Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF), a common cardiovascular condition, is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used as a complementary approach in HF management, systematic evaluations of its impact on clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are lacking. This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on TCM for HF treatment. It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality, a meta-analysis, and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards. The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management. AIM: To systematically analyze the effects of TCM on the clinical comprehensive outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels in patients with HF and evaluated the quality of evidence for these trials. METHODS: RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal, and PubMed. Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software. Finally, the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria. RESULTS: A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved. After screening, 16 RCTs were finally included in our study, which were published between 2020 and 2023. These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients, including 832 in the TCM group [TCM combined with conventional Western medicine (CMW) treatment] and 828 in the CWM group (CWM treatment). The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months. TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs. In all included RCTs, outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels. The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes [risk ratio = -0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.61, -0.47; P < 0.00001], TCM syndrome scores [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001], and BNP levels (WMD = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001). According to the GRADE criteria, RCTs where "TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes" were rated as low-quality evidence, and RCTs where "TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores" or "TCM decreases BNP levels" were rated as medium-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients. Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs, the application of these results should be cautious.

Effect of pre-drying and post-frying holding treatments on the oil absorption and quality of fried batter-coated peanuts.

In this study, the effect of pre-drying and post-frying holding treatments on the oil absorption and the quality of the fried batter-coated peanuts were explored. The results showed that hot air drying and microwave drying induced the gelatinization of starch in the batter before frying. The thermodynamic properties of starch in the batter after frying indicated that pre-drying could protect the orderliness of the starch. CLSM images showed that the pre-drying treatment reduced the number of large oil spots on the surface of batter of fried batter-coated peanuts. SEM observation revealed that the structure of the batter treated with pre-drying was denser and the number of large pores was reduced after frying. The post-frying holding treatment improved the color and texture of the batter-coated peanuts. In conclusion, the pre-drying and post-frying holding treatment can reduce the oil content and improve the fracturability of the fried batter-coated peanuts.

Comparative study on chain conformations, physicochemical and rheological properties of three acidic polysaccharides from Opuntia dillenii Haw. fruits.

In this study, three acidic polysaccharides (OFPP-1, OFPP-2 and OFPP-3) were isolated from the pulps of Opuntia dillenii Haw. fruits, and their chain conformations, physicochemical and rheological properties were investigated. The molecular weight and conformational parameters (Mw, Mn, Mz, Rg and Rh) of OFPPs in 0.1 M NaNO3 solution were detected by HPSEC-MALLS-RI. In addition, based on the parameters ρ and v, it was concluded that these three polysaccharide chains exhibited sphere-like conformation in 0.1 M NaNO3 solution, which was consistent with AFM and TEM observations. Furthermore, the Congo Red experiment showed that OFPP-2 had a triple-helix structure, which may be conducive to its biological activity. This study also found that OFPPs were semi-crystalline structures with high thermal and pH stability. The rheological analyses indicated that the apparent viscosity of OFPPs solutions exhibited concentration-, temperature-, and pH-dependence, and the viscoelasticity of them was affected by molecular characteristics and concentration. The results of this study are helpful to elucidate the structure-activity relationship of OFPPs. Moreover, this study can provide theoretical reference for the application of OFPPs as bioactive ingredients or functional materials in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and the development and utilization of the O. dillenii Haw. fruits resource.

Pretreatment with low-frequency magnetic fields can improve the functional properties of pea globulin amyloid-like fibrils.

Plant protein fibrils have recently attracted considerable attention due to their superior mechanical and interfacial properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of low-frequency magnetic field (LF-MF) pretreatment in enhancing the conversion and functional characteristics of the amyloid-like fibrils derived from pea globulin (PG), which was considered a sustainable hypoallergenic protein. The results showed that LF-MF-treated PG (MPG) assembled into longer amyloid-like fibrils compared with native PG (NPG). The MPG presented similar gelling, emulsifying, and foaming properties to the NPG, while the fibril samples exhibited significantly improved functional properties. Moreover, the amyloid-like fibrils generated from the MPG (MPGF) showed large aspect ratios accompanied by superior solubility, molecular flexibility, emulsion stability, and gelling properties. The improved functional properties of the amyloid-like fibrils generated from the MPG can provide a promising outlook for expanding the applications of the PG in food, medicine and other fields.

Physicochemical properties and solution conformation of polysaccharides from Toona sinensis (A. Juss) Roem leaves.

In this study, two polysaccharide fractions (TSP-1 and TSP-2) were isolated from Toona sinensis leaves. The physicochemical properties and solution conformations of TSP-1 and TSP-2 were investigated. DSC and TG results showed that TSP-1 and TSP-2 had thermal stability. The intrinsic viscosities of TSP-1 and TSP-2 solutions were 11.42 and 6.13 mL/g, respectively. Rheological results showed that the viscosities of TSP-1 and TSP-2 solutions were affected by polysaccharide concentration, Ca2+ and extreme pH. Furthermore, TSP-1 exhibited a weak gel behavior at the concentrations of 0.5 %-2.0 %, while TSP-2 showed a weak gel behavior at the concentration of 2 %. HPSEC-MALLS analysis revealed that the Rg values of TSP-1 and TSP-2 were 96.8 nm and 56.2 nm, respectively. Conformation analysis indicated that TSP-1 behaved as a sphere, while TSP-2 behaved like a rigid rod. These results suggest that TSP-1 and TSP-2 can be used as additives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The addition of resistant starch and protein to the batter reduces oil uptake and improves the quality of the fried batter-coated nuts.

The batter compositions can affect the oil uptake and texture of fried batter-coated nuts. In this study, the oil uptake and quality of fried batter-coated peanuts and sunflower seeds added with resistant starch and protein were investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of resistant starch increased the batter hardness and fracturability of the fried batter-coated peanuts by 34.36 % and 33.73 %, respectively. The oil content of fried batter-coated peanuts and sunflower seeds were decreased by 17.98 % and 15.69 %, respectively, with the addition of protein. The microstructure and roughness of the batter revealed that the batter added with protein became denser and uniform. Furthermore, the protein in the batter added with 6 % soy protein isolate had a high surface hydrophobicity. In summary, the addition of resistant starch and protein in batter will be a promising strategy for reducing the oil content and improving the quality of fried batter-coated nuts.

Development of arachin and basil seed gum composite gels for the encapsulation and controlled release of vitamin D3.

In this study, the textural and rheological properties of arachin and basil seed gum composite gels (ABG) were successfully regulated by the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl) and transglutaminase (TGase). The texture profile analysis (TPA) results showed that the hardness and springiness of the ABG were significantly enhanced by adding TGase (p < 0.05). Particularly, the composite gel added with NaCl first and subsequently crosslinked by TGase (ABG-Na+-TG) showed a higher hardness value of 186.0 ± 6.1 g. ABG-Na+-TG showed a higher amplitude of strain with lower compliance in the creep and recovery test and exhibited a better elastic behavior. These composite gels were employed as new delivery systems to encapsulate and deliver vitamin D3 (VD3). ABG-Na+-TG showed a higher VD3 encapsulation efficiency of 91.7 % and a better protection of VD3 under different temperatures or UV light, as well as an improved storage stability of VD3. Furthermore, the release of VD3 in the simulated gastric digestion could be controlled by ABG-Na+-TG and the bioaccessibility after digestion was 32.9 %. These results suggest that ABG-Na+-TG can be utilized as a promising delivery system of VD3.

Liquid Crystals in Curved Confined Geometries: Microfluidics Bring New Capabilities for Photonic Applications and Beyond.

The quest for interesting properties and phenomena in liquid crystals toward their employment in nondisplay application is an intense and vibrant endeavor. Remarkable progress has recently been achieved with regard to liquid crystals in curved confined geometries, typically represented as enclosed spherical geometries and cylindrical geometries with an infinitely extended axial-symmetrical space. Liquid-crystal emulsion droplets and fibers are intriguing examples from these fields and have attracted considerable attention. It is especially noteworthy that the rapid development of microfluidics brings about new capabilities to generate complex soft microstructures composed of both thermotropic and lyotropic liquid crystals. This review attempts to outline the recent developments related to the liquid crystals in curved confined geometries by focusing on microfluidics-mediated approaches. We highlight a wealth of novel photonic applications and beyond and also offer perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and new directions for future development in this emerging research area.

Structural, gelation properties and microstructure of rice glutelin/sugar beet pectin composite gels: Effects of ionic strengths.

In this study, the rice glutelin (RG)/sugar beet pectin (SBP) composite gels were prepared by laccase induced cross-linking and subsequent heat treatment, and the effects of different calcium ion concentrations (0-400 mM) on the gelation, structural properties and microstructure of the RG/SBP composite gels were investigated. The results showed that the addition of 200 mM calcium ion could improve the rheological, textural properties and water holding capacity of the RG/SBP composite gels. The addition of SBP and calcium ions enhanced the hydrophobic interaction between RG molecules, thereby increased the gel properties of RG. The changes in Raman spectroscopy reflected the positive effect of the addition of SBP and calcium ions on the formation of a denser and more homogeneous protein gel, as evidenced by the results of scanning electron microscopy. Overall, SBP and calcium ions could be applied to the plant protein gel systems as gel-strengthening agents.

Structural characterization, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of polysaccharides from wheat bran.

In this study, two polysaccharide fractions were isolated from wheat bran by sequential extraction with water and alkaline solution, DEAE Cellulose-52 chromatography and Sephacryl S-400 gel permeation chromatography, they were named as WXA-1 and AXA-1, respectively. Structural analyses indicated that both polysaccharide fractions were heteropolysaccharides, their average molecular weights were 193 kDa and 107 kDa, respectively. The backbone of WXA-1 was â†’ 4)-ß-d-Xylp-(1→, which was substituted at O-3 positions by arabinose, glucose and galactose residues, while the backbone of AXA-1 was â†’ 4)-ß-d-Xylp-(1→, which was mainly substituted at O-3 positions by arabinose. AXA-1 exerted a stronger inhibitory effect on the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase compared with WXA-1. Moreover, AXA-1 exhibited a competitive inhibition of α-amylase and a mixed-type noncompetitive inhibition of α-glucosidase. These results suggest that AXA-1 can be used as α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Single-Cell Isotope Dilution Analysis with LA-ICP-MS: A New Approach for Quantification of Nanoparticles in Single Cells.

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is an emerging method for the analysis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in single cells. However, two main obstacles, low analytical throughput and lack of commercial reference materials, need to be overcome. In this work, we demonstrated the principles of a new approach termed "single-cell isotope dilution analysis" (SCIDA) to remove the two obstacles. For a proof of concept, macrophage cells were chosen as a model to study the uptake of silver NPs (AgNPs) at a single-cell level. Single cells exposed to AgNPs were placed in an array by a microfluidic technique; each cell in the array was precisely dispensed with a known picoliter droplet of an enriched isotope solution with a commercial inkjet printer; accurate quantification of AgNPs in single cells was done by using isotope dilution LA-ICP-MS. The average Ag mass of 1100 single cells, 396 ± 219 fg Ag per cell, was in good accord with the average of the population of cells determined by solution ICP-MS analysis. The detection limit was 0.2 fg Ag per cell. The SCIDA approach is expected to be widely applied for the study of cell-NP interactions and biological effects of NPs at the single-cell level.

Acquiring an effective CaO-based CO2 sorbent and achieving selective methanation of CO2.

CO2 capture, utilization, and storage are promising strategies to solving the problems of superfluous CO2 or energy shortage. Here, mechanochemical reduction of CO2 by a MgH2/CaH2 mixture was first performed, by which we achieve selective methanation of CO2 and acquire an effective CaO-based CO2 sorbent, simultaneously. The selectivity of methanation is near 100% and the yield of CH4 reaches 30%. Four MgO and carbon-doped CaO-based CO2 sorbents (MgO/CaO/C, MgO/2CaO/C, MgO/4CaO/C, and MgO/8CaO/C) were formed as solid products in these reactions. Among them, the MgO/4CaO/C sorbent shows high initial adsorption amount of 59.3 wt% and low average activity loss of 1.6% after 30 cycles. This work provides a novel, well-scalable, and sustainable approach to prepare an efficient inert additive-including CaO-based CO2 sorbent and selectively convert CO2 to CH4 at the same time.

Biochanin A protects against angiotensin II-induced damage of dopaminergic neurons in rats associated with the increased endophilin A2 expression.

The brain renin-angiotensin system plays a vital role in the modulation of the neuroinflammatory responses and the progression of dopaminergic (DA) degeneration. Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces microglia activation via angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), which in turn affects the function of DA neurons. Endophilin A2 (EPA2) is involved in fast endophilin-mediated endocytosis and quickly endocytoses several G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), while AT1R belongs to GPCR family. Therefore, we speculated that EPA2 may modulate microglia activation via endocytosing AT1R. Biochanin A is an O-methylated isoflavone, classified as a kind of phytoestrogen due to its chemical structure that is similar to mammalian estrogens. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of biochanin A on Ang II-induced DA neurons damage in vivo, and molecular mechanisms. The results showed that biochanin A treatment for 7 days attenuated the behavioral dysfunction, inhibited the microglial activation, and prevented DA neuron damage in Ang II-induced rats. Furthermore, biochanin A increased EPA2 expression and decreased the expression of AT1R, gp91phox, p22 phox, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α. In summary, these results suggest that biochanin A exerts protective effects in Ang II-induced model rats, and the mechanisms may involve inhibition of inflammatory responses, an increase in EPA2 expression and a decrease in AT1R expression.

Effect of glutenin and gliadin modified by protein-glutaminase on retrogradation properties and digestibility of potato starch.

The glutenin (Glu) and gliadin (Gli) were modified by protein-glutaminase (PG) to obtain soluble glutenin (PG-Glu) and gliadin (PG-Gli), and PG-Glu or PG-Gli was added to potato starch (PS) according to different amounts (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, based on dry starch weight, w/w) to explore the effect of modified proteins on the retrogradation behavior and digestibility of PS. The results showed that the long-term retrogradation of PS was accelerated by the addition of PG-Glu or PG-Gli. The addition of PG-Glu or PG-Gli led to an increase in hydrogen bonds within starch molecules and induced a significant increase in resistant starch content. The hydrolysis kinetic parameters, C∞ and K, both decreased with the increasing level of modified protein, indicating the deceleration of hydrolysis rate by the addition of PG-Glu or PG-Gli. In summary, the addition of PG-Glu or PG-Gli could promote the retrogradation of PS and mitigate the digestion of starch.

Fabrication of chitosan hydrochloride and carboxymethyl starch complex nanogels as potential delivery vehicles for curcumin.

The purpose of this research was to prepare nanogels by covalent cross-linking carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and chitosan hydrochloride (CHC) as novel delivery systems for curcumin. The spherical structure of CHC-CMS nanogels was verified by transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the amide linkage was formed between CHC and CMS. X-ray diffraction data exhibited that the crystalline structure of CHC was destroyed after covalent cross-linking with CMS, which further confirmed that the CHC-CMS nanogels were formed. Furthermore, the nanogels behaved as viscoelastic solids over the entire frequency range. Meanwhile, the nanogels showed excellent pH-sensitivity and high encapsulation efficiency of curcumin (89.49%-94.01%). Compared to free curcumin, curcumin encapsulated in nanogels displayed sustained release profile in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. These results suggested that the nanogels had been successfully fabricated and could be used as ideal carriers for curcumin and other bioactive compounds in functional foods.

The effects of phosphorylation modification on the structure, interactions and rheological properties of rice glutelin during heat treatment.

Rice glutelin (RG) and phosphorylated rice glutelin (PPRG) were treated with heating for different time (15, 30, and 45 min), the effects of phosphorylation modification on the structure, interactions and rheological properties of rice glutelin during heat treatment were investigated. The results showed that the turbidity of PPRG samples were higher than those of RG samples after heating. Particle size distribution showed that the protein aggregates with particle size of 1000-1500 nm were formed after heating for 45 min. Changes in protein structure indicated that the protein unfolded after heating for a short time, and aggregated when heating time extended to 45 min. In addition, the microstructure of PPRG sample became tight when heated for 45 min. Rheological analysis showed that phosphorylation modification and heat treatment improved RG viscoelasticity. These results suggest that phosphorylation modification improves thermal aggregation of RG, which will facilitate the application of RG in food industry.

Preparation and characterization of emulsion stabilized by octenyl succinic anhydride-modified dextrin for improving storage stability and curcumin encapsulation.

In our study, octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified dextrin was prepared and characterized as a novel emulsifier to improve the stability of emulsion and curcumin encapsulation. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the occurrence of esterification between OSA and dextrin (Mw = 1.041 × 104 g/mol). The absolute value of ζ-potential of OSA-dextrin increased (from 25.37 mV to 34.57 mV) with increasing OSA addition (from 0% to 8%), and then kept constant. Confocal laser scanning microscope results showed that the debranching and esterification of starch improved the oil droplets distribution and reduced the droplet size of emulsions. The emulsifying stability of emulsions coated by dextrin was greatly improved with OSA modification. The particle size of emulsion decreased significantly when the addition of OSA increased during storage. OSA-modified dextrin was in a position to increase encapsulation efficiency of curcumin. This research may increase the utilization of emulsions stabilized by OSA dextrin in food industry.

Effects of debranching and repeated heat-moisture treatments on structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of wheat starch.

In this study, wheat starch (WS) was firstly debranched with pullulanase (PUL) and then subjected to repeated heat-moisture treatments (RHMT). The effects of PUL and RHMT on the structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of WS were investigated. The proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed that the ratio of α-1,6 glycosidic linkage decreased. Raman and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that more ordered structure of starch was formed. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that RHMT could enhance thermal stability and degree of crystal perfection of PUL-WS sample. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that more agglomerates appeared on the surfaces of RHMT starch granules. The swelling power and solubility significantly decreased after HMT. Additionally, the resistant starch (RS) content of RHMT samples significantly increased. These results suggest that debranching and RHMT can significantly change the physicochemical properties and digestibility of WS, and it's beneficial to the RS formation.

Effects of cross-linking with sodium trimetaphosphate on structural and adsorptive properties of porous wheat starches.

In this study, effect of cross-linking with 4% sodium trimetaphosphate on the structural and adsorptive properties of porous wheat starches was investigated. The results showed that the cross-linked porous starches (CLPS) exhibited lower solubility, swelling power and ordered structure but higher thermal stability compared with the corresponding porous starches (PS). Cross-linking led to the formation of more dense holes on the surfaces of PS, as observed by SEM. XPS results demonstrated that phosphate groups were bound to the OH groups on starches by covalent bonds (COP). Adsorption experiments manifested that the CLPS exhibited higher adsorption capacities for water, oil and methylene blue compared to the corresponding PS. Furthermore, the isothermal data of the CLPS fitted the Langmuir isotherm model well compared to Freundich and Tempkin models, and the adsorption was exothermic and favorable. These results suggest that cross-linking modification can improve the thermal stability and adsorptive properties of PS.