Search Results (736)

Combination analgesic therapy is commonly used to improve pain control, yet conventional molecular docking approaches typically evaluate individual ligands and provide limited insight into potential intermolecular associations between co-administered drugs. In this study, paracetamol, codeine, and their proposed 1:1 and 2:1 non-covalent assemblies were investigated using lipophilicity analysis, molecular docking, short molecular dynamics relaxation, electrostatic potential surface mapping, and HOMO–LUMO analysis. Docking simulations were performed against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). The proposed assemblies produced docking scores that differed from those of the individual compounds, with the most pronounced differences observed for the cyclooxygenase targets. The 2:1 assemblies generally exhibited the most favorable docking scores, whereas the predicted interaction profiles at MOR appeared to be more dependent on molecular orientation. Molecular dynamics relaxation and electronic structure analyses further revealed differences in the energetic and electronic characteristics of the investigated configurations. These findings support the theoretical feasibility of distinct interaction patterns among the proposed paracetamol–codeine assemblies within the applied computational framework. However, the reported docking scores represent relative computational values rather than experimentally validated binding affinities, and the short-timescale molecular dynamics simulations provide only preliminary information regarding conformational stability. Furthermore, the existence and biological relevance of the proposed assemblies under physiological conditions remain to be established. This study provides a computational basis for future investigations of intermolecular associations in multicomponent drug systems. Full article

Pinus pinaster Ait. forests have potential for resin tapping, a forestry activity that complements timber production and may increase the profitability of maritime pine stands. However, the viability of this co-production remains uncertain due to the potential effects of resin tapping on wood characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of resin tapping on the wood characteristics of maritime pine, in order to infer possible changes in wood quality, its utilisation, and, consequently, its value. The study was based on samples collected in Tresminas from resin-tapped trees (37.2 ± 6.0 years old and mean height of 15.8 ± 1.4 m) subjected to the traditional Portuguese resin tapping method for four consecutive years, and from non-resin-tapped trees (37.5 ± 8.9 years old and mean height of 14.1 ± 2.2 m). Samples were collected from different positions along the stem of resin-tapped trees (incision side, opposite side, and 50 cm above the last tapping incision) and compared with samples obtained from non-resin-tapped trees. Wood density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), extractives content, growth ring width and the number and area of resin ducts were evaluated. The effects of resin tapping on wood properties were assessed by comparing resin-tapped and non-resin-tapped trees, as well as different sampling positions within resin-tapped trees, using linear mixed-effects models. Mean comparisons were performed using Tukey’s test at a 95% significance level. No significant effects of resin tapping were observed on MOE or MOR between resin-tapped and non-resin-tapped trees. Wood from the incision side showed higher density (0.596 g·cm⁻³) and higher extractives content (7.49%). Resin-tapped trees produced a greater number of resin ducts after tapping; however, their area did not change. No significant differences were found in growth ring width between resin-tapped (1.75 mm) and non-resin-tapped trees (1.80 mm), although resin-tapped trees presented slightly narrower rings on average. Resin tapping in P. pinaster did not promote relevant changes in wood properties that would compromise its mechanical and physical performance. Although some alterations were detected, these were predominantly localised and restricted to the region adjacent to the tapping incision. Full article

Direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have attracted considerable attention recently for various applications ranging from portable ones to transportation. The efficiency of DMFCs depends on the kinetics of anodic and cathodic electrocatalysts. Due to sluggish anodic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), DMFCs require an effective and bifunctional catalyst for promoting efficient MOR. The state-of-the-art MOR catalysts, such as Pt/C and Pt-Ru/C, have been shown to exhibit reasonable MOR activity; however, the insufficient mass activity and poor stability of carbon-supported catalysts have been a major limitation, requiring an alternative, efficient, electrocatalyst that exhibits high mass and specific activities. In addition, electrocatalysts without any carbon support (self-supported electrocatalysts) further mitigate their poor stability and therefore enhance their durability. In this regard, metal aerogel catalysts, which are entirely composed of metallic networks, recently attained special interest due to their specific advantages over conventional carbon supports, such as high catalyst utilization and improved electronic conductivity and stability. In this review, we systematically reviewed various metal aerogel catalysts developed for MOR since their first discovery in 2009. The metal aerogel demonstrated superior MOR performance relative to carbon-supported commercial catalysts, with enhancements ranging from 2-fold to 22-fold of mass activity. We also statistically compared the mass activity of metal aerogels with traditional carbon-supported, non-carbon-supported, and advanced shape-controlled catalysts and found that metal aerogels exhibited high mass activities compared to other catalyst systems. Therefore, we clearly establish that metal aerogel catalysts possess great potential as efficient MOR catalysts in DMFCs. In addition, we have provided several future research directions and strategies for further development of metal aerogel-integrated DMFC devices. Full article

Despite the significant reduction in the overall cultivated area registered in recent decades, poplar still plays an important economic role in the Po Valley–Italy, where many farms involved in the plantation of this species are present, and the leading wood-processing industries are located. This paper describes the current organization of the poplar plywood wood-chain and explores the challenges in introducing new cultivars into the sector. In particular, it analyzes the main physico-mechanical properties of solid wood from five selected poplar clones (‘Dvina’, ‘Lux’, ‘Mella’, ‘Soligo’, ‘Taro’) that are characterized by fast growth, more sustainable agronomic practices, and increased disease resistance. These clones were cultivated in a seven-year-old linear plantation located in Northern Italy. This model, widely used in the past, is being re-proposed as a complement to the traditional system with square planting distances. The peeling yields and some performances of plywood manufactured from their veneers were also investigated. Results indicate that all clones have a much higher (from +30% to +56%) wood basic density than the ‘I-214’, which remains the lighter and preferred reference. These clones appeared also suitable for rotary cutting, but only ‘Lux’ and ‘Soligo’, and to a lesser extent ‘Mella’, provided veneers of the best quality class. Interesting mechanical features were registered for the sample plywood produced, especially in relation to the age of the harvested timber, which reached a diameter adequate for processing in a shorter time compared to the turnover adopted in conventional plantations. Except for ‘Dvina’, for all the clones, bending MOE and MOR were found to be comparable with those of spruce plywood made of similar thickness and the same lay-up. The findings suggest that the availability of new poplar cultivars and that of different cultivation models designed to enhance fast growth, when supported by targeted research and cooperation among multiple stakeholders (including farmers and industrial manufacturers), can lead to new applications where their plywood performances are valued. This, in turn, allows the resulting panels to meet specific needs in previously unexplored sectors, offering additional market opportunities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic pain is a significant clinical challenge, in part due to the absence of reliable objective biomarkers for its evaluation and treatment. Growing evidence indicates that immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, are involved in the regulation of pain processes. NK cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes whose functional status may mirror underlying pathological pain states. In this study, we investigated μ-opioid receptor (MOR) expression and functional alterations of NK cells in a murine model of neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). Methods: Mice were divided into three groups: Sham (sciatic nerve exposure without ligation), CCI 14-day, and CCI 21-day groups. At the respective time points, animals were sacrificed and spleens were collected for analysis. Splenocytes were isolated by mechanical dissociation followed by centrifugation and erythrocyte lysis. Lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry to evaluate MOR expression in NK cells and their degranulation activity (CD107a assay). Cells were incubated with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against NK cell markers (NK1.1, CD3, Ly49A, Ly49C/I) in combination with anti-MOR and anti-Interferon γ antibody (IFN-γ). Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy analyses were performed to assess MOR localization and granzyme localization, supporting CD107a-mediated degranulation. Results: Flow cytometry analysis revealed a significant reduction in surface MOR expression on total NK cells from CCI mice compared with sham controls at 14 and 21 days post-injury, a finding corroborated by immunofluorescence evidence of MOR cellular internalization. Functionally, CCI induced a marked decrease in CD107a expression and impaired IFN-γ production both under basal conditions and following PMA/ionomycin stimulation, indicating a hyporesponsive state of NK cells. Consistently, confocal microscopy revealed extracellular release of Granzyme A following CCI, suggesting dysregulated degranulation. Conclusions: Neuropathic pain is associated with a remodeling of NK cell phenotype and effector functions, characterized by impaired cytotoxic activity and cytokine production, along with modulation of inhibitory receptor expression. Notably, MOR-reduced surface expression in NK cells emerges as a potential biomarker of neuropathic pain. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating MOR expression and its relationship with NK cell hyporesponsiveness and degranulation in chronic pain conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Arsenic (ARS) exposure is a major cause of kidney injury, driven by oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. This study evaluated the renoprotective effects of morin (MOR) and morin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (MOR–PGNPs) against ARS-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods: Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10 per group). The control group received corn oil. The MOR group received MOR (100 mg/kg), and the MOR–PGNPs group received the same dose of MOR encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles. ARS was administered at 10 mg/kg for 14 days. Co-treated groups received ARS together with either MOR or MOR–PGNPs, with a 28 min interval between administrations. Renal function markers (serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, renal KIM-1), oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters (Nrf2/HO-1, CAT, SOD, GPx, ROS, MDA), inflammatory mediators (TLR4/NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), fibrotic markers (TGF-β1, fibronectin), and apoptotic proteins (caspase-3, caspase-8, Bax, Bcl-2) were assessed, alongside histopathological and ultrastructural evaluations. Results: ARS exposure significantly impaired renal function, increased KIM-1, suppressed Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, reduced antioxidant enzyme activities, and elevated ROS and MDA levels. It also activated TLR4/NF-κB signaling, upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic markers, and increased pro-apoptotic proteins while downregulating Bcl-2. MOR co-treatment partially ameliorated these alterations. MOR–PGNPs produced potentially enhanced protection, restoring kidney function markers, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and markedly attenuating inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses confirmed preservation of glomerular and tubular architecture, mitochondrial integrity, and minimal cytoplasmic vacuolization in the MOR–PGNPs group. Conclusions: MOR–PGNPs at 100 mg/kg effectively mitigated ARS-induced renal damage through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting PLGA-based morin nanoparticles as a promising and safe renoprotective strategy. Full article

Strand-based structural products offer an excellent alternative material for wood-based construction, which can be produced from low-quality raw materials. Indigenous poplar is becoming an increasingly important raw material, but its industrial utilization requires a new approach due to its unfavorable growth characteristics. The study introduced in this paper was aimed at developing Oriented Structural Lumber (OSL) from Hungarian poplar and comparing the potential of indigenous vs. hybrid poplar materials. Laboratory-scale (400 × 400 × 30 mm) OSL was produced, first to find viable manufacturing parameters for poplar OSL based on modulus of rupture (MOR), internal bond strength, and thickness swelling, and then to compare a wide range of mechanical and physical characteristics of OSL made of the two types of poplar. The first part of the study showed that a resin content of 3.4%, 650 kg/m³ target density, and 750 s of pressing time gave the best results for producing 30 mm thick OSL in laboratory conditions. The produced boards were comparable to softwood and bamboo OSL developed in earlier studies, and their performance was comparable to a higher grade of structural lumber (C35) in terms of density and MOR, as measured on small laboratory-scale specimens. There were only minor differences in in-plane and out-of-plane compression and tension between indigenous and hybrid poplar boards. Hybrid poplar performed better in terms of bending, but indigenous poplar had significantly higher screw withdrawal resistance, and lower thickness swelling and water absorption. Overall, poplar OSL is promising as a potential new product, and indigenous poplar can be used to replace hybrid poplar in this application without a decline in mechanical and physical performance. Full article

Wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB) have gained increasing relevance in sustainable construction due to their favorable mechanical performance and efficient use of raw materials. This study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of OSB panels manufactured from residues of five Brazilian tropical species, namely Cambará (Erisma sp.), Caixeta (Simarouba sp.), Cedroarana (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), Tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis), and Tauari (Couratari oblongifolia) bonded with castor oil-based polyurethane resin (12% by dry weight; 3-layer ratio 20:60:20). Seven formulations were tested (five monospecies; two mixed species) and characterized in accordance with EN 300, EN 310, EN 317, EN 319, EN 322, EN 323, ABNT NBR 14810-2, and ASTM D2719. Panel densities ranged from 0.685 to 0.813 g/cm³. Cedroarana and Caixeta panels achieved the highest mechanical performance: MOR of 44.04 MPa and 40.96 MPa, and MOE of 6741 MPa and 6287 MPa, respectively (parallel direction), both exceeding EN 300 OSB/4 thresholds. All panels met internal bond requirements (≥0.5 MPa). Compaction ratio emerged as the primary determinant of mechanical behavior. Mixed species panels performed comparably to monospecies configurations, confirming the viability of residue valorization without species segregation. The castor oil-based resin provided adequate bonding and moisture resistance, supporting its use as a formaldehyde free renewable alternative for structural-grade OSB. Full article

Wood-based panels are increasingly used in exterior applications; however, comprehensive evaluations of their durability under standardized aging conditions remain limited. This study evaluates the dimensional stability and mechanical performance of three industrial panels designed for exterior use: a three-layer particleboard (PB1) and a single-layer particleboard (PB2), both bonded with phenol–formaldehyde adhesive, and a medium-density fibreboard (MDF), bonded with polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate through accelerated aging. The panels were subjected to six accelerated aging cycles according to the ASTM D1037-12 (2020) standard. Equilibrium moisture content, residual thickness swelling (Residual-TS), bending modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE) in both parallel and perpendicular directions, and internal bond (IB) strength were measured under aged and non-aged conditions. PB2 demonstrated superior dimensional stability (Residual-TS: 0.49%) and strong mechanical retention (MOR: 67%, MOE: 56%–64%, IB: 75%). PB1 showed intermediate dimensional stability and mechanical retention (Residual-TS: 1.58%; MOR: 66%–74%, MOE: 56%–58%, IB: 71%), while MDF exhibited higher sensitivity to aging, with excessive Residual-TS (5.43%) and lower IB strength retention (30%). Specimen orientation did not affect dimensional stability but did influence the bending properties of the particleboard after aging, specifically MOR in PB2 and MOE in PB1. The results demonstrate that PB2 offers superior performance for demanding exterior applications, while PB1 and MDF are suitable for semi-protected uses. All panels were tested in an unfinished state, although surface coatings in actual applications may further enhance the resistance to aging. Full article

The hybrid approach remains a compelling strategy for designing molecules that combine enhanced biological activity with a favorable safety profile. Marine peptides, in particular, have attracted significant attention due to their well-documented broad spectrum of biological activities. Peptides derived from rays have been recognized for their diverse biological activities. Notably, physicochemical properties of these peptides support practical application without requiring further refinement of the mature molecule or specialized formulations. In this study, we present two new chimeric peptides, PK01# and PK02#, which incorporate an opioid pharmacophore linked to a short amino acid sequence derived from the skate Raja porosa. Those compounds interact with the opioidergic system, specifically targeting the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Furthermore, the compounds were evaluated for their effects on cancer cell viability through in vitro MTT assays (as an exploratory endpoint) and for their binding compatibility with EGFR via in silico docking. Both compounds showed limited effects on cell viability in HeLa, SAS, and PANC-1 cells, while PK02# induced a minor reduction in metabolic activity in glioblastoma cells without reaching IC50 values or significant cytotoxic thresholds. Interestingly, the structures of these hybrid compounds offer valuable insights into the role of phenylalanine residues within their sequences, which appear to be critical for both biological activity and receptor interaction. Moreover, these findings may support future structural optimization of peptide hybrids focused on receptor modulation and biological profiling. Full article

This study evaluates the mechanical properties of Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) from Japan to determine reliable design values for its application as structural dimension lumber species in the United States. A comprehensive experimental program was conducted on 1464 (approximately 240 per grade/size) dimension lumber in-grade specimens sourced from prominent Hinoki-growing regions of Japan. These specimens were tested in bending, compression perpendicular to the grain, and horizontal shear. Tests were conducted, and the results were subjected to statistical analysis and adjustment factors to determine base reference values in accordance with ASTM International standards. The four-point bending tests showed moderate numerical variation across growing regions; however, one-way ANOVA confirmed no statistically significant regional effect on MOR or MOE. Compression parallel to grain and tensile strength were estimated from the MOR values using empirical relationships per ASTM D1990. The base design values after adjustments for 15% moisture content, specimen size, and volume effects fall within the expected range for high-quality structural species and support the acceptability of Hinoki as a load-carrying wood species. The results constitute the first complete, statistically verified dataset for Hinoki, and provide a basis for its use in wood design specifications such as the National Design Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction (NDS). Wider recognition of Hinoki as a viable structural species could expand its commercial use and support sustainable forest management practices in Japan. Full article

The functional valorization of waste fabrics, particularly their conversion into flexible low-cost, high-performance electrodes, holds significant promise for resource sustainability and the development of advanced energy technologies. Here, a NiB/Cu/polyester fabric (PF) composite electrode was fabricated via two-step electroless plating on waste PF and was demonstrated as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation (MOR) and urea oxidation (UOR). The morphology, crystal structure, surface chemical state, and wettability of the electrodes were characterized using SEM, TEM, XRD, XPS, and contact angle measurements. The Cu interlayer critically enhanced interfacial wettability, intrinsic catalytic activity and stability. At 0.8 V, the NiB/Cu/PF electrode delivered average current densities of 312 mA·cm⁻² for MOR and 288 mA·cm⁻² for UOR, outperforming NiB/PF by 27.9% and 9.1%, respectively. After 2000 accelerated degradation cycles with electrolyte renewal, MOR and UOR activities were retained at 91.6% and 105.0%, respectively. Remarkably, the Cu interlayer conferred exceptional mechanical–electrochemical robustness: following 100 sequential bending and twisting deformations, current density retention ranged from 84.6% to 96.7% across multiple test configurations. The Cu interlayer acted as a flexible stress buffer during mechanical deformation, effectively improving the adhesion between the coating and the substrate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Suicidal ideation and behavior in adolescence remain difficult to assess due to their multifactorial and fluctuating nature. Performance-based measures may provide additional information on psychological correlates associated with suicidality beyond self-report and interview data. Methods: This study examined multivariate associations between RorschachPerformance Assessment System (R-PAS) variables and suicidality in a clinical sample of 153 help-seeking adolescents. Elastic net penalized regression models were estimated to evaluate joint patterns of R-PAS variables derived from the Suicide Concern Composite (SC-Comp) and selected developmentally relevant indices, controlling for age, sex at birth, sociodemographic and clinical factors. Suicidal ideation severity and lifetime suicidal behavior were assessed using the Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Results: For both outcomes, morbid content (MOR) and Location, Space, and Object Qualities-Complexity (LSO-Cmplx) emerged as consistent multivariate correlates, with vigilance–avoidance (VFD) contributing only in the model for suicidal ideation severity. Model performance was modest (R² = 0.09), indicating limited explanatory power. The findings do not support clinical or predictive use of R-PAS variables for suicidal ideation and behaviors, but indicate a small set of reproducible multivariate associations within this sample. Conclusions: The results suggest that certain R-PAS variables show weak but consistent associations with suicidality in a help-seeking adolescent sample. Given the cross-sectional design and modest explanatory power, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory and hypothesis-generating, and further studies are needed to clarify the robustness and meaning of these associations. Full article

This paper examines male characters in Nilakshi Chaliha Gogoi’s Assamese novel Oiya Mor Dibru-Saikhowa (Oh, My Dibru-Saikhowa) through the lens of Eco Masculinity, drawing primarily on Hultman and Pulé’s tripartite typology of industrial, eco-modern, and ecological masculinities. The study reads the novel’s two principal male characters—Bakul Bora and Seuj—as contrasting masculine trajectories shaped, respectively, by socio-economic deprivation, displacement, patriarchal conditioning, and legal criminalization on the one hand, and by maternal ecological ethics, generational mentorship, and affective formation on the other. The analysis proceeds through three connected registers. First, it attends to the novel’s narrative form, arguing that its principal focalizing consciousness is Dr. Irina Baruah, a physician through whose perception the male characters are largely presented. Second, it develops the political ecology of the Dibru-Saikhowa region—its colonial and postcolonial conservation history, the institutional gap between the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and the Forest Rights Act 2006, and the slow violence visited on the Mising villagers of Laika and Dadhiya. Third, it engages intersectional critiques of eco-masculinity and confronts the structural tension of applying a male-centered framework to a female-focalized novel. The paper argues that Eco Masculinity, applied with due attention to narrative form, historical specificity, and eco-feminine agency, offers a productive tool for South Asian ecocritical scholarship, and it suggests two modifications to the framework that follow from this application. Full article

The present study aims to determine the properties of sandwich mycelium-based composite panels (sandwich-MBC-panel) fabricated with a lightweight core of mycelium-based composites (MBCs) of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus and veneers of Gmelina arborea and Vochysia guatemalensis wood. Physical and mechanical properties, acoustic capacity, chemical composition (determined by FT-IR), thermal degradation, and inorganic components were evaluated. The results showed that the sandwich-MBC-panel presented a density of 0.27–0.40 g/cm³, an MC between 14.56 and 24.71%, and a water absorption between 43.64 and 61.32%. Regarding mechanical characteristics, the sandwich-MBC-panel with the highest MOR, MOE, and internal bond was that composed of G. lucidum and G. arborea. The treatment with the best tensile force value was the mixture of G. lucidum with O. pyramidale. The sandwich-MBC-panel constructed with balsawood showed the lowest noise reduction coefficient, while the panel composed of G. lucidum and P. ostreatus showed good substrate properties and appropriate carbon and nitrogen content. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed substrate degradation by fungal mycelium formation, and TGA curves showed that the MBC containing G. lucidum presented higher thermal degradation than the panel without G. lucidum, without fungal attack. The main results of this study showed that sandwich MBC panels, in which the MBC is used as a lightweight core and wood veneers are used on the faces, have the potential for use as acoustic panels and could represent a sustainable alternative to panels that are generally fabricated from synthetic materials and of low densities. Full article