Search Results (68)

Objectives: To compare the objective refraction of young hyperopes obtained by two wavefront autorefractors with identical measurement principles but different optical designs: a monocular closed-field (VX 120) and a binocular open-field (Eye Refract), both developed by the same manufacturer (Visionix; Pont-de-l’Arche, France). Methods: A randomized, cross-sectional study was carried out with 37 hyperopic participants (18.2 ± 7.8 years; range 8 to 31 years). Each participant underwent two measurement sessions (one with and one without cycloplegia), during which three measurements were taken per autorefractor (monocular and binocular). Refractive variables (M, J0, and J45) were analyzed in one randomly selected eye. Results: The spherical equivalent (M) showed significant differences between autorefractors under noncycloplegic and cycloplegic conditions (p < 0.001). Without cycloplegia, the binocular autorefractor measured +0.45 (+1.49, −0.58) D more hyperopia than the monocular device. Under cycloplegia, this difference decreased to +0.26 D (+0.99, −0.48) D. Both autorefractors provided higher hyperopia with cycloplegia, with differences inversely correlated with age (r = −0.4; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Whenever possible, refraction in young hyperopes should be measured under cycloplegic conditions using a binocular open-field autorefractor to promote greater accommodative relaxation and ensure more reliable hyperopia measurements in both clinical practice and research. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions worldwide and present an urgent challenge due to the aging of the population. Drug delivery to the brain is limited by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), inspiring the development of nanotransporters like phytosomes. This study aimed to develop phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based phytosomes incorporating macroalgae extracts. Some of them were functionalized with PEG and ApoE to enhance BBB passage. The phytosomes were characterized by the encapsulation rate, size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and stability, with BBB passage tested in an in vitro model (transwell hCMEC/D3 cell model). The phytosomes showed high stability and effective extract binding (74.9–80.3%) over four weeks. Although ApoE functionalization did not significantly improve BBB crossing, all nanotransporters successfully traversed the BBB in the model. Full article

Free chlorine (FC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of drinking water by effectively inactivating pathogenic microorganisms. However, traditional methods for measuring FC levels often require specialized equipment and laboratory settings, limiting their accessibility and practicality for on-site or point-of-use monitoring. QR Codes are powerful machine-readable patterns that are used worldwide to encode information (i.e., URLs or IDs), but their computer vision features allow QR Codes to act as carriers of other features for several applications. Often, this capability is used for aesthetics, e.g., embedding a logo in the QR Code. In this work, we propose using our technique to build back-compatible Color QR Codes, which can embed dozens of colorimetric references, to assist in the color correction to readout sensors. Specifically, we target two well-known products in the HORECA (hotel/restaurant/café) sector that qualitatively measure chlorine levels in samples of water. The two targeted methods were a BTB strip and a DPD powder. First, the BTB strip was a pH-based indicator distributed by Sensafe^®, which uses the well-known bromothymol blue as a base-reactive indicator; second, the DPD powder was a colorimetric test distributed by Hach^®, which employs diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPD) to produce a pink coloration in the presence of free chlorine. Custom Color QR Codes were created for both color palettes and exposed to several illumination conditions, captured with three different mobile devices and tested over different water samples. Results indicate that both methods could be correctly digitized in real-world conditions with our technology, rendering a 88.10% accuracy for the BTB strip measurement, and 84.62% for the DPD powder one. Full article

Oxidative stress and its relation to the onset of several chronic diseases have been increasingly highlighted in recent years. In parallel, there has been an increasing interest in the antioxidant properties of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are products of plant secondary metabolism, including structural polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, pigments (chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins), or phenolic compounds. Phytochemicals can be obtained from lower and higher plants, their fruits, and even from macro- or microalgae. Their diverse structural features are linked to different beneficial effects through various molecular mechanisms, contributing to disease prevention. Beyond antioxidant activity, many phytochemicals also display anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effects, which can be intertwined. Beyond these, other natural antioxidants can also be obtained from animal, fungal, and bacterial sources. Thus, a wide range of antioxidants have the potential to be used as nutraceuticals with chemopreventive effects on the onset of various diseases related to antioxidant stress. Given their enormous structural and sourcing diversity, the present work provides an updated insight into the therapeutic and preventive potential of plant-derived antioxidants and nutraceuticals. Full article

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze differences in affected upper limb functionality (grip strength, digital pinch, sensitivity, and manual dexterity) in women with breast cancer and to determine whether these factors can predict perceived disability. This study highlights the motor and sensory deficits resulting from breast cancer treatments and underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing them. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 42 women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent surgery and received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy. Strength, sensitivity, and manual dexterity were assessed, along with pain and disability questionnaires. Results: Significant differences were found in affected upper limb functionality according to age, employment status, and time since surgery. Grip strength, pinch strength, manual dexterity, and sensitivity were identified as predictors of perceived disability, explaining 92.15% of the variance in SPADI scores. Conclusions: Women with breast cancer experience functional deficits in the upper limb, particularly in strength, sensitivity, and manual dexterity. Age, employment status, and time since surgery influence the perceived disability. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive upper limb evaluations to identify functional deficits and guide personalized rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Veganism is gaining popularity due to its ethical, health, and environmental benefits. However, many vegans face challenges in obtaining a complete essential amino acid profile from plant sources, making diversified protein sources crucial for balanced nutrition. Macroalgae, a nutrient-rich food traditionally consumed in Asia, offers a solution by providing both essential and non-essential amino acids vital for optimal health. This study analyzed the amino acid profiles of seven macroalgae species from the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula using HPLC with fluorescence detection. All samples contained essential amino acids, although tryptophan was mostly absent. Brown algae displayed higher aspartate and glutamate levels, contributing to the “umami” flavor, while red algae exhibited higher histidine and lysine concentrations. These findings highlight macroalgae as a valuable food source for vegan diets, offering a comprehensive amino acid profile essential for personalized nutrition plans. Full article

Bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), a member of the Rutaceae family, finds global utility in both the treatment of various ailments and its role as a rootstock for Citrus species in agriculture. Various parts of Citrus aurantium L. have been employed in traditional medicine due to their multifarious therapeutic potential. The blossom of this plant serves as a rich source of bioactive compounds, notably polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenes. Additionally, it harbors substantial quantities of functional, nutritive, and biologically active compounds, which manifest their presence through antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective properties. The recovery of bioactive compounds is significantly affected by extraction methods. Many conventional methods have been explored for the recovering of bioactive compounds from bitter orange flowers. However, in response to the limitations of conventional techniques, green extraction methods, characterized by their ability to significantly increase the yield and reduce the time, energy, and solvent requirements, have also been assessed for this matrix. Therefore, the study of the functionalities of bitter orange blossoms represents a domain with unexplored research opportunities. Consequently, this review aims to offer a comprehensive insight into the biological properties and medicinal applications of the active compounds found within C. aurantium. Full article

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for obtaining bioactive compounds from floral sources, emphasizing its potential application in the pharmaceutical and food industries. As a “green extraction” technique, UAE minimizes use of organic solvents, energy consumption, and extraction time, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods. On the other hand, flowers serve as a valuable reservoir of bioactive compounds. Appropriate experimental strategies are necessary to maximize the yield of bioactive compound recovery. The increasing use of floral sources in manufacturing dietary supplements and functional foods, coupled with rapid advancements in these sectors, indicates significant potential for the application of UAE. Its effectiveness is influenced by a multitude of factors, including operational variables and the matrix effect, both of which have the potential to impact the molecular structures of the specific compounds being targeted. In flowers, these compounds usually entail active secondary metabolites such as polyphenols. Hence, it is imperative to establish the optimal experimental parameters. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, covering studies from 2000 to 2024. Electronic databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed articles using keywords such as “Ultrasound-assisted extraction”, “bioactive compounds”, “flowers”, and “extraction optimization”. Results indicate that UAE significantly enhances the yield of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, with extraction efficiencies reaching up to 95% under optimal conditions. The findings also highlight the importance of parameter optimization, as variations in solvent concentration and ultrasonic intensity can affect the structural integrity of extracted compounds. In conclusion, this communication has emphasized the significance of UAE technologies and presented recent research and updated data on their contribution to obtaining bioactive compounds from plant-based materials, particularly flowers. Full article

Background: Since accommodation may be a source of error affecting the inter-optometrist repeatability of subjective refraction, this study investigated whether the use of cycloplegia could improve this repeatability. Methods: A randomized cross-sectional study was conducted on 42 young hyperopes (18.2 ± 7.7 years, range 6 to 31 years). Subjective refraction was performed by two different optometrists in two measurement sessions: one day without cycloplegia and, on a different day, with cycloplegia, in random order. The inter-optometrist repeatability of all refractive variables (M, J0, and J45) was analyzed, selecting one eye randomly, in terms of the 95% confidence interval of repeatability (r). Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the optometrists for any refractive variable, both with and without cycloplegia (p ≥ 0.05). Furthermore, no correlation was found between participants’ age and the refractive differences between optometrists under both cycloplegic conditions (p ≥ 0.05). However, the use of cycloplegia improved the inter-optometrist repeatability of M (r = 0.37 D) compared to the non-cycloplegic measurements (r = 0.62 D). Conclusions: These results suggest that accommodation in young hyperopes is likely a primary source of error that could explain the discrepancies in subjective refraction between optometrists. Full article

The increasing global interest in herbs and spices necessitates a thorough examination of the chemical hazards associated with their consumption. The objective of this work was to provide an understanding of the current state and prevalence of chemical contaminants (toxins, heavy metals, and pesticide residues) in herbs and spices consumed in Europe, facilitating informed decision-making in public health and regulatory frameworks Through an extensive literature search, contamination levels of chemical hazards among different herbs and spices were evaluated. The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has shown 1133 notifications for spices and herbs in the last 10 years (2013–2023). Focusing on the chemical hazards associated with the consumption of these products, mycotoxins (especially aflatoxins and ochratoxin A) and plant-derived compounds with potential health implications (e.g., pyrrolizidine alkaloids) were the most often notified. Nevertheless, besides these naturally occurring compounds, other deliberated added substances such as artificial unauthorized dyes (e.g., Sudan I, II, III, and IV) that can pose a human health risk have been identified. Finally, environmental contaminants could also be present in herbs and spices. Pesticide residues (e.g., chlorpyrifos, carbendazim, and bifenthrin) have been notified, and studies in terms of their persistence and adherence to regulatory limits and heavy metals were also investigated, focusing on cadmium, lead, and mercury due to the bioaccumulation abilities of plants. Other environmental contaminants, such as dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were considered for this study. In conclusion, this work contributed to identifying gaps and challenges in regulatory practices and to the dialog on the safety and quality of herbs and spices, offering a holistic perspective on toxins, heavy metals, and pesticide residues and fostering collaboration between all stakeholders to advance in public health protection in Europe. Full article

Bromophenols, which belong to the family of phenolic compounds, are halogenated secondary metabolites characterized by the incorporation of bromine atoms into the phenol ring structure, resulting in unique chemical properties. These compounds, synthesized as secondary metabolites by algae, exhibit different isomeric forms due to bromine substitution at different positions within the phenol ring, showing variability among species. Bromine substitution not only confers specific chemical properties but also plays an important role in the ecological functions of bromophenols by inducing increased lipophilicity, which affects solubility and reactivity, an adaptive response to external conditions. Certain genera of red algae, such as Gracilaria and Rhodomela, have been identified as important sources of bromophenols. Research on bromophenols involves extraction, commonly using solvents such as methanol or methanol-dichloromethane, and identification and structural elucidation using advanced analytical techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for the precise determination of structure and configuration. Bromophenols display diverse biological activities, highlighting antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiviral and antioxidant properties, which are closely related to their specific chemical structure. The importance of understanding the chemical group of bromophenols is underlined by their role in chemical defense mechanisms, contributing to potential biotechnological applications and broader contributions to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, this study is aimed to review the chemical characteristics and biological properties of bromophenols in red algae. Full article

Algae, despite being labeled as an underexplored biological source of chemical constituents, remain inadequately studied in terms of their metabolism. Metabolomics has emerged as a high-throughput technology to investigate the full metabolic profile of samples that could aid in the understanding and characterization of algae. By delving into their primary composition, particularly polysaccharides and phycobiliproteins, alongside secondary metabolites like polyphenols and pigments, researchers can uncover not only their rheological and nutritional properties but also their diverse biological activities. Given the growing interest in algae in food and related industries, innovative approaches should be explored to enhance the value of their functional components. In this sense, in the context of contemporary in-silico studies, metabolomics should be paired with computational methodologies, to develop novel techniques for studying biomolecular interactions. Molecular docking has emerged, with the function of predicting the atomic-level interaction between small molecules (ligands) and target proteins (proteins). This synergistic approach integrating both technologies could allow us to characterize algal profiles, evaluate their potential for bioactive properties, and better understand their metabolism. This work explores the development of metabolomic and computational strategies targeted toward the functional characterization of algae. By harnessing these technologies, we can unlock new possibilities for using algae in various industrial applications, paving the way for sustainable and innovative solutions in the future. Full article

Macroalgae are known as abundant sources of phytochemicals, which offer a plethora of beneficial biological properties. Besides being the most notable classes of compounds found in macroalgae, phlorotannins, bromophenols, and terpenoids comprise some of the most relevant for their biological properties. Phlorotannins, mainly prevalent in brown algae and structurally characterized as complex polyphenolic compounds derived from phloroglucinol units, possess robust antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities, modulated by factors such as the degree of polymerization and environmental conditions. Bromophenols, halogenated compounds found in algae and other marine organisms, exhibit significant antioxidant and antiviral properties. Their diverse structures and bromination patterns contribute to their potential as therapeutic and chemical defense agents. Pigments (chemically described as primary terpenoids) play a critical role in light absorption and energy transfer in macroalgae and are divided into three main groups: (i) carotenoids, which are primarily found in brown algae and provide photoprotective and antioxidant benefits; (ii) chlorophylls, known for facilitating the conversion of light into biological energy; and (iii) phycobilins, which are mostly found in red algae and play important roles in light absorption and energy transfer, besides providing remarkable health benefits. Finally, secondary terpenoids, which are particularly abundant in red algae (e.g., the Rhodomelaceae family) are central to cellular interactions and exhibit significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study represents a detailed analysis of the biosynthesis, structural diversity, and biological activities of these macroalgae metabolites, emphasizing their potential biological properties. Full article

In recent years, consumers have been increasingly interested in natural, healthier, functional foods, with a focus on sea-based products such as algae. Bifurcaria bifurcata (BB) is a macroalga that belongs to the Phaeophyceae class. These brown algae are recognized as the source of bioactive molecules of great interest to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The present work applied response surface methodology to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction of the poorly studied algae. The optimization variables were time, pressure, and solvent composition (ethanol/water) and the response parameters selected were yield, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the antioxidant profile by evaluating DPPH^•+, ABTS^•+ scavenging activity, and β-carotene discoloration capacity. The results obtained reveal remarkable bioactivity of the crude extract of BB with positive results as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the BB extract’s capacity to inhibit enzymes related to neurodegenerative diseases and its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation activity open the possibility of future food or pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The European Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) has shown 1133 notifications for spices and herbs in the last 10 years (2013–2023). The analysis of these notifications indicated that 58.7% (665 alerts) of the alerts corresponded to chemical hazards. Mycotoxins corresponding to aflatoxin B1 (24 alerts) and ochratoxin A (39 alerts) were found in 19.4% of the samples. Due to the presence of these biological hazards in foodstuffs, comprehensive knowledge of their molecular mechanisms of action is required as part of the risk assessment strategy. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a known potent carcinogen that has been linked to liver cancer in humans and animals. Its toxic effects consist of forming DNA adducts, causing mutations, and interfering with cellular processes. On the other hand, ochratoxin A (OTA) is known to be nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, and immunosuppressive in both humans and animals. OTA targets the kidneys and liver, exerting its toxic effects similarly to AFB1, i.e., through DNA damage, oxidative stress, and interference with cellular processes. This communication reviews the molecular mechanism of action underlying the toxicity of AFB1 and OTA found in herbs and spices in Europe, focusing on their biosynthesis, toxicodynamics, interaction with cellular components, and the resulting biochemical pathways leading to adverse health effects. Moreover, it discusses potential strategies for mitigating their presence in spices, emphasizing the importance of hazard characterization for effective risk management and regulation. Full article