Overcoming the limited bioavailability and extensive metabolism of effective in vitro drugs remains a challenge that limits the translation of promising drugs into clinical trials. Resveratrol, despite its well-reported therapeutic benefits, is not metabolically stable and thus has not been utilized as an effective clinical drug. This is because it needs to be consumed in large amounts to overcome the burdens of bioavailability and conversion into less effective metabolites. Herein, we summarize the more relevant approaches to modify resveratrol, aiming to increase its biological and therapeutic efficacy. We discuss combination therapies, derivatization, and the use of resveratrol nanoparticles. Interestingly, the combination of resveratrol with established chemotherapeutic drugs has shown promising therapeutic effects on colon cancer (with oxaliplatin), liver cancer (with cisplatin, 5-FU), and gastric cancer (with doxorubicin). On the other hand, derivatizing resveratrol, including hydroxylation, amination, amidation, imidation, methoxylation, prenylation, halogenation, glycosylation, and oligomerization, differentially modifies its bioavailability and could be used for preferential therapeutic outcomes. Moreover, the encapsulation of resveratrol allows its trapping within different forms of shells for targeted therapy. Depending on the nanoparticle used, it can enhance its solubility and absorption, increasing its bioavailability and efficacy. These include polymers, metals, solid lipids, and other nanoparticles that have shown promising preclinical results, adding more “hype” to the research on resveratrol. This review provides a platform to compare the different approaches to allow directed research into better treatment options with resveratrol.

Syrian Sumac, scientifically defined as Rhus coriaria, is a commonly used spice powder in the Middle East. Rhus coriaria has been shown to contain numerous compounds that have a substantial role in the food industry and in homeopathic therapy. From the retardation of oxidative processes to the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections and many more, these compounds are of great importance in improving human health and economy. Several studies have been done to explore the benefits and potential uses of Rhus coriaria. In the following review, the relevant phytochemical and biological research available on Rhus coriaria have been explored. A comprehensive account of its healing activity is shown. Also presented are its phytochemical components which have medicinal, nutritional and industrial significance. Sumac has been studied for its use as an antibacterial, antioxidant, colorant, food and animal feed supplement, steel inhibitor in sea water and much more. Its antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties make it a great and versatile tool to be used in the food industry, where it can be used as an efficient food preservative and natural, harmless food additive.

Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) consists of many small and low-molecular-weight amino acid chains (3-6 kDa) that can be produced either in basic or acidic media through enzymatic activity. This review details the sources of hydrolyzed collagen, its biosynthesis and its uses in the food industry, as well as its production process and beneficial health effects. HC can be extracted from a variety of sources, during which acetic acid is used for the extraction of collagen type I from bovine, porcine, marine, chicken, and fish cartilage. An enzymatic treatment combined with an acidic treatment has shown more efficient extraction results. Because of its properties, it is frequently employed in the food industry since it improves sensorial qualities, as well as in the cosmetic industry as a functional component in face and body cream because of its moisturizing properties. It is also used in the pharmaceutical development of antioxidant supplements often combined with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. HC has an excellent therapeutic effect on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, where a daily dose of 12 g enhances pain symptoms and contributes to bone health. It also increases mineral density and protects articular cartilage. This review presents the structure and properties of hydrolyzed collagen, which mainly consists of the amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline in a triple helix, its extraction process and its sources, as well as its applications. In particular, the creation of Enzymatic Membrane Reactor allows the production of HC with different molecular weight distributions, allowing wider application.

Background: High academic achievement, an important determinant of future success, is known to be influenced by many factors including dietary behavior, lifestyle and mental health, among others. The objectives of the current study were to explore university students’ nutritive habits, daily lifestyle, and mental status, and to scrutinize the associations between these factors and students’ academic achievement.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private Lebanese university, using an electronic survey. Diet, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and smoking were evaluated, and mental health was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the combined Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-8). Academic achievement was measured using the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS).Results: A total of 1677 students participated in the questionnaire. The results of a linear regression taking the SAAS score as the dependent variable, showed that students who have a non-scientific versus scientific major (Beta = 0.53), and having breakfast ≥ 4 days per week compared to less than 2 days (Beta = 0.28) were significantly associated with higher SAAS scores. More psychological distress (Beta = − 0.06) and a higher number of days of eating out (Beta = − 0.07) were significantly associated with lower SAAS scores.Conclusions: This is the first investigation on a Lebanese university students’ academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental profiles. Better academic achievement was demonstrated by students having healthier dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as less distressing mental status. Such results, in light of the compounded and unprecedented crises with which Lebanon has been assailed, suggest the need to focus on promoting healthy habits among students in higher education as a possible driver of better academic success.

Purpose: We evaluated the possibility of performing endoscopic fiber-optic confocal microscopy in a rat bladder model and we distinguished different cell types.Material and Methods: Rhodami...