Search Results (237)

The quality of fruit distillates is primarily influenced by how they are aged in wood. Not only the species of wood used but also the degree of its toasting is significant. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of aging apple distillate using wood chips made from various tree species (oak, cherry, chestnut, juniper) with different degrees of toasting on its quality. The distillates were analyzed for total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity (spectrophotometric methods), acidity and ester content (titrimetric methods), color parameters (CIELab), and volatile compound profile (GC-MS). A sensory analysis of the distillates was also performed. The use of chestnut wood yielded the best results compared to other wood species, and the medium toasting level was the most suitable. Distillates made with oak and cherry wood produced similar, albeit slightly inferior, results, particularly with regard to the concentration of active compounds. However, high-temperature toasting of cherry wood chips did not positively affect the chemical composition of the distillates. Distillates made with juniper wood chips exhibited atypical physicochemical and sensory characteristics compared to those made from other wood species. In many cases, the distillates were similar to the control samples. Full article

Paracetamol (PA) ranks among the most frequently prescribed over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic agents worldwide; nonetheless, overdose scenarios are associated with severe hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic consequences, while its incomplete metabolic removal renders it a persistent micropollutant in surface and wastewater systems. These concerns underscore the urgent need for rapid, cost-efficient, and highly sensitive analytical tools capable of quantifying PA at trace levels in complex matrices. In the present study, spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fabricated through an environmentally benign route exploiting an aqueous extract of Juniperus sp. leaves as the reducing and capping agent, with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) serving as an additional colloidal stabilizer. The resulting nanoparticles were immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode to construct an AuNPs/PVP/GCE sensing platform. Physicochemical characterization by UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) verified the spherical morphology, narrow size distribution, and colloidal stability of the synthesized AuNPs, and further confirmed a 3.5-fold enlargement of the electroactive surface area relative to the unmodified electrode. Under fully optimized conditions, the fabricated sensor delivered a well-defined linear voltammetric response toward PA oxidation across the concentration interval of 0.05–0.31 µM (R² = 0.9939), with a limit of detection of 0.024 µM and a limit of quantification of 0.080 µM. The sensor retained its analytical accuracy in the presence of common co-existing species, including ascorbic acid, uric acid, dopamine, caffeine, ibuprofen, and adrenaline. Quantitative determination of PA in commercial tablet formulations via the standard addition approach yielded results in close agreement with the declared content, confirming the practical suitability of the AuNPs/PVP/GCE platform for routine pharmaceutical quality control. Full article

Pinyon–juniper (PJ) woodlands, one of the most extensive mature and old-growth woodland types in the Western United States, provide critical ecological, cultural, and economic benefits but face increasing threats from climate change, altered disturbance regimes, invasive species, and pests. We developed the PJ Woodland Climate Adaptation Management Menu, a decision support tool designed to guide adaptive, climate-informed management of PJ ecosystems, particularly within the Colorado Plateau ecoregion. The menu was created through an iterative, collaborative process involving literature review, integration of strategies from existing adaptation frameworks, and extensive input from scientists, land managers, and community partners during workshops and focus groups. The menu links specific, evidence-based approaches to each of six broad strategies, including soliciting community input, mitigating disturbance, enhancing and maintaining biodiversity, conserving ecotones, timing actions for optimal outcomes, and accepting climate-driven changes when appropriate. It is intended for use with the Adaptation Workbook to help managers connect local goals and climate vulnerabilities to tailored management tactics. Hypothetical scenarios demonstrate the menu’s application to contrasting PJ woodland conditions, from die-off events to old-growth maintenance. Lessons learned during development underscore the value of early stakeholder engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and balancing diverse ecological objectives. This menu offers a flexible, transferable framework to strengthen climate resilience in PJ woodlands and serves as a model that could improve adaptation planning in other dryland forest ecosystems. Full article

Understanding how land management influences soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics is critical for improving ecosystem resilience and carbon sequestration potential in semiarid rangelands. This study used classical field- and laboratory-based methods to assess soil organic carbon (SOC), organic matter (OM), and N content at 13 sites across four ecological provinces in eastern Oregon, USA. Treated sites—where traditional rangeland restoration and management practices had been applied to them (i.e., juniper removal, sagebrush removal, post-fire grass seeding, and land conversion to pasture)—were paired with adjacent untreated control sites. Soil samples were collected at two depths, 0 to 10 cm and 15 to 25 cm and analyzed for C, N, OM, bulk density (BD), soil volumetric water content (SVWC), porosity, and texture. Soil C and N stocks were calculated on an area basis (t ha⁻¹), and statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and correlation tests. Treated sites generally exhibited higher soil C, N, and OM content compared to untreated sites, particularly in the upper 10 cm of soil. Data obtained from the two soil depths (0 to 10 cm and 15 to 25 cm) were averaged and assumed to represent the top 30 cm of the soil profile, corresponding to the effective rooting zone at each field. The site where sagebrush removal was followed by grass seeding exhibited the highest soil C and N stocks (115.8 t C ha⁻¹ and 9.2 t N ha⁻¹, respectively). This site also had the highest OM content (9.53%), which was observed in the topsoil layer (0 to 10 cm) across all sites and depths. Strong positive correlations between C and N were detected across all sites (mean r = 0.92), while negative correlations were observed between soil C and bulk density at several locations. Results suggest that vegetation management practices such as woody plant removal and grass establishment can enhance soil C storage and nutrient retention in semiarid rangeland ecosystems. These findings provide baseline data to inform land management strategies aimed at improving soil health and carbon sequestration potential in the Pacific Northwest region in the USA. Full article

Juniperus communis is the juniper with the widest geographical distribution, owing to its high ecological valence. Nevertheless, there is only a limited number of studies of its phenotypic and molecular variability. In this study, we coupled leaf essential oil (EO) composition with molecular and environmental data to better understand this species’ distribution and variability in the central Balkans. EOs were obtained by simultaneous hydrodistillation and extraction, and analysed using GC coupled with MS and FID detectors. For molecular analysis, inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) using five primers were analysed. Three chemotypes were most abundant in the study area: sabinene, an intermediate chemotype, and α-pinene. Several additional chemotypes were also identified. In total, 118 compounds present above 0.05% were detected and identified. Monoterpene hydrocarbons dominated the EO composition (43.8–79.1%). Multivariate analyses showed separation of populations from north to south. ISSRs yielded 78 polymorphic bands. Three genetic pools could also be identified that roughly correspond to this distribution, though data is not completely congruent with chemophenetic. Results indicate high genetic diversity, with high gene flow between populations, but also certain differentiation of populations. Full article

Meat analogues have gained high interest from consumers, food producers and the scientific community due to their potential to be a sustainable alternative to traditional meat products. This study investigated the effect of textured soy protein granulation on the structural and biochemical properties of plant-based burgers. Additionally, the incorporation of bioactive plant ingredients, including pomegranate, cardamom, juniper, and carrot powders, was examined for their influence on antioxidant capacity and lipid oxidation during storage. The results demonstrated that larger protein granulation (4–6 mm) enhanced burger hardness and springiness and increased cooking-induced weight loss. The addition of plant-derived bioactive ingredients improved oxidative stability and functional properties, indicating their potential role in extending shelf life and improving product quality. This research provides important knowledge on the role of product formulation and the use of bioactive ingredients in the development of high-quality meat analogues with acceptable physic-chemical properties. Full article

Climate change is expected to alter the distribution limits of woody species in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions, especially near forest–steppe transition zones. In this study, ecological niche modeling (ENM) was applied to examine the current and future habitat suitability of prickly juniper (Juniperus oxycedrus L.) in Türkiye under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) for the periods 2011–2040, 2041–2070, and 2071–2100. Species–environment relationships were quantified using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm. From 48 candidate MaxEnt models, the optimal model was selected based on statistical performance and showed a high mean training AUC (AUC = 0.869, SD = 0.017). Null model testing confirmed that predictive performance exceeded random expectations (AUC_null = 0.593, SD = 0.011; Z = 28.294, p < 0.00001). Among all predictors, precipitation of the driest month (bio14) and slope showed the highest contributions, accounting for 24.9% and 24.3%, respectively. Present-day suitability reveals that J. oxycedrus has a wide distribution in the interior Anatolian and Mediterranean uplands. Future projections indicate limited habitat loss during the early projection period, followed by substantial reductions toward the end of the century, particularly under high-emission scenarios. Late-century projections suggest that suitable habitats become increasingly restricted to mountainous areas, including the Taurus range and selected highland regions of Central and northern Türkiye. Overall, the findings underline that climate adaptation is closely linked to how biome boundaries are managed in relation to ecological thresholds. Expanding forest cover beyond natural environmental limits may not represent an effective adaptation strategy. Full article

The growing interest in plant-derived bioactive compounds has intensified research on traditional but underexplored species as potential sources of health-promoting metabolites. This study aimed to compare the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential of fruits of Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry) and Juniperus communis L. (common juniper) collected from two natural locations in Poland. Lyophilized fruits were subjected to combined alkaline and acid hydrolysis followed by extraction, and the released phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC–PDA. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin carotenoid content, chlorophylls, organic acids, and antioxidant activity (ABTS•⁺ assay) were determined spectrophotometrically. The fruits of C. mas exhibited significantly higher TPC (3584–3641 mg GAE/100 g d.m.), TFC (875–895 mg RUTE/100 g d.m.), TAC (247–266 mg CAE/100 g d.m.), and antioxidant activity (1544–1698 µmol Trolox/kg d.m.) compared with J. communis. Chlorogenic acid and quercetin were the dominant phenolic constituents in C. mas, whereas J. communis was characterized by higher proportions of protocatechuic acid, catechin, and kaempferol. J. communis fruits contained higher total organic acids, mainly citric acid, while C. mas fruits showed elevated levels of shikimic acid. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC, TFC, and ABTS activity (r > 0.90), indicating that flavonoids are key contributors to antioxidant capacity. Principal component analysis clearly discriminated samples according to species, with minor effects of sampling location. Overall, C. mas fruits demonstrated a superior antioxidant potential associated with a rich and diverse phenolic profile. In contrast, J. communis fruits were distinguished by a higher content of organic acids and a species-specific phenolic pattern. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional value of both species, supporting their potential application in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

The valorization of waste cooking oils (WCOs) provides a strategy to reduce environmental impact while converting residues from the food industry into valuable products. This study developed and characterized antimicrobial soaps from purified WCOs (sunflower, palm, and pumpkin oils) enriched with natural bioactive ingredients. WCOs were purified by filtration, treatment with 10% NaCl, and bleaching with 3% H₂O₂, followed by cold saponification with NaOH. Twelve soap formulations were prepared, including six enriched with bee products (propolis, poly-floral honey, linden, acacia, honeydew, and sunflower) and six enriched with essential oils (EOs) (clove, rosemary, mace, nutmeg, white pepper, and juniper). The WCOs, natural bioactive ingredients, and soaps were characterized using physico-chemical methods (FTIR, GC-FID, phenols, flavonoids, etc.), while their antibacterial activity was determined against two microbial strains: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The antimicrobial activity of soaps is related to their alkaline pH, while the addition of honey, propolis, or EOs contributes to additional antimicrobial effects. Among honey- and propolis-enriched soaps, those with propolis produced the largest inhibition zones (up to 8.67 mm for S. aureus and 7.0 mm for E. coli). EO-based soaps exhibited higher activity, with rosemary EO-based soap showing the largest zones (up to 9.5 mm for S. aureus and 7.5 mm for E. coli). These data support the potential of enriched soaps containing honey, propolis, and EOs for antimicrobial applications, highlighting their value as a sustainable alternative in the valorization of WCOs. Full article

Background: The growing interest in developing new bioactive agents from natural sources led to medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants provide valuable phytochemicals that can serve as natural preservatives, food additives, and flavorings, with various applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of Juniperus oxycedrus berries’ supercritical extract through preliminary screenings related to in vitro antibacterial activity, as well as bioinformatics assessments of absorption and toxicity. Methods: Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) was used to extract the bioactive phytochemical compounds from the berries. The extract was characterized using spectrophotometric methods and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The antibacterial potential was tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, where the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration and the Minimal Bactericidal Concentration were determined. Additionally, the influence of the extract on the growth curve kinetics of S. aureus was assessed. For the bioinformatics analyses, SwissADME and ProTox-3.0 prediction software were utilized, focusing on the identified phenolic compounds as fingerprint molecules. Results: The results demonstrated that exposure to the juniper extract inhibited bacterial growth, resulting in a prolonged lag phase of 6 to 8 h, depending on the concentration of the extract. The software predictions revealed that the investigated phenolic compounds might exhibit high gastrointestinal absorption, along with potential interactions with metabolic mediators and pathways. Conclusions: The in vitro and in silico findings support the application of J. oxycedrus berries extract as an alternative or complementary strategy for pharmacological treatment and food applications aimed at targeting S. aureus. Full article

Background: Juniperus macrocarpa Sm. is a key shrub species of the Mediterranean coastal dune systems. The species, considered vulnerable, often shows fragmented or declining populations due to coastal erosion and human pressure. However, along a protected stretch of the northern Tuscany coast it displays an opposite trend, with an apparent expansion of the species. Methods: To assess recent population dynamics, we compared high-resolution aerial imagery from 2013 with UAV orthophotos from 2023 across two dune systems of the Migliarino–San Rossore–Massaciuccoli Regional Park (Italy). The dune profile was divided into three belts (B1: shifting dune; B2: consolidated grassland dune; B3: consolidated juniper dune). A total of 368 plots (10 × 10 m) were analyzed to quantify temporal changes in individual abundance and vegetation cover. Results: Over the ten-year period, total abundance increased from 99 to 342 individuals (+245%) at Lecciona and from 117 to 324 individuals (+177%) at Marina di Vecchiano. Mean cover per plot increased significantly at both sites (overall p < 0.001), with the strongest proportional increases recorded in the seaward belts (B1: up to +1220% in abundance and +4500% in cover) revealing a clear shift from an inner-dune concentration in 2013 to a more homogeneous spatial distribution across the entire dune system in 2023. Conclusions: Under conditions of low anthropogenic disturbance, shoreline stability, or geomorphological progradation, J. macrocarpa is able to expand well beyond its recognized ecological niche. These findings demonstrate the central role of geomorphological and disturbance regimes in driving coastal dune vegetation dynamics and highlight the need for adaptive, site-specific management strategies for the long-term conservation of priority habitat 2250/EUNIS N1B. Full article

The development of high-performance wood-based materials has attracted increasing interest as a means of enhancing the mechanical properties of wood for structural applications. Mechanical densification combined with chemical pretreatment is an effective approach; however, many reported methods rely on complex multi-component chemical systems or severe chemical conditions designed to dissolve lignin or hemicelluloses. In this study, a simplified NaOH-only pretreatment followed by hot-press densification was investigated, targeting selective cell-wall plasticization rather than extensive polymer dissolution. Juniper (Juniperus communis), hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), and birch (Betula pendula) were used as samples of softwood and hardwood species. Wood specimens were pretreated in 1 M NaOH at 145 °C for 10–30 min and subsequently densified by radial compression. Changes in chemical composition were evaluated by HPLC after acid hydrolysis and FTIR spectroscopy, while microstructural changes were examined using SEM. Physical and mechanical properties were assessed through density measurements and three-point bending tests. The results show that NaOH-only pretreatment induces hemicellulose deacetylation and modification of interpolymer linkages without substantial changes in the main wood polymer contents. Densification resulted in effective lumen collapse and a compact microstructure, leading to a significant increase in density and mechanical properties. Overall, the results demonstrate that efficient wood densification and mechanical enhancement can be achieved by promoting polymer mobility through selective cleavage of interpolymer bonds, using a simplified, single-alkali pretreatment that reduces chemical complexity and material loss while avoiding extensive lignin or hemicellulose dissolution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ash made from juniper trees and added to cornmeal-based dishes may have provided calcium (Ca) to traditional Indigenous diets. Few studies have quantified the mineral content of juniper ash, including its Ca content. The objective of this study was to determine whether juniper ash could serve as a safe source of non-dairy Ca in an intervention study. Methods: Branches from two varieties of Juniper (Rocky Mountain Juniper, or Juniperus scopulorum and Eastern Red Cedar, or Juniperus virginiana) were harvested and burned to ash in a laboratory setting. Juniper ash from the southwestern U.S. available for retail purchase was used for comparison. All samples were tested for content of 10 nutritive elements (Ca, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc) and 20 potentially toxic elements (silver, aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, mercury, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, tin, strontium, thallium, uranium, and vanadium) as well as n = 576 pesticide residues. Results: All samples contained both nutritive and potentially toxic elements. Each teaspoon of ash contained an average of 445 ± 141 mg Ca. However, the samples also contained lead in amounts ranging from 1.09 ppm to 15 ppm. Conclusions: Information on the nutritive and potentially toxic elemental content of juniper ash and how it may interact within a food matrix is insufficient to determine its safety as a Ca source. Further investigation is needed on the bioavailability of calcium oxide and its interaction with other dietary components to clarify the potential role of juniper ash in contemporary food patterns. Full article

Background: Obesity management is evolving with the integration of dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists (Tirzepatide) into comprehensive Digital Weight-Loss Services (DWLSs). This model leverages virtual, app-based multidisciplinary care (MDT) to deliver continuous, supervised treatment, distinguishing it from traditional, intermittent clinic-based care. While clinical trials demonstrate high efficacy, real-world data are necessary to evaluate long-term adherence and identify predictive markers for patient persistence in these scalable care models. Specifically, there is a knowledge gap regarding the specific behavioral factors that govern 12-month persistence in these comprehensive, medicated DWLS settings. This study retrospectively assessed the 12-month effectiveness and adherence of a Tirzepatide-supported DWLS and identified demographic, clinical, and behavioral predictors of weight loss and program attrition. Methods: Data from 19,693 patients enrolled in the Juniper UK DWLS were analyzed. Adherence was defined by a minimum of 10 medication orders and 12-month weight submission. Weight loss in the full cohort was evaluated using the Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) method. Binary logistic and multiple linear regression models identified predictors of adherence and weight loss, respectively, using a comprehensive set of demographic, clinical (e.g., BMI, comorbidities), and behavioral variables. Results: The 12-month adherence rate was 27%. The adherent sub-cohort (n = 5322) achieved a mean weight loss of 22.60 (±7.46) percent, compared to 13.62 (±10.85) percent in the full cohort (LOCF). This difference in 12-month mean weight loss was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Consistent weekly weight tracking and health coach communication were the strongest positive predictors of long-term adherence and weight loss. Conversely, hyper-engagement, specifically intensive tracking frequency and high weight loss velocity in the first month, was a significant inverse predictor of 12-month adherence. Reporting side effects was positively correlated with adherence, suggesting a reporting bias among engaged patients. Conclusions: The DWLS model facilitates the maximum therapeutic effectiveness for adherent patients. However, patient persistence remains the primary translational challenge. As consistent weekly engagement (tracking, coaching) is the strongest predictor of success, clinical strategies should prioritize promoting sustainable, moderate behavioral pacing (i.e., emphasizing consistent weekly engagement over intensive daily tracking and rapid early weight loss) to mitigate attrition risk and optimize the public health effectiveness of medicated DWLSs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs)—specifically, letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane—represent the current gold standard for patients with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer (ER + BC). This narrative review highlights potential interactions between nutrients and AIs, elucidating their molecular mechanisms involved. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases to identify scientific publications and elucidate recommended dietary regimes for ER + BC patients treated with AIs. Results: Certain bioactive substances found in licorice, rosemary, juniper, cannabis, and citrus fruits exhibit intrinsic aromatase-inhibiting effects. Additionally, other nutrients and compounds—including honey, ginger, turmeric, sweet potatoes, pomegranates, bitter melon, dark sweet cherries, resveratrol, and vitamins D and C—contribute to treatment outcomes through their demonstrated antiproliferative properties. Certain natural compounds, such as soy, cow’s milk, sesame seeds, and sesame oil, require caution due to their potential estrogen-like effects which could diminish the anti-estrogenic efficacy of AIs. Conclusions: These considerations hold significant weight in this context, as the management of oncological patients—particularly women with ER + BC—requires an integrated perspective. Antineoplastic treatment must be supported by appropriate nutrition to enhance antitumor efficacy and improve the patient’s quality of life. The data presented herein are derived from in vitro, in silico, and animal model studies and await validation in large patient cohorts. Nevertheless, these findings pave the way for future research to elucidate these molecular phenomena in humans and to establish clinically significant conclusions for ER + BC patients. Full article