Search Results (131)

Elaeagnus mollis oilseed (EMO) meal is a protein-rich by-product that may serve as a novel source of food-derived α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides. This study aimed to obtain EMO peptide fractions with enhanced α-glucosidase inhibition and to clarify the activity, stability and mechanism of the most active fraction. Fourteen proteases were compared, and 3.350 acidic protease was selected to establish an optimized hydrolysis process. The resulting EMO hydrolysate showed an IC₅₀ of 9.11 mg/mL against α-glucosidase and no detectable cytotoxicity towards HEK-293T cells at 0.1–12.0 mg/mL. Ultrafiltration yielded four fractions, among which the 3–10 kDa fraction exhibited the highest inhibition and maintained substantial activity under acidic pH (2–6), −20–50 °C, NaCl ≤ 5% and simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Kinetic analysis indicated mixed-type inhibition, while fluorescence, circular dichroism and molecular docking suggested that peptides in this fraction bind near the catalytic site of α-glucosidase and induce local conformational changes. These findings support EMO-derived 3–10 kDa peptides as stable, non-cytotoxic α-glucosidase inhibitors with potential as functional ingredients for dietary management of type 2 diabetes. Full article

In Molly Keane’s 1934 novel Devoted Ladies, the young Irish character Piggy Browne is dismissed as a “fat, hungry virgin”, an insult that incites the text’s denouement. This article uses the figure of Piggy Browne to juxtapose virginity and fatness in Keane’s writing, asking how fat can inform our understanding of the single Irish woman in Keane. I set up both fat and virginity as relevant concerns to Keane’s work, drawing on a range of her fiction as well as writing about virginity, land, and time. Focussing on Piggy in Devoted Ladies demonstrates how the novel is interested in the emotional lives of women, however satirically. Moreover, ideas of virginity, fat, and hunger become useful ways of thinking about Piggy’s role in the ending of Devoted Ladies. Keane ultimately emphasizes a fall, not a culmination, concluding on a moment of agency, if not progress. Full article

Postharvest losses from potato tuber moth severely constrain seed quality in Andean smallholder systems. This study evaluated four locally available repellent plants—Ambrosia peruviana, Eucalyptus globulus, Artemisia absinthium, and Minthostachys mollis—applied as dried leaves layered within seed bags of INIA 302 ‘Amarilis’ under farmer-like storage at two highland sites in Cajamarca, Peru (Huaytorco, 3350 m; Samaday, 2750 m), over 187 days. Within each site, a Completely Randomized Design with three bag-level replicates per treatment was used, and damage was assessed after 187 days as incidence of attacked tubers, internal damage severity and live larval counts. Endpoint data were analyzed separately by site using Kruskal–Wallis tests followed by Dunn’s post hoc test with Šidák correction (α = 0.05). Across both sites, all botanicals significantly reduced damage severity and live larval counts relative to the untreated control. At the warmer, lower site, A. absinthium and M. verticillata achieved large effect sizes, with severity and larval numbers reduced by roughly 80–90% compared with the control, while at the cooler, higher site, larvae were not detected in any botanical treatment. These findings indicate that simple layering of dried leaves from locally available plants, particularly wormwood and muña, can substantially mitigate S. tangolias damage in highland seed potato stores and represents a promising, low-cost complement to integrated pest management, although multi-season and dose-response studies are still needed to confirm and refine this approach. Full article

In this study, an I-optimal design was used to select an optimal muña essential oil nanoemulsion (MEO-NE) for application in active starch-based films. Four independent variables were used to optimize the process: emulsifier concentration (X₁) (% w/w), sonication time (X₂) (min), essential oil concentration (X₃) (% w/w), and emulsifier type (X₄) (Tween 80 or sapote gum). Results revealed that MEO-NE containing 5.24% of MEO, 6% Tween^® 80, and 9 min of ultrasound treatment exhibited a small droplet size (Y₁) (48.6 nm), moderate ζ-potential (Y₂) (−15 mV), and DPPH inhibition (Y₃) (95.6%). Starch-based films were incorporated with optimized MEO-NE at 5% (F₁) and 10% (F₂) and compared with control films (F₀). F₁ and F₂ exhibited lower moisture content, water solubility, and water vapor permeability than F₀; however, their contact angles were higher. The addition of MEO-NE into the polymeric matrix increased the stiffness of F₁ and F₂; however, the elongation at yield was slightly lower than that of F₀, resulting in less stretchable composite films. All films were disintegrated by more than 90% after 5 days of burial under composting conditions. The incorporation of MEO-NE into composite films significantly enhanced their properties, suggesting their potential use as eco-friendly packaging. Full article

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is an aggressive cancer arising within the liver from the bile ducts, and it is characterized by limited therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. This neoplasm exhibits both high intra-tumor and inter-tumor heterogeneity and many oncogenic and tumor suppressor genes are involved in its development and progression. Here, we summarize the major pathways and driver genes involved in the genesis and progression of iCCA, with a special look at their potential therapeutic values. We approach not only the well–known FGFR, IDH and HER2 alterations but also delve into less known cellular pathways such as cell surface receptors, cellular signaling pathways, tumor suppressor genes and metabolic pathways. The aim of our review is therefore not only to summarize the available evidence on singular pathways/alterations but also to foster and promote new investigations into lesser known alterations that could be present in each singular iCCA case. Full article

The first systematic chemical investigation on Sinularia mollis resulted in the isolation and identification of 36 seven-membered cembranolides, including 14 new compounds named sinumollolides A–N (1–14) and 22 known analogs (15–36) by HSQC-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART). Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1D/2D NMR and UV), HRESIMS, quantum chemical calculations (DP4+ analysis and ECD calculations), and X-ray diffraction analysis. In zebrafish assays, compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at 20 μM by inhibiting the number of macrophages around the neuromasts, with inhibition rates ranging from 30.4% to 45.6%. Moreover, the two most bioactive and less toxic compounds, 1 and 5, featuring a 14-membered macrocyclic lactone scaffold with several hydroxyl groups and a seven-membered α, β-unsaturated lactone moiety, can inhibit inflammation by suppressing the secretion of inflammatory cytokines at 10 μM in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells. Full article

Background/Objectives: We measured hepatic T2*, T1, and T2 values in N = 81 transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients to assess and compare their reproducibility, evaluate their correlations with demographics and clinical parameters, and explore their association with disease-related complications. Methods: All TDT patients (52 females, 38.13 ± 10.79 years), were enrolled in the Extension-Myocardial Iron Overload in Thalassaemia Network. The magnetic resonance imaging protocol (1.5 T) included: multi-echo gradient echo sequences for T2* relaxometry, modified look-locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequences for T1 mapping, and multi-echo fast-spin-echo (MEFSE) sequences for T2 mapping. Results: All three relaxation times demonstrated good intra- and inter-observer reproducibility and were significantly correlated with each other. Of the 59 patients with reduced T2*, 45 (76.3%) also had reduced T1, and 42 (71.2%) had reduced T2 values. Among 22 patients with normal T2*, 3 (13.6%) exhibited reduced T1. No patients showed increased T1, and only one had elevated T2. Liver relaxation times were not associated with gender or splenectomy status. All relaxation times inversely correlated with serum ferritin levels, while T2 and T2* inversely correlated with mean alanine aminotransferase levels. Cirrhosis and glucose metabolism alterations were associated with lower relaxation times. All three relaxation times effectively discriminated between the absence and presence of cirrhosis [areas under the curve (AUCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 0.85 (0.75–0.92) for T2*, 0.78 (0.68–0.87) for T1, and 0.92 (0.84–0.97) for T2]. T2* showed comparable accuracy to T1 and T2, while a significant difference was observed between T1 and T2 values. All liver relaxation times demonstrated similar diagnostic performance in identifying glucose metabolism alterations [AUCs with 95% CIs: 0.67 (0.55–0.77) for T2*, 0.69 (0.57–0.79) for T1, and 0.67 (0.56–0.77) for T2]. Conclusions: In TDT, a comprehensive assessment of hepatic relaxation times may enhance clinical monitoring and management of iron overload and its related complications. Full article

Zoos are increasingly hosting out-of-hours events such as ‘Music Nights’ to increase visitation, raising potential animal welfare concerns due to anthropogenic noise pollution. This study examined the physiological stress response, measured through faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGCM), of Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus; n = 6) at Twycross Zoo during four consecutive weekends of live music events. Faecal samples were collected over these weekends and compared with a comprehensive 24 h acoustic analysis of the enclosure. The acoustic data indicated that the environment was dominated by noise from the ventilation system, which masked the sound from the live music. Comparisons of acoustic metrics between Event and Non-Event periods showed that LAeq, LA10, and LA90 were significantly higher during event hours or open zoo periods. In contrast, daily means did not differ. Group-averaged FGCM concentrations were higher on Event days (mean ± SE: Event = 826 ± 99 ng/g; No Event = 701 ± 44 ng/g), but comparisons for each individual showed no significant differences (Batu: t = 0.577, p = 0.596; Maliku: t = 1.475, p = 0.212; Molly: t = 0.290, p = 0.786; Kibriah: t = 0.771, p = 0.506). In contrast, FGCM concentrations increased significantly with increasing acoustic levels (LAeq) across individuals, with Batu and Maliku generally showing higher FGCM levels in response to louder days. These findings suggest that the constant background noise may have caused partial habituation. At the same time, individual variation highlights the importance of assessing physiological responses at the individual level, as relying on group-level data may overlook adverse welfare effects on sensitive individuals. Full article

The study characterized the essential oils of eight aromatic medicinal plants (Tagetes filifolia, Aloysia citrodora, Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus globulus, Chamaemelum nobile, Piper aduncum, Minthostachys mollis, and Rosmarinus officinalis) using Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Raman spectra allowed the identification of bands associated with C–H, C=C, C–O, and C=O bonds, evidencing the presence of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and oxygenated compounds. GC–MS analysis confirmed these results, detecting 224 compounds, predominantly terpenoids. Among the major compounds, cis,cis-nepetalactone (30.16%), β-caryophyllene (up to 18.26%), citronellol (10.92%), citral, and linalool were found. The combination of both techniques made it possible to relate the chemical composition to the molecular structure. This showed that the differences between species are mainly due to the proportion of oxygenated compounds (citral, linalool, geraniol) compared with aromatic hydrocarbons (β-caryophyllene, D-limonene, β-pinene). Additionally, the presence of cis,cis-nepetalactone in M. mollis was reported for the first time, representing a significant chemical finding. Full article

Spermatogenesis in teleosts is essential for reproductive function; however, it varies considerably among species. The testis of the viviparous molly fish (Poecilia sphenops) was examined using both ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods. The testis displays a restricted lobular type, where germ cells develop synchronously within Sertoli cell-forming cysts. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed all stages of spermatogenesis. Mature sperm are at the apex of the cysts and migrate toward the sperm ducts. Sperm duct epithelium is lined by cuboidal cells joined by tight junctions, with apical cilia and desmosomal complexes contributing to transport and structural integrity. The sperm ducts showed strong Periodic Acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive expression among negative stained spermatocysts. Centrally, a cavity serves as a storage area for spermatozoa that are organized into unencapsulated bundles known as spermatozeugmata. Sertoli cells exhibited extended cytoplasmic processes that supported developing germ cells, whereas Leydig cells occupied the interstitial tissue, contributing to hormonal regulation. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong vimentin expression in Sertoli cells and telocytes, indicating their mesenchymal origin and structural role. Calretinin expression was confined to Leydig cells and certain ductal epithelial cells, supporting its use as a marker for steroidogenic and secretory functions. These findings provide new insights into the testicular specialization of P. sphenops, highlighting key somatic–germ cell interactions, ductal adaptations, and marker expression patterns that underlie male reproductive success in viviparous fish. Full article

Harvesting sea urchins from barrens and enhancing their gonads through aquaculture offers a promising way to convert low-value individuals into high-quality seafood. This study evaluated whether red sea urchins (Mesocentrotus franciscanus, RSUs) fed nutrient-enriched seaweeds produced in a land-based integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system could significantly improve gonad size and quality. Two seaweed species, Ulva australis and Devaleraea mollis, were grown in effluent from white seabass (Atractoscion nobilis) tanks and used to feed RSUs over an 8-week period. RSUs readily consumed both seaweeds, with measurable ingestion, fecal output, and absorption efficiency. We hypothesized that RSUs fed IMTA seaweed would exhibit increased gonadosomatic index and improved gonad quality. GSI significantly increased in both groups, from an initial 3.00 ± 0.50% (9.02 ± 1.80 g) to 4.64 ± 0.66% (23.04 ± 10.20 g) in the U. australis group and to 6.35 ± 1.30% (31.20 ± 7.20 g) in the D. mollis group. Gonad quality improved from “D” (unmarketable) to average “B” (high-quality) grade, based on color, firmness, and texture. These results demonstrate that RSUs collected from barrens can be enhanced into premium seafood using nutrient-enriched seaweeds. Integrating RSUs into land-based IMTA systems may increase aquaculture efficiency, reduce waste, and diversify seafood production in a sustainable and economically viable way. Full article

Psathyrostachys huashanica (2n = 2x = 14, NsNs) and Leymus mollis (2n = 4x = 28, NsNsXmXm) are important wild relatives of common wheat. The Ns chromosomes from two species have been successfully introgressed into wheat through distant hybridization. To compare the genetic effects and evolutionary relationship of Ns chromosomes from different genera in a wheat background, wheat-P. huashanica derivative WH15 and wheat-L. mollis derivative WM14-2 were selected. Sequential FISH-GISH showed that both WH15 and WM14-2 contained 40 wheat chromosomes (with 2D deletion) and two Ns chromosomes with different FISH karyotypes. Molecular markers and SNP array analysis revealed that the two lines both introduced 2Ns chromosomes. However, the P. huashanica 2Ns and L. mollis 2Ns had distinct sequence compositions, and the different SNPs between the two species 2Ns chromosomes were primarily clustered on the short arm. WH15 and WM14-2 exhibited significant differences in spike-related morphologies but shared leaf rust resistance and susceptibility to powdery mildew and Fusarium head blight. Cytogenetic analysis confirmed stable meiotic inheritance of the introduced 2Ns chromosomes. We further developed universal diagnostic markers for 2Ns chromosomes based on SLAF-seq. Therefore, substantial divergence likely exists between the Ns genomes of P. huashanica and L. mollis, and P. huashanica is probably not the direct Ns genome donor for Leymus. Our research-developed derivatives provide unique resources for comparative studies of the structural and functional evolution of homoeologous Ns chromosomes across genera, while offering valuable alleles for wheat improvement. Full article

Background: This study aims to establish standardized reference values for myocardial T1 and T2 relaxation times in a clinically and imaging-defined real-world patient cohort, evaluating their variability in relation to age, sex, and comorbidities. By identifying key physiological and pathological influences, this investigation seeks to enhance CMR-based myocardial mapping for improved differentiation between normal and pathological myocardial conditions. Methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed T1 and T2 relaxation times using CMR at 1.5 Tesla in a cohort of 491 subjects. T1 and T2 times were measured using MOLLI and GRASE sequences, and statistical analyses assessed intra- and interindividual variations, including the influence of age, sex, and comorbidities, to establish reference values and improve myocardial tissue characterization. Results: T1 and T2 relaxation times were analyzed in 291 and 200 participants, respectively. The mean global T1 time was 1004.7 ± 49.8 ms, with no significant differences between age groups (p = 0.81) or sexes (p = 0.58). However, atrial fibrillation (AF) and mitral regurgitation (MR) were associated with significantly prolonged T1 times (p < 0.05). The mean global T2 time was 67.4 ± 8.6 ms, with age-related prolongation (p < 0.05), but no sex differences (p = 0.46). Comorbidities did not significantly influence T2 times, except for NYHA Class III–IV patients, who exhibited prolonged T2 values (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Standardized T1 and T2 reference values are essential to improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification in CMR-based myocardial tissue characterization. Future research should focus on multicenter validation, AI-driven analysis, and the development of age- and comorbidity-adjusted normative databases to enhance individualized cardiovascular care. Full article

The selection of suitable growing media plays a vital role in the successful adaptation of high-altitude plant species to lowland urban landscapes. This study assessed the morphological and physiological performance of two native perennial species, Alchemilla mollis and Geranium psilostemon, under low-altitude conditions using three different soil–sand (mil) mixtures: TA (50% soil–50% sand), TB (75% soil–25% sand), and TC (100% soil). Over a 17-month period, key plant growth parameters—including height, canopy diameter, leaf number, and chlorophyll concentration—were systematically monitored. Additionally, soil samples were analyzed before and after cultivation to determine pH, total nitrogen, organic matter, organic carbon, phosphorus, and electrical conductivity levels. To evaluate overall performance, the PROMETHEE multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method was applied, incorporating 11 criteria spanning plant development, soil quality, and economic considerations. Results revealed that the TC medium offered the most favorable outcomes for both species, particularly in terms of chlorophyll content and biomass accumulation. Conversely, the TB medium supported higher retention of nitrogen and organic matter. While A. mollis exhibited greater resilience under suboptimal conditions, G. psilostemon demonstrated rapid development under favorable settings. These findings underscore the potential of native perennial species in sustainable landscape design and validate the use of MCDM approaches in optimizing plant–soil interactions in horticultural applications. Full article

Background: T1 mapping has become a valuable technique in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) for evaluating myocardial tissue properties. However, its quantitative accuracy remains limited by noise-related variability. Super-resolution deep learning-based reconstruction (SR-DLR) has shown potential in enhancing image quality across various MRI applications, yet its effectiveness in myocardial T1 mapping has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SR-DLR on noise reduction and measurement consistency in myocardial T1 mapping. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational study included 36 patients who underwent CMR between July and December 2023. T1 mapping was performed using a modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence before and after contrast administration. Images were reconstructed with and without SR-DLR using identical scan data. Phantom studies using seven homemade phantoms with different Gd-DOTA dilution ratios were also conducted. Quantitative evaluation included mean T1 values, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to assess inter-observer agreement. Results: SR-DLR had no significant effect on mean native or post-contrast T1 values but significantly reduced SD and CV in both patient and phantom studies. SD decreased from 44.0 to 31.8 ms (native) and 20.0 to 14.1 ms (post-contrast), and CV also improved. ICCs indicated excellent inter-observer reproducibility (native: 0.822; post-contrast: 0.955). Conclusions: SR-DLR effectively reduces measurement variability while preserving T1 accuracy, enhancing the reliability of myocardial T1 mapping in both clinical and research settings. Full article