Formulation of Edible Coatings from Alfalfa Saponins to Enhance the Postharvest Quality of Tomatoes.

Tomatoes are a major crop for global exports and have significant nutritional benefits. However, their lifespan is limited due to various biotic and abiotic factors. This study aimed to formulate an edible coating using crude alfalfa saponins coupled with decaglycerol monolaurate (ML-750) and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween 20), to enhance the postharvest quality and shelf life of tomatoes by preventing spoilage. The effectiveness of alfalfa saponins coatings, both alone, and with ML-750 and Tween 20, was evaluated by comparing their impact on color, texture, overall acceptability, and % weight loss at 4°C and 25°C for 7 days. Significant improvements were observed in the quality attributes of tomatoes, including firmness, aroma, color, texture, and overall acceptability. Crude alfalfa saponins in emulsified form with Tween 20 increased the shelf stability of tomatoes more effectively than uncoated and ML-750 combined coatings. The total soluble solids (TSS) and pH also play a crucial role in determining the quality of the fruits. The results indicated no significant changes in the TSS of tomatoes coated with encapsulated saponins. Subsequently, a gradual increase in the pH of the coated tomatoes was observed on days 5 and 7, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that alfalfa saponins coupled with synthetic emulsifiers may be a beneficial strategy for prolonging the shelf life and improving the postharvest quality of tomatoes.

Utilization of diverse protein sources for the development of protein-based nanostructures as bioactive carrier systems: A review of recent research findings (2010-2021).

Consumer awareness of the relationship between health and nutrition has caused a substantial increase in the demand for nutraceuticals and functional foods containing bioactive compounds (BACs) with potential health benefits. However, the direct incorporation of many BACs into commercial food and beverage products is challenging because of their poor matrix compatibility, chemical instability, low bioavailability, or adverse impact on food quality. Advanced encapsulation technologies are therefore being employed to overcome these problems. In this article, we focus on the utilization of plant and animal derived proteins to fabricate micro and nano-particles that can be used for the oral delivery of BACs such as omega-3 oils, vitamins and nutraceuticals. This review comprehensively discusses different methods being implemented for fabrications of protein-based delivery vehicles, types of proteins used, and their compatibility for the purpose. Finally, some of the challenges and limitations of different protein matrices for encapsulation of BACs are deliberated upon. Various approaches have been developed for the fabrication of protein-based microparticles and nanoparticles, including injection-gelation, controlled denaturation, and antisolvent precipitation methods. These methods can be used to construct particle-based delivery systems with different compositions, sizes, surface hydrophobicity, and electrical characteristics, thereby enabling them to be used in a wide range of applications.

Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral drugs.

Resection and Reconstructive Options in the Management of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Head and Neck.

Objective To discuss resection and various reconstructive options in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Methods This study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May 2018 to December 2019. All patients aged 20 years or above of either gender who were diagnosed to have DFSP over this period were included in the study. All the patients underwent wide local excision of the tumor under general anesthesia. A peroperative frozen section was conducted in all the cases to confirm complete excision. Immediate reconstruction was performed following the tumor excision. The choice of reconstruction, i.e. free, regional, or local flap was based on the size of the resultant defect. Results The mean age of the patients was 37.11 ±10.91 years. There were 12 (66.7%) males and six (33.3%) females. The mean duration of the disease was 11.22 ±2.94 months. The affected anatomical site showed that the face was involved in the majority, nine (50%) patients, followed by the scalp in four (22.2%), nape of the neck in three (16.7%), and supraclavicular region in two (11.1%) patients. In most of the cases, the free flap was observed, i.e. (n=9, 50%), followed by a regional flap in seven (38.9%), and the local flap in two (10.1%) patients. Conclusion Wide local excision of the disease, confirmed on frozen section, offers improved survival. Among DFSP of the head and neck, the face was found to be the affected anatomical site in half the cases. Also, reconstruction following tumor excision with a free flap is the most favorable option among patients with DFSP.

Liposuction in Gynecomastia: An Assessment of the Suction-assisted Arthroscopic Shaver Versus Open Disc Excision Techniques.

Introduction Gynecomastia is a common problem of the male breasts, which imposes a great psychological burden on patients. It is mostly bilateral and frequently asymmetrical. Surgical management of gynecomastia has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. Currently, the predominant mode of treatment includes liposuction of the fibro-fatty tissue either alone or in combination with the removal of the glandular tissue by the open excision technique or arthroscopic shaver. This study aims to compare both techniques in terms of hematoma formation, nipple necrosis, reoperation, contour irregularities, acceptability of scarring, asymmetry, and patient satisfaction. Methods The study has been conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from May 2018 to September 2019. Sixty patients were included in the study. All the patients had bilateral gynecomastia and Simon's Grade II-A or II-B. The study sample was divided into two equal groups. Group A underwent liposuction combined with open disc excision while Group B underwent liposuction coupled with disc excision via suction-assisted arthroscopic shaver. Postoperatively, all the patients received follow-up for a minimum period of six months. Results In a cohort of 60 patients, the mean age was 25.76±5.38 years. There were minor differences noted in terms of hematoma formation, nipple necrosis, rates of re-operation, and contour irregularities between open disc excision and arthroscopic disc excision, respectively (p-value > 0.05). About eight patients reported asymmetry in open disc excision as compared to 10 in arthroscopic disc excision. The acceptability of scarring was reported as equal in both groups. Mean patient satisfaction was based on the visual analog scale (VAS) scale was 8.25 in both groups. No statistical difference regarding patient satisfaction was noted in both groups (p-value 0.126). Conclusion Our study concludes that arthroscopic shaver-assisted disc excision despite being a novel and minimally invasive technique does not hold superiority over conventional open disc excision for the management of gynecomastia. Furthermore, in a developing country like Pakistan, there is a lack of expertise with the procedure and a need for more training among plastic surgeons.

Comparison Of Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer In Adult And Paediatric Patients.

BACKGROUND: Free tissue transfer is a routine practice in adults with good success rates. Further advances in techniques and microsurgical skills have proved that free tissue transfer in paediatric population is feasible, reliable and safe. METHODS: This study is conducted to compare anastomosis duration, total general anaesthesia duration, hospital stay and outcomes of flaps (survival, partial loss, complete loss, complications) in paediatric group (age <15 years) and adult group (15-70 years age). All patients with large soft tissue defects, congenital defects, traumatic defects and post tumour extirpation were included in this study from December 1st 2017 to May 30th 2018. These patients underwent different microsurgical procedures, the reconstructive armamentarium included use of Latissimus dorsi flap, Anterolateral thigh flap, Fibula flap, Radial forearm flap, functioning Gracillis muscle, iliac crest flap, deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap and Rectus abdominis muscle flap. Post-traumatic defects were the commonest indication of free tissue transfer in Paediatric population while post tumour extirpation defects were commonest defects encountered in adult population.. RESULTS: On average the total anaesthesia duration is slightly shorter in paediatric group than in adult patients while anastomosis duration is slightly shorter in adults then in paediatric patients. The overall complication rate is comparable in both groups and all the flaps survived well. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical free tissue transfer can be confidently attempted in children and their results are comparable with those of adult group.