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The widespread reliance on single‐use plastics (SUPs) has fostered a global throwaway culture, especially in the food packaging industry, where convenience and low cost have driven their adoption, posing serious environmental threats, particularly to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Edible and ecofriendly packaging made from millet, specifically sorghum (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench), is a promising solution to mitigate SUP consumption and promote sustainability. This study explores the development of edible sorghum bowls, enhanced through roasting and incorporating 3 g of hibiscus and rose flower powders. The standardized sorghum bowl was analyzed for nutritional value; optical, technological, functional, and mechanical properties; and shelf life, and the results were discussed. The bowls, 18.5 g of average weight, dimensions of 10.2 cm, and a thickness of 3 mm, were baked in a unique bowl‐shaped mold at 80°C for 7 min. Enhancing the bowls with flower powder improved their optical properties and nutrient content. The addition of flower powder also increased phytochemical levels, according to qualitative analysis, while roasting sorghum reduced tannin and phytic acid content. The IC50 values revealed that hibiscus (47.74 mg/mL) and rose (39.87 mg/mL) enrichment boosted antioxidant activity. Sensory evaluations favored roasted bowls across all attributes, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) analyses confirmed significant structural changes. The enhanced bowls exhibited greater hardness and hold hot or cold snacks for 90 min without compromising structural integrity. Additionally, these bowls demonstrated an extended shelf life, low microbial count (1 × 101CFU/g), reduced toxicity (3%–10% mortality in brine shrimp assays), and complete biodegradation within 15 days in wet soil. These findings indicate that sorghum‐based edible bowls present a nutritious, viable, less toxic alternative to SUPs, appealing to a broad demographic, especially in the food and tourism sector, and contributing to environmental conservation by reducing plastic waste and suitable for wide consumption.

The definition of process operations and risk analysis is two mandatory steps in the basic/detailed engineering phases of chemical plants. Both steps are usually performed with interdisciplinary tasks but in segregated ways and within converging iterative procedures where the output of the one is feeding the other step and vice versa. This work aims to propose a different, integrated approach to implement process and risk analysis aprioristically at the conceptualization stage of a process and to compare quantitatively emerging technologies in terms of intrinsic safety. In doing so, an extension of the Fire & Explosion Index (F&EI) is formulated in order to link it to the operational conditions of the plant directly. It is implemented for the first time in AspenHysys to dynamically assess the impact of optimal operating process conditions on the F&EI. Acid Gas dynamically to Syngas (AG2S) technology for converting H2S and CO2into syngas is selected as a case study.

AbstractThis study presents a brief history of beer in Namibia and explores the Namibian beer market by investigating the sensory characteristics of the beers readily available on the off-premises segment of the drink market. Twenty-two beers were sampled, and their characteristics were quantified using Descriptive Analysis and trained assessors. The results showed that the beers under study included a small range of products in terms of beer styles, most of the beers brewed in or imported to Namibia being bottom-fermented blond lagers of low to moderate alcohol content. These beers were not typically complex and divided into samples brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot standards and into samples brewed in accordance to brewing protocols not compliant with the Germany purity law. Although sameness seemed to be the keyword, subtle significant differences existed among these beers. Some samples, the most flavorsome overall, were perceived as being significantly more alcoholic, bodied, carbonated, bitter, astringent, malty, and richer in solvent-like and vinous impressions. Other samples were perceived as having a thinner mouthfeel and being richer in caramel-like and cooked vegetable notes. Other blond beers included lite beers and were identified as thinner, whereas alcohol-free beers were identified as watery, rich in wort and cooked vegetable-like notes, and low in bitterness and perceived levels of carbonation. IPA and Doppelbock stood out from the others due to maltiness, bitterness, fruitiness, and a full body. Nearly all the samples were free from faults, and this attested to the high-quality standards of Namibian beers. In terms of brewing styles, unfilled gaps in the market exist and offer untapped opportunities for brewers.

Fabry disease is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which encodes alpha–galactosidase A, leading to enzyme dysfunction and subsequent accumulation of glycosphingolipids. In the classical form, it occurs in childhood or early adolescence with renal, cardiac, and neurological involvement, resulting in a poor prognosis. The GLA D313Y is a missense mutation resulting in a significant reduction of enzyme activity in plasma, while leukocyte enzyme activity remains within normal limits, leading to a "pseudo–deficiency" of enzyme activity with uncertain pathogenicity. In literature, it has been observed that individuals with this mutation may present predominantly with central neurologic manifestations, characterized by multifocal white matter lesions. Historically they do not receive indications for initiating enzyme replacement or molecular chaperone therapies. We present the case of a man affected by arterial hypertension and history of chronic lower limb pain who experienced a lacunar stroke at the age of 35. The GLA D313Y mutation was identified and enzyme activity assay in plasma was within normal limits, precluding the initiation of enzyme replacement therapy. Over the following years, he suffered two additional ischemic strokes, a progressive decline in renal function to stage 3, and acute coronary syndrome. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed hypertrophic non–obstructive cardiomyopathy (SIVd 20 mm) with normal biventricular ejection fraction. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed late gadolinium enhancement of inferior junctional and inferior wall in middle segment (Fig.1). Considering the patient‘s clinical conditions involving multi–organ impairment, an enzymatic activity test was performed on leukocytes, revealing a reduced activity. This prompted the decision to initiate enzyme replacement therapy. This case report supports the hypothesis that the D313Y mutation may be associated with a later presentation and not only neurological involvement. In our experience, it’s mandatory to proceed with the determination of leukocyte enzyme activity in presence of normal enzyme activity in plasma. As an alternative, the detection of glycosphingolipids’ accumulation could be useful, but myocardial and renal biopsy poses a high bleeding risk, especially in anticoagulated or antiaggregated patients. The authors propose considering the initiation of therapy in patients with the D313Y mutation who exhibit significant organ involvement.

AbstractThis study explored the interest for Gluten-Free Beer (GFB) in a panel of beer drinkers. The authors adopted a conjoint rating experiment and the respondents were given sixty-four beer concepts to evaluate and score on a 9-point scale of interest. Each concept included eleven factors (alcohol content, colour, type of malt, beer price, drinking location, drinking occasion, bottle size, label claims, type of farming, type of brewer, and bottle closure) varied at different levels. The results showed that the consumers placed greatest importance on alcohol content (30.8%), followed by beer colour (18.3%), price (13.8%), type of brewer (9.5%), drinking occasion (9.5%) and bottle closure (6.5%). The label claim “rich in” and the factors drinking location, malt type, bottle size, and type of farming were judged as being of little importance. Average consumers’ interest for GFB was moderate (5.48 on a 9-point scale) and oriented towards a blond small-scale brewed beer with a %ABV > 7.0. This beer was priced in the 1.51-2.50 Euros range per 0.33 L bottle and was suitable for drinking in the evening after dinner. Differences in interest between genders, age classes, and patterns of beer consumption are reported and discussed. These results support new GFB development and ensure R&D processes are tailored to the target consumer.

Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by the sudden onset of anterograde amnesia, accompanied by repetitive questioning lasting up to 24 hours with whole restoration and without compromise of other neurologic function. Case reports suggest that cardiac dysfunctions may also occur in patients TGA although until now, no study has systematically assessed this phenomenon. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed, with particular emphasis on the role of the central and autonomic nervous systems and an increased sympathetic hyperactivity, likewise to Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS). A case series of two cases (one man and one woman) of TGA as a precocious display of concomitant Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was described.

A 51–year–old male patient was admitted to the emergency room for stabbing chest pain associated with dyspnea on mild exertion. Past medical history: obesity, previous HCV infection, previous intravenous substance abuse. Physical examination: no audible cardiac murmurs or rubs, no wet lung sounds, mild edema of the face and upper limbs. ECG: sinus rhythm, no repolarization alterations. Lab tests: elevation of troponin I (93 ng/l) and CRP (2 mg/dl). Echocardiogram (poor visualization): non–dilated and normokinetic left ventricle (EF 0.55), no significant valvular disease, mild pericardial effusion. Coronary angiography: no obstructive coronary disease. A diagnosis of acute pericarditis was made, and anti–inflammatory therapy with ibuprofen and colchicine was started. Cardiac MRI showed a large right atrial mass, which infiltrates the interatrial septum and causes obstruction of the superior vena cava; the mass showed hypointensity on T1, clear hyperintensity on T2 and modest and non–homogeneous late gadolinium enhancement; mediastinal lymphadenopathy was also detected; overall, the exam raised the suspicion of malignant primary cardiac tumor (cardiac lymphoma versus angiosarcoma). The patient was referred to a tertiary center for endomyocardial biopsy, which showed the presence of large B–cell lymphoma, and the patient was started on chemotherapy. Discussion Cardiac masses are rare and usually benign. Malignant tumors are more frequently secondary, while primary ones are very rare. Lymphomas represent 1–2% of all cardiac tumors, are more frequent in male adults and are associated with immunodeficiency conditions. 70% are diffuse large B–cell lymphomas. Transthoracic echocardiogram is the main first–level test but has poor sensitivity, especially in cases with high acoustic impedance. Cardiac MRI is the main test for accurate anatomical definition and tissue characterization. In this specific case, the hyperintensity in the T2 sequences, the presence of inhomogeneous LGE and the mediastinal lymphadenopathy suggested the possible lymphoproliferative nature of the mass. Angiosarcoma appears more heterogeneous on T2 sequences and presents a ring of peripheral enhancement with central hypopointesity in post–contrast sequences. Endomyocardial biopsy allows for a definitive diagnosis, but is performed only when the benefits outweigh the risks. In this case, it proved to be essential for the histological characterization and the subsequent therapeutic approach.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of drying process preparations, solvent type, and different species of Prunusspp. (European, Japanese, and cherry plums) on bioactive properties (antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory activities) and rutin content. Leaves and fresh fruits of plums were dried using a cold process (vacuum freeze dryer at -105 ± 5°C) and a hot process (hot air oven at 50 ± 0.5°C). The dried plant material was then extracted using ethanol and propylene glycol to obtain ethanolic crude extracts and propylene glycol extract solutions. These extracts were then tested for phenolic and flavonoid contents and their potential biological activities and analyzed for rutin content using the HPLC method. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of plum leaves obtained via the cold-drying process exhibited higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents (96.94 ± 6.73–112.34 ± 9.08?mg GAE/g sample and 105.10 ± 11.31–185.94 ± 23.35?mg QE/g sample, respectively), as well as greater potential for antioxidant activity (DPPH with IC50= 29.97 ± 1.17 to 31.44 ± 4.16?µg/mL), anti-tyrosinase activity (40.34 ± 1.27%–46.91 ± 0.22%), and anti-lipid peroxidation activity (34.10 ± 4.88%–38.27 ± 2.12%). They also exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting NO (20.16 ± 0.12%–40.05 ± 0.42%), IL-6 (37.81 ± 3.01%–42.37 ± 8.92%), and TNF-a(45.96 ± 7.93%–63.28 ± 6.44%) compared to fresh plum fruit extracts and other extraction procedures. These activities correlated with the rutin content, which was high in the plum leaf extracts (28.52 ± 0.00%–43.82 ± 0.13% w/w). European plums tended to exhibit greater bioactivities and higher rutin content compared to other species. These findings indicate that plum leaf extracts are a promising source for further applications in food, nutrition, and health products.

In many parts of the world, wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential component of the global food basket, providing an alternative source of wholesome and nourishing food. Ethiopia is one of countries of the world having largest concentrations of WEPs. In the country, various parts of WEPs, such as fruits, stems, leaves, tubers, roots, or entire plant sections, are frequently consumed and used as food sources for famine relief during seasonal food shortages, as well as for commercial purposes. WEPs have been also used in the country as sources of phytochemicals, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Approximately 30%–40% of WEPs and over 413 different kinds of WEPs are commonly consumed by Ethiopians regularly. Most plant families utilized as WEPs are Moraceae, Fabaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae. The most widely used plant parts of WEPs were fruits. WEPs can be used as substitutes for traditional plant-based human diets because of their high nutritional value, which includes proteins, vitamins B2 and C, and low moisture content. This review focuses on using edible wild plants for pharmacological purposes, dietary supplements, and alternative medicine. Many obstacles prevent people from consuming WEPs, even when they are easily accessible and available. The use of WEPs must be encouraged by nutrition policies as one of the pillars of food and nutrition security. To increase yield, diversify the revenue streams of small-scale farmers, and protect the diminishing wild edible fruit resources, it is imperative to domesticate and enhance WEPs.

Guarana seeds are typically processed using one of three drying methods: traditional sun exposure, greenhouse drying, or the alguidaroven technique. In our research, we evaluated the contents of methylxanthines and flavan-3-ols in sun- and alguidar-dried guarana seeds from Bahia State’s Low Sul Identity Territory. Caffeine, theobromine, catechin, and epicatechin were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV-visible detection (HPLC/UV-vis). Statistical tools, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s test, and exploratory analysis, were employed to analyze the obtained data. Our findings indicated that the flavan-3-ols content in sun-dried guarana samples was lower compared to those dried using the alguidaroven, possibly due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from solar energy. Conversely, we observed no significant differences (p> 0.05) in the average contents of methylxanthines between the two drying methods. Our supplementary experiments involving UV-A and UV-C radiation lamps revealed a decreasing trend in methylxanthines and flavan-3-ols contents with increasing duration of UV radiation exposure.

Propolis is a natural resinous complex mixture produced by honeybees that contain various bioactive compounds. However, these bioactive compounds are chemically unstable and their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract is influenced by their solubility and stability. Encapsulation technology has been employed to increase their bioavailability and protect them against hostile conditions. Nanoliposomes are nanoscale lipid-based vesicles that can encapsulate various bioactive compounds, including propolis extracts. Therefore, in this study, propolis extract was encapsulated by nanoliposome technique and used in instant drink formulation. Nanoliposome characterization was done regarding particle size (255 ± 0.21?nm), zeta potential (-37.6 ± 1.14?mV), and encapsulation efficiency (73.71 ± 0.94). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to determine the effect of nanoliposome concentration (0%–5%) on the beverage characteristics including Brix, acidity, hygroscopicity, water solubility index, total phenol content, total microbial count, and sensory analyses. RSM predicted that a 3.19% nanoliposome would provide the overall optimum region for preparing the beverage with the best characteristics. Therefore, nanoliposome containing propolis can be successfully used in the enrichment of the beverage formulation by maintaining the sensory characteristics and improving its quality.