Coffee Pulp from Azores: A Novel Phytochemical-Rich Food with Potential Anti-Diabetic Properties.

Coffee pulp, a by-product of wet coffee processing, shows significant potential in the food and health domains, but its real applications remain underexplored. This work investigated the chemical composition and bioactive properties of coffee pulp from São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). The studied coffee pulp exhibited high fiber content (52% dw), mostly insoluble; notable mineral levels (10.

Oil Content and Fatty Acid Composition of Safflower ( L.) Germplasm.

Safflower ( L.) is a promising oilseed crop with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Understanding the oil content and fatty acid composition of safflower germplasm is crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing its agronomic and nutritional traits.

Effects of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato Lyophilized Powder on the Physicochemical Properties, Lactic Acid Bacteria Viability, Microstructure, and Textural Properties of Stirred Yogurt.

This study proposes the use of lyophilized powder of purple-fleshed sweet potato (LP) as a new multifunctional ingredient to improve the identity and quality parameters of stirred yogurts. The physical and chemical properties, color, monomeric anthocyanin content, lactic acid bacteria viability, water retention capacity, microstructure, and texture were evaluated for yogurts enriched with LP at the levels of 2% (YLP2), 4% (YLP4), and 6% (YPL6), stored for 30 days under refrigeration (4 °C). The results indicated that LP provided different intensities and shades of pink coloration to yogurt, in addition to increasing ( < 0.

Nutritional, Chemical, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Screening of L. and L. Different Morphological Parts.

The chemical composition and biological activity of and are scarcely investigated. In this study, the nutritional and chemical profiles of and , considering their different morphological parts (leaves, fruits and roots), were assessed together with their antioxidant and antibacterial potential. Our results showed that carbohydrates are the major macronutrients in both species (above 62 g/100 g dry weight-DW).

Green and Innovative Extraction: Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Underutilized Plant Extracts Using Pulsed Electric Fields and Maceration.

Underutilized plant species such as (Forssk.) Less., Pomel, and L.

Edible Alginate-Fungal Chitosan Coatings as Carriers for LC03 and Their Impact on Quality Parameters of Strawberries During Cold Storage.

This study investigated the efficacy of an innovative edible coating, composed of fungal chitosan and alginate, functionalized with LC03, in both free and microencapsulated forms, to extend the shelf life and enhance the nutritional value of strawberries. LC03 cells were successfully encapsulated in alginate microparticles (MAL) and further coated with chitosan (MALC), resulting in enhanced protection (cell reduction below 1.4 CFU/mL), viability (8.

Natural Food Colorant Obtained from Wild L. by Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: Optimization and Characterization.

In this study, a novel natural food colorant based on anthocyanins was developed from wild barberry ( L.) fruits using ultrasound-assisted extraction, which was optimized through RSM. Four extraction variables (ultrasound power, time, S/L ratio, and extraction solvent pH) were evaluated in combination.

Wheat Germ as Partial or Total Substitutive of Lean Meat in Low-Fat Cooked Sausages.

Wheat germ is a byproduct of the cereal industry that contains high levels of protein, fiber, B vitamins, minerals, and other functional microcomponents. However, so far, few applications have been found in the meat industry despite the growing interest in replacing meat with vegetable proteins. Therefore, the use of wheat germ for the production of low-fat frankfurters was considered.

Quality Preservation and Shelf-Life Extension of Prickly Pear ( L. ) Using Edible Coatings.

Prickly pear consumption is increasing across the world due to its rich variety of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Yet, it is a seasonal and highly perishable fruit, and the application of edible coatings emerges as an alternative to extend its shelf life. In this work, the effects of alginate, starch, chitosan, and pectin as coatings on the physicochemical, bioactive, microbiological, and textural properties of two prickly pear varieties (orange and red), kept under refrigeration (5 ± 2 °C) were evaluated for 6 weeks.

Co-Creating Snacks: A Cross-Cultural Study with Mediterranean Children Within the DELICIOUS Project.

Mediterranean diet adherence has been decreasing during the last few decades, and non-appropriate snacking habits have also been identified among Mediterranean children and adolescents. To co-create new snacks and to explore children's interests and preferences, a multi-method approach was used in the present study, including some qualitative and quantitative research phases. Conducted in collaboration with schools in Lebanon, Egypt, Portugal, Italy, and Spain, different snack prototypes were designed and tested in a Mediterranean cross-cultural context.

Enhancing Meat Quality and Nutritional Value in Monogastric Livestock Using Sustainable Novel Feed Ingredients.

This study explores the potential of novel feed ingredients for monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, to enhance meat quality and nutritional value while reducing the environmental footprint of production. Innovative feed options like black soldier fly larvae, microalga, seaweed, fermented soybean hulls, fortified flaxseed and grape pomace have significantly improved meat quality and nutritional traits. Results indicate that these ingredients enrich meat with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, enhancing nutritional value while improving sensory traits such as flavour, tenderness and colour.

Elevated Fecal Lipocalin-2 Levels During Early Life Are Associated with Maternal Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnosis.

Background: Fecal lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a biomarker of neutrophil activation, which is elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, its dynamic changes during pregnancy and early life are largely unknown. We characterized LCN2 levels by maternal IBD diagnosis, offspring feeding behavior, and gut microbiota composition.

Methods: In the prospective MECONIUM (Exploring Mechanisms of Disease Transmission In Utero through the Microbiome) study, we analyzed 559 fecal samples from 91 pregnant women with IBD, 78 healthy controls, and their 147 offspring for LCN2 levels at each trimester of pregnancy and multiple time points during early life using linear mixed-effects model and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Companion dogs show signs of jealous behaviour toward non-living agents.

Dogs engage in social interactions with robots, yet whether they perceive them as social agents remains uncertain. In jealousy-evoking contexts, specific behaviours were observed exclusively when dogs' owners interacted with social, rather than non-social rivals. Here, we investigated whether a robot elicits jealous behaviour in dogs based on its level of animateness.

Unraveling complexity and leveraging opportunities in uncommon breast cancer subtypes.

Special histologic subtypes of breast cancer (BC) exhibit unique phenotypes and molecular profiles with diagnostic and therapeutic implications, often differing in behavior and clinical trajectory from common BC forms. Novel methodologies, such as artificial intelligence may improve classification. Genetic predisposition plays roles in a subset of cases.

Branched endosomal disruptor (BEND) lipids mediate delivery of mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex for hepatic gene editing and T cell engineering.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the preeminent non-viral drug delivery vehicle for mRNA-based therapies. Immense effort has been placed on optimizing the ionizable lipid (IL) structure, which contains an amine core conjugated to lipid tails, as small molecular adjustments can result in substantial changes in the overall efficacy of the resulting LNPs. However, despite some advancements, a major barrier for LNP delivery is endosomal escape.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to systematically collect, evaluate, and critically synthesize research findings on the effects of physical exercise on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).

Method: The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for systematic reviews was adopted for this study. We searched the Medline®, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases to identify relevant articles published from inception to March 2024.

Forensic analysis of an alleged improvised explosive device (IED) from a multidisciplinary perspective: Organisation and outcomes of the ENFSI 2023 exercise.

Interdisciplinary examination of test materials requires careful consideration of how forensic routines can influence each other. This influence can be direct and obvious, or indirect and subtle. A multidisciplinary collaborative exercise (MdCE) should test a forensic laboratory's ability to account for these difficulties.

Characteristics of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and their association with treatment outcomes: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Background: There are few data on the treatment of children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant (MDR) or rifampicin-resistant (RR) tuberculosis, especially with more recently available drugs and regimens. We aimed to describe the clinical and treatment characteristics and their associations with treatment outcomes in this susceptible population.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis.

Clinical outcomes of patients with unsuccessful mechanical thrombectomy versus best medical management of medium vessel occlusion stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory.

Background: Current randomized controlled trials are investigating the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with medium vessel occlusion (MeVO) stroke. Whether best medical management (MM) is more efficient than unsuccessful vessel recanalization during MT remains unknown.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study using data from 37 academic centers across North America, Asia, and Europe between September 2017 and July 2021.

Mechanical thrombectomy in elderly stroke patients with low ASPECTS: insights from STAR.

Background: The elderly population (≥80 years) were underrepresented in recent trials of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS) with low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (≤5).

Methods: This study analyzed data from a prospectively maintained database of 37 thrombectomy centers. The primary cohort of the study comprised patients with LVO-AIS aged ≥80 who underwent EVT with ASPECTS≤5 from 2013 to 2023.

Longitudinally persisting KCNA2-autoantibodies in mild amnestic dementia with Alzheimer´s pathology - report and literature review.

Background: Neural autoantibodies are being increasingly detected in conjunction with neurodegenerative dementias such as Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD), yet their significance is not well clarified. In this case report, we report the previously unreported long-lasting persistence of potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 2 (KCNA2) antibodies in biomarker-supported AD.

Methods: We report on a 77-year-old, male patient evaluated in our outpatient memory clinic of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen.

Anabolic-androgen steroids: A possible independent risk factor to cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic syndrome.

Millions of individuals make illicit use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), remaining a public health issue. It often leads to detrimental effects, including cardiovascular and renal diseases, besides hormonal and metabolic imbalances. The objective of this review is to emphasize the contribution of oxidative stress and inflammation to these effects and connect the findings of experimental animal studies with the alterations found in clinical contexts, in AAS users.

Presence and potential impact of anthropogenic nesting materials on a colonial breeding waterbird.

Despite the vital importance of wetlands globally, these habitats have increasingly received anthropogenic materials, such as plastics, which can impact the wildlife these habitats support. Despite commonly found in the nests of Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), the presence of such materials has never been quantified. Here, we monitored the occurrence of anthropogenic nesting materials (ANM) in spoonbill nests in the Camargue wetland in Southern France during two breeding seasons (2021-2022).

Sources, levels, and determinants of indoor air pollutants in Europe: A systematic review.

Clean air is a requirement for life, and the quality of indoor air is a health determinant since people spend most of their daily time indoors. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available evidence regarding the sources, determinants and concentrations of indoor air pollutants in a set of scenarios under study in K-HEALTHinAIR project. To this end, a systematic review was performed to review the available studies published between the years 2013-2023, for several settings (schools, homes, hospitals, lecture halls, retirement homes, public transports and canteens), conducted in Europe, where sources and determinants of the indoor pollutants concentrations was assessed.