Search Results (1,064)

Sedation and anesthesia are essential for ensuring animal welfare during surgical procedures such as hernia repair in swine. However, the number of sedative and anesthetic agents officially approved for livestock use remained limited. This study evaluated the sedative efficacy and serotonergic effects of a romifidine/ketamine/diazepam protocol, with and without the addition of tramadol, in swine undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Sixty-six crossbred Large White swine were randomly allocated to three groups: LL (lidocaine 4 mg/kg by infiltration), LT (lidocaine 2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and TT (lidocaine2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The physiological parameters heart rate, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, rectal body temperature, and respiratory rate were assessed. The depth of intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative sedation was assessed using an ordinal scoring system (0–3). Plasma serotonin (5-HT) concentration was measured at baseline and 24 h post-surgery. Physiological parameters remained within species-specific reference ranges throughout the procedure. Anesthesia depth scores significantly decreased over time in all groups (p ≤ 0.001), with the tramadol-treated groups (LT and TT) showing more prolonged deeper anesthesia. Postoperative sedation was significantly higher in the TT group (p ≤ 0.001). Serotonin concentration decreased in LL, increased in LT, and remained stable in TT. These findings suggest that tramadol may enhance sedation and recovery, potentially through serotonergic modulation. Moreover, serotonin could serve as a physiological marker warranting further investigation in future studies of anesthetic protocols in veterinary medicine. Full article

Natural compounds, particularly flavonoids, have emerged as promising anticancer agents due to their various biological activities and no or negligible toxicity towards healthy tissues. Among these, isorhamnetin, a methylated flavonoid, has gained significant attention for its potential to target multiple cancer hallmarks. This review comprehensively explores the mechanisms by which isorhamnetin exerts its anticancer effects, including cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, suppression of metastasis and angiogenesis, and modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Notably, isorhamnetin arrests cancer cell proliferation by regulating cyclins, and CDKs induce apoptosis via caspase activation and mitochondrial dysfunction. It inhibits metastatic progression by downregulating MMPs, VEGF, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Furthermore, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties mitigate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, restricting cancer progression and modulating tumor microenvironments. Combining isorhamnetin with other treatments was also discussed to overcome multidrug resistance. Importantly, this review integrates the recent literature (2022–2024) and highlights isorhamnetin’s roles in modulating cancer-specific signaling pathways, immune evasion, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and combination therapies. We also discuss nanoformulation-based strategies that significantly enhance isorhamnetin’s delivery and bioavailability. This positions isorhamnetin as a promising adjunct in modern oncology, capable of improving therapeutic outcomes when used alone or in synergy with conventional treatments. The future perspectives and potential research directions were also summarized. By consolidating current knowledge and identifying critical research gaps, this review positions Isorhamnetin as a potent and versatile candidate in modern oncology, offering a pathway toward safer and more effective cancer treatment strategies. Full article

Due to their nutritional value and sustainability, edible insect-based foods are gaining popularity in Europe. Their use is regulated by EU legislation, which defines authorised species and sets labelling requirements. Molecular tools are being developed to authenticate such products. In this study, yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae authorised for human consumption were fed wheat flour-based diets containing varying proportions of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) flour for 21 days. This was followed by a 48 h starvation period to assess the persistence of insect DNA in the digestive tract. Two novel, species-specific, single-copy markers were designed: ampd gene for the Acheta domesticus and MyD88 gene for the Tenebrio molitor. These were applied using qPCR and ddPCR. Both methods successfully detected cricket DNA in the guts of starved larvae. Linear regression analysis revealed a strong, statistically significant correlation between the proportion of Acheta domesticus flour in the diet and the normalised relative quantity of DNA. ddPCR proved to be more sensitive than qPCR, particularly in the detection of low DNA levels. These results suggest that the presence of DNA from undeclared insect species in edible insects may be indicative of their diet rather than contamination or adulteration. This highlights the importance of contextual interpretation in food authenticity testing. Full article

This study investigates the genetic diversity and population structure of Castanopsis tribuloides, a vital tree species in Asian forest ecosystems. Understanding the genetic patterns of keystone forest species provides critical insights into forest resilience and ecosystem function and informs conservation strategies. We analyzed population samples collected from three distinct locations within Doi Suthep Mountain in northern Thailand using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers to assess both intra- and inter-population genetic relationships. DNA was extracted from leaf samples and analyzed using a panel of polymorphic microsatellite loci specifically optimized for Castanopsis species. Statistical analyses included the assessment of forensic parameters (number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity, gene diversity, polymorphic information content), population differentiation metrics (G_ST), inbreeding coefficients (F_IS), and gene flow estimates (N_m). We further examined population history through bottleneck analysis using three models (IAM, SMM, and TPM) and visualized genetic relationships through principal coordinate analysis and cluster analysis. Our results revealed significant patterns of genetic structuring across the sampled populations, with genetic distance metrics showing statistically significant differentiation between certain population pairs. The PCA and cluster analyses confirmed distinct population groupings that correspond to geographic distribution patterns. These findings provide the first comprehensive assessment of C. tribuloides population genetics in this region, establishing baseline data for monitoring genetic diversity and informing conservation strategies. This research contributes to our understanding of how landscape features and ecological factors shape genetic diversity patterns in essential forest tree species, with implications for managing forest genetic resources in the face of environmental change. Full article

γ-tocopherol is an important antioxidant compound associated with anticancer activity in several plants. This study aimed to analyze the γ-TMT (γ-tocopherol methyltransferase) gene sequence and predict its protein structure in mutant rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) plants. Degenerate primers were designed from homologous sequences in monocot species and used to amplify the γ-TMT gene. Amplification of the γ-TMT gene was observedin the mutant and the wild-type plants. The amplified region partially covers the γ-TMT gene, which has undergone mutations due to a combination of somaclonal variation and gamma irradiation. Sequence analysis revealed notable variations between mutant and wild-type lines, including base substitutions and deletions. Predicted protein structures based on the coding DNA sequence (CDS) revealed notable differences in helix and loop orientation, particularly in the C-terminal domain and central regions of the protein. These structural differences suggest potential links to increased tocopherol biosynthesis or biological activity; however, further experimental validation is required to confirm these functional implications. This study provides foundational insights into the link between the expression of the γ-TMT gene and tocopherol biosynthesis and supports the development of specific molecular markers in T. flagelliforme. Full article

The increasing popularity of “superseeds” such as flax, sesame, amaranth and quinoa as functional foods raises the need for robust analytical methods for authentication purposes. In this work, a standardized workflow for the extraction, characterization and identification of unique peptides that may be used as markers to distinguish superseed species was investigated. Ammonium bicarbonate/urea (Ambi/urea) extraction, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) buffer and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation were initially implemented and, based on the level and composition of the extracted proteins, the SDS buffer protocol was selected. Electrophoresis analysis revealed consistent protein profiles between biological replicates from each of the eleven seed species, confirming the reproducibility of the SDS buffer protocol. Targeted mass spectrometry successfully identified species-specific peptide markers for six of eleven superseeds investigated, including peptides from conlinins in flaxseed (WVQQAK), 11S globulins in sesame (LVYIER), oleosin in quinoa (DVGQTIESK), agglutin-like lectins in amaranth (CAGVSVIR), as well as cupin-like proteins in poppy seeds (INIVNSQK) and edestins in hemp seeds (FLQLSAER). Moreover, proteome cross-analysis allowed us to disqualify the isomeric peptide LTALEPTNR from 11S globulins present in amaranth and quinoa. However, no reliable markers were identified for chia, canihua, basil, black cumin, and psyllium seeds under current conditions. While this targeted proteomics approach shows promise for superseed authentication, comprehensive method validation and alternative strategies for marker-deficient species are required before routine implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is a cardiovascular condition characterized by delayed passage of contrast medium through the coronary arteries, predominantly affecting young male smokers admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Although over 80% of patients experience recurrent chest pain and more than 20% require readmission, the etiology of CSFP remains poorly understood. Given the emerging role of gut microbiome in cardiovascular diseases, this study investigates the microbial composition associated with CSFP. Methods: Stool samples were collected from patients diagnosed with CSFP and healthy control individuals. Microbiota profiling was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Taxonomic differences were evaluated to identify microbial markers potentially associated with CSFP. Results: The analysis revealed a notable enrichment of the genus Gemmiger and the species Anaerobutyricum in CSFP patients, specifically within the selenium metabolism pathway. This is of particular interest given the established link between selenium deficiency and heightened cardiovascular risk, suggesting a possible microbiome-mediated modulation of selenium bioavailability in CSFP pathophysiology. Moreover, a marked increase in taxa associated with the biosynthesis of trimethylamine (TMA), a proatherogenic metabolite implicated in the onset and progression of various cardiovascular disorders, was observed in the CSFP cohort, further supporting a potential mechanistic role of gut microbiota in the disease’s underlying etiology. Conclusions: Although statistical significance could not be established due to the limited sample size, the observed trends support the hypothesis that specific gut microbes and metabolic pathways, particularly those linked to selenium metabolism and TMA production, may serve as potential microbial indicators for CSFP. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation in larger cohorts. Full article

Lard imparts unique organoleptic properties that underpin its essential role in Chinese gastronomy; however, the specific lipid precursors contributing to its aroma remain unclear. This study explores the flavor formation mechanism of lard by comparing its texture and aroma at two preparation temperatures, 130 °C and 100 °C. We identified a total of 256 and 253 lipids at these temperatures, respectively, with triacylglycerols (TGs) and diacylglycerols (DGs) being the predominant lipid species. An HS-GC-IMS analysis detected 67 volatile compounds, predominantly aldehydes, acids, and alcohols. A subsequent Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) identified 49 discriminatory lipids and 20 differential volatiles. A correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between aldehydes and unsaturated triglycerides in lard, with TG (16:1-16:1-18:0), TG (17:2-18:1-18:1), TG (16:1-17:1-18:1), and TG (18:1-18:1-20:1) identified as characteristic markers at both temperatures. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between ketones and alcohols and phospholipids and sphingolipids containing unsaturated fatty acid chains. TGs and glycerophospholipids (GPs), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, are likely key precursors driving the formation of distinct flavors during lard processing. This study elucidates the mechanistic interactions between lipids and volatile organic compounds, providing a framework for optimizing lard processing protocols and flavor modulation. Full article

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful techniques that have been employed to analyze foodstuffs comprehensively. These techniques offer in-depth information about the chemical composition, structure, and spatial distribution of components in a variety of food products. Quantitative NMR is widely applied for precise quantification of metabolites, authentication of food products, and monitoring of food quality. Low-field ¹H-NMR relaxometry is an important technique for investigating the most abundant components of intact foodstuffs based on relaxation times and amplitude of the NMR signals. In particular, information on water compartments, diffusion, and movement can be obtained by detecting proton signals because of H₂O in foodstuffs. Saffron adulterations with calendula, safflower, turmeric, sandalwood, and tartrazine have been analyzed using benchtop NMR, an alternative to the high-field NMR approach. The fraudulent addition of Robusta to Arabica coffee was investigated by ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy and the marker of Robusta coffee can be detected in the ¹H-NMR spectrum. MRI images can be a reliable tool for appreciating morphological differences in vegetables and fruits. In kiwifruit, the effects of water loss and the states of water were investigated using MRI. It provides informative images regarding the spin density distribution of water molecules and the relationship between water and cellular tissues. ¹H-NMR spectra of aqueous extract of kiwifruits affected by elephantiasis show a higher number of small oligosaccharides than healthy fruits do. One of the frauds that has been detected in the olive oil sector reflects the addition of hazelnut oils to olive oils. However, using the NMR methodology, it is possible to distinguish the two types of oils, since, in hazelnut oils, linolenic fatty chains and squalene are absent, which is also indicated by the ¹H-NMR spectrum. NMR has been applied to detect milk adulterations, such as bovine milk being spiked with known levels of whey, urea, synthetic urine, and synthetic milk. In particular, T2 relaxation time has been found to be significantly affected by adulteration as it increases with adulterant percentage. The ¹H spectrum of honey samples from two botanical species shows the presence of signals due to the specific markers of two botanical species. NMR generates large datasets due to the complexity of food matrices and, to deal with this, chemometrics (multivariate analysis) can be applied to monitor the changes in the constituents of foodstuffs, assess the self-life, and determine the effects of storage conditions. Multivariate analysis could help in managing and interpreting complex NMR data by reducing dimensionality and identifying patterns. NMR spectroscopy followed by multivariate analysis can be channelized for evaluating the nutritional profile of food products by quantifying vitamins, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and other nutrients. In this review, we summarize the importance of NMR spectroscopy in chemical profiling and quality assessment of food products employing magnetic resonance technologies and multivariate statistical analysis. Full article

This study investigates the potential role of Acrocalymma dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi in promoting the growth of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). Recognized as important symbionts that enhance plant growth and resilience under stress, particularly Acrocalymma species, DSE fungi were the focus of this investigation. Specifically, four stains isolated from gramineous plant roots (Acrocalymma sp. E00677, Acrocalymma vagum E00690, Acrocalymma chuxiongense E01299A, and Acrocalymma chuxiongense E01299B) were examined. Morphological characteristics were observed using three different media, confirming typical DSE traits such as dark pigmentation and septate hyphae. Phylogenetic analysis using six genetic markers (ITS, LSU, SSU, tef1, rpb2, and tub2) placed the strains within the Acrocalymma genus. Co-culture test and physiological index measurements showed that all strains significantly enhanced root development, as evidenced by an increased root-to-shoot ratio and a higher number of lateral roots. Additionally, the Acrocalymma DSE strains elevated chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency. Anthocyanin levels were also increased in the tomato leaves, indicating enhanced antioxidative defense mechanisms. Among these strains, Acrocalymma vagum E00690 exhibited the most substantial effect on root activity. The widespread presence of 325 Acrocalymma isolates from 25 countries underscores its broad ecological adaptability. These findings suggest that Acrocalymma DSE fungi positively influence tomato growth, with potential implications for improving plant resilience under environmental stress. This study highlights the importance of further exploring DSEs, particularly Acrocalymma fungi, to better understand their ecological roles in agricultural practices, particularly in tomato cultivation. Full article

Sixteen long-ripened, high-quality Cabrales cheeses from independent producers underwent a comprehensive biochemical and microbiological characterisation. Significant variations in total microbial counts and specific microbial groups were observed among the cheeses. A metataxonomic analysis identified 249 prokaryotic amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and 99 eukaryotic ASVs, respectively, which were classified into 52 prokaryotic and 43 eukaryotic species. The predominant species included bacteria of the genera Tetragenococcus, Lactococcus (of which Lactococcus lactis was used as a starter), and Staphylococcus, followed by Brevibacterium and Corynebacterium species. The starter mould Penicillium roqueforti was highly abundant in all cheeses; Debaryomyces hansenii, Geotrichum candidum, and Kluyveromyces spp. constituted the subdominant fungal populations. Glutamic acid (≈20 mg g⁻¹) was the most abundant free amino acid in all samples, followed by lysine, leucine, and valine (≈10–13 mg g⁻¹). Moderate-to-high amounts of the biogenic amines tyramine and ornithine were detected. A large variation between cheeses of the main organic acids (lactic, acetic, or butyric) was detected. Differences between samples were also observed for the majority volatile compounds, which included organic acids, alcohols, esters, and ketones. Positive and negative correlations between bacterial and fungal species were detected, as well as between microbial populations and key biochemical markers. Among the latter, Tetragenococcus halophilus correlated positively with ethyl caprylate and hexanoic acid, and Loigolactobacillus rennini correlated positively with γ-aminobutyric acid. Conversely, Staphylococcus equorum showed a strong negative correlation with ethyl caprylate and capric acid. These microbial and biochemical insights enabled us to propose a microbiota-based starter culture comprising prokaryotic and eukaryotic components to enhance Cabrales cheese quality. Full article

Echinochloa spp. are among the most problematic malignant weeds in paddy fields. Under long-term herbicide selection pressure, they have developed resistances to multiple herbicides, leading to diminished control efficacy. Precision herbicide application, tailored to the susceptibility disparities among Echinochloa species, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance weed control efficacy and decelerate herbicide resistance development. Nevertheless, the herbicide susceptibility variation across different Echinochloa taxa remain uncharted. Therefore, in this study, we determined the susceptibility of five Echinochloa species to 15 commonly used herbicides using the whole-plant bioassay method. Additionally, we explored the feasibility of employing the CDDP molecular marker technique for the rapid identification of distinct Echinochloa species. The results showing that five Echinochloa species exhibited differential susceptibility to 12 of the 15 herbicides tested underscore the necessity of personalized herbicide application strategies. Among the seven CDDP markers, KNOX-3 generated a specific band in the Echinochloa caudata population, which can be used to distinguish it from the other four Echinochloa species. The findings of this study will facilitate the precision application of herbicides for Echinochloa management in paddy fields. Full article

The number of Fritillaria species native to the Alps has long been debated, and observational biases due to the short flowering periods and the scattered distributions of endemic Fritillaria populations along the mountain range have probably made the task of botanists more complicated. Moreover, previous phylogenetic studies in Fritillaria have considered alpine taxa only marginally. To test species boundaries within the F. tubaeformis species complex and to study their phylogenetic relationships, intra- and inter-specific genetic variability of sixteen samples belonging to four Fritillaria species was carried out in different localities of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, with extensions to the rest of the Alpine arc. The combined use of five plastid DNA markers (matK, ndhF, rpl16, rpoC1, and petA-psbJ) and nrITS showed that F. tubaeformis and F. burnatii are phylogenetically independent taxa, fully confirming morphological and morphometric divergences and, that F. burnatii is not related phylogenetically to the central European F. meleagris. Our phylogenetic study also supports the separation of F. tubaeformis from F. moggridgei, pointing to environment/ecological constraints or reproductive barriers as possible causes of their distinct evolutionary status. Our analysis also showed that the mountain endemic F. involucrata is not closely related to F. tubaeformis, contrasting with previous studies. The phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS region supports a close relationship between F. burnatii and F. moggridgei, but with low statistical support. Full article

The wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus is a Neotropical species characterized by remarkable karyotypic diversity, including seven karyomorphs (KarA-G) with distinct sex chromosome systems. This study investigated the homologous XY (KarF) and XY₁Y₂ (KarG) sex chromosome systems present in this species by integrating cytogenetics and genomics to examine sex chromosomes’ composition through characterization of repeatome (satellite DNA and transposable elements) and sex-linked markers. Our analysis indicated that both karyomorphs are little differentiated in their sex chromosomes content revealed by satDNA mapping and putative sex-linked markers. Both repeatomes were mostly composed of transposable elements, but neither intra- (male versus female) nor interspecific (KarF x KarG) variations were found. In both systems, we demonstrated the occurrence of sex-specific sequences probably located on the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome supported by the accumulation of sex-specific haplotypes of HmfSat10-28/HmgSat31-28. This investigation offered valuable insights by highlighting the composition of homologous XY and XY₁Y₂ multiple sex chromosomes. Although homologous, the large Y chromosome in KarF corresponds to two separate linkage groups (Y₁ and Y₂) in KarG implying a specific meiotic arrangement involving the X chromosome in a meiotic trivalent chain. This scenario likely influenced recombination rates and, as a result, the genomic composition of these chromosomes. Full article

One of the critical challenges in assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the inadequacy of effective regulation of reactive oxygen species. Simultaneously, the endogenous antioxidant defense system plays a significant role in combating oxidative stress across various physiological stages of embryonic development. However, these intrinsic defense systems alone are insufficient as they rely on exogenous antioxidants that interact synergistically to enhance and sustain antioxidant capacity. Considering the principal role of antioxidants in mitigating oxidative stress in oocyte growth, identifying reliable and non-toxic antioxidants is an essential prerequisite for effective therapeutic applications. Thus, owing to the need to explore exogenous antioxidants, we attempted to summarize and analyze the literature data defining the potential use of curcumin in mitigating oxidative stress to promote oocyte maturation through in vivo and in vitro model studies. Recent studies demonstrated the protective role of curcumin against oxidative stress and the inflammatory response, primarily through the upregulation of key antioxidant enzymes (including SOD, CAT and GPx), a reduction in oxidative stress markers (e.g., ROS, MDA) and by suppressing the pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (such as NF-kB, JAK/STAT) while activating the NRF2/HO-1 pathway to further enhance the cellular antioxidant defense. Advancing curcumin as a therapeutic agent necessitates a thorough understanding of curcumin’s molecular mechanisms and targeted pharmacological effectiveness to treat female infertility, and despite the progress in enhancing curcumin’s bioavailability, the optimal dosing strategies still need to be defined. Future studies are required to develop strategies to augment antioxidant defense mechanisms (modeling in vivo and in vitro studies) using curcumin with a specific emphasis on curcumin’s role in improving mitochondrial activity. This approach is expected to represent a significant advancement in the field of medicine, offering novel therapeutic possibilities. Full article