Effective screening of genotypes for waterlogging tolerance and recovery capability is critical to mitigate waterlogging stress and support targeted breeding programs. This study was conducted to evaluate 70 tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius) genotypes at the seedling stage under 10, 12, and 14 days of waterlogging stress to identify variation in tolerance on the basis of seedling mortality. Fifteen genotypes with contrasting responses were subsequently subjected to detailed agronomic trait analysis under 14 days of continuous waterlogging stress, followed by 14 days of recovery after drainage. Significant genotypic variation was observed in seedling mortality, which increased with increasing stress duration, ranging from 0% to 20% in highly tolerant genotypes to 81%-100% in highly susceptible ones. Waterlogging stress and recovery conditions negatively affected shoot and root length, total length, the root-to-shoot ratio, and shoot and root fresh and dry weights. Comprehensive evaluation of waterlogging tolerance (CEVWT) and comprehensive evaluation of recovery tolerance (CEVRT) ranged from 0 to 1.0, reflecting a substantial variation among the genotypes. The waterlogging tolerance coefficient (WTC), CEVWT, waterlogging tolerance score (WTS), recovery tolerance coefficient (RTC), CEVRT, and recovery tolerance score (RTS) suggested that the CVL-1 and A-3539 genotypes were identified as highly waterlogging-tolerant with recovery capability, whereas A-2521 and O-9897 were highly sensitive with poor recovery potential. The significant positive correlations of WTS and RTS with different agronomic traits indicated that longer roots and shoots and higher seedling biomass are key contributing traits for waterlogging tolerance and recovery capacity. A significant positive correlation between WTS and RTS demonstrated that genotypes with higher tolerance during waterlogging stress also showed superior recovery potential. Therefore, the findings highlighted that selecting jute genotypes with longer roots and shoots, greater seedling biomass retention under waterlogging stress, and higher recovery after drainage are recommended to develop resilient jute varieties suitable for flood-prone environments.
Malaria and dengue are among the most widespread vector-borne diseases globally. This study evaluated the larvicidal and repellent characteristics of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) flower extracts against the Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti vectors. The crude methanolic extract was sequentially fractionated into ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. Four different fractions were tested against Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti at concentrations ranging from 78 to 1092 ppm and 625-6250 ppm, respectively. Larval mortality was observed after 24 h and analysed using probit analysis to estimate lethal concentrations (LC50). Repellency duration was assessed for adult Aedes aegypti using the various solvent extracts. The methanolic extract exhibited high efficacy against both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti larvae, with LC50 of 312 and 960 ppm, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract showed strong repellent activity, which is persistent up to 9 h (posttreatment) against adult Aedes aegypti. FTIR analysis of the methanolic extract identified functional groups such as aldehyde, amide, alkyl and carbonyl. GC-MS analysis revealed five major components: ursolic acid methyl ester (12.42%), lupeol (53.86%), lupeol acetate (10.95%), cycloeucalenol (2.62%) and hentriacontane (2.64%). These findings indicate that A. scholaris flower extracts in different solvents show potential larvicidal and mosquito repellent activity for the control of malaria and dengue.
Background:As the global population ages as a whole, interest in the "place" dimension of aging is growing. Previous studies on relocation in older age were often qualitative in nature and based on small samples. Large-scale epidemiological studies that specifically account for nonmovers are scarce but may contribute to a better understanding of older people's reasoning about relocation. Methods:Data from the Second Longitudinal Study of Aging-Wave II, a U.S. population-based survey from 1997 to 1998, was analyzed to explore the most common reasons for moving in adults aged ≥ 70 years. The data were analyzed with a cross-sectional analytical approach. The predicted probability of moving depending on age and sociodemographic factors was estimated based on survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression. Moving/relocation was self-reported and covered a preceding 2-year period; reasons for moving implied a permanent relocation. Results:The weighted percentage of participants reporting relocation within the last 2 years was 10.83% (9.81-11.95). The predicted probability of moving increased with higher age and doubled from 10% to 20% when comparing those aged 70 years and 90 years. Participants reporting fair/poor overall health were significantly more likely to have moved than those participants with excellent health (contrast: +7% (95% CI: 4.1%-9%), p < 0.001). A similar contrast was found when comparing married participants with widowed/divorced participants (+6.8% (95% CI: 3%-10%), p = 0.001). Deteriorating health and the desire to go to a smaller place were the most frequently reported reasons for moving with 35.67% (31.98-39.53) and 18.71% (15.29-22.70), respectively. More than 10% of participants who relocated indicated a desire to live closer to their child/children. Conclusions:Results from this epidemiological analysis corroborate motivations for relocation identified in previous interview-based qualitative studies. The estimated marginal predicted probabilities provide new insights into the complex dynamics of relocation in older age.
Acanthamoeba spp., free-living amoebae (FLA), are the causative agents of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). These diseases have limited treatment options; therefore, drug discovery remains a critical priority. This study evaluated the leaf extract of Annona muricata L., which contains quercetin, formulated in silica nanoparticles against Acanthamoeba species. The anti-Acanthamoeba effect of the nanoformulation was determined by its MIC and percentage viability. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the nanocompound-directed effect on trophozoites and cysts. The nanoquercetin exhibited anti-Acanthamoeba activity, showing greater effectiveness against the trophozoites of Acanthamoeba polyphaga ATCC 30461 (AP) (MIC > 2 mg/mL) compared to cysts (MIC > 8 mg/mL) and against A. triangularis WU19001 (AT) trophozoites (MIC > 4 mg/mL) compared to cysts (MIC > 8 mg/mL). It also showed reduced activity against Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC 30010 (AC3) trophozoites (MIC > 4 mg/mL) compared to cysts (MIC > 8 mg/mL) and A. castellanii ATCC50739 (AC5) trophozoites (MIC > 4 mg/mL) compared to cysts (MIC > 8 mg/mL). The anti-Acanthamoeba activity of A. muricata on all four species was compared to chlorhexidine, which had MIC values of 0.008 mg/mL for AC3 and AT trophozoites and 0.016 mg/mL for AC5 and AP trophozoites. For cysts, chlorhexidine exhibited MIC values of > 0.0128 mg/mL for AC3 and AP, 0.032 mg/mL for AC5, and 0.064 mg/mL for AT. All MIC values demonstrated inhibition of Acanthamoeba species with reduced viability exceeding 90%. SEM findings revealed morphological changes in Acanthamoeba, indicating parasitic inhibition. Quercetin-loaded silica nanoparticles demonstrated anti-Acanthamoeba activity with low cytotoxicity. This indicates the potential of quercetin as a nano-enhanced natural therapeutic or contact lens-care agent. This study is limited by its in vitro design, small parasite strain panel, and potential nanoparticle variability. This highlights the need for in vivo validation, ocular/contact lens model testing, and formulation optimization for improved cysticidal efficacy.
Purpose:Resistance to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a significant therapeutic challenge. erm gene-encoded ribosomal methylation is expressed either constitutively or inducibly, causing resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin with possible induction of clindamycin resistance during therapy. msrA-mediated active drug efflux confers resistance to macrolides and streptogramin B while preserving clindamycin susceptibility. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of S. aureus isolates and correlate between the phenotypic and genotypic patterns of clindamycin resistance. Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to September 2023 at a tertiary care hospital laboratory. A total of 233 clinical isolates of S. aureus were included from exudate, blood, and bodily fluids. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Vitek 2 Compact system and interpreted according to CLSI 2022 and 2023 guidelines. Inducible clindamycin resistance was detected using the D-test. Multiplex and uniplex PCR assays were performed for the detection of ermA, ermB, ermC, and msrA genes. Results:Among 233 S. aureus isolates, methicillin resistance was identified in 45.9% (107/233) isolates. The prevalence of constitutive MLSB (cMLSB), inducible MLSB (iMLSB), and MS phenotypes was 23.17%, 12.01%, and 10.3%, respectively. Overall clindamycin resistance was observed in 38.6% (90/233; 95% CI: 32.6%-45.0%). The ermC gene was detected in 30.47% (71/233) isolates, while msrA was identified in 9.44% (22/233), including 91.7% of isolates of the MS phenotype. Neither ermA nor ermB genes were detected. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin, and tigecycline. Conclusion:ermC-mediated MLSB resistance was present in 30.5% of isolates, with cMLSB (23.2%) being more common than iMLSB (12.0%). Routine D-testing is essential to avoid clinical failure when using clindamycin for erythromycin-resistant, clindamycin-susceptible S. aureus. Also, 8 isolates were clindamycin resistant and susceptible to erythromycin, showcasing the diversity of the resistance profile of S. aureus toward MLSB.
Background:Machine learning survival models can outperform conventional Cox regression in heterogeneous pediatric HSCT cohorts, but clinical adoption is limited by concerns regarding information leakage, time-dependent structure, and interpretability. We evaluated explainable survival modeling aligned to real-world decision points before transplantation and after early post-transplant complications. Materials and Methods:In a single-center cohort of 839 transplant-naïve children (< 14 years) undergoing HSCT (2010-2016), overall survival was modeled from infusion to death or last follow-up. A baseline model used only pretransplant variables (age at HSCT, primary diagnostic group, stem cell source, and donor HLA type). To prevent leakage from postinfusion events, a day + 100 landmark cohort (n = 721; 121 deaths beyond day + 100) was constructed and extended with early complications known by day + 100 (SOS/VOD and acute GvHD). Cox proportional hazards, random survival forests (ranger), and randomForestSRC (rfSRC) were benchmarked using C-index, integrated cumulative/dynamic AUC (iAUC), and integrated Brier score (IBS). Cox proportional hazard assumptions were tested using Schoenfeld residuals. Model-agnostic explainability (survex) included time-dependent permutation importance, partial dependence survival profiles, SurvSHAP(t), ceteris paribus profiles, and additive attributions (breakdown and SHAP). Results:Overall mortality was 28.1% (236/839). Baseline Cox violated proportional hazards (global p = 0.00181), whereas the day + 100 landmark Cox did not (global p = 0.52). Baseline performance favored ML models (C-index: Cox 0.673, ranger 0.677, rfSRC 0.668; iAUC: 0.698, 0.866, 0.826; IBS: 0.159, 0.126, 0.135). In the landmark setting, discrimination and accuracy improved with ML (C-index: Cox 0.721, ranger 0.870, rfSRC 0.840; iAUC: 0.609, 0.668, 0.650; IBS: 0.125, 0.0969, 0.1016). Explainability analyses produced clinically coherent global and individualized risk narratives beyond day + 100. Conclusion:An information-leakage-free, landmark-based XAI framework allows clinically credible survival prediction in pediatric HSCT, with random survival forests outperforming Cox regression and providing transparent cohort-level and patient-level explanations suitable for clinical communication and risk updating.
This study investigates the impact of geographic origin and maturity stage on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of immature carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) fruits collected from three distinct locations in central Morocco. A total of 300 trees were sampled across seven phenological stages (T 0-T 7), and various parameters were assessed, including fruit morphology, colorimetric indices, sugar content, total polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). Two-way ANOVA revealed that these attributes were significantly influenced by the site, the maturity stage, and their interaction. Morphological characteristics increased significantly throughout fruit maturation, with the most pronounced changes occurring during the advanced developmental stages (T 5-T 7). Pod length, width, and thickness exhibited a progressive upward trend, reaching their highest values at late maturity stages. In particular, pod length increased markedly from 4.27 ± 0.45 cm at S 2-T 0 to 21.43 ± 2.65 cm at S 3-T 5, corresponding to an approximately fivefold increase during fruit development, thereby highlighting the substantial morphological changes associated with pod maturation. Bioactive compounds showed stage-dependent variations, with the highest levels generally recorded at intermediate maturity stages (T 1-T 2). Total phenolic content peaked at T 2, reaching 3342.38 ± 377.96 mg GAE/100 g, while total flavonoid and condensed tannin contents attained maximum values of 1335.42 ± 187.95 mg QE/100 g and 1149.21 ± 55.26 mg CE/100 g, respectively. Principal component analysis accounted for 83.64% of the total variability, highlighting clear groupings based on the developmental stage and site-specific effects. These findings demonstrate that the quality of immature carob fruits is strongly dependent on both environmental and developmental factors. The results provide a valuable basis for the targeted use of carob fruits in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical applications, optimizing their nutritional and functional potential.
This study evaluated the individual and interactive effects of dietary chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, and blood biochemical parameters in Lohmann LSL-Lite laying hens. A total of 216 hens (42 weeks old) were allocated to a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three dietary Cr levels (0, 3, and 6 mg/kg) and two Zn levels (0 and 40 mg/kg) over a 12-week period. Chromium supplementation significantly affected feed conversion ratio (FCR), hen-day egg production (EP), and egg mass (EM), with hens receiving no supplemental Cr exhibiting higher EP and EM than those supplemented with 3 or 6 mg/kg Cr (p = 0.001). Feed intake (FI) was not influenced by either Cr or Zn supplementation (p > 0.05). Both Cr and Zn significantly affected shell thickness (p = 0.0259 and p = 0.0026, respectively), with Zn increasing and Cr decreasing shell thickness. Chromium supplementation also reduced shell weight (p = 0.0138). A significant Cr × Zn interaction was observed for yolk color (p = 0.0429), with the highest values recorded in hens fed 40 mg/kg Zn combined with 3 mg/kg Cr. Blood albumin concentrations increased with increasing dietary Cr and Zn levels (p = 0.0001), whereas blood triglyceride concentrations decreased following Zn supplementation (p = 0.0490). Zinc supplementation increased blood Zn concentrations (p = 0.0267), while Cr supplementation reduced blood Cr concentrations (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, dietary Cr supplementation at the tested levels did not improve laying performance and, in some cases, reduced EP and EM, whereas Zn supplementation enhanced certain egg quality traits and improved blood biochemical profiles. Furthermore, the interaction between Cr and Zn influenced yolk color and blood Cr concentrations.
Albizia myriophylla Benth. is a medicinal plant possessing anti-Streptococcus mutans activity, a key pathogen associated with dental caries, due to the presence of antimicrobial compounds such as lupinifolin. This study aimed to optimize a solvent system for solubilizing A. myriophylla extract. Initially, the anti-S. mutans activity of the stem extract was determined, revealing minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of 8 and 256 μg/mL, respectively. Five solvents-water, 95% ethanol, glycerin, polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and propylene glycol (PG)-were evaluated. The extract exhibited higher solubility in PG, followed by 95% ethanol and PEG 400. Based on these results, 95% ethanol, PG, and water were selected for mixture optimization using an I-optimal design. A design space was constructed to ensure a minimum of 90% recovery of lupinifolin, achieving approximately 50% of the defined knowledge space. The optimal formulation for preparing a 5% A. myriophylla extract consisted of 95% ethanol, PG, and water in a mass ratio of 0.30:0.63:0.07. This formulation yielded a lupinifolin recovery ranging from 94.18% to 101.01%. A verification step confirmed the predictive accuracy and reliability of the model. Finally, the optimal formulation was evaluated for its anti-S. mutans activity, which demonstrated effective antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, this study successfully identified a suitable solvent system for solubilizing A. myriophylla extract, which can serve as a guideline for the development of oral sprays targeting S. mutans in future research.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurological ailment affecting millions of people worldwide. For this neurological disease, there are numerous pharmacological and supportive treatments available. Several organic products are currently being investigated for AD. In a recent study, a variety of methods were used to conduct research and evaluate this advantageous effect, including passive avoidance tests, histopathology, biogenic amine assessment, and GC-MS analysis. For this study, three groups were made of albino rats of both genders. Group I was the negative control group (administered standard diet), Group II was treated with 500 mg/kg beans, and Group III was given 1000 mg/kg. All three groups were induced Alzheimer's by giving 2.5 mg/kg diazepam prior to the start of the treatment. The results showed that a significantly higher dosage level of 1000 mg/kg was most effective at preventing dementia in AD-induced rats as compared to the lower dose evaluated. Passive avoidance tests, GC-MS analysis, which revealed acetylcholine activity and other beneficial compounds like squalene, isoglutamine, and pyrrolizine, as well as histopathological analysis, all supported the effectiveness of this nutritional option. The findings unmistakably demonstrated that 1000 mg/kg red beans are very helpful in reducing dementia in AD-induced rats.
Background:Despite limited knowledge about the benefits and adverse effects of herbal remedies during pregnancy, self-medication with these substances among pregnant women is increasing. The lack of precise data on the prevalence and reasons for this phenomenon poses a significant challenge to designing and implementing effective interventions to reduce it. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-medication with herbal remedies among pregnant women. Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 166 pregnant women visiting health centers affiliated with primary healthcare facilities in Kermanshah, western Iran, were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a validated researcher-designed questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS Version 18. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). Results:All 166 pregnant women with a mean age of 32.6 ± 5.1 years in this study reported using herbal remedies during pregnancy. The most common herbs consumed were fenugreek (89.8%), mint (71.1%), and cardamom (60.2%). The primary reasons for consumption were nausea and vomiting (12.7%), preventing neonatal jaundice (9%), and respiratory problems (6.6%). Despite this, 30.7% of women reported experiencing side effects such as abdominal pain (10.8%), headache (10.2%), and insomnia (3.6%) after consuming herbal remedies. Participants rated the effectiveness of herbal remedies as moderate (57.8%) and high (27.1%). However, only 30.7% were moderately satisfied and 28.9% were slightly dissatisfied with self-medication with herbal remedies. Conclusion:The results of this study indicate a high prevalence of self-medication with herbal remedies during pregnancy. Given the serious risks associated with the unsupervised use of these substances, including miscarriage and macrosomia, interventional measures to raise awareness among pregnant women about the dangers of self-medicating with herbal remedies for both mother and fetus are essential. Utilizing mass media to disseminate this information is particularly crucial. Furthermore, conducting clinical trials to investigate the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies during pregnancy is recommended.
In the current research, the Mg‐doped Ag 2 O nanoparticles were produced by the coprecipitation method. The characterization of the as‐prepared nanoparticles was conducted through a series of techniques. SEM confirmed homogenous morphology of a sphere with minimal agglomeration. The band gap of Mg–AgO 2 was determined to be 2.6 eV. The materials were observed to possess a particle dimension of 23.87 nm. X‐ray diffraction (EDX) proved that the substance is 97% Ag, 1.58% oxygen, and 1.42% Mg. The FTIR, PL, DRS, PZC, TEM, and XRD results proved that Mg‐doped Ag 2 O nanoparticles were successfully doped. In this study, the first application of the synthesized Mg‐doped Ag 2 O particles was studied for the decolorization of methyl orange in an aqueous solution. At ideal conditions of dye (30 ppm), neutral pH and the dosage of catalyst (0.4 g), 96.1% of decolorization was obtained in 150 min. The degradation was first order and the activation energy was found to be 13.19 kJ/mol. The recyclability of the material was studied, and it was confirmed that the material could be reused multiple times.
Deep learning has been increasingly applied to evolutionary genomics as genomic datasets have grown in scale and complexity. However, the literature encompasses heterogeneous biological objectives, modeling assumptions, and evaluation standards, often treated as a unified field despite important conceptual differences. This study presents a systematic review of research published between 2016 and 2025 on the use of deep learning to identify evolutionary patterns in genomic data. Following a structured screening process, 50 studies were selected for qualitative synthesis. The reviewed applications can be organized into three partially overlapping but conceptually distinct domains: (i) population genetic inference, (ii) phylogenetic reconstruction, and (iii) sequence representation learning using DNA and protein language models. In population genetics, deep learning is predominantly employed within simulation-based inference frameworks. In phylogenetics, neural architectures are used to approximate or accelerate tree and model inference under defined conditions. In representation learning, models focus on extracting transferable sequence features for downstream evolutionary or functional analyses. Across domains, deep learning provides flexible modeling of complex genomic inputs. Nevertheless, recurring limitations include challenges in interpretability, sensitivity to training assumptions—particularly under simulation-based settings—heterogeneous evaluation protocols, and substantial computational demands. By organizing the literature using a domain-aligned framework, this review clarifies domain-specific strengths, limitations, and research gaps, providing a structured basis for future methodological development in evolutionary genomics.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by β-amyloid deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and blood-brain barrier disruption, collectively leading to widespread cortical and subcortical atrophy. Current FDA-approved pharmacotherapies, including acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, provide only modest symptomatic relief and fail to halt disease progression, underscoring the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Growing evidence highlights medicinal plants and their bioactive phytoconstituents as promising candidates for AD prevention and treatment because of their multitarget mechanisms, favorable safety profiles, and long history of traditional use. This review synthesizes extensive in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies demonstrating the neuroprotective potential of plant extracts and isolated compounds that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiamyloidogenic, anti-tau, cholinesterase-inhibitory, and synaptic-modulating effects. Key medicinal species, including Abelmoschus esculentus, Brassica oleracea, Cannabis sativa, Citrus reticulata, Lantana camara, Launaea taraxacifolia, Lawsonia inermis, Marrubium vulgare, Markhamia lutea, Persicaria minor, Pithecellobium dulce, Salvia aristata, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Withania somnifera, show significant cognitive and neuroprotective benefits in experimental AD models. Phytochemicals such as sulforaphane, nobiletin, trigonelline, diosgenin, verbascoside, withaferin A, and withanolides strongly modulate the amyloid, tau, oxidative, and inflammatory pathways. Clinical trials further support the therapeutic potential of several plant-derived interventions for mild cognitive impairment and AD-related dementia. Collectively, these findings highlight medicinal plants and their active constituents as compelling complementary or translational strategies for AD management, warranting further mechanistic and clinical validation. This review aims to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in preventing and managing AD by summarizing evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.
Korarima (Aframomum corrorima) is a perennial aromatic herb native to Ethiopia, widely valued for its culinary, medicinal, and cultural importance. It naturally grows under shaded forest ecosystems; however, deforestation and habitat degradation have led to a significant decline in its wild populations. Despite its economic importance, consolidated information on its production systems, ecology, chemical properties, and market potential remains limited. This review systematically synthesizes existing knowledge on korarima by focusing on four key areas: its ecological requirements and distribution, agronomic and production practices, chemical composition and quality attributes, and its economic importance, including household income contribution, trade potential, and value chain characteristics. In addition, the review highlights major production and utilization constraints such as genetic erosion, limited agronomic technologies, and weak market development. The paper also outlines future prospects for sustainable production, conservation, and improved utilization of korarima as a high-value Ethiopian spice, emphasizing its role in biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood enhancement.
IM-B is a herbal formula comprising extracts derived from four medicinal herbs previously reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the bioactive compounds of IM-B extract, as well as its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were explored. Chemical compounds in IM-B extract were identified through phytochemical analysis using LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. Fifteen compounds comprising naringenin 5-methyl ether, alpinetin, pinocembrin, 2',4',6'-trihydroxydihydrochalcone, demethoxycurcumin, curcumin, alpinetin methyl ether, caffeic acid, myrcene, bisdemethoxycurcumin, geraniol, pinostrobin, pinostrobin chalcone, cannabidiol, and astaxanthin were analyzed. Based on the total phenolic (106.20 ± 3.11 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoid (94.65 ± 2.65 mg QE/g extract) contents of the IM-B extract, we consider it a good source of these secondary metabolites. Its antioxidant activities were 4.03 ± 0.63 μg/mL, 9.11 ± 0.57 μg/mL, and 126.84 ± 0.30 mg FeSO4/g extract based on 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, respectively. Analyses of the association of IM-B extract with nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2, and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukin-6 [IL-6]) revealed that IM-B extract significantly inhibits the LPS-stimulated proinflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. These findings support the potential effectiveness of IM-B as an herbal supplement in health promotion.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 75%-85% of all primary liver cancers and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advances in diagnosis and systemic therapies, the clinical management of HCC is hindered by limited therapeutic efficacy, drug resistance, systemic toxicity and high recurrence rates. Consequently, there is a pressing need for alternative and complementary treatment strategies. Natural products, particularly plant-derived phytochemicals, have long been valued for their diverse pharmacological activities and represent a promising source of novel anticancer agents. This review critically examines current HCC treatment modalities and their limitations, while highlighting the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals based on preclinical and clinical evidence, with emphasis on their molecular mechanisms of action. Furthermore, recent advances in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are discussed as a potential way to overcome key translational barriers associated with phytochemicals, including poor bioavailability, limited tumour selectivity and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. The integration of phytochemistry with nanomedicine offers a powerful strategy to enhance therapeutic efficacy, reduce systemic toxicity and improve clinical translation. We identify apoptosis induction, suppression of PI3K/Akt, MAPK, STAT3, NF-κB and HIF-1 signalling, and modulation of oxidative stress and metastasis as the dominant anti-HCC mechanisms of major phytochemicals. In addition, we highlight nanotechnology-based delivery systems as a key translational strategy to improve solubility, tumour selectivity and therapeutic performance of these compounds. Collectively, this review underscores the promise of plant-derived compounds, either alone or in combination with existing therapies, as the next generation of HCC therapeutics.
Plastic pollution is considered a major environmental challenge, and microplastics may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in salted dried beef sold in two cities in the Central Amazon, Brazil. Six brands, three sold in Itacoatiara and three sold in Parintins, were analyzed using density separation, organic matter digestion, stereomicroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. All the samples showed contamination by microplastics, totaling 141 particles. In the brands from Itacoatiara, 55 particles were identified, with an average size of 1.85 ± 1.48 mm, while in the brands from Parintins, 86 particles were found, with an average size of 1.30 ± 1.17 mm. Elongated blue fibers were the most frequent in both locations. Chemical analysis identified four types of polymers: polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, which are mainly associated with urban sources. In this first study to demonstrate the contamination of salted dried beef by microplastics, the results reveal weaknesses in sanitary control processes and food safety, indicating potential risks to consumer health. This scenario reinforces the need to include microplastics as a parameter in sanitary surveillance programs and public food safety policies in the Central Amazon.
The veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) is an invasive marine gastropod with commercial value, particularly in the Black Sea region. During processing, its viscera are typically discarded as waste. This study aimed to valorize the viscera by producing protein hydrolysates through enzymatic hydrolysis and lyophilization. Proximate analysis showed that the viscera contained 22.61% protein, 2.87% fat, and 2.95% ash. The hydrolysates were analyzed for amino acids using LC-MS/MS and minerals via ICP-MS. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine were the most abundant amino acids, with essential amino acids accounting for 52.4% of the total. The mineral profile revealed high levels of magnesium, calcium, and iron, along with elevated concentrations of copper and cadmium. Fatty acid analysis identified 24 components, with saturated fatty acids (SFAs) being the most abundant group, followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Major fatty acids included palmitic acid (C16:0, 13.69%), oleic acid (C18:1n-9, 3.21%), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 4.56%), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 8.15%). EPA and DHA together made up 12.71% of total fatty acids, highlighting the nutritional potential of the viscera. These findings support the potential use of Rapana venosa viscera hydrolysates in nutraceutical and functional food applications, although further investigation into heavy metal content is required.
The study explored community views on the roles of various institutional actors in promoting forest landscape restoration in Ghana. Using mixed methods, data were gathered from 417 households in the Kakum Conservation Area through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions involving representatives from the Forestry Commission (FC), the Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), licensed buying companies (LBCs), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and traditional authorities. Results show that NGOs are viewed as the most effective due to their community engagement, responsiveness, and empowerment efforts. Meanwhile, the FC, COCOBOD, and LBCs received lower ratings due to limited interaction and perceived inefficiencies. Traditional authorities are vital in mobilizing communities, enforcing cultural conservation, and safeguarding forest resources, highlighting the significance of informal governance. Factors such as demographics, visibility, engagement frequency, past performance, and credibility shape community perceptions of these institutions. Additionally, 98% of respondents noted weak or nonexistent coordination among institutions, often due to conflicting goals and competition, especially between NGOs and LBCs. The study emphasizes that integrating traditional and formal governance systems is essential for sustainable restoration. Strengthening institutional collaboration can enhance restoration outcomes, but state institutions should remain central, with activities tailored to local needs.
