Search Results (385)

Acrylamide is a heat-induced food contaminant that can be formed through the Maillard reaction between reducing sugars and asparagine in carbohydrate-rich foods. It is recognized as having carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive risks, prompting global regulatory and research attention. This review synthesizes recent advances (2013–2025) in understanding acrylamide’s formation mechanisms, detection methods, mitigation strategies, and health implications. Analytical innovations such as LC–MS/MS have enabled detection at trace levels (≤10 µg/kg), supporting process optimization and compliance monitoring. Effective mitigation strategies combine cooking adjustments, ingredient reformulation, and novel technologies, including vacuum frying, ohmic heating, and predictive modeling, which can achieve up to a 70% reduction in certain food categories. Dietary polyphenols and fibers also hold promise, lowering acrylamide formation and bioavailability through carbonyl trapping and enhanced detoxification. However, significant gaps remain in bioavailability assessment, analysis of metabolic fate (glycidamide conversion), and standardized global monitoring. This review emphasizes that a sustainable reduction in dietary acrylamide requires a multidisciplinary framework integrating mechanistic modeling, green processing, regulatory oversight, and consumer education. Bridging science, industry, and policy is essential to ensure safer food systems and minimize long-term public health risks. Full article

The most used technique to assess cortisol in zebrafish is trunk sampling, a terminal procedure. Extracting cortisol non-terminally in adult zebrafish remains challenging, limiting longitudinal studies, and the reduction of the number of zebrafish used in research. This study explored non-terminal methods for cortisol measurement in adult zebrafish under acute and chronic stress, focusing on housing water and skin mucus as alternatives to terminal trunk sampling. Oxidative stress markers (cerebral and hepatic) were also assessed to confirm stress responses. In experiment A, zebrafish were exposed to no stress, acute stress (AS), or chronic stress for 14 days (CS14) to evaluate skin mucus and trunk cortisol as biomarkers. In experiment B, in addition to CS14, a 7-day unpredictable chronic stress protocol (CS7) was tested to discard stress habituation. Results showed significant effects on cerebral oxidative stress: AS increased ROS and AChE activity, CS7 reduced GPx and AChE, and CS14 raised GPx in experiment A, while it increased protein carbonyls and decreased ATPase levels in experiment B. Trunk and skin mucus cortisol increased following AS. Under chronic stress, trunk and skin mucus cortisol levels were not significantly altered, but water cortisol increased at CS7. In conclusion, skin mucus and trunk cortisol levels are reliable biomarkers for acute stress, while water cortisol holds promise for chronic stress. Full article

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a major cause of acute liver failure and can be fatal, often without early symptoms. Protein deficiency, arising from illness or inadequate diet, impairs growth, immunity, and tissue repair. Both conditions can harm the kidneys, yet the impact of energy imbalance on renal physiology remains unclear. In this study, APAP toxicity and a low-protein diet induced behavioral suppression and tissue damage, as evidenced by reduced whole-body, liver, and kidney weights in rats. In kidney mitochondria of rats exposed to only toxic APAP doses, ATP levels declined sharply while ADP and AMP increased. AMP deaminase and ATPases’ activities rose about twofold and 1.5-fold, respectively, whereas cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase activity fell nearly threefold, suggesting compensatory responses to disrupted energy balance. The strongest reductions in ATP and the greatest increases in AMP and ATPase activity occurred in APAP-intoxicated rats fed a low-protein diet. This combination also intensified lipid peroxidation and oxidative protein damage, evidenced by elevated TBARS, reduced protein SH-groups, and increased protein carbonyls. Overall, APAP intoxication with protein deficiency disrupts renal energy metabolism, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and structural kidney injury. Nutritional status therefore critically influences drug-induced nephrotoxicity, and antioxidant strategies may help prevent damage under metabolic stress. Full article

Cactus leaves from the Cactaceae family, particularly the Opuntia genus, have attracted increasing attention as natural coagulants for water treatment applications. In this work, Cactus-based extracts were investigated for drinking water treatment through the coagulation–flocculation process. Several extraction routes were examined, including Ca-J, Ca-H₂O, Ca-NaOH (0.05 M), Ca-NaCl (0.5 M), and Ca-HCl (0.05 M), and their performance was evaluated using jar test experiments. The removal efficiencies of total coliforms (TC), anaerobic sulfite-reducing bacteria (ASRB), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity were assessed, and the most effective extract was subsequently tested in a semi-industrial pilot-scale coagulation–flocculation–settling system. The physicochemical properties of the Cactus material were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and MALDI-TOF analyses. Results revealed bioactive components, including carbohydrates, proteins, tannins, flavonoids, and glucose, with functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl) responsible for coagulation. XRD and SEM analyses showed a semi-crystalline structure and a heterogeneous surface with fiber networks, while MALDI-TOF confirmed the presence of flavonoid and tannin compounds. These features collectively contribute to the effective removal of turbidity, suspended solids, and microbial contaminants. Among the tested extracts, Ca-NaOH (0.05 M) exhibited the highest removal efficiencies, achieving 100% removal of TC and ASRB, 94.15% removal of TSS, and 70.38% turbidity reduction under laboratory conditions. Pilot-scale application of this extract resulted in a turbidity reduction of 66.65%. Additional water quality parameters, including total alkalinity (TA), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC), were monitored to evaluate process performance. Overall, the results highlight the strong potential of Cactus leaves as an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional chemical coagulants. However, further research is required to enhance their scalability and commercialization. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) is a typical pollutant with strong toxicity even at low concentrations. In the marine environment, Cd is a problem of magnitude and ecological significance due to its high toxicity and accumulation in living organisms. The clam Meretrix meretrix is a useful bioindicator species for evaluating heavy-metal stress. This study investigated the extent of recovery from Cd²⁺-induced oxidative and immune impairments in M. meretrix gills achieved by short-term depuration. Clams were exposed to 3 mg/L Cd²⁺ for six days or three days followed by three days of depuration, and the Cd contents, morphological structure, osmoregulation, oxidative stress, and immune responses in the gills were evaluated. The results showed that gill Cd contents increased with exposure, reaching 9.857 ± 0.074 mg·kg⁻¹ on day 3 but decreased slightly to 8.294 ± 0.056 mg·kg⁻¹ after depuration, while reaching 18.665 ± 0.040 mg·kg⁻¹ on day 6 after continuous exposure. Histological lesions, including lamellar fusion, hemolymphatic sinus dilation, and ciliary degeneration, partially recovered after depuration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased significantly, while DNA-protein crosslinking rate (DPC) and protein carbonyl (PCO) showed minor reductions. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the activities of Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase (CMA), cytochrome c oxidase (COX), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased by over 10% during depuration, though these changes were not statistically significant. Lysozyme (LZM) activity and MT transcript levels increased progressively with Cd exposure, indicating their suitability as biomarkers of Cd stress. Acid and alkaline phosphatase (ACP, AKP) activities and Hsp70 and Nrf2 mRNA transcripts exhibited inverted U-shaped response consistent with hormetic response. ACP and AKP activity levels rose by more than 20% after depuration, suggesting partial restoration of immune capacity. Overall, Cd exposure induced oxidative damage, metabolic disruption, and immune suppression in M. meretrix gills, yet short-term depuration allowed partial recovery. These findings enhance understanding of Cd toxicity and reversibility in marine bivalves and reinforce the usage of biochemical and molecular markers for monitoring Cd contamination and assessing depuration efficiency in aquaculture environments. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are promising agents for nanomedicine but their interactions with lipid membranes, which are a key interfaces for drug delivery, require a deeper understanding. This study investigates the influence of fructose-capped AgNPs on the physicochemical properties of SOPC-based liposomal bilayers, with potential implications for drug delivery and photothermal therapy. We employed a multitechnique approach, including infrared (IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermally induced shape fluctuation analysis, and laser irradiation at 343, 515, and 1030 nm. Our results show that AgNPs incorporated into the bilayer cause measurable perturbations: DSC reveals a decrease in the main phase transition enthalpy (from 0.280 to 0.234 J/g) and temperature (from 2.80 to 3.41 °C), while shape fluctuation analysis indicates a reduction in bending modulus (from 1.18 × 10−19 J to 0.93 × 10−19 J), confirming increased membrane fluidity. FTIR confirms interactions of fructose-capped nanoparticles and the lipid’s carbonyl and phosphate groups. Furthermore, the AgNPs-liposomes exhibit a strong, wavelength-dependent photothermal response with a temperature increase of ≈22 °C under 515 nm laser irradiation, compared to only 3–5 °C at 1030 nm. We conclude that fructose-capped AgNPs moderately fluidify lipid bilayers while enabling efficient, controllable photothermal capability, making them excellent candidates for the eventual design of advanced liposomal systems for combined therapy and diagnostics. Full article

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bio-based polymer, although its application is limited by mechanical brittleness and low thermal resistance. PLA-based biocomposites reinforced with waste materials are gaining attention due to their sustainability, but their durability under degradation conditions remains a key concern. In this work, PLA biocomposites containing 0, 1, and 3% wt. of Olive-stone Biomass Ash (OBA) were manufactured and characterized both (1) after manufacture and (2) after laboratory-accelerated weathering (including UV exposure, heat, and humidity). The results obtained were analyzed to evaluate the influence of ash incorporation on degradation resistance (measured through Carbonyl Indices, CI), mechanical properties (tensile strength), thermal (Thermogravimetric Analysis—Differential Scanning Calorimetry, TGA-DSC), structure (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, FT-IR), morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy, SEM) and appearance (colorimetry and gloss). Key quantitative findings include a 35% reduction in tensile strength for raw PLA after 1000 h weathering exacerbated to 48% and 50% with 1% and 3% OBA incorporation, respectively. Degradation indices showed increased hydroxyl formation, with HI values ranging from 0.38 to 2.80 for PLA, while for biocomposites HI rose up to 5.85 for PLA with 3% OBA. Subsequently, a solid-state reaction was model-fitted from experimental data obtained by means of TGA analysis for determining the kinetic triplet (pre-exponential factor, the activation energy, and the reaction mechanism). Finally, the Acceleration Factor (AF), which combines the effects of radiation, temperature, and humidity to predict long-term material performance, is addressed analytically. Full article

This study investigates chlorine-induced aging of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) through a 3 × 3 factorial matrix combining three temperatures (20, 40, 60 °C) and three chlorine concentrations (5, 10, 20 ppm) over 45 days. Tensile tests revealed progressive embrittlement, with elongation at break decreasing sharply under severe aging; samples exposed to 60 °C and 20 ppm exhibited premature brittle failure despite peak stresses remaining near ~22 MPa. XRD results showed a reduction in crystallinity from 67.07% (reference) to 61.06–61.31% under the most aggressive conditions, accompanied by a decrease in crystallite size from 5.60 nm to 2.10–2.50 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed oxidation through increased carbonyl absorption at 1716 cm⁻¹ and new bands at 1608–1635 cm⁻¹. TGA revealed substantial thermal deterioration, with T5% falling from 450 °C (reference) to 327 °C at 60 °C/20 ppm, along with an additional degradation peak at 398 °C. DSC showed a melting temperature decrease from 136.32 °C to 131.67 °C and an increase in crystallinity from 41.07% (unexposed sample) to 59.19% (60 °C/20 ppm). Statistical analysis of the results established that degradation is governed by different dominant factors depending on the measured property: Chlorine concentration was found to be the dominant factor for XRD crystallinity and thermal decomposition T5%, confirming that surface structural damage and early molecular weight loss are driven primarily by chlorine-induced oxidation. Conversely, DSC crystallinity was governed primarily by temperature, reflecting thermally driven molecular reorganization within the bulk material. Overall, chlorine exposure, amplified by temperature, accelerates chemical oxidation, structural degradation, and mechanical embrittlement, reducing the long-term reliability of HDPE in chlorinated water systems. The findings provide critical data for predicting the service life and informing material selection for HDPE components used in high-temperature or high-chlorine water distribution systems. Full article

Excess adiposity is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to metabolic dysregulation. Both exercise training and bioactive plant-derived compounds have been explored as therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) root extract, rich in ecdysteroids such as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This randomized controlled trial investigated the combined effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and asparagus root extract (ARE) supplementation on metabolic parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and white blood cell counts in overweight and obese adults. Seventy-two participants aged 18–30 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m² were randomly assigned to one of four groups: control (CON), ARE supplementation only (ARE), HIIT only (HIIT), and combined intervention (COM). The HIIT protocol comprised a modified Tabata regimen of progressive bodyweight intervals at 80–90% and 40–50% of maximal perceived exertion, performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Participants in the ARE and COM groups received a daily oral dose of ARE providing 1.71 ± 0.24 mg/kg/day of 20E. Compared with the CON group, the HIIT group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), the TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) ratio, and blood glucose levels, alongside significant increases in HDLC and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (all p < 0.05). The COM group demonstrated significant decreases in protein carbonyls and interleukin-6 levels and in the TC/HDLC ratio (all p < 0.05) as well as a significant increase in SOD activity (p = 0.002). The ARE group, meanwhile, exhibited significant increases in both SOD activity (p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde levels (p = 0.017). These findings suggest that combining HIIT with ARE supplementation produces synergistic improvements in oxidative and inflammatory status, whereas HIIT alone primarily enhances metabolic regulation in overweight and obese individuals. Full article

Failure of the endodontic treatment is often associated with persistent polymicrobial biofilms, particularly those involving Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), which display synergistic pathogenicity and resistance to standard disinfection methods. This in vitro study compared the antimicrobial activity and oxidative damage induced by indocyanine green (ICG)–mediated laser ablation (LA) with that produced by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using methylene blue (MB) or curcumin (CUR) in root canals infected with dual-species biofilms. The samples were divided into five experimental groups (n = 20): Group A—Methylene Blue + Red Laser (RL), Group B—Curcumin + Blue LED (BL), Group C—Indocyanine Green + Infrared Diode Laser (DL), Group D—saline solution (Negative Control—NC), Group E—2.5% sodium hypochlorite (Positive Control—PC). One hundred treated bovine incisors (20 per group) were analyzed for microbial viability (colony-forming unit (CFU/mL)), the metabolic functionality of biofilms was assessed through the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) based reduction method, and oxidative stress markers, including Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl content, total oxidant capacity (TOC), and total protein levels. All experimental treatments significantly reduced microbial load compared to the negative control (p < 0.05), with ICG achieving the greatest reduction. ICG also induced the highest levels of oxidative stress across all parameters (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that LA with ICG is more effective than aPDT with MB or CUR, achieving disinfection outcomes comparable to those of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, and warrant further investigation in complex clinical models. Full article

The limited heat stability of skim milk powder (SMP) constrains its application in high-temperature processes. While dry heating can improve its thermal resistance, it often accelerates the advanced Maillard reaction, compromising protein quality. This study applied low relative humidity conditions (<10% RH) during dry heating to modulate the Maillard reaction, aiming to enhance the heat resistance of SMP and derive recombined filled evaporated milk emulsions with fewer undesirable changes in colour and solubility. SMP was subjected to dry heating at 80, 100, and 120 °C for durations ranging from 2 to 20 min (at 120 °C) and up to 16 h (at 80 °C). The progression of the Maillard reaction and associated protein modifications were evaluated. The results indicate that the advanced Maillard reaction was retarded, evidenced by minimal colour development and well-preserved protein solubility (90–97%, n = 3), determined using the Lowry assay on the supernatants. The hydroxymethylfurfural and protein carbonyl contents increased only moderately with temperature and time. Moreover, the sulfhydryl group content remained largely stable, consistent with limited disulfide-mediated aggregation. Heat treatment of SMP at 120 °C for 10 min greatly improved its heat stability, as reflected by a 25-fold reduction in the volume-weighted average diameter (D_4,3; 95% CI = 3 to 47) and a 108-fold reduction in the consistency coefficient (K; 95% CI = 12 to 200) of the SMP-derived sterilised recombined filled evaporated milk (RFEM) compared to the control. These findings demonstrate that dry heating under low RH helps to improve the functional properties of SMP without inducing the detrimental effects associated with advanced Maillard products. Full article

The synthesis, phase behavior and semiconductor properties of two novel organosilicon tetramers with dialkyl-substituted [1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophene (BTBT) moieties, D4-Und-BTBT-Hex and D4-Hex-BTBT-Oct, are described. The synthesis of these molecules was carried out by sequential modification of the BTBT core by carbonyl-containing functional alkyl substituents using the Friedel–Crafts reaction, followed by the reduction in the keto group. The target tetramers, D4-Und-BTBT-Hex and D4-Hex-BTBT-Oct, were obtained by the hydrosilylation reaction between tetraallylsilane and corresponding 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl-1-(ω-(7-alkyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b]benzothiophen-2-yl)alkyl)disiloxanes. The chemical structure of the compounds obtained was confirmed by NMR ¹H-, ¹³C- and ²⁹Si-spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and elemental analysis. Their phase behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarization optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. It was found that D4-Und-BTBT-Hex shows higher crystallinity at room temperature as compared to D4-Hex-BTBT-Oct, while both molecules possess smectic ordering favorable for active layer formation in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). The active layers were applied by spin-coating under conditions of a homogeneous thin layer formation with a low content of defects. The devices obtained from D4-Und-BTBT-Hex have demonstrated good semiconductor characteristics in OFETs with a hole mobility up to 3.5 × 10⁻² cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, a low threshold voltage and an on/off ratio up to 10⁷. Full article

Objectives: We examined how opposing running slopes can modulate interval training effects on aerobic performance and reduction–oxidation (REDOX) determinants. Methods: Fourteen physically active volunteers, assigned to either the Uphill group (UG) or the Downhill group (DG), completed 16 workouts of ten 30-s runs, at either +10% or −10% grade, with a work-to-rest ratio of 1:2 at 90% of their Maximum Aerobic Speed (MAS) over 8 weeks. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max), MAS, Running Economy (RE), time to exhaustion at MAS (Tmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and blood lactate at rest, 5th, and 10th runs were evaluated pre-, mid-, and post-training. Also, REDOX markers [Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Protein Carbonyls (PCs) were assessed in blood samples taken at rest and 3 min post-exercise of the first and last workouts. Results: VO_2max was unchanged in both groups; in the DG, MAS increased (from 14.2 ± 1.7 to 15.0 ± 1.5 km/h, d = 0.43), and post-training RER significantly increased (from 1.06 ± 0.07 to 1.12 ± 0.03). In the last training session, blood lactate levels increased in the UG (from 9.30 ± 2.69 mmοl/L to 13.34 ± 4.64 mmοl/L) but remained low and unchanged in DG (<2 mmοl/L). Post-training, resting TAC decreased in both groups, and the exercise-induced rise in PC levels was attenuated. Conclusions: Despite the brief intervention, VO₂max levels were maintained in both groups, with divergent changes in metabolic, REDOX, and performance indicators; uphill HIIT may serve for enhancing lactate tolerance, while downhill intermittent running may improve running economy. Full article

Depression is a debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder and a leading cause of disability worldwide, with current therapeutic options often limited by delayed onset of action, inadequate efficacy, and undesirable side effects. The quinoline scaffold, a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry, has been reported to possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including central nervous system (CNS) modulation. In this study, two novel 2,4-diphenylquinoline derivatives—CMPD1 [2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenylquinoline] and CMPD2 [2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-phenylquinoline]—were rationally designed based on structure–activity relationship (SAR) insights and synthesized via the Friedländer condensation of appropriately substituted anilines with carbonyl precursors. Purification was achieved through recrystallization, and structural confirmation was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy, confirming the expected chemical shifts and diagnostic signals for quinoline derivatives. The pharmacological activity was evaluated using murine models for antidepressant screening: the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). Both compounds produced statistically significant reductions in immobility time compared to the control group (p < 0.05), with CMPD2 showing slightly enhanced activity. The results suggest that electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents influence antidepressant potency, potentially through modulation of CNS receptor binding. These findings validate 2,4-diphenylquinoline derivatives as promising antidepressant leads, meriting further optimization, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, and mechanistic investigations to establish their clinical translation potential. Full article

In this work, samples of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were prepared by treating graphite oxide (GrO) with thiourea (TU) and ascorbic acid (AA). Aerogels rGO-TU and rGO-AA were prepared using the freeze-drying method and were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, TEM, and SEM-EDS. Based on the NMR, FTIR, SEM-EDS, and TEM data, GO with TU is reduced with simultaneous functionalization of its oxygen-containing groups. According to ¹H and ¹³C NMR data, the reduction of GO occurred simultaneously with an interaction of the amino groups of thiourea with carbonyl groups on the graphene sheets, forming an imine bond. This is evidenced by the appearance of additional signals in the ¹³C spectrum of GO-TU samples in the region of 140–230 ppm. The Boehm titration method showed that the number of oxygen-containing groups in rGO-TU aerogels decreased by about five times compared to GO. However, thiourea interacts with the GO surface, most likely due to electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonds. The adsorption capacity of rGO-TU aerogel with respect to methylene blue (MB) after 1440 min was 60.2 mg/g, while for rGO-AA it was 71.4 mg/g. This fact indicates the importance of optimizing GO reduction to increase the number of active sites. Full article