Search Results (39)

Background/Objectives: The development of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) presents significant scientific and operational challenges, from optimising conjugation chemistry and linker stability to establishing robust analytical controls. Advanced analytical methods, particularly the combination of plasma stability assays with enzymatic studies, are essential for early screening and characterisation of ADC candidates. Integrating these in vitro assays with powerful data analysis software accelerates structure–activity relationship assessments and the identification of stable compounds in plasma. Methods: This article examines how combined analytical and computational approaches enhance candidate selection by offering valuable insights into the metabolic fate and stability risks of ADCs. Results: Our research shows correlation between in vitro stability profiles and in vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) data, demonstrating the predictive power of early-stage analytical studies. Implementation of software-driven visualisation and analysis enables faster, data-informed decision making, streamlining the triage process to prioritise candidates with optimal PK and pharmacodynamics (PD) characteristics. Conclusions: These findings highlight the critical need for integrated in vitro analytics and computational tools in efficient ADC development, supporting the selection of candidates with the greatest potential for clinical success and facilitating a more effective and accelerated path from discovery to clinical application. Full article

Background: Phytochemicals play a crucial role in determining the sensory qualities and nutritional value of plant-based foods. They influence flavour perception by interacting with aroma, taste, and texture. Terpenes, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids are particularly important as they contribute to the characteristic sensory profiles of foods while offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that support the prevention of diet-related chronic diseases. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE, complemented by Google Scholar. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and meta-analyses published within the last two decades, prioritising studies on phytochemicals, their biosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms of flavour formation, and their functional properties in plant-based foods. Keywords included ‘phytochemicals’, ‘flavour development’, ‘flavonoids’, ‘terpenes’, ‘phenolics’, ‘plant foods’, ‘molecular pathways’, and ‘food processing’. Relevant studies providing mechanistic insights were selected. Results: Terpenes, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids modulate sensory attributes by interacting with taste and olfactory receptors, and they contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Food processing influences the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of these compounds, thereby affecting flavour and health-promoting potential. Modern analytical techniques enable the detailed characterisation of these compounds and their sensory and functional roles. Conclusions: By integrating insights from sensory science and nutrition, this review emphasises the dual importance of phytochemicals in enhancing consumer acceptance and promoting health. Understanding their mechanisms and how they respond to processing can inform the development of plant-based foods that are enjoyable and nutritious. Full article

Wildlife rescue centres face considerable challenges in promoting animal welfare and enhancing the care and housing conditions of animals under professional supervision. These challenges are further compounded by the diversity of species admitted, each with distinct specific needs. In Colombia and other Latin American countries, primates are among the most frequently rescued and behaviourally complex mammalian taxa, requiring particular attention. In response, this study aimed to assess the content validity of proposed animal welfare indicators for Cebus albifrons through a Delphi consultation process and to develop two species-specific assessment protocols: a daily-use tool for keepers and a comprehensive protocol for professional audits. A panel of 23 experts in primate care and rehabilitation participated in two consultation rounds to evaluate and prioritise the indicators based on their content validity, perceived reliability, and practicality. Indicators were classified as either animal-based (direct measures) or resource- and management-based (indirect measures). After each round, experts received summarised feedback to refine their responses and facilitate consensus building. Of the 39 initially proposed indicators, 28 were validated for inclusion in the extended protocol and 10 selected for the daily-use checklist. Among these, 20 indicators in the extended protocol and 6 in the daily protocol were resource- or management-based—such as adequate food provision, physical enrichment, and habitat dimensions—highlighting their practical applicability and relevance in identifying welfare issues and risk factors. Although these indirect indicators were more numerous, the top-ranked indicators in both protocols were animal-based, including signs of pain, affiliative behaviours, and abnormal repetitive behaviours. These are essential for accurately reflecting the animals’ welfare state and are therefore critical components of welfare assessment in captive non-human primates. This study demonstrates that welfare assessment tools can be effectively tailored to the specific needs of wildlife rescue centres, providing a robust foundation for enhancing welfare practices. These protocols not only offer practical approaches for assessing welfare but also underscore the importance of embedding animal welfare as a priority alongside conservation efforts. Future research should aim to refine these tools further, assess their implementation, and evaluate inter- and intra-observer reliability to ensure consistency across different settings. Full article

The integration of renewable energy technologies into the building sector is critical for achieving climate and energy targets, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s decarbonization policies. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a promising solution by enabling the dual function of building envelope components and on-site electricity generation. However, the widespread adoption of BIPV faces significant barriers, including high initial investment costs, design and integration complexity, fragmented standardisation and a shortage of skilled labour. This study systematically identifies, evaluates and prioritises the key factors influencing the implementation of BIPV technologies using a hybrid SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. A comprehensive literature review and a modified Delphi method involving expert input were employed to select and rank the most relevant factors in each SWOT category. The results indicate that external factors—particularly regulatory requirements for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption and financial incentives—are the most significant drivers for BIPV deployment. Conversely, competition from building-attached photovoltaics (BAPV), high investment costs and the complexity of integration represent the main barriers and threats, compounded by internal weaknesses such as a lack of qualified workforce and fragmented standardisation. The findings underscore the importance of targeted regulatory and financial support, standardisation and workforce development to accelerate BIPV adoption. This research provides a structured decision-making framework for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting strategic planning for the integration of BIPV in the construction sector and contributing to the transition towards sustainable urban energy systems. Full article

Education-to-work transition among war-affected youth in post-conflict settings is fraught with challenges, not least compounded by the little attention placed on individual agency and mental health. This review examines the debate on war-affected youth skilling programmes in post-conflict settings, which neglect the roles of individual agency and mental health in the education-to-work transition. Building on Albert Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory (SET) and the Cumulative Stress Hypothesis (CSH), the review presents an integrated approach to skills development for improving education-to-work transition among war-affected youth. According to SET, the development of self-efficacy is anchored on enactive mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and physiological arousal. Moreover, individual agency factors such as motivation, aspiration, goal orientation, active efforts, and alignment of intentions with skills are protective factors for effective education-to-work transition, but they are also eroded by the adverse consequences of violent conflicts. Similarly, the CSH also suggests that the effects of exposure to protracted violent conflicts are cumulative and may lead, in turn, to a plethora of mental health problems in the aftermath of violent conflicts. Mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and PTSD are linked to, inter alia, behaviours such as aggression, substance abuse, and apathy, all related to poor employment outcomes. To increase the employability of young people affected by war, skills training institutions and work settings need to prioritise the mental health and individual agency of the youth, as well as skills acquisition for specific trades. Consequently, we propose an integrated model of reintegrating war-affected and vulnerable youth anchored on professional technical and vocational skills training; recognition of individual agency; provision of mental and psychosocial support; and life skills training, all nested within the local economic realities. Full article

With rapid urbanisation and population growth, transport equity has become a critical issue, especially when considering the mobility gap among people with disability. Understanding the dynamics between the quality of public transport services and the mobility of people with disability is critical to fostering transport equity and inclusivity. This research investigated service quality barriers encountered by people with disability in the City of Tshwane while navigating the city’s public transport system. A quantitative research method was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect primary data from people with mobility, vision, and hearing disability. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and multiple comparison tests to uncover trends and differences among the groups. The findings reveal that people with all types of disability experience considerable service quality challenges. Long travel and waiting times are major concerns amongst people with mobility disability, which lead to heightened inconvenience. The research also found a pervasive lack of transport information, which aggravates the difficulties faced by people with disability. Lastly, the absence of announcements of stops further compounds the challenges experienced by people with a vision disability. The study emphasises the need for high quality public transport services that prioritise accessible and inclusive public transport that caters to all. Addressing service quality barriers in public transport promotes participation in socio-economic life among people with disability. This study contributes to the broader goal of transport equity and highlights the importance of inclusive transport policies and the priority areas that require consideration in a typical developing country. Full article

The prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 is emerging as a promising therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases because of its involvement in vascular inflammation, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction. However, selective EP3 ligands with validated biological activities are scarce. In this study, we combined computational and experimental strategies to identify and validate novel EP3 receptor ligands with therapeutic potential. We implemented a high-throughput, structure- and ligand-based virtual screening pipeline, enabling efficient exploration of approved drugs and natural compounds from DrugBank and FooDB libraries. Top-scoring candidates were prioritised based on binding energy and pharmacophoric similarity. Selected hits were subjected to in silico ADME/Tox profiling using QikProp to identify molecules with favourable pharmacokinetic and safety parameters. TUCA, masoprocol, and pravastatin sodium have emerged as lead candidates and were validated in vitro using endothelial migration and platelet aggregation assays. TUCA exhibited the most consistent inhibitory effect on endothelial migration, whereas masoprocol and hydrocortisone significantly reduced platelet aggregation. These findings establish a multidimensional workflow for the rational identification of EP3 ligands and support their potential use in cardiovascular therapeutics. Full article

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is a critical scientific tool for assessing human exposure by quantifying chemicals and their metabolites in biological specimens such as blood and urine. This approach provides a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of internal exposures from diverse sources and exposure routes. In Ireland, establishing a national HBM programme requires a systematic chemical prioritisation process that aligns global frameworks with local public perceptions. This study integrates insights from international initiatives such as the European Joint Programme Human Biomonitoring for Europe (HBM4EU) and the Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC)—along with HBM programmes from EU countries (Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Czech Republic, and Sweden) and non-EU countries (US, Canada, South Korea, China, and New Zealand). In addition, a national survey was conducted to capture the perceptions of people in Ireland regarding chemicals of concern to develop a comprehensive priority list of chemicals and biomarkers. The broader chemical groups identified include heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium VI), plasticisers (phthalates), bisphenols, pesticides, flame retardants, PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), POPs (persistent organic compounds), VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and UV (ultraviolet) filters. This integrated, participatory approach provides a roadmap for a robust, adaptable chemical list that supports evidence-based policy decisions in HBM in Ireland and enhances public health outcomes. Full article

The control of socioeconomically important parasitic roundworms (nematodes) of animals has become challenging or ineffective due to problems associated with widespread resistance in these worms to most classes of chemotherapeutic drugs (anthelmintics) currently available. Thus, there is an urgent need to discover and develop novel compounds with unique mechanisms of action to underpin effective parasite control programmes. Here, we evaluated an in silico (computational) approach to accelerate the discovery of new anthelmintics against the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus (barber’s pole worm) as a model system. Using a supervised machine learning workflow, we trained and assessed a multi-layer perceptron classifier on a labelled dataset of 15,000 small-molecule compounds, for which extensive bioactivity data were previously obtained for H. contortus via high-throughput screening, as well as evidence-based datasets from the peer-reviewed literature. This model achieved 83% precision and 81% recall on the class of ‘active’ compounds during testing, despite a high imbalance in the training data, with only 1% of compounds carrying this label. The trained model was then used to infer nematocidal candidates by in silico screening of 14.2 million compounds from the ZINC15 database. An experimental assessment of 10 of these candidates showed significant inhibitory effects on the motility and development of H. contortus larvae and adults in vitro, with two compounds exhibiting high potency for further exploration as lead candidates. These findings indicate that the present machine learning-based approach could accelerate the in silico prediction and prioritisation of anthelmintic small molecules for subsequent in vitro and in vivo validations. Full article

The ‘Body Mass Index’ (BMI) is an anachronistic and outdated ratio that is used as an internationally accepted diagnostic criterion for obesity, and to prioritise, stratify, and outcome-assess its management options. On an individual level, the BMI has the potential to mislead, including inaccuracies in cardiovascular risk assessment. Furthermore, the BMI places excessive emphasis on a reduction in overall body weight (rather than optimised body composition) and contributes towards a misunderstanding of the quiddity of obesity and a dispassionate societal perspective and response to the global obesity problem. The overall objective of this review is to provide an overview of obesity that transitions away from the BMI and towards a novel vista: viewing obesity from the perspective of the skeletal muscle (SM). We resurrect the SM as a tissue hidden in plain sight and provide an overview of the key role that the SM plays in influencing metabolic health and efficiency. We discuss the complex interlinks between the SM and the adipose tissue (AT) through key myokines and adipokines, and argue that rather than two separate tissues, the SM and AT should be considered as a single entity: the ‘Adipo–Muscle Axis’. We discuss the vicious circle of sarcopenic obesity, in which aging- and obesity-related decline in SM mass contributes to a worsened metabolic status and insulin resistance, which in turn further compounds SM mass and function. We provide an overview of the approaches that can mitigate against the decline in SM mass in the context of negative energy balance, including the optimisation of dietary protein intake and resistance physical exercises, and of novel molecules in development that target the SM, which will play an important role in the future management of obesity. Finally, we argue that the Adipo–Muscle Ratio (AMR) would provide a more clinically meaningful descriptor and definition of obesity than the BMI and would help to shift our focus regarding its effective management away from merely inducing weight loss and towards optimising the AMR with proper attention to the maintenance and augmentation of SM mass and function. Full article

This comprehensive review reports on concentrations, sources, emissions, and potential health effects from Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs) identified in the internal home environment in European residences. A total of 84 studies were identified, and concentrations were collated for inhalation exposure from dust, air and aerosol. A total of 298 individual SVOCs were identified and 67 compounds belonging to eight chemical classes: phthalates, flame retardants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), biocides, bisphenols and musks were prioritised. Phthalates are the most abundant SVOCs with DEHP being the most abundant in both the dust and aerosol phases (WAGMs 426.4 μg g⁻¹ and 52.2 ng m⁻³, respectively) followed by DBP for dust (WAGMs are 95.9 μg g⁻¹). In the air, the most abundant SVOCs are DiBP (284.1 ng m⁻³), DBP (179.5 ng m⁻³), DEHP (106.2 ng m⁻³) and DMP (27.79 ng m⁻³). Chemicals from all SVOC categories are emitted from building and construction materials, furnishings and consumer products, especially phthalates. Both legacy chemicals and their alternatives were detected. Complexities of reporting on SVOCs included differing sampling methodologies, multiple standards in their definition, lack of industry data, and toxicological data focused primarily on ingestion not inhalation exposures. Further research is recommended to develop the evidence base for potential health effects including via inhalation, reporting of emission rates and undertaking future monitoring studies. Full article

The profile of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may help prioritise at-risk groups for early cancer detection. Urine sampling has been shown to provide good disease accuracy whilst being patient acceptable compared to faecal analysis. Thus, in this study, urine samples were examined using an electronic nose with metal oxide gas sensors and a solid-phase microextraction sampling system. A calibration dataset (derived from a previous study) with CRC-positive patients and healthy controls was used to train a radial basis function neural network. However, a blinded analysis failed to detect CRC accurately, necessitating an enhanced data-processing strategy. This new approach categorised samples by significant bowel diseases, including CRC and high-risk polyps. Retraining the neural network showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.88 for distinguishing CRC versus non-significant bowel disease (without CRC, polyps or inflammation). These findings suggest that, with appropriate training sets, urine VOC analysis could be a rapid, low-cost method for early detection of precancerous colorectal polyps and CRC. Full article

This study showed the eliciting effect of aqueous extracts from Ascophyllum nodosum on the development of Eruca sativa microgreens in a quartz-based substrate. There is no information in the literature on the impact of its use on the quality, bioactive compound content, and nutritional value of arugula microgreens. Assays that have been made include the following: total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV), enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and enzymes involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. The total phenolic content of arugula microgreens increased significantly after an application of aqueous extracts of A. nodosum to the substrate. The greatest increase in flavonoid content (89%) and antioxidant activity against DPPH (82%) was observed at a concentration of 2.5%. The highest increase in activity of CAT (68.2%), SOD (25%), PAL (13-fold), and PPO (84.2%) was observed with the application of 5% extract. In conclusion, the use of Ascophyllum nodosum algae affects TPC and TFV, antioxidant activity, PAL, PPO, SOD, and CAT in the microgreens studied. By prioritising organic and environmentally friendly extracts, growers can contribute to a more sustainable and healthier food system, especially in the case of the production of Eruca sativa microgreens. Full article

Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species’ growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major ecological threat to biodiversity. On the other hand, many studies show that this species, due to its chemical properties, can be used for many positive purposes in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine, cosmetic industry, etc. S. canadensis contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Many studies have discussed the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and several chemical and genetic differences between this plant in native and introduced environments have been discovered. Previous ecological and environmental evaluations of the potential of S. canadensis as an ecosystem services provider have come out with four promising groups of its products: active extracts, essential oil, fuel, and others. Although identified, there is a need for detailed validation and prioritisation of ecosystem services. This article aims to overview the S. canadensis invasive features, emphasising chemical characterisation and its potential for providing ecosystem services. Moreover, it identifies scenarios and proposes a methodology for estimating S. canadensis use in bioeconomy. Full article

With growing concern over environmental sustainability and dwindling fossil resources, it is crucial to prioritise the development of alternative feedstocks to replace fossil resources. Spent coffee grounds (SCGs) are an environmental burden with an estimated six million tons being generated on a wet basis annually, globally. SCGs are rich in cellulose, lignin, protein, lipids, polyphenols and other bioactive compounds which are important raw materials for use in industries including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Furthermore, the energy sector has the potential to capitalize on the high calorific value of SCGs for biofuel and biogas production, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. SCGs are readily available, abundant, and cheap, however, SCGs are currently underutilized, and a significant amount are dumped into landfills. This review explores the potential of SCGs as a source of a value-added compound through various conversion technologies employed in the valorisation of SCGs into biochar, biofuel, and important chemical building blocks. The state-of-the-art, current knowledge, future research to stimulate the creation of sustainable products, and the challenges and economic feasibility of exploring SCGs in a biorefinery context are presented. Full article