comprehensive peer-reviewed search strategy was executed in several electronic databases from inception to March 2024. Grey literature was searched for unpublished sources. Data were extracted on study design, country, population, type of legislation, and overall study conclusions on legislation impact on mortality from suicide, homicide, femicide, and domestic violence. Critical appraisal for a sample of articles with the same study design (ecological studies) was conducted for quality assessment. Findings: 5057 titles and abstracts and 651 full-text articles were reviewed. Following full-text review and grey literature search, 202 articles satisfied our eligibility criteria. Federal legislation was identified from all included countries, while state-specific laws were only reported in studies from the U.S. Numerous legislative approaches were identified including preventative, prohibitive, and more tailored strategies focused on identifying high risk individuals. Law types had various effects on rates of firearm homicide, suicide, and femicide. Lack of robust design, uneven implementation, and poor evaluation of legislation may contribute to these differences. Interpretation: We found that national, restrictive laws reduce population-level firearm mortality. These findings can inform policy makers, public health researchers, and governments when designing and implementing legislation to reduce injury and death from firearms. Funding: Funding is provided by the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Evidence Alliance and in part by St. Michael’s Hospital, University of Toronto. Scoping review registration:: Open Science Framework (OSF): https://osf.io/sf38n.

Using data of 1,457 Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2012 to 2021, this study investigates the impact of regional digital finance development on inefficient corporate investments. Data for core explanatory variables, including Digital Finance and Breadth, were obtained from the Peking University Digital Finance Research Center, while firm-level variables’ data were sourced from CSMAR. The baseline results show that regional digital finance development significantly reduces inefficient corporate investments in China. These findings are further supported by a series of robustness tests. Additionally, we identify two mechanisms through which regional digital finance development mitigates inefficient corporate investments: alleviating financing constraints and increasing cash flow circulation. The mitigation effects of digital finance are more pronounced in state-owned firms, firms with strong governance, firms located in western regions, firms in areas with a high degree of marketization, and firms in innovative and competitive industries. Overall, this study offers significant insights for developing countries, suggesting that regional digital finance development can enhance firms’ resource allocation efficiency.

Food safety assurance systems are growing increasingly strict in both industrialized and developing nations as a result of increased, both real and perceived food safety concerns. This is happening as a result of developments in both public (such as direct regulation and product liability) and private (such as self and third-party certification) quality control systems. This study assessed the microbial safety, heavy metals contamination, and sensorial characteristics of beef seekh kababs made by local and branded restaurants in Faisalabad. A total of 24 samples were collected from four regions (R1 Lyallpur town, R2 Madina town, R3 Jinnah town, and R4 Iqbal town) of Faisalabad, and analyzed. Physicochemical parameters including moisture, fat, pH, ash, proteins and color (L*, b* and a*), microbiological parameters such as total plate count (TPC), total Coliform count (TCC), E. coli O157:H7, and heavy metals (Cd, Fe, Pb, and Zn) content were determined. Moreover, the lab supervisor and 18 food technology students, who had prior tasting experience, conducted sensory tests on the samples. They evaluated the samples right after they reached the laboratory, before any other analyses. Results showed that the R2 (Local) sample had the significantly (p

Aims This audit assesses the adherence to and effectiveness of rapid tranquilization protocols in a tertiary care psychiatric facility in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the use of intramuscular (IM) haloperidol and promethazine. The evaluation also includes an analysis of how these practices align with the prescribed guidelines for managing psychiatric emergencies. Methods A comprehensive retrospective analysis of patient records from January to December 2023 was conducted. The focus was on assessing the sequence of interventions (de-escalation techniques, oral medication, IM administration), medication choices, adherence to protocol steps, and documentation of patient monitoring post-administration. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied to analyze the data. Results Among 482 patient records: The primary diagnoses included schizophrenia (44%), bipolar disorder (29%), and severe depression with psychotic features (27%). IM haloperidol and promethazine were predominantly used, with 68% of cases bypassing oral medication or de-escalation attempts. Only 60% of cases showed adherence to the recommended protocol steps, including assessment for medical causes and optimization of regular prescriptions. In 12% of cases, a second injection was necessary, with the interval between injections undocumented in 15% of these cases. Vital monitoring post-administration was not recorded in 30% of cases. Medication unavailability was an issue in 8% of aggressive cases. Protocol deviations included the omission of recommended pre-treatments, such as ECG for haloperidol and the lack of alternative options like buccal midazolam or inhaled loxapine. Conclusion The audit reveals significant deviations from established guidelines in the rapid tranquilization process. The frequent omission of non-invasive interventions and the lack of consistent monitoring and documentation practices highlight areas needing immediate improvement. Training in de-escalation techniques, adherence to step-wise intervention protocols, and ensuring the availability of a range of medications are crucial. This study underscores the importance of aligning psychiatric emergency practices with established guidelines to ensure patient safety and effective treatment outcomes.

Aims This project evaluated the accuracy and evolution of psychiatric diagnoses in patients admitted through the Outpatient Department (OPD) and Emergency Room (ER) at Benazir Bhutto Hospital. It aimed to understand the factors contributing to diagnostic changes, especially the impact of comorbid conditions and interdisciplinary discussions. Methods Over an eight-month period, this study reviewed 200 patient records from the psychiatric department. It compared initial psychiatric diagnoses from OPD and ER admissions with final diagnoses at discharge. The evaluation examined the influence of ward round discussions, serial mental state examinations, and newly identified comorbid medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders and neurological issues, on diagnostic changes. Results Analysis showed that 38.2% of ER admissions had a revised diagnosis by discharge, compared with 22.5% from OPD. Initial diagnoses primarily included major depressive disorder (30.1%) and bipolar disorder (27.2%). By discharge, increases were observed in personality disorders (up by 18.3%) and substance use disorders (up by 14.7%). Comorbid medical conditions were newly diagnosed in 26.8% of patients. Factors influencing diagnostic changes included ward round discussions (57.3%), serial mental state examinations (40.2%), lab findings (33.5%), and medical/interdisciplinary consultations (29.6%). Conclusion The service evaluation at Benazir Bhutto Hospital reveals significant diagnostic evolution in psychiatric care, more pronounced in ER admissions. The identification of additional disorders and comorbid medical conditions highlights the necessity for comprehensive, ongoing psychiatric assessment. Lab findings and interdisciplinary consultations played a crucial role in refining diagnoses, suggesting the importance of an integrated care approach. Recommendations include improving initial diagnostic processes in ER settings and strengthening interdisciplinary communication to enhance accuracy in psychiatric diagnosis and patient treatment outcomes.

The demand for lightweight aggregates in concrete compositions for diverse structural and non-structural applications in contemporary building construction has increased. This is to achieve a controllable low-density lightweight concrete, which reduces the overall structural weight. However, the challenge lies in achieving an appropriate strength in lightweight concrete while maintaining a lower unit weight. This research aims to evaluate the performance of lightweight concrete by integrating expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. Test specimens were cast by blending EPS with coarse aggregate at varying proportions of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45%, while maintaining a constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.60. To enhance the bonding and structural capabilities of the proposed lightweight concrete mixes, reinforcement with 2% and 4% steel fibers by volume of the total concrete mix was incorporated. Silica fume was introduced into the mix to counteract the water hydrophobicity of EPS material and enhance the durability of lightweight concrete, added at a rate of 10% by weight of cement in all specimens. A total of 60 samples, including cylinders and beams, were prepared and cured over 28 days. The physical and mechanical properties of the lightweight EPS-based concrete were systematically examined through experimental testing and compared against a standard concrete mix. The analysis of the results indicates that EPS-based concrete exhibits a controllable low density. It also reveals that incorporating reinforcement materials, such as steel fibers, enhances the overall strength of lightweight concrete.

ABSTRACTBionanocomposite film is composed of renewable materials such as polymer with the addition of nanofiller in the form of nanocrystal cellulose (NCC). Biopolymer serves as a matrix, while nanofiller is dispersed to improve the functional properties. NCC is a nanoparticle commonly used in the production of bioplastics, and the addition to nanocomposite film can enhance the mechanical and barrier properties. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physio-chemical, mechanical, and permeability characteristics of elephant foot-yam starch-based nanocomposite films by adding different concentrations of NCC at 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. The experiment used elephant foot-yam starch, NCC, sorbitol, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as biopolymer, nanofiller, plasticizer, and stabilizer, respectively. The results showed that the optimum concentration was 7 wt.% NCC, showing tensile strength, elongation, WVTR, and thickness consistent with the Japanese Industrial Standard. NCC dispersion showed favorable water solubility and excellent biodegradability, yielding optimal SEM and FTI-R results. SEM analysis showed a well-dispersed structure, while FTI-R showed sharper spectra in specific functional groups. Moreover, XRD showed several diffraction peaks with strong intensity at 2θ = 17.12°(101̅), 22.75° (002), and 35.0° (040), confirming the presence of NCC in the film matrix. Based on the results, this nanocomposite had great potential to be developed into environmentally friendly packaging.

ABSTRACTIn the current study, taro starch was extracted and used for the encapsulation of probiotics to prolong their viability under stressed conditions. Taro starch and sodium alginate were used as wall materials for the encapsulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Probiotic bacteria were encapsulated by the extrusion method, and obtained microbeads were subjected to various morphological, molecular, and structural characterization using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ;(FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was also accessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions and in the food model (cheddar cheese). Average size microcapsules ranged from 6.16 ± 0.05 mm to 5.28 ± 0.03 mm. The encapsulation efficiency for taro and sodium alginate was recorded as 86.27% log CFU/g and 81.78% log CFU/g respectively. SEM micrographs exhibited entrapment of probiotics in wall materials. The surface of capsules was-irregular spherical structure FTIR spectra revealed broad characteristic peaks at 815 cm1, 1320 cm1, 1130 cm1, and ~ 1610 cm1. XRD images showed loss of crystalline structure following encapsulation. Higher probiotic viability was recorded under simulated gastrointestinal conditions for encapsulated probiotics compared to free probiotics. Likewise, a high probiotic count was observed in cheese fortified with encapsulated probiotics. Conclusively, taro starch wall material showed overall best results regarding the viability of probiotics under stressed conditions.

ABSTRACTThis study evaluated the iron-rich Nutri bar’s effect on iron-deficient females. Iron-rich Nutri-bars made with spinach powder and chickpea flour. The physicochemical profile of the bars was measured. Socioeconomic status and anthropometric data were taken for the effectiveness of the research. This effectiveness trial included 20 girls ages 20 to 25. After that, biochemical tests, including hemoglobin, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were conducted. Results showed that the iron-rich Nutri-bars (T3, 6.60) had more moisture than other treatments. T3 protein and fiber composition was 16.90% and 4.30%. In T3, crude fat and ash content were the lowest. All the proximate analyses of incorporated spinach powder and chickpea flour indicated a significant correlation (P > .005). A jury gave treatment T3 the highest score in overall acceptability. Iron and zinc concentrations were 13.2 and 5.9 mg/100 g in T3. Post-assessment height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) indicated a very significant (P > .005) connection compared to pre-assessment (P > .005). Selected young females' hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity were tested biochemically. After the intervention, the experimental group’s mean hemoglobin (HB) was 12.21 ± 1.14 g/dl (P > .005). Increasing patterns support the current study’s iron improvement. Serum ferritin exhibited similarly substantial outcomes. TIBC dropped when iron status increased. Conclusively, iron-rich nutri-bars supplemented with spinach leaf powder and chickpea flour increased iron status in young females.

ABSTRACTIn the present research, the survival and sustainability of a Lactobacillus rhamnosus probiotic has been investigated with regard to the prebiotic impact of introducing two different kinds of onion (Allium cepa L.) peel extract to probiotic microcapsules. Effective inclusion of red and white onion peel extract featuring good prebiotic action into the microcapsules enhanced probiotic survival. The structure, distribution of size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficacy of probiotics and substances in the extract were evaluated along with the probiotics capability to persist under simulated gastrointestinal circumstances. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate the molecular structure and internal framework. The wall and core components possess adhesive relationships, as demonstrated by FTIR spectra. Probiotics that were free and those that were in capsules were evaluated as well in vitro in undesirable persistence performance (>90%). Probiotics with encapsulation exhibited substantially (p > .05) greater vitality compared free cells, in accordance with an in-vitro experiment. Under simulated gastrointestinal situations, free cells continued diminishing their vitality, but encapsulated cells maintained their viability count beyond the suggested level (107 cfu/g). SEM photographs indicated that probiotics have been effectively encapsulated inblends. The microcapsules were around 191 ± 2 and 176 ± 2 μm in size. These outcomes reveal that these kinds of microcapsules may encourage the probiotic L. rhamnosus prolonged viability and consistency under multiple conditions.

ABSTRACTFood fortification processes are used to improve the functional and dietary characteristics of the final product. The basic aim of the current study was to evaluate the ginger (Zingiber officinalis, Roscoe) fortification in yogurt and to improve its functionality. For this purpose, ginger at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) was added to yogurt. The results showed a significant influence (p

ABSTRACTNon-thermal processing has been developed to increase the quality and storage life of fruit juices in response to consumer desire. Ozonation is a recently developed method that generates volatile oxygen atoms that can eliminate a broad spectrum of microbes and extend the shelf stability of food products. The present research was intended to investigate the ozone processing on the physicochemical characteristics, microbiological quality, sensory attributes, and antioxidant potential of Kinnow juice. In this study, Kinnow juice was processed to 150 mg/h of ozone gas at a constant concentration for 5, 10, and 15 min. The sample was then taken in a plastic container and stored at 35°C ± 2 for three months. The results revealed that ozone processing had a significant (p˂0.05) effect on the total phenolics (TP) contents, total flavonoids (TF) contents, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, total antioxidant activity (TAA) and DDPH radical scavenging activity of Kinnow juice. In addition, the ozonation application also significantly (p˂0.05) decreased the population of the microbes when the ozone time was increased from 5–15 min. Among the treatments, it was observed that T3 had the highest TSS, acidity, TF contents, TAA, and DDPH radical scavenging activity values and the lowest mold and plate counts. Regarding sensory qualities, T0+ showed the highest sensory score during storage. Thus, it may be concluded from the findings of our study that ozone application improved the quality of Kinnow juice by increasing TSS, phytochemicals and decreasing the microbial population, thereby prolonging their shelf life.

The iris is an ocular organ that actively controls the size of the pupil-aperture in response to external light, thereby regulating the amount of light reaching the retina for better visual acquisition. Herein, we propose a light-adaptive pupil-scalable artificial iris for addressing human iris defects with biomimetic self-regulating light control similar to human iris actuation, which is realized by a radially gradient and reversible photoswitching of photochromic dyes doped within a biocompatible hydrogel matrix. The radial photochromic switching of light transmissions was achieved by the gradient patterning of the crosslinking density of the hydrogel matrix using a near-infrared light-absorbing photomask that generated radially thermal gradience during hydrogel matrix polymerization. With the effective pupil-aperture control, the proposed artificial iris exhibited a variation in the visible-light transmittance from ∼82 % at the ultraviolet light (UV) intensity of 0.5 mW/cm2 to ∼43 % at 3.0 mW/cm2 representing the transparent and colored states, respectively. The switching times for the transitions to the colored and transparent states were 27.42 and 112.25 s, respectively, at a UV intensity of 3.0 mW/cm2, which can be faster under the hydrated state. The artificial iris demonstrated potential in biomedical applications by offering reliable light-adaptive attenuation control through human-like pupil-aperture adjustments.

The complex di(p-methylbenzyl) (dibromo)(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) tin (IV) complex (B1) was synthesized and characterized. For the theoretical investigation, we used DFT. With the help of the Multiwfn software package, topological analysis and RDG were calculated. A very low energy gap (2.3 eV) was observed in the HOMO-LUMO analysis. Nucleophilic and electrophilic attacking sites are confirmed using the MEP study. In a single crystal, analysis confirmed the octahedral shape and monoclinic space group. The intramolecular hydrogen was formed through the C—H—Br. The tin atom is in a uniform octahedral shape, which can be seen in the XRD of the complex B1. The Vero and Hela cell lines are used for anticancer and cytotoxic activities. Our synthesized complex shows better activity against Vero and Hela cell lines when compared to cisplatin.

The compound PYANV was characterized by infrared, UV–Visible, fluorescence, and 1H-13CNMR spectral analysis. The DFT calculation was done in the structure of the molecules. The electronic spectra were done in experimental and calculated (DFT). The 1H and 13CNMR spectra peak present in 9.42 (s,1H) ppm and 165.09 ppm respectively, these peak confirm the Schiff base formation. In electronic spectrum we observed two different wavelength which is 329 nm and 405 nm. The fluorescence spectrum also shows two different wavelength such as 499 nm and 666 nm, with exciation of 320 nm. The FT-IR section we observed -CN stretching vibration at 1689 cm−1, this vibration mention the formation of azomethine group. The HOMO-LUMO and MEP studies were done with the gas phase and four different solvents. Topological analysis (ELF, LOL, ALIE) provides about interactions between and within molecules. The RDG (non-covalent) interactions were calculated and analyzed inter and intramolecular hydrogen bonding. NBO calculation represented inter and intra-molecular interactions. A docking study of the compound was done, and docking simulation study results show that PYANV has good interaction against 7RJC protein, and highest binding energy is −5.72 kcal/mol and −6.28 kcal/mol for synthezied compound and standard.

The purpose of this study was to resolve the issue of physical instability in amorphous solid drugs, which can result in unwanted crystallization, affecting solubility and dissolution rates. The focus was on precipitating physically stable amorphous forms of the nilotinib free base, an anticancer drug, by monitoring preparation conditions such as precipitation temperature and filter cake thickness. A comprehensive set of characterization techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), were used. These were supplemented by advanced data analysis methods that incorporated pair distribution function (PDF), reduced crystallization temperature (Rc), and principal component analysis (PCA) to evaluate the physical stability of the amorphous samples. Results emphasized that optimal physical stability was achieved when amorphous solids were prepared at a precipitation temperature of 10 °C and a filter cake thickness of 4 cm. Moreover, the integration of PDF analysis with Rc values was confirmed as an innovative approach for assessing physical stability, thus offering enhanced efficiency and accuracy over conventional accelerated stability testing methods.

The amorphous form of poorly soluble drugs is physically unstable and prone to crystallization, resulting in decreased solubility and bioavailability. However, the conventional accelerated stability test for amorphous drugs is time-consuming and inaccurate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop rapid and accurate stability assessment technology. This study used the antitumor drug nilotinib free base as a model drug. The degree of disorder and physical stability in the amorphous form was assessed by applying the pair distribution function (PDF) and principal component analysis (PCA) methods based on powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. Specifically, the assessment conditions, such as the PDF interatomic distance range, PXRD detector type, and PXRD diffraction angle range were also optimized. The results showed that more reliable PCA data could be obtained when the PDF interatomic distance range was 0–15 Å. When the PXRD detector was a semiconductor-type detector, the PDF data obtained were more accurate than other detectors. When the PXRD diffraction angle range was 5–40°, the intermolecular arrangement of the amorphous drugs could be accurately predicted. Finally, the accelerated stability test also showed that under the above-optimized conditions, this method could accurately and rapidly assess the degree of disorder and physical stability in the amorphous form of drugs, which has obvious advantages compared with the accelerated stability test.

To meet the recent requirements of low-damage design, there is a growing need to retrofit building structures with a self-centering dissipation system. This system serves a dual purpose: reducing lateral drift and providing supplemental damping to enhance the seismic performance of buildings. This research focuses on assessing the efficiency in seismic response of structures retrofitted with an innovative self-centering hysteretic damper called a Self-Centering Disc Slit Damper (SC-DSD). The SC-DSD consists of four slit dampers and pre-compressed Belleville disc springs that provide self-centering and energy dissipation capabilities. This study investigates the SC-DSD’s working mechanism, theoretical formulation, and design method of SC-DSD dampers for their application in multistory building structures. A reinforced concrete (RC) structure is selected as a case study building that is retrofitted with SC-DSDs and conventional slit dampers. Subsequent seismic performance assessments are conducted using detailed pushover to evaluate the global behavior and capacity of the structure used for the design of the damping system. Nonlinear time history analysis is performed to simulate the dynamic behavior of the retrofitted structure under a variety of seismic excitations. This analysis considers a range of ground motion records to capture different intensity levels and frequency content. Comparing these analyses reveals that the designed SC-DSDs effectively reduce seismic responses while minimizing residual displacement up to 95% when contrasted with both the bare structure and the structure retrofitted with conventional steel slit dampers.

Amorphous solids exhibit enhanced solubility and dissolution rates relative to their crystalline counterparts. However, attaining optimal bioavailability presents a challenge, primarily due to the need to maintain the physical stability of amorphous solids. Moreover, the precise manner in which precipitation parameters, including the feeding rate of the anti-solvent, agitation speed, and aging time, influence the physical stability of amorphous solids remains incompletely understood. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate these three parameters during the precipitation process of the anticancer drug, nilotinib free base. The physical stability of the resultant samples was evaluated by employing characterization techniques including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM), and data analysis methods such as pair distribution function (PDF), reduced crystallization temperature (Rc), and principal component analysis (PCA). This study’s findings indicated that amorphous solids exhibited the greatest physical stability under particular conditions, namely a feeding rate of 5 mL/min, an agitation speed of 500 rpm, and an aging time of 10 min. Furthermore, the physical stability of the amorphous solids was primarily influenced by particle size and distribution, molecular interactions, microstructure, surface area, and interfacial energy. Notably, the parameters involved in the anti-solvent precipitation process, including the feeding rate of the anti-solvent, agitation speed, and aging time, exerted a significant impact on these factors. Consequently, they directly affected the physical stability of amorphous solids. Hence, this study comprehensively elucidated the mechanistic influence of these operational parameters on the physical stability of amorphous solids during the anti-solvent precipitation process.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different ratios of taro slices (TS) on the nutritional quality, sensory quality, and shelf life of Chinese pickled and steamed pork belly (CPSPB). The study examined various aspects of CPSPB, including its proximate components, fat oxidation, fatty acid composition, protein hydrolysis, oxidation reaction, and induction period (IP). Additionally, the sensory quality and texture analysis were compared simultaneously. The results showed that the addition of TS to CPSPB significantly improved water and lipid loss (p

Abstract On‐demand photo‐steerable amphibious rolling motions are generated by the structural engineering of monolithic soft locomotors. Photo‐morphogenesis of azobenzene‐functionalized liquid crystal polymer networks (azo‐LCNs) is designed from spiral ribbon to helicoid helices, employing a 270° super‐twisted nematic molecular geometry with aspect ratio variations of azo‐LCN strips. Unlike the intermittent and biased rolling of spiral ribbon azo‐LCNs with center‐of‐mass shifting, the axial torsional torque of helicoid azo‐LCNs enables continuous and straight rolling at high rotation rates (≈720 rpm). Furthermore, center‐tapered helicoid structures with wide edges are introduced for effectively accelerating photo‐motilities while maintaining directional controllability. Irrespective of surface conditions, the photo‐induced rotational torque of center‐tapered helicoid azo‐LCNs can be transferred to interacting surfaces, as manifested by steep slope climbing and paddle‐like swimming multimodal motilities. Finally, the authors demonstrate continuous curvilinear guidance of soft locomotors, bypassing obstacles and reaching desired destinations through real‐time on‐demand photo‐steering.

Meat-based products are highly susceptible to weak gel formation upon heating. In this study, the effect of different emulsifiers on the rheological, pasting and microstructural properties of meat-based sugar-snap cookies was investigated. Cookies were processed with the addition of freeze-dried fish meat (1% w/w) and emulsifiers (0.5% w/w of wheat flour). The addition of emulsifiers especially diacetyl tartaric acid ester of mono- and diglycerides (DATEM) increased storage modulus (G′), a viscous behavior, compared to control and other emulsifiers. Expansion and hardness were significantly (P

Evidences show that the storage period greatly affects the quality of yogurt. In this study, three types of yogurt: control yogurt (CY), non-hydrolyzed potato powder yogurt (PPY) and enzymatically hydrolyzed potato powder yogurt (EHPPY) were prepared at 42 °C for 5 h and stored for 28 days at 4 °C. The yogurts were evaluated for quality characteristics at different storage periods. Negligible differences in pH values, titratable acidities and viable counts were detected in all three types of yogurt during storage. However, compared to other yogurts, EHPPY exhibited desirable water holding capacity, throughout the storage period. Apart from this, sensory properties and antioxidant activities (2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) of EHPPY were also significantly improved during the storage period. Furthermore, the storage (Gʹ) and loss (Gʺ) modulus of PPY, EHPPY were lower than CY at 4 °C while a hysteresis loop was shown by all yogurts at the temperature range of 4–50 °C indicating higher Gʹ (elasticity) than Gʺ (viscosity). Based on our findings, EHPP could be an important functional ingredient in improving the quality and storage stability of yogurt for its production at an industrial level.

Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae, M. anisopliae), as an invertebrate fungal pathogen, has played a significant role in the control of many agricultural pests and human disease vectors. M. anisopliae is typically used as a chemical in dry or liquid formulations of large numbers of aerial conidia. The conidia can directly infect arthropod pests by penetrating their cuticular layer. The availability of the complete genome of M. anisopliae and capable techniques for its transformation have brought several developments in its use as a pest controller. For prospects, more in-depth research to improve fermentation and formulation technologies is needed, while multistress-tolerant and engineering entomopathogenic strains are selected to promote the widespread acceptance and usefulness of M. anisopliae as a cost-effective fungal biopesticide. Here, we provide an overview of the pathogenesis and formulation strategies, as well as the host ranges and molecular approaches of increasing virulence and efficacy. Several studies of this fungus pathogen demonstrated that M. anisopliae can be an efficient biocontrol agent and has great potential for further research and development.

Objective: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is associated with significant distress that has huge impact on survivors’ quality of life. The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an integrated intervention “Moving on After Breast Cancer (ABC) Plus culturally adapted Cognitive Behavior Therapy” (Moving on ABC Plus). Method: This is a randomized controlled trial that aims to recruit 354 breast cancer survivors from the inpatient and outpatient oncology departments in public and private hospitals in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Patients scoring 10 or above on either the Patient Health Questionnaire—9 and/or the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) will be recruited. Baseline assessments will include Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Breast; EuroQol-5D; Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support; Intrusive Thoughts Scale; and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Participants randomized into intervention arm, Moving on ABC Plus, will receive 12 individual therapy sessions over 4 months. Follow-up will be completed at 4- and 6-month post-randomization, using all baseline instruments along with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). We will also explore the participants’, their family members’, and the therapists’ experiences of the trial and intervention. Results: We will be assessing the effectiveness of intervention in reducing depression and anxiety in breast cancer survivors as a primary outcome of the trial. The secondary outcomes will include effectiveness of intervention in terms of reduction in intrusive thoughts and improvement in health-related quality of life, self-esteem, and perceived social support. Conclusion: The results of the study will inform the design of a future larger randomized control trial with long-term follow-up.

Mineral oil resources are depleting rapidly, and the slower conventional oil biodegradation process results in environmental pollution. To resolve this issue, cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (1% wt) were introduced into a base oil to improve the lubricating capability of castor oil. In addition, 1% wt. sodium dodecyl sulfate was also blended with the base oil in order to attain the maximum dispersion stability of CuO nanoparticles in the castor oil. Afterward, thermophysical property, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared radiation (FTIR) testing of the lubricant oil sample were performed before and after 100 h of engine operations at 75% throttle and 2200 rpm for each lubricant sample in order to check the capability of the novel oil with mineral oil. Compared with the natural mineral oil, the behavior of the CuO-based lubricant has essentially the same physical features, as measured according to ASTM standard methods. The physicochemical properties like (KV)40 °C, (KV)100 °C, FP, ash, and TBN decrease more in the case of the synthetic oil by 1.15, 1.11, 0.46, 1.1, and 1.2% than in the conventional oil, respectively. FTIR testing shows that the maximum peaks lie in the region of 500 to 1750 cm−1, which shows the presence of C=O, C-N, and C-Br to a maximum extent in the lubricant oil sample. AAS testing shows that the synthetic oil has 21.64, 3.23, 21.44, and 1.23% higher chromium, iron, aluminum, and zinc content. However, the copper and calcium content in the synthetic oil is 14.72 and 17.68%, respectively. It can be concluded that novel bio-lubricants can be utilized as an alternative to those applications that are powered by naturally produced mineral oil after adding suitable additives that further enhance their performance.