Search Results (481)

Avocado (Persea americana), originally from Mesoamerica, has emerged as a focus of intense scientific and industrial interest due to its unique combination of nutritional richness, bioactive potential, and technological versatility. Its pulp, widely consumed across the globe, is notably abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which can comprise over two-thirds of its lipid content. In addition, it provides significant levels of dietary fiber, fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K, carotenoids, tocopherols, and phytosterols like β-sitosterol. These constituents are consistently associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, glycemic regulatory, and cardioprotective effects, supported by a growing body of experimental and clinical evidence. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the chemical composition and functional properties of avocado, with particular emphasis on its lipid profile, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. It also explores recent advances in environmentally sustainable extraction techniques, including ultrasound-assisted and microwave-assisted processes, as well as the application of natural deep eutectic solvents. These technologies have demonstrated improved efficiency in recovering bioactives while aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The use of avocado-derived ingredients in nanostructured delivery systems and their incorporation into functional foods, cosmetics, and health-promoting formulations is discussed in detail. Additionally, the potential of native cultivars and the application of precision nutrition strategies are identified as promising avenues for future innovation. Taken together, the findings underscore the avocado’s relevance as a high-value matrix for sustainable development. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction protocols, clarifying pharmacokinetic behavior, and ensuring long-term safety in diverse applications. Full article

Lower respiratory tract infections remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Intensive Care Unit patients, with severe cases often progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This life-threatening syndrome results from alveolar–capillary membrane injury, causing refractory hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Early detection and management are critical to treat the underlying cause, provide protective lung ventilation, and, eventually, improve patient outcomes. The 2012 Berlin definition standardized ARDS diagnosis but excluded patients on non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) modalities, which are increasingly used, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. By excluding these patients, diagnostic delays can occur, risking the progression of lung injury despite ongoing support. Indeed, sustained, vigorous respiratory efforts under non-invasive modalities carry significant potential for patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI), underscoring the need to broaden diagnostic criteria to encompass these increasingly common therapies. Recent proposals expand ARDS criteria to include NIV and HFNCs, lung ultrasound, and the SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio adaptations designed to improve diagnosis in resource-limited settings lacking arterial blood gases or advanced imaging. However, broader criteria risk overdiagnosis and create challenges in distinguishing ARDS from other causes of acute hypoxemic failure. Furthermore, inter-observer variability in imaging interpretation and inconsistencies in oxygenation assessment, particularly when relying on non-invasive measurements, may compromise diagnostic reliability. To overcome these limitations, a more nuanced diagnostic framework is needed—one that incorporates individualized therapeutic strategies, emphasizes lung-protective ventilation, and integrates advanced physiological or biomarker-based indicators like IL-6, IL-8, and IFN-γ, which are associated with worse outcomes. Such an approach has the potential to improve patient stratification, enable more targeted interventions, and ultimately support the design and conduct of more effective interventional studies. Full article

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive technology widely used in aesthetic dermatology for skin tightening and facial rejuvenation. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified HIFU device, More Young, compared to the standard 7D HIFU system through a randomized, single-blinded clinical trial. The More Young device features enhanced focal depth precision and energy delivery algorithms, including nine pre-programmed stabilization checkpoints to minimize treatment risks. A total of 100 participants with facial wrinkles and skin laxity were randomly assigned to receive either More Young or 7D HIFU treatment. Skin improvements were assessed at baseline and one to six months post-treatment using the VISIA^® Skin Analysis System (7th Generation), focusing on eight key parameters. Patient satisfaction was evaluated through the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with effect sizes measured via Cohen’s d. Both groups showed significant post-treatment improvements; however, the More Young group demonstrated superior outcomes in wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, and texture enhancement, along with higher satisfaction and fewer adverse effects. No significant differences were observed in five of the eight skin parameters. Limitations include the absence of a placebo group, limited sample diversity, and short follow-up duration. Further studies are needed to validate long-term outcomes and assess performance across varied demographics and skin types. Full article

The vast majority of photocatalysts find it difficult to consistently and stably exhibit high performance due to the variability of sunlight intensity within a day, as well as the high energy consumption of artificial light sources. In this study, mechanoluminescent Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu,Dy phosphors is combined with NiS@g-C₃N₄ composite to construct a ternary heterogeneous photocatalytic system, denoted as NCS. In addition to the enhanced separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers by the formation of a heterojunction, the introduction of Sr₂MgSi₂O₇:Eu,Dy provides an ultra-driving force for the photocatalytic reactions owing to its mechanoluminescence-induced excitation. Results show that the degradation rate of RhB increased significantly in comparison with pristine g-C₃N₄ and NiS@g-C₃N₄, indicating the obvious advantages of the ternary system for charge separation and migration. Moreover, the additional photocatalytic activity of NCS under ultrasound stimulation makes it a promising all-weather photocatalyst even in dark environments. This novel strategy opens up new horizons for the synergistic combination of light-driven and ultrasound-driven heterogeneous photocatalytic systems, and it also has important reference significance for the design and application of high-performance photocatalysts. Full article

Bacteria-mediated cancer therapy represents a novel and promising strategy for targeted drug delivery to solid tumors. Multiple studies have demonstrated that various Bifidobacterium species can selectively colonize the hypoxic microenvironments characteristic of solid tumors. Leveraging this property, Bifidobacterium has been explored as a delivery vector for a range of anti-cancer approaches such as immunotherapy, nanoformulated chemotherapeutics, and gene therapy. Notably, anti-angiogenic genes such as endostatin and tumstatin have been successfully delivered to colorectal tumors using Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum, respectively. Additionally, Bifidobacterium bifidum has been employed to transport doxorubicin and paclitaxel nanoparticles to breast and lung tumor sites. Furthermore, both Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium bifidum have been utilized to deliver nanoparticles that act as synergistic agents for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy, significantly enhancing tumor ablation, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. While these pre-clinical findings are highly encouraging, further clinical research is essential. Specifically, studies are needed to investigate the colonization dynamics of different Bifidobacterium species across various tumor types and to evaluate their potential in delivering diverse cancer therapies in human patients. Full article

Despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), 5-year survival rates remain at nearly 11%. Cholangiocarcinoma, while not as severe, also possesses similar survival rates. Fewer than 20% of patients are surgical candidates at time of diagnosis; therefore, it is imperative that alternative therapies are effective for non-surgical patients. There are several thermal ablative techniques, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), microwave ablation (MWA), alcohol ablation, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), cryoablation, irreversible electroporation (IRE), biliary intraluminal brachytherapy, and biliary photodynamic therapy (PDT). Emerging literature in animal models and human patients has demonstrated that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided RFA (EUS-RFA) prevents tumor progression through coagulative necrosis, protein denaturation, and activation of anticancer immunity in local and distant tumor tissue (abscopal effect). RFA treatment has been shown to not only reduce tumor-associated immunosuppressive cells but also increase functional T cells in distant tumor cells not treated with RFA. The remarkable ability to reduce tumor progression and promote tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling makes RFA a very promising non-surgical therapy technique that has the potential to reduce mortality in this patient population. EUS-RFA offers superior precision and safety compared to other ablation techniques for pancreatic and biliary cancers, due to real-time imaging capabilities and minimally invasive nature. Future research should focus on optimizing RFA protocols, exploring combination therapies with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and expanding its use in patients with metastatic disease. This review article will explore the current data and underlying pathophysiology of EUS-RFA while also highlighting the role of ablative therapies as a whole in immune activation response. Full article

Background and Objectives: CrossFit is a discipline involving a wide range of overhead movements performed at high intensity and under accumulated fatigue that predispose to a high risk of shoulder complex injuries. This study aimed to compare ultrasonographic findings between symptomatic and asymptomatic shoulders in CrossFit athletes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare ultrasound parameters between the painful and non-painful shoulders in CrossFit athletes with unilateral subacromial shoulder pain. Assessed variables included subacromial subdeltoid bursa thickness, supraspinatus tendon thickness, the acromiohumeral distance, the coracoacromial ligament distance, the bicipital groove angle, cross-sectional area of the biceps brachii longus head tendon, as well as the serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscle thickness. Results: Twenty male CrossFit athletes (forty shoulders) with an average age of 25.70 ± 4.03 years participated in the study. A statistically significant increase was observed (p < 0.05) in the subacromial subdeltoid bursa thickness in the painful shoulder compared to the asymptomatic side. All other ultrasound parameters did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Only subacromial subdeltoid bursa thickness differed significantly between sides. This isolated finding may not fully explain shoulder pain, which cannot be solely attributed to morphological changes. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between shoulder pain and ultrasound features in CrossFit athletes, as well as the role of ultrasound in predicting structural changes in pain conditions. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) pods are an underexploited by-product of legume production with significant antioxidant potential. Their recovery and characterization support sustainable waste valorization in agri-food systems. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds (PCs) with antioxidant capacity (AOC) from cowpea pods and identify key bioactives through experimental and theoretical approaches. First, high-intensity ultrasound extraction was optimized using response surface methodology with ethanol–water mixtures. Under optimal conditions (20% amplitude, 15 min, 50% ethanol), the ethanolic extract (Eo) showed higher total phenolic content (TPC) and AOC than the aqueous extract (Wo). Subsequently, fractionation by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography yielded fractions E2 and W2 with enhanced TPC and AOC. Phytochemical profiling showed that E2 was enriched in caftaric acid, p-coumaric acid, and morin, while W2 had higher levels of caftaric, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids. Finally, density functional theory was used to assess thermodynamic parameters linked to antioxidant mechanisms (HAT, SET-PT, SPLET), revealing morin as the most effective radical scavenger, followed by caffeic and caftaric acids. These findings show that AOC depends not only on phenolic concentration but also on molecular structure and solvent interactions. Thus, cowpea pod extracts and fractions hold promise for antioxidant-rich formulations in food, nutraceutical, or cosmetic applications. Full article

Shale oil, a major unconventional energy source with extensive global reserves, presents significant processing challenges due to the exceptional stability of its emulsions. Characterized by small droplet sizes and high interfacial film strength, these emulsions resist efficient treatment via conventional thermal-chemical or electrostatic dehydration. To address the difficulties in separation, unclear dehydration mechanisms, and inconsistent single-field (electric) performance, this study investigates dehydration using a novel electric–magnetic–ultrasonic coupling field system. Dehydration efficiency under an electric field alone increased with electric field strength, frequency, duration, and temperature. Magnetic or ultrasonic fields alone yielded negligible effects. Coupling an electric field with ultrasound enhanced efficiency, while adding a magnetic field to electricity provided no improvement and decreased efficiency with longer exposure or higher magnetic intensity. The multi-field coupling achieved significant demulsification. Both optimal dehydration performance and minimum energy consumption operating conditions were identified, capable of reducing shale oil water content below 0.5%. Full article

Background: Chitosan (CS) crosslinked with genipin (GNP) provides a mild, non-toxic route to generate nanogels (NGs) with enhanced integrity and colloidal stability. Objectives: To develop and characterise CS-GNP NG as a novel platform for targeted cellular delivery, optimising design through physicochemical characterisation and biocompatibility evaluation. Methods: NGs were synthesised under optimised conditions by adjusting the pH of the CS solution, followed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) to achieve disaggregation. Physicochemical characterisation was carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rheological studies and SAXS analysis assessed structural properties. Biocompatibility was evaluated via MTT assay, and internalisation was monitored by fluorescence microscopy on mammalian cell lines. Results: NG formation was highly pH-dependent, with optimal configuration at pH 4.5, yielding stable, uniformly sized particles (~200 nm, ζ-potential +29 mV). Kinetic modelling showed a sigmoidal formation pattern, suggesting nucleation, growth, and stabilisation. FTIR confirmed covalent bonding between CS and GNP via primary amide bonds and Schiff bases. Rheology indicated pseudoplastic behaviour, and SAXS revealed a compact network formation. Biocompatibility assays confirmed non-cytotoxicity below 100 µg/mL and efficient cellular uptake. Conclusions: This study presents a rapid, reproducible protocol for generating colloidally stable, biocompatible NGs suitable for drug delivery. Full article

(1) Background: Esthetic regenerative medicine is increasingly in demand for facial and neck rejuvenation due to its proven efficacy, safety profile, and minimal downtime. This study aimed to evaluate the role of standardized assessment tools in optimizing the outcomes of non-invasive regenerative esthetic technologies, both during the treatment course and in follow-up. (2) Methods: A literature review of the main articles published in peer-reviewed journals was conducted to identify high-quality studies addressing the use of validated esthetic scales and questionnaires (patient-reported outcomes) for evaluating the effectiveness of non-invasive regenerative treatments for the face and neck using accessible clinical tools such as photographs and 3D facial scanning. (3) Results: Clinician-reported outcomes (CROs) can be collected using standardized and reproducible photographic documentation and facial scans. The esthetic scales and classifications target both specific facial areas (e.g., upper third, perioral, periorbital) and overall skin appearance. Furthermore, advanced software allows overlay facial scan analysis and wrinkle mapping for precise quantification of improvements. In addition to objective CROs, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offer essential insights into perceived esthetic changes, satisfaction, and emotional well-being, completing a multidimensional evaluation of treatment efficacy. (4) Conclusions: Standardized evaluation protocols based on accessible tools such as clinical photographs, 3D facial scans, and validated PRO questionnaires are essential for guiding effective, personalized regenerative treatments. Their integration into routine practice enhances clinical decision-making and patient satisfaction. While advanced tools like dermal probes may further refine assessments, they require specific expertise and resources and may be less practical for daily clinical use. Full article

Bone regeneration demands biomaterials capable of supporting tissue integration and mimicking the native piezodynamic properties of bone. In this study, hydroxyapatite–barium titanate (HA-BT) composite coatings with varying BT content (10, 30, and 50 wt%) were developed to enhance the piezoelectric response and corrosion resistance of Ti6Al4V implants. The coatings were synthesized via high-energy ball milling and atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). XRD analysis with Rietveld refinement confirmed the presence of HA along with secondary phases (TTCP, β-TCP, CaO). Electrochemical tests revealed lower corrosion current densities for the coatings containing ≤30% BT, indicating improved stability in physiological environments. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT) demonstrated biocompatibility across all formulations. Piezoresponse force microscopy (DART-SS-PFM) confirmed enhanced d₃₃-eff values for the 50% BT coating (>15 pm/V); however, biological assays under low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation showed increased osteocalcin expression for ≤30% BT, while 50% BT induced cellular stress. Overall, HA-BT coatings with up to 30% BT exhibited optimal electrochemical stability, favorable piezoelectric performance, and enhanced biological response, underscoring their potential for orthopedic implant applications and regenerative tissue engineering. Full article

Background/Objectives: Solvent-intensive methods are traditionally required to extract curcumin, a potent bioactive compound from Curcuma longa, raising environmental and safety concerns. Methods: This study introduces an efficient and scalable extraction approach using microwave–ultrasound-assisted extraction (MUAE) combined with a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of choline chloride and lactic acid. Process parameters, including solvent water content (20–30% v/v) and solid loading (4–8% w/v), were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) to enhance curcumin yield. Results: Under optimal conditions (20% water content and 8% solid loading), the MUAE method achieved a curcumin content of 40.72 ± 1.21 mg/g, representing a 14.36% improvement over conventional ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), while reducing solvent usage by 50%. The quadratic model demonstrated excellent predictive capability, with an R² value of 0.98. In addition, anti-solvent precipitation using water increased curcuminoid purity from 0.31% to 20.54%, with a recovery rate of 21.49%. Conclusions: Mechanistic analysis revealed that microwave-induced cell disruption, ultrasound cavitation, and the modulation of NADES viscosity contributed synergistically to the enhanced extraction performance. This study is the first to combine MUAE with NADES for optimized curcumin extraction, delivering both high yield and reduced solvent consumption. The proposed method offers a sustainable and industrially relevant alternative for curcumin recovery in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors. Full article

The starch modification of mango cotyledons with both single ultrasound (US) and dual (US followed by octenyl succinic anhydride, OSA) was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The mechanochemical effects of ultrasound on amylose content, particle size, and dual modification efficiency were assessed. In addition, the structural, thermal, morphological, and functional properties were evaluated. After optimization with single US (41 min and 91% sonication intensity), sonication induced starch granule fragmentation, altering amorphous and partially crystalline regions, which increased amylose content (34%), reduced particle size (Dx50 = 12 μm), and modified granule surface morphology. The dual modification (the subsequent OSA reaction lasted 4.6 h under the same conditions) reached a degree of substitution of 0.02 and 81% efficiency, imparting amphiphilic properties to the starch. OSA groups were mainly incorporated into amorphous and surface regions, which decreased crystallinity, gelatinization temperature, and enthalpy. The synergistic effect of the modification with US and OSA in the dual modification significantly improved the solubility and swelling power of starch, resulting in better dispersion, functionality in aqueous systems, and chemical reactivity. These findings highlight the potential of dual modification to transform mango cotyledon starch into a versatile ingredient in the food industry as a thickener, a stabilizer in soups and sauces, an emulsifier, a carrier of bioactive and edible films; in the cosmetic industry as a gelling and absorbent agent; and in the pharmaceutical industry for the controlled release of drugs. Furthermore, valorizing mango cotyledons supports circular economy principles, promoting sustainable and value-added food product development. Full article

Ultrasound technology has emerged as a transformative tool in modern food science, offering non-destructive, real-time assessment and enhancement of food quality attributes. This review systematically explores the fundamental mechanisms by which ultrasound interacts with food matrices, including mechanical effects such as acoustic cavitation, localized shear forces, and microstreaming, as well as thermal and acoustic attenuation phenomena. Applications of ultrasound in food texture evaluation are discussed across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on its role in assessing moisture distribution, fat content, structural integrity, and microstructural alterations in meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. The versatility of ultrasound—spanning low-intensity quality assessments to high-intensity processing interventions—makes it an invaluable technology for both quality control and product innovation. Moreover, emerging innovations such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, non-thermal pasteurization, and real-time quality monitoring are highlighted, demonstrating the synergy between ultrasound and advanced technologies like AI-driven data interpretation and portable, handheld sensing devices. Despite these advances, challenges related to technical limitations in heterogeneous food systems, high initial investment costs, scalability, and the absence of standardized protocols remain critical barriers to widespread adoption. The future directions emphasize the integration of ultrasound with multi-modal approaches, the development of miniaturized and cost-effective equipment, and the establishment of global regulatory standards to facilitate its broader application. Overall, ultrasound is positioned as a key enabler for sustainable, efficient, and non-invasive quality assurance across the global food industry. Full article