Green and Effective Ammonium Carbonate-assisted Process for Drying Hemicellulose Obtained through Alkali Extraction of Bleached Bamboo Kraft Pulp

Hemicellulose has a wide range of applications,including that as an emulsifier for the food industry and raw material for the synthesis of bioethanol/biochemicals and biodegradable films.Hemicellulose is usually present as a spent liquor,such as the prehydrolysis liquor of the prehydrolysis kraft dissolving pulp production process and the alkali extraction liquor of the cold caustic extraction of pulp fibers.Due to its dilute nature,hemicellulose needs to be dried for practical utilization,and this is challenging.In this study,cellulose and hemicellulose in a bleached bamboo kraft pulp were separated using an alkali extraction process.Hemicellulose obtained from the extraction liquor was dried by an ammonium carbonate-assisted drying process.The effects of drying time and drying temperature were determined.Structure of the hemicellulose obtained by the ammonium carbonate-assisted drying process was similar to that of original hemicellulose,as revealed by detailed Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction analyses.The novel drying method was more energy efficient and required a shorter drying time than the conventional freeze drying method,and the excellent solubility in alkaline solutions favored the chemical modification of hemicellulose.The dried hemicellulose can be used as a renewable raw material for the preparation of hydrogels and other substances such as bioethanol/biochemicals and biodegradable films.

Adjustment of Mathematical Models and the Quality of Drying the Pulped Coffee at Different Air Conditions

The aim of the study was to describe the drying kinetics of washed coffee (Coffea arabica L.) and evaluate the best mathematical model to fit the experimental drying data conducted with different air humidity (40%, 50% and 60%), temperatures (23, 40 and 60 °C) and the quality of the coffee. The cherries coffee were separated and standardized in the processes of washing, mechanical and manual separation. Then, approx. 85 kg of coffee cherries were pulped and taken directly to the yard. The washed coffee was completed dried in a mechanical dryer and yard. The results showed that the different conditions of the ambient air significantly influenced the processes of drying. The water content of the hygroscopic equilibrium of pulped coffee is directly proportional to the water activity and relative humidity (RH), decreasing with increasing temperature, for the same value of equilibrium. The Oswin model was best represented by the hygroscopicity of the pulped coffee, while the Midilli model shows the best fit to describe the drying curves of the washed coffee. The effective diffusion coefficient increases with increasing temperature of the drying air and reducing of RH, being described by the Arrhenius equation. Electrical conductivity, potassium leaching, total titratable acidity and grease acidity increase with increasing drying temperature regardless of the type of processing. Reducing sugars, total sugars and the sensorial quality was negatively affected with increasing drying temperature regardless of the type of processing. The drying at 60 °C/40% RH negatively affected the coffee quality.

Effects of Pulp Preconditioning on Total Polyphenols, O-diphenols and Anthocyanin Concentrations during Fermentation and Drying of Cocoa （Theobroma cacao） Beans

Changes in total polyphenols, O-diphenols and anthocyanin concentrations during fermentation and drying of pulp pre-conditioned cocoa （Theobroma cacao） beans were investigated using standard analytical methods. Increasing pod storage, fermentation and drying led to variable reductions in total polyphenols, O-diphenols and anthocyanins content of the beans. The rates of reduction were however more pronounced during fermentation than pod storage and drying. Storage of cocoa pods between 3-7 days with 6 and 7 days of fermentation and drying respectively retained 85%-90% of the total polyphenol and O-diphenols of the cocoa beans. Similarly, anthocyanin content of beans from the 10 days of pod storage decreased by 70% in the sixth day of fermentation. Pod storage decreased the anthocyanin content at all periods of fermentation. These suggest that the post-harvest treatments of pod storage, fermentation and drying all results in variable reductions in polyphenolic content （total polyphenols and O-diphenols） and anthocyanins content of cocoa beans.

Effects of Fermentation and Drying on the Fermentation Index and Cut Test of Pulp Pre-conditioned Ghanaian Cocoa （Theobroma cacao） Beans

Investigations were conducted to establish effects of fermentation and drying on the fermentation index （FI） and cut test of pulp pre-conditioned Ghanaian cocoa beans using a 4 x 3 full factorial experimental design with the principal factors being pod storage （0, 3, 7 and 10 d） and fermentation time （0, 3 and 6 d） to study the changes occurring during the fermentation process. The study also used a 4 x 3 full factorial design with pod storage （0, 3, 7 and 10 d） and drying time （0, 3 and 7 d） being the principal factors investigated to study the changes occurring during the drying process. FI and cut test of the beans were studied during fermentation as well as the drying process. FI of the beans increased significantly with pod storage and fermentation but decreased slightly during drying. FI of the unfermented beans increased slightly from 0.674 for the unstored pods to 0.763 after 10 days of pod storage. The FI of the fermented beans （six days fermentation） also increased from 1.390 for the unstored pods to 1.424 for pods stored for 10 days. It decreased from 1.389 at the start of drying for the unstored pods to 1.105 for pods stored for 10 days at the end of drying （seven days）. FI of all the beans were however, above 1.0 at the end of fermentation and drying for all pod storage treatments. Cut test revealed that storage of pods for 3, 7 and 10 days increased the percentage of brown beans by 66%, 94% and 72%, respectively, by the sixth day of fermentation. Percentage of brown beans decreased to 61%, 76% and 63%, respectively, for pods stored for 3, 7 and 10 d at the end of drying （seven days）. Cocoa pods can be stored for up to 10 days, fermented for six days and dried for seven days with the necessary formation of brown pigments characteristics of well fermented and dried cocoa beans.

Effects of different drying methods on phenolic components and in vitro hypoglycemic activities of pulp extracts from two Chinese bayberry(Myrica rubra Sieb.et Zucc.)cultivars

The effects of two different drying methods,namely hot-air drying and freeze drying,on the phenolic profiles,antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of pulp extracts from two main Chinese bayberry cultivars(’Biqi’or’BQ’and’Dongkui’or’DK’)were evaluated.The results showed that’BQ’bayberry provided higher total phenolic(TPC),total flavonoid(TFC)and total anthocyanin(TAC)contents than’DK’bayberry after the same drying method,while its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities were highly affected by drying method.Freeze-dried samples possessed significantly higher TPC,TFC and TAC,and exhibited more potent antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities than hot-air dried ones(P<0.05).Freeze-dried’DK’bayberry exhibited similar antioxidant activities and a-amylase inhibitory activity,but higher a-glucosidase inhibition than freeze-dried’BQ’bayberry(P<0.05).Compared with hot-air dried samples,freeze-dried samples had significantly higher contents of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside,myricitin-3-O-rhamnoside,quercetin-3-O-galactoside,quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside,which had been proved to be the main contributors to the in vitro hypoglycemic activities of bayberry pulp extract.All these results demonstrate that freeze drying is more suitable for the preservation of phenolic components in the pulp extract of Chinese bayberry,and the pulp extract of freeze-dried’DK’could be applied as a potential hypoglycemic food additive.

Multiple pulp stones emerge across all teeth during mixed dentition:A case report

BACKGROUND This paper reports a rare presentation of multiple pulp stones(PSs)emerging in all teeth during mixed dentition.It offers valuable insights into the clinical diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of multiple PSs,shedding light on their occurrence during the mixed dentition period.CASE SUMMARY A 10-year-old girl presented with repeated pain in the mandibular right posterior teeth.Intraoral examination revealed carious lesions,abnormal tooth shapes,and anomalies in tooth number.Radiographic examinations showed multiple PSs with diverse shapes,sizes,and quantities in all teeth,alongside anomalies in tooth shape and number.Root canal therapy was initiated,but the patient initially lacked timely follow-up.Upon return for treatment completion,an extracted tooth revealed irregular calculus within the pulp cavity.CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of considering multiple PSs in mixed dentition,necessitating comprehensive evaluation and management strategies.

Adrenaline in pulp capping treatment of reversible pulpitis

BACKGROUND The role of epinephrine in the treatment of pulp capping in patients with reversible pulpitis is not clear.AIM To explore the role of epinephrine in the treatment of pulp capping in patients with reversible pulpitis.METHODS A total of 100 patients with reversible pulpitis who were treated in Anhui Jieshou People's Hospital from January 2020 to December 2021 were included in the study.They were categorized into an observation group(n=50;treatment with adrenaline)and a control group(n=50;treatment with zinc oxide eugenol paste).The 24-h postoperative pain,regression time of gingival congestion and redness,clinical efficacy,and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the groups.Patients were further categorized into the ineffective and effective treatment groups based on clinical efficacy.Logistic multiple regression analysis explored factors affecting the efficacy of pulp capping treatment.RESULTS A significant difference in 24-h postoperative pain was observed between the groups(P<0.05),with a higher proportion of grade I pain noted in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.01).The regression time of gingival congestion and swelling was lower in the observation group(2.61±1.44 d and 2.73±1.36 d,respectively)than in the control group(3.85±1.47 d and 4.28±1.61 d,respectively)(P<0.05).The 2-wk postoperative total effective rate was lower in the control group(80.00%)than in the observation group(94.00%)(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was not significantly different between the control(14.00%)and observation(12.00%)groups(P>0.05).The proportion of adrenaline usage was lower(P<0.05)and that of anaerobic digestion by Streptococcus and Fusobacterium nucleatum was higher in the ineffective treatment group than in the effective treatment group(P<0.05).Logistic multiple regression analysis revealed adrenaline as a protective factor(P<0.05)and anaerobic digestion by Streptococcus and F.nucleatum as risk factors for pulp capping in reversible pulpitis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Adrenaline demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in pulp capping treatment for reversible pulpitis,reducing pain and improving clinical symptoms safely.It is a protective factor for pulp capping,whereas Streptococcus and F.nucleatum are risk factors.Targeted measures can be implemented to improve clinical efficacy.

Production of Pequi Powder by Drying Pulp

The pequi tree is a native plant of the Brazilian cerrado, and the scientific name is Caryocar brasiliense, whose fruits are called pequi, appreciated for its pleasant peculiarities of color, aroma and flavor. The objective of this work is to transform pequi pulp into powder, aiming at maintaining the flavor. By using the convection drying technique, the product is converted from the fluid state to the solid state in the form of a powder. Experiments were performed with drying at the following temperatures: 40&degC, 50&degC, 60&degC, 90&degC and 105&degC. Interpretations were made of the experimental drying and milling results. It was verified that for all the experimental temperatures, there was no loss of the sensory characteristics of pequi. The drying of the pequi pulp in a greenhouse at 105&degC consisted of a good result of preservation of the characteristics of the fruit: color, aroma and flavor. Using the Trojan Powder Coating scale, it is found that pequi powder, dried at 105&degC, differs little in terms of the color of the fruit in nature.

Modeling of the Drying Kinetics of Two Extreme Parts of the Pulp of Gamboma Yam (<i>Dioscorea cayenensis</i>): Yellow Part (Head) and White Part (Tail)

The study on the modelling of the drying kinetics of two extreme parts of the Gamboma yam pulp, the yellow part (head) and the white part (tail), was carried out to evaluate the behaviour of these two parts during drying. This evaluation was carried out in the oven at 70?C and in the microwave at 280 W. The main aim of this work was to study experimentally while modelling the drying kinetics of the food and at the same time to evaluate the influence of temperature on two parts (head and tail) of the Gamboma yam. The effect of temperature on the food revealed the following results: a progressive decrease of the water content during the drying process in both the oven and the microwave. This experiment showed that during the drying of the two parts in the oven and in the microwave, the loss in mass evolves from the tail (white part) to the head (yellow part), because the white part is the youngest in terms of formation and the head, the oldest part in terms of formation. In the microwave and at 280 W, the drying of the yam is faster than in the oven at 70?C. During the modelling, four different mathematical drying models were used, namely Newton’s, Page’s, Henderson and Pabis’ and finally Midili’s, to assess the goodness of fit on the drying of the product while comparing their respective parameters R2, χ2 and RMSE. The comparison of the statistical parameters led to the selection of the Midili model as the one with better goodness of fit and better drying characteristics so as to obtain more expressive drying curves in contrast to other models.

Conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells treats spinal cord injury by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis

Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury.However,whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear.In the present study,we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells.We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury,decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3,GSDMD,caspase-1,and interleukin-1β,promoted axonal and myelin regeneration,and inhibited the formation of glial scars.In addition,in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway.These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1βpathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.Therefore,conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.

Optimizing hemicelluloses pre-extraction in eucalyptus kraft pulping:A pathway towards enhancing pulp mill biorefineries

A critical pathway towards enhancing pulp mill biorefineries is to integrate the extraction and utilization of hemicelluloses into the pulping processes.Hence,an industrial pre-extraction strategy for hemicelluloses targeting eucalyptus kraft pulping process was developed.Alkaline solution or pulping white liquor was used to pre-extract hemicelluloses before the actual pulping process.The response surface methodology(RSM)technique was applied to investigate the most suitable conditions to maximize the yield of these hemicelluloses while simultaneously minimizing the damage to pulp yields and properties.Temperature(105 to 155℃),alkali concentration(3%to 8%),sulfidity(20%to 30%)and retention time(19 to 221 min)were combined to evaluate their effects on hemicellulose yields and chemical structures.The optimal pre-extraction conditions identified in this work(5.75%NaOH concentration,25%sulfidity at 135℃for 60 min)successfully allowed recovering 4.8%of hemicelluloses(based on the wood dry mass)and limited damages to pulp yields and properties.The cellulose content in pulp can even be increased by about 10%.Hemicellulose emulsification properties were also evaluated,which were comparable to synthetic emulsifiers.This study provides an industrial pathway to effectively separate and utilize wood hemicelluloses from the pulping process,which has the potential to improve the economy and material utilization of pulp and paper mills.

Formulation of Infant Flours Based on Fonio Enriched with Bambara Groundnut Anacardium (Cashew) and African Locust Bean Fruit Pulp

Infant malnutrition is a significant issue in Côte d’Ivoire, and this study aims to address it by formulating infant flours using local ingredients. Fermentation, germination, and malting methods were used to enhance the quality of six formulated flours, all based on Fonio and supplemented with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernels. Results showed that Fonio had the highest carbohydrate content, while Bambara groundnut and Cashew kernels were rich in protein and lipid content. African locust bean fruit pulp was rich in fiber and Vitamin C, with a high β-carotene value. The cashew kernel had the highest energy value. Regarding mineral composition, African locust bean fruit pulp had the highest potassium content, while Bambara groundnut and African locust bean fruit pulp were rich in sodium. Cashew kernel and Fonio had higher iron and calcium content. Bambara groundnut had a higher zinc content, while cashew kernel had a higher magnesium content. The formulated flours made from fermented Fonio grains and enriched with Bambara groundnut, African locust bean fruit pulp, and cashew kernel had varying protein, fiber, carbohydrate, ash, and fat contents. The flour formulated with sprouted Fonio and enriched with the same ingredients had higher protein content and energy value than the other fermented seed-based flours. The mixed flours produced with fermented seeds and the flour produced from sprouted seeds met international standards. Overall, these findings offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the formulated flours and their potential to combat infant malnutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mono Ethanol Amine (MEA) Pulping of Wheat Straw: An Environmentally Friendly Suggestion for the Fluff Pulp Production

This research aimed to investigate the effect of pulping conditions and refining intensities of wheat straw to be recommended for fluff pulp production.For this purpose,mono ethanol amine(MEA)was selected as a de-lignification agent at three levels of 50:50,25:75,and 15:85(MEA/water,W/V%),and soda-AQ 14 W/V%was used as a reference pulping.To investigate the optimal refining intensity,the obtained pulp was passed through a single disk laboratory refiner from 0 to 6 times and in two different consistencies(1.5 and 2.5 W/V%).Total yield,kappa number,ash content,and the Schopper-Riegler(SR°)freeness of the prepared pulps were investigated.Finally,hand sheets with a targeted basic weight of 70 g/m^(2) were made according to the related standards.The hand sheets were characterized using Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy and a field emission scanning electron microscope(FE-SEM).Sheet density,brightness,and mechanical properties such as burst,tensile,and tear indices were also investigated.The FE-SEM photographs showed that the texture of the hand sheet became denser as the refining intensity increased.External fibrillation on the surface of the fibers was also observed,especially on those refined with 2.5%consistency.The results of the chemical composition of wheat straw indicated that wheat straw containing a high percentage of holocellulose is an excellent candidate for the production of fluff pulp.The total yield and kappa number of MEA pulps increased with the decrease in MEA concentration.FTIR results indicated the presence of a peak related to amino groups in the pulp related to MEA pulp.The results also indicated that the mechanical properties of the papers,except for the tear index,were enhanced as the intensity of refining and the pulp consistency during refining increased.

Reducing Effect of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don Fruit Pulp on Food Intake in Healthy NMRI Mice

Obesity is a chronic condition characterised by excess body fat that leads to increased body weight. One of the most effective ways to treat obesity is to use appetite suppressants to reduce food intake. This study aimed to evaluate in vivo reduction of food intake and weight gain caused by Parkia biglobosa (Pb) fruit pulp. Twenty-four healthy NMRI mice divided into four groups were used for the experiment. Group 1, considered the negative control, received distilled water. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered daily with 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of Pb fruit pulp powder suspension, respectively. The reduction in food intake was assessed in two phases: acute food intake for one day (24 h) and long-term food intake for seven weeks. Nutrient parameters and phenolic compounds in Pb fruit pulp were quantified. The results showed that Pb fruit pulp had a significant effect on reducing acute food intake. At a dose of 250 mg/kg, Pb had the best activity in reducing acute food intake, with an overall reduction rate of approximately 47.98% ± 1.17% compared to the control. Repeated daily administration inhibited food intake with all three doses for 13 days compared to control. Food intake was significantly decreased for up to 31 days by taking a 100 mg/kg dose of Pb (p = 0.0174). Weight gain was significantly lower (p = 0.0003) in mice treated with 100 mg/kg Pb than in controls at the end of 7 weeks. According to the nutritional composition study, Pb fruit pulp contains an abundance of total carbohydrates (68.81% ± 0.32%) and crude fiber (14.35% ± 0.21%). This study demonstrated that Pb fruit pulp effectively reduces food intake in healthy mice. Pb pulp’s richness in crude fiber and phenolic compounds makes it a potential aid in managing obesity.

RPLP0/TBP are the most stable reference genes for human dental pulp stem cells under osteogenic differentiation

BACKGROUND Validation of the reference gene(RG)stability during experimental analyses is essential for correct quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)data normalisation.Commonly,in an unreliable way,several studies use genes involved in essential cellular functions[glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydro-genase(GAPDH),18S rRNA,andβ-actin]without paying attention to whether they are suitable for such experimental conditions or the reason for choosing such genes.Furthermore,such studies use only one gene when Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines recom-mend two or more genes.It impacts the credibility of these studies and causes dis-tortions in the gene expression findings.For tissue engineering,the accuracy of gene expression drives the best experimental or therapeutical approaches.We cultivated DPSCs under two conditions:Undifferentiated and osteogenic dif-ferentiation,both for 35 d.We evaluated the gene expression of 10 candidates for RGs[ribosomal protein,large,P0(RPLP0),TATA-binding protein(TBP),GAPDH,actin beta(ACTB),tubulin(TUB),aminolevulinic acid synthase 1(ALAS1),tyro-sine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein,zeta(YWHAZ),eukaryotic translational elongation factor 1 alpha(EF1a),succinate dehydrogenase complex,subunit A,flavoprotein(SDHA),and beta-2-micro-globulin(B2M)]every 7 d(1,7,14,21,28,and 35 d)by RT-qPCR.The data were analysed by the four main algorithms,ΔCt method,geNorm,NormFinder,and BestKeeper and ranked by the RefFinder method.We subdivided the samples into eight subgroups.RESULTS All of the data sets from clonogenic and osteogenic samples were analysed using the RefFinder algorithm.The final ranking showed RPLP0/TBP as the two most stable RGs and TUB/B2M as the two least stable RGs.Either theΔCt method or NormFinder analysis showed TBP/RPLP0 as the two most stable genes.However,geNorm analysis showed RPLP0/EF1αin the first place.These algorithms’two least stable RGs were B2M/GAPDH.For BestKeeper,ALAS1 was ranked as the most stable RG,and SDHA as the least stable RG.The pair RPLP0/TBP was detected in most subgroups as the most stable RGs,following the RefFinfer ranking.CONCLUSION For the first time,we show that RPLP0/TBP are the most stable RGs,whereas TUB/B2M are unstable RGs for long-term osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs in traditional monolayers.

Wetting alternating with partial drying during grain filling increases lysine biosynthesis in inferior rice grain

Lysine content is a criterion of the nutritional quality of rice.Understanding the process of lysine biosynthesis in early-flowering superior grain(SG)and late-flowering inferior grain(IG)of rice would advance breeding and cultivation to improve nutritional quality.However,little information is available on differences in lysine anabolism between SG and IG and the underlying mechanism,and whether and how irrigation regimes affect lysine anabolism in these grains.A japonica rice cultivar was grown in the field and two irrigation regimes,continuous flooding(CF)and wetting alternating with partial drying(WAPD),were imposed from heading to the mature stage.Lysine content and activities of key enzymes of lysine biosynthesis,and levels of brassinosteroids(BRs)were lower in the IG than in the SG at the early grainfilling stage but higher at middle and late grain-filling stages.WAPD increased activities of these key enzymes,BR levels,and contents of lysine and total amino acids in IG,but not SG relative to CF.Application of 2,4-epibrassinolide to rice panicles in CF during early grain filling reproduced the effects of WAPD,but neither treatment altered the activities of enzymes responsible for lysine catabolism in either SG or IG.WAPD and elevated BR levels during grain filling increased lysine biosynthesis in IG.Improvement in lysine biosynthesis in rice should focus on IG.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Human dental pulp stem/stromal cells in clinical practice

Dental pulp stem/stromal cells(DPSCs)are fibroblast-like,neural crest-derived,and multipotent cells that can differentiate into several lineages.They are relatively easy to isolate from healthy and inflamed pulps,with little ethical concerns and can be successfully cryopreserved and thawed.The therapeutic effects of DPSCs derived from animal or human sources have been extensively studied through in-vitro and in-vivo animal experiments and the findings indicated that DPSCs are effective not only for dental diseases but also for systemic diseases.Understanding that translational research is a critical step through which the fundamental scientific discoveries could be translated into applicable diagnostics and therapeutics that directly benefit humans,several clinical studies were carried out to generate evidence for the efficacy and safety of autogenous or allogeneic human DPSCs(hDPSCs)as a treatment modality for use in cell-based therapy,regenerative medicine/dentistry and tissue engineering.In clinical medicine,hDPSCs were effective for treating acute ischemic stroke and human exfoliated deciduous teeth-conditioned medium(SHED-CM)repaired vascular damage of the corpus cavernous,which is the main cause of erectile dysfunction.Whereas in clinical dentistry,autologous SHED was able to rege-nerate necrotic dental pulp after implantation into injured teeth,and micrografts enriched with autologous hDPSCs and collagen sponge were considered a treatment option for human intrabony defects.In contrast,hDPSCs did not add a significant regenerative effect when they were used for the treatment of post-extraction sockets.Large-scale clinical studies across diverse populations are still lacking to provide robust evidence on the safety and efficacy of hDPSCs as a new treatment option for various human diseases including dental-related problems.

Self-assembly of differentiated dental pulp stem cells facilitates spheroid human dental organoid formation and prevascularization

BACKGROUND The self-assembly of solid organs from stem cells has the potential to greatly expand the applicability of regenerative medicine.Stem cells can self-organise into microsized organ units,partially modelling tissue function and regeneration.Dental pulp organoids have been used to recapitulate the processes of tooth development and related diseases.However,the lack of vasculature limits the utility of dental pulp organoids.AIM To improve survival and aid in recovery after stem cell transplantation,we demonstrated the three-dimensional(3D)self-assembly of adult stem cell-human dental pulp stem cells(hDPSCs)and endothelial cells(ECs)into a novel type of spheroid-shaped dental pulp organoid in vitro under hypoxia and conditioned medium(CM).METHODS During culture,primary hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into ECs by exposing them to a hypoxic environment and CM.The hypoxic pretreated hDPSCs were then mixed with ECs at specific ratios and conditioned in a 3D environment to produce prevascularized dental pulp organoids.The biological characteristics of the organoids were analysed,and the regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis were studied.RESULTS The combination of these two agents resulted in prevascularized human dental pulp organoids(Vorganoids)that more closely resembled dental pulp tissue in terms of morphology and function.Single-cell RNA sequencing of dental pulp tissue and RNA sequencing of Vorganoids were integrated to analyse key regulatory pathways associated with angiogenesis.The biomarkers forkhead box protein O1 and fibroblast growth factor 2 were identified to be involved in the regulation of Vorganoids.CONCLUSION In this innovative study,we effectively established an in vitro model of Vorganoids and used it to elucidate new mechanisms of angiogenesis during regeneration,facilitating the development of clinical treatment strategies.

Effect of different drying methods on the taste and volatile compounds,sensory characteristics of Takifugu obscurus

Pufferfish is prone to deterioration due to abundant nutrients and high moisture content.Drying technology can extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor quality of aquatic products.The study investigated the effect of hot air drying(HAD),microwave vacuum drying(MVD)and hot air assisted radio frequency drying(HARFD)on the taste and volatile profiles of Takifugu obscurus.Different drying methods had significant influence on the color,rehydration,5’-nucleotides,free amino acids and volatile components(P<0.05).The results showed that HAD and HARFD could promote the flavor of T.obscurus by producing higher equivalent umami concentration(EUC)values,which were about two times of MVD group,and more pronounced pleasant odor according to sensory analysis.HAD is more appropriate for industrial application than HARFD and MVD considering the economic benefits.This study could provide a reference for the industrial application of drying T.obscurus.