Search Results (9,554)

Oral diseases such as dental caries, stomatitis, and periodontitis are closely associated with biofilms that are resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches. Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans play a key role as primary and secondary colonizers of oral surfaces, respectively, and interact synergistically with other species, including Candida albicans, to promote the establishment and progression of infection. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of propolis from Tame (Arauca) on biofilms formed in co-cultures from reference strains and co-cultures with clinical isolates of oral pathogens. Methodology: Propolis was collected from Apis mellifera hives placed in rural Tame (Arauca), located in the foothills of the Eastern Andes (Colombia). Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared in a 0.07 g/mL concentration and biological characterization was performed on single and complex co-cultures of S. mutans (serotype c), S. sanguinis, and C. albicans using disc diffusion test, determination of MIC and BMC, growth curves and biofilm formation. The cell viability and metabolic activity of primary cell cultures derived from a dental pulp explant were evaluated using the MTT assay. Results: EEP exhibited higher inhibition zones than chlorhexidine against S. mutans and C. albicans and lower efficacy against S. sanguinis. Among the microorganisms evaluated, S. mutans showed the lowest MIC and BCM values, followed by C. albicans and S. sanguinis. Growth curves and biofilm formation assays revealed higher inhibition in co-cultures of reference strains (S. mutans + C. albicans), while multi-species cultures (S. mutans + S. sanguinis + C. albicans), or clinical strains (S. mutans clinical isolated + S. sanguinis + C. albicans), showed higher resistance. Cell viability assays revealed low cytotoxicity (<30%) in primary cell cultures. Conclusions: EEPs exhibited antimicrobial activity against relevant oral pathogens, especially in simple co-cultures, supporting their potential as natural therapeutic alternatives. However, their efficacy decreases in the presence of clinical strains and complex co-cultures, highlighting the importance of considering these variables in the development of oral treatments. Full article

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading global health challenge, with early and accurate diagnosis crucial for effective treatment. Histopathological evaluation, the current diagnostic gold standard, faces limitations including subjectivity, delayed results, and reliance on well-prepared tissue slides. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) offers a complementary approach by providing molecular-level information, but its high dimensionality and the scarcity of labeled data present unique challenges for traditional supervised learning. In this study, we present the first implementation of foundation models for MSI-based cancer classification using desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) data. We evaluate multiple architectures adapted from other domains, including a spectral classification model known as FACT, which leverages audio–language pretraining. Compared to conventional machine learning approaches, these foundation models achieved superior performance, with FACT achieving the highest cross-validated balanced accuracy ($93.27\%\pm 3.25\%$) and AUROC ($98.4\%\pm 0.7\%$). Ablation studies demonstrate that these models retain strong performance even under reduced data conditions, highlighting their potential for generalizable and scalable MSI-based cancer diagnostics. Future work will explore the integration of spatial and multi-modal data to enhance clinical utility. Full article

Background/Objectives: Periradicular disease is largely microbial in origin. Even gutta-percha (GP) cones manufactured under aseptic conditions can acquire contaminants during handling or storage, undermining otherwise adequate canal preparation. To assess residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones after brief exposure to five endodontic disinfectants: sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) 1%, 2.5%, 5.25%; chlorhexidine (CHX) 2%; and glutaraldehyde 2% against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Methods: Standardized GP cones were dipped for 5–120 s, blotted on neutralizing gauze, and placed on agar inoculated with either organism. Using an agar diffusion approach, inhibition-zone diameters were recorded at 0, 24, and 48 h. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals) for each disinfectant–dip-time combination. Results: By 24 h, inhibition zones were observed for most disinfectants; for C. albicans, glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable effect. At later time points, performance depended on both disinfectant and contact time. For E. faecalis, NaOCl 2.5% and 5.25% yielded the largest zones at 48 h (20–21 mm at 120 s), whereas NaOCl 1% was smaller (10 mm) and glutaraldehyde 2% modest (9 mm). For C. albicans, NaOCl 2.5% and CHX 2% were most effective at 48 h (17–19 mm at 120 s); NaOCl 5.25% was intermediate, NaOCl 1% weak, and glutaraldehyde 2% showed no measurable antifungal effect. Longer immersions (≥45 s) consistently increased inhibition zone diameters. Conclusions: Residual antimicrobial activity on GP cones depends on both the agent and the immersion time. For E. faecalis, higher concentration NaOCl produced the largest zones at short contact time, whereas for C. albicans, CHX 2% and NaOCl 2.5% provided the most reliable carryover. Selecting an appropriate concentration and allowing sufficient dip time may reduce reinfection risk at obturation. Full article

Enriching bread with functional ingredients is a promising strategy to enhance the nutritional and bioactive profile of widely consumed foods. This study evaluated partial substitution of wheat flour (WF) with chestnut flour (CF) and rosehip powder (RP) on bread nutritional quality, functionality, and rheology. Five bread formulations were developed by replacing WF with CF at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Four other formulations were prepared by replacing WF in the 15% CF sample with RP at 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%. Proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and key physical characteristics were assessed, alongside the retention rates of functional attributes after baking. Rheological behavior of composite flours was analyzed using the MIXOLAB system to evaluate dough performance. Results showed that moderate WF substitution with CF (5–15%) increased dietary fiber and antioxidant activity while maintaining acceptable dough rheology and bread quality. At 20% CF substitution, TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH increased 1.62-, 1.63-, 2.93-, and 3.03-fold versus control, with 59–66% retention. Addition of RP up to 3% to the 15% CF-substituted sample further enhanced bioactive properties, with TPC, TFC, FRAP, and DPPH reaching 2.13-, 2.03-, 4.49-, and 3.99-fold vs. BCF15, while retaining 61–67% of their functionality. Further inclusion of RP up to 2% in the 15% CF formulation maintains acceptable dough and bread performance, while 3% RP maximizes phytochemical enrichment but slightly affects technological properties. The combination of 15% CF and 2% RP provided a balanced enhancement in bioactive content and technological performance, offering a practical approach for producing functional bread with improved nutritional and technological attributes. Full article

Cobalt–molybdenum $\eta$-carbides are attractive hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts, yet controlling their phase composition and nanostructure remains challenging. Here, a ${\mathrm{Co}}_{25}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{25}{\mathrm{C}}_{50}$ powder was prepared by mechanical alloying in a horizontal mill, with and without superimposed vertical vibration. Phase composition was determined by X-ray diffraction using the reference-intensity-ratio method, and the nanostructure was examined by SEM and HRTEM. Aquathermolysis of a heavy crude was monitored by ATR-FTIR in the window characteristic of S–S and C–S vibrations. Both milling routes produced the $\eta$-carbides ${\mathrm{Co}}_3{\mathrm{Mo}}_3$C and ${\mathrm{Co}}_6{\mathrm{Mo}}_6$C, as well as ${\mathrm{Co}}_2{\mathrm{Mo}}_3$, ${\mathrm{Co}}_7{\mathrm{Mo}}_6$, and ${\mathrm{Co}}_3$C; vibration-assisted milling increased the ${\mathrm{Co}}_6{\mathrm{Mo}}_6$C fraction and generated thin lamellae exhibiting Moiré contrast. In FTIR, the ${\mathrm{Co}}_6{\mathrm{Mo}}_6$C-rich powder showed strong attenuation of the disulfide and thioether bands, whereas the ${\mathrm{Co}}_3{\mathrm{Mo}}_3$C-rich powder behaved similarly to the water-only baseline under mild conditions (100 °C, 4 h). These results indicate that mechanical alloying with superposed vibration enables control over phase and nanostructure, and that a higher ${\mathrm{Co}}_6{\mathrm{Mo}}_6$C fraction correlates with a stronger HDS response under aquathermolysis. The approach offers a scalable route to Co–Mo carbides that are active for desulfurization at 100 °C in water without added ${\mathrm{H}}_2$. Full article

Candida infections pose a significant health threat, and conventional antifungal drugs like nystatin are limited due to poor solubility, skin permeability, and frequent dosage requirements. Nystatin effectively targets Candida species by disrupting cell membranes, but formulation issues hinder clinical use. Lipid-based vesicular carriers, or novasomes, provide controlled, prolonged drug release and enhanced skin penetration. This study focuses on developing nystatin-loaded novasomal gels as an advanced drug delivery system to enhance therapeutic efficacy, bioavailability, and patient compliance. The formulation was prepared using a modified ethanol injection technique, combining stearic acid, oleic acid, Span 60, cholesterol, and Carbopol to produce a stable transdermal gel. Comprehensive in vitro characterization using FTIR, SEM, XRD, and thermal analysis confirmed the chemical compatibility, morphological uniformity, and physical stability of the nystatin-loaded novasomal gel. Entrapment efficiency differed significantly among the formulations (p < 0.05), with F7 achieving the highest value (80%). All formulations maintained pH levels within the skin-friendly range of 5.5 to 7.0. Viscosity measurements, ranging from 3900 ± 110 to 4510 ± 105 cP, confirmed their appropriate consistency for dermal use. Rheological analysis showed a dominant elastic response, as indicated by storage modulus values consistently higher than the loss modulus. Particle size ranged from 4143 to 9570 nm, while PDI values remained below 0.3, reflecting uniform particle distribution. Zeta potential values were strongly negative, supporting physical stability. XRD studies indicated reduced crystallinity of nystatin within the formulations, while FTIR confirmed drug-excipient compatibility. SEM images showed spherical particles within the micrometer range. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained drug release over 12 h, with F6 releasing the highest amount. The novasomal gel formulations-maintained stability for 30 days, with no notable alterations in pH, viscosity, or entrapment efficiency. Antifungal evaluation showed a larger inhibition zone (23 ± 2 mm) compared with the plain drug solution (15 ± 1.6 mm), while the MIC value was reduced (4.57 µg/mL), indicating greater potency. Skin irritation assessment in rats revealed only minor, temporary erythema, and the calculated Primary Irritation Index (0.22) confirmed a non-irritant profile. These findings suggest that the developed novasomal gel offers a promising approach for enhancing the treatment of fungal infections by enabling prolonged drug release, minimizing dosing frequency, and improving patient compliance. Full article

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative therapeutic approaches. This scoping review summarizes experimental evidence on the anticancer activity of snake venom and its bioactive components against breast cancer, drawing from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies. Aimed at critically evaluating the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms, this review consolidates findings on venoms from multiple snake species, including both crude preparations and purified proteins or peptides, revealing a diversity of mechanisms of action. Reported effects include induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, disruption of cell membrane integrity, inhibition of cell proliferation and metastasis, and modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways. In vivo findings further indicate tumor growth inhibition and, in some cases, enhanced efficacy when venom-based agents are combined with nanoparticle delivery systems or conventional anticancer drugs. However, a significant proportion of evidence is limited to in vitro studies, with substantial heterogeneity in venom sources, extraction methods, dosages, and cancer models, which constrains generalizability. There is also a lack of systematic data on long-term toxicity, immunogenicity, off-target effects, pharmacokinetics, and formulation challenges. Taken together, these findings highlight snake venom-derived compounds as promising multi-targeted anticancer agents but underscore the urgent need for standardized formulations, rigorous preclinical safety assessments, and translational research to bridge the gap to clinical application. Future investigations should aim to isolate novel venom-derived compounds, refine delivery strategies, and undertake rigorous preclinical safety and pharmacokinetic studies—ultimately moving toward early-phase clinical evaluation to bridge the translational gap and assess the therapeutic potential of these agents. Full article

The applications of electromagnetic (EM) field treatment on water in agriculture have garnered increasing attention as a sustainable method to enhance plant growth, water-use efficiency, and metabolic performance. A growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to EM fields can affect water molecules, possibly by influencing hydrogen bonding dynamics, the structuring of water clusters, and electrokinetic properties of the water molecules. These alterations are thought to correlate with plant physiological performance. The methodology of the study was divided into two parts. The first part focused on the preparation of electromagnetically treated water. The second part involved applying this treated water to spinach plants. The present study investigates the physiological responses of Spinacia oleracea L. to irrigation with electromagnetically treated water (EMTW), focusing on elucidating the potential mechanisms that may underlie the observed effects. EMTW was generated using a solenoid-based system operating in dual-frequency ranges (100–1000 Hz and 10–100 kHz), which has been previously shown to influence both the microbiological and electrokinetic properties of aqueous systems. To evaluate the structural and functional implications of EMTW, a combined methodological approach was employed, integrating proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) modeling of water hydrogen bonds and clusters, and comprehensive plant physiological assessments. Plants were cultivated under both controlled and field conditions to assess consistency across environmental settings. Physiological measurements demonstrated that EMTW irrigation increased photosynthetic rate by ~80%, transpiration by 49–67%, stomatal conductance by 78–129%, intercellular CO₂ concentration by 42–80%, and chlorophyll content by 9.3–9.5% compared to control samples. Additionally, phenoloc and flavonoid contents were elevated by 7.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in field-grown plants. These enhancements were statistically significant (p < 0.001 or p < 0.01) under both laboratory and field conditions, confirming the robustness of the observed effects. Full article

Soilless cultivation has emerged as a sustainable solution for modern agriculture, yet substrate formulation is still often guided by empirical approaches, limiting efficiency and reproducibility. To address this gap, we established a data-driven framework for optimizing substrate composition in garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivation. Using a randomized design, 200 substrate formulations were prepared from peat, vermiculite, and perlite, and their effects on plant growth were evaluated under controlled environmental conditions. Peat content reduced substrate porosity and water-holding capacity, whereas vermiculite increased both properties (linear regression, p < 0.05). Substrate formulations profoundly affected plant biomass, and the peat content was identified as a key predictor. Two rounds of substrate optimization resulted in a significant increase in shoot and root biomass and chlorophyll content, with increases of 57.5% (p = 9.2 × 10⁻⁸), 89.8% (p = 8.24 × 10⁻¹⁰), and 43.3% (p < 2 × 10⁻¹⁶), respectively, compared with the initial trial. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and RGB imaging were employed for growth monitoring. Random forest machine-learning method identified several red-edge indices (NDVI₇₀₅, mNDVI₇₀₅, mSR₇₀₅) as highly responsive predictors of substrate formulations, highlighting the potential of imaging traits as proxies for substrate optimization. This study provides a reproducible pathway for improving soilless substrate formulations, contributing to data-informed substrate design and advancing the practice of precision agriculture. Full article

Italy and Slovenia have recently adopted their first Maritime Spatial Plans (MSP). These plans belong to a new generation of spatial planning acts that introduce numerous innovations. This article presents the differences and similarities between the Italian and Slovenian MSP. The aim is to determine how a new planning approach can support joint spatial development and management in a transboundary perspective with particular reference to the cross-border area of the Gulf of Venice. Descriptive and comparative scientific methods were applied in the study. We analysed the structure of both plans and the content of the individual planning instruments and tools for three key sectors: Fisheries, Maritime Transport and Nature Conservation. We found that both plans offer new opportunities for transboundary spatial coordination and planning, while the process of preparing the plans themselves is particularly important. Both plans provide instruments to address transboundary environmental impacts, spatial development and sectoral management regimes. The implementation tools include provisions on the spatial, temporal and technical conditions for carrying out a particular activity at sea. The Italian plan adopts a strategic approach that offers possibilities for intersectoral and cross-border planning coordination. The Slovenian plan is more detailed and binding. Regardless of individual differences, the adoption of both plans represents a major step towards achieving the common goals of sustainable spatial development in the shared marine area of the Gulf of Venice. Full article

Background/Objectives: Intranasal delivery is a promising approach for targeting the central nervous system (CNS); however, most of the drugs show poor permeability through the nasal mucosa. Nanocarriers such as liposomes can improve nasal drug absorption; however, the surface charge of liposomes has a key role in the nasal mucosal uptake process. Therefore, the present study aimed to formulate and compare the intranasal applicability of oppositely charged liposomes loaded with donepezil hydrochloride (DPZ) as CNS-active model compound using two different charge inducers, the negatively charged dicethyl phosphate (DCP) and the positively charged stearylamine (SA). Methods: Liposomes were prepared with a fixed phosphatidylcholine (PC)/cholesterol (CH) 7:2 molar ratio, while the effect of DCP and SA was studied in a 0.5:2 molar ratio. The most important properties for intranasal administration were studied, e.g., colloidal parameters, drug release and permeability behavior, and mucoadhesion. Results: It has been revealed that the reduction in liposome vesicle size is directly proportional to the amount of DCP, while it is inversely proportional to the amount of SA. This was also supported by the drug release studies—the lower vesicle size resulted in faster drug release. Both charge inducers increased the drug encapsulation efficiency (~60–80%) through tighter packing or increased spacing of the lipid bilayer structure. DCP also improved the in vitro nasal permeability compared to the initial DPZ solution. The positively charged SA showed more remarkable mucoadhesive properties than DCP. Conclusions: We can conclude that both charge inducers can be useful for improving nasal absorption of liposomal carriers, DCP in higher (PC:CH:DCP 7:2:2), while SA in lower concentrations (PC:CH:SA 7:2:0.5). Full article

Educational reforms increasingly require teachers to implement innovations, yet these efforts often remain unsustainable. Effective implementation is closely tied to continuous professional development and learning (CPDL). This study explores how a CPDL path supports the transition from current teaching practices to enhanced instructional methods that integrate a STEM innovation focused on improving students’ spatial ability—a critical cognitive skill linked to STEM success, especially in early education. While professional development (PD) can foster practices that support spatial thinking, few studies have examined how teacher learning translates into measurable student gains. This study evaluates the impact of a CPDL program that combined expert-led workshops with Lesson Study (LS), a collaborative and reflective approach. The program was tailored to 24 female STEM teachers whose profiles showed limited cognitively active learning opportunities for students. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured changes in student performance across three spatial components: visualization, mental transformation, and orientation. Students in Grades 1–3 showed statistically significant gains (p < 0.00001), with the strongest improvement in spatial visualization. Grade 3 students made the largest relative gains, indicating developmental readiness. Findings highlight the value of stepwise preparation and leadership support in innovation implementation, offering strong empirical evidence that LS-based CPDL improves both teaching and student cognitive outcomes. Full article

This work introduces the Reverse Steam Rising Process (RSRP), a novel dissolution method, for the preparation of highly homogeneous organo-nickel composites. This approach enables gradual material dissolution, resulting in improved material integration. We investigate two distinct synthetic pathways: a direct organic material–nickel composite and a surfactant-assisted variation. Our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of a surfactant significantly improves the properties of the resulting organo-nickel composite. The RSRP method differs from traditional synthesis methods in that it utilizes reverse steam condensation to create a highly porous, multi-level structure. This unique structure significantly boosts the material’s electrocatalytic performance, particularly for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Ni-MOF-CTAB catalyst exhibits an overpotential of 397 mV at 10 mA cm⁻² and a Tafel slope of 183 mV dec⁻¹, outperforming pristine Ni-MOF. The hierarchical design promotes superior ion and gas transport, while the distinctive organometallic configuration optimizes electronic interactions critical for OER activity. This innovative process enables precise control over both the micro- and nanoscale morphology of the nickel-based catalyst, ultimately leading to superior performance metrics. This advancement offers a new pathway for developing high-performance nickel organometallic materials for diverse electrocatalytic applications. Full article

We propose a general and experimentally accessible framework to quantify transition timing in discrete quantum systems via the time-of-flow (TF) distribution. Defined from the rate of population change in a target state, the TF distribution can be reconstructed through repeated projective measurements at discrete times on independently prepared systems, thus avoiding Zeno inhibition. In monotonic regimes, it admits a clear interpretation as a time-of-arrival (TOA) or time-of-departure (TOD) distribution. We apply this approach to optimize time-dependent Hamiltonians, analyze shortcut-to-adiabaticity (STA) protocols, study non-adiabatic features in the dynamics of a three-level time-dependent detuning model, and derive a transition-based quantum speed limit (TF-QSL) for both closed and open quantum systems. We also establish a lower bound on temporal uncertainty and examine decoherence effects, demonstrating the versatility of the TF framework for quantum control and diagnostics. This method provides both a conceptual tool and an experimental protocol for probing and engineering quantum dynamics in discrete-state platforms. Full article

This review overviews the efficient hydrophobization method of hydrophilic natural polymers, which has been developed by means of glucan phosphorylase (GP)-induced enzymatic grafting of unnatural heteropolysaccharides, that is, partially 2-deoxygenated (P2D)-amyloses. The enzymatic polymerization technique is well known as a useful approach to prepare polysaccharides with well-defined structures. The authors have found that the hydrophobicity of P2D-amylose, synthesized by the thermostable GP (from Aquifex aeolicus VF5)-induced enzymatic copolymerization of α-d-glucose 1-phosphate (Glc-1-P)/d-glucal as comonomers, started from maltooligosaccharide primers. Based on this finding, glycogen, a hydrophilic spherical natural polysaccharide, was hydrophobized by means of the thermostable GP-induced enzymatic functionalization of the P2D-amylose chains because glycogen acted as the polymeric primer for the GP catalysis. After introducing the maltooligosaccharide primers onto hydrophilic natural polymers with carboxylate groups—such as poly(γ-glutamic acid), carboxymethyl cellulose, and alginic acid—via chemical reactions, the thermostable GP-induced enzymatic copolymerization of Glc-1-P/d-glucal was carried out using the resulting polymeric primers, enabling their hydrophobization through the grafting of P2D-amylose chains (the chemoenzymatic approach). Moreover, the chemoenzymatic method has extensively been employed for hydrophobization of the surfaces on natural polysaccharide nanofibers, such as cellulose and chitin nanofibers. Full article