Food formulation: rheological and tribological determinants of oral processing and flavor perception

Understanding how food behaves during oral processing requires going beyond its chemical composition to integrate rheological and tribological determinants that shape texture, mouthfeel, and ultimately flavor perception. This review examines how viscosity, microstructure, and flow properties govern aroma release and taste perception across liquid, semi-liquid, solid, and emulsion-based foods, while oral tribology elucidates lubrication regimes that drive sensations such as creaminess, smoothness, or astringency during mastication and bolus formation. Particular emphasis is placed on the interplay with saliva, whose proteins and physicochemical properties critically modulate lubrication and sensory dynamics. By combining rheological and tribological approaches termed “rheo-tribology” with sensory analysis, this work highlights integrated mechanisms of flavor release, from controlled diffusion in viscous matrices to tribological transitions at oral surfaces. Formulation strategies using hydrocolloids, proteins, fat replacers, and emulsifiers are detailed, showing how textural engineering can tailor perception and consumer acceptance, particularly in plant-based or reformulated products. Overall, the integration of rheology and tribology provides a comprehensive, physiologically relevant model of oral processing, offering predictive power for designing sensory-optimized foods that balance nutrition, functionality, and pleasure while addressing current challenges in health-driven reformulation and sustainable food innovation. © 202

Chatbot content analysis of patient information on orthodontic tooth extractions

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the quality, accuracy, readability, and understandability of patient information provided by various Artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots regarding orthodontic tooth extractions Materials and methods: Two researchers created a list of questions for patients to ask the chatbots. The questions were categorized into 'Pre-extraction' and 'Post-extraction', with 20 questions in each category. Four different criteria were used to evaluate the chatbot responses to 40 questions: the Global Quality Scale (GQS), the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and the Understandability and Accuracy Index. Jamovi (The Jamovi Project, 2022, version 2.3; Sydney, Australia) software was used for all statistical analyses. Results: The highest mean values were observed in Claude 3.5 sonnet for GQS, Readability, and Accuracy Index. In terms of readability, as measured by the SMOG index, all three AI-based chatbots required a college-level education for comprehension. In the 'Pre-extraction' and 'Post-extraction' sections, Claude 3.5 Sonnet demonstrated the highest mean values for the GQS, readability, and accuracy indices. In terms of Understandability subcriteria 1 and 2, statistically significant differences were observed among the three chatbots, primarily due to the variation between Gemini and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. Conclusion: AI-based chatbots with a variety of features have generally provided answers of high quality, reliability, and difficult readability to questions. Although the medical information related to orthodontic tooth extraction supplied by chatbots is of higher quality, it is recommended that individuals consult their healthcare professionals on this issue

Evaluating nitrogen use efficiency and grain traits in hulless and hulled barley genotypes using Exhaustive CHAID and GT biplot

Hulless barley has attracted considerable interest due to its nutritional qualities and relevance in the food industry. However, information on the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of hulless barley remains scarce. In order to identify optimal nitrogen input strategies for yield and quality of barley, this study evaluated NUE, grain yield (GY), grain nitrogen rate (GNR), and related yield components in 2 hulless and 8 hulled barley genotypes across four nitrogen levels (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg ha-1). Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, Exhaustive CHAID (Chi-square automatic interaction detection), and genotype-by-trait (GT) biplot. Field trials were conducted according to the split block design with three replications in 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. Hulless genotypes Ozen and Yalin underperformed in most traits except GNR. NUE, defined as grain yield gain per unit N applied, did not consistently reflect a higher GY potential since low GY in control plots could inflate NUE. Both GT Biplot and Exhaustive CHAID separated barley genotypes: Larende and Egebeyi genotypes yielded higher GY and NUE under higher N doses when other genotypes leaned toward higher GNR. Selecting barley genotypes with inherently high GY potential would yield optimal results in all N doses in terms of NUE, grain yield and quality. GT Biplot and Exhaustive CHAID analyses proved effective for identifying barley genotypes with higher GY potential and optimizing N input in agricultural systems.Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University the Scientific Research Coordination Unit [FBA-2020-3442]This research is funded by Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University the Scientific Research Coordination Unit under Project number: FBA-2020-3442

Targeted delivery of phytochemicals via nanocarriers: Emerging strategies for psoriasis and acne

Psoriasis and acne are prevalent dermatological disorders often managed with conventional therapies, which present limitations in efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. Recently, increasing attention has been directed toward the integration of phytoconstituents, bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants, into nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems as a novel therapeutic strategy. Phytochemicals possess well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, and generally offer favorable a safety profile compared to synthetic agents. Incorporated of these natural compounds into nanocarriers enhances their therapeutic potential by improving skin penetration, enabling controlled drug release, facilitating targeted delivery, and reducing dosing frequency. This review highlights recent advances in the use of nanotechnology to optimize the delivery and efficacy of phytoconstituents for treating psoriasis and acne. It also discusses the mechanistic insights, therapeutic outcomes, formulation challenges, and translational hurdles associated with the clinical application of these nano-herbal systems. Continued research and development are essential to address formulation stability, scaling processes, regulatory compliance, and clinical validation, thereby facilitating the commercialization of effective and safe phyto-nanocarrier therapies in dermatolog

Gut microbiota–cholesterol crosstalk in cardiovascular diseases: mechanisms, metabolites, and therapeutic modulation

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Genetic factors, and various environmental factors, including nutrition and the composition of the gut microbiota, have been identified as important factors in the initiation of CVD. Among them, the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in modulating cholesterol metabolism and influencing cardiovascular outcomes has recently been highlighted. Extensive research has confirmed that the gut microbiota has direct and indirect regulatory effects on host cholesterol homeostasis. Recent studies have shown that the microbiota can influence blood cholesterol levels and thus the risk of CVD through various pathways, such as the production of certain metabolites such as bile acids (BAs), SCFAs, and TMAO, the activation of nuclear and membrane-bound receptors such as farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the regulation of gene expression involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, as well as microbial enzymatic pathways. These complex regulatory mechanisms make the gut microbiota a potential therapeutic target in cholesterol-related diseases and CVD. Microbiota-modulating strategies, including the use of probiotics, prebiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and selective antibiotics, have shown beneficial effects in previous studies. In this regard, in this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the regulatory effect of intestinal microbiota on cholesterol metabolism and their impact on the development and progression of atherosclerosis and CVD, and described potential therapeutic pathways based on the regulation of intestinal microbiota in CVD. © The Author(s) 2025

Modification of cyclodextrin-based microgels with 2-hydroxymethyl-12-crown ether-4 for higher and selective Li+ ion adsorption from aqueous medium

The cyclodextrin (CD) oligosaccharides derived materials, e.g., p(alpha-CD), p(beta-CD), and p(gamma-CD) microgels were used in Li + ion adsorption studies, which revealed 55.4 +/- 3.9, 85.1 +/- 3.8, and 117.8 +/- 4.9 mg Li+/g, respectively, in 12 h from 500 mg/L 100 mL aqueous solutions. The Li+ ion adsorption by p(CD)-based microgels is best described by pseudo-first-order adsorption kinetics and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, with higher R-2 values. There is no significant selectivity observed for any microgels to Li + ions in the presence of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions. However, the relative selectivity (kl) calculation among the adsorbents revealed that p(beta-CD) microgels afforded higher selectivity than p(alpha-CD) and p(gamma-CD) microgels, with kl values greater than 1. Therefore, to further increase selectivity, p(beta-CD) microgels were modified (M-p(beta-CD)) with 2-hydroxymethyl-12-crown ether-4, known for its specificity for Li + ion. The adsorbed amount of Li+ ions by M-p(beta-CD) microgels was determined as 91.9 +/- 1.9 mg Li+/g, a slight increase with respect to the unmodified microgel upon 12 h contact time. Interestingly, the selectivity of M-p(beta-CD) microgels toward Li+ ion for Li+/Na+, Li+/K+, and Li+/Ca2+ was measured as 3.1, 4.5, and 5.1-fold higher, respectively, than bare p(beta-CD) microgels. Also, M-p(beta-CD) microgels retained >80% adsorption capacity of Li+ ions after 5 consecutive uses. Microgels employing cyclodextrin, particularly beta-CD systems demonstrated an effective and reusable adsorption capability for Li+, and the selectivity is markedly enhanced amid competing ions via the functionalization with crown ethers. [GRAPHICS

Enhanced cellulose paper interfaces with MWCNT/Graphene for improved structural health monitoring and mechanical performance in CARALL

Carbon fiber reinforced aluminum laminates (CARALL) suffer from weak metal–composite interfaces and the lack of built-in damage sensing. Here, cellulose paper interleaves loaded with hybrid multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (5–9 wt% at 160 or 210 g/m2) are fabricated by conventional papermaking and inserted at the Al/CFRP interface. CARALL panels were produced via hand lay-up and vacuum bagging and evaluated under tensile, three-point flexural, and Mode-I fracture tests, with damage events monitored in situ through piezoresistive electrical resistance measurements (?R/R). The 210 g/m2 paper with 9 wt% hybrid nanofiller maintains baseline tensile strength and yields up to ? 20 % higher flexural strength versus unreinforced CARALL, while interlaminar fracture toughness increases during both initiation and propagation. Microscopic observations reveal fiber bridging/pull-out and crack deflection within the paper interlayer, while the formation of a percolated CNT/graphene network enables clear piezoresistive responses. Abrupt ?R/R jumps were observed at final failure under tensile loading (approximately twofold), whereas event-correlated ?R/R fluctuations were recorded during flexural and Mode-I fracture tests (typically in the range of ? 0.25–2 during flexure and ? 0.5 to + 0.5 during double cantilever beam tests). The results demonstrate that lightweight, low-cost cellulose-nanocarbon interleaves simultaneously toughen CARALL and provide integrated structural health monitoring capability. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.Baskent Üniversitesi, (BAP-182–665)Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu, TUBITAK, (222 M447

Late Pleistocene Gastropoda-Bivalvia Fauna and Paleobiogeographical Distribution Based on Core Drilling Data from Taşköprü (Between Lake Akşehir and Lake Eber, SW Anatolia)

FHD-2023-4392Bu çalışmada, Taşköprü köyünde (Akşehir ve Eber gölleri arasında yer alan) yaptırılmış olan her biri 12 metre derinliğe sahip iki adet sondaj karotuna ait örneklerin Mollusca (Gastropoda ve Bivalvia) faunası ilk kez sistematik olarak incelenmiş ve faunanın paleobiyocoğrafik dağılımı ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Sondaj karotlarından sistematik olarak derlenen örneklerden; Mollusca şubesinin Gastropoda sınıfına ait 8 cins ve 8 tür; Valvata piscinalis (O. F. Müller, 1774), Valvata sp., Bithynia pseudemmericia Schütt, 1964, Bithynia pseudemmericia operkül, Graecoanatolica lacustristurca Radoman, 1973, Laevicaspia caspia (Eichwald, 1838), Laevicaspia kolesnikoviana (Logvinenko & Starobogatov, 1966), Laevicaspia lincta (Milaschewitsch, 1908), Laevicaspia sp., Lymnaea sp., Stagnicola sp., Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758), Radix sp., Gyraulus parvus (Say, 1817), Gyraulus sp. ile Bivalvia sınıfına ait; Euglesa casertana (Poli, 1791), Euglesa personata (Malm, 1855), Pisidium amnicum (O. F. Müller, 1774), Pisidium jassiensis Cob?lcescu, 1883, Pisidium sp., Dreissena iconica Schütt, 1991, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), Dreissena sp. olmak üzere 3 cins ve 6 türün tanımlaması yapılmıştır. Göller Bölgesi’nde daha önce yapılmış olan çalışmalar incelendiğinde; Konya Kapalı Havzası, Eğirdir, Beyşehir, Burdur ve Suğla göllerinin çökellerinde varlığı tespit edilmiş olan Valvata piscinalis, Bithynia pseudemmericia, Graecoanatolica lacustristurca, Radix auricularia, Gyraulus parvus, Euglesa casertana, E. personata, Pisidium amnicum, P. jassiensis ve Dreissena iconica türlerinin, inceleme alanında da tarafımızdan tanımlanmış olması, Geç Pleyistosen esnasında söz konusu havzalar arasında fiziksel bir bağlantının mevcut olabileceğine ya da bu göllerin benzer paleoortamsal koşullarda gelişmiş olabileceğine işaret etmektedir.In this study, the Mollusca fauna (Gastropoda and Bivalvia) from two drilling cores, each 12 meters deep and obtained in Taşköprü village (located between Lake Akşehir and Lake Eber), was systematically examined for the first time, and the paleobiogeographic distribution of the fauna was documented. From the systematically collected samples obtained from the drilling cores, eight genera and eight species belonging to the class Gastropoda of the phylum Mollusca were identified, including Valvata piscinalis (O. F. Müller, 1774), Valvata sp., Bithynia pseudemmericia Schütt, 1964, Bithynia pseudemmericia operculum, Graecoanatolica lacustristurca Radoman, 1973, Laevicaspia caspia (Eichwald, 1838), Laevicaspia kolesnikoviana (Logvinenko & Starobogatov, 1966), Laevicaspia lincta (Milaschewitsch, 1908), Laevicaspia sp., Lymnaea sp., Stagnicola sp., Radix auricularia (Linnaeus, 1758), Radix sp., Gyraulus parvus (Say, 1817), and Gyraulus sp. Additionally, three genera and six species belonging to the class Bivalvia were identified, including Euglesa casertana (Poli, 1791), Euglesa personata (Malm, 1855), Pisidium amnicum (O. F. Müller, 1774), Pisidium jassiensis Cob?lcescu, 1883, Pisidium sp., Dreissena iconica Schütt, 1991, Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771), and Dreissena sp. Comparison with previous studies from the Lakes Region shows that the occurrence of V. piscinalis, B. pseudemmericia, G. lacustristurca, R. auricularia, G. parvus, E. casertana, E. personata, P. amnicum, P. jassiensis, and D. iconica – species previously reported from sediments of the Konya Closed Basin and Lakes Eğirdir, Beyşehir, Burdur, and Suğla – suggests that during the Late Pleistocene there may have been a physical connection among these basins, or that these lakes developed under similar paleoenvironmental conditions

Clinical assessment of scanning deviations of four intraoral scanner systems following the cut-out and rescan procedures with dental dam isolation

Statement of problem: The effect of errors in the cut-out and rescan procedure with dental dam isolation in restorative dentistry might be crucial for the clinical success of indirect restorations, but investigations are lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this clinical study was to assess the scanning deviations of 4 intraoral scanners (IOSs) after the cut-out and rescan procedure with dental dam isolation and to compare 2 different computer software programs in the assessment of the deviations. Material and methods: Twenty initial scans (prescans) were collected from 20 participants using 4 dental IOSs (TRIOS 3; 3Shape A/S, Cerec Primescan; Dentsply Sirona, iTero Element 5D; Align, iTero Lumina; Align). The 3-dimensional data were obtained from the right side of the mandible between the canine and the second molar area and recorded in standard tessellation language (STL) format. Then, the second premolar was cut on the screen of each IOS using the cutting tool in its software program, within 1 mm of the adjacent teeth. The dental dam was applied, and the same quadrant was rescanned by each IOS for each participant to allow the software program to overlap the 2 scans and fill in the cut-out area. The superimposition scan was recorded in STL format as the rescan data. The trueness of each scanner was assessed by overlapping the prescan and rescan data with Geomagic ControlX (3D Systems) and Oracheck (Dentsply Sirona) software programs to assess the root mean square (RMS) errors and the mean distance (MD) deviations, respectively. The deviations were assessed individually for the first premolar, second premolar, and first molar. Two-way ANOVA and Robust ANOVA with the median method were used for the statistical analyses (?<.05). Results: The overall RMS errors ranged between 60 and 90 µm, and the overall MD deviations ranged between 80 and 200 µm. All scanners presented beyond 60 µm of RMS errors with significant differences between them for the overall comparisons (P=.001). The iTero Lumina presented the lowest RMS error (60 ±20), followed by iTero Element 5D (70 ±20), Primescan (70 ±30), and TRIOS 3 (80 ±30) (P=.001). Regardless of the scanner type, the second premolar had significantly the highest RMS error (90 ±30) (P<.001). Regarding the overall data, a very low agreement was observed between MD deviations and RMS errors (Cronbach alpha=.047). Conclusions: The cut-out and rescan procedure with dental dam isolation may cause RMS errors ranging from 60 to 90 µm, which were below the clinically acceptable limits. The deviation occurred mainly in the cut-out area, while the adjacent teeth were less affected. The level of deviation may vary depending on the selected IOS. The Oracheck may not be a good replacement for the Geomagic ControlX regarding the assessment of the deviations between the 2 scans. © 2025 Editorial Council for The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistr

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Evaluation of Oak (Quercus sp.) and Hazelnut Shell (Corylus avellana L.) Pyrolized Wood Vinegar: MTT Assay and CUPRAC Results

Wood vinegar, also known as pyroligneous acid, is an organic liquid byproduct of wood pyrolysis, rich in compounds such as acetic acid, phenols, and ketones. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer properties of wood vinegar derived from oak (Quercus sp.) residues (WVO) and hazelnut shells (Corylus avellana L.) (WVH) under in vitro conditions. Method: Wood vinegars obtained from oak trash and hazelnut shell waste were tested for biological activity. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using the copper(II) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method. Cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the MTT assay on healthy human endothelial cells (HUVEC) and two cancer cell lines (HT29-colon adenocarcinoma and U2OS-osteosarcoma) at concentrations ranging from 1.25% to 20% (v/v) over 24, 48, and 72-hour exposure periods. The results revealed significant interactions between vinegar type, concentration, and exposure duration. Notably, the 10% and 20% (v/v) concentrations produced significantly different absorbance values compared to lower concentrations across all time points. A dose-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed, particularly in the cancer cell lines, while healthy cells exhibited relatively higher resistance. The study demonstrates that wood vinegar exhibits promising antioxidant and selective anticancer properties, with cytotoxic effects being more pronounced at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that wood vinegar may offer potential as a natural anticancer agent. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to explore their possible therapeutic applications