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During the harvesting of the broccoli plant, the leaves are discarded, being considered a by-product that may be up to 47% of total broccoli biomass, representing a large amount of wasted material. The use of broccoli leaves is of great interest in the sense that this wasted material is rich in health promoter compounds, such as isothiocyanates. In this study, C57BL/6J mice ingested 790 mg/kg broccoli leaf flour, and the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in the plasma, liver, kidney, adipose tissue, faeces and urine was analysed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-ingestion. In plasma, only glucoerucin (GE), glucobrassicin (GB), sulforaphane (SFN) and indol-3-carbinol (I3C) were detected, and all four compounds peaked between 4 and 8 h after ingestion. The compounds SFN, SFN-glutathione (SFN-GSH), SFN–cysteine (SFN-CYS) and SFN-N-acetyl-cysteine (SFN-NAC) were excreted in faeces at high levels, while glucoraphanin (GR), the precursor of SFN, was not detected in any biological samples other than urine. In the liver, the compounds GE, SFN-CYS, SFN-NAC and I3C were detected, while in the kidney, only GE, GB and SFN-GSH were present. None of the glucosinolates and isothiocyanates analysed were detected in fat tissue. These results demonstrate that glucosinolates and their derivatives were absorbed into the bloodstream and were bioavailable after ingestion of powdered broccoli leaves.

The global rise in obesity and its co-morbidities raises worldwide health, social and economic concerns, especially in developed countries. Compounds derived from natural sources are now in the focus of pharmacological therapies. In recent years, sulforaphane (SFN) has been the subject of studies due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-obesity effects. Lately, some studies have also reported the anti-obesogenic potential of chlorophyll. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of SFN and chlorophyll a (Chlo.a) in C57BL/6J mice fed with a Western diet, rich in sugar and fat. The study lasted 14 weeks, and for the last 4 weeks SFN (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) or Chlo.a (0.2 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. The results showed that supplementation with SFN or Chlo.a resulted in an increase in body temperature and a reduction in the size of adipocytes. However, the administration of SFN or Chlo.a for 4 weeks did not decrease the body weight gain or hepatic steatosis, and increased hepatic ROS counterbalancing with an increase in SOD activity. In conclusion, in the animal model used, treatment with SFN or Chlo.a did not show strong anti-obesity effects; however, slight improvements were observed with the supplementation of these compounds.

Macrofungi have been previously studied for their nutritional value and medicinal properties. However, despite wild mushrooms being a great source of beneficial bioactive compounds, the literature exploring their biotechnological application as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics is scarce. In this work, the species Butyriboletus regius, Ganoderma lucidum, Inonotus hispidus, Lanmaoa fragrans, Pisolithus tinctorius, Suillellus luridus, Suillellus mendax and Xerocomus subtomentosus were characterized according to their phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and cosmeceutical potential. For that purpose, dried and ground mushrooms were extracted with ethanol (40% v/v) using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Of the eight mushrooms analyzed, I. hispidus and P. tinctorius stood out for their high content of phenolic compounds, high antioxidant capacity and anti-hyaluronidase activity. Regarding antimicrobial activity, both mushrooms showed good inhibition of bacterial growth and bactericidal activity, especially on Gram-positive bacteria; however, L. fragans obtained the best results. Cream formulations with I. hispidus and P. tinctorius extracts in their composition improved their antioxidant activity. These results indicate that I. hispidus and P. tinctorius can be proposed as a new potential source of natural compounds with application in the cosmetic industry.

Obesity is a disease whose incidence has increased over the last few decades. Despite being a multifactorial disease, obesity results essentially from excessive intake of high-calorie foods associated with low physical activity. The demand for a pharmacological therapy using natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic drugs has increased. Natural compounds may have few adverse effects and high economic impact, as most of them can be extracted from underexploited plant species and food by-products. To test the potential anti-obesogenic effects of new natural substances, the use of preclinical animal models of obesity has been an important tool, among which rat and mouse models are the most used. Some animal models are monogenic, such as the db/db mice, ob/ob mice, Zucker fatty rat and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rat. There are also available chemical models using the neurotoxin monosodium glutamate that induces lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus nucleus, resulting in the development of obesity. However, the most widely used are the obesity models induced by high-fat diets. The aim of this review was to compile detail studies on the anti-obesity effects of natural compounds or their derivatives on rodent models of obesity as well as a critical analysis of the data.

Obesity, classified as an epidemic by the WHO, is a disease that continues to grow worldwide. Obesity results from abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat and usually leads to the development of other associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, among others. In vitro and in vivo models have been crucial for studying the underlying mechanisms of obesity, discovering new therapeutic targets, and developing and validating new pharmacological therapies against obesity. Preclinical animal models of obesity comprise a variety of species: invertebrates, fishes, and mammals. However, small rodents are the most widely used due to their cost-effectiveness, physiology, and easy genetic manipulation. The induction of obesity in rats or mice can be achieved by the occurrence of spontaneous single-gene mutations or polygenic mutations, by genetic modifications, by surgical or chemical induction, and by ingestion of hypercaloric diets. In this review, we describe some of the most commonly used murine models in obesity research.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, having contributed to 19 [...]

Chlorophylls play a crucial role in photosynthesis and are abundantly found in green fruits and vegetables that form an integral part of our diet. Although limited, existing studies suggest that these photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives possess therapeutic properties. These bioactive molecules exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesogenic activities. However, it is unfortunate that leafy materials and fruit peels often go to waste in the food supply chain, contributing to the prevailing issue of food waste in modern societies. Nevertheless, these overlooked materials contain valuable bioactive compounds, including chlorophylls, which offer significant health benefits. Consequently, exploring the potential of these discarded resources, such as utilizing them as functional food ingredients, aligns with the principles of a circular economy and presents exciting opportunities for exploitation.

Waste generated in mushroom cultivation represents a valuable raw material with health benefits, the use of which contributes to a reduction in food waste and to the circular economy. Hydroethanolic extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction of four edible mushroom species (Agaricus bisporus var. Portobello, Boletus edulis, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus) were characterized according to their antioxidant, antibacterial, and cosmeceutical potential. The extract with the best properties was incorporated into a cosmetic cream. Concerning the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity, the extracts of A. bisporus and B. edulis stood out from the other two due to their higher levels. The compounds p-hydroxybenzoic and gallic acids were present in all mushrooms in the ranges of 0.010 to 2.554 µg/g DW and 0.032 to 0.112 µg/g DW, respectively. The extract of B. edulis inhibited all the bacterial isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL for Gram-positive and 10–20 mg/mL for Gram-negative strains. In the anti-hyaluronidase assay, A. bisporus extract (10 mg/mL) was the most effective, with 74.4 ± 7.5% enzyme inhibition, and was selected for incorporation into the cosmetic cream. The cream with A. bisporus extract showed significantly higher phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity than the cream without the extract. Overall, our results support the high value of mushroom reuse as a source of natural antioxidants in the cosmetic industry.

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Aerosolized anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against Bacillus thuringiensis spores, which served as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations. This technology removed Bacillus thuringiensis spores from the air in 20 min with just a 1 min application of fog. The dynamics and characteristics of the fog, related to aerosol and surface interactions, proved to be critical for optimal performance and decontamination. An optimal configuration could provide effective disinfection even on indirectly reached surfaces. In all cases, 8% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) provided a higher disinfection rate than 2% glutaraldehyde.

The ubiquity of digital technologies for teaching at large is a reality that can be observed at diverse educational stages and in numerous fields, including the teaching of foreign languages, which is the field of study of this research. In view of this situation, this work is intended to determine the role of ICT in foreign language teaching that follows a CLIL method. It was decided to conduct a systematic review based on PRISMA model and adding information obtained from the analysis of fugitive literature. The literature review was carried out on a total of 22 articles. The main inclusion criteria were a temporal selection from January 2017 to February 2022, the inclusion of the terms CLIL/AICLE and ICT/TIC in the title, abstract or keywords of the articles, and the focus on primary and secondary education. The main results show an increasing tendency of this topic, notably in English research. Most relevant conclusions of the systematic review evidence a positive relationship between ICT and CLIL to improve the learning of a foreign language, although some negative aspects are also highlighted as there is still a lack of resources and teacher training.

Radiation therapy is widely used as the primary treatment option for several cancer types. However, radiation therapy is a nonspecific method and associated with significant challenges such as radioresistance and non-targeted effects. The radiation-induced non-targeted effects on nonirradiated cells nearby are known as bystander effects, while effects far from the ionising radiation-exposed cells are known as abscopal effects. These effects are presented as a consequence of intercellular communications. Therefore, a better understanding of the involved intercellular signals may bring promising new strategies for radiation risk assessment and potential targets for developing novel radiotherapy strategies. Recent studies indicate that radiation-derived extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a vital role in intercellular communications and may result in radioresistance and non-targeted effects. This review describes exosome biology, intercellular interactions, and response to different environmental stressors and diseases, and focuses on their role as functional mediators in inducing radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE).

This paper aims to map and analyze the scientific production of social innovation, resulting in a contribution to the literature review and guidelines for future research. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to explore the trends on the topic. The primary objectives are (1) to identify how the literature defines the concept of social innovation and to track its evolution; (2) to measure productivity and identify key authors and scientific journals with the highest impact in the field and the association networks between their respective institutions and countries of origin; (3) to analyze and map citations, co-citations, and research topics to pinpoint the topics and dimensions related to social innovation in order to propose future research. Our paper clarifies the concept of social innovation, reports the progresses achieved within this research field, and measures the productivity on this specific topic.

Genetic studies in rare species are important to determine their patterns of genetic diversity among populations and implement conservation plans aimed to reduce extinction risks. Pachyphytum caesium is an endemic species with extremely small populations in central Mexico. This work analyzes the diversity and genetic structure of Pachyphytum cesium (Crassulaceae) to change the conservation status and propose conservation strategies. Twelve dominant ISSR markers were used to describe the genetic diversity of all known populations. Additionally, we carried out two simulations to explore how the loss of individuals or the local populations extinction affect the genetics parameters of the species. The average results indicated moderate levels of genetic diversity (number of alleles = 89.7 ± 3.9, expected heterozygosity = 0.212 ± 0.0, and percentage of polymorphic loci = 56.1 ± 3.9), parameters that decreased significantly when simulations were performed in P. caesium. Additionally, a genetic structure of the populations was found with low gene flow (Nm = 0.92). Genetic parameters are negatively affected by the loss of individuals and the local extinction of populations. Based on our results, we propose to reclassify the conservation status of the species in danger of extinction, hence a series of conservation strategies are provided to prevent its disappearance.

Brassica by-products are a source of natural bioactive molecules such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, with potential applications in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. However, the effects of oral sub-chronic exposure to broccoli by-product flour (BF) have not yet been evaluated. The objective of this pilot study was to analyse the effects of BF intake in the physiological parameters of FVB/N mice fed a 6.7% BF-supplemented diet for 21 days. Glucosinolates and their derivatives were also quantified in plasma and urine. BF supplementation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the accumulation of perirenal adipose tissue. Furthermore, mice supplemented with BF showed significantly lower (p < 0.01) microhematocrit values than control animals, but no impact on the general genotoxicological status nor relevant toxic effects on the liver and kidney were observed. Concerning hepatic and renal antioxidant response, BF supplementation induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels. In BF-supplemented mice, plasma analysis revealed the presence of the glucosinolates glucobrassicin and glucoerucin, and the isothiocyanates sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Overall, these results show that daily intake of a high dose of BF during three weeks is safe, and enables the bioavailability of beneficial glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These results allow further testing of the benefits of this BF in animal models of disease, knowing that exposure of up to 6.7% BF does not present relevant toxicity.

Lithium (Li) is one of the latest metals to be added to the list of critical materials in Europe and, thus, lithium exploration in Europe has become a necessity to guarantee its mid- to long-term stable supply. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a powerful analysis technique that allows for simultaneous multi-elemental analysis with an excellent coverage of light elements (Z < 13). This data paper provides more than 4000 LIBS spectra obtained using a handheld LIBS tool on approximately 140 Li-content materials (minerals, powder pellets, and rocks) and their Li concentrations. The high resolution of the spectrometers combined with the low detection limits for light elements make the LIBS technique a powerful option to detect Li and trace elements of first interest, such as Be, Cs, F, and Rb. The LIBS spectra dataset combined with the Li content dataset can be used to obtain quantitative estimation of Li in Li-rich matrices. This paper can be utilized as technical and spectroscopic support for Li detection in the field using a portable LIBS instrument.

Ameobae belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba are responsible for the human diseases Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The treatment of these illnesses is hampered by the existence of a resistance stage (cysts). In an attempt to add new agents that are effective against trophozoites and cysts, tea tree oil (TTO) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), separately and in combination, were tested In Vitro against two Acanthamoeba isolates, T3 and T4 genotypes. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assay was used as a drug screening method, which is to some extent useful in amoebicide drug screening; however, evaluation of lethal effects may be misleading when testing products that promote encystment. Trophozoite viability analysis showed that the effectiveness of the combination of both compounds is higher than when either compound is used alone. Therefore, the TTO alone or TTO + DMSO in combination were an amoebicide, but most of the amoebicidal activity in the combination’s treatments seemed to be caused mainly by the TTO effect. In fact, DMSO alone seems to be a non-amoebicide, triggering encystment. Regarding cytotoxicity, these compounds showed toxicity in human corneal epithelial cells (HCEpiC), even at low concentrations when tested in combination. In conclusion, the use of TTO and DMSO, in combination or alone, cannot be recommended as an alternative for AK treatment until more cytotoxicity and cyst adhesion tests are performed.

Cationic carbosilane dendrimers are branched molecules with antimicrobial properties. Their activity has been tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe ocular disease in humans. A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different noncytotoxic cationic carbosilane dendrimers with proven antiamoebic activity. The effects of treatment on cell surface and cell ultrastructure were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Two of the dendrimers tested induced dramatic alterations of cellular ultrastructure in both trophozoites and cysts, including vacuolization, depletion of cytoplasmic contents, and reduced cell size. Additionally, we observed severe alterations of the plasma membrane with membrane blebbing in trophozoites and disruption in cysts. These alterations were also observed with chlorhexidine, a drug used for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our results support that these compounds may target membranes, and their action is critical for parasite integrity.

The production of chestnut (Castanea sativa Miller) is mostly concentrated in Europe. Chestnut is recognized by its high content of antioxidants and phytosterols. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary chestnut consumption over physiological variables of FVB/n mice. Eighteen FVB/n male 7-month-old mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n = 6): 1 (control group) fed a standard diet; 2 fed a diet supplemented with 0.55% (w/w) chestnut; and 3 supplemented with 1.1% (w/w) chestnut. Body weight, water, and food intake were recorded weekly. Following 35 days of supplementation, the mice were sacrificed for the collection of biological samples. Chestnut supplementation at 1.1% reduced abdominal adipose tissue. Lower serum cholesterol was also observed in animals supplemented with chestnut. There were no significant differences concerning the incidence of histological lesions nor in biochemical markers of hepatic damage and oxidative stress. These results suggest that chestnut supplementation may contribute to regulate adipose tissue deposition.