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Effects of a 12-week multicomponent exercise programme on physical function in older adults with cancer: Study protocol for the ONKO-FRAIL randomised controlled trial
Introduction Cancer in older adults is often associated with functional limitations, geriatric syndromes, poor self-rated health, vulnerability, and frailty, and these conditions might worsen treatment-related side effects. Recent guidelines for patients with cancer during and after treatment have documented the beneficial effects of exercise to counteract certain side effects; however, little is known about the role of exercise during cancer treatment in older adults. Materials and Methods This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial in which 200 participants will be allocated to a control group or an intervention group (the sample size has been calculated to detect a clinical difference of 1 point in Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, assuming an α error of 0.05, a β error of 0.20, and a 10 % loss rate). Patients aged ≥70 years, diagnosed with any type of solid cancer and candidates for systemic treatment are eligible. Subjects in the intervention group are invited to participate in a 12-week supervised multicomponent exercise programme in addition to receiving usual care. Study assessments are conducted at baseline and three months. The primary outcome measure is physical function as assessed by the SPPB. Secondary outcome measures include comprehensive geriatric assessment scores (including social situation, basic and instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, depression, nutritional status, polypharmacy, geriatric syndromes, pain, and emotional distress), anthropometric characteristics, frailty status, physical fitness, physical activity, cognitive function, quality of life, fatigue, and nutritional status. Study assessments also include analysis of inflammatory, endocrine, and nutritional mediators in serum and plasma as potential frailty biomarkers at mRNA and protein levels and multiparametric flow cytometric analysis to measure immunosenescence markers on T and NK cells. Discussion This study seeks to extend our knowledge on exercise interventions during systemic anticancer treatment in patients over 70 years of age. Results from this research will guide the management of older adults during systemic treatment in hospitals seeking to enhance the standard of care.
Thermal degradation mechanism of myricetin in palmitic acid
Dietary polyphenols are susceptible to degradation during high-temperature cooking, yet their transformation behavior in lipid-rich frying systems remains poorly understood. The thermal stability and degradation of myricetin in a simplified palmitic acid model under frying-relevant conditions was investigated. Myricetin degraded rapidly at 180 °C but remained relatively stable at 120 °C. UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS, supported by density functional theory calculations, suggested that myricetin transformation is temperature-dependent but primarily governed by lipid oxidation–derived radical and carbonyl chemistry. Vitamin C markedly delayed myricetin degradation by suppressing radical initiation and limiting o-quinone–centered downstream reactions. These findings highlight lipid oxidation as a key determinant of polyphenol stability during frying and clarify the protective role of antioxidants in lipid-rich thermal processing systems.
A comprehensive review on purple corn kernels: phytochemical composition, bioactivity, bioaccessibility, health benefits, and industry applications
Background Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is a pigmented cereal crop distinguished by its high content of anthocyanins (ANCS) and other phenolic phytochemicals, which contribute to its characteristic color and biological functionality. In recent years, increasing consumer demand for natural and health-promoting food ingredients has stimulated growing scientific interest in purple corn due to its unique nutritional profile and functional properties. A comprehensive understanding of its phytochemical composition and associated bioactivities is therefore essential to support its high-value applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical products. Scope and approach This review critically summarizes recent advances in the phytochemical composition and bioactive properties of purple corn, with particular emphasis on gut microbiota modulation and its effects on metabolic health, including reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, emerging applications of purple corn–derived bioactive compounds in functional foods, delivery systems, and animal nutrition are highlighted, alongside current challenges and research gaps. Key findings and conclusions Purple corn is abundant in diverse bioactive compounds, with composition significantly influenced by cultivar, environmental conditions, maturity stage at harvest, and processing methods. Accumulating evidence from both in vitro and in vivo indicates its efficacy as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent, with additional antihypertensive, anti-obesogenic, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties. Innovative strategies, such as nanoencapsulation, show promise in improving stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in purple corn, which is notably rich in anthocyanins (typically ranging from 55.8 to 1970 mg/100 g dry weight). However, toxicological evidence and clinical trials are key limiting factors for developing successful applications for purple corn as a nutritional dietary supplement or nutraceutical. Future studies should emphasize in vivo validation, safety assessment, and advanced delivery systems to support the development of purple corn as a functional food ingredient and potential therapeutic agent.
Quercetin alleviates MSG-induced oxidative toxicity and lifespan deterioration in Caenorhabditis elegans associated with SKN-1–gst-4 detoxification and DAF-16–dependent stress resilience
Background Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely consumed as a dietary flavor enhancer; however, its long-term effects following developmental exposure, particularly regarding oxidative toxicity and lifespan deterioration, remain poorly understood. Purpose This study aimed to investigate MSG-induced oxidative toxicity and lifespan deterioration following developmental exposure, and to elucidate the protective mechanisms of quercetin (Que), with a focus on detoxification and stress-response pathways. Methods Using Caenorhabditis elegans, lifespan, locomotion, reproductive output, and stress resistance were assessed. Oxidative stress markers, including ROS, SOD, CAT, and GSH, were measured. Targeted metabolomics focusing on amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates, RNA-seq analysis, and pathway validation using a gst-4p::GFP reporter strain and daf-16(mu86) mutant were performed. Results Developmental MSG exposure significantly shortened lifespan, impaired locomotor performance, and altered reproductive patterns without affecting body length. MSG increased ROS accumulation, reduced SOD and CAT activities, and depleted GSH, thereby decreasing resistance to heat and H₂O₂ stress. Metabolomic profiling revealed widespread depletion of amino acids and TCA cycle intermediates, suggesting alterations in energy metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated disruption of detoxification and redox networks, particularly involving glutathione metabolism and SKN-1/Nrf2 and DAF-16/FOXO pathways. Functional analyses suggested that MSG suppressed SKN-1–gst-4–associated detoxification responses, whereas Que partially restored gst-4-associated detoxification output. Notably, Que-mediated protection against lifespan deterioration was markedly attenuated in daf-16(mu86) mutants. Conclusion Developmental MSG exposure induces persistent oxidative toxicity and lifespan deterioration through disruption of redox homeostasis, metabolic balance, and detoxification capacity. Que partially mitigates these effects, which are associated with SKN-1–gst-4 detoxification and DAF-16–dependent stress resilience.
Parental Decision-Related Factors Are Associated with Discretionary Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area
Background/Objectives: Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is a key determinant of long-term health, influencing metabolic homeostasis, neurocognitive development, and immune system maturation. Globalization and technological advances have reshaped food production and consumption, increasing the availability of ultra-processed foods (UPF) of low nutritional quality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental factors, namely food literacy, perceived barriers and enablers, dietary attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors, and the consumption of discretionary UPF among children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a survey completed by 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6–17 years from 5 Mediterranean countries, who reported on their children’s dietary and lifestyle habits. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED index. Parental food literacy was measured using the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ). Perceived barriers and enablers were assessed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, and parents’ attitudes toward their child’s diet were evaluated using the Healthy-Eating Attitudes Questionnaire (HEAQ). Finally, the Theory of Internet Use Related to Health (TIUH) questionnaire was used to assess parents’ tendencies related to health information use online. Results: Higher perceived barriers and enablers were significantly associated with lower discretionary UPF consumption across all models. Parental food literacy (SFLQ) showed a positive association with discretionary UPF consumption, remaining significant in the fully adjusted model, although with reduced magnitude. Healthy-eating attitudes (HEAQ) were initially positively associated with discretionary UPF intake but lost statistical significance after full adjustment. Regarding health-related internet use (TIUH), the Health Information dimension showed a strong positive association with discretionary UPF consumption, while other dimensions (Consciousness and Beliefs) showed inconsistent and non-significant associations in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: Children’s consumption of discretionary UPF is shaped by several interrelated factors, such as family environment, eating patterns, and parents’ perceptions, rather than solely by knowledge or attitudes.