Search Results (85)

The essential reaction of CO₂ hydration, fundamental to all living organisms, is facilitated by the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1). This enzyme plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. A series of heterocyclic benzenesulfonamide derivatives (19 compounds) were evaluated as possible inhibitors of human CAs. Their inhibitory properties were tested against several isoforms such as the cytosolic hCA I and hCA II, as well as the transmembrane isoforms hCA IV, hCA IX and hCA XII. The tested molecules demonstrated notable inhibitory potential, particularly toward hCA II and hCA IV, where five and four compounds, respectively, exhibited greater potency than the reference inhibitor, acetazolamide. Molecular docking simulations were further performed to elucidate the binding interactions of the most active compounds with the human CA II, IV IX and XII isoforms Full article

Thin, dry skin is characterized by impaired barrier integrity, loss of dermal density, and accelerated aging driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Biomimetic collagen peptides mimic native collagen sequences, stimulating fibroblasts to enhance synthesis while limiting matrix metalloproteinase-mediated degradation. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of a multi-ingredient cosmetic product for thin, dry, aging skin, formulated as a dual-purpose body and face serum lotion containing 0.1% biomimetic collagen tripeptide (Tripeptide-29) along with Niacinamide, Citrullus lanatus fruit extract, and Selaginella lepidophylla extract. In this prospective, single-center study, 47 healthy women, aged 36–65 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV, applied the formula twice daily to the face and body over four weeks. Objective measurements—including elasticity, wrinkle depth and volume, hydration, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and texture—were collected weekly alongside clinical grading and self-assessments. Significant improvements were observed across all parameters, with facial dryness decreasing immediately (−74.6%) and continuing to week 4 (−93.7%), hydration increasing up to 72.5%, softness improving up to 37.7%, roughness decreasing up to 37.9%, and TEWL reductions indicating strengthened barrier function. Desquamation improved by 75.5% by week 3, and no adverse effects occurred. The serum lotion demonstrated robust, well-tolerated benefits for enhancing multiple markers of thin, dry, aging skin. Full article

Recycling wastewater from washing concrete trucks in concrete production addresses both economic and sustainability needs. In the present article, wastewater from washing concrete trucks was added to cement pastes made with two different types of cement for comparison. OPC type CEM I 42.5 was compared to pozzolanic cement type CEM IV/B (P-W) 32.5 in terms of hydration behavior and compressive strength development. The hydration of ordinary Portland cement (CEM I 42.5) was accelerated, while the hydration of pozzolanic cement (CEM IV 32.5) showed a relatively lower total normalized heat. Cement pastes were produced from both cement types, and compressive strength, thermal analysis, and setting time tests were performed for their characterization. The early-age kinetics and compressive strength development of CEM I 42.5 pastes indicate that hydration with wastewater leads to a slight increase in compressive strength. Test concrete prepared with pozzolanic cement (CEM IV 32.5) exhibited increased capillary voids, which contributed to less favorable mechanical and durability performance. Compared to the reference concrete, compressive strength was reduced by 7% at 28 days. Wastewater utilization increased the initial absorption rate by approximately 20%, but the calculated chloride content at the exposed concrete surface decreased after the addition of wastewater compared to the control mix. The carbonation depth of concrete with wastewater increased by 1–2 mm, with an uneven penetration zone, but the compressive strength after carbonation increased. Overall, the type of cement used appears to significantly influence the performance of concrete prepared with wastewater. For wastewater collected from sedimentation tanks, replacing fresh water at a 100% rate and using it with pozzolanic cement to produce concrete, it seems that the mechanical properties and durability are only slightly affected. Full article

Background: High-dose cisplatin (≥200 mg/m² cumulative) remains the standard of care in concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). However, its use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity, including acute kidney disease (AKD). This recently described clinical renal syndrome encompasses functional alterations of the kidney lasting fewer than 3 months post-exposure. Although hydration protocols and antiemetic strategies are routinely applied to avoid reduction in oral liquid intake and to prevent dehydration that could worsen renal function, AKD continues to pose a threat to reach the therapeutic dose, to treatment completion, and long-term outcomes. Recent evidence supports the nephroprotective role of intravenous (IV) magnesium in mitigating cisplatin-induced tubular injury, yet prospective data on its impact in real-world LA-HNSCC settings remain limited. We aimed to prospectively investigate the incidence and characteristics of renal impairment, particularly AKD, in a real-world cohort of LA-HNSCC patients treated with high-dose cisplatin and standardized supportive therapy, including intravenous magnesium. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study including 207 patients with LA- HNSCC undergoing high-dose cisplatin-based CRT (≥200 mg/m² cumulative dose), within a standardized supportive care protocol incorporating IV magnesium. Renal function was assessed over three cycles via serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). AKD was defined and staged according to KDIGO criteria. Clinical and biochemical predictors of AKD were explored. Results: AKD occurred in 5.3% of patients (11/207; 95% CI 2.7–9.3), with eight events between C1→C2, 3 between C2→C3, and 0 thereafter; recovery at the next cycle was 9.1% (1/11). Among them, 57.1% were classified as stage 1. A baseline eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² was associated with a higher AKD incidence (13.3% vs. 5.4%). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with AKD in univariate analysis (p = 0.02), whereas no independent predictor emerged in multivariate analysis. Use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors was more frequent among patients who developed AKD (p = 0.04). Renal function declined more steeply in AKD patients, with a median eGFR slope of −0.3917 mL/min/1.73 m²/day vs. −0.0483 mL/min/1.73 m²/day in those without AKD (p = 0.0005), irrespective of CKD stage. Conclusions: In a real-world cohort receiving high-dose cisplatin with structured nephroprotection including IV magnesium, AKD developed in approximately 10% of patients. Lower baseline eGFR, elevated BMI, and RAAS inhibitor use emerged as potential risk factors. These findings reinforce the importance of proactive renal monitoring and suggest a role for magnesium supplementation as an accessible strategy to enhance renal safety in curative-intent CRT. Full article

Objectives: Ketamine has demonstrated rapid and sustained antidepressant effects; however, its clinical utility is limited by the risk of addiction and systemic side effects. This study aimed to develop ketamine-loaded nanodroplets (Ket-NDs) with high encapsulation efficiency (EE) and stability for targeted low-dose intravenous (IV) administration in a mice model of depression. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) was employed to induce transcranial, region-specific drug release in the lateral habenula (LHb). Methods: Ket-NDs were synthesized using a thin-film hydration method with sonication and emulsification, incorporating perfluoropentane as the core material. Characterization was performed using light microscopy, cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM), transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Drug EE and loading efficiency (LE) were quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. A chronic restraint stress model was established, and Ket-NDs were administered intravenously followed by LIFU targeting the LHb. Antidepressant efficacy and biosafety were systematically evaluated. Results: (1) Ket-NDs exhibited uniform spherical morphology and a narrow size distribution, as confirmed by DLS (particle size: 139.75 ± 9.43 nm; Polydispersity index: 0.225 ± 0.025) and cryo-SEM analysis (number-average diameter: 109.5 ± 10.4 nm). The zeta potential was −15.93 ± 5.906 mV, and the formulation remained stable under 4 °C storage. (2) Ket-NDs demonstrated high EE (78.25 ± 16.13%) and LE (15.55 ± 4.49%). (3) In depressive mice, IV administration of Ket-NDs followed by LIFU targeting the LHb significantly improved behavioral outcomes: increased locomotor activity in the open field test, elevated sucrose preference index, and reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test. (4) Safety assessments revealed no significant organ toxicity or brain tissue damage in ultrasound-exposed regions. Conclusions: In summary, this study developed stable Ket-NDs. When combined with LIFU, they enable precise regional drug delivery to the brain, showcasing a promising treatment strategy for depression with reduced systemic side effects. Full article

Background: Serum osmolality (SOSM) is a simple and objective tool for assessing hydration status and has been demonstrated in several studies to hold significant prognostic value in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This study aims to evaluate the association between SOSM and clinical outcomes in patients with stroke. Methods: This study evaluated the prognostic relevance of SOSM in stroke patients using data from the MIMIC-IV database. Eligible participants were divided into four quartile groups based on their SOSM: Q1, 277.62–296.30 mOsm/kg H₂O; Q2, 296.31–301.60 mOsm/kg H₂O; Q3, 301.61–307.74 mOsm/kg H₂O; and Q4, 307.75–327.50 mOsm/kg H₂O. This study used Cox proportional hazards regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline analysis to examine the association between SOSM and mortality. Results: This study included 6005 stroke patients. The 30-day and 365-day mortality rates were 13.49% and 15.84%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher SOSM was independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day death (HR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.48–2.27; p < 0.001) and 365-day death (HR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.41–2.08; p < 0.001). Analyses using restricted cubic splines (RCSs) and threshold effect modeling demonstrated a clear U-shaped relationship between SOSM and both short-term and long-term risk of death in stroke patients. Furthermore, subgroup analyses confirmed the stability of this association across diverse patient profiles. Conclusions: SOSM is independently associated with both 30-day and 365-day mortality in stroke patients. Our findings indicate that SOSM may be an effective indicator for stratifying high-risk patients who might benefit from targeted interventions, ultimately improving prognostic outcomes. Full article

It is known that approximately 8% of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions originate from cement production. Consequently, there is ongoing rapid research into environmentally friendly and alternative materials that could substitute for cement. Olivine [(Mg, Fe)₂SiO₄] is an abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust that facilitates CO₂ sequestration due to its high solubility. This study investigates the effects of hydration mechanisms in olivine-substituted cement mortars on their compressive strength, microstructural characteristics, and physical properties. For this purpose, standard cement mortars were produced using CEM IV 32.5 N-type cement with olivine substitution rates of 0%, 10%, and 20%. The compressive strength of the specimens was initially determined at 7, 28, and 90 days. Subsequently, the hydration mechanisms at 7, 28, and 90 days were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Differential Thermal Analysis/Thermogravimetric Analysis (DTA/TG), and Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results demonstrated that the 10% substitution rate complies with the BS EN 196-1 standard, and olivine can be substituted for CEM IV type cement up to 10% without requiring calcination. Full article

Yak meat jerky, a traditional high-protein food commonly consumed in high-altitude regions, is often produced via air-drying, which may adversely affect its nutritional quality and digestibility. This study systematically compared the gastrointestinal digestion profiles of air-dried yak meat (ADM) and vacuum freeze-dried yak meat (VFDM) using a dynamic in vitro human stomach–intestine (DHSI-IV) system. Key digestive parameters, including gastric emptying kinetics, particle size distribution, and protein hydrolysis, were evaluated under physiologically relevant conditions. VFDM exhibited superior hydration capacity, contributing to delayed gastric emptying of the mixed solid–liquid phase (t_1/2 = 85.1 ± 1.0 min) compared to ADM (t_1/2 = 80.4 ± 1.2 min), indicating increased gastric satiety. Conversely, VFDM showed a faster solid-phase gastric emptying (t_1/2 = 107.2 ± 0.8 min) relative to ADM (t_1/2 = 113.1 ± 2.7 min), likely due to improved texture and rehydration. Both jerky types exhibited progressive particle disintegration; by 180 min, large particles (>2.0 mm) decreased to 16.88% ± 2.63% in ADM and 20.04% ± 0.64% in VFDM (p > 0.05). Protein digestibility, measured by SDS-PAGE and the degree of hydrolysis (DH), was significantly higher in VFDM (38.5 ± 3.6%) than in ADM (34.0 ± 0.1%, p < 0.05), with VFDM demonstrating more rapid and extensive protein degradation across gastric and intestinal phases. These improvements may be attributed to the porous microstructure and reduced processing-induced protein cross-linking in VFDM, facilitating enhanced enzyme access. Overall, vacuum freeze-drying substantially improved yak jerky protein digestibility, offering the potential for the development of meat-based functional foods targeted at individuals with compromised gastrointestinal function. Full article

Venus is not generally at the forefront when considering extraterrestrial life. Yet, based on the physical similarities and proximity to Earth and with the little knowledge of its evolutionary history, there is a possibility that Venus may have hosted life in the past on the surface if Venus had liquid water and perhaps even has water present in the clouds today. While the early suggestions during the beginning of the space exploration about life on Venus were mostly speculative due to limited data, recent interest has arisen from realizations: (i) the unexplained ultraviolet absorption spectrum of Venus resembles many organics, (ii) there is chemical disequilibria in the cloud layer, (iii) the cloud aerosols likely contain significant abundances of hydrated iron and magnesium sulfates, and (iv) the solar radiation received in the cloud layer contains the appropriate wavelengths and flux to support phototrophy. Considering the extreme environmental survival of many terrestrial microorganisms, the possibility remains that any extant life on Venus in the past could have adapted to survival in the cloud layer far above the surface where energy and nutrients are available, but the precise compositions of the cloud particles and water availability are still uncertain. The key to solving the mystery of life on Venus is to determine if Venus had liquid water on the surface in its past and to measure the precise chemical composition of the Venus atmosphere and the cloud particles. Missions which will be launched in the next few years will provide much needed data that should provide some answers we seek and will surely raise more questions. This perspective reviews recent developments. Full article

(1) Background: The intra-oral behavior of clear thermoplastic dental materials can be influenced by various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Aim: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the optical properties, color changes and whiteness variations of four thermoplastic polymers used for dental appliances, in a simulated oral environment. (2) Methods: Customized thermoformed specimens of four PETG thermoplastics were selected and investigated in this study: Leone [L], Duran [D], Erkodur [E] and Crystal [C]. The thermoplastic samples were divided into three groups related to pH values (neutral, acidic and basic). A period of 14 days was simulated. Five stages resulted: I. dessicated specimens; II. hydrated in artificial saliva; III. subsequent desiccated; IV. artificial aged; V. further dessicated. Optical CIE L*a*b* coordinates were determined and optical properties, like TP (translucency), OP (opalescence) values, color differences ΔE-NBS, white indexes in dentistry WI_D and white index differences ΔWI_D were calculated for all stages of the study, for each group of the materials. Statistical analyses were performed. (3) Results: Optical properties of PETG clear thermoplastic materials, like TP and OP, increase in a simulated oral environment and the changes become significant after artificial aging. Related to pH values, the optical behavior between the materials is significantly different. During artificial aging, the tested materials behave significantly differently in terms of optical properties. (4) Conclusions: After the simulated period of 14 days, TP and OP values increase, with a migration of the color towards red and yellow. Color changes in some cases even reach the level of extremely marked. Whiteness increases, and the differences are mostly perceptible, but partially exceed the limit of acceptability. Full article

Nb-Sn, V-Sn mixed-metal oxides and Nb-Si, V-Si metal oxide–silicas were successfully synthesized through a “soft” templating method, in which appropriate amounts of metal salts (either niobium(V) chloride, or vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate or tin(II) chloride dihydrate) or tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were mixed with hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HDTA) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions to obtain a new series of mesoporous oxides, followed by calcination at different temperatures. As-obtained samples were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, and UV-Vis spectra techniques. The photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by degradation of methyl orange II (MO) under simulated sunlight irradiation. The effects of metal species and calcination temperature on the physicochemical characteristic and photocatalytic activity of the samples were investigated in detail. The results indicated that, compared to pure oxides, mixed-metal oxide showed superior photocatalytic performance for the degradation of MO. A maximum photocatalytic discoloration rate of 97.3% (with MO initial concentration of 0.6·10⁻⁴ mol/dm³) was achieved in 300 min with the NbSiOx material, which was much higher than that of Degussa P25 under the same conditions. Additionally, the samples were tested in the photochemical oxidation process, i.e., advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to treat the commercial non-ionic surfactant: propylene oxide ethylene oxide polymer mono(nonylphenyl) ether (N8P7, PCC Rokita). A maximum of 99.9% photochemical degradation was achieved in 30 min with the NbSiOx material. Full article

The reaction of thorium nitrate hydrate with 2,6-dipicolinoylbis(N,N-diethylthiourea), H₂L^pic, results in the hydrolysis of the organic ligand and the formation of [Th(2,6-dipicolinolate)₂(H₂O)₄] (1). Hydrolysis can be avoided by the use of [ThCl₄(DME)₂] (DME = 1,2-dimethoxyethane) as the starting material and the exclusion of water. The product, [Th(L^pic)₃]²⁻ (2), crystallizes as diammonium salt in form of yellow crystals in moderate yields. The thorium ion in the complex is nine-coordinate by the central O,N,O donor atoms of three deprotonated {L^pic}²⁻ ligands. The sulfur atoms of the ligands do not bind to the actinide ion, but establish hydrogen bonds to the ammonium counter ions. A similar coordination sphere is also observed in the uranium(IV) complex [UAu₂(L^pic)₃}] (3), which was obtained from a reaction between H₂L^pic, [U₂I₆(1,4-dioxane)₃] and [AuCl(tht)] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) in the presence of triethylamine. Charge compensation is established by the linear coordination of two Au⁺ ions between each two sulfur atoms of the ligands. The products have been studied by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. The actinide ions in both {L^pic}²⁻ complexes have coordination number nine, but establish slightly different coordination spheres. Full article

In this study, we investigated the morphology, chemical composition and pH measurement performance of MoO_x electrodes prepared via thermal oxidation and submitted to hydration in milliQ water. Surface analysis using SEM-EDS and XPS revealed that the hydrated MoO_x film is composed of different oxidation states of Mo (Mo (IV), Mo (V) and Mo (VI)), influencing its electrochemical behavior. A hydration period of 45 days was required for the electrode to achieve a response approaching the Nernstian model (−58 mV/pH), while extended hydration of up to 70 days enhanced its stability and sensitivity. The electrode’s performance was assessed under various conditions, including in the presence and absence of oxygen and in anaerobic conditions with the presence of sulfides. Oxygen absence increased sensitivity and lowered the experimental standard potential (E⁰_Exp) due to the effect of oxygen vacancies. Low sulfide concentrations had minimal impact on electrode performance, although higher concentrations may slightly decrease the electron transfer efficiency due to the complex formation. The pH sensing mechanisms of MoO_x electrodes are also discussed. Full article

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed disorder characterized by a low volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) caused by the leakage of CSF through the spinal dural membrane. Patients with Marfan Syndrome (MS) and other connective tissue disorders are at an increased risk for dural ectasia, which may predispose them to spontaneous CSF leaks due to the structural weakness of their dural membranes. The management of SIH in MS patients is debated. Conservative measures, an epidural blood patch (EBP), and surgical treatments are the options generally provided. Methods: Herein, we report on the case of a 52-year-old female affected by MS, genetically confirmed, with a two-month history of sudden-onset, “thunderclap” headache, worsened in an upright position and horizontal diplopia. A Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed a bilateral chronic subdural hematoma, slit ventricles, and a caudal descent of the brainstem without overt tonsillar herniation. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan of the whole spine revealed dural ectasia in the lumbosacral area and presacral perineural cyst without extradural CSF collection. The case was successfully managed with bed rest and high-dose corticosteroid therapy. Then, we discuss the pertinent literature, consisting of 25 papers dealing with the treatment of SIH in patients affected by MS. Results: The literature review yielded 25 papers dealing with SIH management in patients with MS, including 28 patients overall; 21 patients underwent EBP, of whom 7 patients had multiple procedures. Overall, in 23 cases (82%), the symptoms improved. In three cases, the patients were managed conservatively with bed rest. In three of these cases, there was an improvement. In one case, the surgical fenestration of two lumbar intradural spinal meningeal cysts was performed and the patient improved after the procedure. Our patient underwent 15 days of steroid therapy (dexamethasone iv 12 mg/day for 7 days, then reduced to 4 mg/day) and intravenous hydration (Ringer lactate 1500 mL/day). In ten days, the symptoms disappeared. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient was in good clinical condition, and a CT scan showed an almost complete regression of the bilateral subdural hematoma. Conclusions: The management of SIH in MS patients is still challenging. Patients with connective tissue disorders such as MS are at an increased risk for SIH. Few studies have assessed the management of these patients and different strategies. Our case and the available literature provide further data for this type of case. Full article

We investigate the preparation of mesoscopic SnO₂ nanoparticulate films using a Sn(IV) hydrate salt combined with a liquid pyrrolidone derivative to form a homogeneous precursor mixture for functional SnO₂ nanomaterials. We demonstrate that N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) plays a crucial role in forming uniform SnO₂ films by both stabilizing the hydrolysis products of Sn(IV) sources and acting as a base liquid during nanoparticle growth. The hydrolysis of Sn(IV) was controlled by adjusting the reaction temperature to as low as 110 °C for 48 h. High-resolution TEM analysis revealed that highly crystalline SnO₂ nanoparticles, approximately 3–5 nm in size, were formed. The SnO₂ nanoparticles were deposited onto F-doped SnO₂ glass and converted into dense particle films through heat treatments at 400 °C and 500 °C. This pyrrolidone-based nanoparticle synthesis enabled the production of not only crystallized SnO₂ but also transparent and uniform films, most importantly by controlling the slow hydrolysis of Sn(IV) and polycondensation only with those two chemicals. These findings offer valuable insights for developing stable and uniform electron transport layers of SnO₂ in mesoscopic solar cells, such as perovskite solar cells. Full article