33145 research outputs found
Sort by
Dopamine and its effects on the respiratory system: A narrative literature review
No full textDopamine is a neuromodulator molecule that is involved in several systems in the human body. As a neurotransmitter, it plays a role in regulating reward, pleasure, and motor control in the brain. Beyond its well-known central nervous system functions it significantly influences peripheral systems including kidneys, circulatory system, and notably, immune system. It increases glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow in the kidneys, while it increases aortic pressure and cardiac output in the circulatory system. Crucially, dopamine and its receptors have been identified on various immune cells, playing a significant immunomodulatory role that contributes to balanced immune responses and has implications in autoimmune diseases and conditions like sepsis. Moreover, in the respiratory system, dopamine plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of major respiratory disorders such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. Depending on the type of receptor, dopaminergic receptors contribute to the pathophysiology of lung disease. As part of the narrative review, we have identified dopaminergic receptors in the respiratory system, their anatomic locations, and their specific mechanisms of action in the pathophysiology of major respiratory disorders. We have also identified and summarized molecular therapy protocols that can be used in the treatment of these disorders, considering the evolving understanding of dopamine's broad systemic effects
Valorizing Brazilian Propolis Residue: Comprehensive Characterization for Sustainable Reutilization Strategies
No full textThis study presents the first comprehensive characterization of Brazilian propolis residue, revealing its rich content of bioactive compounds, essential nutrients, and volatile substances, showcasing its potential for sustainable utilization. The term “residue” refers to the solid by-product remaining after ethanolic extraction of raw propolis, which is typically discarded, despite retaining significant nutritional value. HPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis identified significant concentrations of p-coumaric acid (637.80 mg/kg), chlorogenic acid (497.93 mg/kg), kaempferol (295.82 mg/kg), and caffeic acid (115.11 mg/kg); while HPLC-DAD revealed also artepillin-C (56.56 mg/kg), illustrating strong antioxidant properties. Nutritional analyses showed high moisture content (37.08%), protein (12.56%) and dietary fiber (24.2%). Additionally, the mineral profile highlighted potassium (9800 mg/kg), phosphorus (2520 mg/kg), and calcium (2100 mg/kg). Volatile compounds analysis via HS-SPME-GC-MS identified a diverse class of components, predominantly terpenoids such as α-pinene (20.09%) and caryophyllene (9.76%), suggesting potential applications in fragrance and flavor industries. The multifunctional nature of propolis residue aligns with circular economy principles and highlights its value as a resource for diverse applications
Egyptian aquaponic celery (Apium graveolens): Phenolic and volatile profiles analysed using HPLC-MS/ms and gc-ms/ms
No full textRecently, water scarcity has been a substantial problem facing agriculture in Egypt, with a great impact on food security and hence makes it a challenge to satisfy food demand. An aquaponic system with minimum water needs is considered a substitute technique to meet the demand of food shortages. Celery (Apium graveolens) is a widely cultivated herb belonging to the family Apiaceae and widely
consumed as a popular ingredient in a wide range of dishes and food recipes. A total of 13 phenolic metabolites were detected and quantified using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Chlorogenic acid was detected as the most abundant phenolic compound accounting for 3471.58 mg kg−1. Moreover, 65 volatile compounds belonging to 12 different classes were detected using GS-MS with an abundance of aromatic hydrocarbons at ca.68.15%. and the main constituents were 6-phenyltridecane, 6-phenyldodecane, and 5-phenylundecane at ca.6.78%, 6.62%, and 6.13% respectively. It is the first time to report metabolic profile in celery grown in an aquaponic system
Chemical Profile, Insecticidal and Repellent Activities of Four Underexplored Moroccan Essential Oils Against Sitophilus oryzae
No full textThis study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and insecticidal and repellent effects of essential oils (EOs) extracted from four underexplored Moroccan plants, i.e., Deverra denudata, Micromeria macrosiphon, Ruta angustifolia, and Thymus riatarum, against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae. The chemical composition of the EOs was determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Moreover, the insecticidal effect was assessed through fumigant and contact assays, while the repellent effect was evaluated using the area preference assay. Regarding the chemical composition, α-pinene (42.7%) and β-pinene (40.5%) were the major compounds of D. denudata EO, while bornyl acetate (30.2%), borneol (20.4%), and camphor (12.5%) dominated in M. macrosiphon EO. Regarding R. angustifolia EO, 2-undecanone (90.2%) and 2-decanone (7.5%) were identified as the main constituents. Finally, T. riatarum EO was dominated by p-cymene, carvacrol, and borneol in percentages of 26.8, 25.0, and 13.5%, respectively. Regarding the fumigant toxicity, all EOs displayed strong efficacy after 72 h of exposure with LC50 values comprised between 73.9 and 85 μL/L of air, and D. denudata EO appeared to be the most toxic. Regarding the contact toxicity, all EOs exhibited a strong effect, where R. angustifolia EO was the most toxic after 24 h (LC50 of 0.13 μL/insect), and M. macrosiphon after 72 h (LC50 value of 0.08 μL/insect). On the contrary, T. riatarum EO exhibited the highest percentages of repellence (PR of 92%) at the lowest concentration (0.019 μL/cm2) after 30 min, while R. angustifolia EO after 4 h (PR of 90%) at (0.019 μL/cm2). Finally, for the long-term exposure (24 h), T. riatarum exhibited the highest PR of 86 and 94% at 0.019 μL/cm2 and 0.156 μL/cm2, respectively. Overall, our study has reported for the first time the insecticidal and repellent effects of EOs from the four Moroccan plants against the rice weevil S. oryzae, underscoring their potential as efficient bio-insecticides for the management of stored product pests
Crashworthiness of C-Shaped CFRP Composites: A Numerical and Experimental Study
No full textCarbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are widely used in transportation applications for structural components due to their outstanding lightweight and crashworthiness properties. Unlike metals, these composites fail through a combination of different failure mechanisms that contribute to the energy absorption capability of the final structure. In this study, the crash absorption capability of flat and C-shaped CFRPs, specifically carbon/epoxy composites, under dynamic conditions was investigated both experimentally and numerically. Initially, Charpy impact tests were conducted at different impact velocities using a three-point bending procedure. Subsequently, a finite element model was developed and simulated using LS-DYNA software. The numerical results closely replicated the outcomes of the physical experiments and exhibited a strong correlation with the experimental data, thereby validating the effectiveness of the designed model. Furthermore, the model successfully reproduced the observed damage mechanisms occurring during the physical tests, demonstrating its capability to accurately capture the composite behavior under the prescribed impact loading conditions
30 Years of Forest Soil Monitoring: Results from the Italian ICP-Forests Network
Get PDFForests support a broad range of ecosystem services. These services cannot simply be traced back to the individual biotic and abiotic components of the forest ecosystems. Rather, they stem from complex interactions between these components. CON.ECO.FOR, the Italian branch of the ICP-Forests (International Co-operative Program on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) network, established in 1994, has shown to be a unique data source for understanding forest interactions and processes. This contribution aims to draw a comprehensive picture of the Italian forest soil conditions by reviewing the main issues that have arisen and the results obtained over the last 30 years of forest soil monitoring. Forest health is often controlled by soil-mediated processes. Thus, we have evidenced how including soil parameters in environmental studies has proven to be of high value for a better understanding of forest ecosystem conditions and trends. Here, we are reviewing all of the results obtained concerning soils from the analyses of the impacts of atmospheric deposition on forest soils to the study of the relationships between organism diversity and the soil
Effects of Diets Containing Extruded Linseed and Padina pavonica Algae on Meat Rabbit: Carcass Performance and Meat Quality
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed (ELS) and Padina pavonica algae extract (PP) on rabbit carcass and meat quality. Ninety-six rabbit carcasses from two production cycles were analyzed. In the first cycle (C1), rabbits were fed a control diet (1CNT), the same diet supplemented with 5% ELS (1ELS5%), and supplemented with 3.5% ELS and 0.2% PP (1LPP3.5%). In the second cycle (C2), the diets varied in composition and supplementation levels: a different control diet (2CNT), the same diet with 5% ELS (2ELS5%), and with 5% ELS and 0.2% PP (2LPP5%). Meat analyses were performed on Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle for physical properties and on thigh meat (THM) for proximate composition, vitamin E, coenzyme-Q10, cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and mineral content. No significant differences in LTL physical quality were observed in C1, although LTL was brighter in C2 (p < 0.001). THM in C2 had higher fat content (p < 0.001). Dietary supplementation with ELS and PP extract significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) and improved the n-6/n-3 ratio (p < 0.001) in rabbit meat, demonstrating their positive impact on meat quality
Ultrasound-assisted extraction versus traditional Soxhlet apparatus for the obtention of polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols from Tagetes erecta L. flowers
No full textBACKGROUND
Tagetes erecta L., commonly known as American marigold, serves as a food plant used for the extraction of carotenoids such as lutein, employed both as culinary ingredient in certain dishes and for its ornamental and medicinal applications. Two extraction techniques, Soxhlet and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), were used on two cultivars (yellow and orange) of T. erecta. Polyphenols were quantified using HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, whereas carotenoids and tocopherols were determined using HPLC-diode array detection. Biological activity for antioxidant and antiglycation properties was carried out.
RESULTS
The best extraction yield was obtained for UAE (7.51% and 6.83% for yellow and orange flowers), corresponding with the largest amounts of polyphenols quantified. The highest content of tocopherols was obtained in the yellow cultivar extracted by Soxhlet (6499.3 ± 21.2 and 4671.0 ± 92.9 mg kg−1 dry extract for α- and γ-tocopherol). The antioxidant potential resulted higher in the orange Soxhlet extract, whereas the yellow Soxhlet extract displayed the best antiglycation activity (median 50% inhibitory concentration of 25.3 ± 3.3 μg mL−1).
CONCLUSION
Both extraction techniques showed interesting results in terms of bioactivity and compounds obtention
Dietary supplementation of lysozyme can improve growth rate, laying performance, blood biochemistry, and mRNA levels of some related genes in different plumage-colored quails
Get PDFThe impact of dietary lysozyme (LZ) supplementation on the growth and laying performance was investigated
over 4 weeks of growing and 6 weeks of laying periods in two different plumage color (white and brownfeathered)
Japanese quail varieties. For each variety, 240 birds were randomly assigned into four groups with
four replicates for each group. The first group (control) was fed a basal non-supplemented diet (BD). Whereas the
2nd, 3rd, and 4th received the BD supplemented with commercial LZ (CLZ) at 100 mg/kg diet, and natural LZ
(NLZ) at 100 and 200 mg/kg diet, respectively. The main findings included significant increases in body weights
and gains in the white-feathered quails supplemented with NLZ1 compared to the control and NLZ2. However,
there were no significant differences in the case of brown-feathered quails in all LZ supplementations. Moreover,
the different dietary LZ lowered FI in both quails with the lowest intake observed in the brown-feathered quails.
Accordingly, enhanced FCR was reported in the CLZ groups for both quail varieties and in NLZ1 and NLZ2 for the
white-feathered and brown-feathered quails, respectively. In both quail varieties, the NLZ2 significantly lowered
serum creatinine and urea and increased albumen and globulin levels compared with other groups. Histologically,
the best hepatic histological features were found in both quail’ varieties fed the NLZ1-supplemented diet.
Accompanying LZ-induced modulations in the expression levels of GHR, IGF-1, leptin, CCK, FAS, and ACC genes
in both quail varieties were reported. Besides, both quail varieties in NLZ1& NLZ2 supplementation exhibited
significant increases in hen day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and hatchability percentages along with
differences in external and internal egg qualities compared with LZ-free diet or CLZ. Therefore, NLZ could be
used as an effective feed supplement to enhance the growth and egg performance of Japanese quail with caution
being drawn to the supplementation dose about quail variety
Crashworthiness of flax and hybrid composite tubes subjected to quasi-static axial crushing: Experimental and numerical results
No full textThe automotive industry is progressively focusing on lightweight, eco-friendly, and crashworthy composite structures to enhance vehicle performance, safety, and reduce the carbon footprint. Natural fibres are crucial for advancing green composites, although their mechanical performance lags behind synthetic counterparts, like carbon, posing challenges for their exclusive use in structural components. In this context, hybridization is a promising strategy, balancing environmental benefits and mechanical efficiency. This study focuses on the crashworthiness performance of flax/epoxy, carbon/epoxy, and hybrid flax-carbon/epoxy circular tubes with three different triggers, under quasi-static axial crushing. After the mechanical characterization of composite materials, a finite element model of such structures is developed to reproduce their crushing phenomenon through LS-DYNA software. Numerical simulations show favorable agreement with experimental outcomes, validating the effectiveness of the designed models. Overall, test results underscore the potential of hybrid materials for crashworthy components, providing a promising alternative to purely carbon fibre-based structures