Search Results (30,180)

Background/Objectives: Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is widely cultivated for its fruit, while its aerial by-products remain largely underexploited despite increasing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds and sustainable food systems. This study comprehensively investigates and compares the phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivities of loquat leaves and flowers to support their potential valorisation as functional ingredients. Methods: Extractable and non-extractable polyphenolic fractions were obtained and quantified, and the extractable fraction was further characterised using HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. In vitro bioactivity assessment included antioxidant capacity (FRAP and ABTS), glucose dialysis retardation index, and α-glucosidase inhibition. Results: Flowers contained significantly higher levels of both extractable and non-extractable polyphenols than leaves. Qualitative and semi-quantitative phenolic profiling, including multivariate analysis, revealed clear compositional differences between the two organs. Flowers showed a higher relative abundance of phenolic acids, as well as the presence of several compounds absent in leaves, such as kaempferol, naringenin-3-O-glucoside, and three glycosilated anthocyanins. Flower-derived fractions exhibited consistently higher antioxidant activity across all phenolic fractions than leaf-derived fractions, in agreement with their greater polyphenol content. Regarding antidiabetic activity, leaf samples showed a modest capacity to delay glucose diffusion, whereas this effect was not observed in flowers. In contrast, flower extracts displayed a strong inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase, exceeding that of the reference inhibitor acarbose, while this activity was not detectable in leaf extracts under the experimental conditions. Conclusions: These findings support the revalorisation of loquat by-products, particularly flowers, as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and health-related products. Full article

This study evaluated Apis mellifera brood fat extracts as a sustainable alternative to beeswax for anti-inflammatory topical delivery, including their formulation into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Brood fat was extracted using acetone, ethyl acetate (EA), and hexane, and the resulting extracts were characterized for fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties. Safety was assessed using the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test and cytotoxicity testing in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production. The most suitable extract was formulated into NLCs using sugar squalane as liquid lipid, and the effects of lipid ratio and preparation method were investigated. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the highest yield. Compared with beeswax, all fat extracts exhibited a favorable oleic acid–rich fatty acid profile with comparable crystallinity and thermal behavior, while showing significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory activity (p < 0.05). All extracts and their NLCs were non-irritating and non-cytotoxic. Ethyl acetate extract-based NLCs exhibited favorable particle sizes (72.1 ± 0.3 nm) and narrow polydispersity (0.14 ± 0.00), with high-pressure homogenization producing smaller particles compared to probe sonication without affecting IL-6 or TNF-α inhibition. Therefore, A. mellifera brood fat extract is a sustainable anti-inflammatory lipid source with strong potential as an alternative to beeswax in topical nano-formulations. Full article

Tripartite interaction among arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), small grain cereals—including wheat, barley, oats, and rye—and pathogenic organisms constitute a highly complex ecological system with major implications for plant health, productivity and resilience. AMF colonization increases nutrient acquisition, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, while concurrently priming host defense mechanisms that increase resistance to a broad spectrum of pathogens. These benefits, however, are strongly context-dependent and modulated by AMF species composition, host genotype, soil characteristics, and environmental conditions. AMF activate resistance pathways and modulate the rhizosphere microbiome, underscoring their central role in shaping plant–pathogen dynamics. Importantly, the relevance of these interactions extend beyond crop protection and yield stability to encompass food security and sustainability goals aligned with the One Health framework, which recognizes the interconnectedness of plant, environmental, and human health. Field implementation of AMF-based strategies has the potential to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, thereby promoting sustainable cereal production, restoring soil biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem services, with downstream benefits for human nutrition and environmental safety. This review integrates current knowledge on AMF–cereal–pathogen interactions, synthesizing mechanistic advances and applied perspectives while identifying critical knowledge gaps that must be addressed to effectively deploy AMF in resilient and sustainable agroecosystems within a One Health context. Full article

The rising cost of conventional protein sources such as soybean meal has prompted the search for sustainable and economical alternatives in aquafeeds. Sugar beet pulp (SBP), an abundant by-product of the sugar industry, possesses nutritional potential but is limited by its high fiber and anti-nutritional factors. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) offers a promising approach to enhance its nutritive value and functional properties. This study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of mixed microbial solid-state fermented beet pulp (FBP) on the growth, systemic health and intestinal function of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). First, orthogonal optimization determined Lactiplantibacillus plantarum:Saccharomycopsis fibuligera:Bacillus subtilis = 1:3:3 as the optimal ratio, significantly improving the nutritional profile of FBP. Based on this optimized FBP, an 8-week feeding trial, five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated by replacing 0–12% soybean meal with FBP. The results demonstrated that 9% FBP inclusion yielded optimal growth performance and significantly improved muscle texture. At the systemic level, FBP supplementation reduced serum lipid markers and liver enzyme activities while enhancing antioxidant capacity. At the intestinal level, FBP promoted intestinal health by increasing key digestive enzyme (lipase, trypsin, amylase) activities, stimulating villus development, and improving intestinal antioxidant status. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis revealed that dietary FBP supplementation significantly modulated intestinal microbial composition, with notable enrichment of genera such as Leucobacter. In conclusion, FBP is a multi-functional ingredient that enhances growth, product quality, systemic physiology, and intestinal health in yellow catfish aquaculture. These findings provide a viable strategy for the sustainable utilization of agricultural by-products in aquafeeds. Full article

Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC) is the composite of an individual’s physical and mental capacities. While lifestyle factors influence health outcomes, their combined association with IC remains understudied. Objective: To examine the association between a Healthy Lifestyle Score (HLS) and intrinsic capacity in older adults in Singapore. Methods: Data from a population-based sample of older adults aged ≥60 years in the Queenstown district of Singapore was analysed. The HLS (range 0–5) included smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, sleep quality, and BMI (Asian cut-offs). IC was measured using the WHO ICOPE framework and defined as the presence of one or more deficits. Results: A total of 1644 participants were included (mean age 72.1 years, 56.4% women). IC deficits were present in 50.9% of the cohort. Based on HLS, 29.9% were classified as unhealthy (0–2), 41.4% intermediate (3), and 28.6% healthy (4–5). HLS category was significantly associated with IC deficits (p = 0.004). Among participants with healthy lifestyles, 55.6% had no IC deficits, compared to 47.0% in the intermediate and 45.9% in the unhealthy groups. Only 13.9% met recommended physical activity levels; 58.3% had an unhealthy BMI, 20.0% consumed alcohol, 8.1% were smokers, and 31.7% reported insufficient sleep. Conclusions: Healthier lifestyle profiles are significantly associated with fewer IC deficits. These findings underscore the importance of promoting modifiable health behaviours to preserve intrinsic capacity and support healthy ageing. Full article

A synergistic and magnetically recoverable NiFe₂O₄–MWCNT–CA nanocomposite was developed for efficient UV-driven photodegradation of hazardous organic pollutants. Biogenic NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles synthesized using Costus speciosus extract exhibited a crystallite size of 32.5 nm, which increased to 83.6 nm upon incorporation into the MWCNT–cellulose acetate matrix. XRD confirmed the preservation of the cubic spinel structure, while VSM analysis showed maintained ferrimagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 9.64 emu/g, enabling rapid magnetic separation. Although BET analysis revealed a reduction in surface area from 112.46 to 30.99 m²/g due to hybridization, the conductive MWCNT network significantly enhanced charge separation and interfacial electron transport. The composite displayed a widened optical bandgap of 5.3 eV, necessitating UV excitation for photocatalytic activity. Under UV irradiation, it achieved rapid degradation of methylene blue (97%) and Congo red (91%) at 20 mg/L, with corresponding rate constants of 0.119 and 0.076 min⁻¹. Scavenger experiments confirmed hydroxyl radicals (•OH) as the dominant reactive species, followed by photogenerated holes (h⁺). These results demonstrate a robust and synergistically engineered photocatalyst with high efficiency in removing organic pollutants under UV illumination. Full article

Resin-based dental composites are widely used in restorative dentistry; however, concerns persist regarding their potential release of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a compound with recognized endocrine-disrupting activity. This in vitro study evaluated the time-dependent release of BPA from four contemporary resin-based dental filling composites immersed in artificial saliva under different thermal conditions. Disk-shaped specimens (5.5 mm diameter and 2 mm thickness) of Estelite Sigma Quick, Clearfil Majesty ES-2, Omnichroma Flow, and Luna 2 were incubated in artificial saliva at physiological pH (6.8) at 37 °C and 44 °C. BPA concentrations were quantified after 1, 7, and 28 days using a validated UHPLC–MS/MS method. BPA release was observed for all materials except Luna 2, for which it remained below the limit of quantification (LOQ) at all time points and temperatures. Across all BPA-releasing composites, the highest concentrations were observed after 1 day of immersion, particularly at 44 °C. Estelite Sigma Quick exhibited the highest BPA release, followed by Clearfil Majesty ES-2 and Omnichroma Flow. BPA release decreased progressively over time for all materials. Statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of material type, temperature, and exposure duration on BPA release (p < 0.001). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, BPA release appears to be material-dependent and influenced by thermal conditions and immersion time. Although absolute BPA concentrations were low, these findings highlight the importance of material-specific evaluation and continued monitoring of potential sources of cumulative BPA exposure from restorative dental materials. Full article

This study developed a facial skin care serum based on extracts from cornflower petals (Centaurea cyanus L.). The study applied the concept of loan extraction, in which the ingredients of the final cosmetic product were used as the extraction medium. The extracts obtained were analyzed for stability and physicochemical parameters, as well as phytochemical composition, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity. Among the tested solvents, the extract prepared with 1,3-propanediol aqueous solution exhibited the highest TPC (13.5 mg GAE/g) and demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity measured by ABTS (20.12 d ± 0.07 mgTE/g). HPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the extract obtained using this medium showed the most complex profile of bioactive compounds among all the studied samples. After the extraction process the borrowed ingredients were returned together with the extracted ingredients to prepare cosmetic preparations—facial skin care serums. The finished model cosmetic products were evaluated for physicochemical parameters (stability, viscosity, color) and irritation potential, considering the extract used, which varied depending on the extraction agent borrowed from the formulated composition. The preparation obtained on the basis of an aqueous solution of 1,3-propanediol as an extraction agent showed the most favorable properties in terms of irritation, determined on the basis of the zein number (15 ± 4 mgN/100 mL), compared to facial skin face serum without extract addition (21 ± 1 mg N/100 mL). This extract was also characterized by the highest values of TPC and antioxidant activity, hence the observed reduction in irritation potential can be attributed to the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds derived from Centaurea cyanus L. extract. Full article

Active conservation management is widely applied in ecosystems affected by biological invasions, where outcomes depend primarily on how management regimes shape the vegetation structure. Grazing is a common tool in floodplain marsh meadows, but differences between grazing regimes are rarely assessed at spatial scales sensitive to internal community organization. Here, we compared the fine-scale structural diversity of two Amorpha fruticosa-invaded marsh meadows managed under contrasting conservation grazing regimes differing in livestock species, grazing intensity, and grazing dynamics. Vegetation was sampled using microcoenological methods along circular transects of contiguous 5 × 5 cm microquadrats. The fine-scale structure of the vegetation was quantified using the Juhász–Nagy spatial series framework, focusing on compositional diversity (CD) and associatum (AS), complemented by Shannon diversity. Differences between grazing regimes were evaluated using nonparametric tests complemented by effect size estimation. The patterns of species occurrence and Shannon diversity were similar between sites, indicating a similar species composition. In contrast, JNP-derived structural metrics showed consistent directional differences, with moderate to large effect sizes for selected structural indicators, despite nonsignificances. These results indicate that conservation grazing primarily influences fine-scale structural organization rather than species composition, highlighting the value of structure-oriented metrics in evaluating management effects in invaded marsh meadows. Full article

Platelet-rich gel (PRG) is a fibrin-based biobased biomaterial generated by activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP), yet its biological characterization has commonly relied on univariate measurements of isolated mediators. This study aimed to define the multivariate biological organization of PRG and related hemocomponents (PRP, chemically induced platelet lysate (CIPL), and plasma) in a canine model under single exposure to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In a randomized crossover design (n = 6 dogs), hemocomponents were produced at baseline (0 h) and 6 h after administration of carprofen or firocoxib. Platelet and white blood cell (WBC) counts, growth factors (platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)), and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-10) were integrated using linear mixed-effects modeling, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical clustering. PRG was derived from a leukocyte-poor PRP precursor with moderate platelet enrichment (~1.6-fold vs. whole blood) and a marked WBC reduction (~8–9-fold). In mixed-effects modeling, hemocomponent type significantly influenced the PDGF-BB:TNF-α log-ratio, with PRG (estimate −1.12; 95% CI −1.34 to −0.90) and plasma (−2.06; 95% CI −2.28 to −1.84) lower than PRP, while CIPL did not differ. Time and NSAID effects were not supported. PCA identified two orthogonal axes explaining 61.3% of total variance (PC1 = 43.7%, PC2 = 18.6%), separating a platelet/trophic dimension (log(PDGF-BB), log(TGF-β1), platelet count, PDGF-BB:TNF-α log-ratio) from an inflammatory dimension (log(TNF-α), log(IL-1β)). Overall, hemocomponent composition emerged as the primary determinant of mediator organization, supporting the interpretation of PRG as a structured, biomaterial defined by coordinated mediator networks. Full article

Purpose: Due to the lack of effective local therapeutic strategies for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), this study aimed to develop a novel gelatin/lignin hydrogel loaded with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes enriched in microRNA-185 (miR-185 EV) for intraoral delivery, followed by systematic evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy and underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and Methods: The gelatin/lignin hydrogel was prepared and subsequently loaded with miR-185 EV. The physicochemical properties of the hydrogel, including microstructure, swelling behavior, chemical composition, and rheological characteristics, were systematically evaluated. Next, the stability, viscosity, biocompatibility, and exosome release kinetics of the hydrogel were further assessed. A 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced mouse tongue carcinogenesis model was established to assess the in vivo antitumor activity of the hydrogel via intraoral administration. Moreover, a proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms of miR-185 EV on OSCC. Results: The miR-185 EV-loaded gelatin/lignin hydrogel exhibited favorable physicochemical properties, stability, and biocompatibility while prolonging the tissue retention time of miR-185 EV. In vivo antitumor efficacy experiments showed that the miR-185 EV-loaded hydrogel significantly inhibited tumor occurrence and alleviated epithelial dysplasia. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed significant suppression of tumor proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the hydrogel. Proteomic analysis indicated that miR-185 EV suppressed OSCC progression by downregulating interleukin-1β (IL-1β), consequently inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate the successful development of the miR-185 EV-loaded gelatin/lignin hydrogel that represents an effective nanomedicine platform for intraoral drug delivery, providing a promising strategy for the clinical treatment of OSCC. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is critically driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, which integrates hormonal cues with metabolic programs supporting tumor growth, survival, and therapy resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that intermittent fasting (IF) and related dietary interventions—such as time-restricted eating (TRE), alternate-day fasting (ADF), and fasting-mimicking diet (FMD)—modulate systemic metabolism, including reductions in insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and induce intracellular nutrient stress that can influence AR activity, splice variant expression (e.g., AR-V7), and downstream metabolic pathways. This systematic literature review (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science; publications up to December 2025; search terms: “prostate cancer,” “androgen receptor,” “AR splice variants,” “intermittent fasting,” “fasting mimicking diet”, “metabolism,” “therapy resistance”) summarizes preclinical and clinical studies addressing the impact of IF on AR signaling, lipogenesis, mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and therapy response. Preclinical studies indicate that IF can reduce AR expression, impair nuclear translocation, modulate AR splice variants such as AR-V7 via nutrient-sensitive splicing mechanisms, and enhance sensitivity to androgen deprivation therapy and AR-targeted agents. Mechanistically, IF-induced metabolic stress engages AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and sirtuin pathways, alters lipid and mitochondrial metabolism, and transiently increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), creating vulnerabilities in prostate tumor cells. Translational evidence suggests potential benefits of integrating IF with standard therapy, but effects may depend on fasting regimen, caloric intake, macronutrient composition, and patient metabolic context, including risk of lean mass loss. This review highlights the metabolic crosstalk between IF and AR signaling and emphasizes the need for future clinical studies incorporating biomarker-guided approaches and body composition monitoring to fully exploit this intersection for improved therapeutic outcomes in prostate cancer. Full article

To enable the efficient and environmentally benign treatment of phenol-containing wastewater, a nitrogen-doped porous carbon material (denoted as 900-CN) was synthesized via high-temperature annealing of a composite composed of humic acid (HA) and g-C₃N₄. The as-prepared materials were characterized, and their catalytic performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for phenol degradation was investigated. The results demonstrate that g-C₃N₄ acts as a layered template; upon high-temperature annealing, it gradually evolves into a highly wrinkled and porous architecture. This morphology substantially increases the specific surface area, thereby facilitating pollutant removal. PMS formed metastable surface complexes on 900-CN, enabling concomitant electron transfer. Concurrently, functional groups on the HA-derived carbon reacted with PMS to generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂), a highly oxidative species that markedly enhanced phenol degradation. The 900-CN composite achieved complete phenol removal (100%) within 60 min. Variations in reaction temperature (20–50 °C) and initial pH (2–10) exhibited negligible influence on the performance of the 900-CN/PMS system. Reactive species in the 900-CN/PMS/phenol system included •OH, SO₄^•−, O₂^•−, and ¹O₂, indicating that phenol degradation occurred through combined radical and non-radical pathways. These findings highlight the strong potential of 900-CN as a promising catalyst for the treatment of phenolic wastewater. Full article

Against the backdrop of increasingly scarce global arable land resources, the remediation and resource utilization of saline–alkali soils have become a critical issue in circular agriculture. This study proposes micro-nano bubble (MNB) irrigation technology as a green, low-carbon strategy for saline–alkali soil remediation, highlighting its multi-level driving mechanism through pot experiments at different aeration frequencies. Results indicated that MNB irrigation significantly enhanced salt leaching and acid-base neutralization by reducing the soil pH (11.75%) and electrical conductivity (53.41%). Meanwhile, soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium increased to normal soil levels. MNBs also strongly activated native enzymes (urease and alkaline phosphatase), raising the total enzyme activity by 68.54%, which is linked to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus metabolism. These results were also validated by microbial analysis, which indicated that MNBs shifted the community structure from one dominated by salt-tolerant taxa (i.e., Pseudomonadota) to a more functionally beneficial composition (i.e., Bacillota). Through these changes, the microbial diversity and network connectivity were enhanced, with Qipengyuania and Psychrophilus identified as critical nodes. This study reveals the multi-level driving mechanism of MNB technology, providing new technical pathways and theoretical support for the remediation, resource recovery, and circular utilization of agricultural waste soils. Full article

Background: In traditional karate, performance effectiveness is determined, among other factors, by the speed of stimulus processing and the precision of the motor response. Body composition may indirectly modulate these abilities; however, data on karate athletes are limited. Methods: The study included 27 men—active members of the Polish national team in traditional karate (18–30 years; training experience ≥ 5 years; black belt). Body composition was assessed using segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody 770), and psychomotor abilities were measured with the TEST2DRIVE system: SIRT (simple reaction), CHORT (choice reaction), HECTOR (simple reaction), and SPANT (spatial anticipation). Results: The psychomotor profile showed the longest reaction times in CHORT and the shortest in SIRT. Associations with body composition were selective: in SIRT, the median simple reaction time demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with lean-mass-related parameters, with no associations for motor time. No significant correlations with body composition were found in CHORT or HECTOR. In SPANT, significant associations concerned motor time only, which was positively related to selected indices of adiposity and fat distribution, whereas choice reaction time and accuracy were independent of body composition. Conclusion: In traditional karate athletes, body composition is not an unambiguous predictor of psychomotor performance, and its relevance depends on task characteristics. The findings suggest that potential effects of somatic parameters are expressed mainly in selected execution components; therefore, assessments of competitive readiness should combine body composition monitoring with tests that differentiate the reaction phase from the motor phase. Full article