Search Results (1,175)

Background: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have emerged as a critical component of diet quality, yet data on the associations between UPF and nutrient intakes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient consumption in relation to UPF intake and adherence to international dietary guidelines for non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. Methods: Data from 469 individuals aged 2–18 years enrolled in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were analyzed. Intakes were assessed using two 24 h recalls, and foods were classified according to the NOVA system. Participants were categorized by UPF energy intake tertiles. Nutrient adequacy was assessed using Nordic Nutrition Recommendations, European Society of Cardiology guidelines for macronutrients, and the Institute of Medicine’s Estimated Average Requirements and Adequate Intake values for micronutrients. Results: Children in the highest UPF tertile had significantly higher intakes of energy, carbohydrates, added sugars, saturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol, but lower intakes of protein compared to those in the lowest tertile. Fiber intake remained inadequate across all tertiles, with no significant differences. Regarding adherence to NCD prevention guidelines, children in the 3rd UPF tertile had a 2.3 times higher prevalence ratio for exceeding added sugar recommendations, while their protein intake prevalence ratio was 0.8 times lower. For micronutrients, the highest UPF tertile showed significantly elevated intakes of vitamins E, B₁, folate, calcium, iron, copper, and sodium, but lower potassium intake compared to the lowest tertile. Conclusions: Our results underscore the need for effective public health strategies to improve diet quality in children and adolescents and prevent diet-related NCDs. Full article

The Cu-Cr-Zr alloy is regarded as an optimal material for high-end electronic information industries owing to its high electrical strength, high conductivity, and outstanding softening resistance. Nevertheless, the impacts of Cr content and microstructure evolution on performance enhancement during the processing stage remain unclear. In this research, Cu-xCr-0.1Zr alloys with varying Cr contents were fabricated via the thermo-mechanical approach. The microstructure evolution, as well as the mechanical and electrical properties before and after aging were investigated. It was discovered that Cr can mitigate the grain deformation degree of the copper alloy during cold rolling, notably augment the proportion of large-angle grain boundaries, and diminish the dislocation density induced by plastic deformation. As the Cr content increases, the conductivity of the sample declines from 86% IACS (0Cr) to 34.1% IACS (1.8Cr), and the tensile strength rises from 435 MPa (0Cr) to 542 MPa (1.8Cr) after cold rolling; the conductivity decreases from 89.4% IACS (0Cr) to 77.3% IACS (1.8Cr), and the tensile strength increases from 278 MPa to 607 MPa (1.0Cr). Based on the comprehensive outcomes, the aged 1.0Cr sample, with a tensile strength of 607 MPa and a conductivity of 80.9% IACS, satisfies the performance requirements of high-strength and high-conductivity copper alloys. Full article

The 6xxx series aluminum alloys are preferred in many industrial applications because they can achieve relatively high strength levels through heat treatment. It is known that, as in the case of the EN AW 6056 alloy, the addition of small amounts of copper to materials in this series can further enhance their mechanical properties. In the current study, the effect of artificial aging conditions on the mechanical properties of EN AW 6056 aluminum alloy has been investigated. The ratio of Mg to Si and Cu content of the alloy were 0.939 and 0.92, respectively. The aging process was conducted at temperatures of 170, 180, and 190 °C, with corresponding aging durations of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 h. The maximum hardness was obtained in samples aged at 170 °C for 12 h, corresponding to the transition to over-aging condition. In contrast, the highest tensile strength was achieved in samples aged at 190 °C for 4 h, representing the peak-aged condition. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed distinct microstructural characteristics for the peak-aged and transition to over-aging conditions. In the peak-aged state, needle-shaped β″ precipitates, lath-like Q′ phases, and L phases with narrow rectangular cross-sections were observed. In contrast, lath-like L precipitates were absent in the transition to over-aging condition. Full article

Bacterial contamination remains a challenge for multiple facets of modern life. While antibiotics are a primary tool for bacterial control, their overuse has accelerated the appearance of multidrug-resistant bacteria and raises global health concerns. In swine, semen is stored at 17 °C in extenders that contain antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth. Apart from the potential consequences for the female, the proliferation of bacteria in liquid-stored semen is associated with a decline in sperm quality, ultimately reducing farrowing rates and litter sizes. With the aim of reducing the use of antibiotics while keeping bacterial growth under control, we herein investigated whether metal ions could exert an antimicrobial effect without impairing sperm quality. Separate metal ions (Ag, silver sulfadiazine; Al, aluminum chloride; Zn, zinc chloride; and Cu, and cooper chloride) were added at different concentrations (100 μM, 300 μM, 500 μM, 1 mM, and 10 mM) to seminal doses, which were stored at 17 °C for 48 h. Motility, viability, and the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were tested to determine their effects on sperm quality maintenance. In addition, ions were added to bacterial strains and to extended seminal samples to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results showed that, although silver sulfadiazine exerted an antimicrobial effect at all the concentrations tested, it also affected sperm quality negatively (p < 0.05). In contrast, aluminum chloride did not impair sperm quality but failed to inhibit bacterial growth at any of the tested concentrations (p > 0.05). Finally, 1 mM concentrations of copper and zinc chloride reduced microbial growth (p < 0.05) without affecting sperm quality. In spite of this, the inhibition of bacterial growth was not complete, thus suggesting that these two ions could contribute to reducing bacterial growth but should be combined with other strategies, such as a lower storage temperature and a decreased concentration of antibiotics. Further research is warranted to address whether copper and zinc chloride could have a synergistic effect when added together. Full article

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) have attracted interest in recent years, mainly due to their natural ability to form intracellular magnetic nanocrystals with potential for biomedical and environmental applications. In this study, we focused on the morphological analysis of the Paramagnetospirillum magnetotacticum MS-1 strain, trying to keep the bacteria as close to their natural state as possible. An important element of this work is the use of untreated bacterial cells, without conductive coating or chemical fixation, using a simple and low-cost support. This choice was made intentionally to avoid changes induced by metallization and to allow direct observation of characteristics that may be relevant in applications where the interaction of the bacteria with the environment plays an important role, such as biosensors. In addition, the analysis was performed on a bacterial suspension stored for approximately 10 months at 4 °C to assess whether the morphology specific to the MS-1 strain is maintained over time. The obtained results show that the general cell morphology and magnetosome organization can be clearly and reproducibly observed even after long-term storage. Without attempting to replace studies based on conventional sample preparation methods, this work provides a complementary perspective and suggests that magnetotactic bacteria may represent a natural and effective alternative to synthetic magnetic nanoparticles, with potential applications in the biomedical and environmental fields. Full article

This study investigated the composition and temporal dynamics of wood-inhabiting fungal communities in four aging tree species in Lednice Castle Park (Czech Republic), located within the Lednice–Valtice Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Forty wood cores were collected from 20 trees at two time points (2023 and 2024). The hosts included horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.), copper beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Atropunicea’ L.), oak (Quercus robur L.), and poplar (Populus alba L.), each exhibiting visual signs of decline. Fungal assemblages were profiled using ITS2 high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Ascomycota dominated across all hosts (72–89% of reads), while Basidiomycota contributed 8–24%, largely represented by Agaricomycetes in F. sylvatica. Alpha diversity varied significantly among hosts (Shannon: F_3,36 = 10.61, p = 0.001 in 2023; F_3,36 = 10.00, p = 0.001 in 2024). Temporal shifts were host-dependent: F. sylvatica exhibited the strongest year-to-year decline in richness (Chao1: −83%, p = 0.007) and increased beta dispersion, while A. hippocastanum and P. alba showed significant increases in diversity (+65% and +42%, respectively). Community composition was shaped by host species (PERMANOVA Bray–Curtis: p = 0.001) and shifted over time (Jaccard: p = 0.001), with F. sylvatica showing the highest temporal turnover. Functional guild analysis revealed consistent dominance of saprotrophs (29–41%) and mixed pathotroph–saprotroph guilds (23–36%) across hosts, indicating active degradation processes inside functional xylem. These results indicate that, within the studied system, the wood mycobiome of aging trees is host-dependent and temporally dynamic rather than static or functionally neutral. Short-term temporal turnover observed between sampling years may contribute to shifts in fungal community composition and succession within wood, with potential implications for tree decline processes in managed historical park landscapes. Full article

Particulate atmospheric pollution poses a global threat to human health. Metals enter the body through inhalation attached to these particles. Certain vulnerable groups are more susceptible to toxicity because of age, physiological changes, and chronic and metabolic diseases and also workers because of high and cumulative exposure to metals. A narrative review was conducted to examine the effects of key metals—arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, manganese, nickel, vanadium, and zinc—on vulnerable populations, analyzing articles published over the past decade. Some of these metals are essential for humans; however, excessive levels are toxic. Other non-essential metals are highly toxic. Shared mechanisms of toxicity include competing with other minerals, oxidative stress and inflammation, and interacting with proteins and enzymes. Prenatal and childhood exposures are particularly concerning because they can interfere with neurodevelopment and have been associated with epigenetic changes that have long-term effects. Occupational exposure has been studied, but current exposure limits for specific metals appear dangerous, emphasizing the need to revise these standards. Older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with metabolic diseases are among the least studied groups in this review, underscoring the need for more research to understand these populations better and create effective public health policies. Full article

Background. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of anticancer drug therapy toxicity in patients with gastric cancer. Methods. The retrospective study included 100 patients with stage II–IV gastric cancer who underwent 4 chemotherapy cycles. Initial significant toxicity factors included age, gender, height, body mass, body mass index, disease stage, skeletal muscle index (SMI), as well as plasma levels of trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium, manganese) and thyroid-stimulating hormone, cancer histology type and treatment regimen. The CTCAE v5.0 scale was employed to assess the severity of adverse events. Statistical analysis and building of mathematical neural network models were carried out in SPSS Statistics (v19.0). Results. Lower SMI values were associated with higher rates of toxicity-related complications of anticancer drug therapy (p < 0.05): leukopenia, hypoproteinemia, nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular events. Anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatic cytolysis syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and stomatitis showed a weaker correlation with SMI. An increase in TSH was associated with higher rates of thrombocytopenia, nausea and vomiting. A decrease in Cu/Zn in plasma correlated with the severity of leukopenia and diarrhea, whereas Se/Mn showed an inverse correlation with the severity of anemia. Conclusions. Sarcopenia, abnormal thyroid status and imbalances in copper, zinc, selenium and manganese in blood plasma of patients with gastric cancer may be used as predictors of increased toxicity of anticancer drug therapy. Full article

The incrustation process represents a significant industrial challenge that affects various aspects of crystallization systems. It proceeds through successive stages, beginning with the induction period. This is followed by a transport phase, in which additional crystals are generated and sustained by overall supersaturation and the presence of seed crystals, leading to further attachment to surfaces. Ultimately, the process progresses to crystal removal and aging stages. In this study, a 1.2 dm³ thermostated crystallizer was utilized to investigate the incrustation phenomenon of potassium nitrate (KNO₃). Deposits formed on three smooth and artificially roughened wall-surfaces, i.e., stainless steel (Type 316), copper, and acrylic, were examined. Contact angle measurements were conducted for all surfaces. The experiments covered a saturation temperature range of 303.15–333.15 K (±0.01 K) for various KNO₃ solution concentrations between 5.0 and 60.0% w/w. The results show that deposit adhesion is stronger on rough surfaces than on smooth ones, and that the induction period for incrustation is shorter on rougher surfaces. Moreover, the influence of surface wettability and contact angle on incrustation becomes more pronounced at higher degrees of surface roughness. This highlights the coupled role of surface properties and thermal control in governing incrustation behavior. Full article

Aging is a multifactorial process marked by a progressive decline in physiological function and increased vulnerability to diseases such as neurodegeneration, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and infections. A central feature of aging is inflammaging, a state of chronic low-grade inflammation driven by cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Recently, two regulated forms of non-apoptotic cell death—ferroptosis and cuproptosis—have emerged as critical mechanisms linking redox imbalance, mitochondrial stress, and disrupted metal homeostasis to age-related pathology. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent process characterized by lipid peroxidation and impaired glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, and cuproptosis, a copper-dependent mechanism associated with protein lipoylation stress, both intersect with aging-related changes in mitochondrial and metabolic function. Importantly, these two forms of cell death should not be viewed as entirely separate pathways but rather as interconnected axes within a broader metal–redox–metabolic network. Disturbances in copper or iron homeostasis, glutathione (GSH)/GPX4 dysfunction, mitochondrial and iron-sulfur (Fe–S) cluster compromise, and enhanced lipid peroxidation may converge to lower cellular survival thresholds, thereby exacerbating oxidative damage, immune dysfunction, and tissue degeneration and ultimately fueling aging and inflammaging. This review offers a unique integrated perspective that situates ferroptosis and cuproptosis within a unified framework of aging biology, emphasizing their roles in age-related diseases and the therapeutic potential of targeting these pathways through nutritional, pharmacological, and lifestyle interventions. Full article

Nanomaterials are widely used in biomedical research as drug and antibody carriers, and some nanomaterials have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity. Previously, silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) were predicted to interact with the bacterial TolC protein, which is involved in the development of multidrug resistance in pathogens. In this study, glutathione-coated AgNCs were synthesized and characterized. Their toxicological properties were studied in a microplate assay against five bacterial strains, both as single components and in mixtures with heavy metal salts and antibiotics. The resulting AgNCs had a diameter of 2.2 ± 0.5 nm, with excitation and emission maxima of λ = 490 nm and λ = 638 nm, respectively. No significant growth inhibition was observed at the concentrations used in resistance modulation assays (≤2.5 µg/mL Ag), except for transient effects at very high concentrations. A decrease in bacterial resistance to copper (II) and cadmium (II) cations and the antibiotics erythromycin and levofloxacin was observed upon the addition of AgNCs containing 2.5 μg/mL silver to the nutrient medium. A dose-dependent effect of AgNCs on bacterial resistance to toxicants was established. Thus, nanoclusters can be considered as inhibitors of bacterial resistance to heavy metals and antibiotics, which may be useful in studying bacterial adaptation mechanisms and developing technologies for overcoming multidrug resistance in bacteria. Full article

Alumina (Al₂O₃) reinforced copper matrix composites are widely used in the electronic industry, rail transit, and other fields due to their excellent electrical conductivity, ductility, and wear resistance. However, due to problems such as non-wetting and thermal expansion differences between alumina and Cu, weak interfacial bonding can easily reduce physical and thermal properties. A uniform silver layer was deposited on Al₂O₃ via chemical plating to enhance interface bonding with copper. Al₂O₃@Ag/Cu composites with 1–3 wt.% Al₂O₃ were prepared by rapid hot-press sintering. The effects of plating temperature and Al₂O₃ content on microstructure and properties were investigated. The results show that the optimum coating temperature is 25 °C, and a thin and uniform silver coating can be formed. This effectively improved Al₂O₃–Cu interface bonding while maintaining 77.8% of copper’s thermal conductivity (320.7 W/(m·K)). The composites showed improved wear resistance with increasing Al₂O₃ content. At 3 wt.% Al₂O₃@Ag, the wear rate was 3.36 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/(N·m), 84.4% lower than pure copper, with plow groove wear as the main mechanism. Full article

The depletion of the mineral resource base is inevitable. Therefore, it is necessary to adapt and expand the resource base by incorporating non-traditional copper sources in production. Slag samples from the Balkhash Copper Smelting Plant (Kazakhstan) were analyzed for phase composition, microstructure, and metal distribution using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and chemical and granulometric methods. The slags are characterized by a fayalite structure with a high content of FeO (35–45%) and SiO₂ (25–35%). Sample composition was determined as 0.7–0.8% Cu, 0.39–0.43% Pb, 2.53% Zn, 0.075 g/t Au, and 2.6 g/t Ag. Mineralogical and granulometric analysis revealed a uniform distribution of iron and slag-forming components (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, etc.) across the fractions. In contrast, non-ferrous and precious metals concentrated in the fine classes. Laboratory tests confirmed that the fine dissemination of valuable components led to low efficiency in magnetic and gravity separation, necessitating specific preliminary slag preparation to improve recovery. Flotation tests showed improved recovery, yielding copper concentrates with 4.57% copper content when the material was crushed to 80–90% of the −0.074 mm class. The research creates a basis for the development of environmentally safe and resource-saving technologies and provides initial data for future recovery technologies. Full article

Background: Studies that examine magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in relation to sleep in the Middle East and North Africa are limited. We aim to assess the associations between serum and dietary Mg, Zn, and Cu levels and sleep quality in Saudi adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1041 adults. Sleep quality was assessed using the Arabic Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Serum mineral levels were quantified biochemically, and dietary intake information was obtained. We utilized logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios for poor sleep (PSQI-P) in relation to serum and dietary indices in a crude model and after adjustment for confounders. Results: Serum Mg deficiency (<1.8 mg/dL) increased the odds of PSQI-P by 30% in the crude and age-adjusted models, with attenuation after further adjustment, suggesting partial mediation by lifestyle and metabolic factors. Mg deficiency was associated with PSQI-P (1.8-fold higher odds) after full adjustment. Dietary Mg levels below the DRI were independently associated with poor sleep across models. Higher serum Zn tertiles were associated with 40% lower odds of PSQI-P, and Zn deficiency (<80 µg/dL) demonstrated a three-fold independent increase in risk. Neither serum nor dietary intake levels of Cu demonstrated an association with sleep quality. Conclusion: In Saudi adults, serum and dietary Mg levels were associated with poor sleep, particularly in males, while the serum Zn concentration exhibited a modest inverse association at higher levels. Further longitudinal studies are warranted. Full article

Tourette syndrome (TS), or Tourette’s, is a tic disorder (TD) belonging to a group of neuropsychiatric conditions marked by recurrent motor movements or vocalizations known as tics. TD, including TS, typically begins in childhood between 4 and 18 years of age and affects approximately 3% of children and adolescents. The etiology and pathogenesis of TD are multifactorial, involving genetic, immunologic, psychological, and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that neurotransmitter dysregulation, particularly within the cortical dopaminergic networks of the basal ganglia and limbic system, which support motor control and cognition, may be involved in the development of TD. Nutritional factors may modulate TD through various mechanisms, including effects on neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism, neurodevelopment, neural architecture, and neuroimmune activity. This review integrates current evidence on the roles of vitamins D, B6, and A, as well as iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper, in TD. For each micronutrient, its physiological and neurobiological functions are discussed, along with possible mechanistic links to TD pathophysiology. Additionally, we summarize the impact of nutrient deficiencies and assess available evidence regarding their potential therapeutic potential role in TD management. Overall, this synthesis highlights how nutritional status may influence TD onset and symptom severity, suggesting that nutrient-based interventions could potentially serve as valuable adjunctive strategies in treatment. Full article