Analgesic effects and metabolome analyses of laser- and electro-acupuncture combined therapies in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain model.

Introduction: Allodynia, which can be induced by paclitaxel administration, is the presence of pain as a result of a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain. Many studies have investigated the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture, including laser acupuncture (LA) and electroacupuncture (EA). Although pain-related diseases are relatively common, few studies have analyzed the analgesic effects and mechanisms of LA combined with EA. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of manual acupuncture (MA), EA, LA, and combined therapy (LA + EA) in a paclitaxel-induced allodynia rat model. Methods: A total of 56 rats were classified into eight groups: a normal (Nor, n = 7), a control (Con, n = 7), an MA (n = 7), an EA (n = 7), a 650-nm LA (650LA, n = 7), an 830-nm LA (830LA, n = 7), a 650-nm LA combined with EA (650LA + EA, n = 7), and an 830-nm LA combined with EA group (830LA + EA, n = 7). Allodynia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg of paclitaxel every other day for a total of four times except the Nor group. Acupuncture treatments were conducted at the points of Jungwan (CV12) and Joksamni (ST36) once every other day for 6 min, for a total of nine times. Withdrawal response reaction times and force intensity of the foot were measured before the start of the experiment, after the 4th paclitaxel administration (day 8), and after the 9th and last treatment (day 15). On the 16th day, mRNA and protein expression in the spinal nerves was assessed, and a metabolome analysis of the animals' feces was performed. Results and discussion: Our analyses show that 650LA + EA treatment resulted in an upregulation of protein expression related to pain relief and nerve regeneration, whereas 830LA + EA treatment led to significant changes in metabolomes. This study demonstrates that a combination treatment of EA and LA can suppress allodynia and promote upregulation of protein expression related to nerve regeneration and is effective in changing the intestinal microbiome. Further large-scale research is required to assess the exact mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of this combination treatment in pain-related diseases.

Effect of screw speed and die temperature on physicochemical, textural, and morphological properties of soy protein isolate-based textured vegetable protein produced via a low-moisture extrusion.

In this study, textured vegetable protein (TVP) based on soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, and corn starch was prepared at a 5:3:2 (w/w) ratio using a low-moisture extrusion process. To evaluate the effects of extrusion parameters, die temperature and screw rotation speed, on the properties of TVP, these two parameters were manipulated at a constant barrel temperature and moisture content. The results indicated that increasing the die temperature increased the expansion ratio while decreasing the density of the extrudates. Simultaneously, increasing the screw rotation speed clearly increased the specific mechanical energy of the TVP. Furthermore, mathematical modelling suggested that the expansion ratio increases exponentially to the die temperature. However, extreme process conditions bring about a decrease in water absorption capacity and expansion ratio, as well as undesirable texture and microstructure. The results suggested that the properties of SPI-based TVP are directly influenced by the extrusion process parameters, screw speed and die temperature. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01207-8.

Isolation, screening and identification of key components having intense insect repellent activity against Plodia interpunctella from four different medicinal plant materials.

BACKGROUND: Global warming and the indiscriminate use of pesticides have increased the propagation of the stored-product insect pests, leading to enormous losses in the agriculture and food industries. The most used insect repellents are synthetic derivatives; however, these have an adverse effect on human health as well as on the environment. Therefore, we attempted to find materials with insect repellent activity in natural products. The present study aimed to identify the single chemical component with intense insect repellent activity in extracts from four different Oriental medicinal plant materials: (i) Anethum graveolens L. (dill) seeds; (ii) Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (capillary wormwood) leaves; (iii) smoked Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc. (mume) fruits; and (iv) Rhus javanica L. (galls). RESULTS: As a result of the bioassay-guided fractionation of each extract against the Plodia interpunctella, stored-product insect, the n-hexane fraction of dill seeds extract was confirmed as the optimal fraction between all of the fractions. In total, 32 chemical components were identified from the n-hexane fraction of dill seeds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and the two main components were dillapiole (47.51%) and carvone (26.76%). Of the two components, dillapiole was confirmed as the key component playing an essential role in insect repellent activity. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that dillapiole has the potential to be used as a natural insect repellent for the control of P. interpunctella infestation in agricultural and food products during distribution and storage. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative study on physicochemical properties of starch films prepared from five sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars.

Five different sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars (Daeyumi, Gogeonmi, Sincheonmi [SCM], Singeonmi, and Sinyulmi [SYM]) were used to extract sweet potato starch (SPS) for developing starch-based films. After the chemical composition and amylose contents of all SPSs were evaluated, the morphological, moisture, mechanical, and barrier properties of the SPS-based films were investigated. As one of the film characteristics, the X-ray diffractograms revealed that the SCM-based film with the highest amylose content (26.34%) had the highest relative crystallinity (24.31%). The SCM-based film also showed higher tensile strength (3.05-fold) and elastic modulus (2.38-fold) than the SYM-based film with the lowest amylose content (21.84%). The water vapor and oxygen permeabilities of the SPS-based films were negatively correlated with the amylose content. Thus, the SCM-based film was less permeable for water vapor (3.16-fold) and oxygen (1.81-fold) than the SYM-based film. These results demonstrated that the sweet potato cultivar, especially the amylose content, plays a significant role in determining the physicochemical properties of the SPS-based films.

Development of insect-proof starch adhesive containing encapsulated cinnamon oil for paper box adhesion to inhibit Plodia interpunctella larvae infestation.

The objectives of this study were to develop insect-resistant adhesives and apply them to a cardboard packaging system for preventing Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae infestation. Cinnamon essential oil (CO), an insecticide, was encapsulated with maltodextrin (CS/MD/CO), ß-cyclodextrin (CS/ß-CD/CO), and polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA/CO) in corn starch (CS) paste. This resulted in a sustained and gradual release of CO from the starch-based insect-proof adhesives. Penetration pathways of insects into corrugated cardboard boxes were investigated through the use of a screening test for infestation profiling. Microscopic images of encapsulated CO in an oil in water (O/W) emulsion were observed to confirm the morphology of the adhesives. Adhesion forces of CS, CS/CO, CS/MD/CO, CS/ß-CD/CO, and CS/PVA/CO were determined to be 6.2 N, 4.0 N, 3.1 N, 6.0 N, and 5.8 N, respectively. Consequently, significant decreases of adhesion force in the CS/CO and CS/MD/CO were found to be due to the presence of the surfactant (Span® 80) and the low adhesive properties of MD. The duration of the insecticidal activities of the developed adhesives was evaluated by measuring their release rates for 14 days and repellent profiles up to 24 hr and 40 days. As a result, CS/ß-CD/CO and CS/PVA/CO were found to have an inhibited rapid release and sustained repellent profiles. In conclusion, CS/ß-CD/CO and CS/PVA/CO were determined to be suitable for encapsulation models and could be applied to industrial cardboard containers to prevent cases of insect invasion. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Corn starch-based natural adhesives with an insect-proof property were applied to food containers consisted of corrugated cardboard boxes. Cornflake cereal packaging using insect-proof corrugated cardboard successfully prohibited pest invasion in commercial food distribution simulation model. Developed insecticidal adhesives are able to control insect penetration in distribution and storage steps.

Characterization and Preservation Performance of Multilayer Film with Insect Repellent and Antimicrobial Activities for Sliced Wheat Bread Packaging.

A multilayer film containing star anise essential oil and thymol coating layers (SAEO and TH, respectively), with insect repellent and antimicrobial properties, has been developed using bar coating and adhesive lamination processes. Our previous study reported the in vitro activities of this polypropylene film (PP)/SAEO/polyethylene terephthalate film (PET)/TH/low-density polyethylene film (LDPE) multilayer film. The current study focused on demonstrating the morphological, optical, and mechanical properties of the film, and evaluating its in vivo activities when used as a bread packaging material. The developed film was 15.03% thicker and 1.86% less transparent than the control film (without active agent coating layers: PP/PET/LDPE). While the color values of the developed film were slightly different from the control film, both films appeared similar to the naked eye. The tensile strength in the developed film was somewhat lower than that of the control film, while both films had statistically comparable values for elongation at break. During storage of sliced bread packaged in the developed film, the film both deterred insects from approaching toward and impeded the growth of microorganisms in the bread. These results suggest the potential applicability of the developed film as an active food packaging material with insect repellent and antimicrobial activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A multilayer film incorporated with insect repellent and antimicrobial coating layers was applied in sliced wheat bread packaging. The developed film effectively inhibited approaches of stored-product insects to packaged bread and growth of microorganisms on the bread surface. It can be used as an active food packaging material that improves the safety and shelf-life of foods.

Prolonged Insecticidal Activity of Clove oil-Loaded Halloysite Nanotubes on Plodia interpunctella Infestation and Application in Industrial-Scale Food Packaging.

Previous study reported the development of insect-proof halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and food packaging; however, the duration of their insecticidal properties remains unclear. Here, we aimed to (1) demonstrate the duration of repellency of clove bud oil (CO) encapsulated by HNTs for more than 30 days, and (2) manufacture insect-proof film containing HNTs for commercial use. Also, the release behavior of CO from insect-resistant HNTs was evaluated and HNTs were applied to food packaging composed of polypropylene and low-density polyethylene films to prevent Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larva infestation. CO, a natural insecticide, was embedded with HNTs and polyethyleneimine (PEI) via vacuum pulling process to cause a slow and gradual release of CO. The sustained release profile of CO from CO-containing HNTs with a PEI coating [(HNTs/CO/layer-by-layer (LBL)] was verified by gas chromatography analysis. The repellent activity of HNTs/CO/LBL was observed for up to 46 days, whereas CO film and HNTs/CO film exhibited no insecticidal activities during the test period. After 30-day exposure, the HNTs/CO/LBL film exhibited a 7-day extension in the penetration test. To evaluate the insecticidal properties of the insect-proof film (HNTs/CO/LBL scale-up film) manufactured in an industrial facility, the inhibitory effects of HNTs/CO/LBL scale-up film on insect infestation was elucidated in both the segregation and combination tests. As a result, HNTs/CO/LBL alone or gravure-printed film treated with HNTs/CO/LBL were capable of protecting food from insect infestation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Halloysite nanotubes containing natural insect repellent were applied to industrial production of food packaging. Commercial cornflake cereal packaging using insect-resistant film successfully inhibited pest infestation. Insect-proof film produced at an industrial facility can be utilized to protect processed food from insect infestation.

Development of Protein-Based High-Oxygen Barrier Films Using an Industrial Manufacturing Facility.

In this study, protein-based high-oxygen barrier multilayer films were manufactured at a pilot plant scale by a roll-to-roll coating process and an adhesive lamination process. Also, their characteristics were examined to evaluate their industrial feasibility. Oxygen transmission rates (OTRs) of the protein-based films (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]/pea protein isolate [PPI]/nylon/cast polypropylene [CPP], PET/whey protein isolate [WPI]/CPP, PET/WPI/nylon/CPP, and PET/PPI/nylon/low-density polyethylene [LDPE]) were significantly lower than OTR of the PET/nylon/CPP film without a protein-coating layer and that of the commercial high-barrier multilayer film copolymer (PET/aluminum/CPP). In addition, water vapor transmission rates of the films containing protein layer were significantly lower than that of the commercial high-barrier film containing ethylene vinyl alcohol [nylon/nylon/EVOH/easy peel layer [EPL]). Among the tested polymers, the PET/WPI/nylon/LDPE film showed the highest heat-sealing ability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. Moreover, transparency and haze of the PET/WPI/nylon/CPP film were similar to the film without WPI coating. Taken together, our results indicate that the protein-based coating films showing high-oxygen and high-water barrier properties can be manufactured using industrial facilities and could replace commercial multilayer films based on synthetic materials. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Oxygen barrier property is an important feature in food packaging materials. Therefore, protein-coated high-oxygen barrier multilayer films were manufactured at a pilot scale to verify the possibility of their mass production. Specifically, high-oxygen and high-moisture barrier coating was produced by pea and whey proteins. Finally, the protein-based multilayer films made by an industrial facility were confirmed to be able to replace current commercial films containing synthetic barrier materials.

Effects of micro-perforated film on the quality and shelf life improvements of pork loins during chilled storage.

The effects of micro-perforated film (MPF) packaging method on the quality and shelf life of pork loin during chilled storage were investigated, compared with non-packaging (control) and non-perforated film (PPF) packaging. Loins were removed from five hogs after slaughter and chilling, and each loin was portioned into four parts. These samples (40 sections) were allocated to each of five intervals (0, 1, 4, 7 and 14 days) to minimize variation among treatments and stored for 14 days under 55±10% relative humidity and 0±1 °C. Total aerobic counts of control sample were significantly lower than those from MPF or PPF loins after 14 days of storage. At 14 days, the counts of Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae in the samples from MPF were significantly lower than those from PPF. At 7 days, 'L' value for the control and 'a' value for PPF were significantly lower, and ΔE values for the control were significantly higher than other samples. During storage time, percentage weight loss was the most in the control samples with MPF following and PPF the least. Accordingly, water contents decreased highest in the control samples followed by those from MPF and PPF. TBA values increased with storage time, however no significant differences were observed among treatments. Sensory evaluation analyses showed that MPF samples were generally better evaluated in all parameters over the storage time. Therefore, it has been concluded that MPF could be used as an effective packaging technology since it extends the shelf life of fresh meat by controlling the microbial growth and evaporation at a moderate level.