Search Results (437)

Honey is a natural product of honeybees that has been consumed for centuries due to its nutritional value and potential health benefits. Recent scientific research has focused on its antioxidant capacity, which is linked to a variety of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, enzymes (e.g., glucose oxidase, catalase), flavonoids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, amino acids, and proteins. Together, these components work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, regulate antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduce oxidative stress. This review decisively outlines the antioxidant effects of honey and presents compelling clinical and experimental evidence supporting its critical role in preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress. Honey stands out for its extensive health benefits, which include robust protection against cardiovascular issues, notable anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced glycemic control in diabetes, immune modulation, neuroprotection, and effective wound healing. As a recognized functional food and dietary supplement, honey is essential for the prevention and adjunct treatment of chronic diseases. However, it faces challenges due to variations in composition linked to climatic conditions, geographical and floral sources, as well as hive management practices. The limited number of large-scale clinical trials further underscores the need for more research. Future studies must focus on elucidating honey’s antioxidant mechanisms, standardizing its bioactive compounds, and examining its synergistic effects with other natural antioxidants to fully harness its potential. Full article

This article presents a comparative study of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) and articles authored by professional journalists, focusing on the perspective of a Kazakhstani audience. The analysis was conducted based on several key criteria, including the structure of the article, writing style, factual accuracy, citation of sources, and completeness of the information. The study spans a variety of topics, such as politics, economics, law, sports, education, and social issues. The results indicate that AI-generated articles tend to exhibit greater structural clarity and neutrality. On the other hand, articles written by journalists score higher in terms of factual accuracy, analytical depth, and the use of verified sources. Furthermore, the research explores the significance of journalistic ethics in ensuring transparency and information completeness in content production. Ultimately, the findings emphasize the importance of upholding rigorous journalistic standards when integrating AI into media practices. Full article

Mycorrhizal symbiosis in rice enhances drought adaptation but there are limited studies regarding the frequency and amplitude of mycorrhizae colonization in traditional landraces. This study investigates mycorrhizal colonization frequency (FMS) and intensity (IRS) in 12 rice landraces across three agroecological zones (Tarai, Inner-Tarai, Mid-hill) of Far-West Nepal under drought stress. Field experiments exposed landraces to control, intermittent, and complete drought treatments, with soil properties and root colonization analyzed. Results revealed FMS and IRS variations driven by soil composition and genotype. Mid-hill soils (acidic, high organic matter) showed lower FMS but elevated IRS under drought, while neutral pH in Tarai and silt/clay-rich soils supported higher FMS. Sandy soil in Inner-Tarai also promoted FMS. Drought significantly increased IRS, particularly in Anjana and Sauthiyari (Tarai), Chiudi and Shanti (Inner-Tarai), and Chamade and Jhumke (Mid-hill), which exhibited IRS surges of 171–388%. These landraces demonstrated symbiotic resilience, linking mycorrhizal networks to enhanced nutrient/water uptake. Soil organic matter and nutrient levels amplified IRS responses, underscoring fertility’s role in adaptation. FMS ranged from 50 to 100%, and IRS 1.20–19.74%, with intensity being a stronger drought-tolerance indicator than frequency. The study highlights the conservation urgency for these landraces, as traditional varieties decline due to hybrid adoption. Their drought-inducible mycorrhizal symbiosis offers a sustainable strategy for climate-resilient rice production, emphasizing soil–genotype interactions in agroecological adaptation. Full article

Three purple prairie clover (PPC; Dalea purpurea Vent.) varieties, namely Common seed (CS), AC Lamour (ACL) and Bismarck (BIS), were established in plots of irrigated land (rain-fed plus irrigation, Lethbridge, AB) and dryland (rain-fed only, Swift Current, SK) to assess its agronomic characteristics and nutritive value under different ecoclimate and growing conditions in Western Canada. Each seed source was replicated in four test plots arranged as a randomized complete block design at each experimental site. Forage mass on dry matter (DM) basis, canopy height, proportions of leaf and stem and nutritive value were determined at vegetative (VEG), full flower (FF) and late flower (LF) phenological stages. The forage masses of the three PPC varieties were similar (p < 0.05) at each phenological stage with the mean values for VFG, FF and LF being 4739, 4988 and 6753 kg DM/ha under the Lethbridge irrigated conditions, and 1423, 2014 and 2297 kg DM/ha under the Swift Current dryland conditions. The forage mass was higher (p < 0.001) under Lethbridge irrigation than under Swift Current dryland conditions and increased (p < 0.05) with maturity. The three varieties had similar concentrations of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and crude protein (CP) and in vitro DM digestibility (DMD) at each phenological stage, but CP concentration and in vitro DMD decreased (p < 0.001) whilst NDF and ADF concentration increased (p < 0.001) with maturity. Purple prairie clover grown at Lethbridge irrigated land had higher (p < 0.001) DMD, OM and CP, but lower (p < 0.001) NDF, ADF and condensed tannin concentrations than that grown at Swift Current dryland conditions. These results indicate that PPC has great potential as an alternative legume forage for the cattle industry. Full article

Quinolones and fluoroquinolones are heterocyclic compounds with important antibacterial properties, and they have been extensively used in medicinal chemistry to treat diverse bacterial infections. However, their clinical applications have been limited by several factors. On one side, there is an increasing number of resistant bacterial strains. On the other side, some of these heterocyclic compounds have shown several adverse effects such as photocarcinogenic cutaneous reactions, with the development of skin tumors. These adverse properties have motivated a large number of studies on the photophysical, photochemical and phototoxic properties of these compounds. In this review, several important chemical aspects about quinolones and fluoroquinolones are discussed. In the first sections, their basic structure is presented, along with some important physicochemical properties. In the next sections, their photochemical and photophysical processes are discussed. Upon photolysis in aqueous neutral conditions, these heterocyclic compounds generate several highly reactive intermediates that could initiate diverse reactions with molecules. In a biological environment, quinolones and fluoroquinolones are known to associate with biomolecules and generate complexes. Within these complexes, photophysical and photochemical processes generate intermediates, accelerating diverse reactions between biomolecules and these heterocyclic compounds. For several decades, diverse fluoroquinolones have been prepared for the treatment of a variety of bacterial infections. However, their prescription has been restricted due to the associated severe side effects. In the last decade, new derivatives have been developed and are already in use. Their introduction into actual practice extends the number of antibiotics and provides new options for difficult-to-treat infections. Thus, for new pharmaceutical compounds to be used in medicinal practice, it is important to investigate their biological activity, as well as other biological properties and adverse effects, such as phototoxicity. Full article

The shipping industry plays a significant role in China’s and the global pursuit of carbon neutrality, and it is essential to be cautious about the potential risks associated with the green paradox. This study incorporates Goal Setting Theory and Value Expectations Theory into the analytical framework of the green paradox and tests this framework through a strategic game research design. The study finds that, first, the green paradox of shipping companies presents hidden characteristics, and the loss caused by coping strategies is a necessary risk to be vigilant about. Second, the green paradox of shipping companies is mainly caused by the decision-makers’ goal perception of accessibility. Moreover, due to the motivation of long-term acceptance of green subsidies, decision-makers will delay the carbon neutrality process. Third, policies need to adopt a gradient increasing quota management strategy, and be accompanied by a variety of policy tools to reduce the risk of the green paradox. This study opens the theoretical “black box” of market expectations and provides a solution to reduce the risk of the green paradox. Full article

Phenylene-based bis-oxamate polydentate ligands offer a unique opportunity for creating a large variety of coordination compounds, in which paramagnetic metal ions are strongly magnetically coupled. The employment of imino nitroxyl (IN) radicals as supplementary ligands confers numerous benefits, including the strong ferromagnetic interaction between Ni and IN. Furthermore, the chelating IN can act as a capping ligand, thereby impeding the formation of coordination polymers. In this study, we present the molecular and crystal structure and experimental and theoretical magnetic behavior of an exceptional neutral trinuclear complex [Ni(L³⁻)₂(IN)₃]∙5CH₃OH (1) (L is N,N′-1,3-phenylenebis-oxamic acid; IN is [4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-2-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-1-yl]oxidanyl radical) with a cyclic triangular arrangement. Moreover, in this compound three Ni²⁺ ions are linked by the two bis-oxamate ligands playing a rare tritopic function due to an unprecedented triple deprotonation of the related meta-phenylene-bis(oxamic acid). The main evidence of such a deprotonation of the ligand is the neutrality of the cluster, since there are no anions or cations compensating for its charge in the crystals of the compound. Despite the presence of six possible magnetic couplings in the trinuclear cluster 1, its behavior was reproduced with a high degree of accuracy using a three-J model and ZFS, under the assumption that the three different Ni-IN interactions are equal to each other, whereas only two equivalent-in-value Ni-Ni interactions were taken into account, with the third one being equated to zero. Our study indicates the presence of two opposite-in-nature types of magnetic interactions within the triangular core. DFT and CASSCF/NEVPT2 calculations were completed to support the experimental magnetic data simulation. Full article

The bacterial microbial community composition during wine fermentation is a key contributor to wine quality and flavor. However, studies on the regulatory effects of different grape varieties and co-fermentation processes on the microbial community structure and their synergistic mechanisms remain limited. In this study, Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) was subjected to single-variety fermentation and used as the base wine for co-fermentation with three other grape varieties—Marselan (CSMN), Merlot (CSMT), and Cabernet Gernischt (CSCG)—to systematically compare the differences in the microbial community composition and their effects on the production of metabolic compounds. The results showed that, compared with single-variety fermentation, co-fermentation significantly increased the α-diversity of microbial communities (the Shannon index increased) and exhibited significant differences in β-diversity (PERMANOVA analysis, R² = 0.421, p < 0.001). A neutral model analysis indicated that co-fermentation had a significant impact on microbial community assembly mechanisms, with the contribution of neutral processes to community assembly increasing from 45.5% (in the CSCG process) to 62.3% (in the CSMT process). A microbial co-occurrence network analysis revealed that co-fermentation enhanced the network complexity of microbial communities and strengthened the synergistic interactions between microbial taxa. A metabolic compound analysis revealed that co-fermentation significantly enhanced the production of key aroma compounds, resulting in increased concentrations of isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, linalool, and geraniol. These findings highlight the differences in microbial communities and their synergistic mechanisms among co-fermented grape varieties, providing theoretical guidance and practical insights for optimizing co-fermentation processes and improving wine quality. Full article

The browning of fruit juices and nectars is a common issue in the beverage industry and is a particular problem in strawberry nectars, where it significantly reduces the shelf-life. Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), which are multicopper enzymes responsible for the oxidation of a wide plethora of polyphenols in plants, have been widely assumed to be involved in the enzymatic browning of strawberry nectar. To investigate the possible involvement of PPOs, the substrate specificity of four recombinant PPOs and their gene expression pattern in 10 cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa at five ripening stages were determined. This allowed us to obtain adequate amounts of enzymes to study them independently and without interfering matrix effects. All four PPOs possess monophenolase activity, which was particularly high for PPO4. PPO3 did not show sufficient stability for the kinetic studies. The other three showed a high preference for the flavan 3-ol catechin with a 2-fold higher catalytic efficiency compared to dopamine for PPO1 and PPO2. At a neutral pH, they also showed activity with cyanidin but not with pelargonidin, which is the prevalent anthocyanidin type in strawberry. The enzymes showed a high affinity but only low turnover rates for the dihydrochalcone phloretin, resulting in an inhibitory effect that was strong enough to extend the shelf-life of the strawberry nectar by one week if phloretin was added in high concentrations (600 µM). PPO1 and PPO2 were prevalently expressed in all fruit stages. The gene expression of the four PPOs did not correlate with the color stability of the nectars of the 10 varieties and also showed a random expression pattern during fruit development. The limited activity in acidic conditions and the low substrate specificity for pelargonidin does not point to a crucial role for PPOs in the browning of strawberry nectar, but the high catalytic efficiency with catechin as a substrate could contribute to anthocyanin degradation via mechanisms such as copolymerization. Full article

Bacteriophages (phages) are one of the critical biotic drivers of prokaryotic community dynamics, functions, and evolution. Despite their importance in aquatic ecosystems, very few phages have been isolated from freshwater lakes, hampering our understanding of their ecological importance and usage in a variety of biotechnological applications. Limnohabitans, with a ubiquitous distribution, is a metabolically versatile, fast-growing, morphologically diverse freshwater lake bacterial genera. It is especially abundant in pH-neutral and alkaline aquatic habitats, where it represents an average of 12% of freshwater bacterioplankton and plays an important role in funneling carbon from primary producers to higher trophic levels. However, no phages infecting Limnohabitans have been reported to date. Here, we describe, for the first time, three phages infecting Limnohabitans, DC31, DC33, and YIMV22061, isolated from two freshwater lakes in China and characterized using genome content analysis and comparative genomics. DC31 and DC33, recovered from the eutrophic Dianchi Lake, with auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), associated with nucleotide metabolism, whereas YIMV22061, isolated from the oligotrophic Fuxian Lake, carried AMGs involved in antibiotic resistance. The AMGs they carried highlight their impacts on Limnohabitans in different environments. Comparative genomic analyses indicate that DC31, DC33, and YIMV22061 represent three novel species in the Caudoviricetes class. IMG/VR database alignment further reveal that these phages are widely distributed across diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems globally, suggesting their ecological significance. This study provides a basis for better understanding Limnohabitans–phage interactions. Full article

Growing requirements in the field of environmental protection and waste management result in the need to search for new and effective methods of recycling various types of waste. From the perspective of technical and natural sciences, the disposal of hazardous waste, which can lead to environmental degradation, is of utmost importance. A particularly hazardous waste is asbestos, used until recently in many branches of the economy and industry. Despite the ban on the production and use of asbestos introduced in many countries, products containing it are still present in the environment and pose a real threat. This paper presents the results of research related to the process of asbestos neutralization, especially the chrysotile variety, by the thermal decomposition method. Changes in the mineralogical characteristics of asbestos waste were studied using the following methods: TG-DTA-EGA, XRD, SEM-EDS and XRF. The characteristics of the chrysotile asbestos sample were determined before and after thermal treatment at selected temperatures. The second part of the study focuses on the kinetic aspect of this process, where the chrysotile thermal decomposition process was measured by two techniques: ex situ and in situ. This study showed that the chrysotile structure collapsed at approximately 600–800 °C through dehydroxylation, and then the fibrous chrysotile asbestos was transformed into new mineral phases, such as forsterite and enstatite. The formation of forsterite was observed at temperatures below 1000 °C, while enstatite was created above this temperature. From the kinetic point of view, the chrysotile thermal decomposition process could be described by the Avrami–Erofeev model, and the calculated activation energy values were ~180 kJ mol⁻¹ and ~220 kJ mol⁻¹ for ex situ and in situ processes, respectively. The obtained results indicate that the thermal method can be successfully used to detoxify hazardous chrysotile asbestos fibers. Full article

The realities of climate change are here, and in the absence of encompassing U.S. federal policies directing action, it is left to the states to help set our course for the future. At the forefront of state action is Michigan, which in 2023 passed sweeping legislation requiring the state to achieve climate neutrality, a significant investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, and a commitment to environmental justice. The bold climate-forward actions by the state have been described by many as vaulting the state of Michigan into a national leader on climate policy. This perspective uses Michigan’s novel collection of climate-related policies to examine the connections between infrastructure, environmental justice, and climate change in Michigan. The legislation was passed with strong Democratic support, but Republicans and some environmentalists are concerned about the feasibility of the state to implement the legislation, especially when some states like California are having to back down from their green energy goals. We find that the legislation focuses on the triple bottom line by supporting economic growth in the state, advancing the interests of rural and urban communities alike, and embracing ambitious environmental goals. Michigan is already seeing successful implementation of this policy, and the lessons of this action can help provide a roadmap for other states seeking to move forward on climate policy. This novel perspective demonstrates the unique qualities Michigan is bringing to climate legislation, and the newness of the policies opens new research opportunities for a variety of scholarship interests. Full article

Livestock methane emissions are a significant source of greenhouse gases. The aim of this study was to investigate the secondary metabolites of different strains of silage quinoa and their impact on methane emissions from livestock farming. In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition, fermentation quality, secondary metabolite content, and in vitro gas production of eight quinoa lines, 093, 137, 231, 238, 565, 666, 770, and 811, grown in saline and alkaline areas of the Yellow River Delta. The results showed that crude protein, EE, and crude ash content ranged from 8.84% to 10.69%, 1.98% to 2.38%, and 17.00% to 23.14%, respectively. The acidic and neutral detergent fiber content of these eight quinoa varieties ranged from 49.31% to 61.91% and 33.29% to 37.31%, respectively. Line 093 had the highest total saponin content, while Line 231 exhibited the highest flavonoid content. Methane yield was significantly and negatively correlated with tannin, saponin, and flavonoid content, whereas carbon dioxide yield showed a positive correlation with saponin and flavonoid content. Among all lines, 770 and 811 demonstrated the lowest methane production, indicating strong in vitro inhibition of methanogenesis. These findings suggest that feeding quinoa silage to ruminants has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

Background/Objectives: The ROM-SPORT is a test battery for assessing flexibility that measures the range of motion (ROM) in the sport. Restricted or optimal ROM is associated with an increased risk of injury or improved athletic performance, respectively. The aim of the present study was to determine the normative values of the lower limb’s flexibility profile by ROM assessment in female football players. Methods: Lower-limb flexibility (11 ROM tests) was measured using the ROM-SPORT battery in 142 female football players (19.42 ± 4.45 years). The tests were performed at the beginning of the training sessions in the first two weeks of the pre-season. Standardized Z-scores (on a scale of 0 to 100 [T-score]) were calculated from the mean and standard deviation to classify the ROM of each movement into three qualitative categories (poor [>−3 to −2], average or normal [−1 to 1; 68.2%], and optimal [1 to >3]) and a traffic light system to facilitate interpretation of the results. Results: The results show normal (or average) ROM values at 32–37° for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended; 37–43° for ankle dorsiflexion with the knee flexed; 46–54° for hip internal rotation; 54–61° for hip external rotation; 31–37° for hip adduction; 70–76° for hip abduction with the hip flexed; 41–45° for hip abduction with the hip neutral; 135–141° for hip flexion; 73–82° for hip flexion with the knee extended; 15–21° for hip extension; 121–132° for knee flexion. The normative data presented in this study can be utilized by researchers and practitioners in the women’s football league in a variety of ways, provided similar data collection methods are used. Conclusions: Flexibility training is recommended to overcome normal or average ROM and optimize athletic performance with lower injury risk in female football players. Full article

Background: Ready-to-eat cereals (RTECs) are a large, heterogeneous category of cereals designed to fit into busy lifestyles with minimal preparation time. Methods: This systematic review evaluated nutrient intake data from seven national surveys. Using PubMed and Science Direct (1 January 2004 until 16 September 2024), we investigated RTECs in relation to their contributions to macro, micronutrient and food group intakes, breakfast/diet quality and effects on health with focus on non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention. The search was restricted to Systematic Reviews (SRs), meta-analyses (MAs), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. Fifty-one publications were obtained. Studies related to health outcomes and NCD risk were graded using an updated Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network approach. Results: Grade A evidence: Based on high-quality MA, SRs, or RCTs, this showed that RTEC consumption was associated with improved nutrient intakes (particularly fibre and micronutrients), reduced cardiovascular disease and mortality. One good-quality Grade A meta-analysis showed that total whole grain intake which included cereals was associated with a reduced risk of total cancer. Grade B evidence: Based largely on observational evidence, this showed that RTEC consumption was associated with reduced risk of overweight and obesity, body mass index and composition improvements and type 2 diabetes risk. For food group intakes, breakfast/diet quality and lipid profiles, more well-designed studies were needed (Grade D evidence). Conclusions: There is consistent evidence that RTECs generally have positive or neutral effects on nutritional status and NCD prevention. Strongest evidence exists for RTEC and micronutrient intakes, reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), body weight regulation, and reduced type 2 diabetes risk. Public health messaging should recognise that RTECs, especially whole-grain, higher-fibre and lower-sugar varieties, may help to reinforce micronutrient intakes and a range of health outcomes. Full article