Search Results (4,338)

Background: Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity are established risk factors for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in the general obstetric population. However, data regarding their impact in female liver transplant recipients remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and pregnancy-related complications and neonatal outcomes in this high-risk cohort. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on pregnancies in liver transplant recipients who delivered between 2001 and 2022 at a single tertiary referral center. Participants were stratified into two groups based on pre-pregnancy BMI: normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (≥25 kg/m²). Maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications, and perinatal outcomes were compared using appropriate statistical methods, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 72 pregnancies included in the analysis, 48 (66.7%) were in women with normal BMI, and 24 (33.3%) were in those with an elevated BMI. No statistically significant differences were observed in gestational age at delivery, neonatal birth weight, Apgar scores, or incidence of preterm birth. Although pregnancy-induced hypertension and cesarean delivery were more prevalent among overweight/obese individuals, these differences did not reach statistical significance (PIH: 28% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.112; cesarean delivery: 76% vs. 64.6%, p = 0.465). Conclusions: In conclusion, pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity were not significantly associated with adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes in liver transplant recipients. Nevertheless, the observed trends suggest a potential predisposition to hypertensive disorders (PIH: 28% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.112), underscoring the importance of individualized preconception counseling and weight optimization strategies in this high-risk patient population. Full article

Developing a more productive, resource-efficient, and climate-smart rubber agroforestry model is essential for the sustainable growth of natural rubber cultivation. In this study, we evaluated whether a double-row rubber plantation intercropped with the medicinal crop Ficus hirta Vahl. (DR-F) could achieve this goal, using a single-row rubber plantation (SR) as the control. We assessed the feasibility of the DR-F system based on productivity, solar utilization efficiency (SUE), partial factor productivity of applied nitrogen (PFPN), carbon efficiency (CE), net ecosystem carbon balance (NECB), and carbon footprint (CF). No significant difference was observed in rubber tree biomass between the DR-F (10.49 t·ha⁻¹) and SR (8.49 t·ha⁻¹) systems. However, the DR-F system exhibited significantly higher total biomass productivity (23.34 t·ha⁻¹) than the SR systems due to the substantial contribution from intercropped Ficus hirta Vahl., which yielded 12.84 t·ha⁻¹(p < 0.05). The root fresh weight yield of Ficus hirta Vahl. reached 17.55 t·ha⁻¹, generating an additional profit of 20,417 CNY ha⁻¹. The DR-F system also exhibited higher solar radiation interception and greater availability of soil nutrients. Notably, the roots of rubber trees and Ficus hirta Vahl. did not overlap at a 4 m distance from the rubber trees. The DR-F system achieved higher SUE (0.64%), PFPN (51.40 kg·kg⁻¹ N), and CE (6.93 kg·kg⁻¹ C) than the SR system, with the SUE and PFPN differences being statistically significant (p < 0.05). Although the NECB remained unaffected, the DR-F system demonstrated significantly higher productivity and a substantially lower CF (0.33 kg CO₂·kg⁻¹, a 56% reduction; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the DR-F system represents a more sustainable and beneficial agroforestry approach, offering improved productivity, greater resource use efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. Full article

This study investigates the effect of walnut green husk extract (WE) on gut microbiota, metabolites, and immune-antioxidant changes in fattening pigs through gut microbiota-metabolite interactions. A total of 60 healthy fattening pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial body weight of 65.2 ± 3.1 kg were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 30 per group): the control group (NC), which was fed a basal diet, and the WE group, which was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.1% walnut green husk extract (WE). Dietary supplementation with 0.1% WE significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Firmicutes, Lactobacillus) and reduced pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Proteobacteria, Shigella). Untargeted metabolomics identified 170 differentially accumulated metabolites, among which propionic acid—a key short-chain fatty acid with immunomodulatory effects—was significantly upregulated by 1.09-fold (p = 0.03) and showed a positive correlation with beneficial microbial abundances. These metabolites were enriched in glycerophospholipid and α-linolenic acid metabolism pathways, where eicosadienoic acid inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway for anti-inflammatory effects, and methyl cinnamate synergistically regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling with Lactobacillus. Serum analyses showed that WE significantly enhanced IgA, IgM, and IgG levels by 3.97-fold, 4.67-fold, and 4.43-fold (p < 0.01), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration by 82.8% (p < 0.01), and trended to improve antioxidant capacity via glutamine. Mechanistically, WE promoted short-chain fatty acid production by beneficial bacteria, forming a “microbiota–metabolite–immunity” cascade to enhance lipid metabolism and alleviate intestinal inflammation. These findings highlight that WE provides multi-omics evidence for its application as a functional feed additive. Full article

Plant pruning is the selective removal of specific plant parts to enhance growth, shape, and health. In this work, the effects of pruning were evaluated regarding the physiological parameters, maturity, quality, and harvest indices and the nutritional quality features of twelve chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw] (Cucurbitaceae) varieties. GC-FID approaches were utilized to determine CO₂ assimilation rates. The results demonstrated that pruning upregulated the leaf temperature and conductance but decreased transpiration and CO₂ assimilation rates within the evaluated period (06:30 a.m.–16:23 p.m.). It was noted that the implementation of pruning also impacted samples with enhanced photosynthetically active radiation activity, with a positive correlation with CO₂ assimilation. The macro- and micronutrient content was higher in samples with an epidermis, especially for S. edule var. albus spinosum. Nevertheless, the analyzed samples presented low (5–10 mL CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), medium (10–15 mL CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), and high levels (15–20 mL CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) of respiratory intensity and weight loss (7–17%)—effects attributed to botanical differences between the studied chayote varieties. This work demonstrates, for the first time, the effects of pruning in chayote orchards and expands the knowledge regarding the implementation of effective approaches to produce plants with culinary, cultural, and medicinal implications. Further approaches are required to determine the effects of pruning on chayote after harvest. Full article

This research assessed the efficacy of glutamate (Glu) supplementation to feed in counteracting growth restriction and intestinal stress-induced injury in juvenile groupers (Epinephelus coioides; initial weight 15.11 ± 0.03 g). The study comprised five isonitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets: a fish-meal-based (FM) diet, a soya-meal-based (SBM) diet, and SBM diets containing varying Glu levels of 1.0% (G-1), 2.0% (G-2), or 3.0% (G-3). The trial employed a randomized design with five treatment groups. Each group was housed in triplicate aquariums and received assigned diets for 56 consecutive days. Supplementation with Glu resulted in dose-dependent enhancements in weight gain, specific growth rate, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, intestinal superoxide dismutase activity, digestive enzyme activity (trypsin, lipase, amylase), amino acid metabolic enzyme activity (glutaminase, GLS; glutamine synthetase), and intestinal mRNA levels of GLS, IL-10, and TGF-β1. Maximal values of the G-3 diet were restored to the levels of the FM diet (p > 0.05). Serum total cholesterol, intestinal total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity followed a similar increasing trend with Glu level, attaining maxima in diet G-3, yet these values remained markedly lower than those of the FM diet (p < 0.05). Conversely, intestinal malondialdehyde content and mRNA levels of genes IL-8, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α exhibited a significant dose-dependent decrease, reaching minimal levels in diet G-3 that were restored to the levels of the FM diet (p > 0.05). The results above demonstrate that Glu addition enhances nutritional status and intestinal structural integrity by augmenting antioxidant and digestive capacity and mitigating inflammatory responses, consequently enhancing growth performance and intestinal health. Full article

The present study was conducted to evaluate the individual and combined effects of dietary crude protein levels and magnetic water treatment on the growth performance, water quality, body composition, physiological responses, and immunity of Oreochromis niloticus. Using a 3 × 2 factorial design, three levels of dietary crude protein (25%, 30%, and 35%) and two water types (magnetized and non-magnetized) were tested. A total of 180 juvenile tilapia (average initial weight: 4.13 ± 0.004 g) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups and reared for 10 weeks. Results showed that magnetic water treatment significantly improved dissolved oxygen and pH, while reducing ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations. Growth performance indicators, including final weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain, were significantly improved by both magnetic water and increased dietary protein. Carcass crude protein content improved with both the higher dietary protein level and magnetic water, while lipid content decreased. Liver and kidney function indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, and urea) were significantly improved by magnetic treatment and higher protein levels. Blood biochemical markers (TP, ALB, and GLO) were elevated, while glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were reduced by magnetic water; significant interactions were observed for globulin, triglycerides, and total protein. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx) increased, and MDA decreased in response to magnetic water and high-protein diets. Similarly, digestive enzyme activities (lipase, protease, and amylase) and immune parameters (IgM and lysozyme) were significantly improved, with the best values recorded in the 35% protein + magnetic water group. In conclusion, magnetic water treatment and dietary protein level independently and interactively affect the physiological performance and health of Nile tilapia, with the best outcomes obtained at 35% protein under magnetic water conditions. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, affecting over 50 million people globally. Since 1906, efforts to understand this neurodegenerative disease and to develop effective treatments have continued to this day. Recognizing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) as a safe, inexpensive and vital nutrient for brain health and cognitive protection due to its key role in brain development and function, this study explores novel, sustainable non-fish sources as potential dietary supplements to prevent or mitigate AD, within a blue biotechnology framework. Forty 5×FAD male mice, five weeks old, were allocated to five body weight-matched dietary groups (n = 8) and fed isocaloric diets based on AIN-93M standard chow for 6 months. Each diet, except the control feed (non-supplemented group), enclosed a modified lipid fraction supplemented with 2% of the following: (1) linseed oil (LSO, rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3)); (2) cod liver oil (fish oil, FO, rich in both DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3)); (3) Schizochytrium sp. microalga oil (Schizo) with 40% of DHA; and (4) commercial DHASCO oil (DHASCO) with 70% of DHA. The different diets did not affect (p > 0.05) growth performance criteria (e.g., final body weight, daily feed intake, and body weight gain) suggesting no effect on the overall caloric balance or mice growth, but n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated-fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and total lipids (p < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was detected in 5×FAD mice. In parallel, a beneficial modulation of lipid metabolism by DHA-enriched diets was observed, with polyunsaturated fatty acid incorporation, particularly DHA, across key metabolic tissues, such as the liver (p < 0.001) and the brain (p < 0.001). No behavioural variations were detected using an open-field test after 6 months of diet (p > 0.05). While mice fed a standard diet or LSO diet showed cognitive deficit, the incorporation of FO, Schizo or DHASCO oils into dietary routine showed promising protective effects on the working memory (p < 0.05) and the last two diets also on the recognition memory (p < 0.05) Increased neuronal count (p < 0.05), reflecting neuronal survival, was clearly observed with the fish oil diet. In turn, the number of TAU-positive cells (p < 0.05) was reduced in the Schizo diet, while β-amyloid deposition (p < 0.01) and the neuroinflammatory marker, IBA1 (p < 0.05), were decreased across all DHA-enriched diets. These promising findings open new avenues for further studies focused on the protective effects of DHA derived from sustainable and underexploited Schizochytrium sp. microalga in the prevention of AD. Full article

Lighting influences broiler production, health, and behavior. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of three light wavelengths (White [350–780 nm], Blue [450 nm], and Green [560 nm]) on broiler production, activity, fear, stress, blood cell profiles, and tibiotarsi (tibia) morphology. Day-of-hatch male broiler chicks (N = 600) were housed in pens (N = 12) with one lighting treatment for 42 days. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded on day (D) 0, 14, 28, and 42, and the feed conversion ratio was calculated. The Tonic Immobility test was used to assess the latency (seconds) to right from the testing cradle (D12 and D33). Blood was drawn for leukocyte and plasma corticosterone concentrations (D21 and D41). Accelerometers were attached at 2 and 5 weeks of age to measure activity. On D41, thermal images of the head were taken to measure surface temperatures (eye and beak), the bursa of Fabricius (bursa) was extracted for relative bursa weight, and the right and left tibias were extracted for tibia morphology. After sampling, the remaining broilers were processed. Activity was greatest in Green light at Week 2 (261.17 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001), and activity was lowest in White light at Week 5 (98.99 ± 8.52 m/s², p < 0.0001). Broilers under Blue light had lower concentrations of lymphocytes (8.62 ± 0.40 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.01) and T cells (7.16 ± 0.33 × 10³ cells/µL, p = 0.008) compared to White light. Breast yields were greatest (26.89 ± 0.13%, p = 0.01) in the White treatments compared to Green and Blue treatments. These results suggest that blue light may negatively impact immune health, while green light increases activity, without decreasing production performance, and white light can improve carcass traits. Therefore, lighting color can be strategically used to target welfare or production goals. Full article

The 2021 WHO classification of brain tumours revolutionised the oncological field by emphasising the role of molecular, genetic and pathogenetic advances in classifying brain tumours. In this context, incidental gliomas have been increasingly identified due to the widespread performance of standard and advanced MRI sequences and represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The impactful decision to perform a surgical procedure deeply relies on the non-invasive identification of features or parameters that may correlate with brain tumour genetic profile and grading. Therefore, it is paramount to reach an early and proper diagnosis through neuroradiological techniques, such as MRI. Standard MRI sequences are the cornerstone of diagnosis, while consolidated and emerging roles have been awarded to advanced sequences such as Diffusion-Weighted Imaging/Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (DWI/ADC), Perfusion-Weighted Imaging (PWI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI). The current novelty relies on the application of AI in brain neuro-oncology, mainly based on radiomics and radiogenomics models, which enhance standard and advanced MRI sequences in predicting glioma genetic status by identifying the mutation of multiple key biomarkers deeply impacting patients’ diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, such as IDH, EGFR, TERT, MGMT promoter, p53, H3-K27M, ATRX, Ki67 and 1p19. AI-driven models demonstrated high accuracy in glioma detection, grading, prognostication, and pre-surgical planning and appear to be a promising frontier in the neuroradiological field. On the other hand, standardisation challenges in image acquisition, segmentation and feature extraction variability, data scarcity and single-omics analysis, model reproducibility and generalizability, the black box nature and interpretability concerns, as well as ethical and privacy challenges remain key issues to address. Future directions, rooted in enhanced standardisation and multi-institutional validation, advancements in multi-omics integration, and explainable AI and federated learning, may effectively overcome these challenges and promote efficient AI-based models in glioma management. The aims of our multidisciplinary review are to: (1) extensively present the role of standard and advanced MRI sequences in the differential diagnosis of iLGGs as compared to HGGs (High-Grade Gliomas); (2) give an overview of the current and main applications of AI tools in the differential diagnosis of iLGGs as compared to HGGs (High-Grade Gliomas); (3) show the role of MRI, radiomics and radiogenomics in unravelling glioma genetic profiles. Standard and advanced MRI, radiomics and radiogenomics are key to unveiling the grading and genetic profile of gliomas and supporting the pre-operative planning, with significant impact on patients’ differential diagnosis, prognosis prediction and treatment strategies. Today, neuroradiologists are called to efficiently use AI tools for the in vivo, non-invasive, and comprehensive assessment of gliomas in the path towards patients’ personalised medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) necessitates evidence-based rehabilitation strategies to optimize return-to-sport (RTS) outcomes, yet persistent re-injury rates and suboptimal performance persist despite standardized protocols. The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study is to examine the relationship between biomechanical, anthropometric, and temporal factors and return-to-sport outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study identifies biomechanical, anthropometric, and temporal determinants of RTS readiness in 81 recreational athletes post-ACLR. Outcome measures included anterior (A-SLH), lateral (L-SLH), and medial (M-SLH) single-leg hop for distance, single-leg sit-to-stand (SLSS), single-leg wall-sit hold (SLWS), and ACL-RSI. Statistical analyses employed Spearman’s correlations and multiple linear regression to determine the predictors of ACL-RSI. Results: There were significant correlations between RSI and Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) for L-SLH, M-SLH, SLSS, and SLWS (r = 0.27, r = 0.30, r = 0.44, r = 0.34, and p < 0.01, respectively). Among the functional outcome measures, multiple linear regression revealed that only SLWS significantly predicted ACL-RSI (β = 0.248, p = 0.037). Also, body weight (β = −0.233, p = 0.030) and postoperative duration (β = 0.292, p = 0.006) significantly predicted ACL-RSI. Conclusions: These findings challenge the primacy of limb symmetry indices alone, emphasizing the role of weight management, time-dependent neuromuscular adaptation, and multi-planar closed-chain strength in RTS decision-making. Clinically, rehabilitation frameworks should integrate personalized strategies targeting body composition and dynamic stability to mitigate asymmetric joint loading and enhance functional resilience. Full article

Purpose: To investigate whether mild hypohydration in lightweight rowers compromises rowing performance despite a two-hour rehydration window. Methods: Experienced varsity rowers [11 male (82.3 ± 26.2 kg, age = 21.3 ± 4.0 years, height = 184.7 ± 2.4 cm) and three female (62.1 ± 11.8 kg, 2.3 ± 4.2 years, 166.4 ± 16.2 cm)] performed a 2000 m rowing ergometer time trial and visuomotor battery twice: once euhydrated and once after mild dehydration. Weight loss (−1.68 ± 0.23% body mass reduction) was achieved through a combination of 12 h (abstinence) of fluid and food restriction and sauna exposure. Results: Participants were significantly slower on the 2000 m rowing trial in the hypohydration condition than in the euhydration condition (+2.44 ± 4.5 s, p < 0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that this rowing performance decrement was explained by hypohydration achieved overnight through fluid abstinence (r² = 0.504, p < 0.01) but not by hypohydration achieved in the sauna (r² = 0.025, n.s.), corroborating our previous finding. This analysis also revealed a relationship between hypohydration-related rowing performance decrements and hypohydration-related changes in visuomotor function (r² = 0.310, p < 0.01). Conclusions: These findings suggest that rowing time trial performance can be negatively affected by relatively small changes in hydration status and that the method by which hypohydration is achieved is important. Rowing performance losses were explained by hypohydration due to prolonged fluid abstinence and by hypohydration-related changes to neural control of movement. Performance losses were not related to rapid sauna-based fluid loss. Full article

The aim of this study is to investigate the dynamic changes in nutritional components, fermentation parameters, and microbial communities of mulberry leaves during silage fermentation with exogenous and epiphytic Pediococcus pentosaceus (P. pentosaceus). P. pentosaceus P (Pp) and P. pentosaceus M (Pm), isolated from the epiphytic microbiota of paper mulberry and mulberry leaves, respectively, were used as fermentation inoculants (OD₆₀₀ = 0.6). Fresh mulberry leaves were treated with the inoculants at 1% (mL/g) of leaf weight and ensiled for 60 days. Three groups were established: T1 (exogenous Pp), T2 (epiphytic Pm), and CK (control, sterile water). Samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 60 to analyze chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and bacterial communities. Redundancy analysis was conducted to explore relationships between fermentation characteristics and bacterial communities. The results showed that T2 had significantly higher dry matter content from day 30 (p < 0.05) and lower neutral detergent fiber content from day 3 (p < 0.05) compared to T1. Additionally, T2 exhibited faster water-soluble carbohydrate consumption and more rapid pH decline during the early fermentation phase (days 1–7). Lactic acid (LA) content in T2 was significantly higher during days 1–7 (p < 0.05), while acetic acid (AA) content was significantly lower from day 3 (p < 0.05). T2 consistently showed higher crude protein and lower ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) levels than T1 throughout fermentation. Microbial analysis revealed higher abundance of Firmicutes in T2 during days 1–15 and greater relative abundance of Pediococcus from day 1 to 30. Kosakonia was more abundant in T2, whereas Escherichia-Shigella was less abundant. During days 3–15, bacterial communities in T1 and T2 correlated positively with LA, with stronger effects in T2, driven by Pediococcus. In the later stages (days 30 and 60), bacterial communities were influenced by AA, NH₃-N, and propionic acid, with Enterobacter, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus as key contributors. This study demonstrates that supplementing epiphytic P. pentosaceus improves fermentation efficiency and nutritional quality of mulberry leaf silage compared to exogenous P. pentosaceus. Full article

Obesity, a major global health concern, is associated with systemic metabolic dysregulation. Spexin, a peptide implicated in appetite control and energy balance, may represent a biomarker and therapeutic target in obesity management. This study aimed to investigate tissue-specific modulation of spexin expression in obese male rats subjected to aerobic exercise and/or metformin treatment. Thirty-six Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6 per group): (i) control, (ii) obese control, (iii) exercise, (iv) metformin, (v) metformin + exercise, and (vi) a decapitation baseline group. Obesity was induced via a 12-week high-calorie diet. Subsequently, interventions were applied over 4 weeks: treadmill running (30 min/day, 5 days/week) and/or metformin (150 mg/kg/day). Post-intervention, body weight significantly decreased in intervention groups (p < 0.001) exercise (−13.7%), metformin (−14.6%), and metformin + exercise (−21.1%) compared to the obese control group. ELISA revealed tissue-specific effects on spexin expression. In skeletal muscle, spexin levels were highest in controls (628 ± 160.5 pg/mL), with a significant reduction in the metformin + exercise group (349 ± 84.7 pg/mL; p = 0.003, Cohen’s d = 2.17). In the liver, the control group showed the highest expression (443 ± 240.8 pg/mL), while metformin + exercise yielded the lowest (254 ± 20.4 pg/mL). In contrast, heart tissue maintained elevated spexin levels across all intervention groups, with the metformin + exercise group nearly matching control levels (617 ± 25.2 vs. 618 ± 53.2 pg/mL). Immunohistochemistry confirmed these patterns, with the highest cardiac histoscore in the metformin + exercise group (2.34 ± 0.09). Hierarchical clustering underscored distinct tissue-specific expression patterns, separating muscle from liver and heart. Collectively, these findings suggest that spexin is differentially regulated by exercise and metformin, with joint effects and complex, tissue-specific modulation. This highlights spexin’s potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in precision obesity interventions. Full article

Protein purification is often performed for various applications. However, enzyme purification processes typically involve multiple steps that reduce yield and increase production costs. To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel three-step process to purify a lipase from whole sardine viscera (WSV), leveraging protein properties and the structural affinity of lipases for dye ligands. A crude extract of the viscera (CEV) was obtained by grinding the whole viscera in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0, Solution B) followed by centrifugation (6000× g; 30 min, 0 °C). Lipolytic activity (3.3 U/mg) was recorded only in the supernatant. The purification process began with ammonium sulfate fractionation (30–50% saturation), increasing lipolytic activity in the precipitate (PF30-50) to 32.9 U/mg. PF30-50 was then ultrafiltered using a 30 KDa MWCO membrane, where 5% of semi-purified lipases (SPLSV) was retained with an activity of 156.5 U/mg (UF30). Finally, the SPLSV was injected into a column packed with dye ligand affinity adsorbent, pre-equilibrated with 1.0 M ammonium sulfate in buffer A. The WSV lipase was eluted using a step gradient to progressively reduce salt concentration. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed a single band of purified lipase from sardine viscera (PLSV) corresponding to a molecular weight of 123.4 kDa, with a specific activity of 266.4 U/mg. The combination of ammonium sulfate precipitation, ultrafiltration, and dye-ligand affinity chromatography provides a scalable and reproducible approach with potential industrial relevance, particularly in biocatalysis and waste valorization contexts. Full article

Pepper seeds, a key byproduct of pepper processing, are rich in high-quality plant proteins. This study investigated the structural and functional properties of pepper seed protein isolate (PSPI) and optimized the ultrasonic homogenization process for PSPI-based nanoemulsions using response surface methodology (RSM), followed by stability evaluation. The results showed that glutamic acid is the dominant amino acid in PSPI, with a molecular weight range of 10–55 kDa. Some protein subunits were interconnected via disulfide bonds. Functionally, PSPI had lower water-/oil-holding capacities but superior emulsifying activity compared to soy protein isolate (SPI). RSM optimization determined the optimal nanoemulsion parameters within experimental constraints: PSPI 0.53%, ultrasonic power 500 W, and ultrasonic time 130 s, yielding a nanoemulsion with a droplet size of 319 ± 2 nm, consistent with the theoretical prediction (318 nm). The nanoemulsion demonstrated stability under neutral-to-alkaline conditions (pH 7.0–9.0), high ionic strength (Na⁺ concentration ≤ 100 mM), and elevated temperatures (40–100 °C), without phase separation or aggregation. This work supports pepper seed protein utilization and provides insights for plant protein nanoemulsion production. Full article