Search Results (195)

Backgrounds and aim: Protective effects of natural compounds have been suggested in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced mucositis or bacterial infections. In this study, the protective effects of proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) on bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and radiation-induced epithelial barrier damage and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production were investigated in an in vitro model. Methods: Human intestinal epithelial cells Caco-2, previously treated with LPS, GSE, or LPS + GSE, were irradiated with 10 Gy divided into five daily treatments. Epithelial barrier integrity and ROS production were measured before and after each treatment. Results: Irradiation, at different doses, significantly increased intestinal permeability and ROS production; pretreatment with GSE was able to significantly prevent the increased intestinal permeability (4.63 ± 0.76 vs. 15.04 ± 1.5; p < 0.05) and ROS production (12.9 ± 1.08 vs. 1048 ± 0.5; p < 0.0001) induced by irradiation treatment. When the cells were pretreated with LPS, the same results were observed: GSE cotreatment was responsible for preventing permeability alterations (5.36 ± 0.16 vs. 49.26 ± 0.82; p < 0.05) and ROS production (349 ± 1 vs. 7897.67 ± 1.53; p < 0.0001) induced by LPS exposure when added to the irradiation treatment. Conclusions: The results of the present investigation demonstrated, in an in vitro model, that GSE prevents the damage to intestinal permeability and the production of ROS that are induced by LPS and ionizing radiation, suggesting a potential protective effect of this extract on the intestinal mucosa during irradiation treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acrylamide is a probably carcinogenic to humans that naturally forms during the thermal processing of foods. An individual’s lifestyle—especially dietary habits and physical activity—may influence the severity of acrylamide’s adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary and exercise behaviors and their dietary acrylamide exposure and associated health risks. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 370 high school students in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and a retrospective 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Acrylamide exposure was calculated based on food intake to estimate carcinogenic (CR) and non-corcinogenic (target hazard quotient: THQ) health risks and analyzed in relation to NEBS scores. Results: Findings indicated that while adolescents are beginning to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits, these behaviors are not yet consistent. Emotional eating and unhealthy food choices still occur. Higher acrylamide exposure and risk values were observed in boys and underweight individuals. This can be explained mainly by the fact that boys consume more of certain foods—especially bread, which contains relatively higher levels of acrylamide—than girls do, and that underweight individuals have lower body weights despite consuming similar amounts of food as other groups. Bread products emerged as the primary source of daily acrylamide intake. Positive correlations were found between NEBS total and subscale scores and acrylamide exposure and health risk values. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between adolescents’ health behaviors and acrylamide exposure. These results underscore potential public health concerns regarding acrylamide intake during adolescence and emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions to reduce risk and promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric asthma is a leading cause of emergency department visits, and air pollution is a known primary environmental trigger. Although worldwide air pollutants have been associated with asthma exacerbations, limited data have been reported in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between air pollution and pediatric asthma admissions among children aged 2 to 14 years old at King Fahd Hospital of the University Hospital (KFHU). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, over 366 days, including 1750 pediatric asthma-related ER visits and daily concentrations of air pollutants (PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃) and meteorological factors (temperature and humidity). Various statistical models, such as Poisson regression and ARIMA, were applied to determine the association between pollutants levels and hospital ER visits. The data were visit-based in nature, and it was not possible to follow up with repeat visits or for admission status for individual patients. Results: Elevated levels of PM_2.5, NO₂, and CO were significantly associated with more pediatric asthma ER visits, mainly on the same day and with short lags. PM_2.5 displayed the strongest association, consistent with its deeper pulmonary penetration and greater toxicity. Also, PM₁₀ levels were inversely associated with ER visits, possibly due to particle size and deposition location differences. Significantly correlated with increased ER visits are lower ambient temperature and higher humidity. Conclusions: This study offers strong evidence on the relationship between air pollution and pediatric asthma events, in turn highlighting the vital importance of air quality regulation, public health policies, and clinical vigilance for environmental exposures. Full article

Dietary exposure of Singapore population to foodborne and natural toxins was estimated through Total Diet Study (TDS) approach. Among the common mycotoxins and plant toxins studied, such as aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, and fumonisins, aflatoxins were identified with food safety concerns. Aflatoxin occurrence was determined in 642 commonly consumed foods, with a detection rate of 4%, and a mean concentration of 0.01–0.07 µg/kg. Dietary exposure and risk assessment of aflatoxins for the general population revealed a mean estimated daily intake (EDI) of 0.0002–0.002 ng/kg bw/day, a margin of exposure (MOE) of 2819–7101, cancer risk of 0.002–0.004 additional cases per 100,000 person per year, and a hazard quotient (HQ) of 0.19–0.20. Despite the low overall estimated exposure risk for the general population, elevated exposure was observed among the eaters-only group, with the highest upper-bound (UB) exposure reaching 3.4 ng/kg bw/day for high consumers (95th percentile) of satay sauce, a popular Asian delicacy. The corresponding cancer risk of 0.23 additional cases per 100,000 individuals, or 14 additional cases annually, contributes to an estimation of 1% of the 1442 liver cancer cases reported in Singapore in 2022. These findings highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and call for appropriate mitigation strategies for further reduction in aflatoxin exposure in the Singapore population. Full article

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is valued for its fibers and nutrient-rich seeds, which are increasingly consumed for their health benefits. However, flaxseeds can also accumulate potentially toxic elements (PTEs), raising concerns about safety. This study quantified 11 essential elements (e.g., Ca, Fe, Mg, and Zn) and 9 PTEs (e.g., Al, Cd, Pb, and Ni) in commercial flaxseed samples using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. Two intake scenarios (15 g/day and 30 g/day) were analyzed to estimate dietary exposure, with health risks assessed through the target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI). The results showed that organic flaxseeds had higher levels of certain elements (e.g., Cu, K, and Pb), while Al and Ni were more abundant in conventional samples. Cadmium levels in both remained below the EU regulatory limit. The highest estimated daily intakes were for K, Mg, and Ca, highlighting the seeds’ nutritional value. However, HI values suggested that Al and Pb could pose health risks. These findings emphasize flaxseeds’ dual nature as both beneficial and potentially harmful, particularly given the lack of specific regulatory limits and limited data on elemental composition. Continued monitoring and risk assessment are recommended to safeguard public health. Full article

With the increasing frequency of ultraviolet (UV) exposure in daily life and the exploration of anti-photoaging strategies, natural plant-derived compounds with anti-skin-aging properties have garnered significant attention. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of zein-chitosan-based nanocarriers in enhancing the bioavailability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and to elucidate its mechanisms in ameliorating skin photoaging. Utilizing a Balb/c mouse model of photoaging, we monitored skin conditions, analyzed skin barrier function parameters, and observed changes in skin tissue structure and collagen fibers through hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to assess COL1A1 levels in the skin, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and NF-kB levels. The effects of orally administered EGCG nanoparticles on UV-induced skin aging were investigated. UV exposure significantly increased skin roughness, impaired skin barrier function, thickened the epidermis, reduced collagen content, decreased antioxidant enzyme activity, and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, MMPs, and NF-kB in the model group compared to the normal control group. EGCG nanoparticles markedly ameliorated these photoaging manifestations, with some indicators showing superior improvement compared to free EGCG. These findings suggest that EGCG nanoparticles exhibit enhanced anti-photoaging effects over free EGCG, highlighting the potential of nanocarriers as a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability of EGCG. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is a major environmental pollutant implicated in various respiratory diseases. However, its impact on the upper respiratory tract, particularly the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa, remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the acute inflammatory effects of PM exposure on the sinonasal mucosa and evaluate the natural recovery process in a controlled rat model. Ten-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to incense-derived PM in a custom-designed exposure chamber for 2 h daily for seven consecutive days. Rats were sacrificed at 3, 7, and 14 days post-exposure. Histopathologic changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue staining, and mucosal gene expression of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-5 and MUC5AC was quantified using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. PM exposure induced significant histological alterations, including epithelial thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, and goblet cell hyperplasia, which peaked at 7 days post-exposure. Expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ were significantly elevated at 7 days compared to controls. The sinonasal mucosa in the 14-day post-exposure groups exhibited a remarkable decrease in goblet cell numbers, and IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Short-term exposure to high concentrations of PM resulted in acute inflammatory changes in the sinonasal mucosa of rats, including epithelial thickening and goblet cell hyperplasia. These changes were partially resolved after exposure ended, indicating that PM-induced sinonasal inflammation may be at least partially reversible. Full article

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by several factors, including UV exposure, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices. The demand for effective, natural skincare products has driven research into plant-based oils rich in bioactive compounds. Rosehip oil has garnered attention for its high content of carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidants, which are known for their anti-aging, photoprotective, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Despite the growing interest in rosehip oil, limited studies have investigated its efficacy on human skin using advanced imaging technologies. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the efficacy of cold-pressed Rosa canina seed oil on facial skin characteristics, specifically wrinkles, ultraviolet (UV) spot reduction, and erythema mitigation, using imaging technologies (the VISIA analysis system). Seed oil pressed from R. canina collected from the Băișoara area of Cluj County has been selected for this study due to its high carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The oil has also been analyzed for the content of individual carotenoids (i.e., lutein, lycopene, β Carotene, and zeaxanthin) using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Diode Array Detector), along with lutein and zeaxanthin esters and diesters. After the preliminary screening of multiple Rosa species for carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents, the R. canina sample with the highest therapeutic potential was selected. A cohort of 27 volunteers (aged 30–65) underwent a five-week treatment protocol, wherein three drops of the selected rosehip oil were topically applied to the face daily. The VISIA imaging was conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate changes in skin parameters, including the wrinkle depth, UV-induced spots, porphyrins, and texture. Regarding the bioactivities, rosehip oil showed a significant total carotenoids content (28.398 μg/mL), with the highest levels in the case of the β-carotene (4.49 μg/mL), lutein (4.33 μg/mL), and zexanthin (10.88 μg/mL) contents. Results indicated a significant reduction in mean wrinkle scores across several age groups, with notable improvements in individuals with deeper baseline wrinkles. UV spots also showed visible declines, suggesting ideal photoprotective and anti-pigmentary effects attributable to the oil’s high vitamin A and carotenoid content. Porphyrin levels, often correlated with bacterial activity, decreased in most subjects, hinting at an additional antimicrobial or microbiome-modulatory property. However, skin responses varied, possibly due to individual differences in skin sensitivity, environmental factors, or compliance with sun protection. Overall, the topical application of R. canina oil appeared to improve the facial skin quality, reduce the appearance of age-related markers, and support skin health. These findings reinforce the potential use of rosehip oil in anti-aging skincare formulations. Further long-term, large-scale studies are warranted to refine dosing regimens, investigate mechanisms of action, and explore synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds. Full article

Radiotherapy (RT) has undergone transformative advancements since its inception over a century ago. This review highlights the most promising and impactful innovations shaping the current and future landscape of RT. Key technological advances include adaptive radiotherapy (ART), which tailors treatment to daily anatomical changes using integrated imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced image guidance systems, such as MR-LINACs, PET-LINACs, and surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT), which enhance targeting precision and minimize collateral damage. AI and data science further support RT through automation, improved segmentation, dose prediction, and treatment planning. Emerging biological and targeted therapies, including boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), radioimmunotherapy, and theranostics, represent the convergence of molecular targeting and radiotherapy, offering personalized treatment strategies. Particle therapies, notably proton and heavy ion RT, exploit the Bragg peak for precise tumor targeting while reducing normal tissue exposure. FLASH RT, delivering ultra-high dose rates, demonstrates promise in sparing normal tissue while maintaining tumor control, though clinical validation is ongoing. Spatially fractionated RT (SFRT), stereotactic techniques and brachytherapy are evolving to treat challenging tumor types with enhanced conformality and efficacy. Innovations such as 3D printing, Auger therapy, and hyperthermia are also contributing to individualized and site-specific solutions. Across these modalities, the integration of imaging, AI, and novel physics and biology-driven approaches is redefining the possibilities of cancer treatment. This review underscores the multidisciplinary and translational nature of modern RT, where physics, engineering, biology, and informatics intersect to improve patient outcomes. While many approaches are in various stages of clinical adoption and investigation, their collective impact promises to redefine the therapeutic boundaries of radiation oncology in the coming decade. Full article

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of a novel interproximal fluoride delivery device, Cav-Aid^®, in remineralizing initial proximal caries, comparing it with conventional fluoride treatments. Methods: Initial caries lesions were produced on bovine enamel blocks by subjecting the blocks to a 3-day demineralization process by plaque growth in a mixed-species microbial caries model. After demineralization, the baseline surface microhardness (SMHb) was measured. The blocks were embedded into cavities prepared on the proximal surfaces of extracted human teeth to simulate natural interproximal contacts. The teeth were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (20/group): artificial saliva (AS), Cav-Aid^® only (CA), Cav-Aid^®/fluoride toothpaste (CA+F), fluoride varnish applied via flossing (FV-Floss), fluoride varnish applied via painting on the interdental cleavage (FV-Paint), and daily fluoride mouthrinse (F-Mouthrinse). The samples then underwent a 14-day pH cycling protocol to simulate remineralization conditions. The post-treatment SMH (SMHr) was measured. Statistical analysis comprised paired t-tests and ANOVA/Tukey’s post hoc comparisons (p < 0.05). Results: All fluoride-treated groups exhibited significant increases in SMHr compared with SMHb (p < 0.001). CA+F group showed the highest percentage remineralization (27.39%), followed by CA (22.16%), then the FV and mouthrinse groups (9.25–11.80%). The AS group exhibited the lowest remineralization (4.89%). CA+F demonstrated significantly greater remineralization than FV or mouthrinse (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between CA alone and CA+F. Also, there was no significant difference between CA alone and FV-Floss or FV-Paint (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limit of the present study, the Cav-Aid^® targeted fluoride delivery system demonstrated greater efficacy than FV alone in interproximal remineralization. Dual-modality fluoride treatments (CA+F) provided the greatest remineralization benefits, highlighting the importance of sustained fluoride exposure. Full article

Humans are exposed to pollutants daily through various routes, including skin contact. A key concern is the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can mimic, block or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, in many everyday items, among which are personal care products. We set up a chromatographic method to simultaneously assess the occurrence of nine endocrine disruptors and to verify the compliance with mandatory regulations concerning the potential fraudulent additions of preservatives. A total of twenty-six haircare products were collected and analyzed. The limits of detection ranged from 0.052 μg mL⁻¹ to 1.744 μg mL⁻¹, while the limits of quantification ranged from 0.175 μg mL⁻¹ to 5.815 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Analyte recovery was between 66% and 87%, demonstrating the accuracy of the method in these target formulations. Even if the recovered quantity of parabens did not exceed the legal limits, the analysis detected bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in 2 real samples and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in all 26 samples, with concentrations ranging from 151.01 μg/100 g to 1042.58 μg/100 g. Although the European Union regulates the quantity of potentially harmful compounds in consumer goods, repeated use of certain products, such as haircare formulations, could result in chronic exposure to several endocrine disruptors. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) have become a global issue due to their potential adverse effects on sustainable marine resources and human health. In this study, MP pollution was investigated using natural mussels from all shelf regions of the SoM (Sea of Marmara), which is under the influence of many pollutant sources. A total of 322 mussels were collected along the entire coastline, and MP analyses were performed on these mussels. Mussel tissues were digested using a KOH solution to separate the MPs. Following extraction, the samples were filtered and the particles remaining on top were examined physically and chemically. In the study, the highest values were detected in samples taken both from locations under anthropogenic influence, especially from points close to where rivers flow. Across all the samples, the most predominant shape was fiber (61.08%), color was blue (57.87%) and size was (<0.5 mm) (62.55%). FTIR analysis shows that PE is the most common polymer type (44%). Calculated on the basis of 100 g of daily consumption, the annual ingestive exposures to MPs were found to be 1940, 342, 41 and 39 items for children, adolescents, female adults and male adults, respectively. As a result of a detailed risk assessment related to chronic daily intake (CDI) and microplastic carcinogenic risk (MPCR), it was determined that children are the most vulnerable group exposed to MPs and that these seafood products should be consumed with caution by children to prevent potential hazards. Additionally, it has been determined that the southern shelf and the Çanakkale Strait are the areas under the most intense pollution pressure according to the calculated MPCf and MPLI values. These findings are very relevant in terms of taking practical steps to take plans and actions to prevent contamination in the SoM and ensure the sustainability of food safety in the consumption of products obtained from the sea. Full article

Daily exposure to various forces creates defects in the musculoskeletal system, leading to health issues, especially for bones. Bone tissue scaffolds and ultrasound technology are both utilized in research and in clinics to enhance bone tissue regeneration. This study aimed to investigate the potential of commercially available fused deposition modeling (FDM) filaments for ultrasound technology using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation, three-point bending, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization methods. Customized FDM filaments were produced by combining polylactic acid (PLA) FDM filaments with medical-grade polycaprolactone (PCL). Using these, we observed the successful production of complex tissue scaffolds via PLAPCL4060 and PLAPCL5050 FDM filaments. Additionally, the presence of the contrast difference observed via SEM for PLAPCL4060 suggests phase segregation and a material that has both damping and activating characteristics under ultrasound propagation. Mechanical characterization provided hardness and elastic modulus values, while the three-point bending results proved the flexible nature of PLAPCL4060 and PLAPCL5050, which is important for their dynamicity and responsiveness under ultrasound propagation. Accelerated degradation experiments provided crucial information regarding the effect of the porosity and gradients of scaffolds under ultrasound stimulation. Future studies based on this approach will contribute to understanding the true potential of these filaments for bone tissue. Full article

In addition to natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs), so-called artificial electromagnetic fields exist in the biosphere, with mobile communications being one of their main sources. This study aimed to determine the impact of EMF at a frequency of 1800 MHz on the concentrations of selected hormones, sperm motility, viability, morphology and behaviors in laboratory rats. We used 28 rats divided into two equinumerous groups: control (n = 14) and experimental (n = 14). The rats in the experimental group were exposed to EMF for 12 weeks (for 10 min, four times daily); at the same time, the control specimens were kept in standard conditions. After 12 weeks, half of each group was killed, while the other half was maintained for another 4 weeks with no EMF emission. Elevated corticosterone levels and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were observed in the experimental specimens, which persisted for 2 weeks after the cessation of EMF emission. Exposure to EMF also resulted in decreased sperm motility and viability, as well as increased rat anxiety. This study shows that exposure to EMF (1800 MHz) may affect the endocrine status of the body and the behavior and reproductive functions of animals. However, hormonal disorders appear to be reversible. Full article

Physical function is likely bidirectionally associated with physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep. We examined trajectories of physical function as predictors of these behaviors in community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 y without dementia from the Adult Changes in Thought cohort. Exposures were trajectories of physical performance (short Performance-Based Physical Function [sPPF]) and self-reported activities of daily living (ADL) impairment. Outcomes were device-measured PA and SB and self-reported sleep. We fit linear mixed-effects models to define trajectory slopes and intercepts for each functional measure over the prior 10 years. We used multivariable linear regression to investigate the relationship between trajectory features and outcomes, using bootstrap confidence intervals. Participants (N = 905) were 77.6 (SD = 6.9) years old, 55% female, 91% white, and had a median sPPF score of 9 (IQR = [8, 11]) and median impairment of 1 ADL (IQR = [0, 2]) at the time of activity measurement (baseline). Steeper decreases in sPPF (0.3-unit, 25% of the range) were associated with fewer steps (−1180, 95% CI = [−2853, −185]) and less moderate-to-vigorous PA (−15.7 min/day [−35.6, −2.3]). Steeper increases in ADL impairment were associated with 35.0 min/day (4.3, 65.0) additional sitting time, longer mean sitting bout duration (3.5 min/bout [0.8, 6.2]), fewer steps (−1372 [−2223, −638]), less moderate-to-vigorous PA (−13 min/day [−22.6, −5.0]), and more time-in-bed (25.5 min/day [6.5, 43.5]). No associations were observed with light PA or sleep quality. Worsening physical function is associated with lower PA and higher SB, but not with light-intensity movement or sleep quality, supporting the bidirectional nature of the relationship between physical function and physical behaviors. Full article