33145 research outputs found
Sort by
Biochemical, Biological, and Clinical Properties of γ-Oryzanol
No full textγ-Oryzanol is a complex mixture of ferulic acid esters of phytosterols and triterpene alcohols predominantly found in rice bran. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid lowering effects, as well as the ability to modulate cellular metabolic pathways in both in vitro and in vivo models. The composition and concentration of γ-oryzanol vary significantly among rice varieties and are influenced by genetic, environmental, and technological factors. Advances in extraction methods, including traditional solvent extraction and innovative approaches such as supercritical fluid extraction, have improved yield and purity, supporting its use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Current research in the biological, biomedical, and cosmetic fields is actively investigating γ-oryzanol’s mechanisms of action in metabolic regulation
and inflammation, as well as developing advanced formulation strategies to enhance its antioxidant, skin-protective, and functional properties. These efforts aim to optimize its delivery and efficacy by addressing challenges related to poor water solubility and bioavailability, thereby expanding its role as a multifunctional bioactive compound. This review provides a comprehensive overview on γ-oryzanol, focusing on its extraction techniques, chemical characterization, and biological/pharmacological activities. Additionally, clinical trials investigating its efficacy and safety have been thoroughly dissected, offering valuable insights into its therapeutic potential in human populations
STRUCTURAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF AMSTERDAM TIMBER PILE FOUNDATIONS – FROM BACTERIAL DECAY TO RESIDUAL SERVICE LIFE ESTIMATION
No full textWooden pile foundations are present in many historic towns in Europe and beyond. The technology for making such foundations was developed primarily in southern Europe but spread rapidly to other locations, with ever-better-performing technologies for creating them. In the area of Venice, Italy, the piles are relatively short, whereas in many cities around the Netherlands, the wooden piles can be up to
around 15 m. Oftentimes, horizontal wood members are placed on top of the piles, acting as the structural interface between the upper structure and the piles. Many of the current foundations in Amsterdam and other medieval cities in the Netherlands were built from 1600 onwards. As there are indications that their end-of-service life is nearing, assessing the state of the wood, its mechanical properties, and the remaining load-carrying capacity is fundamental, as the economic consequences of
failure of foundations below bridges, quay walls, and buildings can be colossal. Consequently, a fundamental analysis is required, addressing the type and extent of mechanical degradation resulting from long-term loading (duration of load effect), in combination with an assessment of the size and severity of biological or physical decay. The combined effect is responsible for the remaining load-carrying capacity and, consequently, for the remaining service life or for the assessment of possible
reuse of the foundation. The assessment of this remaining load-carrying capacity is performed using an integral damage accumulation model, which takes into account the severity of time-dependent biological degradation and the wood quality, as measured by underwater micro-drilling, combined with the mechanical load components (dead load, traffic loads), and the duration of the load effect. As such,
the structural analysis approach differs from current design standards for new timber structures and aligns with the principles outlined in ISO Standard 13822 for the assessment of existing structures
Development and Characterization of Innovative Peptide-Based Delivery Platforms
No full textThis study investigates the development of sericin-based hydrogels and nanohydrogels as innovative
biomaterials for drug delivery and tissue engineering. Sericin, a silk-derived protein, was extracted
under various conditions and subsequently functionalized with vinyl sulfone to enable crosslinking
with thiolated hyaluronic acid via Michael addition. The resulting hydrogels demonstrated tunable
mechanical and rheological properties, along with controlled gelation times, indicating their
suitability for biomedical applications. Nanohydrogels were further fabricated through emulsion
technique and characterized by dynamic light scattering, FTIR, and electron microscopy. These
nanoparticles displayed favorable sizes (~200 nm), spherical morphology, and uniform dispersion. In
vitro cytocompatibility assessments using mesenchymal stem cells revealed that nanogels were not
cytotoxic. The results suggest that sericin-based systems hold promise for use in localized drug
delivery and regenerative medicine. In addition, the supramolecular hydrogels formed by self-
assembly of low molecular weight gelators were studied as drug reservoirs. The focus was on the
tolerance of supramolecular hydrogels to formulation changes and the relationship between
rheological properties and gelator leakage, which promoted the commercial application of
supramolecular hydrogels as drug reservoirs
Outdoor Rearing and Behavioural Patterns in Diverse Rabbit Breeds: An Exploratory Study
No full textEU regulations on organic rabbit farming are relatively recent, and scientific evidence on key technical aspects remains limited. Outdoor systems may improve health and welfare by allowing natural behaviours, but their effectiveness depends on management practices, environmental conditions, and breed. The objective of this study was to explore breed-related differences in rabbit behaviour under outdoor rearing conditions. A total of 15 Leprino di Viterbo (LV) and 15 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were weaned at 29 days of age and reared under outdoor conditions until 84 days of age, during October and November. All animals had ad libitum access to a commercial pelleted diet and pasture, and the intake of both was measured weekly. Animal behaviour was monitored by video recording, and eight one-minute sample intervals per day were analysed using focal sampling and continuous recording methods. Grass intake and estimated digestible energy (DE) were assessed on a weekly basis. Data were analysed using Generalized Estimating Equations to evaluate the effects of time, time of day, and breed. Behavioural patterns varied depending on genetic strain and time of day. Notably, LV rabbits exhibited a higher frequency of grazing and active behaviours compared to NZW rabbits, whereas NZW rabbits showed a higher frequency of resting behaviours and social contact. Breed-related differences in other behaviors and in grass intake patterns were not statistically robust. In conclusion, LV rabbits appear to be better adapted to outdoor conditions, exhibiting a greater pasture utilization, but further studies are recommended to confirm these findings and to evaluate their robustness across different seasonal and environmental conditions
Trace element levels in the sharks and rays of Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park, Greece
No full textAmvrakikos Wetlands National Park is a semi-enclosed embayment in northwest Greece and the last known megafauna hotspot in the country, hosting populations of 10 shark and ray species. The area is highly eutrophic, with pollution being the main threat to the marine environment. In this work, we estimated the levels of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in the flesh of six shark and ray species caught in Amvrakikos Gulf to investigate their levels and understand the potential health risks associated to their consumption. In total, 61 samples were collected and analysed. Significantly higher concentrations were detected on average for Cu. Embryos were found to accumulate higher levels of copper, suggesting maternal offloading. The relatively high levels of Cu are related to agriculture and sewage treatments and are by the findings of other studies in the Amvrakikos Gulf
Integrated Analysis of Erosion and Flood Susceptibility in the Gorgol Basin, Mauritania
No full textThe watersheds of the Senegal River, particularly the Gorgol River, are increasingly affected by hydrological extremes such as floods and soil erosion, pressures that are intensified by ongoing climate change and human activities. This study investigates the hydrological functioning and erosion susceptibility of the Gorgol tributaries to support sustainable watershed management. A multidisciplinary approach was applied, combining spatial analysis of watershed characteristics with hydrological modeling and erosion risk mapping. Key datasets included satellite-derived climate variables, which were validated with ground measurements and integrated with topographic, geological, soil, and land-use data. Climate analysis revealed a pronounced north–south rainfall gradient, with most precipitation occurring between July and September, alongside a +1 °C temperature increase over the past 42 years. Erosion susceptibility was assessed using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, incorporating factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope parameters, land-cover, and conservation practices. Results indicate that areas in the southern basin and those with fragile soils are most vulnerable, with rainfall erosivity being the primary driver of soil loss. Hydrological study identified flood-prone zones and characterized the regimes. These findings offer a scientific basis for targeted interventions in erosion control and flood risk reduction within the Gorgol basin
SnX2 PromotedCyclization of β-Nitro-β,γ-unsaturated Ketones Into 3-(2-Haloalkyl)-5-aryl Isoxazoles
No full textHerein we report an easy and fruitful methods to synthesize 3-(2-haloalkyl)-5-aryl isoxazoles starting from β-nitro-β,γ-unsaturated ketones. The reaction was promoted by the presence of tin (II) chloride or bromide and products were obtained in good yields and in short reaction time. Moreover, we extended our methodology to flow chemical conditions, and we also tested the usefulness of halogenated isoxazoles to obtain amino and ether derivatives
Papillomavirus Vaccination Programs and Knowledge Gaps as Barriers to Implementation: A Systematic Review
No full textBackground/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccination programs, global coverage remains uneven, with significant disparities across regions due to various socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors. This study explores the primary barriers to HPV vaccination worldwide and proposes recommendations to improve access to screening and vaccination programs. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published in the past ten years from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, following the PRISMA methodology. Study selection involved multiple researchers, with discrepancies resolved through consultation. The quality of the included studies was assessed using CASP checklists. The protocol was registered on Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: Out of 2119 records, eight studies were included. The findings indicate that the main barriers to HPV vaccination include insufficient public awareness, cultural and religious resistance, financial constraints, and limited access in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, political factors, such as low prioritization of HPV vaccination and the absence of supportive policies, were identified as significant obstacles. Multidisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration, along with the integration of HPV vaccination into existing health programs, was suggested as a strategic approach to improve vaccine uptake. Conclusions: Barriers to HPV vaccination, including limited awareness, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors, vary across regions but must be addressed to improve global coverage. Targeted interventions such as health education, inclusive policies, and culturally sensitive campaigns can significantly boost vaccine uptake. Strengthening local health systems and fostering international collaboration are key strategies to overcoming these barriers and ensuring equitable access to HPV vaccination
Due diligence della filiera contrattuale: transizione sostenibile e armonizzazione del mercato
No full textLa Due diligence della filiera contrattuale introdotta dalla Direttiva UE 2024/1760 segna un cambio di paradigma nell’esigenza di conformare a valori quali quelli della tutela della persona e dell’ambiente l’esercizio dell’autonomia privata e, più in generale, dell’attività economica. L’intervento legislativo euro-unitario è, comunque, fortemente condizionato dal perseguimento di un livello di armonizzazione del mercato che rappresenta un obiettivo importante per il mantenimento di un equilibrato mercato concorrenziale. In questo contesto il ruolo dell’interpretazione sistematica e assiologica è rilevante e permette di elaborare una concezione integrata del mercato in grado di attuare i valori espressione della tradizione costituzionale italiana