Search Results (33,379)

Conventional unprocessed black soldier fly larval meal often exerts inconsistent growth-promoting effects on broilers. This variability may arise from multiple factors, including dietary inclusion level, rearing substrate, processing method, defatting status, and nutritional composition; indigestible macromolecular proteins and chitin are among these contributing factors. Enzymatically hydrolyzed Hermetia illucens larval homogenate (EH-BSFLH) is rich in small peptides and lauric acid, which theoretically improve nutrient bioavailability and intestinal health, making it a promising novel functional feed additive. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional profile of a commercially available enzyme hydrolyzed Hermetia illucens larval homogenate (EH-BSFLH), and to explore the effects of 2% and 6% dietary EH-BSFLH supplementation on 1–21-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 126 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments in this 21-day starter feeding trial, with seven pens per treatment. Nutrient composition of EH-BSFLH and multiple phenotypic indicators of broilers were measured and statistically compared. EH-BSFLH utilized in this essay possessed unique nutritional characteristics, including high acid-soluble protein proportion (96.41% relative to total protein), abundant lauric acid (26.62% of total fatty acids), and a calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio of 3.10:1. The 6% EH-BSFLH supplementation increased (p < 0.02, FDR < 0.05) 21-d live weight, average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), eviscerated yield and semi-eviscerated yield relative to the control, while no significant difference in feed conversion ratio (FCR) was detected across treatments. Dietary EH-BSFLH at 2% and 6% increased (p < 0.02, FDR < 0.05) 24 h post-mortem pH of breast and thigh muscles, without affecting meat color or shear force. The 6% EH-BSFLH group elevated (p < 0.02, FDR < 0.05) 10 amino acids in thigh muscle, while maintaining stable essential amino acids/total amino acids (EAA/TAA) and essential amino acids/non-essential amino acids (EAA/NEAA) ratios. Moreover, 6% EH-BSFLH decreased duodenal crypt depth and increased Villus Height/Crypt Depth (VH/CD) ratios in duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.02, FDR < 0.05). Serum biochemical variables were generally comparable between groups, though differences were observed for glucose, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total cholesterol (TCHO) (p < 0.02, FDR < 0.05). None of these values indicated obvious pathological alterations. This modified insect product exhibits promising application potential for young broiler feeding under the current trial conditions, and the observed shifts in serum metabolic indices may provide partial reference for balancing production performance and broiler physiological status in practical diet formulation. Full article

The narrow edible window period of kiwifruit poses significant challenges for the high-value fresh fruit industry. This study comparatively evaluated the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), melatonin (MT), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on “Guichang” kiwifruit by analyzing their physiology, energy metabolism, and transcriptomic profiles. The results indicated that 0.5 μL/L 1-MCP, 1.0 mmol/L MT, and 2.0 mmol/L ASA were the optimal concentrations, all of which significantly inhibited ethylene production and respiration intensity. These treatments effectively maintained fruit firmness, vitamin C content, and high energy status by preserving ATP levels and the activities of H⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase while suppressing the activities of CCO, SDH, 6-PGDH, and G-6-PDH. Transcriptomic analysis and RT-qPCR verification revealed that these preservatives re-programmed key respiratory pathways, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, the pentose phosphate pathway, and oxidative phosphorylation. MT exhibited transcriptomic responses highly similar to 1-MCP (sharing 13 KEGG pathways) and resulted in the lowest decay rate among treatments, whereas 1-MCP showed the strongest maintenance of core firmness. Our findings suggested that MT exhibited promising performance across multiple quality- and energy-related parameters and may serve as a potential alternative treatment for maintaining kiwifruit quality during the edible window period. Future studies should functionally validate the identified candidate genes and evaluate the effects of MT on sensory and flavor attributes under commercial storage and distribution conditions. Full article

Parasitic infections compromise livestock health, productivity, and profitability, while rising anthelmintic resistance restricts the effectiveness of conventional parasite control strategies. Bee pollen (BP) contains bioactive compounds with immunomodulatory and antimicrobial potential. This study investigated whether dietary BP supplementation reduces parasite burden and influences liver function, hematological and metabolic profiles, and circulating metabolomic signatures in goats. Thirty crossbred Boer × Spanish does were randomly assigned to either a BP-supplemented group (T-BP; n = 15) or a control group (T-CTL; n = 15). Over 49 days, T-BP goats received 10 g/day BP mixed with 50 g/day pelleted feed, while controls received the same feed without BP. Body weight, weekly blood samples, FAMACHA scores, and biweekly fecal egg counts (FEC) were collected. We assessed metabolomic profiles on days −8, 21, 42, and 56. Data were analyzed using mixed models and repeated measures. We identified strongyle-type eggs, presumably Haemonchus contortus, as the predominant parasite. No significant differences were observed between treatments for body weight, liver enzymes, metabolic biomarkers, or hematological profiles (p > 0.05). FEC varied over time (p < 0.001), with significantly lower FEC in BP-supplemented goats only on Day 42 (p < 0.05). Metabolomic differences were significant on Days 21 and 42 but not on Day 56. These differences involved metabolites annotated to lipid signaling, inflammatory processes, and cellular energy metabolism. In summary, BP supplementation demonstrated a potential antiparasitic effect against H. contortus but did not significantly affect liver, metabolic, or hematological parameters. Metabolomic findings should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Full article

NutriCubes is a novel baked, cube-shaped snack formulated from oat-legume flour blends (70:30) incorporating lactic-fermented lentil (O-L), chickpea (O-C), or pea (O-P) flours, developed to bridge the gap between nutritional quality and convenience in the plant-based snack market. Fermentation with a mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starter (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus; 10⁸ CFU/g; 30 °C; 24 h) reduced phytate by 53.3%, 45.3%, and 26.5% and tannins by 38.5%, 45.8%, and 37.5% in lentil, chickpea, and pea flours, respectively. All three NutriCubes formulations delivered 19.12–19.66 g protein/100 g fresh weight (FW) and 10.72–12.60 g dietary fibre/100 g FW. Cereal–legume complementarity was reflected in a favourable amino acid balance, with estimated Protein Efficiency Ratios ranging from 1.510 (O-C) to 1.989 (O-L). O-L showed the highest total polyphenol content (6.28 ± 0.13 mg GAE/g dry matter (DM)) and antioxidant activity (72.9 ± 1.22% DPPH inhibition). Hedonic panel evaluation (n = 107) confirmed strong acceptance across all formulations (7.48–8.12/9), with O-L scoring highest for taste (8.36 ± 0.70), colour (8.76 ± 0.44), and overall liking. The oat–lentil formulation emerged as the most nutritionally dense and sensorially preferred variant, establishing NutriCubes as a feasible snack with functional potential as an alternative. Full article

The semi-dwarfing gene Rht-D1b (formerly known as Rht2) was introduced into modern wheat breeding during the Green Revolution to reduce plant height, improve lodging resistance, and increase harvest index. In this study, two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines carrying Rht-D1b (dwarf) and Rht-D1a (tall), respectively, were used to assess the role of Rht-D1b in salt tolerance through physiological and transcriptomic analyses under salt stress. Compared with Rht-D1a, Rht-D1b showed less growth inhibition, with smaller decreases in plant height, root length, and shoot biomass, as well as higher SPAD values. Rht-D1b also accumulated less Na⁺, had lower ROS and MDA levels, and maintained stronger POD and CAT antioxidant enzyme activities. Transcriptome analysis showed that 20 POD genes were consistently upregulated in Rht-D1b to Rht-D1a at 0, 6, and 24 h, while ion-transport- and ROS-related genes showed time-specific activation patterns linked to Na⁺ homeostasis, calcium signaling, and antioxidant defense. Together, these findings suggest that Rht-D1b may contribute to wheat seedling salt tolerance by improving ion homeostasis and redox balance. The salt-responsive genes identified in this study may also serve as candidates for future functional studies and wheat breeding. Full article

Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common malignancy among men worldwide and remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, highlighting the need for novel molecular tools for diagnosis and targeted therapy. In this study, five DNA aptamers (AptaP1–AptaP5) generated by Cell-SELEX against the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line were characterized for their structural features, tumor recognition, and biological activity. Secondary structure prediction and thermodynamic stability were evaluated in silico. Aptamer recognition was evaluated by flow cytometry in prostate cancer cell lines and by complementary aptafluorescence analyses in both cell lines and a prostate tissue microarray (TMA), while functional effects were evaluated by assessment of metabolic activity and proliferation assays. The selected aptamers preferentially recognized LNCaP and DU145 cells over RWPE-1, whereas no tumor-selective binding was observed for PC3 cells. Aptafluorescence analyses in the prostate TMA demonstrated differential tissue recognition, with signals detected across both primary and metastatic prostate cancer specimens. Moreover, all aptamers significantly reduced metabolic activity and proliferation in prostate cancer cells after 48 h of treatment. Collectively, these findings characterized novel DNA aptamers with promising potential as tools for prostate cancer detection and provide a basis for further investigation of their binding properties and biological effects in clinically relevant models. Full article

This article presents the results of a research study on the development and evaluation of a mineral modifying additive for concrete produced from mineral processing tailings, shale waste from shungite production, and silica fume. Compositions of both the modifying additive and concretes based on it were developed. The properties of the mineral modifying additive were studied; mechanochemical activation was applied to increase and modify its activity, and its pozzolanic activity was determined. Depending on the component ratio, CaO absorption ranged from 7.9% to 94%. In the technology of high-strength and functional concretes, high-carbon slag with a fraction of 10–20 mm was used as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate. The introduction of 3–15% mineral modifying additive into B40 concrete increased the 28-day compressive strength by 0.19–16%. The greatest increase was observed for concrete containing 8% mineral modifying additive by cement mass. Because compressive strength is not directly correlated with freeze–thaw resistance and water impermeability, capillary suction tests were performed. This non-destructive durability indicator makes it possible to assess concrete permeability, characterize the pore structure, indirectly evaluate freeze–thaw resistance through water-absorption behavior, and estimate the potential resistance of concrete to repeated freezing and thawing. After 24 h, the maximum increase in capillary suction ranged from 4.13% to 5.17%. Direct freeze–thaw testing confirmed a freeze–thaw resistance grade of F400. Three main criteria were used to assign the freeze–thaw resistance grade: average mass loss not exceeding 2%; compliance with the compressive strength ratio XminII >= 0.9 XminI; and the absence of cracks, spalling, and edge-scaling on the specimens. Full article

Fruit and vegetable processing generates large amounts of underutilized waste that can be valorized as functional food ingredients. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating hot-air-dried powders obtained from carrot and broccoli industrial residues on the color, texture, antioxidant properties, and other physicochemical attributes of sponge cakes formulated with wheat flour (gluten-containing) and gluten-free chickpea (legume)- and rice (cereal)-based flours. Cakes containing no vegetable powder or 5, 10, 20 or 30% flour replacement by vegetable powder were evaluated within 24 h after baking and after one week of storage. Overall, the effects of vegetable powder incorporation depended on flour type, powder type, and replacement level. Carrot powder improved water retention and preserved cake height, whereas broccoli powder produced denser structures with reduced expansion. Both powders enhanced phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner, with broccoli powder showing the greatest effect. Storage had limited effects on antioxidant properties but increased hardness, with carrot powder mitigating firmness development in chickpea-based cakes. Considering the interest in developing gluten-free products, rice-based cakes with 20% flour replacement by carrot powder emerged as promising formulations, showing characteristics closer to those of wheat-based control cakes while providing enhanced antioxidant properties. Full article

This paper extends the optimal investment control framework by incorporating fractional Brownian motion to capture long-range dependence and memory effects in asset prices. Replacing the standard Brownian component with a fractional Brownian motion governed by the Hurst parameter H with $H\in (1/2,1)$, we employ the Wick–Itô calculus to derive the associated Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation. The resulting nonlinear PDE contains a time-dependent diffusion coefficient that reduces to the classical model when $H={\displaystyle \frac{1}{2}}$. We apply a linearized generalized Newton method to construct an iterative sequence for the value function and provide a numerical convergence analysis via the contraction mapping theorem. Using real GOOGL data, we obtain a model-implied mean optimal allocation of ${\overline{\pi }}^{*}=68.35\%$ for $H=0.62$, close to the classical $69.76\%$. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis identifies volatility $\sigma$ and jump intensity $\lambda$ as the dominant drivers of the optimal allocation, with absolute effects of $9.44\%$ and $6.47\%$, respectively, while the Hurst parameter H, the jump threshold $\tau$, and mean return $\alpha$ have smaller effects. The proposed framework provides a dynamic optimal investment ratio ${\pi }^{*}\left(t\right)$ that adjusts to market memory, offering a model-based strategy for portfolio management under both jump and long-memory risks. Empirical validation through backtesting is needed to establish its practical superiority. Full article

Acrolein (ACR) and glyoxal (GO) are highly reactive carbonyls originating from endogenous metabolism, environmental pollution, and thermal food processing. This study compares the toxic mechanisms and redox effects of a 24 h exposure to ACR (30, 60, 90 µM) and GO (2, 5, 10 mM) in PBMCs. We assessed cell viability, lipid membrane fluidity, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS), free protein functional groups, reduced glutathione (GSH), non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT, GPx), and protein expression levels (CAT, SOD1). Both aldehydes reduced viability in a concentration-dependent manner (ACR was over 30-fold more toxic than GO based on viability curves). These toxins increased membrane fluidity near the surface, while GO also altered the hydrophobic core. Both triggered a profound accumulation of ROS/RNS. At specific dose thresholds (ACR ≥ 60 µM; GO ≥ 5 mM), both toxins depleted GSH and NEAC, decreased protein thiol/amino groups, and suppressed CAT/GPx catalytic activity and CAT/SOD1 protein expression. In conclusion, ACR emerged as a markedly more potent inducer of oxidative stress and antioxidant failure than GO in PBMCs, disrupting both non-enzymatic (GSH, NEAC) and enzymatic (CAT, GPx, SOD1) defenses. These results support prioritizing ACR in exposure risk assessments and developing biomarkers of carbonyl-induced immune dysfunction. Full article

Sustainable coatings based on biodegradable biopolymers can reduce postharvest losses and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. This study evaluated chitosan/shellac coatings reinforced with CoAl₂O₄ or CuAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles as laboratory-scale postharvest coatings for tomatoes and cucumbers. The coating system was based on previously characterized chitosan/shellac–spinel composite films and was further evaluated at the fruit-application level. Under the experimental ambient storage conditions, the optimized spinel-containing coatings extended the observed acceptable storage period of tomatoes to more than 33 days, whereas uncoated tomatoes deteriorated within 10–14 days. Weight loss remained below 5% for coated tomatoes under the reported conditions, while coated cucumbers showed a more modest preservation response. The coatings were associated with reduced visible microbial deterioration, improved pH retention, and lower chlorophyll degradation in cucumber samples. The observed preservation performance is attributed to complementary contributions from (i) chitosan film formation and antimicrobial activity, (ii) shellac-induced hydrophobicity and moisture-barrier functionality, and (iii) reinforcing and antimicrobial effects from the spinel nanoparticles. A short-term non-choice feeding experiment in female albino rats provided preliminary information on food acceptance and changes in food intake and body weight; however, the study was not designed to establish comprehensive toxicological or food-contact safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Royal jelly is a biologically active bee product with a complex chemical composition and diverse biological properties. This study aimed to comprehensively characterize the phytochemical composition of royal jelly and evaluate its antioxidant capacity, enzyme-inhibitory abilities, and potential molecular interactions with target enzymes. Methods: The phytochemical profile of royal jelly was characterized using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and DMPD^•+ scavenging assays, together with Fe³⁺, CUPRAC, and FRAP reducing methods. Enzyme-inhibitory abilities were assessed against human carbonic anhydrase I and II (hCA I and hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. Molecular docking analyses were subsequently performed to investigate the interactions of major identified compounds with enzyme active sites. Results: LC–MS/MS analysis revealed a diverse profile of phenolic and flavonoids, including quinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, and amentoflavone. Royal jelly exhibited considerable antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 29.33, 29.20, and 21.65 μg/mL in the DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and DMPD^•+ scavenging assays, respectively. It also demonstrated notable reducing capacity in Fe³⁺ reduction (0.702 μg/mL), CUPRAC (1.444 μg/mL), and FRAP (0.964 μg/mL) assays. Significant inhibitory ability was observed against hCA I (1.12 μg/mL), hCA II (1.33 μg/mL), AChE (1.44 μg/mL), BChE (1.52 μg/mL), α-glucosidase (2.04 μg/mL), and α-amylase (2.11 μg/mL). Docking analyses indicated that major constituents, particularly quinic acid, could interact with key catalytic residues through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Conclusions: Royal jelly possesses a rich polyphenolic profile accompanied by substantial antioxidant and multi-target enzyme-inhibitory abilities. These findings provide biochemical and molecular evidence supporting the potential of royal jelly as a functional food and nutraceutical ingredient and highlight its value as a source of bioactive compounds for further pharmacological investigation. Full article

Long-term fertilization can reshape soil microbial communities and alter soil ecosystem functioning. However, few studies have comprehensively investigated changes in microbial functional potential for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur (CNPS) cycling in bulk and rhizosphere soils in response to long-term fertilization, or the relationships between microbial taxonomic shifts and functional responses. We combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing with high-throughput quantitative PCR targeting 71 CNPS cycling-related genes in a 32-year field experiment comprising an unfertilized control (CK), mineral fertilizer (NPK), manure (M), and NPK combined with manure (NPKM). The results showed that both mineral NPK fertilizer and manure increased soil nutrient availability but had contrasting effects on soil pH. Relative to CK, NPK, M, and NPKM increased rapeseed grain yield by 303.9%, 108.7%, and 397.8%, respectively, and biomass by 303.0%, 99.6%, and 410.5%, respectively. Fertilization also reshaped bacterial community composition, and the responses were similar between bulk and rhizosphere soils. In contrast, functional-gene abundances showed significant soil compartment-dependent responses to fertilization. NPK fertilization reduced most rhizosphere gene groups associated with C degradation, N transformation, P mobilization, and S cycling while increasing nitrification-related genes, whereas manure increased genes involved in carbohydrate degradation, methane metabolism, multiple N transformations, organic P mineralization, phosphate solubilization, and sulfate reduction. Network analysis showed that genes mediating similar processes clustered within common modules and were associated with shared bacterial taxa. Crop productivity was associated with variation in genes involved in N fixation and organic P mineralization in rhizosphere soil. Our results revealed associations between functional-gene abundances, soil nutrients, crop productivity, and bacterial community changes under long-term fertilization, highlighting the importance of quantitative functional-gene analysis as an indicator for evaluating soil multifunctionality. Full article

Hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum) is a nutritious cereal but suffers from prolonged cooking and asynchronous gelatinization with rice. Pre-gelatinization technology can address these issues, yet optimal processing parameters are needed to preserve its bioactive components. This study optimized the infiltration and drying processes for pre-gelatinized hulless barley rice. Infiltration cycles and durations were evaluated using sensory scores, texture analysis, and gelatinization degree; drying temperatures (80–160 °C) and times were optimized based on quality and nutrient retention. Secondary infiltration for 4 h significantly outperformed traditional soaking, yielding higher retention of polyphenols (130.73 mg/100 g), flavonoids (50.01 mg/100 g), and β-glucan (2.96%). Drying at 80–100 °C for 90–120 min produced the best sensory and textural properties, maximal retention of polyphenols (128.46 mg/100 g), flavonoids (45 mg/100 g), β-glucan (3.1%), and reducing sugars (482.84 mg/100 g at 80 °C/120 min), and the highest DPPH and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging activities. Higher temperatures (≥120 °C) caused significant degradation of these functional components and reduced antioxidant capacity. The optimal combination—secondary infiltration for 4 h followed by drying at 80–100 °C for 90–120 min—effectively balances processing efficiency with nutritional and functional quality. This optimized process provides a practical technical solution for large-scale production of high-quality pre-gelatinized hulless barley rice. Full article

Sewage sludge (SS)-derived materials were investigated as low-cost heterogeneous catalytic materials for polystyrene (PS) pyrolysis, focusing on the effects of thermal treatment, HCl leaching, and Fe impregnation. Sewage sludge ash (SSA), sewage sludge char (SSC), and HCl-leached Fe-impregnated sewage sludge char (Fe-LSSC) were evaluated as in-situ catalytic materials. Catalyst-to-PS ratios of 1:1–1:10 were investigated in a horizontal semi-batch tubular reactor operated in an in-situ catalyst–polymer contact mode at 800 °C. Thermal pyrolysis produced 63.9 wt.% PyOil and 12.6 wt.% PyGas. SSA increased the PyOil yield to 78.0 wt.% at 1:10 and promoted lighter aromatics; at 1:1, light aromatics increased to 66.8 wt.%, BTEX from 5.8 to 24.58 wt.%, and PAHs decreased to 11.8 wt.%. SSC showed a weaker, non-monotonic effect, with PyOil decreasing to 54.4 wt.% and PyChar increasing to 4.7 wt.% at 1:2. Fe-LSSC produced the strongest changes, increasing PyGas to 28.0 wt.% at 1:1 and H₂ to 75.3 vol.% at 1:2. The gasoline-range fraction reached 82.1 wt.% at 1:2, while PAHs decreased to 8.79 wt.% at 1:1. Catalyst reuse altered gas composition, whereas thermal regeneration partially restored catalytic behavior. Overall, SS-derived materials exhibited distinct, loading-dependent catalytic functions, while HCl leaching and Fe impregnation enhanced the conversion of PS pyrolysis vapors toward lighter aromatic and gaseous products. Full article