Search Results (1,033)

Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound isolated from Curcuma longa, which is widely recognized for its therapeutic properties: particularly its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its practical incorporation into functional foods, especially aqueous dairy beverages, is severely hindered by its extremely low water solubility, poor chemical stability (notably at the near-neutral pH of milk), and very limited oral bioavailability. This review provides a critical synthesis of the literature published in the last two decades, with a focus on the development and application of food-grade oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions to advanced colloidal delivery systems. It covers the fundamental principles of nanoemulsion formulation, including the selection of the oil phase, surfactants, and stabilizers, as well as both high-energy and low-energy fabrication techniques. It further examines the integration of these nano-delivery systems into dairy matrices (milk, yogurt, cheese), highlighting key interactions between nanoemulsion droplets and native dairy constituents such as casein micelles and whey proteins. Critically, findings indicate that nanoencapsulation not only enhances curcumin’s solubility but also protects it from chemical degradation during industrial processes, including pasteurization and sterilization. Moreover, the dairy matrix structure plays a key role in modulating curcumin bioaccessibility, with fortified products frequently exhibiting enhanced stability, shelf life, and sensory attributes. Finally, key technological challenges addressed the heterogeneous global regulatory landscape surrounding biopolymers and future trends: most notably, the growing shift toward “clean-label” biopolymer-based delivery systems. Full article

Background: Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP), the major subset of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), imposes a substantial global burden yet lacks satisfactory therapies. Maizibizi Wan (MZBZ) has long been used clinically for prostatitis, but its pharmacodynamic substance basis and mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–Q-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) coupled with Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) molecular networking profiled MZBZ constituents and rat plasma–exposed prototype components and metabolites was used. Based on blood-absorbable components, network pharmacology predicted core targets/pathways; representative interactions were validated by molecular docking. A λ-carrageenan–induced CNBP rat model underwent histopathology (H&E), serum cytokine assays (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6/IL-17), immunohistochemistry (COX-2, TNF-α, MMP-9), and Western blotting (P-p65/p65, p-AKT/AKT, COX-2, TGF-β1, BCL2). Results: A total of 188 chemical constituents were identified in MZBZ (79 flavonoids, 38 organic acids, 30 alkaloids, 15 phenylpropanoids, 7 steroids, 4 phenylethanoid glycosides, 15 others). A total of 35 blood-absorbable components (18 prototype components, 17 metabolites) were identified, mainly involving Phase I oxidation and Phase II glucuronidation/sulfation. Network analysis yielded 54 core targets enriched in NF-κB and PI3K/AKT signaling and apoptosis. Docking indicated stable binding of key flavonoids to COX-2, NFKB1, TNF, IL-6, and BCL2. In vivo, MZBZ ameliorated prostatic inflammation, reduced serum TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-17 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01); decreased P-p65/p65, p-AKT/AKT, COX-2, and TGF-β1; and increased BCL2 in prostate tissue. Conclusions: MZBZ exerts anti-CNBP effects via multi-component synergy (prototypes + metabolites) that suppresses inflammatory cytokines, modulates apoptosis, and inhibits NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways. These findings provide a mechanistic basis and quality control cues for the rational clinical use of MZBZ. Full article

Micro-segregation of solute elements is inevitable during the casting process of Al–Mg–Si alloys, significantly influencing the precipitation behavior of dispersed phases during subsequent heat treatment, ultimately influencing alloy performance. Mn and Si are typical positive segregation elements and the principal constituents of the dispersed phases in aluminum alloys, and their diffusion behavior directly affects the precipitation of nano-scale α-Al(MnCr)Si phases within grains during subsequent annealing. This study systematically investigates the effects of different annealing conditions (430 °C × 12 h and 530 °C × 12 h) on the precipitation behavior of α-Al(MnCr)Si phases in the Al–Mg–Si–Mn alloy. After annealing at 430 °C, the relatively low diffusion rate promoted the dispersed precipitation of α-Al(MnCr)Si phases as high-density, nano-scale particles within grains. In contrast, annealing at 530 °C substantially enhanced the elements diffusion, accelerating both nucleation and growth of α-Al(MnCr)Si phases and inducing notable Ostwald ripening, resulting in larger α-Al(MnCr)Si phases with a lower number density within grains. This study indicates that the control of annealing parameters can effectively tailor the size, distribution, and number density of nano-scale α-Al(MnCr)Si phases. The findings provide critical theoretical and practical guidance for optimizing annealing processes in Al-Mg-Si-Mn alloys. Full article

Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey is widely recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its roles in lung purification, phlegm elimination, intestinal function regulation, and anti-tumor activity. Its pharmacological activity is attributed to a diversity of functional components. However, due to the extensive application of sweet glycosides in food additives, there have been few studies on non-sweet glycosides, particularly those with high polarity. This paper investigates the chemical constituents in the non-sweet glycosides fraction of S. grosvenorii juice. First, an MCI GEL CHP20P chromatographic column was utilized to enrich the non-sweet glycosides fraction. Furthermore, two-step medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) was performed for the efficient preparative separation of high-polarity non-sweet glycosides with similar structures, using C18 and silica gel as stationary phases, respectively. Seven non-sweet glycoside compounds were identified through NMR and mass spectrometry analyses, including three new compounds (4-hydroxyphenylethanol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, 4-hydroxyphenylethanol 4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside and n-butanol 1-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside), as well as four known ones (α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-glucose, α-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-fructofuranoside, methoxy hydroquinone diglucoside, and β-D-glucopyranoside). The results demonstrate that mixed-mode MPLC using different stationary phases is an efficient approach for separating non-sweet glycosides from S. grosvenorii. Full article

Dendropanax morbifera (DM; “Hwangchil”) is an evergreen tree native to southern Korea and Jeju Island, traditionally used for detoxification, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective purposes. Recent studies indicate that DM extracts and their constituents exhibit a broad range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. Phytochemical investigations have revealed a chemically diverse profile comprising phenolic acids, flavonoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids—most notably dendropanoxide—and polyacetylenes, with marked variation in compound distribution across plant parts. Despite this progress, translational application remains constrained by the lack of standardized extraction protocols, substantial variability in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methodologies, and limited mechanistic validation of reported bioactivities. This review proposes an integrated framework that links extraction strategies tailored to compound class and plant part with standardized C18 reverse-phase HPLC conditions to enhance analytical reproducibility. In parallel, in silico target prediction using SwissTargetPrediction is applied as a hypothesis-generating approach to prioritize potential molecular targets for subsequent experimental validation. By emphasizing methodological harmonization, critical evaluation of evidence levels, and systems-level consideration of multi-compound interactions, this review aims to clarify structure–activity relationships, support pharmacokinetic and safety assessment, and facilitate the rational development of DM-derived materials for medical, nutritional, and cosmetic applications. Full article

The permeation of different chemical substances across the membrane is of utmost importance to the life and health of a living cell. Depending on the nature of the permeant, the process is mediated by either the protein (e.g., membrane channels) or lipid phases of the membrane, or both. In the case of small and physiologically important gas molecules, namely O₂ and CO₂, the literature supports the involvement of both pathways in their transport. The extent of involvement of the lipid phase, however, is directly dependent on the nature of the lipid constituents of the membrane that determine its various structural and physicochemical properties. In this study, we use molecular dynamics simulation, as a method with sufficient spatial and temporal resolutions, to analyze these properties in heterogeneous lipid bilayers, composed of phospholipids with varied tails, sphingomyelin, and cholesterol, to different degrees. Together with the calculation of the free energy profiles, diffusion constants, and gas diffusivity, the results shed light on the importance of the lipid phase of membranes in gas transport rate and how they can be modulated by their lipid composition. Full article

Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is essential in brewing due to its contributions to bitterness, flavor, and aroma. This study compared the volatile profiles of five commercially important hop varieties—Amarillo, Ariana, Cascade, Centennial, and El Dorado—grown in their main regions of origin (United States for Amarillo, Cascade, and El Dorado; Germany for Ariana; and Brazil for Centennial). Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) enabled the identification of 312 volatile compounds, including monoterpenes (e.g., myrcene, linalool, geraniol), sesquiterpenes (e.g., humulene, caryophyllene), esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Amarillo showed the highest myrcene content (22.61% of the total volatile area), while Centennial was distinguished by elevated γ-muurolene (20.59%), and El Dorado by the highest level of undecan-2-one (10.47%), highlighting marked varietal differences in key aroma-active constituents. Multivariate, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), clearly discriminated the five varieties: PC1 (41.04% of the variance) separated samples enriched in fruity/floral monoterpenes and esters from those dominated by woody/resinous sesquiterpenes, whereas PC2 (25.93% of the variance) reflected variation in medium-chain esters, ketones, and waxy compounds. These chemometric patterns demonstrate that both genetic background and growing region terroir strongly shape hop volatile composition and, consequently, aroma potential, providing brewers with objective criteria for selecting hop varieties to achieve specific sensory profiles in beer. Full article

The construction sector is progressively prioritizing environmental norms owing to its substantial role in carbon emissions from clinker manufacture. Industrial waste materials are increasingly used as alternative constituents in cement-based systems, garnering interest as a sustainable strategy. Ceramic waste powder (CWP), produced in substantial quantities with enduring properties, offers a viable alternative. Nonetheless, its elevated water absorption presents issues, requiring modification procedures such as hydrophobization and the use of nanosilica to enhance performance. This study assessed CWP in both raw and modified forms (ground and hydrophobized) as a partial aggregate replacement in concrete. A silane-derived chemical was employed for hydrophobization, with varying amounts of nanosilica. Recent mortar testing encompassed setting time, flow, and density. Durability was evaluated using capillary water absorption, and flexural and compressive strengths were quantified at 2, 7, and 28 days. Mineralogical and microstructural investigations were conducted utilizing XRD and FTIR to monitor hydration phases and reaction processes. Results indicated that unmodified CWP containing up to 1% (wt) nanosilica enhanced mechanical strength; however, elevated nanosilica concentrations diminished early strength. Hydrophobized CWP samples demonstrated improved early strength with nanosilica levels up to 0.5% (wt), but strength diminished at elevated concentrations. Microstructural analysis confirmed reduced portlandite levels and increased C–S–H production, thereby validating the progress of hydration. The regulated and altered application of CWP with nanosilica can improve mechanical performance and durability while promoting ecological sustainability in cement-based systems. Full article

Objectives: Despite the increasing scientific evidence regarding the application of Cranberries in dentistry, a comprehensive understanding of their potential benefits, active constituents, and mechanisms of action remains lacking. Consequently, this narrative review aims to meticulously analyze and consolidate the existing scientific literature on the utilization of Cranberries for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. Materials and Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched up to October 2025. This review included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research studies. A two-phase selection process was carried out. In phase 1, two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts to identify potentially eligible studies. In phase 2, the same reviewers performed the full-text assessments of the eligible articles. Results: Among the 93 eligible articles, most assessed Cranberry use in Cariology (n = 28) and Periodontics (n = 26). Biofilm and microbial virulence factors (n = 46) were the most frequently studied topics. Cranberry extract (n = 32) and high-molecular-weight non-dialyzable material (NDM) (n = 23) were the most evaluated Cranberry fractions. Overall, Cranberry-derived compounds were identified as non-toxic and demonstrated promising antimicrobial activity against dental caries-related microorganisms in preclinical studies (n = 20). Regarding periodontal and peri-implant diseases, Cranberry demonstrated host immune modulator effects, counteracting the inflammatory and destructive mechanisms (n = 8). Additionally, Cranberries presented benefits in reducing the inflammation associated with periodontal disease and temporal mandibular joint lesions (n = 1). Regarding dental erosion, Cranberry inhibited dentin erosion (n = 4); however, no effect was observed on enamel lesions (n = 2). As an antioxidant agent, Cranberry showed effectiveness in preventing dental erosion (n = 18). Beyond that, Cranberry neutralized reactive oxygen species generated immediately after dental bleaching, enhancing bond strength (n = 2) and counteracting the oxygen ions formed on the tooth surface following bleaching procedures (n = 3). In osteoclastogenesis assays, A-type proanthocyanidins inhibited bone resorption (n = 1). In osteogenic analysis, preservation of hydroxycarbonate apatite deposition and an increase in early and late osteogenic markers were observed (n = 2). Conclusions: Cranberry bioactive compounds, both individually and synergistically, exhibit substantial potential for diverse applications within dentistry, particularly in the prevention and management of oral and maxillofacial diseases. This review provides insights into the plausible incorporation of Cranberries in contemporary dentistry, offering readers an informed perspective on their potential role. Full article

Hot stamping dies fabricated from Mo–W hot-work steels are exposed to severe thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF), high-temperature oxidation, and complex tribological loading, which collectively accelerate die degradation and reduce production stability. Although individual failure modes have been reported, an integrated understanding linking microstructural evolution, interfacial reactions, and wear mechanisms remains limited. A failed Mo–W hot-work steel die removed from an industrial B-pillar hot stamping line was examined using Rockwell hardness mapping, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) with Williamson–Hall (W–H) microstrain analysis. Surface (0–2 mm) and subsurface (~8 mm) regions of 10 × 10 × 10 mm samples were compared. Pits, cracks, reaction layers, and debris were quantified from calibrated SEM images. A 17% hardness reduction from surface (46.2 HRC) to subsurface (37.6 HRC) revealed pronounced TMF-induced softening. W–H analysis indicated microstrain of ~0.0021 and crystallite sizes of 50–80 nm in the surface region, reflecting high dislocation density. SEM/EDS showed pit diameters of 150–600 μm, reaction-layer thicknesses of 15–40 μm, and crack lengths of 40–150 μm. Fe–O oxides, Fe–Al intermetallics, and FeSiAl4 reaction phases were identified as major constituents of brittle surface layers and debris. Wear morphology confirmed a mixed mode of adhesive galling and oxide-assisted abrasive plowing. Full article

Previous studies on reconfigurable intelligent metasurface (RIS) design have primarily relied on full-wave electromagnetic simulation software, which often incurs high computational costs and lacks clear design direction. The design of multi-bit RIS remains challenging and there is currently no suitable systematic method for selecting the corresponding tuning devices. To overcome these limitations, this article proposes a novel equivalent circuit-based approach to RIS design. In contrast to the conventional approach, where the equivalent circuit model is derived from post-design evaluation of the scattering properties of RIS, our work is entirely driven by the equivalent circuit model from the outset to accomplish the unit cell design. A complete workflow as well as details of each constituent step are presented for the topology design of RIS based on equivalent circuit topology. Building on this circuit topology, a 3-bit reflective phase reconfigurable unit cell is developed based on a tunable band-stop filter circuit. We conducted adjustable phase verification experiments and beam deflection experiments. The consistency between the experimental results and circuit theory demonstrates the feasibility and practicality of the equivalent circuit method of RIS design. This circuit-to-structure methodology provides a physically interpretable and systematic framework for designing RIS with arbitrary electromagnetic responses, offering new insights into RIS design. Full article

Rb₂KWO₃F₃ elpasolite was synthesized via the solid-state reaction route. The phase purity of the obtained sample was verified by the XRD analysis with Rietveld refinement in space group Fm-3m, yielding the unit cell parameter a = 8.92413 (17) Å. The electronic structure and chemical states of the constituent elements were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The binding energy of the W 4f_7/2 core level (34.95 eV) was found to be characteristic of the W⁶⁺ oxidation state, while the values for Rb 3d, K 2p, O 1s and F 1s levels were consistent with those reported for related oxide and oxyfluoride compounds. First-principles density functional theory calculations were performed to model the electronic structure. The fac-configuration of the WO₃F₃ octahedra was identified as the most energetically favorable. The calculations revealed a direct band gap of 4.38 eV, with the valence band maximum composed primarily of O 2p orbitals and the conduction band minimum formed by W 5d orbitals. This combined experimental/theoretical study shows that the electronic structure and wide bandgap of Rb₂KWO₃F₃ are governed by the WO₃F₃ units and are largely insensitive to the Rb/K substitution. The wide bandgap identifies this class of oxyfluorides as a promising platform for developing new UV-transparent materials. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are promising bio-preservatives for oilseeds; however, their high volatility and strong aroma limit practical applications. In this study, we developed a dual-size microencapsulated formulation of oregano (Origanum compactum) and myrtle (Myrthus communis) EOs (75:25, w/w) using gelatin–gum arabic complex coacervation, and evaluated its antifungal efficacy and effect on seed viability in peanuts. GC-MS analysis of the EO blend identified carvacrol (33.83%) as the dominant constituent. The microcapsules exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 83.56% and were produced in a 70% small/30% large particle ratio to ensure both immediate and sustained vapor release. In vapor-phase assays against toxigenic A. flavus (RP-6), both free and encapsulated EOs inhibited fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner and achieved complete suppression at concentrations ≥0.2 µL mL⁻¹, whereas the wall material alone showed no activity. In a 120-day microcosm storage experiment (0.2 mg EO g⁻¹ kernels; 0.96 mg microcapsules g⁻¹), treated peanuts showed an immediate reduction in total fungal load from 3.52 to 1.48 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ (≈58%), which stabilized near 1.42–1.43 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ up to 90 days, while the control samples increased to 4.25 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ by day 120. The formulation effectively suppressed major storage fungi, including Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Alternaria. The antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) was retained after encapsulation (IC₅₀: 0.52 mg mL⁻¹ encapsulated vs. 0.58 mg mL⁻¹ free). Germination power remained comparable to the control throughout storage (≈50–52%), indicating no adverse impact on seed viability. These findings demonstrate that vapor-active, dual-size microencapsulation of oregano-myrtle EOs offers a practical and sustainable approach to enhance peanut safety during storage without compromising germination potential. Full article

In a seminal paper V.M. Goldschmidt pointed out that, in terms of volume of the constituent ions, Earth’s crust and mantle are basically a packing of negatively charged oxygen ions bound together by the volumetrically barely significant cations. Here, this statement is revisited using modern assessments of mantle composition and pressure-dependent ionic radii. It is found that the transition to the lower mantle marks a reduction in the O²⁻ crystal ionic volume percentage from 86 to less than 80%, significant enough to suggest an overall reduced compatibility of less abundant elements within the first few hundred km of depth below that transition from lower-mantle to upper-mantle rock. An equivalent drop across both, the 410- and 670 km mantle discontinuities occurs for large polyhedral sites, which are the potential hosts for incompatible elements. Accordingly, most large ionic lithophiles and rare earth elements in the lower mantle are highly enriched in one minor phase, davemaoite. It is proposed that those minor and trace elements that are less compatible with this mineral, such as some of the high-field strength elements, are concentrated in yet unknown accessory minerals that potentially affect geochemical signatures of deep mantle-derived igneous rocks. Full article