Search Results (67)

The diet of dairy calves can be contaminated with mycotoxins, posing a potential risk to animal health. This case study report aimed to make the first assessment of the presence of multiple mycotoxins in concentrates fed to dairy calves in Brazil. A total of 19 concentrate samples intended for dairy calves were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, and T-2 toxin were not detected in any samples, whereas fumonisins B₁ (FB₁) and B₂ (FB₂) were present in 100% of the samples, with mean concentrations of 2750.1 μg/kg and 834.9 μg/kg, respectively. Zearalenone (ZEN) was detected in 36.8% of samples, with a mean concentration of 929.9 μg/kg. Significant correlations were observed between FB₁ and FB₂ (ρ = 0.978; p < 0.001) and between FB₂ and ZEN (ρ = 0.735; p = 0.05). While the physical form of the concentrate did not influence (p > 0.05) mycotoxin concentrations, a trend was observed for FB₁ (ρ = −0.417; p = 0.07) and FB2 (ρ = −0.395; p = 0.09). These findings highlight the frequent occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins, likely due to pre-harvest contamination, emphasizing the potential risk of additive or synergistic effects in dairy calves. Full article

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) exhibits aggressive behavior, with limited treatment options. Given the relevance of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 axis in human breast cancer immunotherapy, this study assessed PD-1 and its ligands in rare FMC histotypes (n = 48) using immunohistochemistry on tumor cells (TCs), intratumoral lymphocytes (iTILs), and stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs). PD-1 was expressed in 13% of TCs, 85% of iTILs, and 94% of sTILs, while PD-L1 was observed in 46% of TCs, 96% of iTILs, and 100% of sTILs. PD-L2 was expressed in 79% of TCs and 100% of both iTILs and sTILs, with PD-L1/PD-L2 co-expression in 42% of TCs. Higher PD-1 IHC scores in TCs were associated with a less aggressive biological behavior; PD-L1 in iTILs was linked to skin ulceration, whereas PD-L2 in TCs was associated with its absence. Our findings highlight the relevance of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 immune checkpoint in rare FMC subtypes and support further investigation into checkpoint-blockade therapies. Full article

Utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DESs) combined with microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) provides a sustainable method for extracting bioactive compounds from the macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum and Laminaria hyperborea. Two DES formulations, choline chloride/lactic acid (ChCl/LA) and sodium acetate/lactic acid (AcNa/LA), were evaluated under varying extraction conditions. For L. hyperborea, ChCl/LA at 150 °C for 10 min yielded a total phenolic content (TPC) of 15.34 mg GAE/g DW, with antioxidant activities measured by DPPH (34.55 mg TE/g DW) and ABTS (27.06 mg TE/g DW). Extending the extraction to 20 min at 130 °C increased the TPC to 19.12 mg GAE/g DW. A. nodosum exhibited higher bioactivity, with the TPC reaching 47.51 mg GAE/g DW under the same conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) identified significant phenolics such as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (678.05 µg/g DW) and vanillin (6718.5 µg/g DW). Antimicrobial assays revealed strong inhibition (zones > 20 mm) against Clostridium perfringens, moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and selective activity against Escherichia coli. FT-IR confirmed the presence of phenolics, polysaccharides, and lipids. Thermal and structural characterization revealed that A. nodosum residue showed an amorphous structure, while L. hyperborea retained crystallinity with decomposition profiles indicating potential bioenergy potential. SEM images revealed significant cell wall disruption correlating with extraction efficiency. These results demonstrate DES–MAE as an effective, green strategy for producing high-value algal extracts and valorizing residual biomass for biotechnological applications. Full article

Canning is an excellent solution to provide convenient, affordable, nutritious, and safe seafood with a long shelf life. However, many canned products use tuna, sardines, and Atlantic chub mackerel, species that raise sustainability concerns and whose overuse can put additional pressure on them. Hence, this study aimed to i) develop and assess a nutritious and sustainable canned meal prototype using the Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) (whose EU allowable-catch amounts have increased, particularly, in Iberian waters) and vegetables in light brine in terms of stability, sterility, and physicochemical and sensory properties over a 4-month period at room temperature and ii) evaluate its nutritional contribution for different population groups. After preparation, the meal was stored for one month at ≈20 °C and ≈40 °C (to simulate the 4 months). Although the pH was not stable, the meal was considered commercially sterile according to the challenge accelerated tests. Moreover, aging did not significantly affect the meal’s physicochemical and sensory properties. This innovative meal prototype can be claimed to be “low-fat”, “reduced in NaCl/Na”, a “source of protein, phosphorus, iron, selenium and vitamin D”, and “high in vitamin B12”. It proved to be both nutritious and appealing for consumption, with potential to be scaled up. Full article

Consumers’ growing concern about sustainability and health affects their food choices as long as there is acceptance in terms of sensory aspects. The challenge of finding new sustainable food sources with a smaller ecological footprint makes seaweed a candidate for human consumption, considering that they are poorly exploited marine food resources in European countries. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of different seaweeds (wakame and sea spaghetti) in three traditional Portuguese recipes, namely octopus salad (SP and SPW), monkfish rice with prawns (AT and ATW) and stewed cuttlefish with white beans and clams (FC and FCE), regarding their acceptance and nutritional aspects. Sensory and physicochemical analyses were carried out using reference methods. The results showed that the modified recipes with seaweeds (SPW, ATW, and FCE) were well accepted by a nontrained sensory panel and did not change nutritional aspects in terms of macronutrient content, ash, and sodium. However, the inclusion of wakame contributed to an increase in the potassium content in octopus salad (SPW) and monkfish rice (ATW). In short, sensory results highlighted the potential for seaweed inclusion in Portuguese traditional recipes without compromising its identity. Future work should evaluate the partial substitution of fish/mollusks with seaweed in traditional recipes to improve the sustainability and nutritional contribution of these recipes. Full article

Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Effective screening strategies for early diagnosis that could improve disease prognosis are lacking. Non-invasive breath analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) is a potential method for earlier LC detection. This study explores the association of VOC profiles with artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve a sensitive, specific, and fast method for LC detection. Patients and methods: Exhaled breath air samples were collected from 123 healthy individuals and 73 LC patients at two clinical sites. The enrolled patients had LC diagnosed with different stages. Breath samples were collected before undergoing any treatment, including surgery, and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to ion-mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). AI methods classified the overall chromatographic profiles. Results: GC-IMS is highly sensitive, yielding detailed chromatographic profiles. AI methods ranked the sets of exhaled breath profiles across both groups through training and validation steps, while qualitative information was deliberately not taking part nor influencing the results. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm classified the groups with an accuracy of 90% (sensitivity = 87%, specificity = 92%). Narrowing the LC group to those only in early-stage IA, the accuracy was 90% (sensitivity = 90%, specificity = 93%). Conclusions: Evaluation of the global exhaled breath profiles using AI algorithms enabled LC detection and demonstrated that qualitative information may not be required, thus easing the frustration that many studies have experienced so far. The results show that this approach coupled with screening protocols may improve earlier detection of LC and hence its prognosis. Full article

Aquaculture reliance on fishmeal protein has become a bottleneck due to long-term sustainability concerns and increasing costs. Given its abundance and nutrient-rich profile, the green macroalga Ulva rigida is a promising alternative protein source. However, the bioaccessibility of its proteins is hindered by an embedding matrix of ulvan, a gel-forming polysaccharide. Saccharification of the alga crude fiber followed by microbial fermentation improves protein bioaccessibility and leads to products of higher protein content and quality. Also, upon fermentation, the nutritional and bioactive properties of these feed ingredients are enhanced, since microorganisms synthesize vitamins, new proteins, and essential amino acids. The carbohydrate fraction of Ulva rigida was hydrolyzed into a sugar-rich syrup and subsequently used as a substrate in microbial fermentations. Three types of fermentation were tested, namely, with a consortium of four lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and with a co-culture of lactobacilli and yeast. A functional analysis of lyophilized whole-fermentation broths revealed that the yeast-fermented products had stronger antioxidant properties when compared to the LAB-fermented products. The protein bioaccessibility in the fermented products was 11- to 12-fold higher than that of the raw alga. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing S. cerevisiae and lactobacilli starter cultures in seaweed fermentation to produce Ulva-based feed ingredients. Full article

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a recent regenerative biomaterial applied in clinical wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogeneic PRF therapy as a regenerative methodology for treating skin wounds in two small dogs. A Miniature Pinscher and a mixed breed dog weighing 3.6 and 9.5 kg, aged 5 and 10 years, with extensive skin wounds implicating significant tissue loss and with abundant yellow exudate were allocated to this study. Each allogenic PRF treatment was derived from screened donors and consisted of grafting PRFs at the wound recipient area. Nevertheless, the blood group of the donor or recipient was not considered. The wound from case 1 received three PRF treatments during the initial two weeks of treatment, and case 2 received four PRF treatments, followed by single weekly ones. The utilization of PRFs was suspended as soon as relevant wound contraction and epithelization were observed. Both animals received systemic antibiotics prescribed at the emergency room by the first clinician. The wounds were cleaned using sterile saline only. Two weeks later, the lesions had reduced by more than 80%. All lesions exhibited aesthetic and uneventful healing. No rejection, necrosis, or infection signs were observed. PRF acted as a regenerative biomaterial, forming vascularized granulation tissue, followed by epithelization and wound resolution. Full article

Background: Children and adolescents with obesity have altered serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels, which are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and health outcomes. The inclusion of cashew nuts in an adequate diet may provide health benefits and help improve the mineral status of individuals with obesity. Objective: To evaluate the effects of cashew nut consumption on biomarkers of Cu and Zn status in adolescents with obesity. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in adolescents. The participants were divided into a control group (CON) and a cashew nut group (CASN). The CASN group received 30 g/day of roasted cashew nuts for 12 weeks, and both groups received nutritional counseling during the study. Anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical parameters (Zn, Cu, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. Association tests, within-group and between-group mean comparisons, and analyses of variation between study periods (Δ T12-T0) were performed. Results: The sample consisted of 81 adolescents who completed the intervention period, resulting in 54 in the CASN group and 27 in the CON group. After the intervention, the CASN group presented a decrease in plasma Cu (p = 0.004) and an increase in SOD (p = 0.030). Both groups showed an increase in plasma Zn (p < 0.050) and a decrease in the Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.001). CASN had a negative effect on the Cu concentration, which was significantly different from that of CON (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The consumption of cashew nuts for 12 weeks reduced plasma Cu levels in adolescents with obesity. Nutritional counseling may have contributed to the increase in plasma Zn levels in all the study participants. Full article

Co-products from the frozen fish processing industry often lead to financial losses. Therefore, it is essential to transform these co-products into profitable goods. This study explores the production of fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) from three co-products: the heads and bones of black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo), the carcasses of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), and the trimmings of Nile perch (Lates niloticus). Four enzymatic hydrolysis systems were tested: an endopeptidase (Alcalase, A), an exopeptidase (Protana, P), two-stage hydrolysis with an endopeptidase followed by an exopeptidase (A + P), and a single stage with endo- and exopeptidase (AP). The results show that combined enzymatic treatments, especially single-stage Alcalase and Protana (AP), achieved high protein yields (80%) and enhanced degrees of hydrolysis (34 to 49%), producing peptides with lower molecular weights. FPH exhibited significant antioxidant activity, in 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, with EC₅₀ values below 5 mg/mL. Additionally, AP hydrolysates demonstrated over 60% angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition at 5 mg/mL, indicating potential antihypertensive applications. Antidiabetic and anti-Alzheimer activities were present, but at relatively low levels. AP hydrolysates, especially from gilthead seabream, proved to be the most promising. This study highlights the value of fish co-products as sources of functional peptides, contributing to waste reduction, and their potential applications in food, agriculture, and nutraceuticals. Full article

Stones are traditionally used in construction and architectural applications as building elements due to their aesthetic and technical/structural performance. Like other environmental factors (rain, humidity, moisture, salt presence, biological activity, etc.), heating–cooling and freeze–thaw cycles significantly threaten the longevity of stone materials. Hence, considering the socio-economic and cultural value of stones, preventive actions such as hydrophobic coatings are applied to prevent or mitigate damage. The scope of this study is the performance assessment of limestones with different characteristics and the efficiency of various commercial silane/siloxane-based hydrophobic coatings when exposed to thermal variation and freeze–thaw. For that purpose, the standards EN 14066:2013 (determination of resistance to aging by thermal shock) and EN 12371:2010 (determination of frost resistance) were followed. Open porosity and static contact angles were estimated to assess the stone durability and water protection capabilities of the hydrophobics. Additionally, sound speed propagation velocity, quality of building material index, elastic modulus and flexural strength were measured to evaluate the variation of mechanical properties. Static contact angle revealed that the coatings maintained an efficient level of hydrophobicity even after thermal-shock and freeze–thaw weathering tests. The study also revealed a critical interaction between freeze–thaw cycles, hydrophobic coatings and structural integrity of the stones, mostly on more porous ones. When they are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, untreated porous limestones keep structural cohesion, allowing for the natural absorption and release of water during freezing and thawing. On the contrary, when limestones are treated, the hydrophobic coatings can moderately obstruct the water release due to the partial saturation of the porous framework by the products. It also probably resulted from the different mechanical behavior between the inner matrix and layer of stone coated, resulting in a premature breakout and mechanical damage of the stone. Full article

Background: Patient adherence to antibiotics is vital to ensure treatment efficiency. Objective: To evaluate the impact of pharmacist communication-based interventions on patients’ adherence to antibiotics. Methods: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for systematic review (PRISMA) checklist and flow diagram. Controlled trials were included. Databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Quality, risk of bias, and confidence in cumulative evidence were evaluated. Results: Twenty-one trials were selected, with better patient adherence for the intervention than the control group. However, statistically significant differences were only found in two-thirds of these trials. The use of educational leaflets, personalized delivery of antibiotics, follow-up measures, and structured counseling were among the most impactful and significant interventions. The fact that community and/or hospital pharmacists were required to intervene in both groups (e.g., intervention vs. control/usual care) may explain that statistically significant differences were not achieved in all trials. Moderate quality issues and/or risk of bias were detected in some of the evaluated trials. The cumulative evidence was classified as high to moderate, which was considered acceptable. Conclusion: It seems that more intense and structured pharmacist interventions can improve patient adherence to antibiotics. Full article

The sustainable utilization of co-products derived from the salmon processing industry is crucial for enhancing the viability and decreasing the environmental footprint of both capture and aquaculture operations. Salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the most consumed fish worldwide and a major species produced in aquaculture. As such, significant quantities of salmon co-products are produced in pre-commercialization processing/steaking procedures. The present study characterized a specific co-product derived from the processing of salmon: minced salmon heads. More specifically, this work aimed to reveal the nutritional profile of this co-product, with a special focus on its lipid content, including thoroughly profiling fatty acids and fully appraising the composition in complex lipids (polar lipids and triglycerides) for the first time. The antioxidant potential of lipid extracts from this salmon co-product was also studied in order to bioprospect lipid functional properties and possibly unveil new pathways for added-value applications. Our analysis indicated that these minced salmon heads are exceptionally rich in lipids. Oleic acid is the most prevalent fatty acid in this co-product, followed by palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. Moreover, relevant lipid indexes inferred from the fatty acid composition of this co-product revealed good nutritional traits. Lipidome analysis revealed that triglycerides were clearly the predominant lipid class present in this co-product while phospholipids, as well as ceramides, were also present, although in minimal quantities. The bioprospecting of antioxidant activity in the lipid extracts of the minced salmon heads revealed limited results. Given the high concentration of triglycerides, minced salmon heads can constitute a valuable resource for industrial applications from the production of fish oil to biodiesel (as triglycerides can be easily converted into fatty acid methyl esters), as well as possible ingredients for cosmetics, capitalizing on their alluring emollient properties. Overall, the valorization of minced salmon heads, major co-products derived from the processing of one of the most intensively farmed fish in the world, not only offers economic benefits but also contributes to the sustainability of the salmon processing industry by reducing waste and promoting a more efficient use of marine bioresources. Full article

The aims of this study were to analyze patient survival, identify the prognostic factors for patients with COVID-19 deaths considering the length of hospital stay, and evaluate the spatial distribution of these deaths in the city of Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil. We examined prognostic variables and survival rates of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at a reference hospital in Jundiaí, Brazil. A retrospective cohort of hospitalized cases from April to July of 2020 was included. Descriptive analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and binary logistic regression models were used. Among the 902 reported and confirmed cases, there were 311 deaths (34.5%). The median survival was 27 days, and the mean for those discharged was 46 days. Regardless of the length of hospital stay, desaturation, immunosuppression, age over 60, kidney disease, hypertension, lung disease, and hypertension were found to be independent predictors of death in both Cox and logistic regression models. Full article

Fish by-products can be converted into high-value-added products like fish protein hydrolysates (FPHs), which have high nutritional value and are rich in bioactive peptides with health benefits. This study aims to characterise FPHs derived from salmon heads (HPSs) and Cape hake trimmings (HPHs) using Alcalase for enzymatic hydrolysis and Subcritical Water Hydrolysis (SWH) as an alternative method. All hydrolysates demonstrated high protein content (70.4–88.7%), with the degree of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10.7 to 36.4%. The peptide profile of FPHs indicated the breakdown of proteins into small peptides. HPSs showed higher levels of glycine and proline, while HPHs had higher concentrations of glutamic acid, leucine, threonine, and phenylalanine. Similar elemental profiles were observed in both HPHs and HPSs, and the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg were well below the legislated limits. Hydrolysates do not have a negative effect on cell metabolism and contribute to cell growth. HPSs and HPHs exhibited high 2,2′–azino-bis(3 ethylbenzthiazoline-6)-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ chelating activities, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, with HPHs generally displaying higher activities. The α-amylase inhibition of both FPHs was relatively low. These results indicate that HPHs are a promising natural source of nutritional compounds and bioactive peptides, making them potential candidates for use as an ingredient in new food products or nutraceuticals. SWH at 250 °C is a viable alternative to enzymatic methods for producing FPHs from salmon heads with high antioxidant and chelating properties. Full article