Search Results (191)

This study explores the sustainable extraction, quantification, and functional evaluation of antioxidant amphiphilic (TAC) and lipophilic (TLC) compounds from avocado (Persea americana) products and by-products using green, solvent-efficient extraction, for potential applications in functional foods and/or cosmetics. Juice derived from organically grown domestic (Greek) avocado and the remaining juicing pulp by-products were subjected to a green extraction and partitioning fractionation process to obtain separately the extracted TLC and TAC. Quantitative analyses of total phenolic (TPC) and carotenoid contents (TCC), as well as antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP), were performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy just after the extraction. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy was used to structurally characterize TAC bioactives compared to standards (gallic acid, quercetin, beta-carotene, soy phospholipids). TAC extracts exhibited higher TPC and superior antioxidant capacity across all assays, in comparison to the TLC, especially in the by-products. Despite relatively modest absolute phenolic and carotenoid concentrations compared to the literature, the extracts retained potent bioactivity, indicating selective enrichment of functional compounds. UV–Vis spectral peaks (240 nm, 310 nm) confirmed the presence of conjugated systems, suggesting potential for anti-UV photo-protective cosmetic applications. ATR–FTIR analysis further identified functional groups of key amphiphilic constituents, including simple phenolics, flavonoids, polyphenols, carotenoids and polar lipids. TAC extracts were successfully integrated into plant-based jelly prototypes as functional food supplements. Antioxidant stability of the jelly was retained for 15 days under refrigeration, though shelf-life limitations due to moisture and microbial growth highlight the need for preservative strategies. This work demonstrates a circular bioeconomy approach to food waste valorization, with significant implications for sustainable innovation in functional foods and clean-label cosmetics. Full article

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative disease characterized by progressive cartilage destruction, and chondrocyte apoptosis plays a critical role in TMJOA progression. As chondrocytes reside in an avascular microenvironment inside the cartilage matrix, energy production via glycolysis is crucial for their survival. This study investigated the role of the key glycolytic enzyme Hexokinase 2 (HK2) in TMJOA pathogenesis and the therapeutic potential of dental pulp stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (DPSC-EVs). In a rat experimental TMJOA model induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) intra-articular injection, we observed a significantly decreased expression of HK2 along with cartilage matrix degradation. In the in vitro study, MIA induced chondrocyte apoptosis with caspase-3 activation, accompanied by impaired glycolytic function. Intervention with DPSC-EVs effectively rescued the expression of HK2 within chondrocytes, leading to a notable restoration of cellular glycolysis. Consequently, DPSC-EV treatment markedly attenuated the progression of TMJOA by reducing chondrocyte apoptosis and improved cartilage integrity. Our findings demonstrated that DPSC-EVs represent a promising cell-free therapeutic strategy for TMJOA, exerting their protective effects by targeting HK2, thereby preserving chondrocyte viability and attenuating osteoarthritis development. Full article

With the increasing emphasis and protection on forest resources worldwide, the development of non-wood plant fiber raw materials has become a key path to promote the green and sustainable development of China’s pulp and paper industry. In this study, Super-Arundo donax, a new non-wood fiber raw material, was systematically investigated for its applicability in the bleaching process. Firstly, by adjusting key bleaching technical variables such as alkali dosage, time, oxygen pressure and temperature, the oxygen delignification process of the Super-Arundo donax kraft pulp was optimized. The data revealed that under the experimental conditions of 3.0% alkali dosage, 60 min bleaching time, 100 °C bleaching temperature, 0.6 MPa oxygen pressure and 0.6% MgSO₄ dosage, the bleached pulp yield reached 91.58%, the brightness was 42.04% ISO, and its tensile index was 60.92 N·m/g, bursting index was 4.16 kPa·m²/g, and tear index was 5.45 mN·m²/g, respectively. To further enhance the bleaching effect, the study introduced the H₂O₂ enhanced oxygen delignification process. The alkali dosage, bleaching temperature and H₂O₂ dosage were selected as the process parameters, with the pulp yield and brightness as the response indicators. A central composite design was adopted to construct a response surface model, and the interaction effects among various factors were analyzed. The optimized optimal process conditions are as follows: pulp concentration 10%, alkali dosage 2.84%, bleaching temperature 105 °C, H₂O₂ dosage 4.85%, bleaching time 60 min, MgSO₄ dosage 0.6%. Under these conditions, the pulp yield was 89.76% and the brightness reached 53.85% ISO. Therefore, Super-Arundo donax possesses excellent pulp-making and papermaking properties, and is expected to serve as a high-quality non-wood fiber raw material to alleviate the pressure on traditional papermaking raw materials and contribute to the green, sustainable and low-carbon transformation of the pulp and paper industry. Full article

Background: Passive protective stabilization (PPS) remains controversial in pediatric dentistry, particularly in invasive procedures such as pulp therapy. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate current parental acceptance of PPS. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase was conducted up to 25 November 2025. Cross-sectional studies assessing parental acceptance of PPS in children aged 2–10 years were included. Studies published in English within the last 10 years and including at least 100 participants were eligible. Case reports, reviews, editorials, and studies not aligned with the objectives were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. A random-effects meta-analysis with logit transformation was performed. Heterogeneity was quantified using I² statistics. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. Results: Five cross-sectional studies, including 1005 parents, were included. The pooled parental acceptance of PPS was 48.9% (95% CI: 29.0–69.2%), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 97%). Acceptance was consistently higher in emergency situations and among parents of children with special health care needs. Three studies showed low risk of bias and two moderate risk. The overall certainty of evidence was rated as very low due to inconsistency and imprecision. Conclusions: Parental acceptance of PPS is context-dependent and influenced by treatment urgency and patient characteristics. Given the high heterogeneity and low certainty of evidence, results should be interpreted cautiously. Further high-quality research is required. Full article

Human skin lipids form interconnected pools that support barrier integrity, immune balance, and interactions with the environment. The stratum corneum barrier is built from an ordered mix of ceramides, cholesterol, and long-chain free fatty acids, while sebaceous lipids and their breakdown products shape surface properties and the skin microbiome. Hexadecenoic fatty acids are key at this interface. Palmitoleic acid (cis-9 16:1; 16:1 n−7, POA) is enriched in viable epidermis and remains detectable in stratum corneum lipids, whereas its isomer sapienic acid (cis-6 16:1; 16:1 n−10) predominates in human sebum. Together, they influence membrane organization, lipid fluidity, and antimicrobial defense. This mini-review outlines skin lipid composition and function with a focus on POA and then summarizes experimental and preclinical topical evidence suggesting antimicrobial effects, enhanced lubrication properties, protection from oxidative and ultraviolet B (UVB) injury, and enhanced wound repair. It also reviews early clinical findings from oral POA supplementation trials reporting improved hydration, barrier function, and markers of photo-oxidative aging, with exploratory signals for acne in a multi-nutrient regimen. Major POA sources include sea buckthorn pulp oil, macadamia and avocado oils, selected marine oils, ruminant fats, and emerging fermentation-derived products. Robust mechanistic human studies are still needed to define optimal dosing, formulations, and indications. Full article

Spi-C is a member of the ETS (E26 transformation-specific) family of transcription factors, a group of proteins that regulate gene expression in animals by binding to specific DNA sequences. Spi-C has emerged as a central regulator of macrophage adaptation to iron exposure, inflammatory stress, and tissue injury. Studies show that Spi-C programs iron-recycling macrophages by promoting expression of key iron-handling genes, thereby supporting iron efflux, safe intracellular iron storage, and the development of red pulp macrophages critical for systemic iron recycling. Its expression is strongly induced by heme and iron, enabling macrophages to respond adaptively to increased heme turnover, whereas Spi-C deficiency leads to impaired iron recycling and pathological iron accumulation. Beyond iron homeostasis, Spi-C is increasingly recognized as a regulator of inflammatory disease, functioning as an anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective factor across multiple models, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced systemic inflammation and colitis, where Spi-C deficiency leads to enhanced cytokine production, increased tissue injury, and impaired repair. By integrating NF-κB-driven inflammatory cues with metabolic adaptation, Spi-C maintains macrophage homeostasis across tissues. This short review summarizes these known functions and provides a forward-looking perspective that Spi-C may also regulate macrophage susceptibility to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death implicated in diverse inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Full article

In this study, sodium alginate–chitosan composite microspheres (S-C Ms) were prepared by ionic gelation to encapsulate Ziziphus jujuba pulp from wild jujube pulp. The effects of sodium alginate (SA) concentration, chitosan (CS) concentration, and core-to-wall ratio on encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and loading capacity (LC%) were systematically investigated. The results showed that both EE% and LC% were maximized when the SA concentration was 2.0% (w/v) and the CS concentration was 1.5% (w/v). The FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of a phenolic-rich extract from Z. jujuba pulp (PRE) and its transformation into an amorphous state, while the SEM observations revealed that the composite microspheres possessed a well-defined morphology and a dense internal structure. Particle size analysis further indicated a narrow and uniform size distribution. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and in vitro simulated digestion demonstrated that S-C Ms exhibited a pH-responsive release profile, characterized by slow, limited release in the gastric phase and markedly enhanced release in the intestinal phase. The release mechanism in simulated gastric fluid was dominated by Fickian diffusion, whereas it shifted to an erosion-controlled process in simulated intestinal fluid. Consistently, the swelling ratio of the microspheres was low at pH 1.2 but increased sharply at pH 7.0, reflecting a “gastric protection–intestinal release” behavior. Antibacterial assays showed that P-loaded microspheres exerted significant inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and other test strains, with the antibacterial activity possibly associated with the controlled release during the in vitro digestion of compounds with antimicrobial potential, such as phenolic compounds. Overall, SA-CS composite microspheres exhibited favorable encapsulation performance, structural stability, and controlled-release potential, making them a promising delivery and protection system for Ziziphus jujube pulp bioactive compounds. Full article

As a packaging material, molded pulp has experienced sustained growth in demand because of its high recyclability and biodegradability. However, refined structural modeling of their behavior during transportation remains limited. This study established finite element representations of molded pulp packaging structural cells and developed a spring–mass dynamic model that incorporates the parameters of the packaged product. The proposed model can predict the combined modal characteristics of molded pulp packaging and the protected item while significantly reducing the computational requirements compared with traditional FEM (finite element method) analyses. Experimental validation shows that the prediction error of the first order modal frequency is approximately 6%, which meets the actual needs. The model provides a foundation for the subsequent optimization of molded pulp structures under road transport conditions. Full article

Mastication trait is an important indicator for evaluating citrus fruit texture and may modulate the biological activity of citrus polysaccharides. This study compared the protective effects of pulp polysaccharides from citrus fruit with different mastication traits, namely Hongmeiren (HMR, superior), Satsuma (WM, moderate), and Nanfeng tangerine (NF, inferior mastication trait) on ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. All polysaccharides alleviated UC symptoms, with HMR showing the most pronounced effects by more markedly reducing TNF-α levels, while enhancing IL-10, ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 expression. NF exhibited a stronger inhibitory effect on IL-6. Microbiota analysis revealed that citrus polysaccharides suppressed Escherichia–Shigella and Helicobacter, enriched Akkermansia and norank_f_Muribaculaceae, and promoted short-chain fatty acid production, particularly of propionate and butyrate. LEfSe analysis further indicated that HMR selectively enriched Dubosiella and norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014, WM increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and NF promoted the growth of Parabacteroides. Overall, HMR with superior mastication trait exhibited the greatest efficacy in attenuating inflammation and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. These findings reveal an intrinsic link between citrus mastication traits and their colitis-alleviating activity, offering a mechanistic basis for dietary intervention in inflammatory bowel disease as well as for functional citrus breeding. Full article

Background: Atherosclerosis is the pathological basis for lethal cardio-cerebral vascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke. Fructus Choerospondiatis (FC) has demonstrated cardiac protective effects in multiple ethnomedicine. Whether these protective effects are attributed to the prevention of vascular atherosclerosis, however, remains unknown. We aim to examine the anti-atherosclerotic effect of FC aqueous extract and elucidate the underlying mechanism. Methods: FC was separated into peel and pulp, and the aqueous extract was obtained separately by boiling in water to mimic decocting. Atherosclerosis model was established in ApoE^−/− mice fed with a high-fat diet, and histological analysis were utilized to evaluate the development of atherosclerosis. Various inflammatory models were constructed in mice to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of FC extract systemically, including acute local inflammation induced by traumatic injury (ear/foot swelling), acute systemic inflammation triggered by pathogenic infection (LPS- and POLY (I:C)-induced), as well as chronic inflammatory conditions associated with oxidative stress (D-galactose-induced), metabolic disorder (db/db mice), and aging. LC-MS and network pharmacology identified bioactive components and targets. Western blotting, ELISA, qPCR, and immunofluorescence were utilized to analyze the key genes involved in the mechanisms. Results: FC peel extract reduced serum IL-6 level, atherosclerotic plaque area, and macrophage content in the plaque, while pulp extract showed no protective effects. Peel extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in all models. The integrative application of LC-MS and network pharmacology identified ellagic acid as the major bioactive component and AKT as its target protein. Mechanistically, FC peel extract inhibits AKT phosphorylation, suppresses c-FOS expression and nuclear translocation, reduces IL-6 transcription and inflammation, and thus alleviates atherosclerosis. Conclusions: FC peel aqueous extract exerts anti-atherosclerotic effect by inhibiting inflammation through AKT/c-FOS/IL-6 axis. This study provides novel insights into the protective effects against atherosclerosis of FC peel and highlights its potential application in the prevention and treatment of coronary artery diseases. Full article

Guava fruit is widely consumed in tropical countries and beyond. The phenolic fraction of guava pulp and processing waste (a single fraction containing seeds, skins, and pulp residues) have been reported to carry in vitro biological activities, acting on biomarkers of metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity (enzymatic inhibition of α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase), atherosclerosis (mitigation of LDL-cholesterol oxidation), and mutagenesis (suppression of DNA strand scission). However, such bioactivities may be compromised by the exposure of guava phenolics to the harsh conditions found along the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To overcome this limitation, guava phenolic extracts were microencapsulated with maltodextrin through freeze-drying. The effect of crude and microencapsulated extracts on biomarkers of metabolic diseases was compared before and after in vitro simulated GI digestion. Moreover, guava waste extracts were tested for their ability to interfere with the intracellular redox status of Caco-2 and HeLa cells incubated with free radicals. Microencapsulation considerably improved the bioaccessibility of guava phenolics across digestion stages, which reflected on the enhancement of most bioactivities measured, with the exception of pancreatic lipase inhibition (both pulp and waste extracts) and LDL oxidative protection (pulp extract). Meanwhile, microencapsulation accentuated intracellular antioxidant activity in Caco-2 cells induced by guava waste extract whereas a prooxidant effect in HeLa cells was intensified. This highlights the selectivity of the same extract toward different cell lines. Overall, microencapsulation was demonstrated as a promising tool for protecting and even enhancing the nutraceutical power of guava phenolics, reinforcing their relevance in the development of functional foods and nutraceutical products. Full article

Background/Purpose: Teeth prepared for fixed dental prostheses are subject to various types of insults in the oral cavity. Therefore, to protect the tooth, the pulp, and supporting structures, provisional restorations are mandatory. Our study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and clinical practices regarding provisional fixed dental prostheses (PFDPs) among dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on a self-administered online survey was conducted among 312 dentists (general practitioners and specialists) across Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire assessed participants’ knowledge (11 items) and clinical practices (9 items) related to PFDPs. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Only 46.5% of respondents demonstrated adequate knowledge of PFDPs. Knowledge was significantly higher among specialists than general practitioners (57.4% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.011), and specialists were more likely to recognize the influence of PFDPs on treatment outcomes. Clinical practice patterns indicated that even though 94.2% of respondents frequently placed PFDPs, only 66.0% always did so. Moreover, 21.2% of respondents rarely or never disinfect PFDPs. Public sector dentists and specialists were more likely to use custom-made PFDPs. Key gaps in knowledge were observed regarding the materials and equipment used in the fabrication of PFDPs, particularly concerning CAD/CAM technology. Conclusions: Although most dentists in Saudi Arabia provided PFDPs to their patients, significant gaps remain in their knowledge, particularly regarding fabrication materials and techniques. Targeted educational interventions, especially for general practitioners, are needed to enhance clinical outcomes. Full article

Global biodiversity decreased by 69% from 1970 to 2022, representing a key risk to economic activity. However, the link between nature, biodiversity and finance has received little attention within the field of sustainable finance. This paper attempts to fill this gap. Nature finance aims to avoid biodiversity loss and promote nature-positive activities, such as the conservation and protection of biodiversity through market-based solutions with the proper measurement of impact. Measuring biodiversity impact remains a challenge for most companies and banks, with a fragmented landscape of nature frameworks. We conduct a bibliometric analysis of the literature on biodiversity finance and analyze a unique market dataset of five global investment funds as well as all corporate bonds issued in Brazil, the country with the largest biodiversity assets. First, we find that the literature on nature finance is recent with a tipping point in 2020, with the three most common concepts being ecosystem services, nature-based solutions and circular economy. Second, we find that sovereigns and two corporate sectors (food production, pulp & paper) represent the vast majority of issuers that currently incorporate biodiversity considerations into funding structures, suggesting an opportunity to expand accountability for biodiversity impacts across a greater number of sectors. Third, we find a disconnect between science and finance. Out of a catalogue of 158 biodiversity metrics proposed by the IFC, just 33 have been used in bond issuances and 32 by fund managers, suggesting an opportunity for technical assistance for companies and to simplify catalogs to create a common language. Lack of consensus around metrics, complexity, and cost explain this gap. Fourth, we identify a distinction between liquid markets and illiquid markets in their application of biodiversity impact management and measurement. Illiquid markets, such as private equity, bilateral lending, voluntary carbon markets or investment funds can develop complex bespoke mechanisms to measure nature, leveraging detailed catalogues of metrics. Liquid markets, including bonds, exhibit a preference for simpler metrics such as preserved areas or forest cover. Full article

This study examined the cosmetic potential of extracts from the peel and pulp of fermented pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). Fermentation was carried out using Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, and L. paracasei) and kombucha (SCOBY). Fermentation was carried out for 3 days (for lactic acid bacteria) and 10 and 20 days (for kombucha). The obtained products were analyzed by LC-MS for phytochemical composition and assessed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and ROS reduction in keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF). The obtained ferments demonstrated cytoprotective effects (using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red assays). Both kombucha ferments and certain strains of Lactobacillus ferments demonstrated anti-aging effects (by inhibiting collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase) and anti-inflammatory effects (by significantly affecting IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine levels). A moisturizing skin toner containing the extracts and ferments was developed and tested for cytoprotective effects on HaCaT keratinocytes. The results confirm that fermented pumpkin peel and pulp extracts can be used as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients with the potential to provide antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin regeneration. Full article

Introduction: Direct pulp capping (DPC) aims to preserve the vitality of the dental pulp by placing a protective biocompatible material over the exposed pulp tissue to facilitate healing. There are several calcium-silicate materials that have been designed to promote mineralization and the regulation of inflammation. These have strong potential for the repair and regeneration of dental pulp. Among them, Biodentine (BD) and EndoSequence RRM Putty (ES) have been found to promote in vitro and in vivo mineralization while minimizing some of the limitations of the first-generation calcium-silicate-based materials. Theracal-LC (TLC), a light-cured, resin-modified calcium-silicate material, is a newer product with potential to improve the clinical outcomes of DPC, but existing studies have reported conflicting findings regarding its biocompatibility and ability to support pulpal healing in direct contact with the pulp. A comprehensive assessment of the biocompatibility and pulpal protection provided by these three capping materials has not yet been performed. Aim: We aimed to quantify the inflammatory response, dentin bridge formation, and material adaptation following DPC using three calcium-silicate materials: ES, BD, and TLC. Materials and Methods: DPC was performed on the maxillary first molar of C57BL/6 female mice. Maxilla were collected and processed at 1 and 21 days post-DPC. The early inflammatory response was measured 24 h post-procedure using confocal imaging of anti-Lys6G6C, which indicates the extent of neutrophil and monocyte infiltration. Reparative mineralized bridge formation was assessed at 21 days post-procedure using high-resolution micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Lastly, the homogeneity of the capping materials was evaluated by quantifying voids in calcium-silicate restorations using micro-CT. Results: DPC using TLC induced less infiltration of Lys6G6C⁺ cells at 24 h than BD or ES. BD promoted higher volumes of tertiary dentin than TLC, but TLC and ES showed no significant differences in volume. No differences were observed in material adaptation and void spaces among the three capping materials. Conclusions: All three materials under investigation supported pulp healing and maintained marginal integrity. However, TLC induced a lower inflammatory response on day 1 and induced similar levels of tertiary dentin to ES. These observations challenge the common perception that resin-based capping materials are not suitable for direct pulp capping. Our findings underscore the need to balance biological responses with physical properties when selecting pulp capping materials to improve long-term clinical success. Full article