Search Results (3,340)

Noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) juice is increasingly recognized for its potential health-promoting properties. In this research, the bioactive compounds and physiological effects of commercial noni juice products in Korea were assessed. Noni juice was found to contain high levels of total phenolics (6.39 ± 1.45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) and proanthocyanidins (8.64 ± 6.20 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/g). Furthermore, it exhibited potent antioxidant activities, with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities of 44.03 ± 14.88% and 55.91 ± 2.62%, respectively, which exceeded those reported for common fruit juices such as apple, orange, and blueberry. Additionally, noni juice reduced lipid accumulation by 5.92% and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 7.23% in 3T3-L1 adipocytes; improved fusion index to 81.44% and restored myotube diameter by 37.24% in dexamethasone-induced C2C12 cells; and suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production. These results suggested that noni juice has anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-muscle atrophy, and antioxidant properties, supporting its potential as a functional health beverage. Full article

Background: Dynapenia is an age-related decline in muscle strength that leads to unfavorable outcomes, decreased functional capacity, and increased mortality. The study aimed to measure total oxidative status (TOS) and total antioxidative status (TAS), and to explore the role of oxidative stress in dynapenia, with consideration of sex differences and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) influence. Methods: The study was performed in geriatric ward patients over 60 years of age, who were able to take part in the functional assessment. Dynapenia was diagnosed if grip strength was <27 kg in men, and <16 kg in women. DHEA, TOS, and TAS were assayed in the serum. The severity of oxidative stress was expressed as the oxidative stress index (OSI). One hundred and thirty-four patients (73.9% women, mean age 79.1 ± 7.3 years) took part in the study. Results: Dynapenia was observed in 37.3% of cases, with similar prevalence in women (35.4%) and men (42.9%). The logistic regression analysis identified older age, higher OSI, lower BMI, and lower DHEA as significant determinants of dynapenia, while sex was not a significant factor. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between oxidative stress and dynapenia in older adults, independent of sex and comorbidity burden. The observed sex-specific patterns—especially the stronger association in women—and the link between lower DHEA levels and dynapenia underscore the importance of hormonal regulation in this process. Full article

Livestock and poultry manure emits substantial amounts of ammonia and non-CO₂ greenhouse gases of nitrous oxide and methane, contributing simultaneously to climate forcing and air quality degradation. However, few studies have provided an integrated quantification of ammonia, nitrous oxide and methane emissions across multiple species and provinces in China. This study established a coupled provincial inventory for 2013–2023 and applied the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) to identify socioeconomic drivers. Results show that NH₃ emissions declined slightly from ~4.1 Tg in 2013 to 3.95 Tg in 2023 (−3.7%), while N₂O increased from 2.1 to 2.3 Tg (+9.5%) and CH₄ rose from 3.1 to 4.2 Tg (+35%). Consequently, the aggregated global warming potential increased by ~24% (from ~1100 to ~1370 Tg CO₂-eq). Hogs were identified as the dominant contributor across gases. High-emission provinces contributed disproportionately, whereas metropolitan and western provinces reported marginal levels. LMDI decomposition revealed that affluence and technological intensification were the main drivers of growth, partially offset by production efficiency and labor decline. This study provides one of the first integrated multi-gas, multi-species, and region-specific assessments of livestock manure emissions in China, offering insights into targeted mitigation strategies that simultaneously support carbon neutrality and air quality improvement. Full article

Membrane lipid remodeling represents a crucial adaptive mechanism for plants in response to drought stress. This study investigated the regulatory influence of melatonin on the photosynthetic attributes, oxidative damage, and lipid metabolism of foxtail millet seedlings subjected to drought stress, with particular emphasis on alterations in lipid composition and fatty acid unsaturation. The findings indicated that melatonin treatment markedly enhanced the drought tolerance of foxtail millet seedlings, resulting in increases in chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and total dry weight by 51.2%, 39.8%, and 51.1%, respectively. Melatonin increased the levels of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG), and phosphatidylcholine (PC), while promoting the accumulation of unsaturated fatty acid (18:3) and leading to an increase in the double bond index (DBI). Concurrently, there were significant alterations in the expression of genes associated with glycolipid and phospholipid biosynthesis, aligning with the observed changes in lipid components. These findings indicate that melatonin potentially enhances the drought tolerance of foxtail millet seedlings through the regulation of lipid metabolic reprogramming. This process involves an increase in the content of unsaturated fatty acids and an optimization of the lipid unsaturation index, which collectively contribute to the greater stability, fluidity, and integrity of cellular membranes. Full article

Evidence is accumulating that there is a bidirectional relationship between thyroid function and the gut microbiome. We assessed associations of gut microbiome-derived circulating metabolites, choline, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), and betaine with thyroid function status. Among 4771 euthyroid participants of the community-dwelling PREVEND cohort study (thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine levels within the reference range; no use of thyroid function altering medication), associations of TSH (higher levels indicating low–normal thyroid function) with choline, TMAO, and betaine (determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were assessed. Plasma choline varied by TSH category with the highest values observed in the highest TSH quartile (p < 0.001). Such a trend was also found for TMAO (p = 0.10) but not for betaine (p = 0.68). Linear regression analysis showed a positive association of choline with TSH in fully adjusted analysis (std β: 0.04 (95% CI, 0.01; 0.07; p = 0.012)). TMAO was associated with TSH in unadjusted analysis (std β: 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01; 0.06; p = 0.031)), but not in a fully adjusted model (0.03 (95% CI, −0.01; 0.06; p = 0.094)). Betaine was not associated with TSH. The association of choline with TSH was more pronounced in participants with an elevated fatty liver index, a proxy of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (fully adjusted std β: 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03; 0.13; p = 0.003). Given associations of higher plasma choline and TMAO with cardiovascular disease and mortality, low–normal thyroid function could influence cardiometabolic health via effects on gut microbiome-derived circulating metabolites. Full article

Gut-derived uremic toxins may play a key role in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via host-microbe metabolic interactions. We evaluated five uremic toxins—p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), indoxyl sulfate (IS), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)—in urine samples of 97 children with ASD and 71 neurotypical controls, stratified by Bristol Stool Chart (BSC) consistency types. Four of these toxins (PCS, IS, TMAO, ADMA) were integrated into a novel composite biomarker called the Metabolic Index of Gut Dysfunction (MIGD), while SDMA was measured as a complementary renal function marker. While individual metabolite levels showed no statistically significant differences, group-wise analysis by stool phenotype revealed distinct trends. ASD children with hard stools (BSC 1–2) showed elevated PCS levels and the MIGD score (median 555.3), reflecting phenolic fermentation dominance with reduced indolic detoxification. In contrast, children with loose stools (BSC 6–7) had the lowest MIGD values (median 109.8), driven by higher IS and lower ADMA concentrations, suggestive of enhanced indole metabolism. These findings indicate that MIGD may serve as a novel biomarker to stratify metabolic phenotypes in ASD, linking urinary metabolite patterns to gut function. Further validation in larger and longitudinal cohorts is warranted to confirm its potential utility in precision microbiota-targeted interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endometriosis (EM) is a chronic gynecological condition associated with infertility, oxidative stress, and altered metabolic regulation. Follicular fluid (FF) reflects the microenvironment of the developing oocyte, and changes in its amino acid composition may affect reproductive outcomes. This study aimed to characterize alterations in the amino acid composition of the FF in EM and to identify potential reproductive outcomes. Methods: Targeted metabolomic analysis of 20 amino acids was performed on FF samples from 56 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (17 with endometriosis, 39 controls). Amino acid concentrations were quantified and compared between groups, adjusting for age and body mass index. Pathway, biomarker, and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore metabolic alterations and potential diagnostic markers. Results: Asparagine, histidine, and glycine concentrations were significantly higher in the EM group after adjustment for age and BMI. Pathway analysis indicated perturbations in glycine/serine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and porphyrin metabolism, consistent with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Multivariate modeling demonstrated partial separation between groups, while biomarker analysis identified asparagine (AUC = 0.76), along with glycine and histidine, as potential discriminators. Additional enrichment of bile acid and methylation-related pathways suggested broader systemic metabolic changes in EM. Conclusions: EM is associated with distinct amino acid alterations in the FF, particularly elevated asparagine, histidine, and glycine, reflecting oxidative and mitochondrial imbalance in the follicular environment. These metabolites emerged as candidate biomarkers requiring validation for EM-related oocyte quality changes and may help individualize in vitro fertilization approaches. Full article

The in situ conversion of oil shale with air injection has the advantage of self-generated heat. The fragmentation degree of oil shale affects the oxidative pyrolysis process. In this paper, the basic properties of oil shale were analyzed, and weight loss observation and high-pressure TGA-DSC (thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) tests in an air atmosphere were conducted using the cores and particles. The oil shale’s oxidative pyrolysis characteristics and the effect of its particle sizes were evaluated. The results show that the porosity and permeability conditions, TOC (total organic carbon), and inorganic mineral composition of oil shale are highly heterogeneous, with higher permeability and greater TOC along the bedding direction. The derivative of the TGA curve shows a single peak, and the heat flow curve shows a double peak that can be used to determine the oil shale’s oxidation type. The oxidative pyrolysis stage of organic matter can be divided into three temperature ranges, of which the medium temperature range is where the most combustion weight loss and heat release occurs. The activation energy of oxidative pyrolysis, which is affected by factors such as particle size, organic matter content, and pyrolysis temperature, is 46.92–248.11 kJ/mol, indicating the varying degrees of difficulty in initiating the reaction under different conditions. The pre-exponential factor is 3.15 × 10²–6.27 × 10¹¹ 1/s, and the enthalpy value is 2.575–4.045 kJ/g. The combustion indexes and reaction enthalpy under different particle sizes are more correlated with their own organic matter content. As oil shale particle size decreases, the variation law of the activation energy and pre-exponential factor changes with temperature from an initial continuous increase to a decrease, then increases again with the smallest kinetic parameters in the medium temperature zone. A small particle size, high organic matter content, and high pressure are more conducive to initiating the oxidative pyrolysis reaction to achieve in situ conversion of organic matter. Full article

Background/Objectives: Altered bone metabolism and oxidative stress are features of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Pentosidine, an advanced glycation end-product and a marker of oxidative stress, has been proposed as an indicator of impaired bone health. This study aimed to evaluate whether pentosidine levels are altered in ADPKD and whether they are associated with bone characteristics in comparison with other chronic kidney disease (CKD) etiologies and healthy individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of three cohorts comprising 554 adults. Participants were categorized by CKD etiology and stage (G1–G5). ADPKD stages were classified according to the Mayo Imaging Classification (MIC). Plasma pentosidine was analyzed by HPLC and ELISA. Bone material strength index (BMSi) was assessed using a microindentation technique (OsteoProbe^®). Results: Plasma pentosidine was higher in ADPKD compared with other CKD etiologies in CKD stages G1–G4 (p = 0.023) and CKD 5D (p < 0.0001). Pentosidine was not associated with conventional bone biomarkers. However, in ADPKD individuals with preserved kidney function, higher pentosidine was associated with bone mineral density at the 1/3 radius and with BMSi. Conclusions: Pentosidine levels are consistently elevated in ADPKD compared with other CKD etiologies. Associations between pentosidine and measures of cortical bone properties suggest that pentosidine may contribute to skeletal alterations in ADPKD. These findings highlight a novel pathway linking oxidative stress and bone health. Full article

Hard Cr-Al-Si-B-(N) coatings were deposited in Ar and Ar–15%N₂ medium by d.c. magnetron sputtering of composite targets manufactured using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. The structure of the coatings was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. The coating properties were determined by nanoindentation, scratch testing, and tribological pin-on-disc testing at room and elevated temperatures. The oxidation resistance and diffusion barrier properties of the coatings were also evaluated. The results obtained showed that non-reactive coatings had a coarse crystalline structure and contained Cr₅Si₃, CrB_x, and Cr₂Al phases. The introduction of nitrogen into the coating composition promoted crystallite refinement and structural amorphization. Non-reactive CrAl₄Si₁₁B₂₁ coatings had a maximum hardness up to 29 GPa and an elastic modulus up to 365 GPa. The introduction of nitrogen into the coating composition resulted in a 16–32% reduction in mechanical properties. The CrAl₆Si₁₂B₅N₂₅ coating, which exhibited maximal plasticity index H/E = 0.100 and resistance to plastic deformation H³/E² = 0.247 GPa, was characterized by a minimum wear rate Vw = 5.7 × 10⁻⁶ mm³N⁻¹m⁻¹ and a friction coefficient of 0.47. While the CrAl₁₈Si₁₁B₅N₂₆ coating demonstrated a record level of oxidation resistance and successfully resisted oxidation up to a temperature of 1300 °C. Full article

Finding high-performance and low-cost materials is essential for high-quality photocatalytic water purification to expand the spectral response and improve light utilization. In this paper, we used relatively inexpensive materials such as Ag and TiO₂. The influence of particle spacing, core radius, shell thickness, environmental refractive index, and incident light direction angle on the light absorption and scattering properties, local electric field enhancement, and photothermal effect of the Ag@TiO₂ core–shell nanosphere dimer is investigated by using the finite element method and the finite difference time domain. The formation mechanism of multipole resonance mode of the dimer is revealed by means of the multipole decomposition theory and the internal current distribution of the particles. The results show that light absorption and scattering of the dimer can be tuned within the visible light range by changing the particle spacing, core radius, and shell thickness. With the azimuth angle of incident light increases, the longitudinal local surface plasmon resonance (L-LSPR) mode will transform into the transverse local surface plasmon resonance (T-LSPR) mode, and the L-LSPR mode makes the dimer have better local electric field enhancement. Strong light absorption can easily cause a sharp increase in the temperature around the dimer, accelerating the rate of catalytic oxidation reactions and the elimination of bacteria and viruses in water. Strong light scattering causes a significant enhancement of the electric field between the particles, making the generation of hydroxyl and other active oxides more efficient and convenient. This work establishes a theoretical basis for designing efficient water purification photocatalysts. Full article

Background: Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with negligible potential for resistance development, excellent biocompatibility, and therefore, could be promising alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. However, their industrial-scale production relies on chemical synthesis that involves toxic reagents, imposing potential environmental hazards. In contrast, green synthesis offers an eco-friendly alternative, but our previous study found that green-synthesized IONPs (IONPs-G) exhibited a lower antibacterial activity and a higher cytotoxicity compared to chemically synthesized counterparts, likely due to nanoparticle aggregation. Objectives: To address this challenge, the current study presents a simple, effective, economic, scalable, and eco-friendly strategy to optimize the physicochemical properties of IONPs-G post-production without requiring extensive modifications to synthesis parameters. Methods: IONPs-G were dispersed in a solvent mixture containing Tween 80 (Tw80). Subsequently, in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo cytotoxicity studies on rabbits’ skin and eye were conducted. Results: The formed nanoparticles’ dispersion (IONPs-GTw80) had a particle size of 9.7 ± 2.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.111 ± 0.02, and a zeta potential of −11.4 ± 2.4 mV. MIC of IONPs-GTw80 values against S. aureus and E. coli were reduced by more than ten-fold compared to IONPs-G. MBC was twice MIC, confirming the bactericidal activity of IONPs-GTw80. In vivo studies of IONPs-GTw80 confirmed their biocompatibility with intact/abraded skin and eyes; this was further confirmed by histopathological and biochemical analyses. Conclusions: IONPs-GTw80 might be recommended as a disinfectant in healthcare settings or a topical antimicrobial agent for treatment of infected wounds. Nevertheless, further studies are required for their clinical translation. Full article

Secondary peritonitis (SP) remains a major clinical challenge due to its high complication rates and it often results in sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction. This study investigated the association between four nitric oxide synthase (NOS) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)—NOS3 c.-786T>C (rs2070744), NOS3 c.894G>T (rs1799983), NOS3 27 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) (rs61722009), and NOS2 (rs2297518)—and sepsis-related complications in 202 patients with SP. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores, Mannheim Peritonitis Index, and complications (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), multiple organ failure (MOF), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and sepsis) were analyzed for associations with the NOS gene variants. Haplotype analysis was also performed. No SNP showed an association with in-hospital mortality. However, the NOS3 c.-786T>C TT genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of MOF (p = 0.008), and remained independently associated after multivariate adjustment (p_MOF = 0.006). The T4bG haplotype was significantly more frequent among patients with MODS (p = 0.026), MOF (p = 0.048), and sepsis (p = 0.018). These findings suggest that NOS gene variants, particularly NOS3 c.-786T>C and the T4bG haplotype, may potentially serve as biomarkers for risk stratification in critically ill patients. Full article

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, with over 254 million chronic infections and current therapies being non-curative, necessitating lifelong treatment. The HBV ribonuclease H (RNase H) is essential during HBV reverse transcription by cleaving the viral pregenomic RNA after it has been copied into the (−) polarity DNA strand, enabling the viral polymerase to synthesize the (+) DNA strand. Although RNase H inhibition terminates viral replication and thus viral infectiveness, its targeting as an HBV treatment is unexploited. Its catalytic site contains four carboxylates that bind to two Mg²⁺ ions essential for RNA hydrolysis. As part of our ongoing research on RNase H inhibitors, we developed 23 novel N-hydroxypyridinedione (HPD) analogues. Specifically, 17 HPD imines, 4 HPD oximes, 1 2,6-diamino-4-((substituted)oxy)pyrimidine 1-oxide derivative, and 1 barbituric acid analogue were designed, synthesized, and tested for their anti-HBV activity. The HPD derivatives could be docked in the RNase H active site to coordinate the two Mg²⁺ ions and effectively inhibited viral replication in cellular assays. The 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) values of these HPD compounds ranged from 0.5 to 73 μM, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) values ranged from 15 to 100 μM, resulting in selectivity indexes (SIs) up to 112. Furthermore, the novel HPD derivatives exhibited favourable pharmacokinetic-relevant characteristics, including high cellular permeability, good aqueous solubility, and overall drug-like properties. These findings indicate that HPD imines and oximes possess substantial antiviral potency and selectivity against HBV, underscoring the potential of the HPD scaffold as a promising framework for the development of next-generation anti-HBV agents. Full article

Irisin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are considered potential biomarkers for sarcopenia; however, their interplay and relationship with oxidative stress remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the serum concentration of irisin and BDNF in patients over 60 years of age, as well as their relationship with dynapenia and redox homeostasis. Dynapenia was diagnosed using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test (5TSST). Serum levels of irisin, BDNF, total oxidative status (TOS), and total antioxidative status (TAS) were measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. A total of 110 patients from a geriatric ward (72.7% women, mean age 78.2 ± 7.1 years) participated in the study. BDNF concentration was negatively associated with dynapenia, irisin, and the irisin/BDNF ratio. TOS, TAS, and OSI were negatively associated with BDNF and positively associated with irisin and dynapenia. No significant association was found between irisin and sarcopenia parameters. In regression analysis, significantly higher odds of dynapenia were observed for older age, female sex, a greater number of chronic diseases, and higher OSI values, after adjusting for TOS, BDNF, and the irisin-to-BDNF ratio. These results confirm redox imbalance as an independent predictor of sarcopenia. A lower BDNF concentration and a higher irisin-to-BDNF ratio may indicate a protective role of BDNF in the development of sarcopenia in geriatric patients; however, this finding requires further confirmation. Full article