Search Results (343)

Ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation has been investigated as a non-thermal treatment for fresh produce, but its antimicrobial effectiveness may vary during storage. This study evaluated the effects of UV-B irradiation on microbial populations and quality attributes of fresh-cut spinach during cold storage. Prior to packaging, spinach leaves were treated with 0, 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9 kJ m⁻² UV-B and stored at 5 °C for 12 days. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB), total psychrophilic aerobic bacteria (TPAB), Enterobacteriaceae, and yeast and mold counts, together with total soluble solids (TSS), visual quality, and color characteristics, including lightness (L*), hue angle (h°), and yellowness index (YI), were evaluated during storage. UV-B exerted only a temporary suppressive effect on microbial growth, particularly on days 5–7, whereas some microbial populations increased during later storage, demonstrating the absence of sustained microbial control. In contrast, the highest UV-B dose (0.9 kJ m⁻²) maintained the highest overall visual quality and a favorable color profile, characterized by relatively low L* and high h° values. TSS showed treatment- and time-dependent response without a consistent dose-dependent pattern. Integrated hierarchical clustering and heatmap analyses revealed pronounced temporal organization and demonstrated that microbial and quality responses did not necessarily progress in parallel. Overall, UV-B treatment contributed to the preservation of selected quality attributes but did not provide sustained suppression of microbial populations during refrigerated storage, indicating that complementary preservation technologies may be necessary for effective microbial management. Full article

“Shetaicui” is a distinctive quartzite jade from the Dashetai area of Inner Mongolia. Its green variety has attracted considerable academic attention because of its characteristic color and relatively high economic value, yet its color genesis and formation process remain poorly understood. Here, green “Shetaicui” was examined by petrographic observation, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, colorimetric measurements, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). These methods were used to characterize its mineral composition and textures and investigate its color genesis and formation process. The results show that the jade is a fine-grained muscovite quartzite, whereas the wall rock is a fine-grained chlorite–quartz–muscovite schist. Coloration is mainly associated with Cr-bearing muscovite. Cr is the principal chromogenic element, whereas Fe contributes to coloration to a lesser extent. Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression show that Cr₂O₃ is most strongly correlated with a* and C*, whereas FeO^T is most strongly correlated with L* and shows a weaker positive correlation with b*. Petrographic textures and mineral assemblages indicate that the jade and its wall rock underwent regional metamorphism broadly consistent with greenschist-facies conditions. Formation proceeded through three stages: sedimentary protolith formation, regional metamorphism, and jade formation during late fluid alteration. During regional metamorphism, quartz-rich sandy horizons formed a Qtz I-dominated pre-jade quartzite, whereas muddy horizons formed the chlorite–quartz–muscovite schist wall rock. Subsequent fluid alteration led to the formation of Cr-bearing muscovite and Qtz II within the pre-jade quartzite. Cr-bearing muscovite imparted the characteristic green coloration, completing the transformation of the pre-jade quartzite into “Shetaicui” jade. These results clarify the correlations between chromogenic elements and colorimetric parameters in green “Shetaicui” and provide petrographic and mineralogical evidence for this three-stage formation process. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) exposure accelerates skin aging through wavelength-dependent effects. Ultraviolet A (UVA) penetrates relatively deeply into the dermis and promotes oxidative stress and extracellular-matrix remodeling, whereas ultraviolet B (UVB) is absorbed predominantly in the epidermis and produces direct DNA damage and inflammation; nevertheless, UVB can also alter dermal fibroblast matrix metabolism in experimental models. The present study specifically used UVB irradiation (peak wavelength, 306 nm) to examine inflammatory collagen loss. UVB-induced cellular injury activates the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to caspase-1-dependent maturation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-associated collagen degradation. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation is a non-optical biophysical modality that may modulate inflammatory and matrix responses. Here, we characterized the effects of PEMF exposure using Corefacial on UVB-induced dermal collagen loss in association with the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. In UVB-exposed fibroblasts, PEMF restored A2AAR and PKA protein levels, cAMP levels, and the pNLRP3/NLRP3 ratio, similar to the effects of the A2AAR agonist CGS-21680. PEMF also reduced apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-recruitment domain (ASC), caspase-1 activation markers, IL-1β secretion, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and MMP2/MMP3/MMP9 expression and increased the levels of collagen I and collagen III. In the in vivo UVB model, PEMF similarly increased A2AAR and PKA protein levels, cAMP levels, and the pNLRP3/NLRP3 ratio, while attenuating IL-1β/NF-κB/MMP-associated responses and preserving dermal collagen. These findings are consistent with, but do not prove, involvement of A2AAR/cAMP/PKA-related signaling and inhibitory NLRP3 phosphorylation in the PEMF response. These results should be interpreted as evidence from a UVB-specific experimental model rather than a comprehensive model of solar photoaging. Full article

The growing environmental impact of petroleum-based plastic packaging has accelerated the development of biodegradable materials from renewable resources. In this study, cellulose extracted from wheat straw was regenerated into biodegradable films using calcium-ion crosslinking and glycerol plasticization. A Box–Behnken experimental design optimized cellulose content (0.35–0.5 g), calcium chloride concentration (200–800 nm), and glycerol concentration (0.5–1.5%) to produce films with balanced mechanical and barrier properties. The optimized film was characterized for its physicochemical, mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and biodegradation properties and evaluated for fresh grape packaging. The film exhibited favorable mechanical strength of 30.82 ± 4.70 MPa, controlled water vapor permeability of 0.59 ± 0.06 10⁻¹⁰ gm⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹, elongation at break of 4.36 ± 0.35%, moderate transparency of 22.95 ± 0.65% mm⁻¹ at 600 nm, and ultraviolet light-blocking capability, allowing only 9.57 ± 1.44% of UV-B at 300 nm, and an IC₅₀ value of 0.33, indicating moderate antioxidant potential, with 35% biodegradation after 37 days at a soil moisture of 24%. During ambient storage, grapes packaged with the film reached 15% weight loss by 13 days, while slowing changes in total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, and vitamin C, and delaying visible quality deterioration. Compared with the uncovered control, packaged grapes maintained acceptable quality for approximately six additional days, reaching 15 days of storage. Unlike conventional polystyrene film, which promoted excessive gas accumulation and fruit cracking, the wheat straw cellulose film provided a semipermeable barrier that balanced moisture and gas exchange. The systematic optimization of these formulations, followed by comprehensive characterization of the optimized films, demonstrates the potential of wheat straw cellulose as a functional material for developing cellulose films as sustainable, biodegradable packaging materials for extending the postharvest quality of fresh produce. Full article

A comprehensive investigation is presented for cyclohexene, C₆H₁₀, via the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) absorption spectrum in the photon energy range 4.0–10.8 eV (310–115 nm). Quantum chemical calculations (Density Functional Theory (DFT), Time Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) and Equation of Motion Coupled-Cluster Single and Doubles (EOM-CCSD)) are combined with experiments in order to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about the electronic state spectroscopy of cyclohexene. The spectrum reveals several new features not previously reported in the literature, with special attention to the different Rydberg series converging to (11b)⁻¹ $\tilde{X}{}^{2}B$, (10b)⁻¹ $\tilde{A}{}^{2}B$, (12a)⁻¹ $\tilde{B}{}^{2}A$, (11a)⁻¹ $\tilde{C}{}^{2}A$, and (9b)⁻¹ $\tilde{D}{}^{2}B$ ionic electronic states of cyclohexene. We also provide absolute cross-section values from high-resolution VUV photoabsorption measurements, with photolysis lifetimes in the Earth’s atmosphere from 0 to 50 km altitude being obtained, showing that solar photolysis is not an important sink mechanism at altitudes lower than 22 km, relative to ^●OH radical reactions. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. This study investigated the protective effects of a mixture of propolis and Petasites japonicus (PPJM) against UVB-induced photoaging in SKH-1 hairless mice. HPLC analysis identified bakkenolide B, chrysin, and pinocembrin as the representative marker compounds of PPJM. Mice were orally administered PPJM (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) daily for 6 weeks during repeated UVB irradiation (90 mJ/cm², three times per week). PPJM significantly restored the glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels that had been reduced by UVB exposure. PPJM also decreased dorsal skin tissue IL-1β and TNF-α levels while increasing hyaluronan levels. Histological analysis showed that PPJM attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and collagen degradation. In addition, PPJM suppressed the expression of COX-2 and MMPs while increasing collagen type I and elastin expression. PPJM administration was also associated with reduced phosphorylation of p38 and JNK and with lower expression of c-Jun and FosB. These findings suggest that PPJM protects against UVB-induced photoaging in this preclinical model, in association with reduced oxidative stress and MAPK/AP-1-related ECM degradation. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major environmental factor contributing to skin photoaging by inducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix degradation in dermal fibroblasts. This study investigated the photoprotective effects of Thua Nao, a Thai fermented soybean, against UVB-induced human dermal fibroblast damage, and explored its underlying mechanisms. The dichloromethane fraction of Thua Nao (TN-DC) most effectively mitigated UVB-induced cell death. HPLC analysis identified daidzein and glycitein as the major constituent isoflavones in TN-DC that protect fibroblasts against UVB-induced cellular damage. Mechanistically, they reduced apoptosis by suppressing caspase-9 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activation and preserving mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, they suppressed inflammatory mediators including interleukin-6, interleukin-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 and prevented collagen loss. These protective outcomes correlated with decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species and upregulated endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase 1 and heme oxygenase. Signaling pathway analysis revealed that TN-DC activated the pro-survival extracellular-signal-regulated kinase and Akt pathways in UVB-exposed cells. Conversely, daidzein and glycitein selectively attenuated c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, downregulating downstream pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that TN-DC protects human dermal fibroblasts against UVB-induced photoaging primarily by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defense, thereby preserving cellular homeostasis through coordinated regulation of oxidative stress-responsive signaling pathways. Full article

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is a global concern, but its prevalence in critically ill patients in high-sunlight tropical regions is limited. This study evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in southern Taiwan and identified which variables correlate with deficiency and in-hospital mortality. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 221 critically ill patients, categorizing them by serum 25(OH)D levels as follows: Group A (sufficient, ≥30 ng/mL), Group B (insufficient, 20.0–29.9 ng/mL), and Group C (deficient, ≤19.9 ng/mL). Clinical variables, laboratory parameters, and outcomes were analyzed. Results: Despite the tropical climate, 33.5% of patients were vitamin D-deficient, and 47.1% were insufficient. Group C patients were significantly younger than other groups (p = 0.049). Significant differences between Groups C and A were observed in ICU length of stay (p = 0.036) and total hospital stay (p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis confirmed that only younger age (OR 0.968, p = 0.008) and low albumin level (OR 0.171, p < 0.001) were independently associated with vitamin D deficiency. Only serum albumin (p = 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among critically ill patients in southern Taiwan, challenging the assumption that tropical ultraviolet exposure is naturally protective. Younger age and hypoalbuminemia are independent predictors of vitamin D deficiency. However, vitamin D levels were not independently associated with in-hospital mortality, which was instead predicted by albumin and CRP levels. These findings highlight a high rate of hypovitaminosis D in ICU but do not support its role as an independent predictor of mortality. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus is an important zoonotic pathogen that threatens public health, food safety, and livestock production. Bacteriophages are promising antibacterial agents for controlling antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus, but their biological properties and genomic safety require systematic evaluation. In this study, three S. aureus phages, vB_SauL_202501, vB_SauM_202502, and vB_SauL_202503, were isolated from sewage samples and characterized by morphological observation, biological assays, whole-genome sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Transmission electron microscopy showed that vB_SauL_202501 and vB_SauL_202503 exhibited siphovirus-like morphology, whereas vB_SauM_202502 displayed myovirus-like morphology. Among the three phages, vB_SauM_202502 showed a relatively broader lytic spectrum and stronger sustained lytic activity in the spot assay. The optimal multiplicities of infection were 0.1, 0.1, and 0.01, respectively, and vB_SauL_202503 showed the shortest latent period, approximately 30 min. All three phages retained detectable infectivity at pH 5–10 and 4–37 °C, while vB_SauM_202502 maintained relatively high residual titers after heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation. Genome analysis revealed double-stranded DNA genomes of 43,180–44,630 bp with GC contents of approximately 33.5%. No typical antimicrobial resistance genes or definitive auxiliary metabolic genes were identified. However, genes associated with lysogenic regulation, recombination, or immune modulation were detected in some phages, indicating that their lifestyles and application safety require further validation. These findings enrich S. aureus phage resources and provide a basis for the comparative characterization and safety assessment of candidate phages. Full article

Rosin- and castor-oil-derived resins provide a renewable platform for rapidly curable protective coatings, but the effects of formulation and curing route remain insufficiently resolved. Four composite formulations containing modified rosin glycerol ester (MRGE) and modified castor oil anhydride (MCOA) were cured thermally using ultraviolet irradiation or electron beam (EB) irradiation. Surface C=C conversion, thermal behavior, morphology, mechanical properties, neutral salt spray resistance, electrochemical barrier performance, and AC dielectric breakdown strength were evaluated. Among the formulations tested, F2 (MRGE/MCOA = 3:1) showed the best overall property balance under each curing route. For F2, EB curing produced a surface C=C conversion of 92 ± 2%, a glass transition temperature of 88 ± 1 °C, an 800 °C residue of 12.5 ± 0.3%, and an atomic force microscope (AFM) roughness Ra of 5.8 ± 0.5 nm. F2-EB exhibited 9H pencil hardness, 5B adhesion, an impact resistance of 55 ± 2 cm·kg, and a flexibility value of 1.0 ± 0.1 mm. After 500 h of neutral salt spray, both F2-EB and F2-UV achieved a protection rating of 10 with no measurable corrosion creep at the scribe; time-resolved photographs at 100, 300, and 500 h confirmed that F2-EB showed the least visible damage evolution among the three curing routes. After 1 day of immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl, F2-EB exhibited the largest low-frequency impedance and the lowest fitted corrosion current density among the EB-cured formulations, indicating the strongest short-term electrolyte barrier behavior. The AC dielectric breakdown strength of F2-EB reached 21.5 ± 0.3 kV mm⁻¹. The combined results are consistent with more extensive EB-induced network formation, although direct measurements of through-thickness conversion and crosslink density are still required. These findings demonstrate the potential of EB curing for rapidly preparing rosin/castor-oil-derived protective coatings for electrical insulation applications. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable crop protection has intensified interest in biological control agents. This study characterized a Trichoderma asperellum strain (IDE-10) to assess its suitability for integrated pest and disease management. Key ecophysiological traits, including temperature, pH, and ultraviolet (UV) tolerance, were evaluated, along with compatibility with commonly used fungicides and insecticides. The strain exhibited optimal growth at 28.28 °C and sustained high growth rates up to 35 °C, with a maximum threshold of 39.21 °C, indicating strong adaptation to warm climates. Sporulation was enhanced between 25 and 35 °C, with no growth at 5 °C, and soil viability remained stable from 7 to 21 °C. The IDE-10 strain demonstrated broad pH tolerance (3–7) and high resistance to UV-A and UV-B radiation, distinguishing it from commercial strains. Insecticides had no significant adverse effects, while fungicide compatibility varied, with IDE-10 being compatible with metalaxyl- and copper-based formulations. These findings highlight the robustness and adaptability of T. asperellum IDE-10, supporting its potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable crop protection strategies, particularly in Mediterranean agricultural systems. Full article

Aronia melanocarpa puree is rich in anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, but its pronounced tannin-derived astringency limits product acceptance. This study developed a non-removal astringency-modulation strategy using food-grade L-proline and evaluated its molecular basis, processing window, and quality effects. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic analyses suggested that L-proline altered the local microenvironment of procyanidin B2 (PC-B2) through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic association, and molecular packing rearrangement, without evident disruption of the PC-B2 aromatic skeleton. In a PC-B2–bovine serum albumin model, an appropriate L-proline level reduced the protein precipitation rate from 45.3% to 31.2% and increased soluble phenolic retention, suggesting weakened polyphenol–protein precipitation. The strategy was then optimized in puree using machine learning-assisted multi-response analysis and Box–Behnken validation. The recommended condition was 150 mg/100 mL L-proline at 40 °C for 60 min, yielding a deastringency rate of 36.13%, with anthocyanin and vitamin C retention rates of 88.80% and 55.56%, respectively. The optimized treatment maintained red color, colloidal dispersion, and shear-thinning behavior; increased the anthocyanin digestion retention index from 50.0% to 87.4%; and improved overall sensory acceptance from 4.17 to 8.17. These findings support L-proline-mediated microenvironmental modulation as a mild processing approach for high-tannin cloudy berry products. Full article

Chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation drives cutaneous photoaging—clinically manifesting as erythema, edema, scaling, deep wrinkling, loss of elasticity, and barrier disruption—through mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) overproduction and quality-control failure. Here we identify α-ketoglutarate (AKG; also known as 2-oxoglutarate), a TCA-cycle intermediate and essential co-substrate for α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases (α-KGDDs), as a metabolic corrector of mitochondrial redox homeostasis in UVB-induced photoaging. In a 10-week chronic UVB SKH1 hairless mouse model, microneedle-assisted transdermal delivery of AKG dose-dependently attenuated macroscopic erythema, scaling, and erosive lesions, restored skin barrier function and dermal elasticity, preserved epidermal–dermal architecture, and protected collagen and elastic fiber integrity, with efficacy comparable to all-trans retinoic acid. Mechanistically, AKG reactivated α-KGDD/prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) catalytic function and promoted proteasomal clearance of aberrantly stabilized HIF-1α under normoxia; this was accompanied by restored AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation downstream of constitutive LKB1 and recovery of PGC-1α-driven mitochondrial biogenesis. AKG preferentially attenuated mitochondrial superoxide over total cellular ROS through a co-substrate-mediated mechanism distinct from direct radical scavenging, and its protective effects were largely abrogated by DMOG (an α-KGDD inhibitor) or compound C (an AMPK inhibitor). These findings position AKG, delivered via microneedle-assisted topical application, as a candidate metabolite-based intervention targeting the α-KGDD/HIF-1α/AMPK axis for photoaging. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation-induced corneal injury poses a significant public health challenge. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood, hindering the development of effective interventions. This study identified a key molecular pathway in UVB-induced corneal damage, revealing that UVB exposure triggers a rapid intracellular burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in turn upregulates and aberrantly activates the receptor tyrosine kinase Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), thereby collectively accelerating DNA damage and photoaging in corneal epithelial cells. Based on this mechanism, we developed the natural compound Penicophenone F (PP-F), which was screened and identified from the Arctic fungus Penicillium sp. MYA5, as a novel therapeutic strategy against UVB-induced corneal damage. In vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that PP-F may mediate its therapeutic effects via a dual mechanism. On one hand, it may counteract UVB damage by modulating ROS levels through regulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting aberrant EphA2 activation, and promoting cellular proliferation and DNA repair. On the other hand, it may upregulate IRF6 to activate the cGAS pathway, which could enhance antioxidant defenses and significantly contribute to the restoration of epithelial barrier integrity and overall corneal physiology. These results underscore the safety and potential of PP-F in treating UVB-induced corneal damage and other oxidative stress-related ocular surface diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dioscorea batatas Decne (yam), which contains various bioactive compounds, has been utilized in the cosmetics industry, while most of the peel of D. batatas (DBP) is discarded without further use. Recent studies have shown that DBP contains higher levels of bioactive substances than the rhizome flesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin biological activities of DBP extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70% EtOH DBP), 95% ethanol (95% EtOH DBP), and ethyl acetate (EA DBP), with particular attention to their antioxidant-associated protective effects. Methods: Skin-related bioactivities of DBP extracts prepared using ultrasonic extraction were evaluated using in vitro tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) assays, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT viability assays, and Western blot analysis of pro-collagen type I alpha 1(Pro-COL1A1) and MMP-1 in HDF cells. In addition, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of DBP extracts and representative DBP derivatives were assessed. Results: DBP extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and reduced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. DBP extracts also protected skin cells from UVB by increasing the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated HDF cells, DBP extracts restored Pro-COL1A1 expression and suppressed MMP-1 levels. Additionally, DBP extracts inhibited MMP-1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The DBP extracts themselves exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, with EA DBP showing the highest vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity among the tested extracts. Representative DBP-derived phenanthrene compounds also showed radical scavenging activities, supporting the antioxidant potential of peel-derived phytochemicals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DBP extracts possess skin-whitening and anti-photoaging effects and suggest that these protective activities may be associated with the antioxidant potential of both DBP extracts and DBP derivatives. Full article