Search Results (40)

Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) exhibiting superior fluorescence characteristics were synthesized employing o-phenylenediamine and 2-methylimidazole as precursors. The synthesized NCDs exhibited yellow photoluminescence with an excitation/emission maxima of 410/554 nm with a quantum yield of 28.41%. The presence of pyridinic N, pyrrolic N, graphitic N, and amino N functionalities on the NCDs’ surface provided strong evidence for the successful nitrogen doping of the carbon dots. Upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), the NCDs exhibited a significant reduction in fluorescence intensity, which could be restored by the addition of ascorbic acid (AA), demonstrating a quantitative relationship between ascorbic acid and fluorescence efficiency. A novel fluorescence “off–on” system utilizing these NCDs was developed for the quantification of AA. The sensing mechanism relies on H₂O₂-induced fluorescence quenching via the selective oxidation of the NCDs’ surface, followed by fluorescence restoration upon AA addition due to the reduction in surface defects. Meanwhile, further experiments confirmed that the quenching mechanism was static quenching. The NCDs demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.605 μM for AA detection. The use of NCDs for AA sensing was validated through the analysis of commercially available beverages. This study aimed to establish a simplified method for ascorbic acid detection. The experimental findings indicated that the developed technique exhibited high accuracy in quantifying ascorbic acid. These findings suggest that the developed NCDs possess considerable potential as a multifunctional sensing tool for various analytical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Composite dental restorations are continuously exposed to dietary substances, which may compromise their structural integrity. This study aimed to assess the chemical and mechanical effects of coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola on two widely used commercial resin composites, Herculite Ultra XRV and Omnichroma. Methods: Forty disk-shaped specimens (20 per material) were immersed for 10 days in the selected beverages. Changes in chemical composition were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, while Vickers microhardness testing evaluated surface hardness. Results: FTIR and Raman analyses revealed that coffee and red wine caused the most substantial chemical degradation, particularly in carbonyl (C=O), aromatic (C=C), and siloxane (Si–O–Si) groups. Herculite XRV demonstrated higher chemical stability, while Omnichroma showed more pronounced molecular degradation. In contrast, microhardness testing indicated that Omnichroma maintained better surface hardness compared to Herculite XRV after exposure. Across all solutions, Coca-Cola induced the least effect. Conclusions: The tested beverages significantly affected both the chemical and mechanical properties of the resin composites. Omnichroma exhibited superior mechanical durability, while Herculite XRV showed greater resistance to chemical degradation. These results highlight the importance of material composition in restorative dentistry and support the development and selection of composites with improved resistance to acidic and staining agents to ensure long-term clinical performance. Full article

The impact of acidic beverages on dental restorative materials, such as composites and glass ionomers, is critical in conservative dentistry. Exposure to an acidic environment can lead to the degradation of these materials, affecting their durability and clinical effectiveness. We aimed to examine the effect of sports drink exposure on the surface roughness of composite and glass ionomer materials. This systematic review was conducted based on the records published from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2024, according to PRISMA statement guidelines, using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were included in this review and 6 in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in surface roughness (Ra parameter) for glass ionomer materials after immersion in sports drinks for one week and one month. No such significant differences were observed for composite materials. Despite the systematic review, the degree of material degradation presented by in vitro studies cannot be directly extrapolated to oral conditions due to factors such as the buffering capacity of saliva or irregular exposure times to sports drinks. Full article

Volcanic fermentation is an innovative technique in post-harvest coffee processing that involves forming conical mounds, called “volcanoes”, to create specific biotransformation conditions. This study investigates the impact of different volcano fermentation methods on the chemical composition and sensory attributes of coffee. Four methods were evaluated: asphalt patio (E1), on pallets (E2), in steel containers under the sun (E3), and in steel containers in the shade (E4). The chemical composition was analyzed in terms of sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose), organic acids (citric, malic, succinic, lactic, acetic) and alcohols (glycerol, ethanol). In addition, color differences (ΔE) and sensory analysis of the fermented coffees were evaluated. The results of this study reveal that volcanic fermentation produces high-quality specialty coffees, but with divergent profiles of acids and alcohols, thus influencing the sensory characteristics of the resulting beverage. However, the different methods of volcanic fermentation did not significantly affect pH and soluble solids, indicating that the microbiota developed an efficient and consistent fermentation regardless of the solar exposure conditions. The most frequently mentioned sensory descriptors were chocolate, citrus fruits, honey/molasses, caramel, floral, and brown sugar. These findings highlight the significant influence of the volcanic fermentation method on the chemical and sensory quality of coffee fermented. Full article

Background and Objectives: Resin composites are widely used in restorative dentistry due to their favorable mechanical properties and aesthetics. However, their clinical performance depends on factors such as chemical composition, microhardness, and exposure to environmental challenges like acidic beverages. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the effects of coffee, red wine, and Coca-Cola on the surface microhardness and chemical composition of two resin composites (G-ænial A’CHORD and Omnichroma). A total of 40 disk-shaped specimens (20 per composite) were fabricated and divided into four groups: control, red wine, coffee, and Coca-Cola. Specimens were immersed in their respective solutions for 10 days, after which Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Vickers microhardness testing were conducted to assess mechanical and chemical changes. Paired t-tests were performed to compare pre- and post-immersion values, with significance set at p < 0.05. Raman and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed structural changes, including peak shifts and intensity variations, particularly in polymer–matrix interactions and filler compositions. Results: The Vickers microhardness test revealed significant reductions in hardness for both composites after immersion, with Omnichroma showing a greater susceptibility to softening than G-ænial A’CHORD (p < 0.01). Red wine and coffee immersion resulted in the most significant decreases, indicating the strong impact of polyphenolic and acidic interactions on the composite structure. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prolonged exposure to acidic and staining beverages compromises the mechanical and chemical integrity of resin composites, with Omnichroma being more affected than G-ænial A’CHORD. The findings suggest that the selection of composite materials should consider resistance to staining agents, especially in high-risk oral environments. Full article

A critical knowledge gap currently exists regarding the potential risks of exposure to nanoplastics (NPs), particularly early in life during key stages of growth and development. Globally abundant plastics, polyamide (nylon) and polystyrene (PS), exist in various products and have been detected in food and beverages as small-scale plastics. In this study, we evaluated how early-life exposure to NPs affects key biological metrics in rat pups. Male and female animals received an oral dose (20 mg/kg/day) of nylon-11 NPs (114 ± 2 nm) or PS NPs (85 ± 1 nm) between postnatal day (PND) 7 and 10. The results showed slight differences in the ratio of liver weight to body weight for male rat pups exposed to PS NPs. Cardiac performance and levels of neurotransmitters and related metabolites in brain tissue showed no differences between animals exposed to NPs and controls. The endogenous metabolite profile in plasma was altered by oral administration of NPs, suggesting perturbation of metabolic pathways involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. This study explored the biological impacts of oral NP exposure early in life, supporting the need for continued investigations into the potential health effects from exposure to NPs. Full article

Methanol is a widely used industrial and household alcohol that poses significant health risks upon exposure. Despite its extensive use, methanol poisoning remains a critical public health concern globally, often resulting from accidental or intentional ingestion and outbreaks linked to contaminated beverages. Methanol toxicity stems from its metabolic conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan damage, including profound CNS effects and visual impairments. Epidemiological data underscore the widespread impact of methanol poisoning, with alarming case fatality rates reported in various countries. Comprehensive prevention and effective management strategies are urgently needed to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with methanol poisoning. The clinical manifestations of methanol toxicity vary between adult and pediatric populations and between acute and chronic exposure. Adults typically present with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, whereas pediatric patients often exhibit more severe outcomes due to differences in metabolism and body weight. The diagnosis of methanol poisoning involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and advanced diagnostic techniques. The identification of metabolic acidosis, elevated anion and osmolal gaps, and confirmation through methanol and formate levels are critical for accurate diagnosis. Timely intervention is crucial, and the management of methanol poisoning includes securing the airway, breathing, and circulation; addressing metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate; administering antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol; and administering hemodialysis, which plays a pivotal role in eliminating methanol and its toxic metabolites, especially in severe cases. The complexity of methanol poisoning necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing early recognition, prompt intervention, and coordinated care among healthcare providers. Increased awareness, effective prevention strategies, and timely treatment protocols are essential to mitigate severe health consequences and improve patient survival and recovery. Full article

Climate change has been associated with outbreaks of mycotoxicosis following periods of drought, enhanced fungal growth, and increased exposure to mycotoxins. For detoxification, the inclusion of clay-based materials in food and drinking water has resulted in a very promising strategy to reduce mycotoxin exposure. In this strategy, mycotoxins are tightly sorbed to high-affinity clay particles in the gastrointestinal tract, thus decreasing bioavailability, uptake to blood, and potential toxicity. This study investigated the ability of chlorophyll and chlorophyllin-amended montmorillonite clays to decrease the toxicity of ochratoxin A (OTA). The sorption mechanisms of OTA binding to surfaces of sorbents, as well as binding parameters such as capacity, affinity, enthalpy, and free energy, were examined. Chlorophyll-amended organoclay (CMCH) demonstrated the highest binding (72%) and was better than the chlorophyllin-amended hydrophilic clay (59%), possibly due to the hydrophobicity of OTA (LogP 4.7). In silico studies using molecular dynamics simulations showed that CMCH improves OTA binding in comparison to parent clay in line with experiments. Simulations depicted that chlorophyll amendments on clay facilitated OTA molecules binding both directly, through enhancing OTA binding on the clay, or predominantly indirectly, through OTA molecules interacting with bound chlorophyll amendments. Simulations uncovered the key role of calcium ions in OTA binding, particularly in neutral conditions, and demonstrated that CMCH binding to OTA is enhanced under both neutral and acidic conditions. Furthermore, the protection of various sorbents against OTA-induced toxicity was carried out using two living organisms (Hydra vulgaris and Caenorhabditis elegans) which are susceptible to OTA toxicity. This study showed the significant detoxification of OTA (33% to 100%) by inclusion of sorbents. Organoclay (CMCH) at 0.5% offered complete protection. These findings suggest that the chlorophyll-amended organoclays described in this study could be included in food and feed as OTA binders and as potential filter materials for water and beverages to protect against OTA contaminants during outbreaks and emergencies. Full article

HTST (high-temperature short-time) pasteurization and UHT (ultra-high-temperature) sterilization are techniques commonly used in the dairy industry. Although the use of these methods in fruit and vegetable processing is also well known, the multitude of diverse food matrices determines the need to test and adjust process parameters in order to obtain the best quality of the final product. HTST and UHT are methods that provide effective inactivation of microorganisms and enzymes. Despite the fact that UHT and HTST are thermal processes that cause degradation of bioactive ingredients or color change, in many cases, these two methods are superior to traditional pasteurization, which uses significantly longer exposures to high temperatures. Therefore, this article aims to review the effect of HTST and UHT processing on the quality of juices, nectars and beverages, taking into consideration the quality characteristics, like the presence of microorganisms, pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, turbidity, color parameters, contents of bioactive components, antioxidant activity, enzymatic activity and volatile compounds. The impacts of HTST and UHT methods on various food products are discussed, including the food matrix, preservation parameters and the mechanism of interaction. The ability to modify the processing parameters can allow for the selection of adequate preservation parameters for individual products and better results than other unconventional methods, such as HPP (high-pressure processing) or PEF (pulsed electric field). Based on the cited literature, it can be concluded that pH, titratable acidity and TSS most often experience slight changes. As for the other parameters considered, it is extremely important to choose the right temperature and duration for a specific food matrix. Full article

Liver injury induced by alcohol is a serious global health problem. Several tea-like plants are widely used as beverages, which are drunk like tea. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of eight tea-like plant extracts with the intake of 200 mg/kg.bw/day were investigated and compared using a C57BL/6J mouse model of acute alcohol exposure, including sweet tea, vine tea, Rabdosia serra kudo, broadleaf holly leaf, mulberry leaf, bamboo leaf, Camellia nitidissima, and Akebia trifoliata peels. The results showed that the eight tea-like plants had hepatoprotective effects to different degrees against acute alcohol exposure via enhancing the activities of alcoholic metabolism enzymes, ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, as well as regulating gut microbiota. In particular, sweet tea, bamboo leaf, mulberry leaf, and Camellia nitidissima increased the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase or aldehyde dehydrogenase. Among these tea-like plants, sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima had the greatest hepatoprotective effects, and their bioactive compounds were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chlorogenic acid, rutin, and ellagic acid were identified in sweet tea, and epicatechin, rutin, and ellagic acid were identified in Camellia nitidissima, which could contribute to their hepatoprotective action. These tea-like plants could be drunk or developed into functional food against alcoholic liver injury, especially sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima. In the future, the effects of sweet tea and Camellia nitidissima on chronic alcoholic liver diseases should be further investigated. Full article

The traditional Mexican fermented beverage pulque has been considered a healthy product for treating gastrointestinal disorders. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have been identified as one of the most abundant microbial groups during pulque fermentation. As traditional pulque is consumed directly from the fermentation vessel, the naturally associated LABs are ingested, reaching the consumer’s small intestine alive, suggesting their potential probiotic capability. In this contribution, we assayed the probiotic potential of the strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LB1_P46 isolated from pulque produced in Huitzilac, Morelos State, Mexico. The characterization included resistance to acid pH (3.5) and exposure to bile salts at 37 °C; the assay of the hemolytic activity and antibiotic resistance profiling; the functional traits of cholesterol reduction and β-galactosidase activity; and several cell surface properties, indicating that this LAB possesses probiotic properties comparable to other LAB. Additionally, this L. plantarum showed significance in in vitro antimicrobial activity against several Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and in vivo preventive anti-infective capability against Salmonella in a BALB/c mouse model. Several functional traits and probiotic activities assayed were correlated with the corresponding enzymes encoded in the complete genome of the strain. The genome mining for bacteriocins led to the identification of several bacteriocins and a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide encoding for the plantaricin EF. Results indicated that L. plantarum LB1_P46 is a promising probiotic LAB for preparing functional non-dairy and dairy beverages. Full article

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola^® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola^® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola^® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola^®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola^® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola^® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of high-intensity ultrasound (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min) in combination with L-lysine (15 mM) on improving the solubility and flavour adsorption capacity of myofibrillar proteins (MPs) in low-ion-strength media. The results revealed that the ultrasound treatment for 20 min or the addition of L-lysine (15 mM) significantly improved protein solubility (p < 0.05), with L-lysine (15 mM) showing a more pronounced effect (p < 0.05). The combination of ultrasound treatment and L-lysine further increased solubility, and the MPs treated with ultrasound at 20 min exhibited the best dispersion stability in water, which corresponded to the lowest turbidity, highest absolute zeta potential value, and thermal stability (p < 0.05). Based on the reactive and total sulfhydryl contents, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis, the ultrasound treatment combined with L-lysine (15 mM) promoted the unfolding and depolymerization of MPs, resulting in a larger exposure of SH groups on the surface, aromatic amino acids in a polar environment, and a transition of protein conformation from α-helix to β-turn. Moreover, the combined treatment also increased the hydrophobic bonding sites, hydrogen-bonding sites, and electrostatic effects, thereby enhancing the adsorption capacity of MPs to bind kenone compounds. The findings from this study provide a theoretical basis for the production and flavour improvement of low-salt MP beverages and the utilisation of meat protein. Full article

Nutrients involved in the metabolism of inorganic arsenic (iAs) may play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse health effects associated with such exposure. Consequently, the objective of this study was to analyze the association between the intake levels of nutrients involved in iAs metabolism and alterations in the metabolic profile during arsenic exposure. The study cohort comprised environmentally exposed women: WL (lower total urinary arsenic (As), n = 73) and WH (higher As, n = 73). The analysis included urinary untargeted metabolomics (conducted via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry) and the assessment of nutrient intake involved in iAs metabolism, specifically methionine, vitamins B₂, B₆, and B₁₂, folate, and zinc (based on 3-day dietary records of food and beverages). In the WL group, the intake of all analyzed nutrients exhibited a negative correlation with 5 metabolites (argininosuccinic acid, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, 11-trans-LTE4, mevalonic acid, aminoadipic acid), while in the WH group, it correlated with 10 metabolites (5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, dihyroxy-1H-indole glucuronide I, 11-trans-LTE4, isovalerylglucuronide, 18-oxocortisol, 3-hydroxydecanedioic acid, S-3-oxodecanoyl cysteamine, L-arginine, p-cresol glucuronide, thromboxane B2). Furthermore, nutrient intake demonstrated a positive association with 3 metabolites in the WL group (inosine, deoxyuridine, glutamine) and the WH group (inosine, N-acetyl-L-aspartic acid, tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone). Altering the intake of nutrients involved in iAs metabolism could be a pivotal factor in reducing the negative impact of arsenic exposure on the human body. This study underscores the significance of maintaining adequate nutrient intake, particularly in populations exposed to arsenic. Full article

Obesity is coupled with an altered redox state and low-level inflammation. Oxidative stress may increase pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation and mature adipocyte size. Regarding inflammation, the dysregulation of cytokine production by adipose tissue takes place in obesity, which is promoted by oxidative stress. Polyphenols may exert a positive effect on obesity, not only by modulating the redox state, but also due to their anti-inflammatory activity. Coffee, which is one of the most consumed beverages, is very rich in phenolic compounds. Bioavailability studies on coffee phenols have shown that the most abundant group of metabolites in plasma and urine are dihydrocaffeic (DHCA), dihydroferulic (DHFA), and hydroxyhippuric (HHA) acids, the three acids of colonic origin. To better understand the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of DHCA, DHFA, and HHA, an inflammation/oxidation model was set up in the pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 cell line using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). After the exposure of 3T3-L1 cells to 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µM of TNF-α at different times, the cell viability, interleukin (IL)-6 secretion, and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) were determined. Using the TNF-α prooxidant and proinflammatory conditions established (10 µM, 24 h), it was observed that the physiological concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, and 10 µM) of DHCA, DHFA, and HHA induced dose-dependent antioxidant effects according to the ROS, GSH, and antioxidant enzyme (glutathione peroxidase) results. In addition, reductions in the IL-1β, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) concentrations were observed to different extents depending on the metabolite (DHFA, HHA, or DHCA) and the concentration used. In conclusion, the main colonic metabolites from coffee chlorogenic acids may counteract TNF-α-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the 3T3-L1 cell line, and thus, they present antiobesity potential. Full article