Search Results (47,669)

Background/Objectives: The glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) enzyme, encoded by OsGAPDHC6, plays a crucial role in glycolysis while participating in various physiological and stress response pathways. Methods: In this study, the expression levels of the OsGAPDHC1 and OsGAPDHC6 genes were investigated over time by treating various abiotic stresses (ABA, PEG, NaCl, heat, and cold) in rice seedlings. Results: As a result, the expression levels of both genes in the ABA-treated group increased continuously for 0–6 h and then de-creased sharply from 12 h onwards. The mutational induction of the GAPDHC6 gene by the CRISPR/Cas9 system generated a stop codon through a 1 bp insertion into protein production. The knockout (KO) lines showed differences in seed length, seed width, and seed thickness compared to wild-type (WT) varieties. In addition, KO lines showed a lower germination rate, germination ability, and germination index of seeds under salt treatment compared to WT, and leaf damage due to 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining was very high due to malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. The KO line was lower regarding the expression level of stress-related genes compared to WT. Conclusions: Therefore, the OsGAPDHC6 gene is evaluated as a gene that can increase salt resistance in rice as it actively responds to salt stress in the early stages of growth, occurring from seed germination to just before the tilling stage. Full article

This review of the literature examines diseases and pathogen characteristics on military vessels, in order to improve the success of missions on a boat. Our aim is to understand the spread of disease, aiming to maximize biological resilience and hopefully eliminate outbreaks. Keyword research was conducted from various sources of information, including scientific publications, theses, public health organization websites, and clinical trials. A synthesis of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitosis characteristics was established, and a risk prioritization index was defined, based on contagiousness (basic reproduction number (R0)) and clinical severity. For instance, COVID-19 was assessed as moderately contagious, with critical severity, and Influenza A H1N1 as having a minor level of contagiousness with critical severity, resulting in a level two out of three risk prioritization index. This approach demonstrates that while diseases have numerous characteristics, a method for classifying them by isolating specific criteria and prioritizing them could be proposed. In conclusion, further work is needed to analyze onboard operator activities and develop simulation models related to pathogen characteristics. Full article

Background: The presence of biofilms and low antimicrobial concentrations in bone tissue make prosthetic joint infections (PJI) difficult to treat. Ceftobiprole (CTO) has a potential role in MRSA PJI. This study evaluated the efficacy of ceftobiprole and daptomycin (DAP) alone and in combination against MRSA biofilms at expected bone tissue concentrations. We assessed whether CTO-DAP outperformed DAP combined with a non-anti-MRSA beta-lactam (cefazolin [CZO]). Methods: A dynamic in vitro PK/PD biofilm model (CDC biofilm reactor) was used to simulate concentrations expected in cortical bone at a standard dosing of DAP (10 mg/kg/24 h), CTO (500 mg/8 h), and CZO (2 g/8 h), and assess performance against a 48-hour MRSA biofilm from two clinical isolates that cause PJI (MRSA-1811 and MRSA-1733). Time–kill curves using the log change method (Δlog₁₀ CFU/cm²) assessed antimicrobial efficacy over 56 h. Resistance emergence was monitored. Results: Although both monotherapies were active, neither reached bactericidal levels nor was one superior to the other (Δlog₁₀ CFU/cm² CTO vs. DAP: −1.44 ± 0.25 vs. −1.50 ± 0.01 [p = 0.686] and −1.55 ± 0.74 vs. −0.56 ± 0.36 [p = 0.108] for MRSA-1811 and MRSA-1733, respectively). Only in the MRSA-1811 isolate did the CTO-DAP combination improve the activity of each monotherapy, without achieving a synergistic effect (Δlog₁₀ CFU/cm²: CTO-DAP −2.087 ± 0.048 vs. CTO −1.436 ± 0.249 [p = 0.013] and vs. DAP −1.503 ± 0.011 [p = 0.006]). No combination therapy (CTO-DAP vs. DAP-CZO) outperformed the other in either strain. No resistant bacterial subpopulations appeared with any antibiotic regimen. Conclusions: At clinically relevant concentrations, ceftobiprole and daptomycin showed similar activity against MRSA biofilms. The CTO-DAP combination showed comparable efficacy to DAP-CZO. Full article

Amebiasis is a globally prevalent infection that can lead to fatal outcomes if not adequately treated. Conventional treatment with imidazoles often fails due to side effects and resistance, emphasizing the need for alternative therapies. The probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has shown potential in combating intestinal pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the amebicidal activity of EcN in vitro and its effect on the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica (2.5 × 10⁴ cells/mL) were cultured in 96-well plates and exposed to varying concentrations of EcN (10²–10⁹ cells/mL). Plates were incubated at 36 °C for 6, 12, and 18 h, after which trophozoite viability was assessed. Intracellular ROS production, including superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, was measured using fluorescent probes. The highest efficacy was observed after 18 h at a CFU concentration of 10⁹ cells/mL. Increased ROS production at all probiotic concentrations suggested a role in EcN’s amebicidal mechanism. Morphological changes in trophozoites, such as rounding, vacuolization, and size reduction, were noted after EcN exposure, indicating growth inhibition. These findings suggest EcN induces structural and morphological changes in E. histolytica, inhibiting its growth in vitro. The findings suggest the potential efficacy of EcN; however, definitive confirmation requires data from human clinical trials. Full article

The ammonia adsorption capacity of lignin-rich biomass solids was tested for the first time at low partial pressures (<1.5 kPa) and 20 °C. The biomass samples included untreated tree barks, husks, and peats, as well as the biochars produced by their slow pyrolysis. Proximate and ultimate analyses, lignin content, and metal content are also presented. The untreated biosolids had higher VM/FC ratios, molar H/C, and O/C than the treated biosolids (biochars and treated biochars). A novel methodology is described for the safe generation of gaseous ammonia at predictable low partial pressures from tabletop-scale batch reaction experiments of NaOH with (NH₄)₂SO₄ in aqueous solution, leading to the determination of ammonia adsorption capacities from low-cost experiments. Statistically significantly larger NH₃ adsorption capacities were obtained for the untreated biosolids than for their biochars (p < 0.001). In contrast, the biochars were found to be poor NH₃ adsorbers without further treatment. The NH₃ adsorption capacities from this study’s biosolids were compared with those of common adsorbent types in the same conditions using the existing literature through equilibrium model interpolation (Dubinin–Astakhov, Toth, and Freundlich) or cubic spline fit from graphical isotherms. Controls consisting of commercially sourced activated carbons (AC) had low adsorption capacities, close to those derived from the literature in the same conditions for similar materials, confirming the methodology’s robustness. The untreated biosolids’ NH₃ adsorption capacities were in the same range as those reported for silica, gamma-alumina, and some of the treated or doped ACs. They also performed better than the undoped, untreated ACs. The work suggests lignin-rich untreated biosolids such as barks and peats are competent low-cost ammonia adsorbents. Full article

Amburana cearensis is a plant native to Brazil used in folk medicine for the treatment of several pathological conditions including stroke. Previous research indicates that a dichloromethane extract of A. cearensis seeds (EDAC), rich in coumarins, protects neural cells against oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) and glutamate-induced stress. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the role of coumarin, in the protective effect of EDAC. Glutamatergic excitotoxicity is an important cause of neuronal loss involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of coumarin isolated from EDAC against glutamate excitotoxicity in regulating MAPK pathway proteins and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production on PC12 cells. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of coumarin against cell death induced by OGD. We characterized the isolated compound from EDAC as coumarin by ¹H and ¹³C-NMR. Thus, PC12 cells were exposed to OGD or glutamate (20 mM) and/or treated with EDAC or coumarin (500 μg/mL) for 24 h. Subsequently, cell viability was assessed by propidium iodide staining or by MTT test. Furthermore, the expression of MAPK pathway proteins was investigated by Western blot analysis and the expression of cleaved caspase-3 by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was assessed by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and CellROX. We observed that EDAC and coumarin were able to protect PC12 cells against OGD conditions. Moreover, EDAC totally inhibited the glutamate toxicity in PC12 cells. Meanwhile, coumarin mitigated the glutamate toxicity. Both were able to downregulate the expression of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK and inhibit caspase-3 activation. EDAC and coumarin also prevented the increase of ROS induced by treatment with H₂O₂ or glutamate. Our results evidenced that coumarin from A. cearensis is antioxidative and is an important cytoprotective compound in EDAC against glutamate excitotoxicity or OGD injury. Full article

In this study, nine neo-clerodane-type diterpenoids (1–9) were isolated from the dichloromethane extract of Salvia guevarae Bedolla & Zamudio leaves. Compounds 1–6 were new natural products, and 7–9 were acetone artifacts. In addition, four neo-clerodanes diterpenoids (10–13) previously described from different sources and six triterpenoids—identified as 3β,20,25-trihydroxylupane, oleanolic acid, 3β-O-acetyl-oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, 3β-O-acetyl-betulinic acid, and 3β,28-O-diacetyl-betulin—were isolated. Additionally, five flavonoids were also isolated from the methanol extract: quercetin-3-O-β-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-galactopyranoside, taxifolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside, naringenin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside, a mixture of 2R and 2S eriodictyol-7-O-β-glucopyranoside, caffeic acid, the methyl ester of rosmarinic acid, and rosmarinic acid. The structure of the isolated compounds was established by spectroscopic means, mainly ¹H and ¹³C NMR, including 1D and 2D homo- and heteronuclear experiments. The absolute configuration of 1 and 10 was ascertained via an X-ray analysis, and that of the other compounds via ECD. The antiproliferative activity of some diterpenoids was determined using the sulforhodamine B method, where guevarain B (2) and 6α-hydroxy-patagonol acetonide (7) showed moderate activity against the K562 line, with IC₅₀ (μM) = 33.1 ± 1.3 and 39.8 ± 1.5, respectively. The NO inhibition in RAW 264.7 macrophage activity was also determined for some compounds, where 2-oxo-patagonal (6), 6α-hydroxy-patagonol acetonide (7), and 7α-acetoxy-ent-clerodan-3,13-dien-18,19:16,15-diolide (10) were proven to be active, with IC₅₀ (μM) of 26.4 ± 0.4, 17.3 ± 0.5, and 13.7 ± 2.0, respectively. The chemotaxonomy of Salvia guevarae is also discussed. Full article

This study optimized the proportions of synergistic catalysts to efficiently activate potassium peroxymonosulfate (Oxone), generate more reactive oxygen species, and accelerate the chemical oxidation of silicon carbide (4H-SiC) wafers during chemical–mechanical polishing (CMP) for an improved material removal rate (MRR) and surface quality. The Oxone was activated using ultraviolet (UV) catalysis with a photocatalyst (TiO₂) and transition metal (Fe₃O₄) to enhance the oxidation capacity of the polishing slurry through the production of strong oxidizing sulfate radicals (). First, the effects of the TiO₂, Fe₃O₄, and Oxone concentrations on the MRR were studied by conducting multiple single-factor experiments. Next, 4H-SiC wafers were polished using different catalyst combinations to verify the synergistic activation of Oxone by multiple catalysts. Finally, the roughnesses, physical features, and elemental compositions of the wafer surfaces were observed before and after polishing. The results showed that CMP with a TiO₂ concentration of 0.15 wt%, Fe₃O₄ concentration of 0.75 wt%, and Oxone concentration of 48 mM decreased the wafer surface roughness from Sa 134 to 8.251 nm and achieved a maximum MRR of 2360 nm/h, which is significantly higher than that associated with traditional CMP methods. The surface of a 4H-SiC wafer polished using CMP with the optimal catalytic system was extremely smooth with no scratches and exhibited many oxides that reduced its hardness. In summary, the proposed UV-TiO₂-Fe₃O₄-Oxone composite catalytic system for 4H-SiC CMP exhibited significant synergistic enhancements and demonstrated excellent surface quality, indicating considerable potential for the polishing of hard materials. Full article

This work presents an optimized and sustainable chemical recycling method for epoxy resin matrices, which uses microwave-assisted reactions to achieve the complete recovery of the matrix without generating waste byproducts. The proposed method employs a green chemistry approach, with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and tartaric acid (TA) as the eco-friendly reagents. Microwaves are used to activate the chemical reaction, ensuring localized heating, reduced energy consumption, and shorter processing times compared to conventional thermal methods. Unlike most existing recycling processes, which focus on fiber recovery, this study emphasizes the recovery and reuse of the matrix, transforming it into a valuable resource for producing new thermosetting materials. The recovered matrix was characterized using FTIR and H-NMR analyses, confirming the presence of reactive functional groups that enable its reintegration into new composite matrix formulations. The process has also demonstrated environmental benefits and economic advantages due to the absence of any waste and the reduced need for virgin raw materials. This method addresses a critical gap in composite material recycling, paving the way for a circular lifecycle and advancing the principles of sustainability in materials engineering. Full article

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that leads to severe disability and requires improved therapeutic strategies to optimize anti-inflammatory treatment. This study aimed to address this challenge by developing and characterizing an extended-release polymer matrix tablet containing ketoprofen and a ketoprofen–β-cyclodextrin complex with enhanced therapeutic properties. The objective was to improve inflammation management and therapeutic outcomes using a novel delivery system based on the inclusion of the active substance in cyclodextrin complexes. Methods: Tablets were formulated using ketoprofen and ketoprofen–β-cyclodextrin complexes combined with hydrophilic polymers such as Carbopol^® 971P NF, Kollidon^® VA 64, and Methocel^TM K4M. The complexes were obtained via the coprecipitation method to improve bioavailability. The kinetics of the release of ketoprofen, ketoprofen–β-cyclodextrin complex (2:1), and ketoprofen–β-cyclodextrin complex (1:1) from the tablets were investigated in vitro in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids, and drug release profiles were established. Advanced mathematical models were used to describe the nonlinear behavior of the drug–polymer systems. Results: The inclusion of ketoprofen in the β-cyclodextrin complexes was confirmed, revealing distinct release profiles. Tablets (K-3 F-3) containing the 1:1 complex showed rapid release (96.2% in 4–7 h), while tablets (K-1 F-4) containing free ketoprofen released 76% over 9–11 h. Higher polymer concentrations slowed the release due to gel barrier formation. Pharmacotechnical and stability tests supported their suitability as extended-release forms. A multifractal modeling approach described the release dynamics, treating the polymer–drug matrix as a complex system, with release curves characterized by variations in the fractal dimension and resolution. Conclusions: Specific hydrophilic polymer combinations effectively prolonged ketoprofen release. The developed matrix tablets, which were evaluated via in vitro studies and mathematical modeling, show promise for improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance during rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Full article

Soybean, an economically valuable oil and protein crop, is vulnerable to numerous biotic stresses throughout its growth period. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), a destructive plant pathogen, induces substantial yield reduction and seed quality deterioration globally. In China, a total of 22 distinct SMV strains have been documented, with SMV-SC4 being a widely spread strain. The Chinese cultivar Kefeng-1 (KF) is resistant to this strain. To investigate the resistance mechanism, transcriptional analysis was performed at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation of SC4 in KF (Resistant) and NN1138-2 (NN) (Susceptible). A total of 1201 core differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified as active ones against SC4 infection, with most originating from the resistant cultivar at the early infection stages. Gene ontology enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs directly involved in signal transduction and those related to plant stress response contributed to KF resistance indirectly, including protein phosphorylation, protein kinase activity, oxidation–reduction, oxidoreductase activity, catalytic activity, metal ion transport, and response to auxin. A total of 27 genes in “Signal transduction” with most of them were disease resistance conserved domains, 52 genes active in oxidoreductase activity involving in removing ROS from SMV attack, and 8 genes in “Response to auxin”, a phytohormone that plays a role in biotic stress response in addition to growth and development. These genes expressed more differentially in the resistant versus susceptible cultivar. Our findings provide insights into the molecular networks related to soybean response to SMV, which may be relevant in understanding soybean resistance against the viral infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aims of this study were to establish the relationship between hand grip strength (HGS) and sleep disturbances, as well as to correlate HGS with the perception of general health status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Physical Therapy students. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). HGS was measured using a dynamometer and self-reported anonymously. Results: A total of 145 students participated (58.6% males; mean age: 21.0 ± 3.9 years). The average HGS was 42.4 kg in the dominant hand and 39.2 kg in the non-dominant one. Poor subjective sleep quality was reported by 27.5%; 84.1% slept less than 7 h. GHQ-12 scores indicated that 31.7% may be experiencing emotional distress. HGS was inversely correlated with PSQI scores in both dominant (ρ = –0.211; p = 0.019) and non-dominant hands (ρ = –0.178; p = 0.049). Students with GHQ-12 scores >12 had significantly lower HGS. No significant correlation was found between HGS and physical activity intensity. Conclusions: Lower hand grip strength was correlated with poor sleep quality and higher GHQ-12 scores, independently of physical activity levels. These findings suggest that HGS may serve as a simple and accessible indicator of psychological vulnerability in university students. Full article

The nutritional effects of fruit juices, combined with the added value of a probiotic, provide a plant-based fortified functional food. Some process-related drawbacks are caused by the pH parameter, which will affect the survival of probiotics during their industrial processing and storage. By means of developing a monitoring method for probiotic activity, the present study aims to investigate the application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) as a correlative analytical method for fermentation process tracking, in association with the different absorption patterns of bound water, explained by aquaphotomics. The data evaluated in the wavelength range of 1300–1600 nm indicate classification accuracies of 99–100% and 99–93% during calibration and validation, respectively, when applying PCA-LDA for discriminating the fermentation times, for each one of the single and mixed bacterial groups. During PLSR prediction, according to the fermentation times, the validation models developed for pH show coefficients of determination in the range of 0.96 to nearly 1 and root mean square errors of 0.05 and 0.19. On the other hand, for the PLSR prediction of log cell count (CFU/mL), validation modeling shows a coefficient of determination of 0.85 and a root mean square error of 0.23. All things considered, the results support the applicability of combining NIR and aquaphotomics as a bioprocess monitoring tool, which can be further implemented in different studies and industrial contexts. Full article

Background: Antidepressants are a class of pharmaceuticals utilized for the management of many psychiatric disorders, including depression. A considerable number of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been documented to demonstrate significant anticancer properties in various cancer cell lines. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the selective cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of escitalopram oxalate (ES) alone and in combination with etoposide (ET) on ET-resistant A549 (A549/90E) lung cancer cells. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of the drugs were determined by CCK-8, trypan blue, and neutral red assays. Apoptosis was observed by Annexin V fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/PI and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) assays. Moreover, the effects of the drugs, alone and in combination, on apoptosis-related proteins, caspase-3, PTEN, and resistance-related P-gP were determined by ELISA. The relationship between drugs and lung cancer was determined with protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Results: Our results revealed that ES significantly exerted cytotoxic effects on both wild-type and A549/90E cells compared with BEAS-2B cells. The IC₅₀ values of 48.67 and 51.6 μg/mL obtained for ET and ES, respectively, at the end of 24 h of incubation for A549 cells were applied reciprocally for each cell by including BEAS-2B together with the 2xIC₅₀ and ½ IC₅₀ values. The results of each combination were statistically evaluated with combination indices (CIs) obtained using the Compusyn synergistic effect analysis program. Combination doses with a synergistic effect in A549 and A549/90E cells and an antagonistic effect in BEAS-2B cells have been determined as ½ IC₅₀ for ET and ½ IC₅₀ for ES. ET ½ IC₅₀, ES ½ IC₅₀, and an ET ½ IC₅₀ + ES ½ IC₅₀ combination caused 18.37%, 55.19%, and 57.55% death in A549 cells, whereas they caused 44.9%, 22.4%, and 51.94% death in A549/90E cells, respectively. In A549 cells, the combination of ES ½ IC₅₀ and ET ½ IC₅₀ caused increased levels of caspase-3 (p < 0.01) and P-gP (p < 0.001), while PTEN levels remained unchanged. The combination resulted in an increase in caspase-3 (p < 0.001) and PTEN (p < 0.001) amounts, alongside a decrease in P-gP (p < 0.01) levels in A549/90E cells. The death mechanism induced by the combination was found to be apoptotic by Annexin V-FITC and ΔΨm assays. Conclusions: Based on our findings, ES was observed to induce cytotoxic and apoptotic activities in A549/90E cells in vitro. ES in combination therapy is considered to be effective to overcome ET resistance by reducing the amount of P-gP in A549/90E cells. Full article

Mercury is naturally present in soils at trace concentrations, but its cycle is increasingly disrupted by anthropogenic activities, which affect its distribution and behavior. Due to its toxic nature, mercury has become a significant focus in environmental and public health policies. Following the detection of mercury anomalies during groundwater quality monitoring at the Pays de Caux study site (France), a comprehensive multidisciplinary research effort was initiated. This included geological and hydrogeological studies aimed at tracking mercury concentrations in piezometric wells and identifying the sources of these anomalies. This study seeks to assess the groundwater quality and characteristics from ten hydrogeological wells. The evaluation will focus on key hydrogeological parameters, including pH, redox potential (Eh), suspended solids, and groundwater levels, as well as a detailed geochemical analysis of elements such as Hg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Cu. The mobilization of mercury and other metallic traces elements is strongly governed by environmental factors. Hydrochemical analyses highlight the complex interplay of various parameters that influence the chemical forms and behavior of mercury in both soil and groundwater. The results from the piezometric measurement campaigns (Pz1 to Pz7) have provided crucial insights, enabling the development of hypotheses about mercury’s behavior in the chalk aquifer. It is hypothesized that impermeable areas may trap groundwater for extended periods, leading to the accumulation and abnormal concentration of mercury. This could cause mercury to be intermittently released, potentially affecting the surrounding environment. Mercury concentrations in groundwater are highly sensitive to pH and redox potential (Eh), with low pH and reducing conditions promoting mercury mobilization and the formation of toxic methylated species. The study suggests the chalk aquifer is generally in equilibrium with mercury, but fluctuations in mercury levels between Pz7 and Pz4 are likely due to the heterogeneity of the clay and geological factors such as mineral composition and fracturing. This research provides insights into mercury transfer in heterogeneous environments and emphasizes the need for continuous hydrogeological monitoring, including piezometer readings, to manage mercury dispersion in the aquifer. Full article