Search Results (396)

Estrogens are considered the most important risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Therefore, attempts are being made to reduce their level through diminished synthesis on one hand and to protect against the formation of DNA-damaging estrogen metabolites on the other. Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) play key roles in estrogen synthesis and catabolism, leading to potentially carcinogenic metabolites. CYP19 (aromatase) catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens. The estrogen receptor-dependent pathway induces cell growth. CYP1 family enzymes, particularly CYP1B1, are involved in the redox cycling of estrogen metabolites and the subsequent estrogen–DNA adducts formation. Naturally occurring phytochemicals of different classes were shown to modulate the CYP expression and activity in cell-free systems or breast cancer cells. One of the most promising CYP19 inhibitors is chrysin (flavone), while stilbenes seem to be the most effective CYP1B1 inhibitors. In most cases, their effect is not specific. Therefore, different approaches are made to find the best candidate for the drug prototype of a new therapeutic or chemopreventive agent and to improve its pharmacokinetic parameters. This review presents and discusses the possible effects on major CYPs involved in estrogen metabolism by phytochemicals from the most investigated classes, namely flavonoids, stilbenes, and glucosinolates breakdown products. Full article

Against the backdrop of global energy transition and strict environmental regulations, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) fracturing and oil displacement technologies have emerged as pivotal green approaches in shale gas exploitation, offering the dual advantages of zero water consumption and carbon sequestration. However, the inherent low viscosity of scCO₂ severely restricts its sand-carrying capacity, fracture propagation efficiency, and oil recovery rate, necessitating the urgent development of high-performance thickeners. The current research on scCO₂ thickeners faces a critical trade-off: traditional fluorinated polymers exhibit excellent philicity CO₂, but suffer from high costs and environmental hazards, while non-fluorinated systems often struggle to balance solubility and thickening performance. The development of new thickeners primarily involves two directions. On one hand, efforts focus on modifying non-fluorinated polymers, driven by environmental protection needs—traditional fluorinated thickeners may cause environmental pollution, and improving non-fluorinated polymers can maintain good thickening performance while reducing environmental impacts. On the other hand, there is a commitment to developing non-noble metal-catalyzed siloxane modification and synthesis processes, aiming to enhance the technical and economic feasibility of scCO₂ thickeners. Compared with noble metal catalysts like platinum, non-noble metal catalysts can reduce production costs, making the synthesis process more economically viable for large-scale industrial applications. These studies are crucial for promoting the practical application of scCO₂ technology in unconventional oil and gas development, including improving fracturing efficiency and oil displacement efficiency, and providing new technical support for the sustainable development of the energy industry. This study innovatively designed an amphiphilic modified amino silicone oil polymer (MA-co-MPEGA-AS) by combining maleic anhydride (MA), methoxy polyethylene glycol acrylate (MPEGA), and amino silicone oil (AS) through a molecular bridge strategy. The synthesis process involved three key steps: radical polymerization of MA and MPEGA, amidation with AS, and in situ network formation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful introduction of ether-based CO₂-philic groups. Rheological tests conducted under scCO₂ conditions demonstrated a 114-fold increase in viscosity for MA-co-MPEGA-AS. Mechanistic studies revealed that the ether oxygen atoms (Lewis base) in MPEGA formed dipole–quadrupole interactions with CO₂ (Lewis acid), enhancing solubility by 47%. Simultaneously, the self-assembly of siloxane chains into a three-dimensional network suppressed interlayer sliding in scCO₂ and maintained over 90% viscosity retention at 80 °C. This fluorine-free design eliminates the need for platinum-based catalysts and reduces production costs compared to fluorinated polymers. The hierarchical interactions (coordination bonds and hydrogen bonds) within the system provide a novel synthetic paradigm for scCO₂ thickeners. This research lays the foundation for green CO₂-based energy extraction technologies. Full article

Magnesium (Mg²⁺) has gained oncologists’ attention due to its wide range of biological functions and frequent use as a complementary or integrative agent. This review outlines Mg’s actions, its complex role in carcinogenesis and tumor risk, and clinical issues. Mg²⁺ is essential in numerous biochemical processes, including adenosine triphosphate production, cellular signal transduction, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, and bone formation. Pertinent full-text articles were thoroughly examined, and the most relevant ones were selected for inclusion in this review. There is conflicting scientific evidence about the relationship between Mg²⁺ changes and cancer risk, apart from colorectal cancer. Chronic Mg²⁺ deficiency leads to immune dysfunctions and enhanced baseline inflammation associated with oxidative stress related to various age-associated morbidities and cancer. On the other hand, Mg²⁺ deficiency is associated with drug or chemotherapy-related hypomagnesemia, postoperative pain, cachexia, opioid-induced constipation, normal tissue protection from radiation damage, and prevention of nephrotoxicity. A balanced diet usually provides sufficient Mg²⁺, but supplementation may be necessary in some clinical settings. Full article

Jaboticaba berry is a rich source of polyphenols with bioactive properties. However, polyphenols are known for their high reactivity under environmental conditions, which poses a challenge to producing stable, functional components for the food industry. This study investigated the storage stability and bioaccessibility of polyphenols in microencapsulated jaboticaba juice over 21 days at three storage temperatures: −20 °C, 4 °C, and 25 °C. Additionally, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were evaluated before and after in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Microencapsulation was performed by spray drying at 160 °C using maltodextrin at different concentrations (10%, 12%, and 15%) as the wall material. The results showed that the stability of polyphenols during storage was significantly influenced by both temperature and the proportion of maltodextrin. Greater degradation of phenolic compounds was observed at 25 °C, particularly in the formulation with 10% maltodextrin. On the other hand, the bioaccessibility of polyphenols was significantly higher in microencapsulated juice after simulated gastrointestinal digestion compared to non-encapsulated jaboticaba juice (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that microencapsulation technique improved the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds in jaboticaba and promoted better stability with the use of a higher concentration of maltodextrin. In conclusion, microencapsulation is a promising strategy for the development of functional food products enriched with natural bioactive compounds, providing greater protection and efficiency in delivering their health benefits. Full article

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a globally important crop that plays a central role in maintaining food security. This scientific review examines the critical role of genetic disease resistance in protecting rice yields, dissecting at the molecular level how rice plants detect and respond to pathogen attacks while evaluating modern approaches to developing improved resistant varieties. The analysis covers single-gene-mediated and multi-gene resistance systems, detailing how on one hand specific resistance proteins, defense signaling components, and clustered loci work together to provide comprehensive protection against a wide range of pathogens and yet their production is severely impacted by pathogens such as Xanthomonas oryzae (bacterial blight) and Magnaporthe oryzae (rice blast). The discussion extends to breakthrough breeding technologies currently revolutionizing rice improvement programs, including DNA marker-assisted selection for accelerating traditional breeding, gene conversion methods for introducing new resistance traits, and precision genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 for enabling targeted genetic modifications. By integrating advances in molecular biology and genomics, these approaches offer sustainable solutions to safeguard rice yields against evolving pathogens. Full article

Background: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a frequently self-limited viral infectious disease that affects children and has no specific antiviral treatment option. There has been increasing interest in bee products in recent years, and propolis has come to the fore due to its impressive therapeutic and protective effects. Although previous studies have shown the inhibitory effect of propolis against enteroviruses (EVs), there are no clinical data regarding its use in combatting HFMD. This prospective multicenter randomized clinical study aimed to evaluate the effect of administering propolis to children with HFMD. Methods: This study analyzed 183 children with HFMD. All children were assessed for eligibility and diagnosed with HFMD by a child health and disease specialist after presenting with symptoms of either fever, enanthem, or exanthems that had begun within the last 48 h. The patients were randomly assigned to the group receiving Anatolian propolis (n = 87) or that receiving no supplement—the control group (n = 96)—in addition to receiving symptomatic therapy as decided by the physician. The duration of the patient’s complaints, the distribution of the lesions on their body, and their fever status were recorded on admission. Parents were asked to rate the severity of their child’s restlessness, inappetence, and sleeplessness on a scale of 0–10 at their initial, second (at 48th hour), and third (after 5–7 days) visits to the hospital. The primary data analysis methods included the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for normality and non-parametric tests such as the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests, which were used for group comparisons. Results: The median age of the patients was 28 months (range: 12–112), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Most patients (62.8%) had no history of a household contact with HFMD. Intraoral lesions were present in 92.3% of patients, and 47.5% received the propolis treatment while 53.5% were in the control group. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of their complaint scores during their second (p = 0.028) and third (p < 0.001) visits to the hospital. In addition, the mean duration of the illness in the propolis group (7.45 days) was significantly lower than that in the control group (8.58 days) (p < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: Propolis has been shown to facilitate symptomatic relief and reduce the duration of the disease in children with HFMD. To better assess the efficacy of this product, which can be used safely in children, future studies supported by virological analyses are required. Full article

In the present study, the effect of two different formulations (NCH1 and NCH2) of trans-anethole was examined against hop flea beetles, Psylliodes attenuatus in field conditions. Products were applied in different locations in the spring seasons of 2019–2021. In 2019, 0.5% and 1% concentrations of both formulations were used so that the effective field dose could be determined. Doses of 1% for both formulations were shown to be more efficient. In 2020, experiments with this dose were carried out in two localities in order to select a more suitable formulation of the product (NCH1 vs. NCH2). The NCH1 formulation was shown to be more effective. After application, there was a significant reduction in the number of flea beetles compared to the control (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, no significant difference was found between the non-treated plot and the NCH2 formulation. In the third year of the experiment (2021), it was found that the number of P. attenuatus on plants treated with NCH1 encapsulation was significantly lower than in the untreated control (p < 0.0001). Residues of trans-anethole degraded immediately; thus, the product is suitable for use in the summer to protect the hop cones before harvest. Full article

Canopy-forming algae play an important role in coastal ecosystems because these species are highly productive and provide habitats and shelter for numerous marine organisms. Sargassum is the main genus of canopy-forming algae in the western North Pacific, but despite the importance of their ecological role, studies on the changes in their distribution are still scarce. Based on the present distribution of four Sargassum species, this study predicted the geographic distribution of future habitats (2030s, 2060s, and 2090s) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios. The environmental variables predicted from the sixth phase of the coupled model intercomparison project (CMIP6) had different impacts depending on the species, with current velocity and water temperature showing high contributions in all four species. According to the projections, three Sargassum species (S. horneri, S. macrocarpum, and S. patens) are expected to maintain a higher habitat suitability index (HSI) and suitable habitat (MAXENT ≥ 0.4) through the 2090s under the SSP1-1.9 scenario. However, under the SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5 scenarios, the HSI of the species is projected to gradually decrease in the southern coastal waters of the Korean peninsula and increase in the East Sea (North Korea), with these results intensifying under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. On the other hand, S. piluliferum was found to increase its HSI and habitat under the highest emission scenarios. All Sargassum species are predicted to shift northward from 0.8° N to 3.8° N by the 2090s under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Although many marine protected areas exist off the coasts of South Korea and Japan, suitable Sargassum habitats were found to be located within protected reserves between 47.1% and 61.2%, depending on the scenario. These findings on Sargassum provide distributional predictions for ecological conservation strategies and provide new evidence for the need for climate change efforts. Full article

One hazardous material that occurs naturally in the environment and induces oxidative stress is cadmium (Cd). Epidemiological data revealed that exposure to cadmium in the workplace and environment might be linked to many illnesses and serious testicular injuries. Aims: It is taught that antioxidants can protect different organs against environmental toxic compounds. Therefore, the current investigation aims to show the role of antioxidants (gallic acid and selenium) in the protection against cadmium toxicity, including the architecture of the testes, semen properties, steroid hormones, protein expression of cytochrome P450 [CYP 19 and 11A1] contributing to the production of steroid hormones, and antioxidant enzyme activities, in male rabbits. Methods: Male rabbits were given cadmium orally three times/week [1 mg/kg BW] for twelve weeks. In addition, gallic acid (20 mg/kg) or selenium (1 mg/kg BW) was administered two hours before cadmium treatment. This investigation included a spectrophotometer, histopathology, and Western immunoblotting techniques. Results: Cadmium treatment significantly reduced sperm counts, testosterone, and estrogen levels after four, eight, and twelve weeks of treatment. In addition, after a 12-week treatment of rabbits with cadmium, the activity of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, as well as the glutathione levels, were inhibited in the testes tissue. On the other hand, following cadmium treatment, rabbit’s testes showed a discernible increase in free radical levels. Interestingly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and level of free radicals were recovered in rabbits treated with gallic acid or selenium before cadmium treatment. In addition, after 12 weeks of cadmium treatment, the steroidogenic protein expressions of CYP 11A1 and CYP 19 were upregulated and downregulated in the testes, respectively. Interestingly, after pretreatment of rabbits with either gallic acid or selenium for two hours before cadmium administration, the downregulated CYP11A1 was restored to normal levels. In the histopathological investigation, immature spermatozoids and sloughed spermatogonium cells were observed in cadmium-treated rabbits’ testes. On the other hand, pretreatments of rabbits with gallic acid or selenium mitigated and alleviated the adverse effects of cadmium on testes architecture and increased the production of healthy sperm. Conclusions: The lower levels of steroid hormones could be due to the downregulation of CYP11A1, inhibition of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the induction of free radical levels. Furthermore, the pretreatment of rabbits with gallic acid or selenium mitigated the adverse effects of cadmium on the tissue architecture of testes and steroid hormone levels. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key factor contributing to photodamage in epidermal cells. This study investigated the protective effects of Thua Nao, a Thai fermented soybean product, against UVB-induced damage in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the underlying mechanisms. Thua Nao extract fractions were prepared using a solvent partition method. We found that the dichloromethane fraction (TN-DC), along with its isoflavones daidzein and glycitein, significantly protected against UVB-induced HaCaT cell death. This protection involved inhibiting caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, thus preventing apoptosis. Additionally, treatment with TN-DC, daidzein, and glycitein suppressed the UVB-induced production of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. These protective effects were associated with reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 4. Signaling pathway analysis revealed that TN-DC activated the pro-survival ERK1/2 and Akt pathways while decreased the phosphorylation of JNK in UVB-exposed cells. On the other hand, daidzein and glycitein enhanced ERK1/2 activation and reduced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPKs. The involvement of ERK1/2 and Akt activation in cell survival was confirmed using specific inhibitors. Thus, TN-DC and its isoflavones protects keratinocytes from UVB-induced oxidative damage and inflammation by modulating MAPKs and Akt signaling. Full article

The European Green Deal creates both opportunities and challenges in the process of transition to sustainable farming models. In modern conditions, it is crucial that this transition leads to a higher degree of sustainability of a healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The role of farmers is becoming particularly prominent due to their efforts in introducing environmentally friendly agricultural practices for effective combat against climate change, protection and conservation of biodiversity and the environment. On the one hand, agriculture stands at the “front line” as regards the consequences of climate change and biodiversity loss, and on the other hand, unsustainable agricultural practices are a major factor in biodiversity loss. The aim of this study is to identify the differences or the regional specificities of an innovative agricultural model and its potential for developing and strengthening socioeconomic indicators on a national scale. The thesis of the study is that organic agriculture in Bulgaria, as a sustainable model for agricultural production, not only has the potential for development but is also an opportunity for diversification and development of agricultural business on the regional level, with a key role and priority in the national agricultural policy. Full article

Ensuring the authenticity of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (MdBC), a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheese, is essential for regulatory enforcement and consumer protection. This study evaluates a multi-technology analytical platform developed to detect adulteration due to the addition of non-buffalo milk or non-PDO buffalo milk in PDO dairy buffalo products. Peripheral laboratories use gel electrophoresis combined with polyclonal antipeptide antibodies for initial screening, enabling the detection of foreign caseins, including those originating outside the PDO-designated regions. For more precise identification, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) differentiates species by detecting proteotypic peptides. In cases requiring confirmation, nano-liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (nano-LC-ESI-MS/MS) is used in central state laboratories for the highly sensitive detection of extraneous milk proteins in PDO buffalo MdBC cheese. On the other hand, analysis of the pH 4.6 soluble fraction from buffalo blue cheese identified 2828 buffalo-derived peptides and several bovine specific peptides, confirming milk adulteration. Despite a lower detection extent in the pH 4.6 insoluble fraction following tryptic hydrolysis, the presence of bovine peptides was still sufficient to verify fraud. This integrated proteomic approach, which combines electrophoresis and mass spectrometry technologies, significantly improves milk adulteration detection, providing a robust tool to face increasingly sophisticated fraudulent practices. Full article

Prenatal and postnatal health guidance, along with women’s individual experiences, greatly influences mothers’ breastfeeding decisions and duration. To understand this better, a methodology combining quantitative and qualitative data is essential. Objective: To map the scientific production on the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding developed from mixed methods research. Method: A scoping review that followed the JBI and PRISMA-ScR methodology. The search was carried out in the following databases: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, BVS, CINAHL, Web of Science, and BDTD. The guiding question was: Which studies on the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding were developed using mixed methods? The research took place from December 2023 to June 2024. Results: Of the 3569 studies found, 36 studies using mixed methods were included, with a prevalence of explanatory sequential approaches. Breastfeeding rates in the selected studies remain lower than global recommendations. The barriers to breastfeeding reported by mothers include biological; emotional; cultural; unfavorable social and hospital environment; difficulties in clinical management; lack of support from family, friends, health professionals, and employers; and skepticism about the benefits of breastfeeding. On the other hand, the main facilitators of breastfeeding reported were education and counseling during prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum periods; women’s intention to breastfeed; support from family, employer, spouse, and health professionals. Conclusions: The studies highlighted various issues related to breastfeeding rates, barriers, and facilitators across different contexts and cultures worldwide. The findings demonstrate that employing mixed methods enables a comprehensive and nuanced assessment of breastfeeding practices and the evaluation of relevant interventions. Full article

The camel milk market’s rapid expansion necessitates strategies that ensure raw milk quality and safety, particularly in small-scale production. This study examines smallholder farmers in Haixi, Qinghai Province, China, where traditional practices intersect with modern standards. Analyzing 80 raw camel milk samples, the study assessed risks like adulteration, microbial contamination, and nutritional variability. DNA testing and microbial assays revealed that 66.67% of hand-milked samples were adulterated with cow milk, a significantly higher rate than mechanically processed samples (p < 0.05). Manual milking also showed higher microbial counts (up to 2.05 × 10⁴ CFU/mL) and somatic cell levels, indicating hygiene issues. Nutritional analysis found that grazing systems yielded milk with more vitamin A, B2, and potassium, while semi-intensive systems had higher ash content. A quality evaluation framework was developed, combining pastoralist knowledge with rapid diagnostic tools, focusing on mechanization, cold-chain efficiency, and community training. This framework provides strategies to reduce adulteration, ensure nutritional consistency, and align small-scale production with international standards. The study proposes culturally adaptive quality control methods to protect consumer health, support rural livelihoods, and standardize the camel milk market. Full article

Type 4 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS-4) is a pathology in which chronic kidney disease (CKD) triggers the development of cardiovascular disease. CKD pathophysiology produces alterations that can affect the bioenergetics of heart mitochondria, causing oxidative stress and reducing antioxidant glutathione (GSH) levels. GSH depletion alters protein function by affecting post-translational modifications such as S-glutathionylation (RS-SG), exacerbating oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. On the other hand, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant GSH precursor that modulates oxidative stress and RS-SG. Moreover, recent studies have found that NAC can activate the Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) deacetylase in diseases. However, the role of NAC and its effects on mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and SIRT3 modifications in the heart during CRS-4 have not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the role of NAC in mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and SIRT3 in the hearts of animals with CRS-4 at two months of follow-up. Our results showed that the oral administration of NAC (600 mg/kg/day) improved blood pressure and reduced cardiac fibrosis. NACs’ protective effect was associated with preserving cardiac mitochondrial bioenergetics and decreasing these organelles’ hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production. Additionally, NAC increased GSH levels in heart mitochondria and regulated the redox state, which coincided with an increase in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidized (NAD⁺) levels and a decrease in mitochondrial acetylated lysines. Finally, NAC increased SIRT3 levels and the activity of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD-2) in the heart. Thus, treatment with NAC decreases mitochondrial alterations, restores redox signaling, and decreases SIRT3 disturbances during CRS-4 through an antioxidant defense mechanism. Full article