Search Results (2,808)

This study examines how olive oil acidity affects the stability of oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions. Nanoemulsions were prepared using oils of 0.33, 4.67, and 12.66% w/w acidity, at 5, 10 and 15% v/v oil and 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% v/v Tween-80, and stored for 120 h at 25 °C. High-acidity oil (12.66% w/w) produced the most stable systems, with conductivity reduced by ~40–60% compared to low-acidity oils (e.g., 31–52 μS/cm vs. 80–145 μS/cm at 10–15% oil). Viscosity ranged from 1.55 mPa·s at 0.33% w/w to 1.87 mPa·s at 12.66% w/w. The optimal formulation—12.66% w/w acidity, 5% v/v oil, and 1.0% v/v Tween-80—yielded the smallest and most stable droplets, with low PDI (~0.26) and high negative ζ-potential (−36 to −44 mV). These results indicate that elevated free fatty acids and endogenous amphiphilic compounds can act as co-surfactants, enhancing interfacial stabilization and improving nanoemulsion performance. Full article

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) impacts more than 200 million individuals globally. Despite its prevalence, management remains suboptimal, partly due to the lack of reliable blood-based biomarkers. The ankle–brachial index (ABI), the current gold-standard test for PAD, is limited by inter-operator variability, misinterpretation, and reduced accuracy in patients with diabetes. Fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3) has emerged as a potential biomarker for PAD; however, its prognostic performance relative to ABI remains unclear. This study compared FABP3 and ABI for predicting PAD outcomes using statistical and machine learning approaches. Methods: A total of 1001 participants were prospectively recruited, including 644 patients with PAD and 357 without PAD. The primary outcome was 2-year major adverse limb event (MALE), defined as a composite of vascular intervention, major amputation, or acute limb ischemia. At enrollment, plasma FABP3 was quantified using a validated multiplex immunoassay. Kaplan–Meier analysis of MALE-free survival was performed across pre-specified FABP3 tertiles (high [>3.55 ng/mL], moderate [1.55–3.55 ng/mL], and low [<1.55 ng/mL]) and ABI tertiles (severe [<0.40], moderate [0.40–<0.70], and mild [0.70–0.90]), with curve separation assessed using log-rank tests. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to evaluate the independent relationships of FABP3 and ABI with 2-year MALE after adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical covariates. To assess predictive performance for 2-year MALE, an extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classification model incorporating 10-fold cross-validation was trained using a combination of clinical covariates, plasma FABP3 levels, and ABI. Discriminatory performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: The average participant age was 68 years (SD 12), and 34% (n = 340) were women. Mean ABI was 0.75 ± 0.25 and mean FABP3 concentration was 2.97 ± 2.06 ng/mL. Among the 644 participants with PAD, 558 (86.6%) had complete time-to-event data for MALE status, FABP3, and ABI. Over the median follow-up period of 2 years, 140 (25.1%) participants with PAD experienced MALE. Kaplan–Meier analyses demonstrated significant separation in MALE-free survival across FABP3 tertiles (log-rank p < 0.001). At 24 months, MALE-free survival was 100.0% in the FABP3 < 1.55 group, compared with 71.1% in the FABP3 1.55–3.55 group and 67.7% in the FABP3 > 3.55 group. In contrast, ABI severity groups showed less pronounced separation, with 24-month MALE-free survival rates of 80.3% for mild ABI, 73.2% for moderate ABI, and 71.3% for severe ABI, without a statistically significant overall difference (p = 0.170). In adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, FABP3 demonstrated strong prognostic performance for 2-year MALE. A 1 SD increase in log-transformed FABP3 was independently associated with a higher risk of 2-year MALE (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.60–2.25; p < 0.001), with minimal change after additional adjustment for ABI (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.60–2.24; p < 0.001). Machine learning analyses similarly favored FABP3 over ABI, with the FABP3-based model achieving an AUC of 0.773 compared to 0.686 for the ABI-based model. Adding ABI to the FABP3 model did not improve discrimination. Conclusions: Circulating plasma levels of FABP3 are strongly associated with PAD outcomes. Specifically, FABP3 demonstrated a stronger and more robust association with 2-year MALE compared to ABI. This study validates the prognostic value of FABP3 for PAD outcomes in comparison to ABI. Full article

Objectives: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by abnormal hepatic lipid accumulation and is frequently driven by factors such as a high-fat diet (HFD). Total flavonoids of Apocynum venetum (TFAV), the bioactive constituents of a traditional medicinal plant, have demonstrated antioxidant and lipid-modulating properties. However, their therapeutic potential against MASLD and the underlying mechanisms are not explored. This study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effects of TFAV on HFD-induced MASLD utilizing both in vivo animal and in vitro cellular models. Methods: C57BL/6J were allocated to control, high-fat diet (HFD), TFAV (100 mg/kg/day), and TFAV intervention groups (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day). In vitro, WRL68 hepatocytes were stimulated with free fatty acids (FFAs) to establish a cellular model of steatosis. Liver function, serum lipid profiles, hepatic histopathology, and the AMPK signaling pathway were assessed. Results: TFAV intervention significantly improved serum biochemical profiles in the animal models; for instance, co-treatment with 100 mg/kg/day TFAV and HFD reduced TC, TG, and LDL-C levels by 20.59%, 45.26%, and 38.24% respectively (p < 0.05), and effectively alleviated hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning. Furthermore, TFAV markedly inhibited intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and activated the AMPK signaling pathway (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by the downregulation of SREBP-1c and ACC expression (p < 0.05), as well as the upregulation of ATGL and CPT1α expression (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrates that TFAV remodel hepatic lipid homeostasis by activating the AMPK signaling pathway, and exerting significant preventive and protective effects against the progression of HFD-induced MASLD in vivo. Full article

Previous studies have demonstrated that phloretic acid (PA), a phenolic compound, exerts beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging. However, its effects on obesity and associated metabolic abnormalities, including dyslipidemia and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), remain unclear. To evaluate the effects of PA on these obesity-related metabolic alterations and explore the underlying mechanisms, male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed for 10 weeks with a low-fat diet (10 kcal% fat), a high-fat diet (HFD, 60 kcal% fat), or an HFD containing 0.02% (w/w) PA. PA-supplemented mice showed no significant weight loss and fat loss. However, PA supplementation significantly reduced circulating levels of free fatty acid, triglyceride, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) while increasing HDL-C levels in HFD-fed mice. It also reduced hepatic lipid deposition and alleviated hepatocellular injury. These effects were accompanied by the coordinated modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism, including reduced lipogenesis and cholesterol esterification, enhanced fatty acid oxidation, and increased bile acid synthesis and excretion. Furthermore, PA attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and suppressed systemic and hepatic inflammation. These observations suggest that PA may counteract HFD-induced MASLD by modulating hepatic lipid metabolism, and that its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may also contribute to these metabolic improvements. Full article

The high consumption of citrus fruits generates large amounts of peel bioresidues, whose valorization represents an important strategy for sustainable agri-food systems. This study aimed to characterize the nutritional, chemical, and bioactive properties of flours obtained from orange (FL), tangerine (FT), lime (FLA), and lemon (FLO) peels, and to evaluate their potential as functional food ingredients. The flours were evaluated for proximate composition, organic acids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, free sugars, and bioactive properties. Lime flour showed the highest protein, ash, dietary fiber, and total phenolic contents, with hesperidin identified as the predominant compound. The corresponding extracts exhibited relevant antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and nitric oxide (NO) production inhibitory activities, with lime flour presenting the strongest overall bioactive potential. Based on these results, lime flour was selected for application in a food model by partially replacing wheat flour (10% and 20%) in “Madalenas”, a traditional Portuguese muffin cake. The incorporation of lime flour improved product preservation compared with the control formulation and samples containing a synthetic preservative (potassium sorbate). These findings highlight the potential of citrus peel flours, particularly lime flour, as natural functional ingredients and sustainable alternatives for food formulations, contributing to waste valorization and circular economy approaches in the agri-food sector. Full article

Objective: This study investigated the effects of ginsenoside F1 on lipid metabolism using cell-based assays combined with lipidomics. Methods: The optimal non-cytotoxic concentration of ginsenoside F1 was determined by the CCK-8 assay. A hyperlipidemic cell model was established by inducing HepG2 cells with free fatty acids (FFAs). Model cells were treated with ginsenoside F1 (0.2 µM, 0.8 µM, and 3.2 µM) or simvastatin (3.2 µM, positive control) for 24 h. Intracellular lipid accumulation was determined by measuring absorbance at 510 nm, together with quantification of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents. Untargeted lipidomics was employed to explore alterations in the lipid profile and identify relevant metabolic pathways. Results: Compared with the model group, lipid deposition, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly reduced by ginsenoside F1 (p < 0.05). A total of 110 differential metabolites, mainly phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholines, were identified by lipidomics, with glycerophospholipid and ether lipid metabolism highlighted as the key regulated pathways. Potential roles of targets including Akt1, PPARG, and EGFR, as well as pathways related to cancer and lipid metabolism, were further indicated by network pharmacology and molecular docking. Conclusions: FFA-induced lipid disorders in HepG2 cells were alleviated by ginsenoside F1, potentially through the regulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism. Full article

Traditional activated clay (AC) bleaching usually shows limited adsorption selectivity, leading to micronutrient loss during pigment removal, and also suffers from high residual oil retention and poor regenerability. Developing mild bleaching materials with both high adsorption efficiency and selectivity is therefore important for oil refining. Mesoporous Al-MCM-41 (AM) adsorbents with different Si/Al ratios were prepared and characterized in pore structure and acidity, and the bleaching performance against AC in terms of pigment removal and the retention of micronutrients in rapeseed oil and the bleaching mechanism were studied. The results showed that AM25 (Si/Al = 25) exhibited the best overall performance among the AM samples under the tested conditions (70 °C, 20 min). It achieved a bleaching efficiency of 92.3% and removed 94.56% of chlorophyll, 92.94% of lutein, and 84.09% of β-carotene. In addition, AM25 reduced the peroxide value from 2.52 to 0.58 mmol/kg. High retentions of tocopherols (93.89%), phytosterols (98.73%), and squalene (96.32%) were also observed. Meanwhile, the adsorption rates of α-tocopherol, brassicasterol, and α-linolenic acid showed the highest values in their relative homologues of tocopherols, phytosterols, and free fatty acids (FFAs), respectively, due to differences in the methyl amount of tocopherols, the side-chain unsaturation of phytosterols, and the fatty acid chain unsaturation of fatty acids. Furthermore, the kinetic and isotherm data for chlorophyll and carotenoids were better described by the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models, respectively. Combined with thermodynamic analysis, they indicated that adsorption was a spontaneous, endothermic, entropy-driven, heterogeneous multilayer process dominated by physical adsorption. Further, pigment adsorption was mainly governed by uniform mesopores and Si–OH/Si–OH–Al sites in AM. Among them, carotenoid removal depended primarily on the dispersion effect of moderately strong acid sites within pore-confined regions, whereas chlorophyll removal was more sensitive to the number of acidic sites in AM. AM25 still maintained 83.31% bleaching efficiency after five regeneration cycles. These performances of AM25 are significantly superior to that of AC. Full article

Yaks (Bos grunniens) on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau face severe nutritional limitations during the dry season due to dependence on highly lignified, low-quality roughage. Identifying safe and effective rumen regulators capable of enhancing fiber utilization in this species is therefore of great practical importance. This study employed a two-pronged approach integrating in vitro mechanistic investigation and in vivo validation to evaluate the effects of the amphoteric surfactant cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) on rumen fermentation, the micro-spatial distribution of digestive enzymes, apparent total tract digestibility, and the macroscopic growth performance of yaks. In the in vitro fermentation trial (Experiment 1), a randomized block design was employed where a straw-based high-forage diet was used as the substrate and supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0% CAPB (based on substrate dry matter, DM) for a 48 h batch culture. The results showed that as the CAPB supplementation level increased, cumulative gas production, the degradation rates of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and the yields of total volatile fatty acids and microbial protein all exhibited significant quadratic responses (p < 0.05), peaking at the 0.5–1.0% supplementation levels. Concurrently, CAPB significantly promoted the transfer and release of carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase into the free liquid phase (p < 0.01). In the in vivo validation trial (Experiment 2), 24 healthy growing male yaks (initial body weight 131.2 ± 8.4 kg) were allocated in a completely randomized design to four groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0% CAPB for 44 days. The results indicated that, while maintaining a stable DM intake, the addition of 0.5% CAPB significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) of yaks (p < 0.05), improved the feed-to-gain ratio, and significantly enhanced the apparent total tract digestibility of NDF and ether extract (p < 0.05). However, when the supplementation dose exceeded the safety threshold (≥2.5% in vitro and ≥2.0% in vivo), both fermentation parameters and growth advantages declined. In conclusion, under the present experimental conditions, 0.5% CAPB improved roughage fermentation efficiency, putatively through an ‘enzyme elution’ mechanism, and was associated with macroscopic improvements in NDF and EE apparent digestibility and ADG in growing yaks. These findings identify 0.5% CAPB as a promising candidate rumen regulator for improving roughage utilization in growing yaks; broader generalization will require larger-scale and longer-duration trials. Full article

Glyphosate-based herbicides are widely used in agriculture. However, their broader effects on plant lipid metabolism remain insufficiently characterized beyond their canonical target, the shikimate pathway. In this study, we evaluated tissue-specific lipidomic responses of carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants grown under controlled conditions following sublethal foliar exposure to a commercial glyphosate-based herbicide formulation. Leaves, leaf stalks, and roots were harvested 30 days after application, and lipid extracts were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to assess treatment-related differences. Morphological parameters showed no major visible symptoms, although minor changes in shoot architecture were observed. Untargeted lipidomic profiling revealed treatment-associated, tissue-specific alterations in lipid composition. In leaves, changes were detected in free fatty acids, tocopherols, and galactolipids, whereas leaf stalks and storage roots showed alterations mainly affecting phospholipid and glycerolipid classes. In summary, lipid profiles indicated shifts in the relative abundance of membrane- and storage-related lipid species. These results suggest that sublethal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide formulation may be associated with measurable lipidomic differences in carrot tissues, highlighting the sensitivity of untargeted lipidomic profiling for detecting metabolic responses to agrochemical exposure. Full article

Protein-stabilized high-internal-phase Pickering gel-like emulsions (HIPGEs) have gained broad attention in the food industry and functional food sectors. Polyphenol–protein synergy is a common strategy to improve gel-like emulsion stability, yet issues such as insufficient interfacial viscosity persist, leading to poor long-term stability. Therefore, this study employed ovalbumin (OVA)-tea polyphenol (TP) as a composite model and introduced strongly negatively charged hyaluronic acid (HA) to construct a ternary Pickering gel-like emulsion with enhanced interfacial viscosity. We investigated the microstructure, physicochemical properties, stability mechanism, and simulated digestion behavior of the system. Results show that HA interacts with proteins and polyphenols via hydrogen bonding, strengthening the hydrogen-bond network and markedly improving gel-like emulsion stability. Moreover, HA stabilizes the oil–water interface by enhancing the viscoelasticity of the system. At 0.8% HA, centrifugal stability reached 99.52%, rheological properties were optimal, and droplets were more uniform and tightly packed. In vitro digestion revealed that 0.8% HA increased the final retention of lutein to 35.16% and reduced free fatty acid release to 0.31 μmol, demonstrating excellent protective and controlled-release potential. This study confirms that HA can significantly improve the stability and digestively controlled release of OVA-TP Pickering gel-like emulsions, providing theoretical support for polysaccharides in enhancing protein–polyphenol composite Pickering systems. Full article

The use of wheat bran (WB) to obtain functional meat products is a concept to be studied, due to sustainability issues and the nutritional advantages related to the decrease in caloric value, and the intake of phytonutrients, which can limit the incidence of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, or colon cancer. Beef meatballs with added wheat bran (5, 10, and 15%) were analyzed in terms of their physico-chemical parameters: pH, proximal composition, fiber content, caloric value and texture, antioxidant activity, fatty acids, amino acids, mineral content, and peroxide value. The fiber concentration in the meatballs increased proportionally with the WB addition. Although the antioxidant activity of the meatballs with WB was higher at the time of sample production, their stability proved to be weaker over time. The addition of wheat bran resulted in an overall decrease in amino acid concentrations and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations from 9.32 g/100 g to 14.36 g/100 g. For Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, and Cr, there were significant increases between groups (p < 0.001), while Na and Zn decreased with the addition of wheat bran. The peroxide value (PV) and free acidity (FFA) decreased with the increase in the proportion of added fiber. The increase in the percentage of wheat bran also generated significant reductions (p < 0.001) for all textural parameters investigated. Including wheat bran in meatballs can present technical challenges related to composition cohesion and product shaping, as well as sensory acceptance. At the industrial scale, problems may arise related to the processing equipment, and the shaping of meatballs becoming difficult with the increased wheat bran addition. Full article

This study evaluated how two commercial egg types (free-range and barn-laid) influence the physical, compositional, and rheological properties of egg white and yolk in raw and grilled states. Free-range eggs showed stronger correlations between external dimensions and internal composition, suggesting potential for nondestructive grading, whereas barn eggs exhibited heavier shells but weaker morphometric–composition relationships. Haugh units differentiated production systems, and yolk redness was the only color parameter clearly associated with free-range origin. Mechanical tests revealed that barn eggs had shells capable of absorbing more energy during rupture. Rheological measurements showed matrix-dependent behaviors: in raw samples, egg white behaved as a weakly structured viscoelastic fluid, while yolk exhibited characteristics of a concentrated lipoprotein emulsion. Stress, frequency, and temperature sweeps revealed contrasting behaviors between the two commercial egg types: barn-laid eggs displayed a stronger egg-white protein network, whereas free-range eggs showed a more reinforced yolk lipoprotein matrix under the conditions evaluated. Yolk behavior fitted the weak gel model with excellent accuracy (R² ≈ 1), while egg white did not. Steady shear and three-step tests confirmed pronounced shear thinning and thixotropic behavior in both matrices, with barn eggs showing higher viscosities but lower structural recovery. Thermal treatment reduced the strong rheological differences between raw egg white and yolk, yet production system effects persisted. All grilled samples behaved as weak gels, with barn egg whites forming stiffer networks and free-range yolks generating more elastic, cohesive, and energy-absorbing gels. A trend toward higher MUFA levels was observed in raw free-range yolks. Microscopy further clarified how production system shapes the structural and functional behavior of egg matrices. Full article

The hybrid sturgeon (HS, Acipenser baerii Brandt ♀ × A. schrenckii Brandt ♂) was compared with its parental varieties (Siberian sturgeon (SS) and Amur sturgeon (AS)) to evaluate muscle quality differences. Three sturgeon species were bred from the same batch, reared under identical conditions until three years of age, and then male fish from each species (AS, 3.2 ± 0.18 kg; SS, 2.5 ± 0.14 kg; HS, 3.5 ± 0.21 kg) were sampled for analysis of muscle nutritional composition, texture, microstructure, and metabolomics. Results showed no significant differences in proximate composition, hydrolyzed amino acids, pH, or water-holding capacity among the three groups. However, HS exhibited higher gumminess and chewiness than both parent species, as well as greater hardness and springiness compared with the SS. Muscle fiber density was higher in HS than in the AS, but no significant difference was observed between HS and SS. Levels of free amino acids (Val, Ile, Ala) were lower in HS than in AS. In terms of fatty acid profiles, HS showed elevated polyunsaturated fatty acids compared with SS, resembling the pattern observed in AS. Muscle color of HS was similar to that of SS, whereas its a* value differed from those of AS. Metabolomics identified differential metabolites (GABA, D-glucosaminic acid, AP4) enriched in pathways such as ABC transporters, protein digestion and absorption, and amino acid metabolism. Overall, HS combines improved texture traits with meat quality attributes resembling SS (muscle color, free amino acids) and AS (polyunsaturated fatty acids). These characteristics suggest that HS possesses a distinctive combination of meat quality traits. Full article

The fast growth of the aviation sector has intensified the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil-based jet fuels. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as one of the most promising strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while remaining compatible with existing aviation infrastructure. Among the different feedstocks explored for SAF production, lipid-based resources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and waste cooking oil have received considerable attention due to their high content of triglycerides and free fatty acids. Additionally, the increasing generation of plastic waste has stimulated interest in its catalytic valorization as an alternative carbon source for hydrocarbon fuel production. This mini-review summarizes recent advances in catalytic pathways for producing jet-fuel-range hydrocarbons (C₈–C₁₆) from lipid-based feedstocks and polyolefins. Particular emphasis is given on hydroprocessing reactions, including deoxygenation, cracking, and isomerization, which are essential to adjust fuel properties and meet aviation specifications. In this context, bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts play a crucial role, particularly regarding the influence of the metal phase and catalyst support on catalytic activity and stability. Different support classes, including metal oxides, mesoporous silicas, and zeolites, are discussed. Carbon-based materials, especially carbon nanotubes (CNT), are also highlighted due to their outstanding chemical and textural properties. Full article

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are among the most widely consumed vegetable oils worldwide, but cultivar, agroecological conditions, and processing methods strongly influence their chemical properties. Although there is extensive research and production of palm oil in Southeast Asia, cultivation of its fruit in China, particularly in southern regions like Hainan and Yunnan, is severely underrepresented. This review critically summarizes current knowledge of the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and functional properties of Chinese palm fruit components (both raw and processed), with a focus on processing-related changes and industrial applications. Current evidence suggests that Chinese palm mesocarp and kernel oils can be separated based on their general composition, fatty acid profiles, and minor lipids (such as tocopherols, carotenoids, and phytosterols), which are critical determinants of oxidative stability, nutritional quality, and processing functionality. Post-harvest practices (postmortem methods) and thermal processing strongly affect acid value, free fatty acid levels, and peroxide formation, with direct consequences for oil quality and refining efficiency. Chinese palm-derived lipids hold potential for functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and bio-based materials used beyond their commonality as edible oil. Yet, gaps in cultivar-level chemical characterization, bioactive retention during processing, and evidence-based health evaluation remain. However, bridging these gaps using advanced analytical techniques and sustainable processing strategies will be of significant importance to endeavor towards the full utilization of Chinese palm fruit in both global food and bio-economy systems. Full article