Search Results (22,039)

Consumer interest in low-SO₂ white wines is increasing; however, such approaches may reduce compositional and sensory predictability. This study evaluates how three fermentation strategies—SO₂ addition and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ES181 inoculation (SO₂Sc), spontaneous fermentation (NoSO₂-Spont), and inoculation with S. cerevisiae ES181 without SO₂ addition (NoSO₂Sc)—shape the chemical profile, polyphenolic composition, colour, microbiological status, and sensory perception of ‘Solaris’ wines relative to the must (reference). A single batch of ‘Solaris’ must (one press run) was split into three variants and fermented under identical temperature conditions (12 ± 0.5 °C), followed by cool ageing and natural sedimentation prior to bottling. Basic oenological parameters, selected fermentation by-products, viable yeast counts, CIE Lab colour, targeted polyphenolics (phenolic acids, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes), PCA of by-products, and blind sensory evaluation were assessed. The NoSO₂-Spont variant showed reduced fermentation completeness (higher residual sugars and lower ethanol) and the highest volatile acidity, together with elevated glycerol and several higher alcohols, and received the lowest sensory ratings. The SO₂Sc variant yielded the most controlled outcome, with the lowest volatile acidity, the brightest colour (higher L*, lower b*), and the highest sensory acceptance. The NoSO₂Sc variant produced intermediate sensory scores and a higher total phenolic content; however, volatile acidity remained high and viable yeast counts were the greatest, indicating increased susceptibility to microbiological activity during extended pre-bottling handling. Overall, the SO₂Sc strategy provides the greatest chemical stability and sensory acceptance, whereas low-SO₂ regimes require a hurdle approach (oxygen control, residual sugar management, hygiene, and stabilisation) to limit spoilage development and post-bottling refermentation. Full article

To investigate the associations between genes involved in fatty acid composition and volatile flavor compounds (VOCs), Dabieshan (DBS) cattle were selected and stratified into high (H: 0.018–0.024 g) and low (L: 0.007–0.012 g) groups according to the fatty acid content in the longissimus dorsi (LD). Integrated analysis using two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOF-MS) and transcriptomics systematically revealed differences in VOCs and gene expression profiles, along with their associations with fatty acid composition. The relative contents of aldehydes, esters, and hydrocarbons were significantly higher in the group H, whereas the group L exhibited elevated levels of alcohols, acids, and heterocyclic compounds. Among 54 differentially abundant VOCs identified, (E)-2-Nonenal (ROAV = 100) was established as the key flavor contributor. Transcriptomic analysis identified 678 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with eight candidate genes implicated in fatty acid composition pinpointed through GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Further correlation analysis showed that the expression levels of SGPL1, KLF15 and SLC27A6 were significantly correlated with the contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (C22:5n-3, C18:3n-3, C18:2n-6, C18:1n-9c). There was also a significant correlation between the above fatty acids and characteristic flavor compounds including 3-Hexanone, (E)-2-Nonenal, (E,E)-2,4-Octadienal and Butanal. This study suggested potential links among fatty acid composition, key genes and characteristic flavor compounds in Dabieshan cattle, providing new insights into the genetic improvement of flavor quality of local cattle breeds. Full article

Hydrophobic eutectic solvent systems (ESSs) were prepared and characterized using temperature-dependent thermophysical and transport property measurements, supported by thermal analysis. The investigated systems comprise terpene-based mixtures, menthol:octanoic acid (1:2) and menthol:decanoic acid (1:1), and thymol-based mixtures, thymol:butanol (1:1), thymol:hexanol (1:1), thymol:octanoic acid (1:1), and thymol:oleic acid (1:1), as well as salt-containing ESSs based on tetrabutylphosphonium bromide (TBPBr), TBPBr:octanoic acid (1:1), and TBPBr:lauric acid (1:1). Density, dynamic viscosity, and electrical conductivity were measured at atmospheric pressure (p = 0.1 MPa) over 293.15–313.15 K. From density data, molar volumes and isobaric thermal expansion coefficients were calculated. The temperature dependence of viscosity was correlated with both Arrhenius and Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equations. Conductivity results were used to compute molar conductivities, and the coupled conductivity–viscosity behavior was assessed via Walden analysis to quantify deviations from ideal electrolyte behavior and estimate ionicity. Thermal behavior and stability were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DSC). The resulting dataset enables a consistent comparison of volumetric, flow, and ion transport descriptors across fully molecular terpene-based mixtures and TBPBr-containing systems. Overall, the combined transport descriptors, including Walden analysis, provide a practical framework for distinguishing molecular from salt-containing hydrophobic ESS families and support formulation selection for temperature-dependent applications, particularly in biphasic extraction processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The orchid Dendrobium devonianum Paxt., valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties, is widely used in horticulture, medicine, and food industries. Methods: This study investigated dynamic changes in aroma-active volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated gene expression in D. devonianum flowers across four developmental stages (bud, half bloom, full bloom, and aging) using headspace solid-phase microextraction, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, and transcriptome analysis. Results: Floral VOCs, particularly volatile terpenoids and esters, were most abundant at full bloom. Among the 664 VOCs identified, α-hemelene, β-bisabolene, δ-naphthalene, perillyl alcohol, L-perillyl alcohol, terpinen-4-ol, 2-(4-methylphenyl)propan-2-ol, cis-3-hexenyl butyrate, and α-pinene were likely to contribute to floral scent. Terpene biosynthesis pathways played a pivotal role in floral fragrance formation. A comprehensive terpenoid biosynthesis pathway for D. devonianum floral scent was proposed, and eight genes encoding key regulatory enzymes were identified. Conclusions: These results provide new insights into terpenoid metabolism in Dendrobium and may guide future research on the utilization of floral scent. Full article

This study focuses on the production and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-chitosan (CS)-based nanoparticles loaded with vitamin E (VitE) and ephedrine (Ep) via electrospraying for intranasal drug delivery in narcolepsy treatment. The nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using optimized parameters (15.5 kV voltage, 0.3 mL/h flow rate, 25 G needle size, and 14 cm distance). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the formation of spherical particles with an average size of 350–500 nm, while energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping revealed a homogeneous elemental distribution with oxygen (51.74%), silicon (24.48%), carbon (6.47%), zinc (6.08%), and aluminum (3.82%). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra demonstrated the successful encapsulation of VitE and Ep through characteristic peaks at 3285 cm⁻¹ (OH stretching), 1731 cm⁻¹ (C=O stretching), and 1086 cm⁻¹ (C-O-C stretching). In vitro drug release analysis indicated a controlled and sustained release profile, with cumulative VitE and Ep release reaching 78.6% and 84.3%, respectively, over 48 h in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4). Antioxidant activity assessment using the DPPH assay confirmed an R² value of 18.84 µg/mL, demonstrating significant free radical scavenging potential. The antibacterial activity, tested via the disk diffusion method, exhibited inhibition zones of 18.31 ± 5.8 mm (E. coli) and 21.51 ± 1.57 mm (S. aureus), confirming strong antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that the developed electrosprayed PVA/CS nanoparticles loaded with VitE and Ep offer a promising intranasal delivery system with enhanced bioavailability, controlled release, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial properties, making them a viable candidate for narcolepsy treatment. Full article

Gypenoside XLIX is a bioactive saponin with reported diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, regulation of cell growth, immune responses, and metabolic regulatory properties. The increasing global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) underscores the importance of exploring novel therapeutic agents such as Gypenoside XLIX. NAFLD pathogenesis involves lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, in which mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) play a critical role in organelle communication, calcium signaling, and lipid metabolism. This narrative review summarizes current evidence indicating that Gypenoside XLIX may modulate oxidative stress, restore mitochondrial membrane potential, and regulate calcium homeostasis, thereby indirectly influencing MAM integrity and function. These effects can reduce lipid accumulation, improve hepatocellular metabolism, and attenuate inflammatory responses. This review evaluates the mechanistic impact and function of Gypenoside XLIX on MAM integrity and its effects on NAFLD. However, there is limited direct experimental evidence linking Gypenoside XLIX to MAM regulation, and further studies are required to validate its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in clinical settings. Full article

Background: Male college students are at risk for weight gain due to unhealthy dietary habits. This study assessed the dietary habits of undergraduate college males. Methods: Online cross-sectional survey (n = 235) of randomly sampled male undergraduate college students. Results: The mean age was 21.15 ± 3.21. Most were enrolled full-time (91.5%), lived off-campus (77.4%), upper class (59.6%), had a campus meal plan (52.8%), and white (51.9%). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 25.02 ± 4.86. Males gained an average of 10.81 ± 13.01 lbs while in college. Most ate one to two servings of fruits (67.1%) and vegetables (65.1%). Significant differences in weight gained during college and fruit consumed was significant [p = 0.02 *]. Male students reported on 20 different foods and drinks they consumed at least “a few times per week.” Most ate fresh fruits (76.1%), prepared a hot meal at home (72.7%), ate fresh vegetables (68.1%). Males also ate at fast-food restaurants (47.7%) and drank coffee (44.4%). Males that reported they drank alcohol (p = 0.03*), diet soda (p = 0.03 *), coffee (p = 0.01 *), and ate at fast-food restaurants (p = 0.02 *) “a few times per week” were found to have significantly gained more weight. Conclusions: Increased intake and consumption of alcohol, diet soda, and fast-food was associated with increased weight gain among college males. Full article

Chronic oxidative stress and lipid imbalance drive metabolic disorders such as obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, yet few therapies target the upstream redox imbalance in key tissues. Human carbonic anhydrase III (hCA III), a redox-associated enzyme enriched in liver and adipose tissue, has long remained pharmacologically elusive due to its low catalytic activity and lack of modulators. Here, we identify fragment-like nicotinic acid derivatives as non-sulfonamide hCA III modulators and evaluate their associated cellular effects. Using an esterase activity assay, we screened 25 analogues and identified two fragment-like hits, compound 17 (2-thioethyl) and compound 22 (6-morpholino), with IC₅₀ values of 487 and 361 µM, respectively. Orthogonal thermal shift analysis supported compound-protein interaction, and selected hits were subsequently evaluated in HepG2 cells. Both compounds were associated with reduced CA3 mRNA expression after treatment at 1 µM, while their cellular phenotypes diverged, with compound 22 increasing ROS under oxidative stress conditions and compound 17 affecting mitochondrial membrane potential. Taken together, these findings identify tractable nicotinic acid-derived fragment hits and associated cellular phenotypes that warrant further mechanistic investigation. These fragment-like hits provide a practical starting point for studying the redox-linked biology of hCA III. Full article

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD), and related fibrosis are increasingly prevalent conditions. The relation of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) cardiovascular health (CVH) metric Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) with MASLD, MetALD, and hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the associations of CVH with MASLD, MetALD, and hepatic fibrosis. Methods: We defined significant hepatic fibrosis as a liver stiffness ≥8.2 kPa measured by vibration-controlled transient elastography. MASLD was defined as steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter of ≥274 dB/m) with ≥1 cardiometabolic risk factor and mild alcohol intake (≤140 g/week [women]; ≤210 g/week [men]). MetALD was defined as steatosis with ≥1 cardiometabolic risk factor and moderate alcohol intake (141–350 g/week [women]; 211–420 g/week [men]). Data from 2962 participants in the Framingham Heart Study (mean age 59 years, 57% women) were used in multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models, accounting for demographic and clinical covariates to relate CVH and liver outcomes. Results: Our study included 2704 participants with mild and 258 with moderate alcohol use. MASLD and MetALD prevalence was 34% and 40%, respectively, and 9% had significant hepatic fibrosis. Each 10-point increase in LE4 score (composite of diet, sleep health, physical activity, and smoking) was associated with 16% lower odds of MASLD (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.84; 95% CI: 0.80–0.90; p < 0.001) but not MetALD. Each 10-point increase in LE8 score was associated with 17% lower odds of hepatic fibrosis (OR 0.83; 95% CI: 0.78–0.89; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Better CVH is related to lower odds of MASLD and significant hepatic fibrosis. Full article

Lignin is an abundant aromatic biopolymer, but its conversion into high-performance fibers remains challenging due to intrinsically poor spinnability, structural heterogeneity, and inefficient stress transfer in lignin-rich systems. In this study, a processing and structure strategy is demonstrated to overcome these limitations by transforming industrial black-liquor kraft lignin into a spinnable and load-bearing fiber component. Kraft lignin recovered from black-liquor waste was extracted and subsequently purified using a hot-water treatment to remove inorganic impurities and thermally unstable fractions, increasing lignin purity to 95.9% through extensive deionized water purification using a water-to-lignin ratio of 300:1. The purified lignin was then blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), wet-spun into continuous filaments, and subjected to post-spinning hot drawing to induce molecular orientation. This sequential extraction, purification, blending, spinning, and drawing approach enables stable wet spinning and the continuous formation of lignin-rich lignin/PVA filaments without filament breakage, directly addressing the primary processing bottleneck of lignin-based fibers. Molecular-level miscibility between lignin and PVA is confirmed by the presence of a single glass transition temperature at 88.3 °C, indicating the formation of a homogeneous amorphous phase. SEM observations reveal composition-dependent surface roughness and non-circular cross-sectional morphologies arising from differential coagulation and shrinkage, demonstrating that lignin actively participates in the load-bearing fiber network rather than acting as a passive filler. As a result of purification-enabled spinnability, true blend miscibility, and post-spinning hot drawing, fibers with a lignin-to-PVA composition of 40:60 achieve a maximum tensile strength of 2.8 GPa, approaching the performance range of commercial high-strength polymer fibers. This work establishes a clear relationship between material structure, processing strategy, and resulting properties, highlighting the potential of industrial lignin waste as a sustainable precursor for advanced fiber applications. Full article

An integrated approach combining metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking was employed to systematically explore the serum-absorbed components of jujube, their potential targets, and regulatory pathways. UPLC-MS/MS was used to characterize the absorbed components, while network pharmacology was applied to predict potential targets associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). A total of 10 absorbed components and 323 common targets were identified. Among the key components, quercetin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and methyl gallate exhibited strong binding affinities to eight core targets, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), with quercetin showing the highest content. Jujube intervention significantly altered the serum metabolic profiles of healthy rats, with distinct differences observed between the control and jujube-treated groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the diterpenoid biosynthesis pathway. These findings provide a systematic and preliminary characterization of the serum-absorbed components of jujube, their potential ALD-related targets, and their regulatory effects on serum metabolism in healthy rats. This study provides a preliminary theoretical reference and direction for further research on the potential role of jujube in ALD. Full article

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) biodegradable films reinforced with acid-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) were fabricated via solution casting to investigate the effects of nanotube incorporation on structural, mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and physicochemical properties. Unlike conventional CNT-reinforced systems, this study focuses on the role of acid functionalization in improving nanotube dispersion and interfacial interactions, enabling simultaneous enhancement of multiple performance characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed strong intermolecular interactions between PVA/CS functional groups and carboxyl groups on f-MWCNTs, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed homogeneous nanotube dispersion at low loadings and partial aggregation at higher contents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that crystallinity was modified in a non-monotonic manner with increasing nanotube concentration due to competing nucleation and chain-restriction effects, while dielectric measurements showed an increase in dielectric constant from 3.78 to 4.27 as a result of enhanced interfacial polarization. The thermal conductivity improved from 0.195 to 0.247 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, and tensile strength increased from 19.8 to 24.5 MPa at 0.2 wt.% f-MWCNT, with elongation at break decreasing from 37.9% to 25.1%, reflecting increased stiffness. The degree of swelling and water solubility decreased with higher nanotube content, indicating reduced hydrophilicity and enhanced structural compactness. The results provide new insights into how surface-functionalized nanofillers can be used to tailor the multifunctional performance of biodegradable polymer nanocomposite films, highlighting their potential in advanced applications such as sustainable packaging, flexible electronics, sensors, and membrane technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Korean traditional fermented foods may confer metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits; however, their high sodium content raises concerns, particularly given age-related differences in sodium sensitivity. This study examined age-specific associations between fermented food intake and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, and assessed whether sodium intake modifies these associations. Methods: Data from KNHANES 2015–2018 were used to analyze 17,984 adults. Fermented foods were categorized into 10 groups (grains, jang, vinegars, vegetables, fish, fruits, dairy, alcoholic beverages, sauces, and tea/beverages). Intake (% of total energy) was classified into quartiles. Elevated hs-CRP was defined as ≥1 mg/L. Complex-sample multivariable logistic regression was used to assess age-stratified associations and interactions with total sodium and fermented food-derived sodium (SPSS 29.0; p < 0.05). Results: Fermented food intake decreased with age (p < 0.001). In adults aged 20–39, higher intake was associated with lower odds of elevated hs-CRP (Q4 vs. Q1: OR = 0.699, 95% CI 0.542–0.901; p for trend = 0.002). A similar inverse association was observed in those aged 40–64 (Q4: OR = 0.817, 95% CI 0.691–0.967; p for trend = 0.006), which remained significant after adjustment for fermented food-derived sodium. Among adults ≥65, significant interactions were observed for both fermented food-derived sodium (p = 0.040) and total sodium (p = 0.042), indicating variation across sodium intake levels. Conclusions: The association between fermented food intake and systemic inflammation differs by age. In older adults, this relationship appears to be modified by dietary sodium context, highlighting the importance of age-specific dietary considerations. Full article

Type 2 endoleaks (EL2s) are potentially life-threatening complications, defined as persistent arterial perfusion of the excluded aneurysmal sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Most EL2s are managed endovascularly, through embolization of the aneurysmal sac and its arterial feeders. During embolization, attention should be given to anatomical variants such as “corona mortis”, an arterial anastomosis connecting external iliac (via inferior epigastric) and internal iliac (via obturator) arteries. We present the case of an 88-year-old male previously treated with EVAR for a left common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA), complicated by EL2 originating from the ipsilateral ilio-lumbar branch of the internal iliac artery. Successful embolization of the endoleak was achieved through catheterization of the inferior epigastric artery, taking advantage of the “corona mortis” variant. This route allowed access to the sac and embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer. This approach represents a safe alternative to direct sac puncture or superior gluteal artery access in patients exhibiting this anatomical variant. Full article

In this work, sodium alginate (NaAlg) membranes were enhanced with synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoplates to enable efficient pervaporation dehydration of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). A comprehensive suite of characterisation techniques—scanning electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle and liquid uptake measurements—along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, was employed to establish robust structure–property relationships and to elucidate filler–polymer interactions. Membranes with different ZnO contents were prepared, and membranes based on the optimal NaAlg-ZnO(5%) composite were cross-linked with CaCl₂ to improve stability in aqueous solutions, and supported membranes were developed for prospective applications by applying this composite onto the prepared porous cellulose acetate (CA) substrate. This developed cross-linked supported NaAlg-ZnO(5%)/CA membrane had a permeation flux increased by 2 times or more compared to a dense NaAlg membrane during dehydration of IPA (12–30 wt.% water) with a permeate water content above 99 wt.%. The integrated experimental–theoretical approach provides mechanistic insight into ZnO–NaAlg interactions and demonstrates the strong potential of these mixed matrix membranes for high-efficiency alcohol dehydration, offering a rational design paradigm for next-generation pervaporation membranes. Full article