Search Results (10,484)

Background/Objectives: Alcohol and smoking during pregnancy may be associated with several complications, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of oxidative stress induced by smoking and alcohol during pregnancy and their effects on fetal and neonatal outcomes. Material and methods: We considered pregnant women at term. Validated questionnaires were used to investigate smoking and alcohol habits. Ultrasound was performed to evaluate fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, and maternal-fetal Doppler velocimetry. At the time of delivery, we collected a tuft of maternal hair, maternal venous blood, and cord blood. In these samplings we determined in phase I nicotine, cotinine, and ethyl glucuronide on the maternal keratin matrix with the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. In phase II, the Free Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT) and Free Oxygen Radical Defense (FORD) test were used to assess circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results: 119 pregnant patients were enrolled (n = 62 for smoking and n = 57 for alcohol). Twenty-six patients (42%) out of 62 were active smokers. Three patients (5%) out of 57 were alcoholic consumers. Mean neonatal weight and mean placental weight were significantly lower for active smokers (p = 0.0001). The neonatal weight was in the 1st–2nd percentile for all alcohol abusers. Considering two subgroups (n = 10 non-smokers and n = 10 smokers) for ROS determination, a statistically significant higher oxidative stress in the blood of smoking patients was evidenced (p < 0.0001). In cord blood the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.2216). Conclusions: Fetal growth restriction was present in the group of active smokers and in patients with alcohol abuse. Oxidative stress was higher in smoking patients than in non-smokers. However, in cord blood, FORT was negative in all cases, suggesting a protective mechanism in utero. Given the limited sample size, the results obtained are preliminary and require future studies. Full article

(1) Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a natural scaffold for cells, creating a three-dimensional architecture composed of fibrous proteins (mainly collagen) and proteoglycans, which are synthesized by resident cells. In this study, a physiological hypoxic environment was utilized to enhance ECM production by human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), a process relevant to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. (2) Methods: hMSCs were treated with deferoxamine (DFO), a pharmaceutical hypoxia-mimetic agent that induces cellular responses similar to low-oxygen conditions through stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The time points 0 h 24 h, 3 h 24 h, and 24 h 24 h refer to DFO being added immediately after cell seeding (before cells adhesion), 3 h after cell seeding (during initial cells attachment), and 24 h after cell seeding (after focal adhesions formation and actin organization), respectively, to evaluate the influence of cell adhesion on ECM deposition. hMSCs incubated in culture media were subsequently exposed to DFO for 24 h. Samples were then subjected to cell viability tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (CLSM) assessments. (3) Results: Viability tests indicated that DFO concentrations in the range of 0–300 µM were non-toxic over 24 h. The presence of collagen fibers in the DFO-derived ECM was confirmed with anti-collagen antibodies under CLSM. Increased ECM secretion was observed under the following conditions: 3 μM DFO (24 h 24 h), 100 μM DFO (0 h 24 h) and 300 μM DFO (3 h 24 h). SEM and AFM images revealed the morphology of various stages of collagen formation with both collagen fibrils and fibers identified. (4) Conclusions: Our preliminary study demonstrated enhanced ECM secretion by hMSC treated with DFO at concentrations of 3, 100, and 300 µM within a short cultivation period of 24–48 h without significant affecting cell viability. By mimicking physiological processes, it may be possible to stimulate endogenous tissue regeneration, for example, at an injury site. Full article

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is closely linked to low back pain (LBP), a leading cause of disability worldwide. IVDD is characterized by the loss of proteoglycans (PGs), extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and reduced hydration of the nucleus pulposus (NP). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) exhibit tissue repair and immunomodulatory effects and are emerging as promising cell-free therapeutics. Methods: We established a rat IVDD model via fluoroscopy-guided needle puncture of three consecutive coccygeal discs and confirmed degeneration through Alcian Blue and hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The gene expression of inflammatory and pain markers (ADRβ2, COMP, CXCL1, COX2, PPTA, MMP13, YKL40) was measured by qPCR. Subsequently, we implanted hUC-MSCs or EVs to evaluate their reparative potential. Results: Upregulation of inflammatory and pain genes in IVDD was associated with an immunomodulatory response. Tracking DiI-labelled hUC-MSCs and EVs revealed enhanced survival of hUC-MSCs, retention of EVs, and dispersion within rat tail discs; EVs showed greater retention than hUC-MSCs. Implanted EVs were internalized by NP cells and remained within degenerative IVDs. EVs passively diffused, accumulated at the injury site, interacted with host cells, and enhanced function, as shown by increased expression of human chondrocyte-related markers (SOX9, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, COL2) compared to hUC-MSC treatment. Histological analysis of two weeks post-transplantation showed NP cellular patterns resembling chondromas in treated discs. EVs integrated into and distributed within degenerated NP regions, with greater glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content. Conclusions: Overall, hUC-MSC EVs demonstrated superior regenerative capacity, supporting a safe, cell-free strategy for disc repair. Full article

Water pumping stations are essential components of national water infrastructure, yet their construction involves complex, high-risk processes, and traditional risk management approaches often show significant limitations in practice. To address this challenge, this study proposes a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based approach that integrates structured risk information into an interactive nD BIM environment. We first developed an extended Risk Breakdown Matrix (eRBM), which systematically organizes risk factors, assessment levels, and causal relationships. This is linked to the BIM model through a customized BIM–risk integration framework. Subsequently, the framework is further implemented and quantitatively validated via a Navisworks plug-in. The system incorporates three core components: (1) a structured risk information model, (2) a visualization mechanism for dynamic, spatiotemporal risk representation and (3) risk influence path analysis using the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory–Interpretive Structural Modeling (DEMATEL–ISM) method. The plug-in allows users to access risk information on demand and monitor its evolution over time and space during the construction process. This study makes contributions by innovatively integrating risk information with BIM and developing a data-driven visualization tool for decision support, thereby enhancing project managers’ ability to anticipate, prioritize, and mitigate risks throughout the construction lifecycle of water pumping station projects. Full article

Pachysandra terminalis (P. terminalis), a plant belonging to the Buxaceae family, is known as a great source of aminosteroid alkaloids. In a previous communication, we reported on the isolation of a variety of aminosteroids from P. terminalis, which presented interesting activity against the protozoan pathogens, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Plasmodium falciparum. In the present study, variations in the alkaloid profile of P. terminalis related to seasonal changes as well as differences between plant organs (leaves and twigs) and between plant populations were investigated to prioritize candidates for targeted isolation in further studies. For this purpose, sample material of P. terminalis was collected from the two nearby populations in monthly intervals over one year. The ethanolic (75%) extracts were analyzed using UHPLC/+ESI-QqTOF-MS/MS, and the resulting data converted to variables encoding the intensity of MS signals in particular m/z and retention time (t_R) intervals over the chromatographic runs. The very large and complex data matrix of these <t_R:m/z> variables was evaluated using multivariate data analysis, especially principal component analysis (PCA) and volcano plot analysis of t-test data. The results of these analyses, for the first time, allowed a holistic analysis of variation in the alkaloid profiles in P. terminalis organs over the vegetation period. The evaluation of the PCA scores and loadings plots of principal components 1 through 3, as well as of volcano plots, highlighted 25 different compounds, mostly identified as aminosteroid alkaloids, that were most relevant for the differences between leaves and twigs and between the two populations and mainly determined the changes in their chemical profiles over the vegetation period. Full article

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have promoted the development of predictive modeling of mineral prospectivity, enabling data-driven decision-making processes by integrating multi-source geological information, leading to efficient and accurate prediction of mineral exploration targets. However, it is challenging to conduct ML-based mineral prospectivity mapping (MPM) in under-explored areas where scarce data are available. In this study, the Narigongma district of the Qiangtang block in the Himalayan–Tibetan orogen was chosen as a case study. Five typical alterations related to porphyry mineralization in the study area, namely pyritization, sericitization, silicification, chloritization and propylitization, were extracted by remote sensing interpretation to enrich the data source for MPM. The extracted alteration evidences, combined with geological, geophysical and geochemical multi-source information, were employed to train the ML models. Four machine learning models, including artificial neural network (ANN), random forest (RF), support vector machine and logistic regression, were employed to map the Cu-polymetallic prospectivity in the study area. The predictive performances of the models were evaluated through confusion matrix-based indices and success-rate curves. The results show that the classification accuracy of the four models all exceed 85%, among which the ANN model achieves the highest accuracy of 96.43% and a leading Kappa value of 92.86%. In terms of predictive efficiency, the RF model outperforms the other models, which captures 75% of the mineralization sites within only 3.5% of the predicted area. A total of eight exploration targets were delineated upon a comprehensive assessment of all ML models, and these targets were further ranked based on the verification of high-resolution geochemical anomalies and evaluation of the transportation condition. The interpretability analyses emphasize the key roles of spatial proxies of porphyry intrusions and geochemical exploration in model prediction as well as significant influences everted by pyritization and chloritization, which accords well with the established knowledge about porphyry mineral systems in the study area. The findings of this study provide a robust ML-based framework for the exploration targeting in greenfield areas with good outcrops but low exploration extent, where fusion of a remote sensing technique and multi-source geo-information serve as an effective exploration strategy. Full article

Cell-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) self-assembly provides a biologically relevant approach for developing near-physiological tissue-engineered constructs by utilizing stromal cells to secrete and assemble ECM components in the presence of ascorbic acid. Despite its unique advantages, this method often results in scaffolds with limited mechanical properties, depending on the cell type. This research aimed to enhance the mechanical properties of these constructs by culturing cells derived from various sources, including skin, bladder, urethra, vagina, and adipose tissue, on electrospun scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone and collagen (PCLCOL). The hybrid scaffolds were evaluated using various in vitro assays to assess their structural and functional properties. Results showed that different stromal cells could deposit ECM on the PCLCOL with distinct composition compared to the ECM that was self-assembled on tissue culture plates (TCP). Additionally, cells cultured on PCLCOL exhibited a different growth factor secretion profile compared to those on TCP. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the hybrid scaffolds exhibited high mechanical properties and superior manipulability. These findings suggest that PCLCOL could be a promising platform for developing biomimetic scaffolds that combine enhanced mechanical strength with integrated biological cues for tissue repair. Full article

A novel bio-gelatin fiber-reinforced composite (BFRC) was first developed by incorporating industrial bone glue/gelatin as the matrix, magnesium oxide (MgO) as an additive, and natural or synthetic fibers as reinforcement. Systematic tests evaluated mechanical, impact, and thermal performance, alongside microstructural mechanisms. Results showed that polyethylene (PE) fiber-reinforced composites achieved a tensile strength of 3.40 MPa and tensile strain of 10.77%, with notable improvements in compressive and flexural strength. PE-based composites also showed excellent impact energy absorption, while bamboo fiber-reinforced composites exhibited higher thermal conductivity. Microstructural analysis revealed that coordination between Mg²⁺ ions and amino acids in gelatin formed a stable cross-linked network, densifying the matrix and improving structural integrity. A multi-criteria evaluation using the TOPSIS model identified the BC-PE formulation as the most balanced system, combining strength, toughness, and thermal regulation. These findings demonstrate that ionic coordination and fiber reinforcement can overcome inherent weaknesses of gelatin matrices, offering a sustainable pathway for building insulation and cushioning packaging applications. Full article

Fermented beverages have been highlighted for their beneficial effects on health, especially due to the presence of probiotic microorganisms. This study aimed to develop and characterize a beverage fermented from the aqueous extract of licuri (Syagrus coronata) with grains of milk kefir and water kefir. Physical–chemical properties, microbial viability, storage stability, and in vitro resistance to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as microbiological safety and identification of isolated bacteria, were evaluated. The grains were fermented in licuri for 24 and 48 h, and the samples were compared with their respective controls. The analyses revealed that the licuri drink favored the growth of kefir grains, maintaining adequate microbial viability (>7 log CFU mL⁻¹ for lactic acid bacteria and >4 log CFU mL⁻¹ for yeasts), with good resistance to GIT (>60%) and physical–chemical properties for 20 days. The bacterial isolate was identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, with a satisfactory safety profile. Licuri extract is therefore a promising matrix for the development of non-dairy functional beverages with potential probiotic properties. Full article

Background: The implant–abutment interface has been thoroughly examined due to its impact on the success of implant healing and longevity. Removing the abutment is advantageous, but it changes the biomechanics of the implant fixture and restoration. This in vitro three-dimensional finite element analytical (FEA) study aims to evaluate the distribution of von Mises stress (VMS) in abutment-free and three additional implant abutment connections composed of various titanium alloys. Materials and methods: A three-dimensional implant-supported single-crown prosthesis model was digitally generated on the mandibular section using a combination of microcomputed tomography imaging (microCT), a computer-assisted designing (CAD) program (SolidWorks), Analysis of Systems (ANSYS), and a 3D digital scan (Visual Computing Lab). Four digital models [A (BioHorizons), B (Straumann AG), C abutment-free (Matrix), and D (TRI)] representing three different functional biomaterials [wrought Ti-6Al-4Va ELI, Roxolid (85% Ti, 15% Zr), and Ti-6Al-4V ELI] were subjected to simulated static/cyclic static loading in axial/oblique directions after being restored with highly translucent monolithic zirconia restoration. The stresses generated on the implant fixture, abutment, crown, screw, cortical, and cancellous bones were measured. Results: The highest VMSs were generated by the abutment-free (Model C, Matrix) implant system on the implant fixture [static (32.36 Mpa), cyclic static (83.34 Mpa)], screw [static (16.85 Mpa), cyclic static (30.33 Mpa), oblique (57.46 Mpa)], and cortical bone [static (26.55), cyclic static (108.99 Mpa), oblique (47.8 Mpa)]. The lowest VMSs in the implant fixture, abutment, screw, and crown were associated with the binary alloy Roxolid [83–87% Ti and 13–17% Zr]. Conclusions: Abutment-free implant systems generate twice the stress on cortical bone than other abutment implant systems while producing the highest stresses on the fixture and screw, therefore demanding further clinical investigations. Roxolid, a binary alloy of titanium and zirconia, showed the least overall stresses in different loadings and directions. Full article

This work aims to apply polymeric PBAT/PLA fibers electrospun with TiO₂ in the photodegradation of the dye Red BF-4B in an aqueous solution and the dye’s subsequent reuse. Initially, the influence of the solution pH was evaluated, and the results showed more significant dye degradation at pH values below the pHpcz (7.42). Kinetic studies show that at 15 mg·L⁻¹, the highest percentage of degradation occurs at 600 min of reaction time; however, degradation equal to (or greater than) 65% was observed at all evaluated concentrations, with the kinetic data being well fitted by the pseudo-first-order model. Additional studies demonstrated the reuse of polymeric films for dye removal, with removal efficiencies ranging from 86.60% to 93.07% over six consecutive reuse cycles. Each cycle consisted of a 600 min removal process, simulating repeated practical applications. After the photocatalytic process, the polymeric fibers remained cylindrical, with several fractures. Diameter decreases of 31.61% and 7.95% were observed after the first and sixth cycles, respectively, with possible exposure of TiO₂. The vibrational spectra indicate changes in the bands at 1755 and 1714 cm⁻¹, attributed to C=O (PLA) and C-O (PBAT) stretches, respectively, suggesting a possible conformational change in the polymers. The thermal profiles showed only slight changes after the cycles. X-ray diffractograms indicate that degradation of the polymeric matrix leads to greater exposure of the embedded TiO₂ particles. The combined results from different characterization techniques provide evidence of the degradation of the polymeric material. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage breakdown, synovial inflammation, and subchondral bone remodeling. Previous studies have shown that cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3) expression increases with age in cartilage, and its overexpression promotes OA-like changes by inducing senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Ccn3 knockout (KO) on OA development using a murine OA model. Destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery was performed in wild-type (WT) and Ccn3-KO mice. Histological scoring and staining were used to assess cartilage degeneration and proteoglycan loss. Gene and protein expressions of catabolic enzyme (Mmp9), hypertrophic chondrocyte marker (Col10a1), senescence marker, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (Cdkn1a) were evaluated. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from WT and Sox9-deficient cartilage were reanalyzed to identify Ccn3⁺ progenitor populations. Immunofluorescence staining assessed CD44 and Ki67 expression in articular cartilage. The effects of Ccn3 knockdown on IL-1β-induced Mmp13 and Adamts5 expression in chondrocytes were examined in vitro. Ccn3 KO mice exhibited reduced cartilage degradation and catabolic gene expression compared with WT mice post-DMM. scRNA-seq revealed enriched Ccn3-Cd44 double-positive cells in osteoblast progenitor, synovial mesenchymal stem cell, and mesenchymal stem cell clusters. Immunofluorescence showed increased CCN3⁺/CD44⁺ cells in femoral and tibial cartilage and meniscus. Ki67⁺ cells were significantly increased in DMM-treated Ccn3 KO cartilage, mostly CD44⁺. In vitro Ccn3 knockdown attenuated IL-1β-induced Mmp13 and Adamts5 expressions in chondrocytes. Ccn3 contributes to OA pathogenesis by promoting matrix degradation, inducing hypertrophic changes, and restricting progenitor cell proliferation, highlighting Ccn3 as a potential therapeutic target for OA. Full article

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) are E. coli pathovars of particular relevance to infant health. While the intestinal tract of humans and animals constitutes their primary habitat, these bacteria can also persist in natural environments such as sand. The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of STEC and EPEC strains in sand microcosms under controlled conditions of heat and desiccation in order to estimate their viability in this matrix and provide evidence regarding the potential risks associated with the use of sandboxes in public spaces. The study included STEC strains belonging to clinically important serotypes (O26:H11, O103:H2, O111:H8, O121:H19, O145:NM, O157:H7 and O174:H28), animal-derived EPEC strains, and a non-pathogenic E. coli strain (NCTC 12900). The strains were inoculated into sterile sand microcosms and maintained at 37 °C. Death curves, persistence in the matrix, presence of virulence genes, and ability to produce biofilm were evaluated. The death and persistence curves varied by serotype; some strains remained viable in the viable but non-culturable state for extended periods. All strains retained their virulence-associated genetic markers throughout the assays. None of the STEC strains was classified as a biofilm producer under the experimental conditions, whereas the two EPEC strains were identified as weak and moderate biofilm producers. However, no association was found between biofilm formation and persistence in the matrix. The findings provide an initial approach and provide relevant evidence of the capacity of STEC and EPEC strains to survive in sand, which could represent a potential risk in recreational environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sleep is pivotal for recovery, immunity, and energy restoration; however, sleep problems exist in elite athletes. Nutrition and supplementation strategies can play both a positive and negative role in sleep quality and quantity. Elite athletes experience unique psychological and physiological demands above non-elite athletes and may require different nutrition strategies to promote sleep. Nutrient interventions and their effect on sleep in elite athletes is an emerging area, with further research warranted. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews and Joanna Brigg’s Institute Reviewer’s Manual for Scoping Reviews were utilised to assess the available evidence on nutrition strategies used to promote sleep in elite athlete cohorts, and we tried to identify the interventions that could be best researched in the future. NUtrition QUality Evaluation Strengthening Tools (NUQUEST) was used to enhance rigour and assess risk of bias in studies. The Paper to Podium (P2P) Matrix was used to offer practitioners practical recommendations. Results: 12 studies met the inclusion criteria for nutrition interventions or exposures to promote sleep in elite athletes. The median participant group size was 19 and study designs were considered together to ascertain potential sleep promoting strategies. Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice and high dairy intake, limited to females, have demonstrated the highest potential to promote sleep in elite athletes, despite limited sample sizes. A-lactalbumin, carbohydrate pre-bed, casein, tryptophan, probiotic and meeting energy demands showed varying results on sleep quality in elite athletes. Conclusions: Kiwifruit, Tart Cherry Juice and dairy consumption offer potential nutritional interventions to promote sleep in elite athletic populations, while protein-based interventions may have a ceiling effect on sleep quality when elite athletes are already consuming >2.5 g·kg⁻¹ body mass (BM) or are already meeting their sleep duration needs. Full article

The seafood industry is increasingly adopting intelligent packaging to preserve product quality and improve freshness transparency. This study developed and evaluated a pH-sensitive freshness indicator (FI) for skate sashimi (Zearaja chilensis). This product is consumed at varying stages of fermentation. The FI incorporated bromothymol blue (BTB) and bromocresol purple (BCP) in a polymer matrix. It targeted volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) compounds, with trimethylamine (TMA) as the primary marker. As freshness declined, VBN compounds accumulated in the package headspace and caused a gradual FI color change from yellow to blue through pH variation. ΔE increased from 7.72 on day 2 to 23.52 on day 3. This marked the onset of visible color change and the FI reached full blue by day 7. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) quantified monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA) and TMA throughout storage. ΔE correlated strongly with total bacterial count (TBC, r = 0.978), pH (r = 0.901) and TMA (r = 0.888). These results indicate that microbial growth, alkalinity increase and amine production were closely associated with color transitions. The FI reliably tracked freshness loss in skate sashimi. It has potential to enhance consumer transparency and strengthen quality control in the seafood supply chain. Full article