Search Results (59,780)

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) can extend the shelf life and ensure safety of meat products such as lamb burgers. Lupinus albus variety Orden Dorado (a low alkaloid content variety) flour, rich in protein and phenolic compounds, offers the potential to enhance the preservation of meat products during storage. Lamb burgers were formulated with Lupinus albus flours (1%, w/w; weight/weight), either conventional or obtained by compression milling, and processed by HHP treatments (untreated, two consecutive cycles at 600 MPa for 1 s; or a single cycle at 600 MPa for 4 min), with the total processing time using the HHP unit being the same for both. Then, they were subsequently stored for 14 days under refrigerated conditions. Proximate composition, microbiological changes, color, and oxidation of burgers during storage were evaluated. Flour obtained by compression milling presented higher phenolic compound content, while its antioxidant activity is similar to that obtained by conventional methods. In lamb burgers, the incorporation of both lupine flours maintained the proximate composition and fatty acids profile. Lipid oxidation after 14 days was significantly lower in burgers with lupine flour obtained by compression milling, whereas protein oxidation responses depended on treatment–formulation interactions. HHP drastically reduced microbial counts, with sustained inactivation of coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) although instrumental color was significantly altered in fresh burgers after processing. However, sensory scores of grilled burgers remained unaffected by either flour type or HHP treatment. Incorporation of Lupinus albus flour into lamb burgers processed by HHP preserved sensory quality while enhancing the microbial and lipid oxidation stability of burgers. Finally, the application of two short (1 s) cycles at 600 MPa was more beneficial than a single 4 min cycle, offering similar microbial inactivation with less impact on the quality changes in burgers. Finally, applying two short (1 s) HHP cycles at 600 MPa was more beneficial than a single 4 min cycle, as it achieved similar microbial inactivation while better preserving the color and oxidative stability of the burgers. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) has increasingly been linked to oxidative stress; however, the specific redox mechanisms underlying different clinical phenotypes remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to evaluate tear film oxidative stress profiles in patients with primary DED and sarcoidosis-associated DED (S-DED) by assessing lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and total tear protein content, and to explore their relationship with clinical tear film dysfunction. Tear samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, as well as for malondialdehyde (MDA) and total protein levels, alongside standard clinical tests of tear film stability and secretion. Both DED groups exhibited significant oxidative alterations compared to controls, but with distinct redox signatures. Primary DED was characterized by markedly increased tear MDA levels, indicating predominant lipid peroxidation, whereas S-DED showed a more pronounced impairment of antioxidant defense, reflected by preserved or increased SOD activity in the context of significantly reduced GPx activity. Total tear protein levels were reduced in both groups, with evidence suggesting qualitative protein alterations in S-DED. The tear collection method significantly influenced the measured levels of several oxidative stress markers, underscoring the importance of sampling technique when interpreting tear-based redox profiles. Oxidative stress markers correlated with clinical measures of tear film dysfunction, supporting their physiological relevance. These findings demonstrate that DED encompasses heterogeneous oxidative stress mechanisms and that sarcoidosis acts as a modifier of ocular surface redox homeostasis. Distinct tear-based redox profiles differentiate primary from sarcoidosis-associated dry eye, highlighting the potential value of oxidative biomarkers for phenotyping DED beyond tear deficiency alone. Full article

During recent decades, bone cancer-related diseases have remained hard to treat because of poor diagnosis, systemic toxicity, and restricted conventional treatments. Hence, the fabrication of functionalised nanoparticles offers a promising alternative by limiting side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. In this study, zinc-substituted hydroxyapatite (Zn-HA) nanoparticles were fabricated from biogenic tuna fish bone waste via a thermal decomposition method and subsequently functionalised with Catharanthus roseus (CR) flower extract to synthesise a Zn-HA/CR nanocomposite. Structural and compositional characterisations verified Zn ions incorporation into the HA lattice and efficient CR-derived phytochemical functionalisation without altering the hexagonal HA phase. Compared to pure hydroxyapatite, the Zn-HA/CR nanocomposite exhibited improved surface morphology, enhanced swelling behaviour and degradation, and increased microhardness. The nanocomposite demonstrated significantly enhanced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Zn-HA/CR nanocomposite also showed strong, dose-dependent antioxidant activity in DPPH assays. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity studies using MG-63 (HOS) osteosarcoma cancer cells revealed that the proposed nanocomposite leads to pronounced morphological alterations and reduced cell viability. The prepared Zn-HA/CR nanocomposite would be a potential nanocomposite for enhanced antioxidant and anticancer activity, which highlights this composite as a multifunctional biomaterial platform for therapeutic applications. Full article

Brazilian microalgae represent an underexplored reservoir of bioactive compounds with promising biotechnological and dermocosmetic applications. In this study, eight native Brazilian microalgae strains were cultivated under control (C) and stress conditions, nitrogen depletion (N) and salt stress (S), to modulate their bioactive profiles. Derived acetone extracts (24 samples) were evaluated for their antioxidant and antibacterial activities relevant to skin health. The antioxidant capacity of extracts was assessed by three complementary methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radicals scavenging. Additionally, the antibacterial effects against four skin microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Cutibacterium acnes) were also assessed. Among the tested samples, extracts from Scenedesmus armatus (Extract 40C) and from Chlorella sorokiniana (Extract 198C) displayed the highest antioxidant potential, with DPPH radical reduction of 22.6 ± 1.6% and 20.7 ± 1.9% and FRAP values of 178.3 and 156.8 μmol FeSO₄/g extract, respectively. Superoxide scavenging assays showed IC₅₀ values of 150.9 μg/mL for sample 40C and 139.6 μg/mL for sample 198C. Regarding the antibacterial assay, the IC₅₀ values for S. epidermidis were notable, with sample 198C exhibiting the highest potency (10.3 µg/mL), closely matching the standard drug (12.4 µg/mL). The inhibitory capacity against C. acnes showed that samples 40C (58.4 µg/mL) and 198C (83.5 µg/mL) demonstrated antimicrobial relevance. Mechanistic assays suggested that the antibacterial effects of both samples may involve alterations in bacterial membrane integrity and DNA damage. Overall, these findings highlight the dermocosmetic potential of native Brazilian microalgae, still largely untapped in biotechnology, as natural sources of multifunctional ingredients for the development of sustainable skin care formulations. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydrogel polymer application on the antioxidant activity and physiological performance of colored-fiber cotton cultivars grown under different levels of water restriction. Two experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions. In the first experiment, the effects of the hydrogel polymer, cultivars, and irrigation replacement levels were evaluated; in the second, the residual effect of the hydrogel polymer applied in the first experiment was assessed using the same cultivars and irrigation depths. Water restriction negatively affected relative water content, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and antioxidant activity, and increased electrolyte leakage in cotton cultivars. Water deficit reduced relative water content, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and antioxidant activity, while increasing electrolyte leakage in the cultivars. However, hydrogel polymer application up to 6.5 g dm⁻³ of soil and its residual effect in subsequent cycles were beneficial. The polymer increased relative water content and antioxidant activity, in addition to improving gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, suggesting maintenance of plant physiological health. Residual polymer doses also enhanced relative water content, antioxidant activity, gas exchange, and chlorophyll fluorescence in plants during Experiment II. Full article

Asparagopsis has gained global attention for its chemical properties and environmental applications. However, its two main species, Asparagopsis armata and Asparagopsis taxiformis, remain understudied, with limited information available regarding their bioactive potential, especially across their development. In this study, we examined the phenolic profiles and antioxidant potentials of gametophyte and tetrasporophyte life stages and compared differences between conventional solvent extraction (CSE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), including total phenol content, total flavonoid content, determination of condensed tannins, and seven types of antioxidant activity detections such as DPPH and ABTS. In general, the phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential of the Asparagopsis species vary significantly at different life stages and under different extraction techniques. Among them, the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of A. armata were recorded as significantly higher than those of A. taxiformis, as reflected by its greater relative antioxidant capacity index scores. In our study, while UAE did not universally outperform CSE, species- and life stage-specific improvements were recorded. Moreover, LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS tentatively identified 24 phenolic compounds (17 in A. armata and 14 in A. taxiformis), pointing to a diverse bioactive profile. Overall, Asparagopsis species demonstrated marked variability in phenolic and antioxidant potentials across life stages and extraction techniques. Full article

The present study explores the possibility of combining membrane concentration, spray drying, and low-temperature precipitation into a single process for the valorization of spent lavender biomass as a source of ingredients rich in antioxidants. Lavender spent plant material was subjected to solid–liquid extraction, and the obtained hydroalcoholic extracts were further concentrated using a dead-end membrane filtration cell (METcell) with a polyamide–urea thin-film composite X201 membrane. The feed and the obtained retentate were subsequently spray dried using a Nano Spray Dryer B-90 (BÜCHI) under different temperature conditions (120 °C and 85 °C). Low-temperature precipitation was further applied for the retentate. An eight-fold concentration of the extracts was achieved, with membrane rejection coefficients of 100% for antioxidant activity and 98.5% for dry solids content. The permeate flux ranged from 2.25 to 0.201 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹. Spray drying at a lower inlet temperature resulted in minimal losses for antioxidant activity (below 6%). The low-temperature storage of the membrane concentrate led to clear phase separation, allowing for the recovery of a precipitated fraction. The obtained results demonstrate that the integrated approach may support the sustainable and scalable valorization of lavender by-products. Full article

Fresh fish is a highly nutritious and widely consumed product that remains highly perishable due to its chemical composition. Conventional preservation methods, such as chilling and freezing, are effective at inhibiting microbial growth but often compromise nutritional and organoleptic quality. Advanced thermal techniques, including supercooling and cryogenic storage, can extend shelf life to approximately 180 days but involve high infrastructure costs and potential sensory alterations. In response, non-thermal technologies have emerged as promising alternatives capable of minimizing microbial and enzymatic deterioration while reducing oxidative and sensory damage. These include high-pressure processing, cold plasma, gamma irradiation, advanced packaging systems (e.g., modified atmospheres, edible coatings), and natural antioxidants. However, such methods face limitations such as lipid oxidation, flavor changes, and scalability issues, highlighting the need for integrated preservation strategies. This study addresses a critical gap in the application of synergistic, multi-hurdle approaches that combine non-thermal technologies to enhance shelf life without compromising nutritional or sensory quality. It is essential to propose tailored and scalable solutions specific to fishery products to advance the development of sustainable and effective preservation systems that meet the practical needs of the seafood industry. Full article

Blackberry (Rubus spp.) is a highly perishable fruit rich in bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which are associated with significant health benefits. This study investigated the application of nanofiltration using a pilot-scale spiral-wound module (DOW^® NF90-2540) as a mild technology to concentrate phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, in blackberry juice. The process achieved concentration factors (CF) of 2.2 for monomeric anthocyanins and 1.9 for total phenolic content (TPC), reaching values of 54.3 mg C3G·100 mL⁻¹ and 326.85 mg GAE·100 mL⁻¹, respectively. The antioxidant capacity (ABTS⁺ and DPPH methods) also increased significantly in the concentrated fraction (CF 1.9 and 1.7, respectively). Stability of the concentrated juice was evaluated during 90 days of frozen storage, showing that low temperatures effectively preserved anthocyanin levels and visual quality, with only minor variations in color parameters (L*, a*, b*). Furthermore, the concentrated blackberry juice was successfully incorporated into apple–orange juice blends, generating formulations with progressively increased phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and red color intensity as the proportion of blackberry concentrate increased. Anthocyanin bioaccessibility in these juice blends was also evaluated and was not proportional to the increase in anthocyanin content. Strong correlations between anthocyanin concentration, antioxidant capacity, and CIELAB color parameters highlight the dual functional and technological role of blackberry compounds. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of nanofiltration as a mild and efficient strategy for concentrating anthocyanins and phenolic compounds from blackberry juice while preserving physicochemical quality and color attributes. Full article

Lonicera caerulea L. (blue honeysuckle) is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, and rapid and accurate determination of its polyphenol content is of great significance for functional food quality control. This study proposed a hybrid variable selection strategy designed for high-dimensional small-sample scenarios and developed a quantitative prediction model for polyphenol content based on mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy. A total of 191 Lonicera caerulea samples were collected from Northeast China, and 7468-dimensional spectral data were acquired using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Polyphenol reference values were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Samples were divided into calibration (n = 152) and prediction (n = 39) sets using the SPXY algorithm. Among the 10 preprocessing methods evaluated, MSC combined with Savitzky–Golay first derivative achieved the best performance and was therefore used for subsequent modeling. The proposed hybrid variable selection method (VIP1.0∩RFR30%) intersected PLS variable importance in projection (VIP ≥ 1.0) with the top 30% important variables from random forest regression, selecting 984 key wavelengths and achieving 86.8% dimensionality reduction. A three-stage hyperparameter tuning strategy was implemented across four models (PLS, RFR, SVR, and XGBoost) to validate feature stability and control overfitting. The optimized XGBoost model achieved excellent performance on the independent test set ($R^2$ = 0.92, RMSE = 0.098, RPD = 3.47). Compared with the classical CARS method ($R^2$ = 0.78, RPD = 2.14), $R^2$ improved by 16.3% and RPD improved by 55.2%. The results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid variable selection strategy can effectively address the challenges of high-dimensional MIR spectral data in small-sample modeling, providing a reliable tool for rapid and non-destructive quantitative analysis of polyphenols in Lonicera caerulea. Full article

Reproductive efficiency in female cattle is significantly influenced by micronutrient status, particularly the availability and balance of essential trace minerals. Selenium, copper, zinc, cobalt, and iron serve as critical components of enzymatic systems, antioxidant defense networks, hormone synthesis, and cellular metabolism, collectively sustaining reproductive health. This review integrates current research evidence on the physiological functions and molecular mechanisms through which these five trace minerals regulate reproductive performance in female cattle, with a specific focus on iron—an often overlooked element—highlighting the novelty of this synthesis. Both deficiency and excess of these minerals impair key reproductive outcomes such as estrous cyclicity, conception rate, and embryonic survival. Furthermore, complex interactions among minerals influence their bioavailability and physiological responses. Advances in mineral supplementation strategies, particularly the application of organic minerals and precision feeding technologies, offer promising solutions to improve reproductive performance. Elucidating these interrelationships provides a theoretical foundation for optimizing trace mineral nutrition, thereby enhancing female cattle fertility, reducing metabolic disorders and promoting the sustainable development of beef and dairy industries. Full article

The biological compatibility of endodontic sealers is a key determinant of periapical tissue healing. This in vitro study investigated the cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, and redox-related effects of eight endodontic sealers on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPdLFs): Biopulp (Chema-Elektromet), AH Plus (Dentsply Sirona), MTA Fillapex (Angelus), EndoSeal MTA (Maruchi), GuttaFlow (Coltène), AH Plus Bioceramic (Dentsply Sirona), TotalFill BC (FKG Dentaire SA), and BioRoot TM (Septodont). Cells were exposed for 24 h to 10-fold-diluted sealer extracts prepared in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, while control samples underwent identical procedures without sealer contact. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant defense parameters, protein oxidation indices, apoptotic activity (caspase-3), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6), and cell viability (MTT assay) were assessed. Under the applied conditions, all materials induced only limited global oxidative stress, with most alterations reflecting selective protein and glycoxidative modifications. Nevertheless, AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, and the calcium hydroxide-based Biopulp exhibited a less favorable redox profile and greater protein oxidation compared with calcium silicate-based sealers. AH Plus and EndoSeal MTA were associated with increased IL-6 release, whereas EndoSeal MTA moderately elevated IL-1 levels. BioRoot TM demonstrated the lowest cytokine expression, and TotalFill BC preserved high cell viability. Caspase-3 activity remained comparable across all experimental groups, indicating minimal induction of apoptosis. Full article

Oxidative stress and redox (REDOX) imbalance play a key role in the development of many chronic and degenerative disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, cancer, and age-related illnesses. Beyond causing direct damage to macromolecules, disrupted REDOX signaling affects cellular homeostasis, alters inflammatory responses, and modifies metabolic control, leading to disease onset and progression. Therefore, targeting oxidative pathways offers a promising therapeutic approach for managing chronic diseases. Naturally derived antioxidants, especially phytochemicals such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, have been identified as novel REDOX modulators with diverse biological effects that extend beyond simple free-radical scavenging. This review provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms through which these phytochemicals influence oxidative pathways and exert protective effects on cells. We discuss their relevance in oxidative stress–related diseases, evaluate current clinical evidence regarding their efficacy, and highlight key challenges that limit their clinical application. Special attention is given to the roles of bioavailability, metabolism, and gut microbiota in shaping health outcomes associated with phytochemical consumption. Additionally, we outline emerging strategies to enhance phytochemical efficacy, including synergistic combinations and advanced delivery systems. Overall, this article underscores the potential of phytochemicals as active modulators of REDOX biology, supporting their role in precision nutrition and modern therapeutic approaches. Full article

Camelina and linseed cakes were included in the diet of Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae at two levels (5% and 10%) to evaluate their effects on antioxidant and amino acid contents, oxidative stability, water activity (a_w), and sensory attributes. Six experimental diets were tested: a standard diet used by the insect farm (STD), a commercial control diet (CON), and CON with two inclusion levels of camelina (CAM 5, CAM 10) or linseed (LIN 5, LIN 10) cakes. Each treatment consisted of 12 replicates of five-week-old larvae reared until commercial size (9 weeks). Camelina and linseed cake inclusion affected the a_w of dried larvae, with the highest values in CAM 5 and the lowest in LIN 10 (0.69 vs. 0.45, respectively; p = 0.016). The highest linseed inclusion level increased susceptibility to lipid oxidation during storage (11.3 vs. an average 2.93 meq O₂/kg fat, respectively; p < 0.0001), despite elevated antioxidant concentrations (α, δ, γ -tocopherols and β-carotene). Larvae fed with CAM 5 and LIN 5 diets had a higher content of most essential amino acids compared to the other treatments (p < 0.0001). Conversely, increasing the inclusion level to 10% determined a reduction in total amino acid content and in key essential amino acids, particularly lysine (p < 0.0001). Non-essential amino acids displayed a similar trend, except glycine, whose highest value was observed in the LIN 10 group (933 vs. 652 mg/100 g, on average). Sensory evaluation showed that LIN 10 larvae achieved the highest scores for visual and overall acceptability, although some results need further investigation. Overall, camelina and linseed cakes appear to be promising, sustainable agro-industrial by-products to be exploited in TM farming, especially at moderate inclusion levels, as the nutritional quality and market appeal of TM biomass were ensured. Full article

Background/Objectives:Parmentiera edulis, traditionally called “cuajilote”, is a medicinal plant used to treat infections, indigestion, kidney problems, and diabetes. Although all parts of the plant are utilized, there is little scientific evidence available on its phytochemical composition to explain its medicinal properties. This exploratory study aims to characterize and identify phytochemicals in hydromethanolic extracts of leaves, stems, and fruits; determine their antioxidant capacity, and evaluate in vitro and in silico inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, enzymes involved in glycemic control. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated using different assays. Phenolic acids were tentatively identified by UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS. Enzyme inhibition assays against α-glucosidase and α-amylase were performed in vitro, and molecular docking was used to explore enzyme–ligand interactions. Results: The total phenolic content was significantly higher in the fruit (552.9 mg GAE/100 g dw), while flavonoids were more abundant in leaves (119.84 mg QE/100 g dw). Antioxidant capacity varied among plant parts, depending on the assay used. Caffeic, chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, gallic, and quinic acids were identified. The highest concentrations were observed for chlorogenic, ferulic, and quinic acids. Among the analyzed parts, leaf extracts showed the most potent inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase (IC₅₀: 0.85 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC₅₀: 1.38 mg/mL). Molecular docking revealed that chlorogenic and quinic acids interacted with the catalytic sites of α-amylase (Glu233, Asp197, and Asp300), whereas in α-glucosidase, interactions were observed at allosteric sites. Conclusions: These results suggest that Parmentiera edulis possesses bioactive compounds that could explain its therapeutic use. Full article