Search Results (22)

Background/Objectives: Tissue factor (TF)-expressing cancer cells and their extracellular vesicles (CaCe-dEVs) are key drivers of cancer-associated hypercoagulability and vascular dysfunction. While low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and direct FXa inhibitors are standard therapies for cancer-associated thrombosis, their direct effects on cancer cell procoagulant potential and endothelial responses remain incompletely defined. This study compared the impact of LMWHs (enoxaparin, tinzaparin), apixaban, and quercetin on cancer cell viability, thrombin generation, and CaCe-dEVs-induced endothelial injury. Methods: Pancreatic (BXPC3) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells and their vesicles were analyzed for TF expression and thrombin generation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with each agent prior to vesicle exposure. Cell viability, thrombin generation, and endothelial morphology were assessed using standard assays and microscopy. Results: Tinzaparin and quercetin significantly reduced cancer cell viability, whereas enoxaparin and apixaban showed no cytotoxicity. None of the agents affected HUVEC viability. All suppressed TF-mediated thrombin generation induced by cancer cells, with tinzaparin being most effective in BXPC3 cells. Quercetin exhibited a partial and limited protective effect on endothelial cells against CaCe-dEVs-induced dysfunction, while LMWHs and apixaban did not prevent endothelial damage. Conclusions: These findings suggest that LMWHs, apixaban, and quercetin modulate cancer-cell-driven hypercoagulability beyond anticoagulation, with quercetin and tinzaparin showing additional cytotoxic potential. Such dual effects may reduce thrombosis risk while impacting tumor progression, meriting further investigation. Full article

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants, yet lactation insufficiency remains a common cause of early breastfeeding cessation. Moringa oleifera has been traditionally used as a galactagogue due to its rich micronutrient and phytosterol content. This systematic review assessed the effects of Moringa leaf supplementation on prolactin levels and breast milk volume in postpartum mothers with lactation insufficiency. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted for randomized controlled trials involving healthy postpartum women supplemented with Moringa oleifera. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with intervention durations ranged from 3 to 10 days. Moringa supplementation increased significantly breast milk volume by up to 400 mL/day compared to controls. Serum prolactin levels also rose significantly with a mean increase of 231.72 ng/mL Most studies exhibited low to moderate risk of bias, though one study exhibited high risk due to lack of binding and subjective outcome measurement. Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation appears to enhance lactation by increasing milk volume and prolactin levels in postpartum mothers. However, further longer-term studies are needed to establish optimal dosing, sustained effectiveness, and safety. Full article

High-performance copper alloys are crucial for integrated circuit lead frames due to their high density, multifunctionality, and low cost. High-performance copper alloys typically address the competing issues of high strength and high electrical conductivity through alloying and processing control methods. However, the traditional methods for developing these alloys are time-consuming, expensive, and complex processes. This study utilizes Explainable AI by employing machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to predict the hardness (HRC) and electrical conductivity (mS/m) based on the alloy composition, including Cr, Zr, Ce, and La, and the processing parameters, namely the aging time, of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. A comprehensive dataset of 47 experimental Cu-Cr-Zr alloy samples, derived from prior experimental studies, was analyzed using feature engineering, correlation analysis, and explainability methods such as SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Various ML models, including ensemble methods like XGBoost, CatBoost, and AdaBoost, were evaluated for their predictive performance. The feature importance analysis revealed that the aging time and Zr content significantly influence the hardness, followed by Ce content, while Cr and La contents reveal a weak contribution to hardness values. Electrical conductivity is predominantly controlled by aging time, with a weak negative influence of the alloying elements. These findings align well with metallurgical principles, where microstructural refinement and precipitation behavior dictate the hardness and conductivity of Cu-Cr-Zr alloys. Hyperparameter tuning and model stacking further enhanced the predictive accuracy, with the final stacked models achieving R² scores of 0.8762 for hardness within a training time of 1.739 s and 0.8132 for electrical conductivity within a training time of 1.091 s. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of ML-driven approaches in material property predictions, providing valuable insights for material design and property processing parameter optimization. Full article

This study evaluated the potential of pectin (PEC)-based coatings, enhanced with olive leaf extract (OLE) and chitosan nanoparticles (CH-NPs), to mitigate the formation of harmful compounds during the frying of French fries. The research compared deep fat and hot air frying methods. Initial characterization of the coating solutions included assessing zeta potential, Z-Average, polydispersity index, and antioxidant capacity. The inclusion of OLE and CH-NPs significantly boosted antioxidant activity, reaching 78.9%, without substantially altering zeta potential or Z-Average characteristics. Notably, hot air frying induced significantly higher levels of acrylamide (ACR) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) compared to deep fat frying. However, the application of the developed coatings demonstrated a marked reduction in both ACR and HMF across both frying techniques. Furthermore, the coatings, particularly PEC with OLE and CH-NPs, effectively decreased oil absorption by 55% while simultaneously increasing moisture content. The sensory evaluation indicated that the panelists liked the deep-fat-fried fries significantly more compared to hot air frying. Deep-fat frying led to an elevated browning index, which was significantly counteracted by the application of the coatings. These findings underscore the importance of informing consumers about the potential for increased ACR and HMF formation during hot air frying, despite its advantages in reducing fat content, to ensure informed dietary choices. Full article

This paper sets up a new route for producing non-covalently crosslinked bio-composites by blending poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) of microbial origin and chitosan (CH) through poly-electrolyte complexation under specific experimental conditions. CH and two different molecular weight γ-PGA fractions have been blended at different mass ratios (1/9, 2/8 and 3/7) under acidic pH. The developed materials seemed to behave like moldable hydrogels with a soft rubbery consistency. However, after dehydration, they became exceedingly hard, glass-like materials completely insoluble in water and organic solvents. The native biopolymers and their blends underwent comprehensive structural, physicochemical, and thermal analyses. The study confirmed strong physical interactions between polysaccharide and polyamide chains, facilitated by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding. The materials exhibited both crystalline and amorphous structures and demonstrated good thermal stability and degradability. Described as thermoplastic and saloplastic, these bio-composites offer vast opportunities in the realm of polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). This unique combination of properties allowed the bio-composites to function as glass-like materials, making them highly versatile for potential applications in various fields. They hold potential for use in regenerative medicine, biomedical devices, food packaging, and 3D printing. Their environmentally friendly properties make them attractive candidates for sustainable material development in various industries. Full article

The goal of this study was to improve the functionality of two pectin (PEC) edible films by incorporating olive leaf extract (OLE) or guava leaf extract (GLE). Different concentrations of OLE or GLE (0.1 and 0.2% w/v) were used, and 30% glycerol was added as a plasticizer. The obtained films were evaluated for their mechanical properties, antioxidant activity, thickness, color, opacity, permeability to gases and water vapor, moisture content, and moisture uptake. Soluble sachets were then prepared and filled with chicken stock powder. The results indicated that incorporating OLE or GLE into the PEC films significantly increased their opacity, greenness, and antioxidant activity, which increased from 8.5% in the control to 83.9% when 0.2% GLE was added. Additionally, the films had lower water vapor permeability than the control film. The moisture uptake of the films was also significantly increased when GLE was added. Furthermore, the developed sachets were tested in real-life scenarios, mirroring their intended usage in households. After being introduced to boiling water, the sachets rapidly dissolved within seconds. These results suggest that OLE or GLE, as natural additives, can be used to improve the functionality and activity of edible films. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed meal (BCSM) and coconut meal (CM) on the performance and cecal microbiota of Cobb 500 hybrid broilers. The study was conducted on 600 chicks on the first day of hatching; the chicks were randomly distributed equally into 12 equal-sized floor pens. Four dietary treatments (C, T1, T2 and T3) were replicated three times (50 chicks/replicate): C was the control group; T1 was supplemented with 10% BCSM; T2 was supplemented with 10% CM; T3 was supplemented with 5% BCSM and 5% CM. At slaughter age on day 35, our findings showed that treatment T2 increased significantly body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to C, T1 and T3. In addition, the hot carcass dressing percentages in treatments T1, T2, and T3 were significantly higher than that of the C group. The results of relative normalized comparative gene expression of Clostridioides difficile, Roseburia and Streptococcus were not significantly changed in all treatments (p > 0.05). Treatment T1 resulted in a significant decrease in gene expression of the entire microbiota, while treatment T2 resulted in a significant increase in gene expression of all microbes, leading to an enriched and diverse microbial community. It can be concluded that supplementation with 10% BCSM is beneficial in inhibiting pathogenic microbes during early post-hatch days. In contrast, CM may promote and enhance the diversity of microbial communities during broiler growth. The inclusion of non-conventional feed ingredients in poultry diets may improve growth performance and may reduce the cost of broiler feed. Full article

Moringa oleifera is a traditional food crop widespread in Asiatic, African, and South American continents. The plant, able to grow in harsh conditions, shows a high nutritional value and medicinal potential evidencing cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The purpose of this study was the phytochemical analysis of M. oleifera and the identification of the antimicrobial compounds by combining a chemical approach with in vitro tests. The metabolite profile of M. oleifera polar and apolar extracts of leaves and seeds were investigated by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The antimicrobial activity of all of the obtained extract was evaluated against four bacterial pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica). The chemical analysis provided a wide set of metabolites that were identified and quantified. Moreover, apolar extracts from seeds showed a significant concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis, (4 mg/mL reduced the viability up to 50%) that was associated to the content of specific fatty acids. Our results remarked the advantages of an integrated approach for the identification of plant metabolites and its use in association with biological tests to recognize the compounds responsible for bioactivity without compounds purification. Full article

Oregano (Origanum syriacum) is popularly called za’atar in the Middle East region. It is widely used in the Mediterranean diet as an aromatic herb. This study aimed to evaluate the preservation effect of natural additives, vacuum packaging, and refrigeration on the quality traits of fresh oregano. In total, 132 fresh oregano samples were formulated and split into 4 groups (n = 33) labeled group A (100% fresh oregano leaves, Control), group B (fresh oregano 63.2%, 15% fresh onion, 20% oil, 1.8% salt), group C (fresh oregano 61.91%, 15% fresh Allium cepa, 20% oil, 1.8% salt, 1.29% sumac), and group D (fresh oregano 59.2%, 15% fresh Allium cepa, 20% corn oil, 1.8% salt, 4% lactic acid, ultimate pH 4.4). Different quality traits such as color index (L*a*b*), microbiological analysis (total aerobic, anaerobic, and psychrotrophic bacteria and yeasts and molds), and sensory features (taste, flavor, appearance, saltiness, and overall acceptance) were assessed during the storage period (42 days) for all groups. Our study showed that the addition of lactic acid (group D) exhibited a strong preservation effect against aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. In this context, group D had significantly lower aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts (5.12 vs. 6.7, 6, and 6.7 log (cfu/g); p < 0.05) and (4.75 vs. 6.6, 6.1, 6.77 (cfu/g); p < 0.05) than group A, B, and C; respectively. Group D exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) lower psychrotrophic bacterial count (3.6 log (cfu/g)) during the whole period of storage compared with control. Group B had a lower redness index (a*) (−3.3 vs. −1.8, −1.65, −1.23; p < 0.05) than groups A, C, and D; respectively. In conclusion, our study showed that there is a possibility of improving the preservation of oregano (Origanum syriacum) by using lactic acid and sumac combined with vacuum packaging under refrigeration conditions. Full article

The main aim of this work is to improve the functionality of Nigella sativa protein concentrate (NSPC) films by using grape juice (GJ). The film’s mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The obtained results showed, for the first time, that GJ at concentrations of 2%–10% (v/v) are able to act as plasticizer for the NSPC films with promising film properties. The results showed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of NSPC films were reduced significantly when the GJ increased. However, the NSPC films prepared with 6% GJ observed a higher elongation at break compared with other films. Moreover, the obtained films showed very interesting and promising results for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties compared with the control films. The sweet cherries wrapped with NSPC film showed that the TSS (Brix) was significantly lower compared to the control, after 10 days of storage. However, the titratable acidity, pH value, and L* of all cherries, either wrapped or not, was not significantly different in all storage times. On the other hand, hue angle was significantly lower after 10 days of storage at −18 °C compared with control films. GJ has a multi-functional effect for protein-based films as plasticizer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial function. Full article

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a fast-growing and drought-resistant tree of the Moringaceae family. The tree is known with some common names: miracle, ben oil, drumstick, horseradish or simply moringa. The plant grows in a variety of environments including harsh conditions. The plant has a high content of phytonutrients, being used as natural integrators to cure malnutrition. Phytochemical studies of plant organs showed the plant as a rich source of primary and secondary metabolites belonging to different classes of organic compounds. Pharmacological studies confirmed the use of the plant to cure several diseases and to possess nutraceutical properties. This review is aimed to contribute to the knowledge of M. oleifera by providing its plant description, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Full article

University students experience high levels of stress due to university transition, academic commitments, and financial matters. Higher stress perceptions along with limited coping resources endanger mental health for a considerable number of students and may ruin their performance. The current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (10 items), PSS-10, in a sample of 379 female Emeriti students. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in two factors with eigenvalues of 3.88 and 1.19, which explained 60.6% of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed good model fits of two correlated factors (Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.962, Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.950, standardized root-mean-square residual (SRMR) = 0.0479, and root mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.067). Internal consistency of the PSS-10 and its positive and negative subscales was acceptable (coefficient α = 0.67, 0.79, and 0.86, respectively). Multigroup analysis revealed that the PSS-10 holds invariance across different groups of age, marital status, and financial status (average monthly expenditure). Convergent and concurrent validity tests signify the importance of considering scores of subscales of the PSS-10 along with its total score. Full article

The essential oil (EO) from basil—Ocimum basilicum—was characterized, microencapsulated by vibration technology, and used to prepare a new type of packaging system designed to extend the food shelf life. The basil essential oil (BEO) chemical composition and antimicrobial activity were analyzed, as well as the morphological and biological properties of the derived BEO microcapsules (BEOMC). Analysis of BEO by gas chromatography demonstrated that the main component was linalool, whereas the study of its antimicrobial activity showed a significant inhibitory effect against all the microorganisms tested, mostly Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the prepared BEOMC showed a spheroidal shape and retained the EO antimicrobial activity. Finally, chitosan-based edible films were produced, grafted with BEOMC, and characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties. Since their effective antimicrobial activity was demonstrated, these films were tested as packaging system by wrapping cooked ham samples during 10 days of storage, with the aim of their possible use to extend the shelf life of the product. It was demonstrated that the obtained active film can both control the bacterial growth of the cooked ham and markedly inhibit the pH increase of the packaged food. Full article

Commercial inexpensive preparations of poly-γ-glutamic acid were used to obtain films made with a polypeptide constituted by a single repeating unit. The homopolymer was characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry, as well as by zeta potential and Z-average measurements. Manipulatable materials were obtained by casting film-forming solutions prepared at pH values between 3.0 and 4.0 and containing extensively dialyzed samples of the commercial product. The analysis of the mechanical properties highlighted a marked extensibility and plasticity of the films obtained without plasticizer, even though the addition of low amounts of glycerol (1–4%) was able to further increase these features. The characterization of poly-γ-glutamic acid molecular species, performed by membrane ultrafiltration and size-exclusion chromatography, coupled with triple-detection analysis of the obtained fractions, suggested that biopolymer chain length is responsible not only for its capacity to form film, but also for conferring to the films different features depending on the homopolymer molecular weight. Full article