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In the present study, the effect of Salvia macrosiphon Seed Gum (SMSG) and Lepidium sativum Linn. Seed Gum (LSSG) as a coating agent on the properties of nanoencapsulated potato skin extract was studied. Moreover, the antioxidant effect of nanoencapsulated extract at a concentration of 1000 ppm incorporated into soybean oil was evaluated. The Z-average size of the emulsions stabilized by SMSG; LSSG; and a complex (1 : 1) of SMSG and LSSG (CSL) was estimated as 160.2, 144.3, and 115.2 nm. The encapsulation efficiency of phenolic extracts in the powders formed by SMSG, LSSG, and CSL was 82.39, 81.67, and 93.6% which declined to 45.28, 48.22, and 62.67% after storage for 40 days at 30°C. The results indicated that the use of coating agents for encapsulation enhanced their antioxidant effect and compared with TBHQ and free extract that nanoencapsulated extract by CSL had the highest antioxidant activity followed by LSSG nanoencapsulated extract and SMSG nanoencapsulated extract.

In this study, we engineered a sub-70 nm nanocomposite of ZnO/Zn2TiO4 using a low-temperature solution-phase method with titanium isopropoxide and zinc acetate as precursors, and isopropyl alcohol and water as solvents. The investigation focused on nanocomposite growth by varying precursor and surfactant concentrations and their efficiency within different pH ranges. All three ZnO/Zn2TiO4 nanocomposites exhibited hexagonal wurtzite ZnO and Zn2TiO4 structures. The crystallite size in these nanocomposites ranged from 39.50 nm to 62.67 nm for ZnO and 21.24 nm to 26.15 nm for Zn2TiO4. Morphological observations using FESEM revealed the formation of dispersed cotton packet-like nanocomposites with sizes ranging from 18 to 350 nm. FTIR analysis showed peaks indicative of Ti–O and Zn–O bond formation, and EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ti, O, and Zn. UV spectrums and photocatalytic investigations confirmed the successful formation of ZnO/Zn2TiO4 nanocomposites with notable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for methylene blue dye under various conditions. These findings suggest the potential applicability of the synthesized nanocomposites for environmental pollutant degradation.

Gundelia tournefortii L. is a well-known medicinal plant. Here, drying characteristics of it were investigated using combined microwave-hot air (CMWHA) drying method which consists of microwave pretreatment (specific powers of 450, 600 and 750  W ), called primary shock, followed by associated microwave-hot air drying (180, 300 and 450  W assisted with 60, 70, and 80  °C inlet air temperature). Drying kinetics of the proposed method was modeled. Thus, experimental moisture ratio data was fitted to 10 thin layer models. It was found that Midilli et al. model had the best fit to show kinetics behavior. According to the results, drying rate was increased by increasing microwave power at a certain temperature. The maximum drying rate was obtained in the combined condition of 450  W and 80  °C with a primary shock of 750  W. Effective moisture diffusivity ( D eff ) ranged between 1.21 × 10 −6 and 6.19 × 10 −6 ( m 2 / s ); however it was 8.74 × 10 −7 for hot air drying . Moreover, activation energy was in the range of 12.86 to 15.82 (k J / mol ). Comparison between energy consumptions showed that the lowest value was attributed to combined conditions of 180  W , 80  °C and a primary shock of 600  W which lead to 69% energy saving compared to hot air method. Quality of dried products was evaluated by measurement of colour parameters ( L*, a* , and b* ), total colour difference ( ∆E ), browning index ( BI ), Chroma, Hue angle, rehydration, and ratio of shrinkage. Generally, it was found that CMWHA method is the best choice to dry Gundelia tournefortii L. in terms of time, mass transfer rate, energy, and quality.

In this research, Oliveria decumbens Vent essential oil (OEO) at 0–45% w/w was encapsulated in cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers and then incorporated in gelatin-based films. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed more uniform and compact surface in the neat gelatin film in comparison to the CA fiber loaded composite ones and microfibers were perpendicular to the fracture surface. The composites showed higher tensile strength (1.3–2.6 MPa) and lower elongation (less than 1%) than the pure gelatin film. Water solubility of the composites were significantly lower than the gelatin film (81% VS. ≈50%). The water vapor permeability (WVP) of composites was higher than the gelatin film probably due to microscopic pinholes induced by fibers, however WVP slightly decreased by increasing OEO. The contact angle values from 79.9 to 101.5° indicating increase of hydrophobicity by incorporating the CA fibers. Inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus (13.33 mm) confirmed the antibacterial activity of composites. It can be concluded that the composite gelatin films incorporating EO-loaded electrospun fibers could enhance the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of the composites despite increasing WVP, thus they could be potentially used for food active packaging purposes.

ObjectivesOur main objective is to create a real time evidence generating platform for the most uptodate evidence-based practice with following specific goals.Implement a digital curation framework to automate knowledge extraction and summerization of published and unpublished publicationsImplement a critical appraisal process at the time of publication submission to journals.Implement an integrated visual abstract application for authors to submit critically appraised elements of the studyImplement an automated data analytical interface to generate automated systematic reviews and meta–analysisImplement a platform API for publishers to automatically summarize their published papers for automated systematic reviews and met analysis.MethodWe designed and implemented a platform for automating the research evidence synthesis. The application is implemented as SaaS-based model in angular JS framework with Application program interface (API) to integrate with online journals. This creates an opportunity to synthesize research evidence in real time for a given research topic, population or territory. Each publisher or organization can customize templates for various study types to create automated systematic review, meta-analysis, and qualitative review studiesResultsA beta testing of our platform (HASANI) has been conducted to display the automated article summary creation from critical appraisal elements. Preliminary beta study results confirmed that our framework was efficient in identifying, curating and synthesizing the literature article summary of a given article to pool against similar studies. This strategy not only saves time and money in synthesizing new research evidence, but also provides a platform for insuring a quality research publication as it eliminates a human bias and errors. A real time automated pooling of similar research studies expedites a creation of automated systematic reviews generation which addresses the research publication overload in coming yearsConclusionsWe have designed and implemented a web-based automated literature reading and curating framework for research evidence synthesis in real time. Our initial findings provide supportive evidence of automating the literature curating and extraction strategy. In addition, it provides an excellent future digital curation strategy for journal publishers to streamline the synthesis of research evidence by requesting authors to submit the pre-appraised critical elements of the relevant study types. This strategy provides a reassurance to academic audience that published articles have been formally appraised to be included in building a research evidence towards a particular topic or subject. More importantly, a real-time knowledge synthesis from this strategy will provide a more robust and uptodate practice guidelines for clinicians to focus on interpretation of research findings for applicability in their patient population, rather waiting for new systematic review and meta-analysis creation.

ObjectivesTraining in evidence based medicine practice is a mandatory core competency of practice based learning and improvement (PBLI) of ACGME standards.Reflective medical education is a triggering point for self-directed learning at the point of care in wards, clinics and in operating rooms to capture patient specific clinical queries. Both these skills can be taught through a longitudinal curriculum which emphasizes on patient and learner-centered education. However, there is no formal longitudinal curriculum to teach reflective learning and evidence-based medicine to medical students and trainees in a clinically integrated learning environment during multiyear training. Web based certification training is a growing trend to demonstrate commitment to professionalism, and offers a formal training to meet the standards for self-directed learning for professional developmentMethodOur objective is to implement a web based longitudinal curriculum for certified training in evidence-based medicine. We plan to customized specialty based longitudinal training in evidence based medicine practicing skills. Furthermore, our goal is to identify the areas of insufficient or poor evidence in each specialty to emphasize the training in skills in appraising and interpreting evidence type in the hierarchy of evidence-based medicine resource’s pyramid. EBM curriculum will include longitudinal training both in inpatient and outpatient setting to capture all relevant point of care patient centered clinical queries mapped to specialty topics of insufficient evidence. A built-in knowledge resource, multi modal teaching methods including small group teaching, e- learning and journal club will ensure a comprehensive training in EBM. The ultimate outcome will be a certified training in evidence-based medicine at the conclusion of the residency training for life long evidence-based practice.ResultsWe have implemented a web-based EBM curriculum platform hosted at www.ebmcentral.net . Preliminary testing at various workshops have been conducted with positive feedback. Beta study results showed that web based longitudinal curriculum provides an excellent opportunity to train students, resident and faculty in practicing evidence-based medicine through a formal longitudinal EBM curriculum. A clinically integrated curriculum along with innovative EBM tools provides a simulated article reading and appraisal training. A point of care query capturing tool and meta search engine for EBM resources provides a convenient platform to trigger self-directed point of care learning for EBM cycle. Self-directed web-based assignments along with both summative and formative assessment ensure a continuous growth of required competencies in longitudinal curriculum timeline. Lastly, research dissemination through a collaborative crowd research environment to synthesize research evidence such as systematic review is also integrated.ConclusionsWe have conceived and implemented a web based longitudinal curriculum for a certified training in evidence-based medicine i.e Certified evidence-based medicine practitioner (CEBMP). Our platform has provided preliminary supportive evidence of enhancing reflective learning, knowledge gaps and needs assessment, and clinically integrated formal training in evidence-based medicine. A personal knowledge repository along with acquired skills of evidence-based medicine including question formulation, information mastery, critical appraisal, research synthesis and interpretation provides a foundation for lifelong self-directed learning for evidence-based practice. We plan to conduct a randomized clinical trial to assess the role of our longitudinal curriculum in providing certified training in evidence-based medicine to medical students, residents and faculty.

In this study, a low temperature precipitation method was applied to prepare BiOX (X = Cl, Br and I) nanostructures using HCl, HBr and HI as halogen sources. The as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis. The photoactivity of BiOX samples to degrade rhodamine B (RhB) molecules in aqueous solution was investigated under white LED irradiation. The results indicated that BiOCl exhibits a higher photodegradation performance in comparison with BiOBr and BiOI. Ninety six percent of the RhB molecules was degraded over BiOCl after 25 min light irradiation, whereas under the same conditions, the degradation efficiencies of BiOBr and BiOI samples are 62 and 24%, respectively. The enhanced photodegradation activity of BiOCl is ascribed to the higher specific surface area which increases the physical adsorption of RhB molecules on the photocatalyst surface. Moreover, the photodegradation mechanism and the main radical species in the degradation reactions over BiOCl were investigated.

The work was designed to utilize the integration of microwave assisted extraction preceded by ultrasonic pre-treatment to enhance the extraction yield of essential oil. It called sequential ultrasonic microwave assisted extraction (SUMAE) method. The target plant was Lavandula coronopifolia Poir which has unique therapeutic properties. Comparisons in terms of extraction yield, antioxidant properties, chemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and environmental effects of the proposed method were performed by microwave extraction as a base method. Ultrasonic power, microwave power, and extraction time were selected as independent variables in order to optimize the extraction conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) with the central composite design (CCD). Essential oil yield was considered as the response. The highest yield was equivalent to 1.15% (w/w) which obtained under the following conditions: 150 W of ultrasonic power, 800 W of microwave power, and 40 min of extraction time. The value has increased by about 82% compared to the base method. The chemical composition results of the active ingredients showed that the number of compounds in SUMAE method is much higher than the one in the microwave method. Moreover, according to DPPH and FRAP results, the essential oils extracted by SUMAE method had more antioxidant properties The study of antimicrobial properties showed that the active ingredients obtained from the suggested extraction method have the highest antimicrobial properties. Besides that it is more environmental friendly than microwave-assisted extraction method.Graphic abstract

In the present study, a phenolic extract derived from the Pimpinella affinis plant underwent nanoencapsulation. The nanoencapsulation process employed chitosan, Salvia macrosiphon gum (SMG), and a chitosan–SMG complex (1:1) (CCS) as coating agents. The evaluation of nanoemulsions encompassed measurements of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), ζ‐potential, encapsulation efficiency, and intensity distribution parameters. The overall results of these assessments indicated that the nanoemulsion coated with CCS exhibited the most favorable characteristics when compared to other treatments. Subsequently, this specific nanoencapsulated sample was utilized to enhance the oxidative stability of canola oil at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 ppm (parts per million). Oxidative stability tests, assessed through the total oxidation value (TOTOX) index, highlighted the superior performance of the nanoencapsulated extract, particularly at a concentration of 300 ppm. This enhancement can be attributed to the increased release of phenolic compounds from the CCS coating into the canola oil. The findings illustrate that the nanoencapsulation process can significantly enhance the efficacy of P. affinis extract in improving the oxidative stability of canola oil. The use of antioxidants in foods to prevent the activity of free radicals is essential and increases the useful life of edible oils, but an important problem faced in the effective use of antioxidants is that these compounds are added to oils and food at once. In the early stages of edible oils' storage, in order to prevent the oxidation reaction, a small amount of these antioxidants is needed. The best way to improve the activity of antioxidants is to create conditions that gradually add them to foods. Today, the use of encapsulation technique is expanding to improve the functional properties of bioactive compounds including antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. Results of the present study indicated that the use of material coatings to nanoencapsulation of antioxidants improved their antioxidant activity.