Effect of sexual health education on sexual function and satisfaction of menopausal migrant women: an application of the theory of planned behavior.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effect of an intervention based on the theory of planned behavior on sexual function and satisfaction of migrant women during menopause in Iran. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 88 migrant and menopausal women in Iran. Sampling was performed using the multistage methods in four health care centers. The educational program based on the theory of planned behavior was held in 4 sessions of 90 min for 4 weeks in the intervention group. The final evaluation of the intervention was performed immediately, and the follow-up stage (3 months after the intervention) by completing questionnaires in two groups. The data was analyzed with SPSS 20 software with statistical tests of mean and standard deviation, Manwitney, Frideman, Generalized Estimating Equations. RESULTS: The results showed that after the intervention, the mean score of sexual function in the intervention group increased from 16.53 ± 2.68 before to 17.52 ± 2.90 immediately and 17.38 ± 2.81 in follow up stage (p < 0.05). But in the control group, this score was not statistically significant during the study stages (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the intervention based on the theory of planned behavior is effective in sexual function and satisfaction with the married life of migrant women during menopause. but to change the sexual function, studies with a longer duration and also the use of other educational models are suggested.

Performance of magnetic nanocomposite based on xanthan gum-grafted-poly(acrylamide) crosslinked by borax for the effective elimination of amoxicillin from aquatic environments.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of using nanocomposite (NCs) of xanthan gum grafted polyacrylamide crosslinked Borax - iron oxide nanoparticle (XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP) to remove the amoxicillin antibiotic (AMX) from an aquatic environment. To confirm the structural characteristics of the prepared XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs, unique characterization methods (XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX, BET, TGA, Zeta, and VSM) were used. Adsorption experimental setups were performed with the influence of solution pH (4-9), the effect of adsorbent dose (0.003-0.02 g), the effect of contact time (5-45 min), and the effect of initial AMX concentration (50-400 mg/L) to achieve the most efficient adsorption conditions. Based on the Freundlich isotherm model, XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs provided the maximum AMX adsorption capacity of 1183.639 mg/g. This research on adsorption kinetics also established that the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.991) is outstanding compatibility with the experimental results. AMX adsorption on the NCs may occur through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, diffusion, and trapping into the polymer network. Even after five cycles, these NCs still displayed the best performance. Based on these results, XG-g-pAAm-CL-Borax-IONP NCs may be a viable material for the purification of AMX from contaminated water.

A Proposal of a Design for the Bionic Hand: Describing the Integration, Motor Controlling System, Stereognosis, and Proprioception Sensory Feedback Components.

Despite recent advancements in bionic upper limb prostheses technology, the rejection rate by users remains unacceptably high. Various factors contribute to this issue, such as limited functionality, complex control mechanisms, and discomfort, with most of these concerns being documented solely through self-assessment surveys. In this article, we introduce our proposed four components for an integrated bionic hand aimed at making it closely resemble a natural hand. These components include an integrated intramedullary stem, a kineticomyographic motor control system, sensory feedback for stereognosis, and sensory feedback for proprioception.

Microencapsulation of Vitis vinifera grape pulp phenolic extract using maltodextrin and its application in gummy candy enrichment.

Phenolic extract of Vitis vinifera grape pulp was prepared using ultrasonication at frequencies of 28, 40, and 28-40 kHz with a 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20 ratio of solid (grape pulp) to water. The 1:10 ratio and 40 kHz frequency were considered optimal conditions for the preparation of red grape pulp extract (RGPE). Then, RGPE was encapsulated within maltodextrin using a spray drying technique, and the produced powder was used in the gummy candy production. The results revealed that the phenolic content of the powder was almost constant during the storage time. The solubility of the powder decreased, whereas its moisture content increased during the 45-day storage period. The results of scanning electron microscopy showed that the produced microparticles had spherical shapes with a micron size. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that RGPE was encapsulated in the structure of maltodextrin through the formation of hydrogen bonds, considering the amorphous structure of the powder. The antioxidant properties of the microencapsulated RGPE containing gummy candy were preserved. Sensory evaluation and colorimetric values of the enriched gummy candy had acceptable results compared to the control sample. In general, microencapsulation of RGPE within maltodextrin as a carrier using the spray drying technique and its application in gummy candy enrichment could be useful.

Prevalence of surgical site infection and risk factors in patients after knee surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence of surgical site infection (SSI) and risk factors in patients after knee surgery. A comprehensive and systematic search was carried out across various international electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, as well as Persian electronic databases like Iranmedex and the Scientific Information Database (SID). This search involved the utilization of keywords derived from Medical Subject Headings, such as 'Prevalence', 'Surgical wound infection', 'Surgical site infection' and 'Orthopaedics', spanning from the earliest records up to 1 October 2023. To assess the quality of the included studies, the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS tool) was utilized. The study encompassed a combined participant pool of 11 028 individuals who underwent knee surgery across seven selected studies. The collective prevalence of SSI in patients who underwent knee surgery, as reported in the seven included studies, was determined to be 3.0% (95% CI: 1.2% to 7.5%; I2 = 96.612%; p < 0.001). The combined prevalence of SSI in patients with DM, as reported in six studies, was 5.1% (95% CI: 1.7% to 14.5%; I2 = 79.054%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of SSI in patients with HTN, drawn from four studies, was 1.8% (95% CI: 0.7% to 4.5%; I2 = 63.996%; p = 0.040). Additionally, the collective prevalence of SSI in patients with a history of tobacco use, based on findings from six studies, was 4.8% (95% CI: 1.4% to 15.2%; I2 = 93.358%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis was conducted within six studies, categorizing them by two countries, namely China and the USA. These analyses revealed that the prevalence of SSI following knee surgery was 3.0% in China and 2.0% in the USA. It is noteworthy that variations in SSI prevalence across different studies may be attributed to a multitude of factors, particularly varying risk factors among patient populations. To address this issue and mitigate the impact of SSI on knee surgery patients, it is advisable to develop tailored interventions.

CNS-Active p38α MAPK Inhibitors for the Management of Neuroinflammatory Diseases: Medicinal Chemical Properties and Therapeutic Capabilities.

During the last two decades, many p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK) inhibitors have been developed and tested in preclinical/clinical studies for the treatment of various disorders, especially problems with the origin of inflammation. Previous studies strongly suggest the involvement of the p38α MAPK pathway in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite the significant progress made in this field, so far no studies have focused on p38α MAPK inhibitors that have the capability to be used for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In the present review, we evaluated a wide range of well-known p38α MAPK inhibitors (more than 140 small molecules) by measuring key physicochemical parameters to identify those capable of successfully crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). As a result, we identify about 50 naturally occurring and synthetic p38α MAPK inhibitors with high potential to cross the BBB, which can be further explored in the future for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, a detailed analysis of the previously released X-ray crystal structure of the inhibitors in the active site of the p38α MAPK enzyme revealed that some residues such as Met109 play a critical role in the occurrence of effective interactions by constructing strong H-bonds. This study can encourage scientists to focus more on the design, production, and biological evaluation of new central nervous system (CNS)-active p38α MAPK inhibitors in the future.

Educational intervention based on health action model to promote safe behavior of hospital service workers.

BACKGROUND: Hospitals are considered to be one of the most hazardous environments to work in, and their service workers are exposed to many serious risks. So The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of educational intervention based on the Health Action Model to promote the safe behavior of hospital service workers. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, 45 workers in each of the control and experimental groups participated. Demographic information and data related to Health Action Model constructs were collected through a questionnaire and a checklist, immediately and three months after the intervention. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used to confirm the properties of the tools. Educational intervention accompanied was applied in the form of four training classes. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographics and the study's main variables. results showed significant changes in mean scores of safe behavior, Attitude, norms, belief, intention, knowledge in the experimental group three months after the intervention (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The research results show that Health Action Model educational intervention can change workers' awareness, attitudes, norms, beliefs, and intentions toward unsafe behavior and improve their safety performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCTID: IRCT20160619028529N7.

Evaluation of mRNA Expressions of TOX and NR4As in CD8+ T cells in Acute Leukemia.

Background: Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) and members of the nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) are known as transcription factors involved in T cell exhaustion. Objective: To evaluate the mRNA expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 ALL and 6 AML patients as well as 20 control subjects. CD8+ T cells were isolated using MACS. Relative gene expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 was then evaluated using qRT-PCR. Results: Comparison of mRNA expression of TOX in CD8+ T cells showed no significant difference among the study groups (p>0.05), while the expression of NR4A1 was significantly lower in AML patients than in the control group (p=0.0006). Also, the expression of NR4A2 and NR4A3 was significantly lower in both ALL (p=0.0049 and p=0.0005, respectively) and AML (p=0.0019 and p=0.0055, respectively) patients. Conclusion: NR4As expressions were found to be lower in CD8+ T cells from patients with AML and ALL compared to controls, whereas the mRNA expression of TOX showed no significant difference. Although TOX and NR4As are associated with CD8+ T cell exhaustion in solid tumors, they might play different roles in acute leukemia, which requires further investigation.

Evaluation of the Effect of Low-dose Aspirin on the Prevention of Preterm Delivery in Women with a History of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, uteroplacental vascular disorders are considered one of the main mechanisms of spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). Low-dose aspirin is used to prevent pre-eclampsia, which has a similar mechanism; hence, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of low-dose aspirin on the prevention of PTD in women with a history of spontaneous PTD. METHODS: The present pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted on 54 pregnant women in the aspirin group (taking 80 mg daily until the 36th week and classic treatment) and 53 patients in the control group (only receiving classic treatment). RESULTS: Forty-three patients (40%) presented before 37 weeks due to symptoms of PTL. Preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) occurred in 28 patients (26%), and there was no significant difference between the aspirin and control groups (10 patients [19%] and 18 patients [34%], respectively; p = 0.069). The time of preterm delivery was early (< 34 weeks) in 6 patients (21%), and its cause was spontaneous labor in 23 patients (82%) which was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). Out of 40 patients with spontaneous labor, 25 patients (63%) had a PTD, which was significantly lower in the aspirin group than in the control group (9 patients [45%] versus 16 patients [80%], respectively; p = 0.022). CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study demonstrated that despite the reduction in the incidence of PTD using low-dose aspirin, the reduction rate was not statistically significant. On the other hand, in patients with spontaneous labor prone to PTD, aspirin was effective in reducing the incidence of PTD.

OBJETIVO: Atualmente, os distúrbios vasculares uteroplacentários são considerados um dos principais mecanismos de parto prematuro espontâneo (PTD). A aspirina em baixa dose é usada para prevenir a pré-eclâmpsia, que tem um mecanismo semelhante; portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar o efeito da aspirina em baixa dosagem na prevenção de PTD em mulheres com história de PTD espontâneo. MéTODOS: O presente ensaio clínico piloto randomizado foi realizado em 54 gestantes do grupo aspirina (tomando 80 mg diários até a 36ª semana e tratamento clássico) e 53 pacientes do grupo controle (somente tratamento clássico). RESULTADOS: Quarenta e três pacientes (40%) apresentaram-se antes de 37 semanas devido a sintomas de PTL. O parto prematuro (< 37 semanas) ocorreu em 28 pacientes (26%) e não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos aspirina e controle (10 pacientes [19%] e 18 pacientes [34%], respectivamente; p = 0,069). O tempo de parto prematuro foi precoce (< 34 semanas) em 6 pacientes (21%) e sua causa foi trabalho de parto espontâneo em 23 pacientes (82%) que não foi significativamente diferente entre os dois grupos (p > 0,05). Das 40 pacientes com trabalho de parto espontâneo, 25 pacientes (63%) tiveram PTD, que foi significativamente menor no grupo aspirina do que no grupo controle (9 pacientes [45%] versus 16 pacientes [80%], respectivamente; p = 0,022). CONCLUSãO: Os achados do presente estudo demonstraram que, apesar da redução na incidência de DPT com o uso de aspirina em baixa dosagem, a taxa de redução não foi estatisticamente significativa. Por outro lado, em pacientes com trabalho de parto espontâneo propensas a PTD, a aspirina foi eficaz na redução da incidência de PTD.

The association between macronutrient intakes and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an Iranian population: applying a dynamical system model.

AIMS: The possible role of lifestyle including diet on immunity led us to investigate the association between dietary macronutrient intake and COVID-19 in an Iranian population. METHODS: Dietary intakes were recorded in the first phase of the MASHAD cohort study (started in 2007), using a 24-h dietary recall. To determine the COVID-19 incidence, data from all PCR-positive patients in Mashhad were recorded between February 2020 and June 2022. Dietary macronutrients were included in the regression model, adjusting for age and sex. System dynamical models were also applied. RESULTS: The analysis included 1957 participants, including 193 COVID-19-positive patients. Dietary intakes of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and fiber were significantly lower in COVID-19 patients (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age and sex, starch and total sugar were significantly associated with COVID-19 infection ((OR = 1.0008, P = 0.001) and (OR = 1.0006, P = 0.026), respectively). There was also a significant association between dietary fiber intake and hospitalization (OR = 0.99, P = 0.018). In the dynamical system models, dietary intakes of cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and total sugar above 180.2 mg, 13.11 g, and 79.53 mg, respectively, were associated with an increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection, while dietary fiber had a protective role. CONCLUSION: Dietary intake of starch and total sugars was associated with increased odds of COVID-19, while fiber intake decreased the odds of hospitalization due to COVID-19. The dynamical system models showed that dietary intake of cholesterol, PUFAs, and total sugar was associated with an increased risk of COVID-19, while fiber had a protective role.

Using Data Mining Techniques to Predict Chronic Kidney Disease: A Review Study.

One of the growing global health problems is chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early diagnosis, control, and management of chronic kidney disease are very important. This study considers articles published in English between 2016 and 2021 that use classification methods to predict kidney disease. Data mining models play a vital role in predicting disease. Through our study, data mining techniques of support vector machine, Naive Bayes, and k-nearest neighbor had the highest frequency. After that, random forest, neural network, and decision tree were the most common data mining techniques. Among the risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease, respectively, risk factors of albumin, age, red blood cells, pus cells, and serum creatinine had the highest frequency in these studies. The highest number of best yields was allocated to random forest technique. Reviewing larger databases in the field of kidney disease can help to better analyze the disease and ensure the risk factors extracted.

Technological, nutritional, and biological properties of apricot kernel protein hydrolyzates affected by various commercial proteases.

The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of apricot kernel protein with different proteases (Alcalase, pancreatin, pepsin, and trypsin) on the amino acid content, degree of hydrolysis (DH), antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics of the resulting hydrolyzates was investigated in this study. The composition of amino acids (hydrophobic: ~35%; antioxidant: ~13%), EAA/TAA ratio (~34%), and PER index (~1.85) indicates the ability of the hydrolyzate as a source of nutrients and antioxidants with high digestibility. Enzymatic hydrolysis with increasing DH (from 3.1 to a maximum of 37.9%) led to improved solubility (especially in the isoelectric range) and changes in water- and oil-holding capacity. The highest free radical scavenging activity of DPPH (83.3%), ABTS (88.1%), TEAC (2.38 mM), OH (72.5%), NO (65.7%), antioxidant activity in emulsion and formation of TBARS (0.36 mg MDA/L), total antioxidant (1.61), reducing power (1.17), chelation of iron (87.7%), copper (34.8%) ions, and inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli (16.3 mm) and Bacillus cereus (15.4 mm) were affected by the type of enzymes (especially Alcalase). This research showed that apricot kernel hydrolyzate could serve as a nutrient source, emulsifier, stabilizer, antioxidant, and natural antibacterial agent in functional food formulations.

RT-qPCR Analysis of LAMP3 (CD208) Gene Expression in Oral Lichen Planus and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background: Many new studies have been conducted on cellular proteins to use them as prognostic markers or in target therapy through determining the increase or decrease in their expression in the lichen planus and OSCC. LAMP3 protein is one of these proteins which has been recently considered. Thus, considering the unknown etiology of lichen planus, significance of their early diagnosis and treatment and lack of a suitable and final treatment for this disease and oral cancers, and preventing the progression of lichen planus, which can turn into OSCC, we decided to investigate the level of expression of this gene and its effect on the progression, study the connection between these two conditions and the probable factors contributing to their etiopathogenesis. Methods: In this study, ninety-four paraffin blocks tissue samples of patients were obtained together with their demographic documents. LAMP3 expression was measured RT-qPCR method. Results: The results show that there is not any significant difference between age and sex population of our study. in squamous cell carcinoma the amount of expression of LAMP3 was higher than lichen planus and healthy margin. Average LAMP3 Gene expression in grade III was higher than group grade I & II in which considering significant level of 5%, it is statistically significant. Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the expression of the LAMP3 gene in SCC lesions is higher than in healthy tissue. Hence, LAMP3 gene expression can be used as a diagnostic biomarker.

Evaluation of mRNA Expression of CD244 and Its Adapter Molecules in CD8+ T Cells in Acute Leukemia.

Background: This study investigated the role of the immune-checkpoint receptor (ICR), CD244, and its adapter molecules, in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 6 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and 20 control subjects. Relative gene expression of CD244, immune receptor tyrosine-based switch motif-associated protein (SA), EWS/FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2), and LncRNA-GSTT1-AS1 were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Expression of CD244, SAP, and EAT-2 were significantly lower in CD8+ T cells from ALL patients than those from control subjects. Interestingly, the expression of SAP was much lower than that of CD244, indicating a lower ratio of SAP to CD244. Also, SAP expression was significantly lower in AML patients compared to the control group. Expression of LncRNA-GSTT1-AS1 showed no significant difference in ALL and AML patients compared to control subjects. Conclusion: The low SAP/CD244 expression ratio in CD8+ T cells in ALL suggests an inhibitory role for CD244 in ALL.

Evaluation of Predicting Factors Affecting Sperm Retrieval in Patients with Klinefelter Syndrome: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the predicting factors affecting sperm retrieval. We prospectively assessed the relationship between sonographic and microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) findings in Klinefelter syndrome (KS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 44 azoospermic men with 47, XXY karyotypes participated in this study. In order to evaluate the amount of blood supply in different parts of testicular tissue, a doppler ultra-sonographic was performed. Also, for the detection of sperm in this group mTESE technique was performed. RESULTS: The age average of positive mTESE and negative mTESE groups was 29.4 and 33.6 years, respectively. By comparing the testicle volume (based on the data obtained from the clinical examinations conducted by the urologist) it was determined that there is no significant difference between mTESE positive and negative groups. Folliclestimulating hormone (FSH) levels in men with negative mTESE (P=0.03) and testosterone levels in men with positive mTESE significantly increased (P=0.017). The overall rate of testis vascularity was significantly higher in the positive mTESE group than in the negative mTESE group. The clinical pregnancy rate in positive mTESE men was 9% per cycle, 16.6% per embryos were transferred (ET), and 12.5% per cycle. CONCLUSION: Totally, our observation indicated that there is not a significant relationship between sonographic and mTESE results in KS patients. However, more investigations with bigger sample Size can be useful to validate our results.

Awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Schoolgirls and Their Mothers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the most common endocrine disorders of reproductive age women is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are at risk for infertility, endometrial cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Awareness of the signs and symptoms of PCOS can be effective in diagnosing early stage PCOS and promoting quality of life (QoL). This study assesses the awareness of PCOS in schoolgirls and their mothers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 1580 high school girls and 480 of their mothers in Tehran (capital of Iran) in 2017 and 2018. We used the stratified sampling method and divided Tehran into five geographic regions: north, south, east, west, and central. Schools were randomly selected from each of these regions. Students and their mothers separately answered a self-administered questionnaire that pertained to their knowledge of PCOS. Statistical analyses were carried out with SPSS, version 22 (Inc. Chicago, IL, USA) and R version 3.2.1. RESULTS: Students had an average age of 16.97 ± 0.84 years and their mothers' average age was 45.19 ± 5.03 years. The average body mass index (BMI) of the students was 22.01 ± 5.54 kg/m2. The results of this study showed that only 48 students (3.2%) and 148 mothers (27%) had acceptable knowledge about PCOS. The knowledge of students about PCOS was positively related to their mothers' knowledge about PCOS (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The level of PCOS awareness in Iranian women is insufficient and this may affect their QoL. Therefore, the health authorities should implement educational programs to challenge women's incorrect beliefs about PCOS and increase their awareness of this disease.

Joint Modeling of In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes among A Population of Iranian Infertile Couples: A Historical Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Women who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles should successfully go via multiple stages (i.e., clinical pregnancy, no abortion under 12 weeks, no abortion under 20 weeks, and delivery) to achieve a live birth. In this study, data from multiple IVF cycles and its multiple stages were reanalyzed to illustrate the success factors associated with various stages of IVF cycles in a population of Iranian infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This historical cohort study includes 3676 assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. Covariates take into account in this study were women's age, type of infertility (primary, secondary), body mass index (BMI), cause of infertility, history of abortion, duration of infertility, number of oocytes, number of embryos, fertilization rate, semen factors (Spermogram) and having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) during IVF cycles. Joint modeling was fitted to apply informative cluster size. RESULTS: Increasing age un women was associated with an increase in the BMI and a positive history of abortion and PCOS, and also, an increase in the number of treatment cycles, while in men was associated with the negative spermogram. With the increase in the number of treatment cycles, the result of the IVF success decreased, but with the increase in the number of embryos, fertilization rate and also, quality and / or quantity parameters of spermogram, we encountered with an increase in the IVF success rate. CONCLUSION: It seems that a joint model of the number of treatment cycles and the result of IVF is a valuable statistical model that does not ignore the significant effect of cycle numbers, while this issue is ignored usually in the univariate models.

Solid state cationization reaction of microporous starch with betaine hydrochloride under repeated heating/cooling cycles: Design of a green approach for corn starch modification.

In this research, the cationization process of microporous starch with betaine hydrochloride (BHC) in the presence of H3PO4 (as a catalyst) under heating/cooling cycles was reported for the first time. Granular microporous starch was initially prepared from normal corn starch (NS) through amyloglucosidase treatment. Then, solid state cationization reaction of microporous starch (MS) with betaine hydrochloride (BHC) was performed under repeated dry-heat modification. The cationic microporous starch showed higher substitution degree (0.031) and reaction efficiency (89.1 %) in comparison with cationic starch based on NS (0.021, 60.3 %), which this can be attributed to the increased probability of effective collision between BHC molecules and starch granules after enzymatic treatment. The analysis of cationic starches by FTIR and 13C NMR confirmed the presence of cationic functional groups on starch chains. Further examinations on the modified starches by single and dual treatments were accomplished with respect to morphology, particle size distribution, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), colour parameters, zeta potential, amylose content, viscosity, solubility, and swelling power. The greenness of the suggested dual treatment (score: 82) in this work was evaluated and compared to a conventional method reported in literature (score: 67) on the preparation of cationic starches.

Nanogel Containing Gamma-Oryzanol-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers and TiO2/MBBT: A Synergistic Nanotechnological Approach of Potent Natural Antioxidants and Nanosized UV Filters for Skin Protection.

The human skin is a recurring target of external aggressions, such as UV radiation, leading to exacerbation of the aging process and the occurrence of skin diseases, such as cancer. Hence, preventive measures should be taken to protect it against these aggressions, consequently decreasing the chance of disease development. In the present study, a topical xanthan gum nanogel containing gamma-oryzanol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and nanosized UV filters TiO2 and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) was developed to assess their synergistic potential in having multifunctional skin beneficial properties. The developed NLCs contained the natural-based solid lipids shea butter and beeswax, liquid lipid carrot seed oil, and the potent antioxidant gamma-oryzanol, with an optimum particle size for topical application (<150 nm), good homogeneity (PDI = 0.216), high zeta potential (-34.9 mV), suitable pH value (6), good physical stability, high encapsulation efficiency (90%), and controlled release. The final formulation, a nanogel containing the developed NLCs and the nano UV filters, showed high long-term storage stability and high photoprotection ability (SPF = 34) and resulted in no skin irritation or sensitization (rat model). Hence, the developed formulation showed good skin protection and compatibility, demonstrating promise as a new platform for the future generation of natural-based cosmeceuticals.