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The toxicity of PM2.5 does not necessarily change synchronously with its mass concentration. In this study, the chemical composition (carbonaceous species, water-soluble ions, and metals) and oxidative potential (dithiothreitol assay, DTT) of PM2.5 were investigated in 2017/2018 and 2022 in Xiamen, China. The decrease rate of volume-normalized DTT (DTTv) (38%) was lower than that of PM2.5 (55%) between the two sampling periods. However, the mass-normalized DTT (DTTm) increased by 44%. Clear seasonal patterns with higher levels in winter were found for PM2.5, most chemical constituents and DTTv but not for DTTm. The large decrease in DTT activity (84%-92%) after the addition of EDTA suggested that water-soluble metals were the main contributors to DTT in Xiamen. The increased gap between the reconstructed and measured DTTv and the stronger correlations between the reconstructed/measured DTT ratio and carbonaceous species in 2022 were observed. The decrease rates of the hazard index (32.5%) and lifetime cancer risk (9.1%) differed from those of PM2.5 and DTTv due to their different main contributors. The PMF-MLR model showed that the contributions (nmol/(min·m3)) of vehicle emission, coal + biomass burning, ship emission and secondary aerosol to DTTv in 2022 decreased by 63.0%, 65.2%, 66.5%, and 22.2%, respectively, compared to those in 2017/2018, which was consistent with the emission reduction of vehicle exhaust and coal consumption, the adoption of low-sulfur fuel oil used on board ships and the reduced production of WSOC. However, the contributions of dust + sea salt and industrial emission increased.

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To investigate the seasonal characteristics in air pollution in Chengdu, a single particle aerosol mass spectrometry was used to continuously observe atmospheric fine particulate matter during one-month periods in summer and winter, respectively. The results showed that, apart from O3, the concentrations of other pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10) were significantly higher in winter than in summer. All single particle aerosols were divided into seven categories: biomass burning (BB), coal combustion (CC), Dust, vehicle emission (VE), K mixed with nitrate (K-NO3), K mixed with sulfate and nitrate (K-SN), and K mixed with sulfate (K-SO4) particles. The highest contributions in both seasons were VE particles (24%). The higher contributions of K-SO4 (16%) and K-NO3 (10%) particles occurred in summer and winter, respectively, as a result of their different formation mechanisms. S-containing (K-SO4 and K-SN), VE, and BB particles caused the evolution of pollution in both seasons, and they can be considered as targets for future pollution reduction. The mixing of primary sources particles (VE, Dust, CC, and BB) with secondary components was stronger in winter than in summer. In summer, as pollution worsens, the mixing of primary sources particles with 62 [NO3]- weakened, but the mixing with 97 [HSO4]- increased. However, in winter, the mixing state of particles did not exhibit an obvious evolution rules. The potential source areas in summer were mainly distributed in the southern region of Sichuan, while in winter, besides the southern region, the contribution of the western region cannot be ignored.

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As a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sishen Decoction (SSD) has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and swelling relief effects. However, at present, the pharmacodynamic basis of SSD and its mechanism of treating RA have not been clarified, and further research is needed. Analyzing the pharmacological basis of SSD was the aim of our study and further elucidate its therapeutic mechanism and potential targets for treating RA. LC‒MS was used to identify the high content and characteristic chemical components of SSD. On this basis, a network of pharmacological analysis was established between the chemical structure and RA. According to the predicted possible pathways and targets, in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments and related pathway analysis were conducted. Finally, the possible targets and mechanisms of SSD in treating RA were analyzed. Identified 78 compounds from SSD by LC-MS, including 23 flavonoids, 19 phenolic acids, 9 monoterpenoids and 26 other compounds. Network pharmacological analysis based on pharmacodynamic substances revealed that the most likely interaction pathway between SSD and RA was the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Foot swelling and inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TGF, TNF-α, VEGF) in model mice were shown to be significantly improved in vivo. WB and qPCR experiments proved that SSD could significantly regulate the pathway of PI3K/AKT/mTOR. The interaction between SSD and AKT target was further analyzed by multispectroscopy. This study revealed that SSD alleviates RA by regulating the pathway of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and preliminarily revealed the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SSD for the first time.

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Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common, intractable chronic pain caused by nerve dysfunction and primary lesion of the nervous system. The etiology and pathogenesis of NP have not yet been clarified, so there is a lack of precise and effective clinical treatments. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown increasing advantages in alleviating NP. Our review aimed to define the therapeutic effect of TCM (including TCM prescriptions, TCM extracts and natural products from TCM) on NP and reveal the underlying mechanisms. Literature from 2018 to 2024 was collected from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google academic and CNKI databases. Herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), neuropathic pain, neuralgia and peripheral neuropathy were used as the search terms. The anti-NP activity of TCM is clarified to propose strategies for discovering active compounds against NP, and provide reference to screen anti-NP drugs from TCM. We concluded that TCM has the characteristics of multi-level, multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, which can alleviate NP through various pathways such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic pathway, regulating autophagy, regulating intestinal flora, and influencing ion channels. Based on the experimental study and anti-NP mechanism of TCM, this paper can offer analytical evidence to support the effectiveness in treating NP. These references will be helpful to the research and development of innovative TCM with multiple levels and multiple targets. TCM can be an effective treatment for NP and can serve as a treasure house for new drug development.

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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Astragali Radix (AR) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which has been widely used on treating chronic heart failure (CHF) in clinical practice. Two main types of AR in the market are the imitation wild AR (5YAR) and transplanted AR (2YAR). It remains unclear whether there are variations in the anti-heart failure effects of AR with different growth years. Further research is required to explore the material composition and mechanisms of AR in combating heart failure. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to compare the main chemical composition content and the protective effects of 2YAR and 5YAR on heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol extracts of 2YAR and 5YAR were prepared, and chemical composition analysis was conducted. C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously injected with ISO to induce heart failure (HF) and were administrated with a corresponding dose of the extracts of 2YAR and 5YAR by gavage for 28 days. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography. The serum levels of enzymes related to myocardial injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation were detected. The left ventricle was excised for hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, Sirius Red, wheat germ agglutinin, and TUNEL staining. Electron microscopy examination of mitochondrial structure in myocardial cells. Protein expression of monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), phosphorylated serine/threonine protein kinase (p-AKT), and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrates 1 (p-IRS-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. RESULTS: The content of saponins and flavonoids in 5YAR was higher than that in the 2YAR. However, the content of polysaccharides in 5YAR is lower than in 2YAR. The treatment of 2YAR and 5YAR daily for 28 days prevented ISO-induced myocardial damage, including the decrease in serum cardiac enzymes and cardiomyocyte apoptotic index, and improvement in heart function and mitochondrial structure. Additionally, 2YAR and 5YAR reduced serum inflammatory factors and myocardial fibrosis levels. Treatment with 2YAR and 5YAR also decreased MCT4 expression and enhanced PGC-1α, p-AKT, p-AMPK, and p-IRS-1 expression in heart tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The 5YAR was better than 2YAR in anti-heart failure, which may be related to the increase in saponins and flavonoids content. AR exerts anti-heart failure effect by improving mitochondrial function and ameliorating cardiac insulin resistance through activation of the AMPK/PGC1α and IRS/AKT pathways.

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Increasing dust storms impact ecosystems and human health by resuspending dust and microplastics. Plastic pollution is a major global concern. This study examines the molecular composition and concentration of atmospheric microplastics and additives in Hohhot and Shanghai, China during dust and non-dust days using non-target and target LC-MS/MS analysis with Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) methodology and a self-established plastic monomers database. In Hohhot, 98 microplastics and additives types were identified on dust days (41 unique) and 70 on non-dust days (10 unique), mainly PEG, HTPE, PET, PPG, and Nylon. The types fluctuate ranging from 35 to 65 due to dusty conditions. In Shanghai, 50 types were identified (no unique), with 25 to 30 types consistently present. Hohhot's microplastics concentration during dust days peaked at 3531.59 ng/m3, about three times higher than non-dust days (1669.17 ng/m3) and significantly higher than Shanghai's maximum of 589.85 ng/m3. Overall, microplastic monomers in both cities were mostly compounds with low unsaturation, indicating potential for long-term atmospheric persistence. Highly reactive monomers like HTPE, PEG, thrive on dust days in Hohhot due to insufficient light and strong winds. These conditions reduce photochemical reactivity, accelerate microplastic aging through collisions, and resuspend more microplastics from the soil, resulting in a wider variety of microplastics with different m/z and carbon contents during sandstorms. On non-dust days, microplastics have more concentrated m/z values, indicating that substances with similar chemical properties disperse more under normal conditions. These findings highlight the significant impact of dust storms on microplastics characteristics. SYNOPSIS: This study indicates that dust storms and regional differences can have significant impacts on the diversity and abundance of atmospheric microplastics.

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Metal hexacyanoferrates (MHCFs) with adjustable composition and open framework structures have been considered as intriguing cathode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Exploiting MHCFs with ultrafast and durable sodium storage capability as well as comparable capacity is always a goal that many investigators pursue, but remains challenging. Herein, simultaneous tailoring of chemical composition and morphology configuration is carried out to design a hollow monoclinic high-entropy MHCF (HMHE-HCF) assembled by nanocubes for the first time to realize the objective. The "cocktail effect" of high-entropy construction, rich sodium content of monoclinic phase, and unique hollow structure endow HMHE-HCF cathode with fast reaction kinetics and energetically stable performance during continuous charging/discharging processes. As a result, the HMHE-HCF cathode demonstrates superior rate performance up to an ultra-high rate of 100 C (71.1% retention to 0.1 C), and remarkable cycling stability with a capacity retention of 77.8% over 25,000 cycles at 100 C, outperforming most reported sodium-ion cathodes. Further, the HMHE-HCF//hard carbon full-cell delivers capacities of 99.0 and 82.3 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and 10 C, respectively, and retains 98.1% of the initial capacity after 1,600 cycles at 5C, demonstrating its potential application for sodium-ion storage.

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Balanites aegyptiaca is a multipurpose fruit tree that grows wild in many arid and semi-arid African areas; however, recent domestication efforts have been undertaken to protect the species from the threat of urbanization and climate change. Within this context, the impact of the domestication of Algerian B. aegyptiaca was evaluated on its seed oil, which is already valued as food. Hence, oils from wild and domesticated trees were comparatively investigated for their physicochemical and compositional quality. Both oil types had a good oxidative stability and met the requirements for human consumption in terms of the saponification index, the free acidity, and the peroxide value. Moreover, they showed a comparable FA composition, with high levels of oleic and linoleic acids, which are beneficial for the consumer's health. Domestication led to a statistically significant decrease in the tocopherols and polyphenols in the oil. The phytosterols and squalene were slightly lower in the domesticated oil than in the wild relative, although no statistically significant differences were observed. A comparable mineral profile was revealed and the minimal variations in the trace elements between the oils could be related to the natural variability in the seeds. Hopefully, this study will encourage the domestication of B. aegyptiaca as a sustainable strategy for enhancing its socioeconomic value in Algerian rural areas.

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This study aimed to investigate the variation in the chemical composition of Origanum compactum essential oils (EOs) from four geographically distinct locations. Additionally, we evaluated their antioxidant properties and potential inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase enzymes and their insecticidal proprieties. Notably, this research also marks the first examination of the mineral composition of O. compactum. The chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified thymol (28.72-80.39%), carvacrol (6.54-61.84%), p-cymene (0.27-8.64%), linalool (1.44-1.96%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.34-1.56%) as the major constituents. Concurrently, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed significant levels of macro and microelements, including calcium (295.50-512.20 mg/kg), potassium (195.99-398.45 mg/kg), magnesium (59.70-98.45 mg/kg), and iron (43.55-112.60 mg/kg). The EOs demonstrated notable antiradical activities through DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ß-carotene bleaching assays. Regarding the insecticidal effect, all studied essential oils showed a significant toxicity against C. capitata adults, and the toxicity was dose and time dependent. The highest insecticidal effect was observed for O. compactum essential oils collected from Gouman (LC50 = 2.515 µL/mL, LC90 = 5.502 µL/mL) after 48 h of treatment. Furthermore, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the EOs exhibited strong inhibitory effects against AChE (84.75-94.01%), tyrosinase (84.75-94.01%), and α-glucosidase (79.90-87.80%), highlighting their potential as natural inhibitors of these enzymes. The essential oils of O. compactum contain components that could be used as a basis for synthetizing derivatives or analogs with potential medicinal applications and pest control properties.

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Sphagnum mosses play a significant role in peat formation and carbon sequestration in mire ecosystems. It is critical to investigate the productivity and chemical composition of different Sphagnum species in order to assess their role in the global carbon cycle and potential in light of climate change. The data on productivity and growth characteristics during the growing season, group chemical composition and elemental composition at the beginning and end of the growing season, as well as aspects of the pigment complex operation, were collected for four Sphagnum species: Sphagnum lindbergii Schimp., S. fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr., S. divinum Flatberg & K. Hassel, and S. squarrosum Crome. High cover density and productivity, low ability to decompose, and constancy of the pigment complex of S. fuscum reflect a high degree of adaptation to the specific conditions of ridges. A constant chemical composition of S. lindbergii during the growing season can be explained by stable conditions of hollows that allow it to maintain its metabolic processes, but the light conditions in hollows bring the reaction of the pigment apparatus of this species closer to shaded S. divinum and S. squarrosum. S. lindbergii and S. squarrosum contain more nitrogen than other species and have a greater ability to decompose.

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Morus alba L. is a tradition medical and edible plant. It is rich in many important bioactive components. However, there is a dearth of systematic information about the components. Here, the Mori Cortex, Mori Folium, Mori Fructus, and Mori Ramulus were studied. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) is used to study primary and secondary metabolites. Eight hundred two metabolites were identified and classified into 10 different categories in total. Correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and principal component analysis of metabolites showed that different parts of the sample could be significantly different. In different medicinal parts, alkaloids accounted for 4.0%, 3.6%, 5.1%, and 4.5%; flavonoids accounted for 0.7%, 27.2%, 5.6%, 1.2%; terpenes accounted for 20.1%, 2.1%, 2.6%, 2.5%. Furthermore, the abundance of phenols, phenylpropanoids, and lipids metabolites sequentially accounted for 2.3-4.4%, 0.5-1.8%, and 2.4-5.3%. These results have improved our understanding of metabolites and provided a reference for research on the medicinal and edible value of Morus alba L. In addition, the study reveals the correlation between the components of Traditional Chinese medicine and the basic theory of TCM properties and reinterprets the ancient wisdom in the world's traditional herbs through the perspective of modern science.

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Ultrafine particles (UFPs) dominate the atmospheric particles in number concentration, impacting human health and climate change. However, existing studies primarily rely on mass-based approaches, leading to a restricted understanding of the number-based and chemically resolved health effects of atmospheric UFPs. In this study, we utilized a high-mass-resolution single-particle aerosol mass spectrometer to investigate the online chemical composition and number size distribution of ultrafine, fine, and coarse particles during the summertime in urban Shenzhen, China. Human respiratory deposition dose assessments of particles with varying chemical compositions were further conducted by a respiratory deposition model. The results showed that during our observation, particles containing elemental carbon (EC) were the dominant components in UFPs (0.05-0.1 µm). Compared to fine and coarse particles, UFPs can deposit more deeply into the respiratory tract with a daily dose of ∼2.08 ± 0.67 billion particles. Among the deposited UFPs, EC-cluster particles constituted ∼85.7% in number fraction, accounting for a daily number dose of ∼1.78 billion particles, which poses a greater impact on human health. Simultaneously, we found discrepancies in the chemically resolved particle depositions among number-, surface area-, and mass-based approaches, emphasizing the importance of an appropriate metric for particle health-risk evaluation.

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Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) root contains abundant starch, but the physicochemical properties of kudzu starch are not well understood. In this study, we compared the compositions and physicochemical properties of starches isolated from six Pueraria accessions in China. Caige starch exhibited the highest purity (96.99 %) and amylose content (24.76 %), while Yege starch contained higher levels of puerarin (493.37 µg/g) and daidzein (38.68 µg/g). All kudzu starches were rich in resistant starch, with RS2 content ranging from 38.61 % to 46.22 % and RS3 content from 3.59 % to 6.04 %. The granules of kudzu starches varied in morphology, with Yege starch featuring larger polygonal granules. The kudzu starches presented either A-type or A-type-like C-type diffraction patterns. Caige starch had a higher IR2 value (1.28), higher gelatinization temperatures, wider temperature ranges, and greater enthalpy changes. Yege (JX) starch exhibited the highest peak viscosity but the lowest setback viscosity and pasting temperature. Fenge starch showed the highest final viscosity, with Fenge (ZJ) starch demonstrating the highest crystallinity (25.7 %) and IR1 value (0.80). These results indicated that kudzu starches derived from various Pueraria species possess unique structural and physicochemical properties, which provide significant potential for applications in food and other industrial fields.

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The large-scale production of chicken eggs results in a substantial amount of eggshell (ES) residue, often considered as waste. These discarded shells naturally decompose in soil approximately within a year. Eggshells (ES), comparatively contribute lesser towards environmental pollution, contain a remarkable amount of calcium, which can be converted into various valuable products that finds applications in industries, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. Among the diverse applications of ES, most effective and promising applications are removal of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu) ∼93-99 % metal adsorption capacity and capturing of flue gases (CO2 and SO2) from the environment. With ES having a maximum CO2 sorption capacity of 92 % as compared to other sources, and SO2 adsorption capacity of Calcined ES∼11.68 mg/g. The abundance, low cost and easy availability of CaO from ES makes them sustainable and eco-friendly. Additionally, its versatility extends beyond environmental prospects, as it is widely used in various industries as a catalyst, sorbent, fertilizer, and calcium supplement in food for individuals, plants and animals, among other diverse fields of study. Owing to its versatile applications, current review focuses on structure, chemical composition, treatment methods, and valorization pathways for diverse applications, aiming to reduce the eggshells waste and mitigate environmental pollution.

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Belly is a widely consumed pork product with very variable properties. Meat industry needs real-time quality assessment for maintaining superior pork quality throughout the production. This study explores the potential of using visible and near-infrared (VNIR,386-1015 nm) spectral imaging for predicting firmness, fatness and chemical compositional properties in pork belly samples, offering robust spectral calibrations. A total of 182 samples with wide variations in firmness and compositional properties were analysed using common laboratory analyses, whereas spectral images were acquired with a VNIR spectral imaging system. Exploratory analysis of the studied properties was performed, followed by a robust regression approach called iterative reweighted partial least-squares regression to model and predict these belly properties. The models were also used to generate spatial maps of predicted chemical compositional properties. Chemical properties such as fat, dry matter, protein, ashes, iodine value, along with firmness measures as flop distance and angle, were predicted with excellent, very good and fair models, with a ratio prediction of standard deviation (RPD) of 4.93, 3.91, 2.58, 2.54, 2.41, 2.53 and 2.51 respectively. The methodology developed in this study showed that a short wavelength spectral imaging system can yield promising results, being a potential benefit for the pork industry in automating the analysis of fresh pork belly samples. VNIR spectral imaging emerges as a non-destructive method for pork belly characterization, guiding process optimization and marketing strategies. Moreover, future research can explore advanced data analytics approaches such as deep learning to facilitate the integration of spectral and spatial information in joint modelling.

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Fungal deterioration is a recurring problem in citrus fruits, and the search for natural preservatives has been widely publicised. Therefore, the in vitro antifungal activity of clove, white thyme, tea tree, Eucalyptus citriodora, Eucalyptus staigeriana, green mandarin, sicilian lemon, sweet orange, and bergamot essential oils (EO's) was evaluated against the mycelial growth of Penicillium digitatum isolated from contaminated citrus fruits, by direct contact and volatiles action. In addition, the chemical composition and volatile compounds of the EO's were evaluated by gas chromatography. Clove, white thyme, and Eucalyptus citriodora EO's inhibited 100% of the mycelial growth of P. digitatum by direct contact and volatile action at concentrations ≤ 2 µL/mL. On the other hand, EO's from citrus sources could not inhibit 100% of mycelial growth by any mechanism of action. Thus, the clove, thyme, and Eucalyptus citriodora EO's are promising for developing new ecologically correct products for controlling phytopathogens in citrus fruits.

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The present study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of whole-meal flours from three wild chickpea varieties (white chickpea - WC, red rough chickpea - RRC, red smooth chickpea - RSC) compared to a modern chickpea variety (MC) and their bread-making performances in 30% (w/w flour) substituted GF breads. Wild chickpea flours showed the highest ash, total dietary fiber (TDF), and total antioxidant capacity (6.3%, 13.4%, and 9.5% increase for WC, RRC, and RSC flour compared to MC flour) values compared to MC sample, and red varieties (RRC- and RSC-samples) showed the highest total phenolic content (15.5% and 17.0% increase compared to MC flour). Significant differences were also found in protein content and techno-functional properties. Bread specific volume and crumb hardness were significantly affected by chickpea variety, with red varieties (RRC- and RSC-samples) revealing the lowest impact. 1H NMR proton molecular mobility significantly changed as a function of chickpea variety, and these differences might be associated to the different macroscopic bread quality. Overall, the tested wild chickpea flours revealed valuable chemical composition, and differed in the techno-functional and bread-making performances, with red varieties showing the most promising results to improve GF breads.

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Pyropia spp. seaweeds are delicious and nutritious red algae widely consumed for a long history. However, due to the non-digestibility of cell wall components by the human intestinal tract, the bioaccessibility of the intracellular bioactive compounds is low. The current industrial processing of Pyropia spp. food by drying and roasting cannot break down the cell wall; however, studies indicate that fermentation of Pyropia spp. by food-derived microorganisms is an efficient processing method to solve this problem. This paper reviews research on the fermentation of Pyropia spp., including the manufacturing process, alterations in chemical composition, flavor properties, bioactivities, and mechanisms. Furthermore, the limitations and opportunities for developing Pyropia spp. fermentation food are explored. Studies demonstrated that key metabolites of fermented Pyropia spp. were degraded polysaccharides, released phenolic compounds and flavonoids, and formed amino acids, which possessed bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-diabetic, lipid metabolism regulation beneficial to human health. The increased bioactivities implied the promoted bioaccessibility of intracellular components. Notably, fermentation positively contributed to the safety of Pyropia spp. food. In conclusion, benefits in nutrition, flavor, bioactivity, and safety suggest that fermentation technology has a promising future for application in Pyropia spp. food industry.

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The use of new types of raw materials to improve the quality and nutritional value of products is an important trend in flour confectionery. Flour from extruded sunflower seed kernels (FESSK), the by-product of oil production, was used as a new ingredient in muffin formulation. Analysis of physicochemical and nutritional properties of muffins prepared with FESSK, which was added in the amounts of 5, 10, and 15% to the total weight of mixture of wheat and rye flours, as well as their sensory evaluation, were performed. According to the sensory evaluation, the muffins with FESSK had a pleasant, nutty and sunflower aroma, and the best results were shown by muffins with 10% of FESSK. Addition of FESSK, 10%, led to an increase of the content of protein by 24.7%, fat by 16.9%, fiber by 23.3%, ash by 16.9%, and a decrease of content of total carbohydrates by 5.2% and sugars by 16.2%. Enriched muffins had improved texture characteristics, particularly, smooth, crack-free surface, soft, and elastic crumb with well-developed porosity and small, evenly distributed, thin-walled pores. The FESSK could be recommended as an ingredient for improving the nutritional and technological properties of flour confectionery products.

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Fish are excellent bioindicators and can reveal the presence of plastic in the environment. Diagnosing the composition and abundance of polymers in the fish diet makes it possible to evaluate their point sources and possible trophic transfers. We aimed to use the gastrointestinal contents of Poecilia reticulata in subtropical urban streams to detect the occurrence, shape, color, size, and chemical composition of polymers. For this, the diet of 240 individuals was analyzed using the volumetric method, and the microplastics (MPs; < 5 mm) recorded were characterized using Raman spectroscopy. Individuals predominantly consumed organic detritus and aquatic macroinvertebrates, with higher proportions of Diptera. A total of 111 plastic particles (< 0.5 to 12 mm) were recorded, and a subset of 14.4% was subjected to a micro-Raman spectrometer (830 nm excitation). The occurrence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) with phthalocyanine dye was recorded. Some fragments could not be identified by Raman, but they contained indigo blue dye. Poecilia reticulata had a predominantly detritivorous diet with a record of plastic consumption, reflecting environmental pollution. Our results demonstrate that individuals of P. reticulata have ingested MPs in urban streams. This reinforces the need for future studies on the relationship between the presence of MPs in fish and the level of pollution in streams, comparisons with species of different feeding habits, and the potentially harmful effects on the entire biota.

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