Search Results (212)

The addition of potato and maize powders to wheat-based dough systems has been identified as a common practice for enhancing the dietary fiber content of cereal products. However, their product quality remains problematic due to inadequate comprehension of the manner in which starch granules regulate disulfide bond formation within wheat gluten proteins. In order to address this evident gap in the existing literature, this study investigated the effects of different starch granules—including potato, maize, and wheat—on disulfide bond formation of urea-solubilized glutenin (USG). The experimental results indicate that the optimal conditions for enhancing disulfide bonding in potato, maize, and wheat granules (from 0.2162 to 0.5319, 0.3502 and 0.9488 μmol/g, respectively) were as follows: a USG: granule ratio of 3:1 (w/w), a temperature of 45 °C for 30 min, a USG: granule ratio of 3:1 (w/w), a temperature of 35 °C for 120 min, a USG: granule ratio of 1:2 (w/w), a temperature of 25 °C, and a duration of 60 min, respectively. Under low-granule conditions, the possible mechanism was that all granules might leach out predominantly amylopectin (no blue color is observed when attached to an iodine solution) to facilitate disulfide bond formation of USG. Conversely, under high-granule conditions, the interaction between granule proteins may be excessive, potentially leading to the precipitation of amylose (dark blue color is observed when attached to an iodine solution). This process may result in a reduction in disulfide bond contents due to the competitive interaction of water molecules. Spectroscopic and structural analyses further indicated that the attenuation of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal of C1 hydroxyl groups of amylopectin/amylose and peptide amide bonds of USG arose from physical entanglement based on the hydrogen bonds between them. Upon interaction between USG and potato/maize starch granules, the X-ray diffraction pattern of USG vanished, and the intramolecular β-sheet conformation was markedly diminished. Collectively, these findings provide a mechanistic foundation for the rational design and optimization of high-fiber, high-quality cereal-based food products. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important endogenous gaseous signaling molecule that regulates diverse physiological and pathological processes through protein persulfidation. As a central regulator of inflammation and immune responses, NF-κB signaling is precisely controlled by post-translational modifications, and its dysregulation contributes to various inflammatory diseases. Recent studies reveal that H₂S-mediated persulfidation is a key mechanism for fine-tuning NF-κB activity by targeting critical components, including p65, IKKβ, IκBα, and upstream regulators. Through site-specific S-sulfhydration, H₂S modulates IKK activation, IκBα degradation, and p65 nuclear translocation, thereby limiting excessive NF-κB activation and inflammatory cytokine production. This review provides an integrated view of how endogenous H₂S production and persulfidation-dependent signaling regulate inflammatory responses. Rather than simply summarizing individual pathways, we focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying H₂S-mediated regulation of NF-κB-associated networks, including TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/NF-κB, and MAPK/NF-κB pathways, and highlight its roles in oxidative stress, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and tissue repair. We further discuss current challenges in identifying persulfidation sites, understanding endogenous H₂S regulation, and improving detection technologies. By proposing H₂S as a precision modulator of inflammatory signaling, this review provides new insights into H₂S biology and highlights future opportunities for developing targeted H₂S-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

Unrinsed surimi production has emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional rinsed surimi due to its substantial water savings, reduced nutrient loss, and lower environmental footprint. However, poor gel strength and water-holding capacity remain major bottlenecks limiting its industrial application. This study investigated the effects of κ-carrageenan (κ-CG) on the rheological properties, textural characteristics, water distribution, intermolecular interactions, and microstructure of unrinsed surimi gels. The results showed that κ-CG enhanced gel properties in a concentration-dependent manner. At 0.75% κ-CG, gel strength increased to 47.0 g·cm (a 2.2-fold increase vs. control), water holding capacity (WHC) reached 97.9%, and cooking loss decreased to 4.0%. In contrast, at 1.0% κ-CG, gel strength and hardness further increased, but WHC declined slightly. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analysis revealed that κ-CG promoted the conversion of free water to immobilized water, with the relative peak area of T₂₂ (immobilized water) increasing from 85.9% to 88.9% at 0.75% κ-CG. Protein solubility measurements indicated that hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bonds appeared to be the major contributors stabilizing the gel network. FTIR revealed enhanced hydrogen bonding via an O–H red shift and intensification with κ-CG, and amide I deconvolution showed that 0.75% κ-CG maximized β-sheet content while reducing α-helix, indicating ordered protein reorganization during heating. Quantitative SEM analysis further verified that 0.75% κ-CG produced the densest protein network with the maximum fractal dimension and minimum lacunarity, alongside reduced average pore area and porosity. These findings demonstrate that κ-CG at an appropriate level effectively improves the gel properties of unrinsed tilapia surimi by strengthening intermolecular interactions and optimizing water distribution, offering a practical approach for developing high-quality surimi products. Full article

Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a strategic energy carrier in global decarbonization pathways, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel production, chemicals, long-distance transport, and seasonal energy storage. However, its climate benefits depend strongly on the production pathway, infrastructure development, and system-level integration. To address this complexity, this review develops a systematic quantitative comparison framework that is applied consistently across major hydrogen production pathways. Each pathway is evaluated using five criteria: carbon intensity (kg CO₂/kg H₂), Technology Readiness Level (TRL, 1–10), process efficiency (% on an LHV basis), scalability potential, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. The resulting cross-pathway matrix enables evidence-based assessment of trade-offs rather than a purely sequential description of technologies. Four broad production categories are considered: fossil-based hydrogen, fossil-based hydrogen with carbon mitigation, nuclear-derived hydrogen, and renewable-based hydrogen. The review further examines the integration of hydrogen storage, transport, and end-use applications to identify key system constraints and infrastructure bottlenecks. Emerging approaches, including digital optimization and machine learning, are also discussed for enhancing the operation and control of hydrogen systems. The analysis indicates that while low-carbon hydrogen is essential for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors, its large-scale deployment remains constrained by technological, infrastructural, and investment-related challenges. Full article

Spectral line shapes are used to diagnose parameters of white dwarfs and neutron stars in particular. In magnetized plasmas, the motion of the radiating atom in the plasma needs to be considered in the collision process as the electronic structure of the atom depends on its center-of-mass translational momentum. More broadly, collision models do not explicitly or fully account for the motion of the nucleus, accounting for deflection through conservation of momentum. Traditionally, the correlation between electronic and nuclear motion has been captured through mass-polarization terms involving momenta scalar products between different electrons. We reformulate the collision problem accounting for the motion of the nucleus, taking advantage of unitary transformations. In this new formulation, Coulomb interactions between the atom and projectile/plasma particle become displaced Coulomb interactions, and exchange interactions include corrections of order $1/M_A$. We demonstrate the resulting impact on the elastic scattering T-matrices of the $1s$ state of hydrogen, where the lowest-energy electrons increase the real part by 20–30% while leaving the imaginary part practically unaltered. Lastly, we present a formulation so that the atomic motion can be explicitly included in the collision problem for magnetic-field applications. Full article

The ceramic industry relies on several energy-intensive processes that currently use natural gas as their primary energy source. In line with the European Union’s objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, alternative energy sources are being explored to replace natural gas. This study evaluates several potential pathways for decarbonizing ceramic production. The alternatives considered include the use of green hydrogen for combustion, the electrification of processes, the combustion of biomethane (produced from biogas), and the deployment of a small modular reactor (SMR), capable of supplying either thermal or electrical energy from nuclear power. A fifth option involves a hybrid approach combining hydrogen and electrification, with each technology applied according to the requirements of the specific process being decarbonized. The results of this study indicate that electrification is currently the most suitable option for immediate implementation. In contrast, SMRs appear to offer the most economically attractive long-term solution, although the technology is still under development, and political, environmental and societal concerns need to be accounted for. Full article

Cigarette smoke is a major inducer of oxidative stress, promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Heated tobacco products (HTP) and e-cigarettes are promoted as reduced-risk alternatives; however, their impact on cellular redox regulation remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of conventional cigarette smoke extract (CSE), HTP, and e-cigarette extracts on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) permeability mediated by aquaporins (peroxiporins) and on the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) in ATII-like cells. Eight aquaporins were detected at the mRNA level, and seven were confirmed at the protein level. CSE markedly inhibited H₂O₂ permeability across plasma, mitochondrial, and nuclear membranes. HTP extract impaired H₂O₂ transport across the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope, while mitochondrial permeability was preserved. Both CSE and HTP extract reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. In contrast, e-cigarette extract exerted minimal effects on membrane H₂O₂ permeability and selectively decreased superoxide dismutase activity. Overall, our findings identify a graded pattern of oxidative toxicity (CSE > HTP > e-cigarette) and highlight peroxiporins as critical regulators of intracellular redox homeostasis. Although less harmful than cigarettes, alternative nicotine delivery systems are not biologically inert. Full article

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and excessive oxidative stress can induce retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, apoptosis, and retinal degeneration. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) is a major enzymatic source of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, its mechanistic role in sodium iodate (NaIO₃)-induced oxidative injury remains unclear. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), the major metabolite of curcumin, exhibits potent antioxidant and cytoprotective activities, but its protective effects against AMD-associated retinal degeneration have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated whether THC protects against NaIO₃-induced ROS-mediated apoptosis in RPE cells through regulation of NOX2 signaling. In vitro, THC significantly attenuated NaIO₃-induced cytotoxicity and prevented apoptosis by suppressing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and intracellular ROS accumulation in ARPE-19 cells. THC also preserved mitochondrial membrane potential by inhibiting the Src/p47^phox/NOX2 signaling pathway and subsequently attenuated mitochondria-mediated apoptotic signaling. Furthermore, THC markedly reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP, concomitantly with suppression of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling. Mechanistically, treatment with the selective NOX2 inhibitor GSK2795039 significantly attenuated NaIO₃-induced ROS accumulation and mitochondrial depolarization, while co-treatment with THC further enhanced these protective effects. In vivo, THC ameliorated NaIO₃-induced retinal structural abnormalities by preserving the outer nuclear layer (ONL), reducing caspase-3 expression, and improving pupillary light responses in mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that THC protects against NaIO₃-induced retinal degeneration through suppressing NOX2-dependent oxidative stress and downstream Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK-mediated apoptotic signaling, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for AMD and other oxidative stress-related retinal disorders. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oxidative stress is a major contributor to cellular injury in many pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant properties, has been proposed as a cytoprotective compound, although the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated whether the protective action of resveratrol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress is mediated by adenosine receptor signalling and activation of the Nrf2 pathway in HeLa cells. Methods: Cells were treated with resveratrol alone or in combination with selective adenosine receptor antagonists and oxidant challenge, and cell viability, ROS production, receptor involvement, and Nrf2 expression and localization were analyzed. Results: Resveratrol at a non-toxic concentration significantly protected HeLa cells against oxidative damage, reduced ROS accumulation, promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and gene expression, and enhanced the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD1, catalase, HO-1, and NQO1. Pharmacological blockade of the A_2A receptor prevented this protective effect, whereas the inhibition of A₁ and A₃ receptors enhanced it and avoided the increased SOD1, catalase, HO-1, and NQO1 gene expression promoted by resveratrol alone. Moreover, A_2A antagonism was associated with reduced PKA levels, consistent with the involvement of the cAMP/PKA signalling axis. Conclusions: Taken together, these observations support a model in which adenosine A_2A receptor signalling contributes to resveratrol-associated cytoprotection and Nrf2 activation in a human non-neuronal cell model. Our findings therefore provide mechanistic insight into resveratrol–adenosine receptor interactions and generate hypotheses to be tested in disease-relevant neuronal systems. Full article

“Supersulfides” is a general term for compounds containing multiple sulfur atoms within their molecules. Owing to their potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, these species are promising ingredients in the field of cosmetics. In this study, we elucidated the effect of silver tip (Camellia sinensis) tea on supersulfide production in epidermal keratinocytes. Silver tip extract increased the fluorescence intensity of sulfane sulfur probe 4 (SSP4) in a concentration-dependent manner and promoted supersulfide production in keratinocytes. In particular, (−)-epicatechin gallate and (−)-epigallocatechin gallate exhibited high SSP4 fluorescence intensity, indicating that these are the active components. Mechanistic analysis using quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that silver tip extract promotes intracellular supersulfide production by regulating supersulfide-related metabolic factors (cysteinyl-tRNA synthetase 2, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase, solute carrier family 7 member 11, and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2). Furthermore, these compounds significantly increased the supersulfide levels by reacting with sodium sulfide, a hydrogen sulfide donor, in buffer solution, thereby catalytically enhancing supersulfide production. Overall, the results of this study indicate that silver tip extract, rich in polyphenols, regulates supersulfide metabolism in keratinocytes, suggesting its potential as an anti-aging ingredient for the skin. Full article

Accumulating evidence suggests that vitamin B6 (B6) deficiency among older adults is associated with sarcopenia, frailty, heart disease, and brain diseases. Oxidative stress and inflammation play key roles in cardiac and skeletal muscle and neuronal pathology. However, the detailed roles of B6 supplementation in oxidative stress and inflammation are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that supplemental B6 upregulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway with the coordinated activation of antioxidant responses. Accumulating evidence suggests the potential of targeted Nrf2 signaling regulation in the treatment of aging-related musculoskeletal, heart, and brain diseases. Notably, dietary supplementation of B6 elevates the levels of several antioxidant metabolites, such as carnosine, anserine, taurine, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) via the upregulation of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent metabolic pathways, thereby linking to Nrf2 signaling activation. Furthermore, supplemental B6 stimulates glycogen breakdown through the PLP enzyme, glycogen phosphorylase, which in turn enhances the pentose phosphate pathway, thereby increasing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) availability to regenerate glutathione (GSH). In this perspective article, we propose the potential role of B6 as an antioxidant mediated by the PLP-dependent multi-metabolic productions of antioxidant metabolites. Full article

The microscopic pore structure and fluid occurrence laws of tight oil reservoirs are intricate, leading to relatively low oil production rates. The T₁-T₂ two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) technique presents significant advantages for fluid identification and the quantitative characterization of fluids and pore spaces in these reservoirs. Nonetheless, systematic and in-depth investigations into its experimental measurements remain scarce. A comprehensive review of both domestic and international literature on T₁-T₂ 2D NMR measurement techniques was conducted for oil reservoirs. The fundamental principles, data acquisition and inversion mechanisms of 2D NMR technology were elucidated. Additionally, the signal distribution laws of hydrogen-containing components under varying test parameters were summarized. The relationship between NMR experimental testing and reservoir characteristics was explored, elucidating the mechanism of the T₁-T₂ spectra. Building upon this foundation, the strategic optimization of data acquisition and inversion methodologies, along with critical parameters for T₁-T₂ NMR measurements, significantly enhanced the precision of NMR datasets and the fidelity of 2D NMR spectral imaging. These advancements provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the characterization of rock and fluid in tight oil reservoirs. Full article

Models are described for calculating the crack initiation times for Alloy 600 and Type 304 SS in PWR and BWR primary coolant circuits, respectively. In PWRs, initiation is defined in terms of the grain boundary oxidation concept of Scott and Le Calvar, whereas in BWRs, cracks are envisioned to nucleate from corrosion pits. In contrast, in BWRs, we envision cracks to nucleate from corrosion pits, with the difference in the two systems being primarily due to electrochemical factors. Thus, in BWR primary coolant and the absence of hydrogen water chemistry (HWC), the oxidizing conditions due to the radiolytic production of H₂O₂ cause the ECP to be significantly more positive than the critical pitting potential. Accordingly, the nucleation and growth of pits due to passivity breakdown and the establishment of differential aeration between the pit nucleus’s internal and external environments, which results in growth of pits to the critical size necessary to satisfy the Kondo criteria for transition of a pit into a crack, is judged to be a realistic scenario. Contrariwise, in PWR primary coolant, the ECP is so negative [≈−1.0 V_she] due to the large amount of pressurizing H₂ present in the circuit [20–60 cm³(STP)/kg H₂O] that the nucleation and growth of pits is not possible. However, Totsuka and Smialowska found that MA Alloy 600 suffers hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) at an ECP < −0.85 V_she, demonstrating that, in service with a high hydrogen concentration, brittle fractures will occur. The initiation sites were not identified. The crack initiation models for Alloy 600 in PWRs and Type 304 SS in BWRs reproduce the effects of the following independent variables: applied stress, temperature, cold work, grain boundary segregations, water chemistry, pH, and electrochemical potential. The origins of the observed scatter in experimentally measured crack initiation times are discussed, and the challenges of developing a more general crack initiation model (GCIM) are identified. From a mathematical viewpoint, the most significant challenge arises from the nested distributions involving the many parameters and expressions within the GCIM that are either distributed because of an imprecise definition or because some experimentally determined input parameters are experimentally scattered. Additionally, the evolution of semi-elliptical surface cracks resulting from the electrochemical crack length (ECL) being shorter than the classical mechanical crack length (MCL) must be incorporated if the GCIM is to find utility in the water-cooled nuclear power industry where semi-elliptical surface cracks are normally observed. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a key extracellular redox signaling molecule that regulates diverse physiological processes, including immune cell activation and proliferation. However, its role in maintaining extracellular redox balance and mediating intercellular signaling remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated how extracellular depletion of H₂O₂ by catalase modulates intracellular signaling pathways in macrophages. Catalase treatment effectively depleted extracellular H₂O₂ in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, leading to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, as well as nuclear translocation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit. Perturbation of extracellular redox status resulted in robust upregulation of inflammatory and oxidative stress–related genes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. This transcriptional response was accompanied by increased nitric oxide (NO) production and enhanced nuclear translocation and DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mechanistically, our data suggest that NO-mediated S-nitrosylation contributes to activation of the cellular antioxidant response. In addition, catalase-mediated depletion of extracellular H₂O₂ significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, indicating inhibition of macrophage proliferation. Together, these findings demonstrate that extracellular H₂O₂ functions as a physiological redox signal that maintains cellular homeostasis, and that its removal triggers a coordinated intracellular response involving both inflammatory activation and antioxidant defense. This study highlights the critical role of extracellular redox balance in shaping macrophage function and provides mechanistic insight into how changes in the oxidative environment regulate downstream immune signaling pathways. Full article

This review examines the renewed strategic relevance of uranium within the evolving global energy system, emphasizing uranium market dynamics, emerging nuclear technologies, and geopolitical realignments. Moving beyond traditional perspectives that treat uranium primarily as a cyclical commodity or focus narrowly on reactor design, the article frames uranium as a critical strategic resource at the intersection of energy security, decarbonization, and industrial transformation. The analysis integrates market fundamentals with technological developments, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced high-temperature reactor systems, and regional policy strategies to provide a holistic perspective largely absent from the existing literature. Quantitative evidence indicates a structurally tightening uranium market, with global reactor demand of approximately 67,500 tU per year and mine production historically meeting only 74–90% of annual requirements. Uranium prices have rebounded from below $20 lb⁻¹ U₃O₈ in 2016 to above $80 lb⁻¹ by late 2023, reflecting supply concentration, long development timelines for new mines, and renewed political commitments to nuclear energy. Demand projections suggest an increase of around 28% by 2030 and the potential for a doubling by mid-century under high-nuclear deployment scenarios. From a technological perspective, while SMRs and advanced reactors may increase uranium consumption per unit of electricity, they substantially expand nuclear energy deployment into new domains, including remote power systems, industrial heat applications, and large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production. Overall, the study highlights a qualitative shift in uranium’s role, positioning it as both a foundational component and a key enabler of integrated low-carbon energy systems spanning electricity, heat, and hydrogen production. Full article