Search Results (753)

Considering the world’s growing interest in health-promoting phytochemicals, the current research investigated the development of a dual-captured Ginkgo Biloba and Green Tea Extract into Collagen-Nanostructured Lipid Nanocarriers (Col-NLC-GBil-GTE) for an enhanced therapeutic efficacy against hepatic, colon or breast cancer. NLC considerably reduced cell viability; the most advanced cytotoxicity profile was determined on human colon adenocarcinoma cells (LoVo) and liver cancer cells (HepG2), e.g., tumor cell viability was 21.81% in the presence of Col-NLC-GBil-GTE, similar to that determined for Cisplatin. Col-NLC exhibited apoptosis in HepG2 and LoVo cells and no significant apoptosis induction in normal HUVECs. A 20% increase in apoptosis for HepG2 cells was registered for 100 μg/mL NLC-GBil-GTE compared to Cisplatin (Cis-Pt), e.g., a 63.4% total apoptosis for NLC-GBil-GTE versus a 52.6 apoptosis induced by 100 μg/mL of a chemotherapeutic drug. According to the cell cycle outcomes, an accumulation of hepatocyte HepG2 tumor cells in the G0/G1 phase was detected upon treatment with 100 mg/mL of NLC- and Col-NLC-GBil-GTE, simultaneously with a drastic decrease in the S phase, which may indicate a cell number reduction that enters in the division cycle. The simultaneous delivery of GBil and GTE by synchronizing their bioactivities offers several advantages; Col-NLC-GBil-GTE can be viewed as a noteworthy strategy for consideration in connection with antitumor therapeutic protocols. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major contributor to global cancer-related mortality, with rising incidence observed in several regions, including Saudi Arabia. This review compiles and critically analyzes recent preclinical research from Saudi-based institutions that investigates the anti-CRC potential of natural and synthetic compounds. Numerous natural products such as Nigella sativa, Moringa oleifera, Curcuma longa, and marine-derived metabolites have demonstrated cytotoxic effects through pathways involving apoptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In parallel, synthetic and semi-synthetic agents, including C4–G4 (semi-synthetic hybrids designed from flavonoids and benzoxazole scaffolds that act as dual epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/COX-2 inhibitors)), oxazole derivatives, and camptothecin-based nanocarriers, exhibit promising anti-tumor activity via molecular targeting of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), and β-catenin pathways. Selected in vivo studies primarily utilizing xenograft and chemically induced rodent models have shown reductions in tumor volume and modulation of apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, green-synthesized metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified carriers have been investigated to improve bioavailability and tumor targeting of lead compounds. While these findings are encouraging, the majority remain in preclinical phases. Limitations such as poor solubility, lack of pharmacokinetic data, and absence of clinical trials impede translational progress. This review highlights the need for standardized evaluation protocols, mechanistic validation, and region-specific clinical studies to assess efficacy and safety. Given Saudi Arabia’s rich biodiversity and growing research capacity under national strategies like Vision 2030, the country is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to CRC drug discovery. By integrating bioactive natural products, rationally designed synthetics, and advanced delivery platforms, a pipeline of innovative CRC therapeutics tailored to local and global contexts may be realized. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of specific LED light spectra on the growth and physiology of Changchuan No. 3 Capsicum annuum L. seedlings. The experimental design involved exposing pepper seedlings to six different spectral light combinations for 7, 14, and 21 days, with the treatments consisting of 2R1B1Y (red/blue/yellow = 2:1:1), 2R1B1FR (red/blue/far-red = 2:1:1), 2R1B1P (red/blue/purple = 2:1:1), 4R2B1G (red/blue/green = 4:2:1), 2R1B1G (red/blue/green = 2:1:1), and 2R1B (red/blue = 2:1). The results demonstrated distinct spectral regulation of seedling development: compared to the white light (CK), the 2R1B1FR (far-red light supplementation) treatment progressively stimulated stem elongation, increasing plant height and stem diameter by 81.6% and 25.9%, respectively, at day 21, but resulted in a more slender stem architecture. The 2R1B1G (balanced green light) treatment consistently promoted balanced growth, culminating in the highest seedling vigor index at the final stage. The 2R1B1P (purple light supplementation) treatment exhibited a strong promotive effect on root development, which became most pronounced at day 21 (126% increase in root dry weight), while concurrently enhancing soluble sugar content and reducing oxidative stress. Conversely, the 2R1B1Y (yellow light supplementation) treatment increased MDA content by 70% and led to a reduction in chlorophyll accumulation, while 2R1B (basic red–blue) resulted in lower biomass accumulation compared to the superior spectral treatments. The 4R2B1G (low green ratio) treatment showed context-dependent outcomes. This study elucidates how targeted spectral compositions, particularly involving far-red and green light, can optimize pepper seedling quality by modulating photomorphogenesis, carbon allocation, and stress physiology. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for designing efficient LED lighting protocols in controlled-environment agriculture to enhance pepper nursery production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our objective was to evaluate the clinical feasibility and sustainability of an awake breast conserving surgery (BCS) protocol integrating opioid-free anesthesia, telemedicine, and environmental sustainability compared to standard care. Methods: A prospective, monocentric, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial (133.24 CET2 ptv; NCT06624917) named Breast Green Surgery (BuGS) was planned. Women aged 18–75 years eligible for level I BCS were randomized to either the BuGS group—comprising opioid-free monitored anesthesia care (MAC), a telehealth follow-up, and intraoperative waste reduction—or the control. The primary endpoint was postoperative pain at rest (PPR) and during movement (PPD) both at 24 h, measured with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Secondary exploratory endpoints included SF-36, PSQ-18, TSQ test, LOS, and KgCO₂ equivalent (KgCO₂e) from surgical waste, patient transport, and complications. The interim analysis included patients completing a 30-day follow-up by 31 December 2024. Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled (BuGS n = 18, control n = 27). While disproportionate, no significant differences were observed in PPR/PPD at 24 h (4.75 (3.725–5.875) vs. 4.5 (4.15–5.35); p = 0.626; 4 (3.10–4.75) vs. 4.6 (3.90–5.2); p = 0.130), confirmed using group ANOVA analysis (p = 0.515; p = 0.779, respectively). The BuGS group reported a reduced surgical room occupation (80.03 (64.84–101.87) vs. 133.23 (95.47–144.25) min; p = 0.002) and length of stay (0 (0–1) vs. 1 (1–2); p = 0.0001), without hospital unplanned admissions. Reduced KgCO₂e emissions from waste disposal were reported, with no difference in SF-36, PSQ-18, and complication rates. Conclusions: If confirmed after complete accrual, BuGS could potentially promote a clinically equivalent, environmentally sustainable, and hospital efficient surgery without affecting the QoL of our patients. Further multicentric validation is warranted. Full article

The efficient degradation of antibiotics in pharmaceutical wastewater remains a critical challenge against environmental contaminants. Conventional photocatalysts face potential limitations such as narrow visible-light absorption, rapid carrier recombination, and reliance on precious metal cocatalysts. This review investigates the coordination structure of MXene as a cocatalyst to synergistically enhance photocatalytic antibiotic degradation efficiency and the coordination structure modification mechanisms. MXene’s tunable bandgap (0.92–1.75 eV), exceptional conductivity (100–20,000 S/cm), and abundant surface terminations (-O, -OH, -F) enable the construction of Schottky or Z-scheme heterojunctions with semiconductors (Cu₂O, TiO₂, g-C₃N₄), achieving 50–70% efficiency improvement compared to pristine semiconductors. The “electron sponge” effect of MXene suppresses electron-hole recombination by 3–5 times, while its surface functional groups dynamically optimize pollutant adsorption. Notably, MXene’s localized surface plasmon resonance extends light harvesting from visible (400–800 nm) to near-infrared regions (800–2000 nm), tripling photon utilization efficiency. Theoretical simulations demonstrate that d-orbital electronic configurations and terminal groups cooperatively regulate catalytic active sites at atomic scales. The MXene composites demonstrate remarkable environmental stability, maintaining over 90% degradation efficiency of antibiotic under high salinity (2 M NaCl) and broad pH range (4–10). Future research should prioritize green synthesis protocols and mechanistic investigations of interfacial dynamics in multicomponent wastewater systems to facilitate engineering applications. This work provides fundamental insights into designing MXene-based photocatalysts for sustainable water purification. Full article

The necessity to produce new biodegradable polymeric materials, to overcome the economic model, based on the linear economy, and to apply the circular economy model is a global problem. As a result, components unutilized derived from industrial processes are becoming increasingly valuable and useful to create new materials. This work focuses on the production of bioplastics based on poly (vinyl) alcohol (PVA) that have been modified with flavonoid fraction, liquid fraction obtained after digestion with cellulase and pectinase, and the solid material remaining after enzyme treatment, obtained from Citrus bergamia by-product (the so-called “pastazzo”). This last one is an almost completely unutilized product, although it is a potential rich source of biological active compounds. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic green extraction protocol have been employed to separate the different fractions and to make it more suitable to functionalize the PVA, suppling new properties to the bioplastics in a dose-dependent manner. Morpho-functional analysis was conducted by SEM, XRD, colorimetry, UV–visible and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Regarding optical properties, the obtained results show that transparency of the film in terms of light transmittance (T%) for PVA alone is very high, but when functionalized it had a reduced T%. From the data obtained, the functionalized films acquire antioxidant activity, as well as good mechanical properties, making them good candidates for biodegradable packaging for preserving the shelf life of different fruits and vegetables as confirmed by the food fresh-keeping test performed on apple samples. Full article

The functionalization of textiles with nanomaterials through green synthesis offers a promising pathway for sustainable material innovation. This study explores the in situ green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto cotton fabrics using Solanum tuberosum (potato) peel extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesis conditions were optimized by varying silver nitrate concentration, extract volume, temperature, pH, and reaction time, after which the optimized protocol was applied for fabric treatment. The presence and distribution of AgNPs were confirmed through UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The treated fabrics demonstrated strong and durable antibacterial performance, with inhibition zones of 23 ± 0.02 against Escherichia coli and 16 ± 0.01 against Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, antibacterial activity was retained even after 20 washing cycles, demonstrating the durability of the treatment. Mechanical testing revealed a 32.25% increase in tensile strength and a corresponding 10.47% reduction in elongation at break compared to untreated fabrics, suggesting improved durability with moderate stiffness. Air permeability decreased by 8.8%, correlating with the rougher surface morphology observed in Scanning Electron Microscopy images. Thermal analysis showed a decrease in thermal stability relative to untreated cotton, highlighting the influence of AgNPs on degradation behavior. Overall, this work demonstrates that potato peel waste, an abundant and underutilized biomass, can be used as a sustainable source for the green synthesis of AgNP-functionalized textiles. The approach provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly strategy for developing multifunctional fabrics, while supporting circular economy goals in textile engineering. Full article

Traditional synthetic methods, often limited by inefficiency, are increasingly being replaced by sustainable alternatives. This study presents a green approach combining microwave irradiation with in situ FTIR spectroscopy for real-time monitoring and optimising nitrogen-heterocycle synthesis, focusing on quinoxalines. Although both microwave-assisted synthesis and time-resolved FTIR are established techniques, their combined application remains underexplored, limiting their synergistic potential. The methodology was applied to synthesising 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline, a compound of interest in medicinal chemistry. Optimisation of the condensation between benzil and 1,2-phenylenediamine was achieved by exploiting the accelerated kinetics of microwave irradiation and continuous monitoring via in situ FTIR. Three catalytic systems were evaluated—hydrochloric acid (Brønsted acid), Montmorillonite K10 (heterogeneous catalyst), and molecular iodine (halogen/Lewis acid)—alongside a range of solvents, including ethanol, methanol, water, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, dimethyl sulfoxide, and dichloromethane. Iodine proved to be the most efficient catalyst, while acetonitrile and ethyl acetate provided the most effective solvent systems. This integrated monitoring strategy reduces reliance on trial-and-error optimisation and establishes a streamlined, scalable, and efficient protocol. The dual-technique approach highlights a versatile pathway for advancing green synthetic methodologies with applications across the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The novel design and modular implementation of a distributed control system for a fuel cell generator, aimed at monitoring and actuation, are presented. Two ESP32 NodeMCU microcontrollers and MCP2515 modules are used for the controller area network (CAN) bus communication protocol. To compare this setup with a traditional battery management system (BMS), small rated-power fuel cell generators were connected individually via the CAN bus to form a larger stacked output. An RFID interface was introduced into the CAN bus system to enhance its applicability in stacked fuel cells, without interfering with original message frames, arbitration mechanisms, or CRC efficiency across various sectors. Additionally, to provide a clearer understanding of the system’s features and functions, a PC-based logic analyzer was employed as an analytical tool to monitor and analyze data transmitted over the CAN bus. Comprehensive insights into the system’s performance are supported by logic analysis of its complex applications in series-connected fuel cells. The advantages of the RFID-based CAN bus are further enhanced by modern communication protocols, offering greater scalability and flexibility, with potential applications in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and smart green power grids. Full article

Vineyard sustainability increasingly focuses on transitioning from traditional soil management practices, such as tillage and herbicides, to environmentally friendly methods like cover cropping and mulching. While this strategy works in cool climates with abundant rainfall, its application in warmer areas is not advisable due to potential disadvantages, such as water and nutrient competition from cover crops, which may outweigh the benefits. We examine the pros and cons of vineyard tillage, including data on evaporation rates from wet and dry tilled soils. We explore methodologies to quantify competition between vine roots and grass roots, focusing on distinguishing native versus spontaneous vegetation, duration and extent of cover cropping, species used in sown mixtures, and cover crop water use rates. Novel soil management practices are discussed as alternatives to traditional green manuring, such as mid-row rolling and sub-row sward mulching. The review updates recent approaches for establishing native or sown under-vine cover crops, which, with irrigation, might control native weeds while colonizing shallow soil, allowing grapevine roots to penetrate deeper, moistened soil layers. Promising grasses include creeping species such as Glechoma hederacea, Trifolium subterraneum, and Hieracium pilosella. Finally, we describe three soil management protocols: two suited to dry farm conditions and one involving blue water availability, which may mitigate cover crop competition for water and nutrients while maintaining benefits such as reduced soil erosion, increased soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, and improved machinery access. Full article

The increasing interest in off-grid green hydrogen production has elevated the importance of reliable techno-economic assessment (TEA) tools to support investment and planning decisions. However, limited operational data and inconsistent modeling approaches across existing tools introduce significant uncertainty in cost estimations. This study presents a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of seven TEA tools—ranging from simplified calculators to advanced hourly based simulation platforms—used to estimate the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) in off-grid Hydrogen Production Plants (HPPs). A standardized simulation framework was developed to input consistent technical, economic, and financial parameters across all tools, allowing for a horizontal comparison. Results revealed a substantial spread in LCOH values, from EUR 5.86/kg to EUR 8.71/kg, representing a 49% variation. This discrepancy is attributed to differences in modeling depth, treatment of critical parameters (e.g., electrolyzer efficiency, capacity factor, storage, and inflation), and the tools’ temporal resolution. Tools that included higher input granularity, hourly data, and broader system components tended to produce more conservative (higher) LCOH values, highlighting the cost impact of increased modeling realism. Additionally, the total project cost—more than hydrogen output—was identified as the key driver of LCOH variability across tools. This study provides the first multi-tool horizontal testing protocol, a methodological benchmark for evaluating TEA tools and underscores the need for harmonized input structures and transparent modeling assumptions. These findings support the development of more consistent and reliable economic evaluations for off-grid green hydrogen projects, especially as the sector moves toward commercial scale-up and policy integration. Full article

Human noroviruses (HuNov) are the major cause of foodborne illness globally. Several HuNoV outbreaks have been linked to contaminated ready-to-eat seaweed products. Standard protocols such as the ISO 15216 show limited efficiency in extracting foodborne viruses from seaweed products. Therefore, we evaluated the efficiency of an extraction protocol based on porcine gastric mucin conjugated magnetic beads (PGM-MBs) to recover HuNoVs from Wakame seaweed salad. Compared to other HuNoV extraction methods, the PGM-MB method was more efficient. We then aimed to further improve this protocol by modifying several factors such as the buffers, pH, bead concentration, centrifugation and incubation time. The optimized PGM-MB method yielded 19 ± 3% and 17 ± 4% recovery, for HuNoV GI and GII, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD₉₅) for Wakame seaweed salad was 131 and 56 genomic equivalents per 25 g for HuNoV GI and GII. Although some variability in recovery efficiency was observed between the PGM sources, the optimized PGM-MB protocol effectively extracts HuNoVs from Wakame seaweed salads of various brands and other commodities such as dates, green onions, and salted seaweed. These results support the implementation of the optimized PGM-MB method as a viable alternative for HuNoV surveillance in complex food matrices. Full article

The JAK2V617F mutation is a major molecular factor in Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and has been increasingly associated with clonal progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), resulting in a poorer prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. This study integrates a comprehensive literature review with bioinformatic approaches to investigate the potential inhibitory activity of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol widely recognized for its antioxidant and anticancer properties, on the JAK2V617F mutation. Clinical data from case reports demonstrated heterogeneity in disease progression and frequent therapeutic failures. Molecular docking analysis using the Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) protein structure (PDB ID: 6D2I) identified a high-affinity binding pocket for EGCG near the V617F mutation site. EGCG exhibited strong binding affinity (−9.2 kcal/mol), forming key interactions with residues Lys581, Ile559, and Leu680, suggesting allosteric modulation of the JH2 pseudokinase domain. To validate our docking protocol, redocking of the known inhibitor AT9283 yielded a favorable Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) 2.683 Å and binding energy (−8.3 kcal/mol), confirming the reliability of our approach. Notably, EGCG demonstrated superior binding affinity compared to AT9283 and targets a distinct allosteric site, highlighting its unique mechanism of action and potential as a selective allosteric inhibitor. These findings position EGCG as a promising candidate for future preclinical evaluation, offering a novel strategy to overcome therapy resistance in JAK2V617F-driven malignancies. Full article

Conventional methods for testing steroids and hormones (SHs) in environmental samples are exhaustive, complex, and score poorly in sustainability matrices. Therefore, this study evaluates the automated sample preparation approach using the modular Biomek i7 Workstation for the analysis of 27 SHs in wastewater. Method development involved optimizing Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) parameters, preparing wastewater matrix blank, and assessing extraction efficiency using three solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges. Extraction efficiency trials showed suitability in the order of Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Balance (HLB) > Mixed-Mode Cation Exchange (MCX) > Mixed-Mode Anion Exchange (MAX). The method demonstrated specificity for all targeted SHs, with Cholesterol showing a maximum interfering peak of 17.71% of the quantification limit (LOQ). The method met matrix effect tolerance of ±20% for 26 SHs, while Epi Coprostanol (34.92%) showed signal enhancement >20%. The 8-point calibration curve plotted using automated extraction demonstrated acceptable linearity across the tested range. Spiked studies at low (LQC), middle (MQC), and higher (HQC) quality control (QC) levels (n = 6, repeated on three separate occasions) demonstrated % RSD values within 20% and recoveries ranging from 71.54% to 115.00%. The method met validation criteria, showing reliability in Intra-Laboratory Comparison (ILC) and Blind Testing (BT). The method outperformed the conventional approach in greenness assessment (Complex Modified Green Analytical Procedure Index) and practicality evaluation (Blue Applicability Grade Index), offering an effective and sustainable protocol for environmental testing laboratories. Full article

Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common malignancy among women worldwide, with over 600,000 new cases and approximately 350,000 deaths in 2022. Lymph node (LN) status is a critical prognostic factor, and in 2018, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) revised its staging system to include regional LN metastases, underscoring the importance of accurate nodal assessment. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy in early-stage disease, aiming to shorten operative time, reduce healthcare costs, and minimize treatment-related morbidity. This review synthesizes current evidence on SLNB in early-stage cervical cancer, including its diagnostic accuracy, optimal techniques, cost-effectiveness, and remaining clinical challenges. Data from prospective trials and meta-analyses demonstrate that SLNB provides high detection rates, especially with bilateral mapping and the use of advanced tracers such as indocyanine green. Ultrastaging further improves the detection of micrometastases and isolated tumor cells, refining adjuvant therapy decisions. Compared to full lymphadenectomy, SLNB significantly decreases intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and postoperative complications—most notably, lymphedema—while maintaining equivalent disease-free and overall survival. International guidelines now endorse SLNB for appropriately selected patients with early-stage cervical cancer (tumor size < 4 cm, negative preoperative imaging). However, variations persist between European and U.S. recommendations regarding its role as a standalone procedure. Future research must address protocol standardization, the prognostic relevance of low-volume metastases, and factors influencing mapping success. Overall, SLNB represents a paradigm shift toward more individualized, evidence-based surgical management of early-stage cervical cancer. Full article