Search Results (22,112)

The present study examined for the first time the effect of native yeasts on the fermentation of artisanal Spondias purpurea L., wine produced in Santa Elena, Ecuador. To achieve this goal, three inoculation strategies were compared: a mixed culture containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida spp. (CLX), commercial S. cerevisiae (CL), and a spontaneous fermentation without added inoculum (SL). Five yeast isolates were identified from the fermentations, four belonging to Candida spp. and one to Kloeckera spp., using microbiological and biochemical methods. The CLX treatment showed the greatest yeast proliferation on PDA plates (2.7 × 10⁶ CFU/mL) and yielded the highest levels of higher alcohols, while the CL treatment produced the highest ethanol (3.72% ABV) and glycerol content (0.46%). All treatments were free of total and fecal coliforms, and their pH values (2.49–2.56) satisfied the requirements of the current Ecuadorian standard for wine production NTE INEN 374. Residual glucose content was specifically quantified using an enzymatic colorimetric (GOD-POD) assay, confirming the dry character of the wines. Molecular analysis of the final preparation obtained from the variant corresponding to the spontaneous fermentation without inoculum (SL) confirmed the presence of Hanseniaspora spp. (Kloeckera spp.), Diutina rugosa (C. rugosa), C. zeylanoides and Pichia kudriavzevii, after the obtained PCR amplicons using ITS1 and ITS4 were subjected to a blast analysis. Sensory evaluation by panelists (n = 15) favored the CLX wine, particularly for aroma and flavor attributes. The final glucose content reached a low value of 0.28 g/L, indicative of an extremely dry wine, with almost no fermentable sugar. Due to the lack of information related to wines produced from Spondias purpurea L., this study could contribute to a better understanding of the biological behavior and biodiversity of the microorganisms present in this fermentation process. These findings will help to improve wine regionality production, supporting the potential application of native regional yeasts in Spondias purpurea L. wine biotechnology. Full article

The Wannachawee Recipe (WCR) is a traditional Thai herbal formulation with a clinical history of use in psoriasis. An observational study conducted at Prapokklao Hospital reported that 93% of psoriasis patients showed good clinical responses. However, the absence of standardized quality control parameters remains a critical barrier to its pharmaceutical reproducibility, safety, and integration into mainstream clinical practice. This study established robust quality specifications and a phytochemical profiling for WCR, in accordance with the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP) guidelines, to support its development from traditional use to a standardized therapeutic agent. A multimodal analytical approach was employed, integrating microscopic characterization, physicochemical evaluation, and advanced instrumental techniques. Phytochemical characterization was conducted using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting and Compact Mass Spectrometry (CMS). A validated HPLC method was developed to quantify trans-p-coumaryl alcohol, a key bioactive marker. Anti-inflammatory activity was further assessed by measuring inhibition of nitric oxide production. Physicochemical analysis established rigorous benchmarks, including ethanol-soluble extractive (8.73 ± 0.15% w/w), water-soluble extractive (18.89 ± 0.09% w/w), and loss on drying (<10%), which ensure long-term stability and microbial safety. CMS analysis successfully identified key chemical constituents, including alpha-amyrin, stemone, protocatechuic acid, and trans-p-coumaryl alcohol. HPLC fingerprinting demonstrated high batch-to-batch consistency, while quantitative analysis determined a trans-p-coumaryl alcohol content of 8.77 mg/g extract. Critically, biological evaluation showed that WCR exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide production, with a superior inhibitory effect compared with the reference drug indomethacin. This study provides a preliminary scientific framework for the standardization of WCR. It defines precise quality specifications and a potential bioactive marker, establishing the rigor needed for regulatory certification and industrial production. This work connects traditional Thai medicine with evidence-based pharmaceutics, positioning WCR as a promising therapy for psoriasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Language difficulties have been recognised as common in people with FASD. Assessment of the language domain is important, and the CELF, CCC, and VABS are three commonly used language assessment tools. The CCC and VABS are both informant-report questionnaires, whilst the CELF is completed in person by a Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT). As many neurodevelopmental assessment clinics may not have access to a SaLT, the aim of this paper was to establish potential correlations between these measures in individuals with FASD, as well as to establish the clinical utility of questionnaire-based measures for assessment of communication in FASD in the absence of a multidisciplinary team. Methods: Data was drawn from the UK National FASD Clinic database containing 385 patient assessments. Sample size varied between 77 and 274 completed assessments depending on the measure due to change in clinical practice over several years. A two-tailed Spearman’s Correlations between CCC subscales and CELF domains were carried out. Two-tailed Spearman’s Correlations between the Communication domain of the VABS and the CELF were also conducted. Results: Significant correlations were found between all assessed CELF domains and the CCC Semantics and Coherence subdomains and GCC, as well as between the CCC Syntax subdomain and 3 of the CELF domains. No significant correlations were found between CCC Speech and any CELF domains. A mix of significant correlations between the VABS domain and subdomains and the CELF domains were found. Conclusions: These results suggest the potential clinical utility of using the CCC as a measure of an individual’s language functioning as part of an FASD assessment, particularly in the absence of access to direct assessment carried out by a SaLT. Future research should focus on the development of a questionnaire-based assessment battery for an FASD population to increase access to diagnosis. Full article

Introduction: The relationship between epilepsy and alcohol use is complex and clinically significant. Alcohol acts as a neurochemical modulator capable of lowering the seizure threshold during both intoxication and withdrawal, while chronic misuse may contribute to epileptogenesis through neuronal injury, metabolic stress, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. However, the long-term impact of alcohol use on mortality among people with epilepsy (PWE) remains insufficiently characterized. The purpose of this study was to assess all-cause mortality risk among individuals with epilepsy based on alcohol use history, stratified by race/ethnicity. Methods: Data from the 2008–2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were linked to mortality outcomes on 31 December 2019 from the National Death Index (NDI) for U.S. adults aged 18 years and older. PWE and alcohol use were determined using self-reported data. Survival probabilities were estimated using weighted Kaplan–Meier methods, and hazard ratios were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic and clinical covariates. Results: Our results indicated that among PWE, alcohol use was associated with increased all-cause mortality. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for alcohol use among individuals with epilepsy was 1.30, increasing to 1.40 after multivariable adjustment. In contrast, alcohol use alone without epilepsy was not associated with elevated mortality risk after adjustment. When stratified by race, the combined effect of epilepsy and alcohol use was significantly associated with increased mortality among Black individuals but not White individuals. Conclusions: In this nationally representative cohort, the combined presence of epilepsy and alcohol use was associated with higher all-cause mortality compared with alcohol use alone. Racial differences were observed, underscoring the need for integrated clinical care and further research into genetic, biological, and social determinants influencing epilepsy outcomes. Full article

Alcohol use disorder is associated with substantial neurologic and systemic morbidity, but its relationship with audiovestibular dysfunction has not been clearly synthesized. This systematic review summarized human primary clinical evidence on auditory and vestibular manifestations, diagnostic findings, treatment, and prognosis in alcohol use disorder. PubMed, Embase, ClinicalKey, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched from inception to 4 February 2026; the review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261301021). Because study designs, clinical contexts, and outcome measures were highly heterogeneous, a structured qualitative synthesis was performed. Twelve human primary clinical studies were included. The available evidence supported objective auditory dysfunction, most commonly sensorineural hearing impairment with frequent high-frequency involvement. Vestibular involvement was also reported, but the evidence was smaller and less phenotypically specific, consisting mainly of syndromic reports, broad peripheral/central classifications, and historical nystagmographic findings. Direct treatment evidence was very limited; improvement after thiamine replacement was reported in alcohol-related Wernicke-spectrum presentations, but no established disease-specific therapy was identified. Overall, current human clinical evidence supports heightened clinical awareness but not disease-specific screening algorithms or targeted therapeutic recommendations. Better prospective studies using contemporary phenotype-based audiovestibular assessment are needed. Full article

Objective: To examine the associations of metabolic health and obesity phenotypes with liver fat accumulation and hepatic steatosis in adults. Methods: We analyzed 676 non-Hispanic white adults (18–95 years; 55.8% female) from the Fels Longitudinal Study using a cross-sectional design. Participants were classified into metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), metabolically healthy obesity (MHO), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) phenotypes. Metabolically unhealthy status was defined as the presence of ≥1 metabolic dysfunction, consistent with prior epidemiological definitions; secondary analyses using ≥2 were also performed. Obesity was defined using DXA-derived body fat percentage. Liver fat (%) was quantified using magnetic resonance imaging, and hepatic steatosis was defined as liver fat > 5.56%. Multivariable linear and probit regression models were used to evaluate associations, adjusting for demographic and lifestyle covariates; secondary models additionally examined dietary intake. Results: Mean liver fat was 5.95% (SE = 0.23), and steatosis was present in 29.8% of participants. Compared to MHNW individuals, liver fat was significantly higher in MHO (mean 3.77% vs. 2.67%), MUNW (4.63%), and MUO (8.47%) phenotypes. After covariate adjustment, liver fat was 33.8% (95% CI: 13.7–57.5%) higher in MHO, 28.1% (10.1–49.0%) higher in MUNW, and 113.0% (85.3–144.7%) higher in MUO relative to MHNW. Corresponding increases in steatosis probabilities were observed across phenotypes. No individual dietary component or dietary pattern was significantly associated with liver fat after adjustment. Conclusions: Metabolically healthy obesity was associated with higher liver fat and steatosis probability compared with metabolically healthy normal weight, with levels comparable to metabolically unhealthy normal weight individuals. These findings suggest that the absence of overt metabolic abnormalities does not necessarily indicate a metabolically benign state with respect to liver fat accumulation. Given the cross-sectional design, these results should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the last decade, the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (17–46%) and non-alcoholic fatty pancreas disease (NAFPD) (16–33%) has increased due to their association with obesity, both predictors of early atherosclerosis and metabolic risk. Computed tomography (CT) has been proposed as a diagnostic method. Currently, the factors associated with NAFPD have not been fully described. The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence and association of NAFPD and liver steatosis in patients with very high cardiovascular risk. Methods: A retrospective evaluation was conducted on the medical records of patients classified as very high cardiovascular risk who had undergone a CT scan. NAFPD was determined by the difference in pancreatic and splenic attenuation (−1.9), while liver steatosis was identified by hepatic attenuation <40. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the independent factors associated with NAFPD. Results: 169 medical records were collected; 68.6% (n = 116) were men, with a median age of 70 [IQR 61–78] years and 25.8 [IQR 23.7–28.7] kg/m² of body mass index. According to the CT scans, 80.5% (n = 136) presented NAFPD, 24.3% (n = 41) had liver steatosis, and 21.3% (n = 36) had both. In the multivariate analysis, liver steatosis, abnormal levels of aspartate aminotransferase, and being overweight were independent factors associated with NAFPD. Conclusions: In a very high cardiovascular-risk population, the prevalence of NAFPD is high, and it is independently associated with the presence of liver steatosis. Full article

Albendazole (ABZ) exhibits poor oral absorption; therefore, ABZ was conjugated to cholic acid to engage the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) and promote ileal uptake. ABZ–linker–CA conjugates bearing amino-alcohol linkers (C4–C8) were evaluated by integrating synthetic feasibility, purification selectivity, and ex vivo performance. Thermal aminolysis in DMF (95 °C) produced ABZ–linkers in ~50% reaction yields (HPLC-assayed), with a minor ABZ-amine by-product consistent with a workup-sensitive isocyanate route. Immobilized-lipase screening identified Lipozyme RM IM as the most effective catalyst for CA esterification in CHCl₃, showing a pronounced linker-length dependence (31% yield for C4, 25% for C6, and C8 ≤ 2.6% yield). Docking and molecular dynamics supported this trend by indicating productive binding geometries for C4/C6 but not for C8. A polarity-guided workup and silica-gel protocol enabled retrieval of unreacted intermediates and CA recycling, with cleaner separation for the C6 series. Ex vivo transport studies confirmed ASBT-mediated, linerixibat-sensitive ileal uptake, and protoscolex assays showed improved antiparasitic efficacy versus ABZ. Overall, ABZ-C6-CA offered the best balance of uptake, near-maximal efficacy, enzymatic accessibility, and separability, supporting its prioritization for scalable biocatalytic manufacturing. Full article

(1) Background: Flavored craft beer is favored for its diverse and distinctive aroma compounds; however, traditional fermentation processes are often plagued by poor yeast flocculation, which leads to substantial beer losses and compromised production efficiency. Yeast immobilization technology has emerged as a promising strategy to improve fermentation performance, shorten the primary fermentation period, and mitigate beer loss. (2) Methods: In this study, a natural material–based carrier was developed for the immobilization of yeast, and its application in mango craft beer fermentation was systematically investigated. The optimal fermentation conditions were screened, and the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and volatile flavor profiles of the resulting mango craft beer were comprehensively evaluated. (3) Results: The results showed that the maximum mass gain of yeast after immobilization on the natural carrier reached 13.3%. Compared with free yeast, the immobilized yeast exhibited a 1.58-fold higher average extract consumption rate and a 1.39-fold higher alcohol production rate based on the overall fermentation system, while the primary fermentation period was shortened by approximately 33%. Under the optimized fermentation conditions, the mango craft beer achieved a sensory score of 81 points, with a β-carotene retention rate of 91.25%. Furthermore, the mango craft beer exhibited a more diverse profile of volatile flavor compounds and enhanced nutritional composition compared with the control. (4) Conclusions: Overall, fermentation conditions were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box–Behnken Design (BBD). Natural immobilization carrier developed in this study effectively enhanced yeast fermentation efficiency and shortened the primary fermentation cycle, and these findings demonstrate its significant potential for cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in the production of flavored craft beer, providing a practical technical support for the industrial application of natural carrier-based yeast immobilization technology. Full article

Water kefir production requires the fermentation of sweetened water with polysaccharide starter culture embedded with bacteria and yeast, which determines the finished product’s sensory, microbial, and chemical profile. The culture self-propagates, producing a new culture biomass used to inoculate subsequent raw materials. This study evaluated the effect of sequential culture transfers (across batches) and prolonged storage (within batches) on the microbial and chemical composition of finished beverages. Six commercial cultures were used in 20 sequential fermentations. The beverages were analyzed immediately after fermentation and then were stored at 4 °C for analysis every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Microbial populations, including aerobic plate count (APC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB), acetic acid bacteria (AAB), and yeast, were enumerated; major organic acids, sugars, and alcohols were quantified chromatographically. Sequential culture transfers and storage resulted in minimal microbial and chemical component changes. The initial microbial counts were similar across brewing cycles and culture systems with high counts of LAB. The culture transfers resulted in a decrease in initial ethanol levels to a negligible level. Microbial viability and sucrose content decreased with prolonged beverage storage. Overall, this study revealed that water kefir cultures were resistant to temporal changes and beverages’ microbial and chemical constituents were statistically stable (p > 0.05) during refrigeration. Full article

Current approaches in neuro-technologies aim to design artificial devices capable of collecting information on in vitro and in vivo brain activities. In this view, a major challenge for new processing technologies is to integrate the peculiar properties of biomaterials and electrical circuits into engineered devices. Herein, the optimization of electroconductive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers loaded with polyanilines (PANIs) and produced via electrospinning is proposed. Two different polyaniline forms were selected, i.e., doped emeraldine base (dPANI-EB) and doped PANI nanofibers (dPANI-NFs) synthesized by a rapid mixing process. SEM morphological investigation indicated that conductive phases do not remarkably affect fiber morphology, slightly increasing the average diameter. Conversely, PANI fibers remarkably affect the PVA surface’s hydrophilicity, as confirmed by the increase in contact angle. The presence of conductive phases enhances the intrinsic ionic conductivity of PVA fibers, through protonic currents, which also increases the electronic conductivity from 10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁷ S/cm. Preliminary in vitro studies performed on a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) confirmed the biocompatibility of PVA/PANI nanofibers. These data demonstrate the potential of such nanofibers to be used as biotextiles, and specifically as electroactive interfaces capable of monitoring changes in the levels of biochemical signals (i.e., neurotransmitters) related to the brain’s microenvironment. Full article

Strong-flavor-type Baijiu, represented by Wuliangye—a renowned traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage brewed from five grains (sorghum, rice, glutinous rice, wheat, and corn)—is widely consumed and appreciated for its balanced taste and potential health benefits. While the volatile flavor compounds of Baijiu have been well studied, its bioactive components and their underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. In this study, widely targeted metabolomics techniques were innovatively employed, and 2128 compounds were identified from 10 Wuliangye samples, of which 445 were predicted to constitute potential bioactive substances. Network pharmacology analysis further identified four key compounds, namely the four potential bioactive small molecules (fisetin, luteolin, norartocarpetin, and scutellarein), along with ten core targets that were key protein targets interacting with these compounds (SRC, PIK3R1, PTGS1, AKR1B1, STAT3, CYP3A4, ESR1, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, and ALOX15). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that these targets participated in diverse biological processes, while DO analysis revealed potential associations between these targets and specific diseases. Additionally, molecular docking confirmed the binding patterns between the identified compounds and their targets. Collectively, this study provides systematic chemical information and theoretical screening results for identifying potential bioactive components in strong-flavor-type Baijiu, which may facilitate further studies of their biological functions. Full article

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Despite high FASD rates in high-risk adoptive populations, little is known about the experiences of adoptive parents in Israel, where underdiagnosis and limited professional awareness persist. Drawing on ecological and family systems theory, this study explored the daily challenges, coping strategies, and service-related barriers encountered by adoptive parents raising children with FASD. Methods: Using a qualitative, exploratory design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adoptive parents of children aged 9–18 years with a parent-reported clinical diagnosis of FASD made by a healthcare professional. The interviews focused on child-related difficulties, coping mechanisms, diagnostic experiences, and interactions with health, education, and welfare systems. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified: (a) child-related neurodevelopmental and behavioral challenges, (b) emotional and practical caregiving burden, (c) systemic barriers, including limited professional knowledge and fragmented diagnostic pathways, (d) coping strategies and family strengths, and (e) unmet needs and recommendations. Parents described fluctuating child functioning, chronic caregiving demands, and significant gaps in diagnostic and educational support. Conclusions: Adoptive parents raising children with FASD face substantial daily challenges compounded by systemic limitations. This study’s findings underscore the need for improved professional training, clearer diagnostic pathways, FASD-informed educational practices, and coordinated multidisciplinary services. These results provide direction for policy and service development to improve support for families affected by FASD. Full article

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide. Its main contributors are obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Liver pathogenesis exacerbates when oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid accumulation, and attenuated autophagy signals coexist together with the main determinants of the liver disease. These findings may indicate that the suppression of the disease requires multi-targeting compounds to alleviate more than one factor, resulting in improved histopathological outcomes. This review studies natural compounds, given as supplements, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds included are vitamins, carotenoids, low-molecular-weight thiol-containing compounds, fatty acids and others that have been investigated for their pleiotropic activity alone or in combination. They act at different pathways and signals, and at gene expression control, modulating oxidative stress and inflammation, such as collagen, TNF-α, NF-κB, Nrf2 and PPARs genes. Their mechanism of action and characteristics may be encouraging treatment options as multi-targeting compounds for NAFLD and other diseases whose pathophysiology is closely related to metabolic syndrome. However, extensive study on their safety, toxicity, mechanisms of action and dosage regimen is needed before their final establishment as potential treatment options. Full article

Background: Shikonins are natural naphthoquinones that exhibit a range of biological activities. They are typically extracted using nonpolar solvents; however, green extraction approaches remain underexplored. Methods: Phytochemical profiling of E. vulgare root extracts was performed using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and quantitative analysis using HPLC-PDA. Shikonin extraction was performed using VNADESs based on thymol, camphor, menthol and benzyl alcohol. The feasibility of removing the VNADES from the extracts via freeze-drying was assessed. The cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of the hexane extract and the selected VNADES-based extract (TBa 2:8) were compared. Results: Eight shikonin derivatives were identified in the extracts. VNADES extracts contained comparable amounts of shikonin to hexane extracts; however, freeze-drying resulted in significant shikonin content loss. TBa 2:8 extract exhibited noticeably lower cytotoxicity than the hexane extract while its antioxidant potential depended on the assay applied. In contrast to the hexane extract, TBa 2:8 demonstrated the ability to reduce intracellular ROS and NO levels. However, the hexane extract exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: VNADES systems enable efficient extraction of shikonin derivatives with performance comparable to hexane. Although the resulting extracts exhibit multidirectional biological activity, it remains challenging to remove the VNADESs effectively without losing the shikonins. Full article