Search Results (1,030)

A major limitation to the conversion of OFMSW via anaerobic fermentation is the high concentration of animal-derived wastes, which can inhibit the process due to ammonia accumulation. This study assessed the reusability of ammonia-loaded, dark fermentation (DF) liquor at two reuse cycles, derived from the fermentation of protein/lipid-rich substrates. Mitigation strategies such as ammonia stripping and biochar addition were evaluated against unstripped and unrecycled bioreactors. The initial slurry was generated from DF of substrates with varying compositions of proteins and lipids, which yielded characteristic results, and subsequently applied under four operational variations namely biochar addition, ammonia stripping, and unstripped and unrecycled bioreactors. Biochar addition effectively mitigated against ammonia accumulation across both cycles. In the first cycle, it produced the highest hydrogen yield, outperforming stripped and unstripped bioreactors by 53.8%, and 76.9%, respectively. In cycle 2, biochar further outperformed stripped and unstripped bioreactors by 44.1% and 42.4%. Despite a higher ammonia exposure, microbial consortia in the unstripped bioreactors acclimatised more effectively than stripped bioreactors in the second cycle. The main limiting factor was not conversion efficiency but electron diversion due to competing metabolic pathways. This study provides new insights into biohydrogen enrichment from animal-derived wastes, while emphasising mitigation strategies amid freshwater savings. Full article

Microplastic (MP) contamination represents a global threat to aquatic ecosystems, yet its biological effects remain poorly understood. This study investigates the short-term impacts of polyethylene (PE) microparticles on two amphipod species: the semi-terrestrial Cryptorchestia garbinii and the aquatic Echinogammarus veneris. Amphipods are exposed to MPs both in water and through dietary intake. After 24 h, C. garbinii ingested an average of 9.6 ± 1.2 particles per individual, while E. veneris ingested 12.5 ± 2.8 particles, confirming an active uptake of microplastics. The mean particle size decreased from ≌50 µm in the food tablets to 18–25 µm in the digestive tract, suggesting fragmentation during digestion and highlighting the ecological role of amphipods in generating smaller, potentially more bioavailable particles. Both species exhibited a marked increase in DNA damage, together with variations in energy-reserve allocation (glucose, glycogen, and lipids) consistent with acute metabolic stress. To our knowledge, this represents the first evidence of genotoxicity ever reported in C. garbinii, expanding current understanding of the biological responses of amphipods to plastic pollution. These findings highlight the vulnerability of detritivore species to MPs exposure and, given their role in nutrient cycling, emphasize the need for further research on the ecological implications of MPs contamination. Full article

The present study aims to compare the chemical composition of samples of jerked beef commercialized in Brasilia, Brazil, subjected to diverse desalting techniques (room temperature, refrigerated, and heat desalting). This experimental study was divided into five steps: determination of desalting techniques, chemical composition, determination of titratable acidity and pH, sodium analysis of the samples, and statistical analysis. The control samples showed high sodium levels (>6000 mg/100 g), confirming the need for desalting to ensure suitability for consumption. Desalting at room temperature was the most efficient, reducing sodium content by up to 76%, followed by refrigeration (67–74%) and the heat method (52–58%). It was also observed that the desalting technique significantly affects the chemical composition. Desalting at room temperature and under refrigeration increased moisture (54.12→73.82 g/100 g) and reduced proteins (23.50→18.70 g/100 g) and lipids (3.70→3.00 g/100 g) through a dilution effect, while desalting in heat concentrated solids, increasing protein (31.29 g/100 g), lipids (4.19 g/100 g), and lipid oxidation (TBARS = 91.79 µmol MDA/kg) in comparison to control samples (38.63 µmol MDA/kg). Acidity and pH showed minor variations but correlated with lipid oxidation processes. Although no technique eliminates excess sodium, the results reinforce that desalting at room temperature offers the best balance between sodium reduction and preservation of the product’s nutritional quality and oxidative stability, making it the most suitable method for use in restaurants and at home. Full article

Multilocus pathogenic variation—when multiple genetic disorders coexist in a single individual—remains rare but is increasingly recognized in the era of genomic medicine. Reporting such cases is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy, refining clinical management, and informing genetic counseling. We describe a pediatric case with a complex phenotype resulting from the coexistence of two distinct genetic diagnoses—cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX), a rare autosomal recessive lipid storage disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the CYP27A1 gene and Klinefelter syndrome a common sex chromosome aneuploidy occurring in approximately 1 in 600 males, characterized by hypogonadism, gynecomastia, pubertal delay, infertility, micrognathia, and neurodevelopmental challenges—and an additional incidental finding with clinical relevance. The patient was born to consanguineous parents, presented with neurological symptoms, gastrointestinal dysfunction, endocrine abnormalities, and dysmorphic features. Trio-based exome sequencing identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in CYP27A1 consistent with CTX, while conventional G-banded karyotyping revealed a 47,XXY chromosomal pattern, confirming Klinefelter syndrome. Additionally, a heterozygous pathogenic variant in BRCA2 was incidentally detected, associated with hereditary cancer predisposition. The overlapping manifestations of CTX and Klinefelter syndrome produced a non-classical presentation that delayed diagnosis. Although the BRCA2 variant did not contribute to the current phenotype, it has important implications for future cancer surveillance and family risk assessment. This case underscores the importance of combining classical cytogenetic and modern genomic methods to elucidate complex phenotypes, particularly in consanguineous populations, and highlights the need for the multidisciplinary management of patients with multilocus or incidental findings. Full article

Background: Dietary supplements and functional foods derived from mushrooms have gained increasing popularity. Among these, Coprinus comatus stands out due to its excellent flavor and high nutritional value. However, its susceptibility to autolysis and short shelf life significantly limits its utilization. Although a few studies have attempted to elucidate the autolysis mechanism of C. comatus, only few research has been conducted on the detailed metabolic changes occurring during its growth cycle. Objectives: By conducting a dynamic metabolic profiling analysis of C. comatus metabolites across different developmental stages and tissue parts, this study aims to elucidate the variations in its metabolic composition. Methods: In this study, fruiting bodies of C. comatus were cultivated and collected at four distinct developmental stages. These samples were further divided into cap and gills (CG) and stipe (ST) tissues. Subsequently, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap was employed for non-targeted dynamic metabolomics analysis of C. comatus samples. The identification of analytes was performed using Compound Discovery 3.3. Then, differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) between CG and ST at the same stage and CG or ST between adjacent stages were identified. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was conducted to identify potential contributors to the observed metabolic changes. In addition, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity of samples was determined. Results: A total of 490 metabolites were annotated, and the most abundant metabolite groups were lipids, alkaloids, amino acids and their derivatives. It revealed that the metabolites of the ST remained relatively stable across the four growth stages, whereas autolysis induced significant alterations in the metabolites of the CG. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that these changes were primarily linked to lipid and amino acid biosynthesis and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, DPPH assays demonstrated a significant increase in the free radical scavenging activity of CG following autolysis. Conclusions: The metabolites of C. comatus exhibit dynamic variations across different growth stages and tissue locations. The significant morphological changes in CG induced by autolysis are mirrored by corresponding alterations in its metabolic profile. The enhanced DPPH free radical scavenging activity observed in the autolyzed samples, along with the distribution patterns of bioactive components, provides valuable insights for the efficient utilization of C. comatus. Full article

Phosphates are essential nutrients for living organisms, and they are involved in various biological processes, including lipid metabolism, energy synthesis, and signal regulation. Recent studies have elucidated the fundamental components and transport proteins of phosphate signaling pathways, thereby providing a more profound understanding of phosphate metabolism in fungi. In this review, we concentrate on synthesizing the recent findings concerning phosphate metabolism in fungi over the past five years. These findings include the role of phosphates in the global phosphorus cycle, their effect on fungal growth and development, the variations in PHO signaling pathways among different species, and their pivotal role in symbiosis with plants. A mounting body of research substantiates the notion that phosphates play a pivotal role in regulating fungal life activities through a multifaceted mechanism. This regulatory function encompasses the promotion of growth and development, adaptation to environmental variations among different fungal species, and the evolution of distinct regulatory factors and transport proteins. Consequently, this fosters fungal diversity. Full article

Background: Obesity is a leading cause of type 2 diabetes (T2D), with particularly high prevalence in Hispanic populations residing in the USA. However, how genetic variation influences obesity-related blood metabolite levels which, in turn, contribute to T2D progression, is not well understood. Our goal was to identify and understand genetic and dietary connections between obesity and T2D in a Hispanic cohort of older adults. Materials and Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study on 13 specific metabolites previously associated with T2D and characteristic of individuals with abdominal obesity within the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study cohort. We further examined associations of identified metabolite quantitative trait loci (mQTLs) and their interactions with targeted dietary factors on T2D prevalence and related traits. We used gene set and pathway analysis with protein–protein interaction networks to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic connections between obesity and T2D. Results: We identified 30 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) acting as mQTLs for these 13 metabolites. These mQTLs were located within 19 gene regions, associated with processes such as linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid biosynthesis. Although no mQTLs were directly associated with T2D or related traits, 12 demonstrated interactions with certain food groups that affect T2D risk. Moreover, gene set and pathway analysis with protein–protein interaction networks indicated that alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid biosynthesis and metabolism among other pathways are potential connections between T2D and obesity. Conclusions: This study identifies biochemical relationships between genetic susceptibility and dietary influences, contributing to our understanding of T2D progression in Hispanic people with obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is a crucial component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management; however, the effectiveness of specific dietary approaches in adults remains unclear due to variations in study design, terminology, and reported outcomes. This scoping review summarizes evidence published between 2015 and 2025 on dietary interventions in adults with T1D, focusing on metabolic and psychosocial outcomes and adherence to international nutritional guidelines. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, following the PRISMA-ScR recommendations, to identify observational studies, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and guidelines involving adults (≥18 years) with T1D. Extracted data included metabolic outcomes (glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glycemic variability (GV), insulin dose (ID), lipids, blood pressure, body weight, and others), as well as psychosocial indicators (i.e., quality of life, diabetes-related stress, and fear of hypoglycemia). Results: In total, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 18 observational, 14 randomized, and 9 studies that evaluated psychosocial aspects. A low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) reduced HbA1c by 0.3–0.9% and total ID by approximately 15–20% without increasing the incidence of severe hypoglycemia. A low-fat vegan diet and structured carbohydrate counting (CC) programs also improved glycemic and lipid profiles. The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and plant-based diet mainly improved diet quality and well-being. The results showed an association between better metabolic control and lower carbohydrate (CHO) intake, as well as higher intakes of fiber and protein. In contrast, a Western diet and high intake of sweets were linked to poorer outcomes. Conclusions: Combining an LCD with education, CC, and modern diabetes technology provides the most consistent benefits for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D adults). The MedDiet and plant-based diet support diet quality and psychosocial well-being, although current evidence remains limited, primarily due to small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. Full article

Chronic dermatological conditions such as acne vulgaris, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and alopecia areata (AA) affect hundreds of millions worldwide and contribute substantially to quality-of-life impairment. Despite the availability of systemic retinoids, anti-androgens, and JAK inhibitors, therapeutic responses remain heterogeneous and relapse is common, underscoring the need for biologically grounded stratification. Over the past decade, large genome-wide association studies and functional analyses have clarified disease-specific and cross-cutting mechanisms. In AA, multiple independent HLA class II signals and immune-regulatory loci such as BCL2L11 and LRRC32 establish antigen presentation and interferon-γ/JAK–STAT signalling as central drivers, consistent with clinical responses to JAK inhibition. AGA is driven by variation at the androgen receptor and 5-α-reductase genes alongside WNT/TGF-β regulators (WNT10A, LGR4, RSPO2, DKK2), explaining follicular miniaturisation and enabling polygenic risk prediction. Acne genetics highlight an immune–morphogenesis–lipid triad, with loci in TGFB2, WNT10A, LGR6, FASN, and FADS2 linking follicle repair, innate sensing, and sebocyte lipid metabolism. Barrier modulators such as FLG and OVOL1, first described in atopic dermatitis, further shape inflammatory thresholds across acne and related phenotypes. Together, these findings position genetics not as an abstract catalogue of risk alleles but as a map of tractable biological pathways. They provide the substrate for patient-stratified interventions ranging from JAK inhibitors in AA, to endocrine versus morphogenesis-targeted strategies in AGA, to lipid- and barrier-directed therapies in acne, while also informing cosmetic practices focused on barrier repair, sebaceous balance, and follicle health. Full article

Cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were evaluated in chimpanzees at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone. Blood from 75 visually healthy chimpanzees was collected, centrifuged within one hour of collection, and analyzed at Choithram Hospital within 24 h. Statistical analyses assessed differences and interactions based on age, body condition score (BCS), housing group, and sex. HDLs varied widely by housing group; HDLs and LDLs were higher in males than in females. Cholesterol and LDLs were higher in prepubertal individuals while VLDLs and triglycerides were higher in postpubertal individuals. Lipid biomarker differences by age and age ∗ sex statistical interactions were not observed. These data represent a novel compilation of serum lipid biomarkers from a large population of sanctuary-housed Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) within a range country, a population not previously studied with regard to serum lipid biomarkers. This study has documented significant differences compared to known values from managed chimpanzees and human reference ranges. The relationship of serum lipid biomarkers with health and disease in great apes remains understudied, but the present data set provides a basis for future studies to ascertain whether these differences are healthy biomarker variations or represent an elevated risk factor for disease. Full article

The morphological traits of Vaccinium uliginosum L., including plant height, leaf area, and fruit weight, have changed significantly across an elevational gradient in the Changbai Mountains. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these morphological variations, RNA-Seq technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), key metabolic pathways, and associated biological functions of V. uliginosum at seven elevations in the Changbai Mountains. A total of 1190 DEGs significantly associated with morphological variations were identified. These genes are mainly involved in lipid synthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism, and signal transduction. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase B (FATB) and ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase small subunit (cbbS) exhibited a significant association with morphological variation. Integrated analysis indicated that high-altitude plants likely enhance lipid synthesis and cell wall stability while also inhibiting photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. The regulatory mechanisms underlying hormone signal transduction may be relatively complex, as evidenced by the enhanced activity of gibberellin and reduced biological effects of auxin, abscisic acid, and ethylene. This study is the first to provide transcriptomic evidence elucidating the genetic basis of altitudinal morphological adaptation in V. uliginosum, integrating phenotypic traits with gene expression profiles across an elevational gradient. Full article

Plastic pollution is a pressing global environmental challenge, and low-density-polyethylene (LDPE) is among the most persistent synthetic polymers. This study investigates the in vitro biodegradation of LDPE by native Aspergillus strains isolated from plastic-contaminated soils in Trujillo, Peru. Molecular techniques were used to identify the Aspergillus species. The LDPE strips were incubated for 50 days, and biodegradation was evaluated by weight loss (%), pH variation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Likewise, the reduction rate and half-life of the polymer (t_1/2) were calculated. Three strains of Aspergillus—A. niger H1C, A. ochraceopetaliformis H3C, and A. tamarii H6C—were isolated and evaluated for their ability to LDPE under in vitro conditions. A. niger H1C exhibited the most weight reduction (4.25 ± 1.67%) and a polymer half-life of 897.89 days, while A. tamarii H6C demonstrated a comparable loss (3.79 ± 1.52%) with a half-life of 901.6 days. A. ochraceopetaliformis H3C exhibited a moderate degradation (1.98 ± 0.37%), with the longest half-life recorded at 1757.33 days. The process was supported by pH variations. Furthermore, FTIR and SEM analyses revealed structural modifications in LDPE including formation of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether groups, suggesting oxidative and enzymatic activity-possibly mediated by lipases induced under lipid-rich conditions. This is the first report of A. ochraceopetaliformis and A. tamarii, highlighting their potential in sustainable plastic bioremediation strategies aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action). Full article

Microviscosity and lipid order are the main parameters characterizing the phase states of the membrane. Variations in microviscosity and lipid composition in a living cell may indicate serious disturbances, including various kinds of stress. In this work, the effect of hyperosmotic stress on the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes was investigated, using potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber mitochondria. The microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes isolated from check and stressed (9 days at 34–36 °C) tubers was estimated by determining the generalized polarization (GP) values using a Laurdan fluorescent probe in confocal microscopy studies. It was revealed that the GP distribution in mitochondria isolated from stressed tubers contained new component-characterizing membrane domains with an increased lipid order compared to the rest of the membrane. We have mapped the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes for the first time and observed the dynamics of the membrane microviscosity of an individual mitochondrion. The hyperosmotic stress significantly influences the functional state of potato mitochondria, decreasing the substrate oxidation rate and respiratory control coefficient but increasing MitoTracker Orange fluorescence. Under hyperosmotic stress, the microviscosity of mitochondrial membranes changes, and membrane domains with increased lipid order are formed. The revealed changes open up prospects for further research on the participation of raft-like microdomains of mitochondria in plant resistance to stress factors. Full article

We report the study of seven commercially available rosehip oils (Rosa canina L.) using GC-MS, colorimetry (CIELab), UV-VIS, FTIR, and 3D EEM fluorescence spectroscopy, including using a smartphone spectrometer. GC-MS revealed two groups of oil samples with different chemical constituents: ω-6-dominant with 45–51% α-linolenic acid (samples S1, S2, and S5–S7) and ω-3-dominant with 47–49% α-linolenic, 7.3–19.1% oleic, 1.9–2.8% palmitic, 1.0–1.8% stearic, and 0.1–0.72% arachidic acid (S3, S4). In S1 PUFA content was found to be ~75% with ω-6/ω-3 ≈ 2:1. Favorable lipid indices of AI 0.0197–0.0302, TI 0.0208–0.0304, and h/H 33.0–50.6 were observed. The highest h/H (50.55) was observed in S5 and the lowest TI (0.0208) in S3. FTIR showed characteristic lines at ~3021, 2929/2853, 1749, and ~1370 cm⁻¹, and PCA yielded 60–80% variation and separated S1 from the rest of the samples, while the clusters grouped S5 and S6. The smartphone spectrometer also reproduced the individual differences in sample volumes ≤ 1 µL under 355–395 nm UV excitation. The non-destructive optical markers reflect the fatty acid profile and allow fast low-cost identification and quality control. An integrated control method including routine optical screening, periodic CG-MS verification, and chemometric models to trace oxidation and counterfeiting is suggested. Full article

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic disorders inflicting women of childbearing age. Dietary interventions have gained interest as non-pharmacological approach to control obesity and metabolic disturbances. However, the effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on metabolic and hormonal profiles of PCOS patients is debatable. Objectives: We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to explore IF’s effect on PCOS women’s metabolic and hormonal profile (PROSPERO: CRD42024511520). Eligible studies included IF interventions in women with PCOS, with metabolic and hormonal profiles being reported. Methods: A systematic literature search using three databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, was conducted. The systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of four studies were included (N = 4). IF is not associated with significant change in BMI (MD = −0.200, 95% CI [−0.807, 0.407], p = 0.518). The analysis revealed that IF had no statistically significant impact on FBG (MD = −0.569, 95% CI [−9.955, 8.818], p = 0.906), HOMA-IR (MD = −0.862, 95% CI [−1.737, 0.014], p = 0.054), and FINS (MD = −2.749, 95% CI [−6.441, 0.943], p = 0.145). No significant change in TG (MD = −3.120, 95% CI [−9.624, 3.385], p = 0.347), total cholesterol (MD = −0.918, 95% CI [−2.960, 1.124], p = 0.378), and LDL levels (MD = −0.433, 95% CI [−1.224, 0.359], p = 0.284) between IF and pre-fasting or non-intervention diet groups. However, the explanation is limited by the small number of studies, duration of fasting regimes, and/or variations in fasting strategies. Sex hormone data were collected but were insufficient for a pooled analysis. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests that IF is not an effective intervention to enhance BMI, glycaemic control, and lipid metabolism in PCOS patients. Nevertheless, the current conclusion is inconclusive and preliminary, as additional well-designed studies are required to support this conclusion. Full article