University of Tabriz

The valorization of Adiantum capillus-veneris , an underutilized medicinal fern rich in bioactive phenolics, faces challenges of stability and bioavailability during food processing and storage. This study developed spray-dried microcapsules of A. capillus-veneris hydroalcoholic extract (ACHE) using maltodextrin (MD) combined with native (whey protein concentrate [WPC] and gelatin [GEL]) versus hydrolyzed (HWPC and HGEL) protein carriers to enhance bioactive protection and enable functional food applications. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified phytol (46.1%) as the predominant compound among 19 detected bioactives. Enzymatic hydrolysis significantly improved production yield (MD-HGEL: 89.67% vs. MD: 62.34%) and encapsulation efficiency (92.34% vs. 78.45%). Morphological characterization revealed a critical inverse relationship between particle structural integrity and extractable bioactivity: highly spherical MD-HGEL particles exhibited lowest extractable phenolics (total phenolic content [TPC]: 1.92 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/g, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]: 44.20%, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) [ABTS]: 50.85%), indicating superior retention capacity for long-term stability applications, whereas structurally defective MD-WPC particles showed highest extractable values (TPC: 2.62 mg GAE/g, DPPH: 56.30%, ABTS: 64.80%), favoring immediate bioavailability. FT-IR confirmed physical encapsulation mechanisms, while differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis (DSC-TGA) demonstrated thermal protection (degradation temperature increased from 135°C to 250°C), validating baking compatibility. Antimicrobial assays revealed selective Gram-positive activity ( S. aureus : 16.8 mm vs. E. coli : 9.1 mm). Bread fortification with MD-HGEL (5% w/w) enhanced antioxidant capacity (TPC: 0.42 to 2.78 mg GAE/g; DPPH: 12.34% to 48.32%) while maintaining sensory acceptance (overall score: 7.2 vs. control: 7.5). This morphology-directed encapsulation strategy enables application-specific formulation design for bioactive delivery systems.

During the Early Cambrian, post-collisional granitic intrusions of Narigan and Zarigan and associated iron oxide–apatite deposits developed within the Posht-e-Badam Block. These intrusions were accompanied by widespread magmatic-derived sodic–calcic metasomatism. This metasomatism was characterized by mineralization of U, Th, REE, Zr and Nb in association with albite and actinolite. Although present in Narigan and Zarigan, the metasomatism is most extensively developed in the Saghand area. Concurrently in Narigan, silica veins bearing uranium and molybdenum formed from magmatic hydrothermal fluids, occasionally mixed with uranium-bearing meteoric solutions leaching the volcanic host rocks. Later, during Silurian time, or slightly earlier, the intrusion of mafic magmas and dykes initiated a large-scale, saline, meteoric–hydrothermal system, particularly pronounced in Zarigan. This system induced pervasive sodic metasomatism that overprinted earlier formations. It remobilized uranium from early Cambrian primary minerals, leading to formation of secondary mineral phases including titanite, rutile and thorite, marking a significant uranium redistribution event.

Contamination of food products with mycotoxins is an important challenge to food safety and public health, highlighting the need for the development of efficient and reliable analytical methods. Sample preparation plays a crucial role in mycotoxin analysis due to the complexity of food matrices and the low concentrations involved. Conventional preparation techniques have limitations such as the use of large amounts of organic solvents, time-consuming processes, and process complexity. A new area of research focuses on replacing toxic organic solvents with green solvents in extraction processes for mycotoxins from food samples. Deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids, introduced as second-generation extraction mediums, are used in various sample preparation methods prior to analytical determinations. This review article discusses the use of these solvents in both classic and modern extraction methods used for mycotoxin analysis in food samples along with their advantages and disadvantages. All aspects of these methods are covered and the properties of these solvents will be considered. • ILs and DESs types, properties, and applications were reviewed. • The application of ILs and DESs based sample preparation methods was discussed. • Advantages and disadvantages of all developed methods were considered in food analysis. • The application of ILs and DESs in food analysis was reviewed.

The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical profile (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), cell-based safety (cell viability, SOD and GSH-Px activity, NO production, and ROS activity), antioxidant properties (hydroxyl-, DPPH-radical scavenging activity, and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory activity), biofilm and auto-aggregation inhibitory activity, andantibacterial effects (minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum effective concentration) of Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotics (LPPs) in relation to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. LPPs demonstrated notable Radical scavenging activity, with values of 72.30 ± 3.41% for hydroxyl RSA, 95.76 ± 3.72% for DPPH, and 20.98 ± 1.67% for linoleic acid peroxidation inhibition. Additionally, they demonstrated antibacterial effects against S. aureus (29.45 mm inhibition zone, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 32 µg/mL, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 50 µg/mL, minimal effective concentration (MEC) of 30 mg/mL for whole milk and 55 mg/mL for meat) and E. coli (21.17 mm inhibition zone, MIC 80 µg/mL, MBC 120 µg/mL, MEC 65 mg/mL milk, 85 mg/mL meat) with statistical significance noted (P < 0.05). LPPs demonstrated a positive effect on KDR cell viability, resulting in a significant enhancement of SOD and GSH-Px functions in these cells. Additionally, LPPs resulted in a decrease in NO production and a reduction in ROS levels (P < 0.05). Consequently, LPPs present a promising strategy for addressing the proliferation of S. aureus and E. coli, and they hold potential for application in the food industry to mitigate safety concerns associated with pathogenic microbes.

Leukemia, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal white blood cells, encompasses several subtypes, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It presents a significant challenge in treatment due to its complex biology and the presence of drug resistance. Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for degrading and recycling cellular components, plays a dual role in leukemia. On one hand, autophagy helps cancer cells survive and adapt to stressors, including chemotherapy, promoting drug resistance. On the other hand, it can also function as a tumor suppressor by enhancing sensitivity to treatment. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, are crucial in modulating autophagy-related genes and signaling pathways in leukemia. Dysregulated miRNAs can either inhibit or enhance autophagy, influencing leukemia progression and response to therapy. Targeting the interaction between autophagy and miRNAs presents a novel therapeutic strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve leukemia treatment outcomes. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of autophagy and miRNAs, new treatment strategies could be developed that focus on restoring proper autophagic function and miRNA regulation, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing side effects. This review explores the dual roles of autophagy and miRNAs in leukemia, providing a deeper insight into their interplay and their potential for improving therapeutic approaches.

Early prediction of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) is crucial for delivering prompt therapeutic interventions and personalised preventive measures to hospitalised patients. However, existing pressure injury (PI) assessment tools often lack transparency, objectivity, comprehensiveness and reliability. This study protocol aims to identify risk factors, develop a screening tool (Pressure Injury after Hospital Admission - PIAHA), and conduct a two-step validation for the early prediction of PI after hospital admission. This multiphase, multicentre, sequential research design comprises five phases. The first phase involves an umbrella review to synthesise comprehensive information on PI risk factors in hospitalised patients from published review studies. The second phase will use conventional content analysis and qualitative interviews with national and international experts to identify context-specific predictors of HAPIs. The third phase will employ a three-round E-Delphi method to integrate findings and establish a structured list of potential predictors. In the fourth phase, a cross-sectional study will evaluate the predictive value of identified risk factors for HAPI development among hospitalised patients, contributing to the development of the PIAHA screening tool. The final phase consists of a two-step validation: (1) a cross-sectional comparison of the PIAHA tool against the gold standard and (2) a cluster randomised controlled trial to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the novel 'IDEAL SKIIN CARES' prevention bundle, administered by trained wound specialist nurses, vs routine standard care. Ethical approval was granted by Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences (IR.BMSU.REC.1402.059) covering all study phases. Written informed consent will be obtained from participants or their legal representatives. The study follows the Declaration of Helsinki. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, conferences, webinars, policy briefs and public engagement through social media, educational videos and podcasts. The PIAHA tool promises to enhance early detection of HAPI risk, facilitating individualised prevention and optimising clinical resource allocation. Implementation of the IDEAL SKIIN CARES bundle may improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs by standardising evidence-based preventive care. CRD42024532133. NCT06369688.