Search Results (20,415)

Copper and nickel ions play pivotal, albeit distinct, roles as essential trace elements in living systems, and primarily serve as co-factors for a range of enzymes. However, as with all trace metal ions, excessive concentrations can exert adverse toxicological properties. Interestingly, the incorporation of these in cell culture media can establish novel chemical interactions, with their speciation status markedly influencing characteristics, including cell maturation, and cellular uptake mechanisms. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate and determine the speciation status (i.e., complexation) of nickel(II) and copper(II) ions by biomolecules present in RPMI 1640 mammalian cell culture medium using virtually non-invasive high-resolution proton NMR analysis, an investigation of much relevance to now routine studies of their toxicological actions towards cultured cells. Samples of the above aqueous culture medium were ¹H NMR-titrated with increasing added concentrations of 71–670 µmol/L Ni(II)(aq.), and 0.71–6.7, 7.1–67 and 71–670 µmol/L Cu(II)(aq.), in duplicate or triplicate. ¹H NMR spectra were acquired on a JEOL ECZ-600 spectrometer at 298 K. Results demonstrated that addition of increasing concentrations of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions to the culture medium led to the selective broadening of a series of biomolecule resonances, results demonstrating their complexation by these agents. The most important complexants for Ni(II) were histidine > glutamine > acetate ≈ methionine ≈ lysine ≈ threonine ≈ branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) > asparagine ≈ aspartate > tyrosine ≈ tryptophan, whereas for Cu(II) they were found to be histidine > glutamine > phenylalanine ≈ tyrosine ≈ nearly all remaining aliphatic metabolites (particularly the wealth of amino acids detectable) > 4-hydroxyphenylacetate (trace culture medium contaminant), in these orders. However, Cu(II) had the ability to influence the linewidths of these signals at much lower added levels (≤7 µmol/L) than that of Ni(II), the broadening effects of the latter occurring at concentrations which were approximately 10-fold greater. Virtually all of these added metal ion-induced resonance modifications were, as expected, reversible on addition of equivalent or excess levels of the chelator EDTA. From this study, changes in the co-ordination sphere of metal ions in physiological environments can give rise to marked modifications in their physicochemical properties (e.g., redox potentials, electronic charges, the potential catalytic generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cell membrane passages). Moreover, given that the above metabolites may also function as potent hydroxyl radical (^●OH) scavengers, these findings suggest that generation of this aggressively reactive oxidant directly from Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions in physiologically-relevant complexes may be scavenged in a ‘site-dependent’ manner. This study is of further relevance to trace metal ion research in general since it enhances our understanding of the nature of their interactions with culture medium biomolecules, and therefore provides valuable information regarding their overall chemical and biological activities, and toxicities. Full article

This study focuses on the optimization of modern extraction techniques for selected by-product materials, including apple, lemon, and tangerine peels, and onion skins, using artificial neural network (ANN) models. The extraction methods included ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with water as the extractant, as well as maceration (MAC) with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Key parameters, such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities, including reducing power (EC₅₀) and free radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀), were evaluated to compare the efficiency of each method. Among the techniques, UAE outperformed both MAE and MAC in extracting bioactive compounds, especially from onion skins and tangerine peels, as reflected in the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. UAE of onion skins showed the best performance, yielding the highest TPC (5.735 ± 0.558 mg CAE/g) and TFC (1.973 ± 0.112 mg RE/g), along with the strongest antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ = 0.549 ± 0.076 mg/mL; IC₅₀ = 0.108 ± 0.049 mg/mL). Tangerine peel extracts obtained by UAE also exhibited high phenolic content (TPC up to 5.399 ± 0.325 mg CAE/g) and strong radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.118 ± 0.099 mg/mL). ANN models using multilayer perceptron architectures with high coefficients of determination (r² > 0.96) were developed to predict and optimize the extraction results. Sensitivity and error analyses confirmed the robustness of the models and emphasized the influence of the extraction technique and by-product type on the antioxidant parameters. Principal component and cluster analyses showed clear grouping patterns by extraction method, with UAE and MAE showing similar performance profiles. Overall, these results underline the potential of UAE- and ANN-based modeling for the optimal utilization of agricultural by-products. Full article

High-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer represents 20–25% of new diagnoses of prostate cancer and is associated with high rates of recurrence, morbidity, and mortality. The neoadjuvant window provides a unique opportunity for systemic control prior to definitive therapy with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy (RT). Early trials with first-generation androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) achieved pathological downstaging but no survival benefit. In the 2000s, the advent of chemohormonal regimes using docetaxel provided excitement but mixed results tempered expectations and is now not recommended prior to surgery. Second-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) combined with ADT have demonstrated significant survival benefit in metastatic prostate cancer and are currently being evaluated in large phase III trials in the neoadjuvant setting. RT remains an alternative curative modality, and recent data highlights similar issues to surgery in eradicating micrometastatic disease despite excellent local control. This has driven parallel efforts to evaluate intensified systemic therapy in the pre-RT/neoadjuvant settings. In addition to the excitement surrounding ARPIs, radioligand therapy, such as [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 has shown promise in the neoadjuvant setting and continues to be investigated. Future research aims to incorporate genomic and molecular factors to enable personalised neoadjuvant therapies by identifying damage immunologically responsive subtypes that may derive greater benefit from immune-directed therapies in the peri-operative setting. This narrative review synthesises current evidence for neoadjuvant therapies in high-risk prostate cancer and future directions. Full article

Lettuce, which contains sesquiterpene lactones that have been associated with anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, also appears to harbor bitter ingredients such as lactucopicrin, often found abundantly in the emulsion released from the cut core. Previous reports suggest that lettuce may gradually increase in bitterness post-harvest, possibly reflecting alterations in the composition of its components during shelf life. Therefore, analyzing changes in the concentrations of these components could contribute to the development of methods for evaluating lettuce freshness. In this study, we examined variations in sugar contents and hydrophilic oxygen radical absorbance capacity values in lettuce leaves, refined an analytical approach for sesquiterpene lactones in the lettuce core, and explored how their levels may differ depending on harvest timing within the same day and across the storage period. High-resolution LC-MS analysis was employed to estimate the levels of key components such as cichorioside B, 11β,13-dihydrolactucin, lactucin, and lactucopicrin. While the emulsion is generally considered to contain substantial amounts of lactucopicrins, relatively little information is available about the components present in the lettuce core. Our current findings indicate that cichorioside B may be a predominant bitter component in the core. Collectively, these results may provide a basis for developing approaches to assess lettuce freshness and monitor compositional changes during storage. Full article

 Background: Pancreatic hamartoma (PH) is an exceptionally rare, benign, mass-forming lesion accounting for less than 1% of all pancreatic tumors. Its rarity and non-neoplastic nature contribute to significant diagnostic challenges, often leading to misclassification as malignant disease. This study presents a case of PH and a systematic review of all reported cases, with emphasis on histopathological and imaging characteristics. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted up to 1 April 2025, to identify eligible case reports and series. Results: We describe a 37-year-old woman with a cystic lesion of the pancreatic tail, ultimately confirmed histologically as a cystic pancreatic hamartoma following distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy, with an uneventful postoperative course. Of 687 screened studies, 51 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 77 cases (68 adults, 9 pediatric). PHs occurred most frequently in males (52.9%), with a mean age of 59.5 ± 12.9 years, and were often asymptomatic (57.4%). The pancreatic head was the most common site (52.9%). On MRI, PHs typically exhibited low T1-weighted and high T2-weighted signal intensity, with no FDG uptake (82%) and moderate or no restriction on DWI, distinguishing them from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Histologically, most lesions were solid (64.7%) or solid–cystic (35.3%), with low spindle cell cellularity and absent Langerhans islets. Conclusions: Low T1WI signal and moderate DWI signal are the key features distinguishing PHs from NETs. Incorporating these findings with EUS-FNA and immunohistochemistry can support a provisional diagnosis and help avoid unnecessary radical surgery.  Full article

Preeclampsia (PE) affects 2–8% of pregnancies, yet it lacks curative treatment options. Oxidative stress caused by the release of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) in the placenta is common in abnormal placental development. It can cause downstream signaling and the formation of anti-angiogenic factors, e.g., soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1), leading to symptoms of PE, such as hypertension, proteinuria, and, in severe cases, eclampsia. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants were developed to reduce oxidative stress and alleviate PE symptoms. Ten organofluorine diaryl hydrazones were designed as potential antioxidants, synthesized, and tested for their activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 6 showed excellent antioxidant capacity in all three assays and were tested in an in vitro human trophoblast cell culture system mimicking PE in which the cells were exposed to oxidative stress inducing the release of sFLT-1. The anti-angiogenic factor sFLT-1 was greatly reduced in cells treated with antioxidants. Compounds 5 and 6 were more effective in preventing sFLT-1 release than 2 and 3. Density functional theory calculations of the electronic structures of compounds 2, 5, and 6 were conducted at the M06-2X/6-311G+(d,p) level to further understand the reactivity profile of these molecules. The electron density of delocalized bonds (EDDB(r)) was calculated to analyze the effect of delocalization on radical stabilization. Full article

Background: Vitamin D (VD) plays a central role in calcium homeostasis during pregnancy and has been implicated in redox-related biological processes. While VD deficiency (VDD) has been consistently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, the relationships between VD insufficiency (VDI), maternal antioxidant-related biomarkers, and neonatal outcomes remain incompletely characterized, particularly during the third trimester. Objective: To determines the prevalence of VDI in third-trimester pregnant women and to examine its associations with antioxidant-related markers and selected neonatal outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women in the third trimester attending a tertiary referral hospital in Mexico City. Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations were measured, along with a panel of redox-related markers, including 2,2-diphenyl-2-2picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Neonatal anthropometric parameters were recorded at birth. Associations between maternal VD status, redox-related markers, environmental factors, and neonatal outcomes were evaluated using appropriate statistical analyses. Results: A high prevalence of VDI was observed in the study population. Maternal VDI was associated with lower activities of GSH, GST, and GPx. Passive exposure to tobacco smoke and season of sampling were also associated with lower VD concentrations. Neonates born to women with VDI had higher birth weight compared with those born to women with sufficient VD concentrations. Maternal serum 25-OHD concentrations correlated positively with selected antioxidant enzyme activities. Conclusions: In this cohort of third-trimester pregnant women, VDI co-occurred with environmental factors, differences in maternal redox-related markers, and selected neonatal outcomes. These findings support an associative framework in which suboptimal VD status during the third trimester is accompanied by variations in redox-related markers. Longitudinal and mechanistic studies are needed to clarify the temporal sequence and biological relevance of these associations. Full article

Organic monosubstituted hydrazine derivatives (Ar-NHNH₂, RC(O)-NHNH₂, Alkyl-NHNH₂) are synthetically available, atom-efficient and stable sources of C-centered radicals upon oxidation with extrusion of the energetically favorable N₂ molecule. This review summarizes the synthetic application of monosubstituted hydrazine derivatives (arylhydrazines, carbazates, acylhydrazides, hydrazine carboxamides and alkylhydrazines) in free-radical C-C bond-forming reactions. The main application directions in this field are (a) alkene difunctionalization, (b) cascade cyclization initiated by the addition of hydrazine-derived C-centered radicals to acrylamides and isonitriles, and (c) CH-functionalization of (hetero)arenes via C-centered radical addition followed by oxidative dehydrogenation (re-aromatization). Full article

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a key global cereal for food and feed, is being improved through gamma irradiation to enhance its nutritional and functional value for forage use. This study examined the forage potential and functional traits of gamma-irradiated colored wheat mutants through integrated analyses of agronomic performance, chemical composition, silage quality, and antioxidant capacity. Nine mutant lines (S1–S9), original colored wheat, and two control cultivars, ‘Cheongwoo’ (forage type) and ‘Keumkang’ (bread type), were evaluated under field conditions. Gamma irradiation (200 Gy) broadened phenotypic and biochemical diversity within the colored wheat background, generating genotypes with distinct biomass and compositional profiles. Several lines, particularly S6 and S8, produced high dry matter yields with balanced crude protein and fiber contents comparable to ‘Cheongwoo’ while maintaining optimal fiber levels for ruminant feeding. Most mutants showed stable fermentation and buffering properties, indicating that radiation-induced variation did not impair silage quality. Antioxidant analyses revealed clear genotypic variation, with the S3 and S1 lines exhibiting elevated phenolic and anthocyanin contents associated with strong radical scavenging activity. Overall, gamma irradiation proved to be an effective approach for generating colored wheat lines with enhanced agronomic performance and functional value, highlighting S3 as a promising dual-purpose whole-crop forage candidate. Full article

This study is designed to identify strategies for substituting or reducing the use of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) while improving the quality of semi-sweet wines. Using the ‘Petit Manseng’ semi-sweet wine as the research object, the effects of different concentrations and combinations of glutathione (GSH), mannan (Man), vitamin C (VC), chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), and SO₂ were investigated. The results show that under VC treatment, the DPPH free radical scavenging rate of the wine is higher than that of other antioxidant treatments, with the V-1 treatment being 16.9% higher than the CK treatment. The wine treated with 30 mg/L of SO₂ has the highest reducing power. After COS treatment, the wine color deepens, making it unsuitable for sweet white wines. GSH and Man can delay the increase in OD240 and the decrease in total phenolic. Man can increase the content of sweet amino acids such as serine. The treatments with man and GSH result in a greater variety of aromatic compounds and higher content of epigallocatechin. The combination treatment of GSH, Man, and SO₂ resulted in semi-sweet wines with a bright color, rich aroma, and full-bodied, balanced taste, achieving the best quality indicators and the highest sensory evaluation. This wine exhibits a light yellow color, full body, and a complex, balanced aroma, which are improvements in quality compared to semi-sweet wines with 30 mg/L of SO₂ added, and it reduces the use of SO₂ by 33.3%. This study shows that adding 5 mg/L of GSH, 5 mg/L of Man, and 20 mg/L of SO₂ can significantly improve the antioxidant properties and quality of semi-sweet wines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterised by progressive decline in language and communication. However, existing diagnostic frameworks and assessment tools are largely based on Indo-European languages, which limits their applicability to Chinese bilingual speakers whose linguistic profiles differ markedly in tonal phonology, logographic writing, and bilingual organisation. This review aimed to (a) describe how PPA presents in Chinese bilingual speakers, (b) evaluate how well current speech–language and neuropsychological assessments capture these impairments, and (c) identify linguistically and culturally informed strategies to improve clinical practice. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO) were searched, complemented by backward and forward citation chaining. Eight empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, PPA variant, language background, speech–language and writing profiles, and assessment tools used. Thematic analysis was applied to address the research questions. Results: Across variants, Chinese bilingual speakers demonstrated universal PPA features expressed through language-specific pathways. Mandarin speakers exhibited tone-segment integration errors, tonal substitution, and disruptions in logographic writing. Lexical-semantic degradation reflected homophony and compounding characteristics. Bilingual individuals showed parallel or asymmetric decline influenced by dominance and usage. Standard English-based naming, repetition, and writing assessments did not reliably capture tone accuracy, radical-level writing errors, or bilingual patterns. Sociocultural factors, including stigma, delayed help-seeking, and family-centred care expectations, further shaped diagnostic pathways. Conclusions: Chinese PPA cannot be meaningfully assessed using tools designed for Indo-European languages. Findings highlight the need for tone-sensitive repetition tasks, logographic writing assessments, bilingual diagnostic protocols, and culturally responsive communication-partner support. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis to date on Chinese bilingual PPA and establishes a foundation for linguistically inclusive diagnostic and clinical models. Full article

The aim of this study was to acquire endospore-former(s) for aquatic animal feed based on the probiotic potential in vitro, including the anti-pathogen spectrum, gastrointestinal fluid tolerance, antioxidant activity, enzyme-producing ability, and basic safety assessment. The strain Bacillus velezensis FJAT-57093 was found to exhibit the strongest antibacterial ability against Aeromonas hydrophila in the agar well diffusion inhibition assays from 111 Bacillus-like strains. Moreover, the results showed that the compounds of the strain FJAT-57093 enriched by acid precipitation might be the main antibacterial metabolites. The strain FJAT-57093 also exhibited antibacterial effects against the aquatic pathogens Photobacterium damselae, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus. The safety assessment revealed that the strain FJAT-57093 was non-hemolytic and susceptible to ten antibiotics. The putative virulence and antibiotic resistance genes predicted were predominantly intrinsic to the FJAT-57093 genome. Furthermore, the strain FJAT-57093 demonstrated a tolerance of acid and bile salt under the simulated gastrointestinal tract conditions, extracellular enzyme-producing abilities, as well as an auto-aggregation rate of 45.88% at 24 h and co-aggregation rates with the aforementioned five aquatic pathogens, ranging from 14.87% to 58.55%. Additionally, its extracellular metabolites displayed strong antioxidant activities, with ABTS⁺ and DPPH radical scavenging rates of up to 99.82% and 42.74%, respectively. In summary, the strain B. velezensis FJAT-57093 was found to possess strong antibacterial activities against multiple aquatic pathogens and desirable in vitro probiotic properties. Full article

The photo-Fenton process has been widely studied for the treatment of organic pollutants and disinfection in a wide range of scenarios. Nevertheless, its efficiency decreased when applied to complex matrices, as in the case of most advanced oxidation processes. Despite the interferences caused by different anions, the photo-Fenton is able to obtain good degradation values for pollutants and microorganisms, especially in combination with other methods; however, it depends on the matrix to be treated. Due to the lack of studies and reviews in this field, this paper reviewed the outcome of the inorganic ions present on highly saline water matrices (more than 1 g L⁻¹ of chlorides, fluorides, bromides, sulphates, carbonates or bicarbonates, borates, phosphates and nitrates/nitrites) on the Fenton-based processes, focusing on their outcome on iron speciation and their scavenger effect. Also, the most relevant works so far for the abatement of microcontaminants and disinfection by this process on highly saline matrices have been revised. Special emphasis is on the efficiency of the process, considering the relevant industries referred to. Full article

Sea cucumber peptides have been shown to possess a number of functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-fatigue effects, as well as immune regulation and promotion of collagen synthesis. Among these, high F-value oligopeptides are a promising natural active ingredient demonstrating excellent anti-fatigue effects. This study utilized fresh sea cucumbers as the primary raw material, employing membrane separation technology to investigate the simultaneous separation of sea cucumber polysaccharides and peptides. The process for removing aromatic amino acids during the preparation of high F-value oligopeptides from sea cucumbers was optimized, and the mechanism underlying their anti-fatigue effects was explored. A two-step enzymatic hydrolysis method using neutral protease and composite flavor protease was employed, followed by membrane separation using a 10,000 Da molecular weight ultrafiltration membrane, yielding a sea cucumber peptide yield of 45.00 ± 0.12% and a sea cucumber polysaccharide yield of 51.28 ± 0.63%. Following the removal of aromatic amino acids by means of activated carbon adsorption, the F-value of the high-F-value oligopeptides attained 23.82, with a yield of 24.56%. The experimental findings demonstrated that high-F-value oligopeptides exhibited a substantial increase in the swimming duration of mice and a notable enhancement in their grip strength. These observations signified their substantial anti-fatigue potential. Furthermore, studies have indicated that sea cucumber high-F-value oligopeptides reduce metabolites produced by exercise, enhance muscle protection, increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body, and alleviate fatigue, thereby achieving an anti-fatigue effect. Full article

This study describes the development of a biodegradable biopolymer formulated from protein–polysaccharide matrices enriched with antioxidant hydrolysates obtained from Cyprinus carpio by-products. The hydrolysates were produced through targeted enzymatic hydrolysis using plant-derived proteases, yielding peptide fractions with relevant radical-scavenging activity. Molecular characterization (DSC) confirmed the presence of thermal stability suitable for cold-chain applications, while the resulting biopolymer displayed flexible and cohesive structural behavior. The material was evaluated as an edible coating for raspberries stored at 4 °C. Coatings containing the hydrolysates, particularly those generated with bromelain, more effectively slowed physicochemical deterioration, modulated oxidative reactions, and helped to preserve nutritional quality during storage. These findings indicate that integrating bioactive peptide hydrolysates into biodegradable polymer networks enhances their functional performance, offering a sustainable approach for food preservation and valorization of agro-aquaculture residues. Full article