Search Results (116)

Objectives: In Japan, smartphone applications are increasingly used for dietary recording in healthcare settings. This study aimed to examine the agreement between energy and nutrient intake estimates obtained using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based dietary recording application and those obtained using the weighed dietary record (WDR). Methods: The AI-based dietary recording method (FoodLog Athl method) was compared with WDR. Thirty-six university students (35 women and 1 man) simultaneously recorded their dietary intake using FoodLog Athl (FLA) and the WDR for 10 consecutive days. Energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using each method, and correlations and agreement between the two methods were evaluated. Results: Significant positive correlations were observed between the two methods for energy and most nutrients, except for iron, vitamin B1, and sodium chloride equivalent (p < 0.01). Compared with the WDR, the FLA method showed systematic overestimation of energy and major macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate) and underestimation of total dietary fiber. Bland–Altman analysis indicated fixed bias and relatively wide limits of agreement for several nutrients. Conclusions: The FLA method demonstrated moderate agreement with the WDR, with systematic bias observed for selected nutrients. These findings suggest that the application may be useful for monitoring overall dietary trends or relative intake over time, but caution is warranted when precise individual-level nutrient quantification is required. Professional review by registered dietitians may help improve estimation accuracy and reduce bias. Full article

Background: Although the definition of dietary fibre is complex and constantly evolving, today we can identify it as “carbohydrate polymers with at least 10 monomeric units, which are not hydrolysed in the small intestine of humans”. In addition to the numerous and well-known benefits of dietary fibre for human health, our attention is drawn to its antioxidant properties, achieved through polyphenolic compounds linked to polysaccharide complexes. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of an extract from the fruit of Punica granatum (PUN), particularly rich in polyphenols, fibre, flavonoids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, amino acids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, these effects were evaluated in two human nervous system cell lines under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Methodology: After examining the fibre composition, some polyphenols present in the extract were identified and quantified by HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant power of PUN was measured using the DPPH method, the chelating activity assay, the reducing power test, the ORAC method, the measurement of reactive oxygen species accumulation, the quantification of lipid peroxidation, and the detection of mitochondrial superoxide in cell cultures. Results: The results were consistent, and PUN demonstrated a strong antioxidant potential, justified not only by the high content of easily extractable polyphenols (EPPs) but also by a further addition of these more difficult to identify compounds (NEPPs), indicated as “hidden polyphenols”; therefore, the total polyphenol content in the extract resulted from the sum of EPPs + NEPPs (71 ± 7.9 + 55 ± 6.4 mg = 126 ± 14.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight). The fraction of hidden polyphenols could therefore explain a mechanism by which the fibre exerts an antioxidant effect. Another important result was achieved by the cell lines used, both of which were significantly protected by PUN following oxidative damage generated by a pro-oxidant treatment. However, astrocytes were found to be more responsive and sensitive than were human neurons. At the same time, PUN mitigated the effects of oxidative damage, and it could be hypothesised that this extract could be used to extinguish the A1 phenotype. Conclusions: We can conclude that the fibrous component of pomegranate is related to the antioxidant property exerted, and the neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress could be slowed following the intake of Punica granatum. It is possible to identify the pomegranate as a “superfood” or “functional food”, with excellent nutritional characteristics and chemical composition. Full article

Early detection of cancer biomarkers in blood is critical for improving patient outcomes; however, conventional immunoassays often rely on complex instrumentation and are not well suited for point-of-care testing or multiplexed analysis. Herein, we present a dual-mode colorimetric–surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for multiplexed detection of cancer biomarkers, employing elongated rod-shaped silver nanoshells (ERNSs) as SERS nanotags. The ERNS features a rough Ag shell with internally incorporated Raman labeling compounds (RLCs), enabling plasmonic extinction for visual readout and strong SERS signals for quantitative analysis while preserving the external metal surfaces for efficient antibody conjugation. Leveraging these advantages, a multiplex LFIA capable of simultaneously detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) on a single strip was successfully demonstrated. Visual inspection enabled rapid discrimination of samples at or near clinically relevant cut-off levels, while Raman analysis achieved limits of detection of 8.0 × 10⁻³ ng/mL for PSA and 5.4 × 10⁻² U/mL for CA19-9, corresponding to approximately 500-fold and 685-fold lower concentrations than their respective clinical thresholds. This ERNS-based colorimetric–SERS LFIA integrates rapid screening and highly sensitive quantification within a single platform and offers a versatile nanoprobe design strategy for multiplex biomarker detection and liquid biopsy-based diagnostic applications, with potential relevance to point-of-care settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency and associated iron deficiency anaemia represent a major global health burden. Parenteral nutrition (PN) patients are at increased risk of iron deficiency due to inadequate iron supplementation. Currently, iron is added to all-in-one (AIO) PN mostly as low-dose ferric chloride in trace element solutions, limited to 1–2 mg in adults, to ensure emulsion stability and prevent lipid peroxidation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility and stability of selected, widely used complex-bound iron products added to AIO PN over a 48 h period. Methods: Ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose were added as non-biological complex intravenous iron oxide carbohydrate products to two different commercial AIO PN admixtures for adults. The iron concentrations used were 100 and 400 mg/L (1.79 and 7.16 mmol/L), corresponding to approximately 200 mg (3.58 mmol) of iron dose per PN bag. Free and complex-bound iron were separated using 100 kDa dialysis tubes. Free and complex-bound iron were assessed at 4, 24, and 48 h after admixing. pH was measured before and at 0, 4, 24, and 48 h after admixture. Iron quantification was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: No significant changes in complex-bound iron concentration were observed over the 48 h incubation period (p-value = 0.449; estimate 0.060 mg/L per h, 95% CI −0.089, 0.201 mg/L per h). The concentration of free iron was very low and increased only slightly over time. Iron recovery ranged from 95.8% to 103.9%. The addition of the alkaline iron sucrose significantly increased the pH of the AIO admixture (p-value = 0.033), whereas the addition of ferric carboxymaltose did not affect the pH (p-value = 0.351). After the initial increase, the pH of all conditions remained stable over the 48 h incubation period (p-value = 0.07). Conclusions: Ferric carboxymaltose demonstrated stable intravenous iron admixtures within the PN formulations tested. Before the clinical application of these findings, further studies should specifically evaluate the lipid peroxidation and stability of the lipid emulsions, the most sensitive and important PN compatibility and safety characteristics of AIO PN. Full article

Background: As essential biomolecules composed of proteins and carbohydrate moieties, glycoproteins play pivotal roles in numerous biological processes. The glycosylation level plays a crucial role in determining the functionality of glycoproteins. Therefore, the precise quantification of glycan components in proteins holds significant importance for research on and development of polysaccharide–protein-conjugated vaccines. Methods: In this study, a novel glycan quantification approach was developed, leveraging analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) technology that synergistically utilizes ultraviolet wavelength absorption and interference data to directly determine glycan mass fractions in glycoproteins. Results: This methodology expands the analytical framework for glycoproteins while retaining the intrinsic advantages of AUC, enabling analysis in native states with high reproducibility as indicated by low standard deviation across replicates. Conclusions: The approach was implemented in our proprietary AUC data analysis software called AUCAgent (v1.8.8), providing a new method for glycoprotein quantification and polysaccharide ratio determination in polysaccharide-protein-conjugate vaccines. Full article

Ancient wheat cultivars play a crucial role in human and animal nutrition and health, serving as rich sources of bioactive compounds, essential nutrients, and functional metabolites. This study investigated Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (cv. Saragolla), an ancient wheat variety from the Campania region of Southern Italy, to comprehensively characterize its morphological, functional, and nutritional attributes in support of germplasm conservation and valorization. Standard AOAC methods, including HPLC profiling, antioxidant assays, and quantification of total polyphenols and flavonoids, were applied to characterize the grain’s composition. The results revealed a balanced distribution of proteins, lipids, dietary fibers, and carbohydrates, that defines the nutritional and functional quality of Saragolla grains. Microscopic investigation through SEM coupled with EDX analysis provided high-resolution visualization of caryopsis morphology, ultrastructure, and mineral distribution, confirming its distinct varietal characteristics. Additionally, SSR marker analysis revealed notable genetic diversity within the Saragolla germplasm, identifying loci associated with key agronomic traits, including kernel weight, grain number, and stress tolerance parameters essential for future breeding programs. Overall, this integrated assessment highlights Saragolla as a valuable heritage wheat and a strategic genetic resource for breeding durum cultivars with enhanced nutritional quality, technological performance, and resilience to environmental stress. Full article

Dual-emission molecularly imprinted membranes (dual@MIPs@mbr) were developed as a proof-of-concept platform for the selective and instrument-free detection of the cancer biomarker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). The system integrates a ratiometric fluorescence response by embedding yellow-emitting quantum dots (y-QDs), serving as target-responsive probes, and blue-emitting carbon dots (b-CDs), acting as an internal reference, within a CA 19-9-imprinted polymeric matrix. Specific rebinding of CA 19-9 to the imprinted cavities induced selective quenching of the y-QDs while preserving the b-CDs emission, yielding a visible color shift from yellow/green to blue. This behavior enabled the quantification of CA 19-9 over a linear range of 4–400 U mL⁻¹, with a limit of detection of 0.056 U mL⁻¹ in diluted serum. The membranes showed good selectivity against common serum interferents and maintained short-term photochemical stability. Although the method has not yet been validated using real clinical samples, the pronounced ratiometric response and simple visual readout demonstrate its potential as a low-cost, portable sensing approach for future point-of-care cancer biomarker analysis. Full article

This cross-sectional study investigated whether elite female World Tour cyclists have a specific gut microbiome compared to non-athlete female controls, potentially resulting from the unique physiological and dietary demands of high-level endurance cycling. Fourteen female cyclists and thirteen matched controls provided fecal samples during a period of reduced training (off-season cycling). The samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) quantification. The results revealed significant differences in microbiome composition. The cyclists showed a higher abundance of Bacteroidota (72.7% vs. 15.3%) and a lower abundance of Firmicutes (22.1% vs. 62.5%) compared to the controls, along with reduced alpha-diversity (Shannon index, p < 0.05). Fiber-fermenting families such as Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were depleted, consistent with a carbohydrate-focused and relatively low-fiber diet. Interestingly, fecal SCFA levels did not differ, suggesting functional adaptation of the microbiome. These findings indicate that the elite female cyclists may have developed a “performance-adapted” gut microbiome. However, due to the cross-sectional design, causality cannot be established, and the long-term health implications remain uncertain. Full article

The present study aimed to comprehensively characterize the physicochemical, nutritional, and functional properties of Armoracia rusticana leaves and roots, with a focus on their potential as sources of bioactive compounds. Quality parameters (color, moisture, titratable acidity, pH), macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fibers) and micronutrient (minerals, vitamins) content were determined. Polyphenolic profiles were evaluated using HPLC-DAD in two types of extracts: methanol–water (1:1, v/v) and deionized water. Flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin), hydroxybenzoic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic), and hydroxycinnamic acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric, rosmarinic) were identified. Freeze-drying proved effective in preserving thermolabile compounds, such as vitamin C (299.78 mg/100 g) and polyphenols (107.14 mg/100 g). Antioxidant capacity of the leaf extracts ranged between 74.52% and 76.90%, while pigment quantification revealed high levels of chlorophyll a (360.7 mg/100 g), chlorophyll b (110.03 mg/100 g), and total carotenoids (72.35 mg/100 g). FTIR spectroscopy was employed to assess molecular structures and functional group composition. Overall, the results support the valorization of A. rusticana leaves—an underutilized plant part—alongside roots, for applications in functional foods and nutraceutical development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Exogenous ketone supplements elevate circulating ketones without carbohydrate restriction, but their long-term hepatic safety remains unclear. This study evaluated the formulation-dependent impact of chronic ketone supplementation on liver histopathology, inflammatory signaling, and systemic biomarkers in rats. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered 1,3-butanediol (BD), medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), ketone ester (KE), ketone electrolytes/salts (KSs), or a ketone salt–MCT combination (KSMCT) for 4 weeks. In a separate arm, animals received standard diet (SD), or SD supplemented with low-dose KE (LKE) or high-dose KE (HKE), for 83 days. Liver structure was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining with quantification of red blood cell density and lipid accumulation. Inflammatory and metabolic responses were evaluated by TNF-α and arginase immunohistochemistry. Serum biochemistry included glucose, proteins, electrolytes, and liver and kidney function markers. Results: BD and KE induced macrovesicular steatosis, vascular congestion, and elevated TNF-α and arginase expression, consistent with hepatic stress. MCT caused moderate hepatocellular ballooning and lipid deposition, whereas KS preserved near-normal hepatic morphology. KSMCT produced intermediate effects, reducing lipid accumulation and TNF-α compared with MCT or KE alone. KE supplementation caused dose-dependent reductions in globulin and elevations in creatinine, while HKE reduced sodium and glucose levels. Conclusions: Chronic hepatic responses to exogenous ketones are highly formulation dependent. KS demonstrated the most favorable safety profile under the tested conditions, maintaining normal hepatic structure, while BD and KE elicited adverse changes. Formulation choice is critical for the safe long-term use of exogenous ketones. Full article

Ucuuba (Virola surinamensis) is a fruit of Amazonian origin with anti-inflammatory, nutritional, and phenolic substances. This study aimed to prepare and characterize the ucuuba co-product extract as well as to evaluate its antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, proximate composition, and water activity. For this purpose, the co-product and its extract were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and their thermal behavior was investigated by thermogravimetry (TG). The ucuuba co-product extract was also evaluated for its contents of total polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS assays, and cytotoxicity in normal J774.A1 macrophages by the MTT technique. The co-product proved to have important macronutrient contents from a nutritional point of view, i.e., 11.67 ± 0.731% fiber, 16.67 ± 0.36% lipids, 38.32 ± 0.19% proteins, and 30.56% carbohydrates, as well as low moisture content (6.73 ± 0.05%) and water activity (0.403). FTIR spectra showed characteristic absorption peaks of phenolic compounds. The ucuuba co-product (pressed seeds) and the extract obtained from the ucuuba seed co-product were stable at around 100 °C and showed two mass loss events typical of natural products. The extract contained total polyphenols and flavonoids amounting to 806.45 mg/100 g and 62 mg RE/100 g, respectively, and its antioxidant activity according to the DPPH and ABTS assays was 374.33 and 258.15 µM Trolox/g, respectively. Caffeic acid was identified as an abundant phenolic compound (5.17 µg/mL) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD), and its quantification method was validated. Furthermore, there was no cytotoxicity in the macrophage cell line at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL. These results indicate that the ucuuba co-product could be reused to develop new functional and nutraceutical foods. Full article

The accumulation of plastic waste has intensified the pursuit of biodegradable alternatives, yet standard methods such as CO₂ evolution, oxygen demand, and mass loss fail to fully capture microbial physiological responses during degradation. This study introduces a biochemical assay-based approach to quantify proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in soil as indicators of microbial activity during polymer biodegradation. For microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates increased by 2.09-, 6.47-, and 11.22-fold, respectively (all p-values < 0.001), closely aligning with CO₂ evolution trends. Non-biodegradable poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) exhibited no significant changes. Synthesized poly(butylene glutarate) (PBG) also showed significant biomolecule accumulation (up to 2.70-fold) alongside CO₂ production. Biomolecule quantification complements CO₂-based methods by revealing microbial proliferation and metabolic activity that persist beyond the mineralization plateau, offering a more comprehensive assessment of biodegradability. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of solar and hybrid dryers on the physicochemical characteristics, fingerprints, and cognitive-sensory perceptions of Mexican consumers of traditional tostadas made with corn of different races. Corn tostadas from different native races were evaluated with solar and hybrid (solar-photovoltaic solar panels) dehydration methods. Proximal chemical quantification, instrumental analysis (color, texture), fingerprint by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and sensory-cognitive profile (emotions and memories) and its relationship with the level of pleasure were carried out. The data were evaluated using analysis of variance models, Cochran Q, and an external preference map (PREFMAP). The results showed that the drying method and corn race significantly (p < 0.05) affected only moisture content, lipids, carbohydrates, and water activity. Instrumental color was influenced by the corn race effect, and the dehydration type influenced the fracturability effect. FTIR fingerprinting results revealed that hybrid samples exhibited higher intensities, particularly associated with higher lime concentrations, indicating a greater exposure of glycosidic or protein structures. Race and dehydration type effects impacted the intensity of sensory attributes, emotions, and memories. PREFMAP vector model results revealed that consumers preferred tostadas from the Solar-Chiquito, Hybrid-Pepitilla, Hybrid-Cónico, and Hybrid-Chiquito races for their higher protein content, moisture, high fracturability, crunchiness, porousness, sweetness, doughy flavor, corn flavor, and burnt flavor, while images of these tostadas evoked positive emotions (tame, adventurous, free). In contrast, the Solar-Pepitilla tostada had a lower preference because it was perceived as sour and lime-flavored, and its tostada images evoked more negative emotions and memories (worried, accident, hurt, pain, wild) and fewer positive cognitive aspects (joyful, warm, rainy weather, summer, and interested). However, the tostadas of the Solar-Cónico race were the ones that were most rejected due to their high hardness and yellow to blue tones and for evoking negative emotions (nostalgic and bored). Full article

Background/Objectives: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is a clinically established biomarker primarily used for monitoring disease progression and recurrence in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. Accurate and continuous quantification of CA19-9 in patient samples is critical for effective clinical management. This study aimed to develop dual-emitting molecularly imprinted nanopolymers (dual@nanoMIPs) for ratiometric and reliable detection of CA19-9 in serum. Methods: Dual-emitting nanoMIPs were synthesized via a one-step molecular imprinting process, incorporating both blue-emitting carbon dots (b-CDs) as internal reference fluorophores and yellow-emitting quantum dots (y-QDs) as responsive probes. The CA19-9 template was embedded into the polymer matrix to create specific recognition sites. Fluorescence measurements were carried out under 365 nm excitation in 1% human serum diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Results: The dual@nanoMIPs exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence response upon CA19-9 binding, characterized by the emission quenching of the y-QDs at 575 nm, while the b-CDs emission remained stable at 467 nm. The fluorescence shift observed in the RGB coordinates from yellow to green in the concentration range of CA19-9 tested, improved quantification accuracy by compensating for matrix effects in serum. A linear detection range was achieved from 4.98 × 10⁻³ to 8.39 × 10² U mL⁻¹ in serum samples, with high specificity and reproducibility. Conclusions: The dual@nanoMIPs developed in this work enable a stable, sensitive, and specific detection of CA19-9 in minimally processed serum, offering a promising tool for longitudinal monitoring of cancer patients. Its ratiometric fluorescence design enhances reliability, supporting clinical decision-making in the follow-up of pancreatic cancer. Full article

Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer treatment that combines tumor-selective boron delivery agents with thermal neutrons to kill cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. BNCT requires boron-containing compounds that exhibit high tumor selectivity and achieve therapeutic boron concentrations within tumor cells. This work focuses on the early development of a novel boron cluster carbohydrate derivative based on the glucosamine structure. Our results indicate that this derivative may have advantages over the typical boron delivery agent used in clinical applications and may significantly improve boron delivery capacity at the cellular level. Methods: The performance of the compound in terms of boron uptake was tested in the U87-MG glioblastoma cell line employing neutron autoradiography imaging and quantification. Results: The compound was non-toxic for cells, and it showed a remarkable capacity to enrich cells with boron. The ratio between boron concentration provided in the culture medium and boron concentration achieved in cells was compared to that obtained with boronophenylalanine (BPA), the gold standard in BNCT. The result demonstrated a significantly better performance compared with BPA, showing that the novel agent can concentrate boron in cells more than in culture medium. Conclusions: The encouraging preliminary results provide a starting point for its potential application in in vivo tests. Full article