Search Results (2,619)

Liver fibrosis is associated with increased rates of morbidity and mortality. At present, there are no specific treatments that can directly reverse hepatic fibrosis. The endocannabinoid system has been found to play a significant role in regulating the development and progression of liver diseases, in addition to having protective effects. In this study, we investigate the protective potential of β-Caryophyllene (BCP) against Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Wistar rats were injected with TAA (200 mg/kg) three times per week for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. They also received oral BCP before the TAA injections. AM630 (1 mg/kg) was administered to confirm the CB2 receptor-dependent effect of BCP. The BCP treatment (50 mg/kg) protected against cell injury and potentiated antioxidant defense by replenishing hepatic GSH, improving catalase activity, and inhibiting the formation of MDA. The co-administration of BCP mitigated the TAA-induced inflammatory response by decreasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Histological examination showed preserved cellular integrity, decreased collagen deposits with other extracellular matrix proteins, and low levels of myofibroblast activation. In addition, the BCP-treated rats demonstrated upregulated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression, which had a direct inhibitory effect on hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α). AM630 pre-treatment inhibited all the aforementioned protective mechanisms of BCP. Based on our findings, BCP exerts protective effects in liver fibrosis, which can be attributed to its agonist action on CB2 receptors. This study provides preclinical evidence of the potential preventative benefits of BCP in liver fibrosis. Full article

Port maintenance causes large quantities of dredged sediment throughout the world. The disposal of this material in authorised landfills is economically disadvantageous, as well as being at odds with a circular economy model with a reduced impact on the environment. The application of stabilization/solidification treatment to dredged marine sediments allows an improvement of their physical and mechanical properties, together with the production of cement-based materials that can be used for road construction, as well as for making blocks and bricks. In this study, an experimental laboratory investigation is carried out on two samples of sandy sediments collected from the Mola di Bari harbour (Southern Italy), to identify sustainable management options for recovering materials that will be dredged. To assess the influence on mortars made from sediments with variable organic matter content and seawater, these were characterised from a chemical–physical point of view before and after washing treatment and oxidative processes. The products of the Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) treatment were evaluated in terms of workability, flexural and compressive strengths, and, furthermore, a microstructural study was conducted using SEM-EDX and optical microscopy to analyse the internal structure of the materials. The mechanical performance evaluation clearly demonstrated organic matter’s negative impact on strength development, resulting in a 16% reduction. Pre-treatments, such as sediment washing, effectively improved the performance of treated sediments (e.g., 24% increase in compressive strength). This study aims to demonstrate the benefits of recycling marine sediments in cement-based materials, highlighting how this process can enhance circularity and sustainability while reducing the environmental impact of dredging activities. Full article

A good way to produce large-sized wood products from small-diameter logs is by using laminated boards. The lamina undergoes an impregnation pretreatment to improve its quality before being formed into laminated boards (LBs). This research was performed to analyze the effects of an impregnation treatment on Jabon lamina with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene solutions on the physical and mechanical properties of Jabon LB. The Jabon lamina was first pretreated with citric acid, boric acid, and polystyrene by vacuuming for 30 min and pressing for 30 min at a pressure of 6.6 bar. The laminas were glued using isocyanate adhesive with a spreading rate of 280 g/m², consisting of three layers, which were cold pressed for 24 h. LB’s physical and mechanical properties were affected by the nature of the impregnating agent. Impregnating the lamina with citric acid and boric acid increased the density and moisture content of the laminated board, decreasing its mechanical properties. On the contrary, polystyrene-impregnated LB improved. After soaking in hot water, no LB displayed delamination, indicating high bonding performance. The best impregnating agent for lamina pretreatment was polystyrene, followed by boric acid and citric acid. The chemical compound, functional group, and degree of crystallinity of treated Jabon LB all changed due to the impregnation process. Full article

Anthracnose is one of the most serious postharvest diseases that can manifest in mango. The mechanism and inhibitory effects of β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) on anthracnose in harvested mango fruit were investigated. The “Guifei” fruits were pretreated with different concentrations of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mmol/L BABA, with 0 mmol/L BABA as the control, and inoculated with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The results showed that 50 mmol/L BABA treatment significantly reduced the incidence of anthracnose and inhibited the growth of lesions in mango. It significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), while reducing the O₂⁻ production rate and H₂O₂ content. In addition, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity was enhanced, the content of disease-resistance-related compounds, including total phenols and total flavonoids, increased, and the expression levels of defense-related genes such as PAL, GLU, CHI, and PR1 were upregulated, elevating the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and pathogenesis-related proteins such as chitinase (CHI) and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU). In conclusion, BABA treatment significantly enhances mango fruit resistance to anthracnose via synergistically activating the antioxidant defense system, promoting the accumulation of disease-resistant compounds, and regulating defense-related gene expression. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for developing eco-friendly strategies to control postharvest diseases in mango. Full article

Currently, marine algae are capturing the attention of both farmers and researchers eager to integrate sustainable methods to safeguard their crops. Instead of relying exclusively on synthetic pesticides, which often have negative environmental effects, some growers are now exploring algae-based products in hopes of reducing pest pressures. Various natural compounds sourced from algae—such as specific fatty acids and complex sugars—are believed to inhibit pest development, although their precise mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that these compounds may bolster the plant’s own immune responses, thus enhancing crop resilience. Despite certain limitations on field applications, various techniques, including spraying, amending soil, or pre-treating seeds, are currently being evaluated. The results from the laboratory present a positive outlook, but implementing these discoveries to ensure consistent efficacy in practical settings is a major challenge. Variables such as climatic fluctuations, product durability, and formulation standards all elevate this complexity. In every instance, the approach of incorporating algae to lessen chemical dependence while securing uniform yields persists in being of interest, particularly in the area of organic or low-input farming. Full article

Industries containing excess acid or alkaline wastewater exacerbate water security. As a semi-crystalline engineering thermoplastic with superior chemical resistance, exceptional mechanical strength, and outstanding thermal stability, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising candidate for advanced functional membranes in water remediation. Herein, we present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in PEEK materials, encompassing PEEK membrane fabrication, strategies for membrane hydrophilic modification, and applications in wastewater treatment. Specifically, research efforts have focused on membrane preparation methods such as nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS), thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), and chemical-induced crystallization (CIC), which aim to address the critical challenge of forming solvent-resistant PEEK membranes while maintaining membrane performance. Additionally, various hydrophilic modification strategies (pretreatment, co-blending, and post-treatment) for PEEK membranes are discussed to alleviate membrane fouling problems, with in-depth discussions of diverse applications in wastewater treatment (such as the removal and purification of synthetic dyes, organic solvents, natural organic matter removal, and oil–water mixture). The review concludes with an emphasis on the current challenges and potential of PEEK membrane for wastewater treatment. Full article

The mechanisms involved in the regeneration of biliary epithelial cells (BECs) after liver injury remain unclear. In this study, we employed KRT19Cre^ERT/LSL-tdTomato (KT) mice and KT/TFF1KO mice to clarify the regeneration and cell fate of BECs via lineage tracing. Tamoxifen (TAM) was administered to the mice to label cytokeratin 19 (CK19)-positive BECs. The mice were subsequently fed a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet for four weeks, after which the mouse livers were analyzed. Whereas the proportion of tdTomato⁺ cells in CK19-positive BECs decreased in the KT mice, it remained high in the KT/TFF1KO mice. Then, we analyzed hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), the possible source of BECs. Although tdTomato-labeled HPCs were rarely found in the pretreatment mice, they were frequently found in the KT/TFF1KO mice after the CDE diet, suggesting the dedifferentiation of tdTomato-labeled BECs to HPCs. These results indicate not only that the loss of TFF1 accelerates the dedifferentiation of BECs into HPCs but also that HPCs are the source of BECs in TFF1KO mice. In addition, tdTomato-labeled HNF4α-positive hepatocytes were frequently found in the KT/TFF1KO mice, revealing the transdifferentiation of BECs to hepatocytes. The role of TFF1 as an inducer of biliary differentiation might be useful in the treatment of patients with hepatic or biliary dysfunction. Full article

China’s liquor industry continues to steadily expand and develop. The industry is currently transforming, shifting its focus from scale to quality and efficiency. This transformation is significantly increasing the demand for quality and safety testing. Currently, the testing system relies mainly on manual operation or traditional mechanical equipment. Technical bottlenecks include low testing efficiency, a significant imbalance in the cost–benefit ratio, and difficulty meeting the modern industry’s dual technical index requirements of testing accuracy and systematicity. In this context, the innovative research and development of new detection technology is key to promoting technological upgrades in the liquor industry. Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a core, competitive analytical method for non-destructive wine quality testing due to its technical advantages, such as non-destructive analysis, real-time online detection, and the absence of sample pretreatment requirements. This study systematically elaborates on the optical principle and detection mechanism of NIR spectroscopy and explores the application paradigm of chemometrics in spectral data analysis. This study covers the quantitative analysis of alcoholic strength, the determination of main ingredient content (sugar, acidity, esters, etc.), the construction of trace flavor substance fingerprints, the authentication and origin tracing of alcoholic products, and the monitoring of wine aging quality dynamics, among other key technology areas. Additionally, we review the fusion and innovation trends of artificial intelligence and big data technology, the R&D progress of miniaturized testing equipment, and the technical bottlenecks of spectral modeling and algorithm optimization. We also make scientific predictions about the evolution path of this technology and its industrial application prospects. Full article

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are critical conditions lacking effective pharmacologic therapies. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial endotoxin, is a well-established trigger of ALI. Emerging evidence suggests that heparin derivatives may attenuate lung injury, but their mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study evaluated the protective effects of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH) in a murine model of LPS-induced ALI. Mice received LPS intratracheally with or without ODSH pre-treatment. Lung injury was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) analysis, Evans blue dye albumin EBDA) extravasation, and histopathology. Results: ODSH treatment significantly reduced BALF protein concentration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and EBDA leakage. ODSH preserved endothelial barrier function in vitro, as evidenced by transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) measurements in human lung microvascular endothelial cell (HLMVEC) monolayers. Histological assessment (H&E staining) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) staining demonstrated reduced lung injury and neutrophil infiltration in the ODSH group. ODSH also downregulated pro-inflammatory mediators (NF-κB, IL-6, p38 MAPK) and upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Conclusions: ODSH mitigates LPS-induced ALI by reducing vascular permeability, neutrophilic inflammation, and pro-inflammatory signaling while enhancing IL-10 expression. These findings suggest ODSH may offer a novel therapeutic approach for treating ALI. Full article

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an environmental factor that triggers gastrointestinal diseases. However, the effects of PM2.5 on intestinal function are not fully understood. This study established an environmental exposure cell model to explore PM2.5-induced intestinal permeability alteration and its mechanisms. Intestinal barrier permeability was evaluated via trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurement and FITC–dextran paracellular penetration analysis, followed by detection of intercellular junction protein β-catenin and its coding gene CTNNB1. Expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde were measured using commercial kits to observe cellular oxidative stress. The results showed that PM2.5 impaired the intestinal barrier, as indicated by reduced TEER, increased FITC–dextran penetration, down-regulated expression of β-catenin and CTNNB1. Additionally, compared with the control, inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were significantly elevated after PM2.5 exposure. The ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT was also up-regulated in PM2.5-exposed Caco-2 cells. Pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and ROS scavenger NAC modulated β-catenin expression, reduced inflammation/ROS, and alleviated the hyperpermeability of Caco-2 cells. Thus, our results reveal that PM2.5 induces PI3K/AKT-mediated inflammation and ROS generation in Caco-2 cells, leading to intestinal barrier impairment. Full article

In a world where the negative consequences of natural resources’ overexploitation for the environment are increasingly evident, repurposing waste to obtain high-value goods becomes essential. This study proposes the isolation of cellulose nanofibers from the bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane that results as a by-product during the fermentation of Kombucha tea by chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) or citric acid, followed by mechanical fibrillation via high-speed homogenization and microfluidization. Treatments with NaOH, NaClO, and H₂O₂ were effective in the purification of Kombucha-derived BC, while H₂SO₄ and citric acid exhibited a rather weak cleaning action, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Besides their cleaning effect, the applied chemical pretreatments had an important effect on the degree of fibrillation attained, as indicated by the scanning electron microscopy images. This study proposes simple and effective routes to obtain bacterial cellulose nanofibers from an inexpensive and abundant source, commonly regarded as a waste material, which can be further applied in medical and packaging applications as reinforcing agents, adsorbent materials, or scaffolds. Full article

Zinc-aluminum-magnesium (ZAM) steel, with its superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, is progressively supplanting traditional galvanized steel and zinc-aluminum steel. In this study, a solution containing sodium carbonate-only was employed as the treatment medium to form a vertically grown layered double hydroxide (LDH) pretreatment layer on the surface of ZAM steel via a simple immersion process at 50 °C. The temperature and salt solution not only provide the conditions for the dissolution of metal ions but also facilitate the formation of LDH products. The resulting LDH pretreatment layer exhibits excellent adhesion to the metal surface and enhances the adhesion of the top epoxy coatings. Furthermore, the “LDH/corrosion inhibitor/epoxy” coating system ensures ZAM steel remains rust-free in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for a minimum of 120 days. This innovative approach offers a promising avenue for extending the durability and service life of ZAM steel in corrosive environments. Full article

Globally, cardiovascular diseases represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality, despite the availability of preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic measures in contemporary allopathic medicine. In accordance with their ethnomedical applications, herbal medicines may offer valuable options for the prevention, treatment, and management of cardiovascular disorders. Considering that cardioprotective effects are associated with antioxidant mechanisms, and that our knowledge of the antioxidant properties of polyphenolic compounds, as well as of the effects of Melilotus species on the heart, is limited, the present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of hydroalcoholic extracts of M. officinalis and M. albus aerial parts. The extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total coumarin content (TCC) by spectrophotometric methods and by LC-MS/MS. The effect of pretreatment with Melilotus sp. extracts on the isoprenaline-induced infarct-like lesion in rats was evaluated by ECG monitoring and the assessment of serum oxidative stress markers and serum cardiac injury markers. Various polyphenolic compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS in M. officinalis and M. albus aerial parts: catechin, syringic acid, protocatechuic acid, and vanillic acid. Gallic acid and chlorogenic acid were found only in M. officinalis. The extracts showed good in vivo antioxidant activity: M. officinalis and M. albus extracts induced a significant decrease in the levels of oxidative stress index (OSI) and total oxidant status (TOS), while pre-treatment with M. albus extract induced a significant reduction in nitric oxide production, and pretreatment with M. officinalis increased total thiols (SH) levels. In the same way, ECG and cardiac injury markers were also improved. These results show that M. officinalis and M. albus extracts may exert cardioprotective effects against myocardial ischemia by reducing oxidative stress. Full article

Oxidative stress is closely associated with diarrhea in piglets, and alleviating intestinal oxidative stress may emerge as an effective strategy for porcine diarrhea. Curcumin (Cur) and selenium (Se) are both well recognized for their potent antioxidant effects. This study established in vitro (IPEC-J2 cells) and in vivo (ICR mice) intestinal oxidative stress models to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Cur combined with Se in alleviating oxidative stress. The results showed that Cur and Se exhibited synergistic antioxidant effects in vitro, outperforming individual treatments. Additionally, pretreatment with Cur and Se significantly attenuated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in ICR mice and improved serum antioxidant indices. Specifically, the mRNA levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 were upregulated, while the mRNA levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α were downregulated in colonic tissues. Finally, the 16S rRNA sequencing showed that DSS reduced alpha diversity and increased Simpson indices, while Cur and Se restored diversity indices and normalized beta diversity. To summarize, Cur and Se synergistically alleviate oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells and ICR mice, demonstrating therapeutic potential for intestinal disorders in pigs. Full article

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a bioactive compound belonging to the isothiocyanate family, known for its neuroprotective properties. While transcriptomic studies have highlighted SFN’s role in regulating gene expression, its impact on alternative splicing (AS), a key regulatory mechanism in neuronal metabolism, remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated whether SFN pre-treatment influences mRNA splicing patterns in an in vitro neuronal model using retinoic acid (RA)-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Using a dedicated RNA-seq-based splicing analysis pipeline, we identified 194 differential alternative splicing events (DASEs) associated with SFN treatment. Gene Ontology enrichment revealed significant over-representation of DNA repair processes. To better understand the functional implications, we integrated in silico predictions of premature stop codons, DASE/miRNA hybridizations, and DASE/RNA-binding protein (RBP) motif occurrences. Our findings suggest that SFN may modulate splicing of key DNA repair genes, contributing to protecting neurons against DNA damage. These preliminary results underscore a novel layer of SFN’s molecular effects and propose it as a valuable adjuvant in physiological conditions to enhance cellular health. Further studies are warranted to dissect the mechanistic underpinnings of SFN-mediated AS and its relevance in DNA-damage-related disorders. Full article