Search Results (3,723)

The oxidative stability of meat products is a crucial factor determining quality, shelf life, and consumer acceptance, as lipid and protein oxidation promote undesirable changes in sensory attributes and nutritional content. Antioxidant capacity (AOC) assays such as total phenolic content (TPC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^•+), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) are commonly applied in meat systems to assess the AOC associated with both intrinsic muscle components (endogenous) and the protective effects of natural ingredients (exogenous added compounds), i.e., antioxidants. Although differences in analytical methodologies limit direct comparisons among studies, it has been demonstrated that meat products inherently contain compounds that modulate oxidative reactions, with their effectiveness influenced by meat type, processing, and storage conditions. Within this framework, natural ingredients, including plant- and fungal-derived ingredients and their by-products, have gained attention as sources of natural antioxidants, whose capacity depends on the extraction method, the solvent used, and their behavior during gastrointestinal digestion, as evaluated using simulated gastrointestinal digestion (sGD) models. Numerous studies have shown that incorporating natural extracts or powders into meat products enhances AOC during refrigerated storage, with the effect generally depending on the concentration used. Moreover, several natural antioxidant treatments maintain or even enhance their AOC when assessed under sGD conditions. Full article

Adiabatic demagnetization refrigeration (ADR) has attracted considerable attention as an effective approach to reach ultra-low temperatures required for fundamental physics and quantum technologies. Here we directly characterize the cryogenic magnetocaloric performance of the rare-earth-based double-perovskite oxide Gd₂CuTiO₆ (GCTO) through quasi-adiabatic demagnetization measurements. Magnetization measurements show no long-range magnetic transition above 1.8 K and indicate dominant antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions, consistent with an AFM ordering temperature of $T_{\mathrm{N}}\approx 1.15$ K reported previously. Notably, the isothermal magnetization $M\left(H\right)$ at 1.8 K deviates from an ideal single-ion Brillouin response and is better described by a molecular-field correction for the Gd sublattice, suggesting correlated paramagnetism persisting above $T_{\mathrm{N}}$. In contrast to previous studies that inferred cooling performance from thermodynamic estimates, we directly validate the achievable sub-Kelvin cooling in GCTO through quasi-adiabatic measurements. In the quasi-ADR process starting from $T_0$∼2 K, demagnetization fields of 4, 6, and 9 T yield minimum temperatures of $T_{\min }=761.5$, 452.4, and 289.2 mK, respectively, well below $T_{\mathrm{N}}$. After complete removal of the magnetic field, the sample temperature remains highly stable for at least several tens of minutes, demonstrating a long hold time under quasi-adiabatic conditions. Moreover, the $T\left(H\right)$ curves reveal a characteristic field scale around $H_{\mathrm{c}}$∼1 T, implying a field-induced modification of the low-temperature magnetic-entropy landscape that is relevant to the cooling behavior during demagnetization. These results highlight GCTO as a promising magnetic refrigerant for sub-Kelvin ADR applications and underscore the role of correlated magnetism in optimizing cryogenic magnetocaloric performance. Full article

In this study, a techno-economic and carbon footprint (GHG, CO₂-equivalent) analysis was conducted on two alternative biofuels, green diesel and bio-jet fuel, produced from renewable lipids. The focus of the work is the comparison of various lipid feedstocks, including waste cooking oil, and four types of vegetable oils: cardoon, soybean, palm, and sunflower. Process optimization and design were performed to minimize production costs by using the process simulation software Aspen Plus^®. Green diesel and bio-jet fuel were obtained via hydrodeoxygenation and hydroisomerization/hydrocracking, respectively. Sensitivity analyses confirmed consistent results across the tested vegetable oils. Hydrodeoxygenation achieved triglyceride molar conversions exceeding 97%, with overall mass yields into the diesel fraction surpassing 79%. Conversely, hydroisomerization/hydrocracking of green diesel resulted in over 90% conversion of n-paraffins and more than 50% overall mass yield. The economic analysis showed that the primary cost factor influencing the payback selling price of the biofuels is the price of the lipid feedstocks. Biofuels are economically viable only when lipid prices are below 1000 €/ton and hydrogen prices are below 3000 €/ton. An important aspect is also represented by the combined-cycle energy recovery system, which strongly affects the overall capital cost and increases internal power generation efficiency. The carbon footprint calculated over a cradle-to-grave boundary showed shows net GHG reductions versus the fossil reference fuels for all scenarios. Net avoided emissions range from 1.74 to 3.63 kgCO₂-eq/kg green diesel and from 0.80 to 3.70 kgCO₂-eq/kg bio-jet fuel across the investigated feedstocks, approximately 40–84% and 20–95% of the respective savings relative to the fossil reference fuels under the stated background and logistics assumptions. Results are expressed per kg of produced fuel as a functional unit, using literature-derived upstream emission factors for oil supply and background inputs (hydrogen, Italian grid electricity and transport). For the bio-jet configuration, co-product burdens were partitioned by mass; the Discussion section highlights the sensitivity of the GD vs. BJF comparison to co-product handling and allocation choices. In this context, the choice of feedstock is essential in establishing the resulting GHG intensity of the two biofuels. From both economic and climate change perspectives, waste cooking oil emerges as the most promising option, particularly given its classification as waste-derived feedstock in the system boundary, unlike the virgin oil sources. Full article

This study aims to construct a nattokinase (NK) high-yielding strain using the multiple-scale breeding method. First, an NK-producing strain Bacillus subtilis A-1 was isolated from fermented soybean, which produces 254 FU/mL of NK. Subsequently, ARTP mutagenesis was employed to screen high-yield mutants with resistance to rifampicin (i.e., strain R-F7), kanamycin (i.e., strain K-E11), and gentamicin (i.e., strain G-D5), and the resulted strains showed NK activity increases of 113.78%, 76.38%, and 62.99%, respectively. Moreover, a fusion strain C-D7 with resistant to the above three antibiotics (i.e., rifampicin, kanamycin, and gentamicin) was obtained by protoplast fusion, which produced 610 FU/mL of NK and represents a 140.16% higher that of strain A-1. The fermenting property of strain C-D7 was also done in a 5-L bioreactor, and results indicated that strain C-D7 produced 1020 ± 35 FU/mL of NK under a two-stage pH control strategy and a two-step feeding strategy. To elucidate the genetic basis for the high-yield phenotype of C-D7. comparative whole-genome analysis was performed between C-D7 and the parental strain A-1. The results revealed that C-D7 harbors specific mutations across multiple functional categories, primarily in genes related to transcription, translation, global regulation, as well as metabolism and secretion. The biological processes affected by these mutations show a strong correlation with the high-yield trait, suggesting their potential collective role in contributing to the observed increase in nattokinase production. Lastly, ituD and srfAC were knocked out to reduce foam during fermentation, thus reducing the use of antifoaming agents and mitigating the negative effects on cell growth. In a word, a genetically stable, high-yield, and low-foaming Bacillus subtilis strain C-D7-ΔDouble was constructed in this study, which provides a core microbial resource and process foundation for the low-cost industrial production of nattokinase. Full article

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children, and the prognosis for high-risk patients remains dismal. Immunotherapies, represented by anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), have significantly improved the survival of high-risk neuroblastoma patients and become part of standard therapy. However, their efficacy exhibits significant inter-individual heterogeneity, with some patients showing primary resistance or secondary relapse. This review aims to analyze the multi-faceted factors influencing the response to immunotherapy in neuroblastoma, including: (1) the inherent immunosuppressive properties of the tumor microenvironment, such as infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor-associated macrophages, as well as checkpoint molecules and metabolic barriers; (2) tumor cell-intrinsic characteristics, such as low tumor mutational burden, MYCN amplification-associated downregulation of MHC-I, and heterogeneity of GD2 antigen expression; (3) host factors, such as systemic immune status and Fc receptor polymorphisms; and (4) treatment-related factors, such as combination strategies and the development of novel immunotherapeutic products. A deep understanding of these interrelated factors is crucial for developing predictive biomarkers, designing novel combination strategies and next-generation immunotherapies, and ultimately achieving precise immunotherapy for neuroblastoma. Full article

Population aging poses a growing public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia. Functional independence is a key determinant of older adults’ quality of life, yet integrated community-based health promotion Models addressing this issue remain limited. This study developed and empirically validated an Integrated 5I Health Promotion Model (Identify, Inspire, Initiate, Integrate, and Impact) to enhance independence and quality of life among older adults in an urban Indonesian setting. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 240 older adults in Surakarta, Indonesia, using proportional cluster sampling from community activity groups. The integrated 5I Model was constructed based on the Health Belief Model, the Logic Model, and a pentahelix approach. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and the WHOQOL-BREF. The data were analyzed using path analysis to examine direct and indirect relationships among internal and external factors, perceptions, participation, independence, and quality of life. The model demonstrated good structural fit and explained a substantial proportion of variance in independence and quality of life. Perception and participation played significant mediating roles between the internal and external factors and independence. Increased independence was significantly associated with improved quality of life among older adults. Participation showed the most substantial direct effect with physical independence (β = 3.018, p < 0.001), while independence was significantly associated with quality of life (β = 0.599, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated excellent fit (CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = 0.000; SRMR = 0.012). The Integrated 5I Health Promotion Model offers a pragmatic, scalable framework for community-based interventions to promote independence and quality of life among aging populations in urban low- and middle-income settings. This model has important implications for public health programs and policies targeting healthy and active aging. Full article

This work investigates the structural evolution and electrocatalytic activity of the amorphous metal alloy Al₈₇Y₄Gd₁Ni₄Fe₄ during short-term annealing and its effect on the kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1 M KOH. It is shown that a 5 min heat treatment at 647 ± 2 K initiates controlled nanocrystallisation with the formation of AlFe₂Ni, GdFe₂ and Al(X) (X = Gd, Ni, Y, Fe) phases, which are uniformly dispersed in the amorphous matrix. According to XRD, DSC and HRTEM data, it was established that the formation of intermetallic nanodomains leads to a decrease in charge transfer energy barriers and the appearance of additional active centres of H* adsorption. Electrochemical studies have shown an increase in cathode current density, an increase in i₀ by 2–3 orders of magnitude, and a decrease in R_ct after annealing, confirming the improvement in HER kinetics. Potentiostatic tests showed an increase in the volumetric hydrogen evolution rate from 35.1 to 106.0 mL/(g·min) during the first immersion and up to 217.9 mL/(g·min) during reuse. SEM/EDS analysis revealed surface reconstruction and Ni enrichment after HER, which contributes to the acceleration of the H* recombination stage. The synergy of the amorphous matrix and nanophases ensures high electrocatalytic activity and stability of the system, making annealed AMA a promising low-cost catalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution. Full article

Cerebrovascular damage/dysfunction promote cerebral hypoperfusion early within Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Cerebral hypoperfusion is also a common consequence of cardiovascular risk factors/diseases, typically manifesting in midlife when AD pathology initiates, and contributing to AD onset/progression. We demonstrated that AβQ22 (vasculotropic Dutch mutant) and Aβ42 promote cerebral endothelial cell (cEC) apoptosis, barrier permeability, and angiogenic impairments. Prior research indicates hypoperfusion promotes analogous EC dysfunction. Aβ accumulates within a hypoperfused environment in AD, but whether Aβ exposure of cECs under hypoperfusion potentiates dysfunction through activation of shared molecular mechanisms remains unknown. We treated cECs with Aβ40-Q22/Aβ42, glucose deprivation (GD), or both under normoxia or hypoxia. Cell death, barrier dysfunction/permeability, proinflammatory activation, and angiogenesis impairment were evaluated. Overall, GD and/or hypoxia potentiated Aβ-induced cEC death, barrier dysfunction, inflammatory activation, and angiogenesis/wound healing failure. Hypoperfusion specifically exacerbated AβQ22-mediated cEC apoptosis, TEER/ZO1 decreases, ICAM1/IL6/IL8 upregulation, monocyte migration, and wound healing impairments. Differentially, hypoperfusion strongly potentiated Aβ42-mediated necrosis and MMP2/pClaudin-5/IFNγ/IL12p70 increases. GD exerted stronger increases in caspase-3 activation/apoptosis and MMP2/ICAM1 expression, while hypoxia increased necrosis and ZO1/pro-angiogenic proteins. This study reveals specific, selective mechanisms that hypoxia/GD and amyloidosis mutually activate to produce cEC dysfunction, highlighting new molecular targets against vascular pathology in AD/CAA comorbid with hypoperfusion. Full article

The potential of Rhodotorula yeast culture (RYC) in animal production remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of RYC supplementation on nutrient apparent digestibility, rumen tissue morphology, fermentation parameters, and fungal microbiota in sheep. Twenty-four three-month-old male Dorper × Han crossbred sheep (weight 36 ± 4 kg) were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with six sheep in each group: the control group (CON) was fed a basal diet, and the three treatment groups were supplemented with 10, 20, or 40 g/d of RYC (RYC10, RYC20, RYC40), respectively. The results showed that RYC supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, and the apparent digestibility of CP and ADF was significantly higher in the RYC20 than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Rumen papillae length and muscular layer thickness were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in RYC-treated groups compared to the CON group, and the RYC20 group exhibited significantly greater rumen papilla length and muscularis propria thickness than the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ruminal pH and bacterial crude protein content were significantly elevated (p < 0.05), while ammonia nitrogen concentration was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The RYC40 group exhibited significantly higher rumen pH and BCP concentrations, and significantly lower NH3-N concentration, compared to the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in RYC groups. For RYC20, rumen acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, total volatile fatty acid content and the acetate-to-propionate ratio were significantly higher than those of the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Analysis of fungal community revealed that RYC increased the relative abundance of fibrolytic fungi (e.g., Neocallimastix, Caecomyce, Piromyces). Supplementation of RYC at 20 g/d optimizes apparent nutrient digestibility and rumen tissue development in ruminants, while maintaining favorable rumen fermentation characteristics and selectively enhancing the growth of core fibrolytic fungi; this dosage achieves the optimal balance of biological performance and economic feasibility, and is thus recommended as the optimal practical supplementation dosage for ruminant production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ageing is associated with reduced adaptive capacity, which may influence responses to chronic stress and contribute to adverse lifestyle changes. This study examined the relationships among diet quality, nutritional status, and psychosomatic health in adults aged 60+, while considering the role of psychological stress. Methods: A total of 372 participants were assessed using a validated FFQ to evaluate diet quality, the MNA to determine nutritional status, and anthropometric measurements. Psychological functioning was measured using the PSS-10, the 4DSQ, and the geriatric GDS scale. Results: No association was identified between adherence to the MIND diet and depressive or anxiety symptoms. However, depressive symptoms were positively associated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Gender differences also emerged: women reported higher levels of perceived stress (PSS10 F: 13.5 M: 10.5; p < 0.001), anxiety (F: 0.97; M: 0.39; p < 0.01), and somatisation (F: 6.18; M: 4.22; p < 0.001), suggesting greater vulnerability to everyday stressors. Participants at risk of malnutrition displayed significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) of stress (8.33), depression (0.73), and anxiety (1.76) compared with well-nourished individuals (5.03; 0.33; 0.77, respectively). Conclusions: These findings underscore the significant relationship between nutritional status and mental functioning in older adults. They emphasise the need to integrate nutritional assessment with somatic and psychological evaluation to better support the health and well-being of seniors and to improve understanding of the interactions between diet, stress, and psychosomatic functioning in the ageing process. Full article

A 79-year-old former marathoner, with memory impairment since age 78, developed increasing stumbling and progressively worsening waddling gait. Three months after gait disturbance onset, she noted mild dysphagia. With declining walking distance and endurance, she presented to our hospital six months after onset, exhibiting frontal signs, Parkinsonism with marked trunk rigidity, and hyperreflexia of the jaw and limbs. L-dopa challenge tests showed no improvement. At seven months post-onset, she had difficulty rising. By nine months, she relied on a walker, and speech disturbance appeared. At 10–11 months, both dysarthria and dysphagia rapidly worsened, she became bed-ridden, and upper limb weakness developed (though she could still use chopsticks). Neurological examination at one year revealed severe dysarthria/dysphagia, four extremity fasciculations and muscle weakness (grade 2 in upper limbs, grade 1 in lower limbs), trunk-dominant rigidity, and hyperreflexia in the jaw and limbs. Brain MRI, specifically susceptibility-weighted imaging, revealed motor band signs. Cerebrospinal fluid study revealed albuminocytological dissociation. Needle electromyography revealed acute denervation and chronic reinnervation in the cranial nerve, cervical, and lumbar areas, which was suggestive of motor neuron disease (MND). Serum anti-GQ1b antibodies were detected. Immunotherapy was followed by mild improvement, which might suggest a reversible component, although definitive pathological overlap remains unconfirmed. This case highlights a diagnostic challenge where an acute immune-mediated neuropathy could potentially be superimposed on a chronic neurodegenerative process. Anti-GQ1b antibodies should be interpreted with caution, as they may reflect either a true clinicopathological overlap with Guillain-Barré syndrome or a secondary phenomenon (epiphenomenon) related to the primary neurodegenerative process. Full article

Background: Frontal lobe circuit dysfunction, including the mesolimbic network, plays an important role in learning reward behaviors and is involved in the development of impulsive compulsive disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson’s disease (PD). ICDs in PD are characterized by disinhibited, reward-driven behaviors performed with poor impulse control, often linked to dopaminergic treatment. The purpose of the present study was to assess the presence of these behaviors in relation to frontal dysfunction and overall cognitive status in a cohort of patients with sporadic PD. Methods: The study consisted of 55 patients (n = 55), 36 males (65.5%), diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, assessed at the First Neurological Clinic of Eginition University Hospital in Athens. The participants had a mean age of 62.6 (±13.54) years, with an average of 11.94 (±3.00) years of education and a mean disease duration of 7.17 (±5.90) years. The evaluation tools used to assess the participants were the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease (QUIP), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: The mean score on the QUIP was 0.64 (±1.05), with a threshold of 1. Of the total number of patients (n = 55), 18 (32.72%) showed behaviors related to ICDs. The most commonly reported impulsive compulsive behavior was an excessive preoccupation with hobbies (n = 7, 38.9%), followed by a tendency toward gambling (n = 6, 33.3%). The mean score on the MoCA scale was 24.69/30 (±4.25), while the mean score on the FAB scale was 14.70/18 (±2.45). Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between total MoCA score and FAB (r = 0.588, p < 0.000) and a weak to moderate negative correlation between MoCA score and QUIP (r = −0.291, p = 0.038). Additionally, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between QUIP scores and performance on the MoCA attention subtests (Forward Digit Span, Backward Digit Span, and Vigilance tasks), (r = −0.389, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Lower global cognitive function, as measured by the MoCA, was strongly associated with reduced frontal lobe function, as measured by the FAB, in Parkinson’s patients. Additionally, lower scores on the MoCA, particularly in the attention subtests, showed a weak to moderate correlation with increased impulsive compulsive behaviors, as measured by the QUIP. Full article

Recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) use in spinal fusion is limited by dose-dependent complications. Peptide amphiphile (PA) supramolecular polymers presenting a BMP-2–binding epitope have previously been developed to reduce the rhBMP-2 dose required for successful fusion. We evaluated PA implant biodegradation and tissue clearance in a rat posterolateral spinal fusion model as a prerequisite to clinical safety studies. Twenty-three female Sprague–Dawley rats underwent L4–L5 fusion with gadolinium (Gd)-labeled PA implants. Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed up to 13 weeks postoperatively, while the spine and filter organs were harvested for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) quantification of Gd at multiple time points. Gd concentration at the fusion site decreased from 71% of maximum to 19.5% at 13 weeks, and MRI showed a complete loss of Gd signal enhancement by 8 weeks. In peripheral organs, peak Gd accumulation was 3% in the liver at 4 weeks, declining to 1.4% at 13 weeks, while Gd remained below 0.05% in the spleen, lung, and blood at all time points. These data indicate PA implant localization, with robust degradation and clearance and minimal off-target accumulation, supporting its translational potential for spinal fusion applications. Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) and technology-related trace elements are increasingly used in modern products and processes, but biomonitoring data in healthy children and adolescents remain scarce; scalp hair provides a practical, integrative matrix for assessing multi-element patterns over time. Scalp hair collected in April–May 2001 from children (6–9 years; n = 120) and adolescents (13–16 years; n = 97) living in Alcalá de Henares (Spain) was retrieved from archival storage and analysed in 2025 using a single QA/QC-controlled ICP–MS workflow. Seven REEs (Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Gd, Er, and Y) and nine technology-related trace elements (Bi, Sb, Th, U, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, and Rb) were quantified after rigorous decontamination; left-censored data were treated using Kaplan–Meier, regression on order statistics, and maximum-likelihood approaches, and population reference values were derived as percentile-based upper limits (P95, 95% CI). In children, REEs were frequently detected and showed strong within-suite covariation, with medians in the low ng g⁻¹ range (e.g., Ce ≈ 0.011 µg g⁻¹; La ≈ 0.007 µg g⁻¹), whereas in adolescents, most REEs were near reporting limits. Sb and U were ubiquitous in both age groups, while platinum-group elements were largely undetected. Shale-normalised REE patterns were subparallel across normalisers, La/Ce anomalies were centred below unity, and weak soil–hair correlations suggested multiple microenvironmental exposure pathways. These data provide a robust pre-diffusion baseline for REE metals in European youth, offering a benchmark for future urban exposome assessments. Full article

Partial oxidation of methane (POM) is a good way to make syngas because it uses exothermic reactions to keep itself going. This study made a series of Ni/KIT-6 catalyst precursors with Gd (0.5–2 wt.%) added to them and then carefully looked at how they changed into active catalysts. The first tests on the precursors using N₂ physisorption, XRD, and H₂-TPR showed that they had a high surface area and changed how they reduced. However, the high-temperature activation (700 °C) and reaction (682 °C) conditions caused thermal evolution and sintering. Tests of catalytic performance and RSM optimization found that the 5Ni + 1Gd/KIT-6 formulation was the best. Under the best conditions, it converted 89.0% of CH₄ and 87.4% of H₂. Using TEM and Raman spectroscopy to look at the used catalysts showed that 1 wt.% Gd was able to control the size distribution of the metallic particles and stop disordered carbon from forming, even after thermal recrystallisation. A 24 h stability test confirmed these findings, indicating a stable H₂ yield (85–87%) and minimal performance degradation, thereby demonstrating that Gd promotion maintains the stability of the active metallic phase under operational stress. Full article