Mechanistic insights and parameter optimization for enhanced reducing sugar production from enzymatic hydrolysis of oil palm residues

Oral disorders are among the most prevalent diseases globally, yet their burden in Southeast Asia remains poorly characterized. Understanding regional patterns is critical for health planning and prevention. We analysed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study to assess the prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life years of oral disorders across the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states from 1990 to 2021. Indicators were age-standardized and analysed by sex, age, country, and socio-demographic index. Oral disorders accounted for nearly half of all-cause prevalence and around 1% of total disease burden in 2021. From 1990 to 2021, prevalent cases rose by over 50% and incident cases by more than 30%, while age-standardized rates showed slight declines. Population growth and ageing were the primary drivers of these increases. Caries of permanent teeth contributed the largest share, followed by periodontal disease and edentulism. Higher socio-demographic index correlated with lower overall burden but a higher proportion of periodontal disease. These findings indicate that oral health remains a major source of morbidity across ASEAN despite modest epidemiologic improvement. Demographic pressures continue to offset gains from prevention and care. Expanding prevention and primary oral healthcare - including sugar reduction, fluoridation, and sealant or varnish programs - could substantially reduce disability and unmet need. Routine regional surveillance using harmonized indicators is essential to guide equitable policy and investment within the post-2025 ASEAN health agenda.

Chlorpyrifos-induced autism and depression-like behaviors are ameliorated by trehalose: Integrating network pharmacology and toxicology analyses and animal experiments.

Chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) are bioactive compounds with promising applications in functional foods, but their enzymatic production is hindered by high costs and operational instability. To address this, we developed a food-compliant magnetic bimodal mesoporous silica (Fe3O4@BMS) biocatalyst for sustainable COS synthesis via cellulase immobilization. The hierarchically structured carrier combined small (2-5 nm) and large (20-40 nm) mesopores, offering a large surface area of 851 m2/g. The immobilized cellulase demonstrated superior stability, maintaining 83.60 ± 3.32% residual activity at 80 °C, alongside exceptional pH adaptability (3-9). Magnetic Fe3O4 integration facilitated rapid biocatalyst recovery, retaining about 70% of catalytic efficiency after 10 repeated cycles. In a scaled-up stirred-tank reactor, the system achieved a high yield of 316.33 ± 9.39 mg/g reducing sugar from chitosan after 5 h under optimized conditions. This work offers an industrially scalable route for COS production, aligning with green chemistry and food safety standards.

Lemon (Citrus limon L.) is a widely cultivated citrus fruit valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties; however, it is highly perishable and prone to postharvest losses. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of natural edible coatings, chitosan (CS) and aloe vera gel (AV gel), applied individually and in combination, in preserving the postharvest quality of lemon fruits during 60 days of cold storage at 4 °C and 85% relative humidity. Nine treatments were tested, including a control, two concentrations of CS (2% and 3%), two concentrations of AV (10% and 15%), and four combinations of CS and AV gel. Various quality parameters were monitored at 0-, 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, and 60-day intervals, including weight loss, fruit decay, juice content, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), total sugars (TS), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) were monitored at 10-day intervals. The results demonstrated that the combined coating of 2% CS and 10% AV was the most effective in minimizing weight loss (34.25%) and decay incidence (9.22%) at day 60, while maintaining biochemical quality, including higher vitamin C content, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. This research highlights the potential of CS and AV gel-based coatings as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic preservatives for extending shelf life.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is among the most rapidly escalating global health crises of the 21st century. Conventional pharmacological management has unnecessary side effects. Therefore, exploring a safe and effective drug to manage T2DM is a foremost priority. To evaluate the impact of Survali (Celosia argentea Linn.) seeds as an adjuvant medication in T2DM. Forty participants with T2DM were randomly assigned to test (n=20) and control (n=20) groups in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. For 8 weeks, the test group received Celosia argentea Linn. seed powder, and the control group received roasted wheat flour; both were administered 4 g/day in two equal divided doses with water as a complement to conventional medicine. HbA1c was assessed at baseline and at the end of the treatment. These include changes in fasting and postprandial blood sugar, and the Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (ADQOL). Subjective parameters (polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, and tiredness) were assessed by an arbitrary scale fortnightly. This clinical trial was conducted at the National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, India. All 40 participants completed the study. The test drug showed a statistically significant difference in HbA1c and ADQOL (P < .001). However, the control group demonstrated no significant impact on any of the measures. A significant reduction in fasting blood sugar was observed in the test group, compared to baseline (P = .01), while no such significant changes were observed in the control group. The subjective parameters were non-significant, as both groups showed similar reduction in symptoms (P > .05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of safety parameters. Celosia argentea Linn. seeds demonstrate efficacy as an adjuvant in the management of T2DM; further research is warranted to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety. Fasting Blood Sugar, Unani Medicine, Postprandial Blood Sugar, HbA1c, Asian Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire.

This study addresses the critical challenge of utilizing waste from agricultural industries by developing an efficient technology for its conversion into bioethanol. The research focuses on the application of steam explosion treatment as a pre-activation step for lignocellulose biomass, specifically pine wood and wheat straw. The novelty of the work lies in obtaining new fundamental data on the acid and enzymatic hydrolysis of steam-exploded materials and optimizing the subsequent biochemical conversion process to produce an alternative energy resource. The raw materials were subjected to steam explosion activation at saturated steam temperatures of 165 °C and 210 °C. Component analysis revealed that this pre-treatment effectively removes hemicelluloses and pentose sugars, which are not fermented by standard yeasts, while increasing the specific surface area and reactivity of the lignocellulose matrix. Acid hydrolysis of activated pine wood and enzymatic hydrolysis of activated wheat straw were investigated to produce hydrolysates rich in hexose monosaccharides. The results demonstrated that steam-explosive activation significantly enhances the hydrolysis rate and yield of reducing substances (RA). Activated pine wood was maximally converted to RA 1.7-2.5 times faster than untreated wood. In addition, activation at 210 °C allowed us to obtain hydrolysates with a minimum content of pentose, which in this study acted as inhibitors of the fermentation process. Subsequent anaerobic fermentation of these optimized hydrolysates using Saccharomyces cerevisiae achieved high ethanol yields. Specifically, steam-explosive activation of pine wood at 210 °C enabled the production of up to 0.26 kg (0.33 L) of ethanol per 1 kg of activated raw material, representing 36.7% of the RA. For wheat straw activated at the same temperature, enzymatic hydrolysis yielded up to 0.172 kg (0.218 L) of ethanol per 1 kg of activated straw. The study concludes that steam explosion is a highly effective pre-treatment method, facilitating the production of high-quality hydrolysates for efficient bioethanol production, thereby contributing to sustainable energy development and waste valorization.

The introduction of sugar taxes in Africa, beginning with South Africa’s 2018 Health Promotion Levy and followed by similar fiscal measures in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria, has intensified policy debates on the role of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS). These fiscal interventions were designed to curb rapidly increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), yet they have also triggered a swift shift toward LCS use as substitutes for sugar. This dual effect illustrates both progress in health-oriented policy and emerging challenges surrounding long-term health effects, regulatory coherence, and consumer equity. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose, together with natural alternatives including Stevia rebaudiana, Thaumatococcus daniellii and Pentadiplandra brazzeana, offer potential advantages in weight and glycemic control. However, evidence remains divided: while short-term randomized trials demonstrate benefits for energy balance and glucose regulation, long-term observational studies report inconsistent or adverse associations with metabolic and cardiovascular risk. Reflecting this uncertainty, the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023 advised against the use of non-sugar sweeteners for weight management, creating tension between global recommendations and Africa’s urgent need for cost-effective dietary interventions. Beyond the health dimension, Africa’s sweetener policy landscape reveals underexplored agricultural, economic and governance opportunities. Indigenous sweeteners such as thaumatin and brazzein represent potential sources of regional innovation and trade diversification, yet investment, processing infrastructure, and regulatory alignment remain limited. This review synthesizes scientific, economic, and policy evidence on LCS in Africa to clarify how fiscal and regulatory instruments can support sustainable sugar reduction. It identifies key governance gaps uneven regulation, weak consumer awareness, and affordability barriers and proposes three strategic priorities: harmonized regional frameworks to ensure regulatory consistency, targeted investment in indigenous sweetener production, and equitable access to safe, affordable alternatives. By integrating global evidence with Africa’s contextual realities, this review offers a balanced framework for advancing public health while fostering inclusive economic development. Key words: Low-calorie sweeteners, Sugar tax, Stevia rebaudiana, Thaumatococcus daniellii, Pentadiplandra brazzeana, Africa, Nutrition transition

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of foliar-applied marine fish amino acids (MFA) on the growth, yield, yield components, and preventive antioxidant capacity of okra, as well as the interaction between okra varieties and MFA concentrations. The study used a split-plot design with four replications. Three okra varieties — RED FINGER, KN–OYV–02, and LUCKY FILE 473 — were assigned to main plots. Five concentrations were tested in the subplots (0.00, 1.50, 3.00, 4.50, and 6.00 ml/l). Yield per plant — a key indicator for growers — did not differ significantly among the three varieties but responded to MFA levels-plants treated with 3.00, 4.50, or 6.00 ml/l. MFA showed no significant differences among these higher concentrations; however, all produced higher yields than the untreated control and the 1.50 ml/l treatment. The greatest yield (1,271.49 g/plant) was obtained at 3.00 ml/l, followed by 4.50 ml/l (1,251.22 g/plant) and 6.00 ml/l (1,215.51 g/plant). Reducing sugar content did not vary significantly among the okra varieties but was influenced by MFA levels. LUCKY FILE 473 recorded the highest reducing sugar (~1.77 mg/ml). The concentrations 3.00, 4.50, and 6.00 ml/l yielded the highest reducing sugar levels (1.89, 1.84, and 1.77 mg/ml, respectively), with no significant difference among them, while the control plants had the lowest value (1.53 mg/ml). Among pigment traits, RED FINGER exhibited the lowest chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents (2.96, 1.51, and 4.47 mg/g FW, respectively) but had the highest carotenoid concentration (0.50 µg/g FW).

Pilot Study of a Digital Health Intervention to Increase HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing Uptake and Reduce Condomless Sex and Substance Use Among Adolescents.

Co-manufacturing reducing sugars, furfural and xylo-oligosaccharides from Sorghum straw via pretreatment with biochar-based magnetic bifunctional chemocatalyst in deep eutectic solvent Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride:Glycerol/γ-valerolactone

Low-alkaline-assisted disk mill pretreatment of Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engelmann fiber to enhance total reducing sugar recovery using response surface methodology

Nanotechnology is increasingly recognized in research, industrial, and agricultural sectors for its ability to generate bio-based nanomaterials that support sustainable production systems. In parallel, the mismanagement of olive mill wastes (OMWs) poses a persistent environmental challenge, despite their richness in bioactive compounds of agronomic interest. Recent studies have underscored the potential of OMW valorization as a source of eco-friendly bioactive agents. In this context, this study developed a hybrid nanobiostimulant (B) consisting of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with phenolic extract (LNPs + PE) derived from olive mill solid wastes (OMSWs) and evaluated its effectiveness in alleviating drought stress in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). The formulation (250 ppm) was tested under three irrigation regimes: control (C, 100% field capacity), drought-stressed (S, 50% field capacity), and drought-stressed plants treated with the nanobiostimulant (S + B). Application of LNPs + PE under water deficit significantly improved shoot elongation, leaf area (LA), and relative water content (RWC). Physiological and biochemical responses showed enhanced chlorophyll fluorescence, increased pigment and flavonoid accumulation, and notable reductions in malondialdehyde (MDA) and soluble sugars, indicating improved drought tolerance. Overall, this work demonstrates that OMSW can be transformed into value-added nanobiostimulants capable of strengthening plant performance under limited water availability, offering a practical approach to waste valorization and sustainable agriculture.

A study was carried out to evaluate the influence of integrated organic, inorganic and biological nutrient sources with phytosterols on fruit quality of banana (Musa spp. cv. Poovan). This study is with ten treatments which includes the combination of Bio NPK liquid consortia 5ml per litre with different levels of vermicompost (4kg, 8kg per plant), neem cake (1kg, 2 kg per plant), campesterol and stigmasterol (0.1%, 0.2%) and inorganic fertilizer at three different levels such as (RDF 100%, RDF 75%, RDF 50%) arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The results showed that (T9) 75% RDF + Vermicompost @ 4 kg plant⁻¹ + Neem cake @ 1 kg plant⁻¹ + Bio NPK liquid consortia 5ml per litre + Campesterol &amp; Stigmasterol (SL) @ 0.2% demonstrated superior performance across all parameters such as TSS (23.59 ºBrix), Total sugars (22.39%), Reducing sugars (19.11 %), Non-reducing sugars (3.28%), Ascorbic acid (13.72 100mg per g) with reducing Titrable acidity (0.34 %), Sugar: acid ratio (65.85). T1 - RDF 100% (Control) exhibited the lowest performance.

Abstract Pleurotus spp. has the ability to colonize a variety of lignocellulosic residues, and its cultivation can be carried out in a rustic environment, in addition to its gastronomic value. The present study aimed at the production and physicochemical evaluation of P. ostreatus var. florida in formulations based on locally available substrates such as grain-free bean pod (BP), malt pomace (MP), and mesquite leaves (ML). The experiments were divided into four stages: evaluation of biological and productive parameters and physicochemical evaluation of the formulations and basidiomes. The BP presented 1.34% of non-reducing sugars and 2.17% of reducing sugars and 3.41% minerals and 1°Brix. The MP presented 1.83% of non-reducing sugars, 2.68% of reducing sugars, 3.41% minerals, and 1°Brix. ML presented 5.55% of minerals and 0.1°Brix. All formulations had a total cycle of up to 23 days. BP generated a larger cap diameter (4.5 cm) and a higher yield (21.66 g/bag) and MP + BP a higher biological efficiency (103.75%) and protein content (35.35%). The MP + BP and MP + ML formulations showed a C:N ratio of 17:1 and 13:1 and a higher protein intake of 34.35%, respectively. In this way, it was possible to optimize the production and characterize the nutritional quality of the mushrooms in the different formulations.

Abstract Accurate quantification of chitin oligosaccharides (COS) is essential for enzymatic hydrolysis research and bioactivity exploration, yet current analytical methods lack harmonization and limit profiling and quantitative accuracy. This study addresses these challenges by optimizing a gas chromatography (GC) method, validated to achieve precise quantification of COS in the range of DP1-DP4. By optimizing the silylation protocol, we increased the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio in all DP standards, including a sevenfold increase in the S/N ratio of DP4. This GC method demonstrated robust linearity ( R 2 ≥ 0.99), high sensitivity (DP1 range from 10 to 2000 µg mL −1 ), strong precision (&lt; 15% coefficient variation), high accuracy (recoveries 90–100%) and repeatability (&lt; 10% coefficient variation) with COS standards. Additionally, a quantitative high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for COS DP1-DP6 was validated, offering a rapid and cost-effective alternative. A comparative analysis was done using real-world samples produced from a novel endochitinase from Thermothelomyces thermophilus applying the two novel validated methods, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and a non-specific reducing sugar assay (DNS). Both novel methods demonstrated agreement in the ratio of COS products generated, which ranged from DP1 to DP3, and in the theoretical degree of hydrolysis reached (96 ± 9.2% and 95 ± 3.3%, for GC and HPTLC, respectively), while the conventional methods reported a lower product yield of 75 ± 1.2% with HPLC and 53 ± 1.0% with DNS. This analytical toolkit enhances low-DP COS characterization and facilitates more accurate in chitin hydrolysis research. Graphical Abstract

Opioids are widely used worldwide for managing acute and chronic pain, yet their systemic effects on metabolic parameters remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the impact of opioid use on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles. Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to March 2025. Eligible studies included clinical trials and observational studies comparing blood glucose and lipid parameters between adult opioid users and non-users. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Twenty-five studies involving 9,225 opioid users and 27,462 non-users were included. Opioid use was associated with statistically significant but clinically modest reduction in fasting blood sugar (FBS; MD: - 3.00 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 5.71 to - 0.29, p = 0.03), total cholesterol (TC; MD: - 9.06 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 14.63 to - 3.49, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL; MD: - 6.17 mg/dl, 95% CI: - 11.56 to - 0.78, p = 0.02). Subgroup analysis revealed that opium use tended to reduce FBS and LDL levels, while methadone use was linked to higher FBS and TG levels. Natural opiates such as opium may slightly lower FBS and LDL levels, whereas synthetic opioids like methadone tend to elevate them. These effects are generally modest and clinically insignificant, providing no evidence of a protective metabolic role for opioids. Clinicians should remain cautious against the misconception that opium use improves metabolic health. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-026-01885-9.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-harvest applications of calcium chloride on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of sweet cherries cultivated in District Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. All treated and untreated cherry samples were packed in foam trays and stored at room temperature for 20 days. The treatments included C₀ (untreated control), C₁ pre (0.5% calcium chloride, pre-harvest), C₂ pre (1% calcium chloride, pre-harvest), C₃ post (0.5% calcium chloride, post-harvest), and C₄ post (1% calcium chloride, post-harvest). The average physicochemical parameters recorded were, moisture content (81%), pH (4.41), total soluble solids (13.91 °Brix), non-reducing sugars (1.54%), reducing sugars (9.86%), titratable acidity (1.54%), and ascorbic acid (9.51 mg/100g). Among all treatments, C₄ post-harvest (1% calcium chloride) showed greater performance based on physicochemical and sensory characteristics. Although sensory scores declined during storage, the lowest reduction in color (7.50%) and flavor (8.53%) was observed in C₄. Similarly, texture and overall acceptability decreased over time, with the minimum decline recorded in C₄ (12.19% and 19.51%, respectively). Microbial analysis indicated that total plate counts were highest in the untreated control (C₀) and lowest in C₄, demonstrating the effectiveness of calcium chloride in reducing microbial growth. Overall, post-harvest application of 1% calcium chloride proved to be the most effective treatment in maintaining quality, minimizing microbial load, and extending the shelf life of sweet cherries compared to pre-harvest treatments and the untreated control.

ABSTRACT French fries are a beloved and widely consumed snack, but their quality and safety can be affected by factors such as potato variety and storage conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of three potato varieties ( Kufri Chipsona 1, Kufri Frysona, and Kufri Chipsona 3 ) and varying storage durations on the chemical composition, color, fat content, and the formation of acrylamide (AA) and hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in French fries. The goal was to optimize the selection of potato varieties and storage periods to produce French fries with minimal health‐related compounds. Our results revealed that the choice of potato variety and storage conditions significantly impacted the composition of French fries. Potatoes with low reducing sugar content and specific storage temperatures are essential for producing high‐quality French fries. Among the potato varieties tested, Kufri Frysona stored for 15 days, emerged as the best choice for minimizing the AA and HMF formation in the final product. The study also established strong correlations between the chemical composition of potatoes and the formation of AA and HMF during frying. This research emphasizes the importance of selecting the right potato variety and storage conditions to mitigate, health risks of fried foods.

Excessive sugar consumption is a public health concern. Allulose, a low-calorie sugar with similar functional properties to sucrose, offers potential metabolic benefits. Animal and limited human studies suggest it may stimulate glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion, improve glucose regulation, and support weight management. However, evidence to substantiate these effects in humans remains scarce. The primary aim of this study, the low-calorie sweetener intervention study allulose (LisA), was to assess differences in the postprandial GLP-1 profile (primary outcome) between an acute intake of allulose and aspartame interventions in healthy adults. Secondary goals included exploratively assessing potential subacute adaptation effects over a 4-week consumption period and evaluating a comprehensive set of parameters as hypothesis-generating findings for future large-scale research. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial in healthy adults. Participants daily consumed either 3 allulose-sweetened or aspartame-sweetened beverages for 4 weeks in crossover, with a washout in between. Standardized inpatient procedures were conducted at the study baseline and at the beginning and end of each intervention phase. The primary outcome is the postprandial profile of GLP-1. Secondary outcomes include further parameters of gut hormone secretion, insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index), body composition (body impedance analysis), subjective satiety (visual analog scales), and gastrointestinal tolerance. We also assess multiomic endpoints, including sugaromics and gut microbiome composition. The primary outcome will be analyzed using the incremental area under the curve with a 2-tailed paired t test. All further outcomes (including peak and total area under the curve for GLP-1) will be assessed using linear mixed models. A total of 10 participants (4 female and 6 male; mean age 31.2, SD 6.8 years; BMI 25.1, SD 2.6 kg/m2) completed all study procedures. The sample collection phase was successfully concluded in November 2023. Data processing and statistical analysis for the primary outcome are expected to be completed by June 2026. The comprehensive study protocol, integrating a rigorous crossover design with multiomic analysis, is poised to provide confirmatory evidence for the acute GLP-1 effects of allulose and generate valuable mechanistic hypotheses regarding its subacute metabolic and gut health effects. The findings will contribute to the evidence base required for evaluating allulose's potential role in public health sugar reduction strategies. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00028521; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028521. DERR1-10.2196/81857.