Total Activity Research Articles

Impact of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation Based on Biotransformation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity of Mushrooms

Mushrooms contain phenolic compounds that possess health-promoting properties, including antioxidant effects. However, the low solubility and form of phenolic compounds affect their bioactivity and bioaccessibility. To overcome this limitation, our study investigates the fermentation of mushrooms to increase their free phenolic content and enhance their bioactivity. Our research focused on the impact of fermentation on both free and bound phenolic fractions (FPs and BPs, respectively) in Lentinula edodes and Lactarius deliciosus, which were successively fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LMG 17673 for 72 h. We examined the total phenolic content (TPC), phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity of both FPs and BPs. Our results showed that the TPC of BPs was higher than that of FPs in both mushrooms, with strong antioxidant capabilities. Fermentation significantly increased the TPC of FPs in both mushrooms, particularly after 24 h of fermentation. The TPC of BPs in mushrooms decreased during fermentation, indicating their release from the matrix. Additionally, we identified 30 bioactive compounds using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Our study demonstrates for the first time that lactic acid bacteria fermentation of mushrooms with high phenolic content leads to the liberation of bound phenolics, enhancing their bioactivity and bioaccessibility.

Multivariate analysis of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties in twenty-five accessions across three Achillea species

This study explored the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and total phenol content of aerial parts from 25 accessions of three Achillea species (Achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch, Achillea vermicularis Trin., and Achillea tenuifolia Lam.). The plants were collected from various natural habitats across Iran, encompassing regions such as Central, Western, Southern, Northern, Western, and Northwestern parts of the country. Subsequently, they were grown together under field conditions. The study revealed significant variation in essential oil yields among accessions of A. wilhelmsii, ranging from 0.01 to 0.107%, A. vermicularis with a range of 0.075 to 1.5%, and A. tenuifolia showing a variation of 0.1 to 2%. The study utilized Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis, revealing 75, 49, and 75 compounds in the essential oils of A. wilhelmsii, A. tenuifolia, and A. vermicularis, respectively. Major components included camphor, 1,8-cineole, anethole, α-pinene, and phytol in A. wilhelmsii, 1,8-cineole, camphor, levo-carvone, and δ-terpinene in A. vermicularis, and β-cubebene, elixene, β-sesquiphellandrene, 1,8-cineole, camphor, and δ-terpinene in A. tenuifolia. The essential oil compositions of A. wilhelmsii and A. vermicularis were predominantly characterized by oxygenated monoterpenes, whereas that of A. tenuifolia was characterized by sesquiterpenes. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into three clusters, with A. tenuifolia forming a distinct group. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) triplot (62.21% of total variance) confirmed these results and provided insights into compound contributions. Furthermore, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the accessions of three species were assessed over 2 years. A. tenuifolia exhibited the highest levels in both categories, with statistically significant linear regression between antioxidant activity and total phenol content for A. tenuifolia and A. wilhelmsii. These findings emphasize significant phytochemical diversity within Achillea species, positioning them as promising natural sources of antioxidants. Further exploration and selection of specific accessions within each species are crucial for unlocking their medicinal potential and supporting cultivation and conservation efforts.

#1467 Pegcetacoplan for post-transplant recurrent C3 glomerulopathy or immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in NOBLE: 12-week evolution

Abstract Background and Aims C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) and primary immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) are rare diseases caused by uncontrolled complement activation, resulting in excess deposition of C3 breakdown products in the kidneys, which leads to kidney damage and eventually kidney failure. Kidney transplantation is an option for end-stage kidney disease, but disease recurrence is common (up to 67% of patients), and up to 50% of transplant recipients lose renal allografts due to recurrence. Pegcetacoplan is a targeted C3 and C3b inhibitor that may prevent excess deposition of C3 and C5 breakdown products and subsequent glomerular inflammation and kidney damage in patients with C3G or IC-MPGN, potentially improving clinical outcomes. NOBLE (NCT04572854) was the first prospective randomized controlled trial of pegcetacoplan vs standard of care (SOC) in post-transplant patients with recurrent C3G or IC-MPGN. Method Adult patients were randomized 3:1 to subcutaneous pegcetacoplan 1080 mg twice weekly plus SOC (n = 10) or SOC only (n = 3) for 12 weeks followed by a 40-week non-controlled period in which all patients received pegcetacoplan. Primary and secondary endpoint results for Week-12 data have been reported. We conducted a patient-level post hoc analysis to describe key histology changes from renal biopsy (C3c staining, C3G histologic index activity score), clinical parameters (urine protein-to-creatinine ratio [uPCR; calculated from triplicate first-morning spot urine], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), and biomarkers (serum C3, plasma sC5b-9) through Week 12. The C3G histologic index uses a semiquantitative scale of 0–3 for 7 markers of activity (mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary proliferation, membranoproliferative morphology, leukocyte infiltration, cellular and/or microcellular crescent formation, fibrinoid necrosis, and interstitial inflammation), for a total activity score of 0–21. eGFR stability was defined as a decrease of no more than 25% versus baseline. Results Among the 10 pegcetacoplan-treated patients, 7 (70%) had 1 previous kidney transplant, 2 (20%) had 2, and 1 (10%) had 3. The mean (range) time to disease recurrence after most recent transplant was 10.8 (0.4–31.8) months and from most recent recurrence to randomization was 12.2 (2.1–37.7) months, with 60% randomized >6 months post-disease recurrence. Among the 3 SOC-only patients, 2 (66.7%) had 1 transplant and 1 (33.3%) had 2. Mean (range) time to recurrence was 32.8 (4.6–63.8) months and to randomization was 33.9 (7.0–65.4) months. At Week 12, 8 (80%) pegcetacoplan-treated patients had a reduction in C3c staining of at least 1 order of magnitude. Of these 8, 7 (70%) had a decrease in activity score, and 6 of these 7 (60%) had a decrease in proteinuria. Four (40%) patients had reduced C3c staining, decreased activity score, and cleared electron microscopy deposits at Week 12. eGFR remained stable in 9 (90%) patients. Six of 9 (67%) patients with available Week-12 data (4 of 5 patients with >1 g/g uPCR at baseline) had a reduction in uPCR with 5 of the 6 achieving ≥50% uPCR reduction (Table). All pegcetacoplan-treated patients had increased serum C3, as expected, and 9 (90%) had decreased sC5b-9. At Week 12, no TEAEs led to study discontinuation, treatment withdrawal, or death. No encapsulated bacterial infections or events of rejection/graft loss related to the study drug were reported. Conclusion As early as Week 12, more than half (6/10 [60%]) of post-transplant patients with recurrent C3G or IC-MPGN treated with pegcetacoplan achieved reductions in C3c staining, activity score of C3G histology index, and proteinuria, suggesting that pegcetacoplan targets the underlying pathophysiology of the C3G/IC-MPGN in kidney transplant recipients. The safety and efficacy of pegcetacoplan will be further evaluated at Week 52 of the NOBLE study and as part of the Phase 3 VALIANT (NCT05067127) trial, which enrolled patients with C3G or primary IC-MPGN who have native kidney or post-transplant disease.

Non-invasive measurement of spoilage of packed fish using halochromic sensor

Purpose This study aims to develop a pH-functional thin-film sensor for non-invasive measurement of spoilage of packed fish. Design/methodology/approach At first, polymers of natural origin such as hydroxy(propyl)methyl cellulose, potato dextrose agar and starch alongside a pH sensitive-mixed indicator formulation were used to produce thin film sensor. The developed thin film sensor was tested for monitoring the spoilage of seafood stored at 4°C. Using ultraviolet-visible and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the halochromic sensor was characterised. In addition, the halochromic response of the thin film was directly correlated to the total volatile base nitrogen emitted by the packaged fish, pH, microbial activity and sensory evaluation. Findings The results suggested the developed biopolymer-based thin film sensor showed different colours in line with the spoilage of the packed fish, which could be well correlated with the total volatile base nitrogen, microbial activity and sensory evaluation. In addition, the thin film sensors exhibited a high degree of biodegradability. The biopolymers-based thin film halochromic sensor has exhibited excellent biodegradability along with sensitiveness towards the spoilage of the packed fish. Originality/value In the future, consumers and retailers may prefer seafood containers equipped with such halochromic sensors to determine the degree of food deterioration as a direct indicator of food quality.

Extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from olive pomace using natural deep eutectic solvents: modelling and optimization by response surface methodology

This work explored the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for extracting phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from Uruguayan olive pomace (OP), a by-product of olive oil mills. Among nine NADES tested, lactic acid-glucose (La-Gc) was the most effective solvent for phenolic compound extraction. Further investigation focused on optimizing the extraction process using La-Gc. Response surface methodology was employed to analyze the impact of extraction temperature, water content in NADES and solid–liquid ratio on total phenols content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH assays). Temperature and solid–liquid ratio greatly influenced TPC and antioxidant activity, while water content in NADES only showed significant influence on antioxidant activity. The optimum extraction conditions that maximized TPC and antioxidant activity were 80 ∘C\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${}^{\\circ }\ ext {C}$$\\end{document}, 68% (w/w) of water in NADES and solid–liquid ratio of 0.014 g/mL, showing a TPC of 15.56 mg GAE/g db, FRAP of 178.14 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}mol FSE/g db and DPPH of 72.75 μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu$$\\end{document}mol TRE/g db, with hydroxytyrosol content of 1.24 mg/g db. These values were significantly higher than those of extracts obtained from conventional solvents under identical extraction conditions. These results highlight the suitability of the present extraction method using La-Gc as solvent to obtain phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from OP.

Moderate intensity intermittent lifestyle physical activity is associated with better executive function in older adults

Executive functions are among the first cognitive abilities to decline with age and age-related executive function slowing predisposes older adults to cognitive disorders and disease. Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (ILPA) reflects brief, unplanned activity that occurs during routine daily activities and is operationalized as activity bouts <60s. Our understanding of short bouts of habitual physical activity and executive functions is limited. We tested the hypothesis that greater amounts of ILPA in moderate and vigorous intensity domains would be associated with better executive function in older adults. Forty older adults (26 females, 68 ± 6, >55 years; body mass index: 26.6 ± 4.3 kg/m2) completed a Trail-Making-Task and wore an activPAL 24-hr/day for 6.2 ± 1.8-days. For each intensity, total time and time spent in bouts <60 s were determined. Trail A (processing speed) and Trail B (cognitive flexibility) were completed in 25.8 ± 8.2 s and 63.2 ± 26.2 s, respectively. Non-parametric Spearman's rank correlations report that moderate ILPA (3.2 ± 3.2 min/day) and total-moderate physical activity (20.1 ± 16.0 min/day) were associated with faster Trail A (total-moderate physical activity: ρ=−0.48; moderate-ILPA: ρ = −0.50; both, p < 0.003) and Trail B time (total-moderate physical activity: ρ = 0.36; moderate-ILPA: ρ = −0.46; both, p < 0.020). However, the results show no evidence of an association with either vigorous physical activity or light physical activity (total time or ILPA bouts: all, p > 0.180). Moderate physical activity accumulated in longer bouts (>60 s) was not associated with Trail B time (p = 0.201). Therefore, more total moderate physical activity and shorter bouts (<60 s) may result in better executive functions in older adults.

Application of anthocyanins from blue pea flower in yoghurt and fermented milk: An alternate natural blue colour to spirulina

Studies investigating the application of blue pea flower anthocyanins in fermented dairy products are limited. In this study, the application of anthocyanin extracts from blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) in yoghurt and fermented milk at 1 and 2% (w/v) concentrations was investigated and compared to a commercial blue colourant from spirulina. The total anthocyanin content (TAC), antioxidant activity (DPPH free radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays), pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, colour, and viable cell count were measured at 6 days intervals for 30 days at 4 °C storage. The TAC of yoghurt with blue pea flower anthocyanin extract demonstrated high stability, but the TAC of fermented milk with blue pea flower anthocyanin extract decreased significantly. The yoghurt and fermented milk with blue pea flower anthocyanin extract demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than the negative control and samples containing spirulina. The total colour change (ΔE) of yoghurt with blue pea flower anthocyanin extract was less than that of yoghurt containing spirulina during storage. However, the colour of fermented milk with blue pea flower anthocyanin extract was less stable than samples containing spirulina. The average colour acceptability of yoghurt and fermented milk containing 2% (w/v) blue pea flower anthocyanin extracts and those containing spirulina colourant was not significantly different. Therefore, an anthocyanin extract from blue pea flowers at 2% (w/v) concentration was a better blue colourant than spirulina in yoghurt. Spirulina was a better colourant compared to blue pea flower anthocyanins for fermented milk.

The Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Nine Monofloral Honey Types

Honey is well known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which significantly contribute to its high demand among consumers. While there is plenty of information available about the antioxidant potential of honey, there is still a lack of research specifically focused on monofloral honeys, as most studies have been based on market samples. To address this issue, in the present study we analyzed the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of nine monofloral honey types produced in Greece: fir, chestnut, citrus, erica, cotton, Jerusalem thorn, pine, oak and thyme, in comparison with manuka honey. The samples were collected from beekeepers applying the appropriate beekeeping practices. In total, ninety-six representative monofloral honey samples meeting the microscopic, physicochemical, and sensory characteristics were analyzed. Oak honey stood out as the darkest type (L* = 33.67) with the highest total phenolic content (203.75 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant activity (106.2 mg AAE/100 g). Chestnut honey closely followed, having also the highest electrical conductivity (1.679 mS/cm). Although manuka honey had a high total phenolic content, its total antioxidant activity was found to be medium-low compared to fir, pine, and erica honeys. Citrus honey, being the lightest in color (L* = 37.2), exhibited the lowest total antioxidant activity (6.36 mg AAE/100 g). Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlation between total antioxidant activity and electrical conductivity (ra-e = 0.587, pa-e = 0.000), and negative correlation between total antioxidant activity and L* parameter (ra-L = −0.424, pa-L = 0.000). Similar correlations were also observed regarding total phenolic content (rp-e = 0.457, pp-e = 0.000, rp-L = −0.455, pp-L = 0.000). In conclusion, oak and chestnut honeys seem to have a high antioxidant potential, that should be further explored, to highlight their value and help promote them worldwide.

Onion flower stalks: Its physicochemical, bioactive, and antioxidant characteristics as affected by thermal processing

Consuming vegetables is linked to health benefits. Onion flower stalk (OFS) is a green vegetable with a mild onion flavor and is widely consumed in South Asia. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and understand the effect of boiling time (5, 10, 15, and 20 min at 100 °C) on physicochemical, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of OFS. After boiling, moisture content and pH increased, whereas total soluble solids, water activity, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content decreased with increasing boiling time. The ascorbic acid content of fresh OFS was 20.59 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), which decreased by 71.45 % after 20 min of boiling. The total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannin content in fresh OFS were 517.16 mg GAE/kg FW, 341.55 mg QE/kg FW and 517.28 mg TAE/kg FW, respectively. However, prolonged boiling caused a damaging effect on these bioactive compounds. It was observed that 20 min of boiling caused about 55.50 % loss in total phenolic, 58.44 % loss in total flavonoids, and 55.88 % loss in total tannin. The decrease in antioxidant capability was associated with the depletion of phytochemicals. The results also demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of OFS was effective in DPPH free radical scavenging activity. For extended boiling, the IC50 values rose gradually, indicating a decrease in antioxidant activity. Kinetic modeling showed that a first order model could more accurately anticipate changes in ascorbic acid and bioactive components with a higher R2. Findings from this research would be useful in designing thermal processing equipment for fruits and vegetables.

Effects of Breaking up Sitting on Gut Hormone Responses and Subsequent Compensatory Behaviours in Physically Inactive Adults.

The effects of breaking up sitting on gut hormone responses and free-living energy compensatory behaviours are still unclear in people of Asian ethnicity. 26 Asians including 13 lean individuals (Lean) and 13 individuals with centrally overweight/obesity (OW), aged between 20 to 45 years, completed a randomized crossover study with either 5.5-h uninterrupted sitting (SIT) or 5.5-h sitting with 2 min walking at 6.4 km/h every 20 min (ACTIVE) in the laboratory. Blood samples were collected at regular time-points to examine postprandial glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) concentrations. Free-living physical activity and energy intake were recorded using wearable devices and weighed food diaries outside the laboratory until midnight. Paired t-tests were conducted to compare responses between trials. Postprandial GLP-1 and PYY incremental area under curve values were higher in the ACTIVE trial versus SIT in both Lean and OW groups (all, p < 0.05), but there was no difference in GIP in either group (both, p > 0.05). There were no differences in free-living physical activity (volume and intensity) or energy intake (total and macronutrients) between trials in either group (all, p > 0.05), resulting in greater total physical activity over the 24-h monitoring period in ACTIVE trial versus SIT trial (both, p < 0.05). Breaking up sitting increases postprandial GLP-1 and PYY concentrations in Asians, but does not induce subsequent behavioural compensation, resulting in greater 24-h physical activity levels and lower relative energy intake, in inactive individuals irrespective of bodyweight status.

Effect of the storage process on quality characteristics of hemp-enriched "tsoureki" a rich-dough baked Greek product.

The effects of the storage process on the quality characteristics of a hemp-enriched "tsoureki" (a rich-dough baked Greek product, rich-dough baked product [RDBP]) were investigated. The wheat flour was substituted with defatted hemp flour at selected ratios (0%-50% hemp:wheat flour). The baked products were stored at 25°C and at specific time intervals (0, 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14 days), and their properties were determined, including moisture content, water activity, structure, texture, color, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. Moreover, analyses of phenolic compounds were performed using quadrupole time of flight liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy, identifying 14 compounds. Both the first-order kinetic model and modified Avrami equation, including the hemp-to-wheat ratio effect in the rate constant, well described the changes in the quality characteristics. The results showed that storage time and hemp incorporation significantly affected the quality of the product. Water activity decreased from 0.901 to 0.859, whereas moisture content decreased from 30.52%-32.33% (0 days) to 26.97%-27.02% w.b. (14 days) with storage time for all hemp additions. Hardness was greatly affected by hemp flour addition and approached 14.72 and 17.85 N after 14 days of storage for 30% and 50% substitutions, respectively. Springiness and cohesiveness decreased with hemp addition and storage time. The color difference of the hemp-enriched products compared to the control sample increased during storage. TPC increased due to the addition of hemp flour, whereas 14 compounds were identified. Based on property correlation, the hemp-enriched RDBP-tsoureki held its high-quality characteristics for 7 days of storage and contained a significant amount of bioactive compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Industrially produced, defatted hemp is a promising byproduct that can be used to nutritionally enhance baked goods. Modeling results can be used for the prediction of the properties that define product storage ability and also that the hemp-enriched, rich dough-baked Greek "tsoureki" could be produced while maintaining total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during 7 days of storage. These findings are expected to be used in the future in baked goods industry applications to produce goods with an improved nutritional profile.

Evaluating the association between lifetime physical activity and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case-control study.

Oral cancers are the 6th most common malignancy worldwide and oral squamous cell carcinoma, comprises over 90% of oral cancers. This study investigates the relationship between physical activity level during the lifetime and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. 100 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and 200 healthy individuals participated in this case-control study. Physical activity level was evaluated via the Lifetime Physical Activity Questionnaire. The occupational, household, and sports domains of lifetime physical activity were determined. Case and control groups' participants were matched in terms of sex, age, smoking, and alcohol consumption by the Frequency Matching Method. Mann-Whitney U Test was applied to compare physical activity levels between groups. The Body Mass Index was higher among cases compared with controls. The average amounts of lifetime physical activity among cases and controls were approximately identical. However, only a statistically significant difference between time spent on total lifetime physical activities and the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk was discovered. Moreover, there were no statistically significant odds ratios in examining the risk associated with each domain of activities. The total time spent on lifetime physical activity may decrease the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma; However, the total level and intensity of lifetime physical activity are not significantly associated with the oral squamous cell carcinoma risk. Further studies are required in this field.

Recovery of carotenoids as bioactive compounds from peach pomace by an eco-friendly ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction

AbstractThe industrial processing of fruits generates by-products. These by-products serve as a source of valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, carotenoid was extracted from peach pomace (PP) by using the ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE), an eco-friendly method. The process conditions ensuring the highest carotenoid content and b* color value for UAEE were detected by response surface methodology (RSM). To demonstrate the effectiveness of the ultrasonic process, enzymatic extraction was carried out at the optimum point. Physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids), color (L*, a*, b*, chroma value (ΔC) and color difference (ΔE), total phenolic compound (TPC) and antioxidant activity analyses (ABTS and FRAP) were carried. When the analysis results evaluated, the highest b* color parameter, TPC (761.10 mg gallic acid/L), ABTS (1933.33 mg Trolox/L) and FRAP (52.66 µmol Trolox/L) results of the extracts was observed with UAEE method. The study shows that ultrasound based upon the cavitation event was increased efficiency of enzymatic reaction with higher extraction yield and this provided in higher amounts of carotenoid and bioactive compounds. In other respects, when obtained carotenoid extracts are used in food formulations compatible with their acidic structure, they will contribute to protection of the product and minimizing color losses.

In-vivo evaluation of the adverse effects of ochratoxin A on broiler chicken health and adsorption efficacy of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan, Pakistan

Mycotoxins in animal feed pose health risks and economic losses, but using various adsorbent types could potentially protect animals from mycotoxicosis. The study aimed to assess the effect of OTA on the health of broiler chickens and to envisage the ameliorative potential of clay adsorbents. The objectives of this in vivo study were to investigate the effects of OTA on productivity, biochemical parameters, fecal residues, and the preventive effects of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan as adsorbents to alleviate the adverse effects of exposure. Male broiler chickens (n = 160) were treated with 400 μg/kg OTA and 0.5 g/kg clay adsorbent for 42 days, with feed and water available in an ad libitum manner. The amount of OTA in diet and fecal residues was assessed through HPLC. The administration of OTA in the diet, resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) while increasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between the weight gain of broiler chickens fed without OTA (positive control) and that of chickens fed adsorbent. The group given a diet containing OTA without adsorbents as compared to the control and adsorbent-supplemented group has shown a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and proventriculus while decreasing the relative weight of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Alterations in the levels of serum total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHL), serum urea (SU), enzymatic activity (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)), and creatinine were observed in the OTA-intoxicated and adsorbent-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Adsorbent supplementation resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) higher OTA content in the faeces. It can be concluded from the results of this study, that OTA intoxication negatively affects the health of broiler chickens, and the clay of Balochistan has shown effective adsorption potential against OTA.

Assessing nutritional probing and storage stability of functional Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) based guava jam: a machine learning approach for predictive modelling

SummaryThis research aimed to explore the influence of nutritional adjustments and storage stability on a functional, reduced‐calorie guava jam incorporating Aloe vera. Over two months, comprehensive analysis assessed physicochemical properties, sensory traits, microbial stability, and shelf‐life. The addition of Aloe vera gel resulted in significant improvements in pH (3.00 to 3.65), total soluble solids (40.10 to 42.20°Brix), antioxidant activity (36.85% to 81.09%), moisture content (29.48% to 38.82%), water activity (0.78 to 0.84), ash content (0.29% to 0.45%), fat content (0.14% to 0.19%), fibre content (1.05% to 1.86%), and the colour values. Moreover, b* scores for colour indication improved from 15.09 to 18.86. Texture attributes of cohesiveness and firmness improved significantly. Sensory evaluation favoured the T2 variant (20% Aloe vera gel), suggesting it as the optimal formulation. Furthermore, artificial neural networks (ANNs), a technique of machine learning, were utilised to predict guava jam behaviour, with 99% accuracy. The study discovered substantial changes in pH, total soluble solids, antioxidant activity, moisture content, and textural qualities, indicating that Aloe vera supplementation could improve guava jam quality and shelf‐life. The results of ANN predictions about antioxidants and cohesiveness provide information about the product's performance during storage.

The Effects of Antioxidants and Hyperbaric Oxygenation at Severe Thermal Injury: a Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION. Severe thermal injury (STI) characterized, among others, by hypoxia and oxidative stress (OS). The possibility of maintaining the antioxidant system through the antioxidants usage is proposed, but their effectiveness and duration are debatable issues. On the other hand, correction of OS at STI is theoretically possible by hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) sessions, but there is a need to assess the benefit-risk ratio. AIM. Investigate the effect of antioxidants and hyperbaric oxygenation sessions on the course of oxidative stress at severe thermal injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study involved conditionally healthy individuals (n = 25), and patients with STI (n = 31), randomized into 3 groups: standard methods (n = 11), supplemented with antioxidants (daily injecting of 250 g vitamin C, 1.494 g “Cernevit” and 10 ml “Addamel N” during 14 days, n = 11) or HBO sessions (50–60 minutes in pressure chambers BLKS-30, BLKS-307/1 in the “low dose” at 1.3 Ata, n = 9). Plasma and erythrocytes were evaluated for free radical oxidation (FPO) and total antioxidant activity, malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione reductase. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. At the antioxidant usage was found SOD activity increase by 11 % (p 0.01) on the second day, a decrease in FROer by 13 % (p = 0.012) on the 9th day, and MDAer by 13 % (p = 0.036) on the 6th day. In the HBO group, there was 9 % increase in SOD activity (p = 0.038) after the first session, an increase in glutathione reductase activity by 15 % (p = 0.028) by the 9th day. Thus, it is possible to pre-limit the period of potentially favorable use of antioxidants and HBO, which contributes to the maximum therapeutic effect. The negative consequences caused by the use of antioxidants or HBO have not been identified in this work. CONCLUSION. The antioxidant usage at STI contributes to the growth of the antioxidant protection of erythrocytes. The HBO usage leads to an improvement in cellular respiration and antioxidant enzymes activity and does not cause a deepening of OS. The optimal duration of prescribing antioxidants is the first 6–8 days, HBO — 9–11 days from the beginning of therapy.

The Impact of Exercise Training on Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effects of exercise training on muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in humans. Studies included exercise interventions (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], non-randomized controlled trials [non-RCTs] or pre-to-post intervention) that reported on adults (>18 years) where MSNA was directly assessed using microneurography, and relevant outcomes were assessed (MSNA [total activity, burst frequency, burst incidence, amplitude], heart rate, blood pressure [systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or mean blood pressure], and aerobic capacity [maximal or peak oxygen consumption]). 40 intervention studies (n=1,253 individuals) were included. RCTs of exercise compared to no exercise illustrated that those randomized to the exercise intervention had a significant reduction in MSNA burst frequency and incidence compared to controls. This reduction in burst frequency was not different between individuals with cardiovascular disease compared to those without. However, the reduction in burst incidence was greater in those with cardiovascular disease (9 RCTs studies, n = 234, MD -21.08 bursts/100 hbs; 95% CI -16.51, -25.66; I2 = 63%) compared to those without (6 RCTs, n = 192, MD -10.92 bursts/100 hbs; 95% CI -4.12, -17.73; I2 = 76%). Meta-regression analyses demonstrated a dose-response relationship where individuals with higher burst frequency and incidence pre-intervention had a greater reduction in values post-intervention. These findings suggest that exercise training reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity, which may be valuable for improving cardiovascular health.

Does enzalutamide related PSMA upregulation affect outcomes of lutetium-177 PSMA radioligand therapy?

Enzalutamide is an antiandrogen drug used prior to lutetium-177 prostate specific membrane antigen (Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy and has shown promising results for upregulating the PSMA expression on prostate cancer cells. In this study, we aim to compare prostate specific antigen (PSA) level changes in prostate cancer patients who received enzalutamide to those who did not. Prostate cancer patients who underwent Lu-PSMA between 2021 and 2023 were retrospectively included. Patients were grouped based on prior enzalutamide therapy: those who received enzalutamide (EZ+) for at least 14 days and those who did not (EZ-). PSA changes and F-18 DCFPyL SUV (Standardized Uptake Values) were compared. Thirty-seven patients were included, 18 EZ+ and 19 EZ-. The median age, Gleason score, and prior chemo/hormonal therapies were similar for EZ+ and EZ-, except for radium-223. Eleven patients (61%) in EZ+ and 13 patients (68%) in EZ- showed a decrease in PSA after the first cycle (p = 0.64). Four patients (22%) in EZ+ and seven patients (37%) in EZ- had more than 50% decrease in PSA after the first cycle (p = 0.33). The average percent decline at the end of the treatment was 23.3% in EZ+ and 50.4% in EZ- (p = 0.4). There was no difference in terms of lesion with highest SUVmax, mean SUV, total tumor volume or activity on pre-therapy PSMA imaging. Enzalutamide treatment prior to Lu-PSMA does not improve patient outcomes when applied remotely. Larger studies evaluating the combination therapies and the timing of enzalutamide are needed to assess its correlation with Lu-PSMA outcomes.

STUDY OF ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY OF A MEDICATION BASED ON SPIDER VENOM EXTRACT

Homeopathy is a regulatory therapy. The effectiveness of homeopathic therapy does not depend on the dose of the drug, but on the frequency of its repetitions. The composition of homeopathic preparations includes a wide range of natural and synthetic active substances: minerals; chemical substances; substances of plant origin; microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and plant parasites; substances of animal origin; and human materials, which may include tissues, secretions, hormones, and genetically homogeneous cell lines. One such substance is an extract of spider venom (Tarantul cubensis D6), which remains active in pharmaceutical preparation for a long time. The drug is selectively absorbed in inflamed tissues, differentiating them from healthy cells and suppressing inflammation. The drug is also effective in necrotic and proliferative processes. It is used for the treatment of panaritium in the initial stage, skin ulcers, necrobacillosis, and necrosis of the soft tissues of the animal. Any materials of animal or human origin are potentially dangerous for human and animal health, as they may contain toxic or pathogenic substances. Therefore, the study of the acute and subacute toxicity of spider venom extract is one of the stages of establishing the toxicological parameters of the drug. The use of the drug in a therapeutic dose caused an increase in animal body weight, hemoglobin concentration, number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, hematocrit value, average erythrocyte volume (MCV), average hemoglobin content in erythrocytes (МСН), average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСНС), number of platelets, and AST activity against the background of a slight decrease in total protein content, creatinine, urea, and ALT activity. The use of the drug in a 10-fold therapeutic dose caused an increase in animal body weight, creatinine, urea, ALT, and AST activity against the background of a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin, the number of leukocytes and erythrocytes, the value of hematocrit, the average volume of erythrocytes (MCV), the average content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСН), the average concentration of hemoglobin in erythrocytes (МСНС), the number of platelets, and the content of total protein.

Radiation source terms analysis and classification of radioactive waste for the decommissioning of the first HWRR reactor in China.

Nuclear reactors will face the problem of decommissioning at the end of their operating life due to the high radioactivity of reactor components and environmental safety considerations. The Heavy Water Research Reactor (HWRR) is the first large-scale research reactor to be decommissioned in China. The second phase of HWRR decommissioning involves the main components in the reactor block, so the radiation source terms and the radioactive waste level need to be evaluated before demolition and disposal. Based on the operating history, three-dimensional geometry, materials, and other information of the HWRR, the activity of radionuclides in the main components of HWRR is calculated and analyzed, and the MCNP/ORIGEN coupling scheme is utilized for theoretical analysis. The theoretical results indicate that 14C, 54Mn, 55Fe, 60Co, 63Ni, and 152Eu are the main radioactive nuclides. The total activity of radioactive nuclides was 2.36E + 15Bq at the end of 2007, 4.27E + 13Bq at the end of 2021, and 1.83E + 13Bq at the end of 2025. Furthermore, local sampling and radiometric analyses based on the HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer are also performed to verify the theoretical results, the ratio of theoretical activity values to the measured activity of the experimental sample is within 2.5 times, so the theoretical results are conservative. According to the classification standards for radioactive waste, the inner shell, outer shell, cooling water tank, sand layer, and heavy concrete shielding layer are all low-level waste. These results and conclusions can serve as a reference for the second phase decommissioning of the HWRR and the subsequent disposal of radioactive waste.