Search Results (855)

Background: Oroantral communication (OAC) is a frequent complication after the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth and requires immediate closure to prevent sinus pathology and long-term functional impairment. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of acute OAC closure using resorbable heterogeneous collagen membranes with those of the conventional buccal advancement flap (Rehrmann method). Methods: Twenty-four patients with OACs diagnosed within 24 h post-extraction were enrolled, and 20 completed follow-up. Patients were allocated to a membrane group treated with a resorbable collagen membrane (Creos Xenoprotect) or a control group treated with a buccal advancement flap. Clinical parameters, including vestibular depth, width of keratinized gingiva, alveolar socket dimensions, postoperative complications, and pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale, were evaluated at 1, 7, 14, and 90 days. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using cone-beam computed tomography with linear measurements and normalized bone density analysis in Hounsfield Units at baseline and 90 days. Results: The membrane technique provided significantly better preservation of vestibular depth, keratinized gingiva width, and alveolar socket dimensions, with significantly lower postoperative pain and fewer complications compared with the buccal advancement flap. Higher normalized bone density values were observed in the membrane group, although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Resorbable collagen membranes represent a safe, minimally invasive, and clinically effective alternative to buccal advancement flaps for acute OAC closure. Full article

Wood products made from Manchurian ash are widely used as furniture and decorations, particularly waterborne-coated Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr.). However, while waterborne coatings offer less air pollution, their odor emission dynamics under different environmental conditions remain poorly understood. To address these gaps, this study systematically analyzed 28-day volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) release profiles under controlled temperature, relative humidity, and air exchange rate-to-loading factor ratios (AER/Ls), using thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (TD-GC-MS/O). Eighteen key odor-active compounds (OACs) were identified, comprising 11 wood-derived and seven coating components, exhibiting eight odor attributes: disinfectant-like, aromatic, tobacco-like, unpleasant, vinegar-like, flowery, sweety, and alcohol-like. The dominant attributes were disinfectant-like and aromatic. The results showed that temperature accelerated release rates and shortened equilibrium time, while increasing concentrations and odor intensity. Relative humidity prolonged equilibrium, with stage-dependent concentration effects, yet consistent odor intensity rise. Higher AER/L reduced equilibrium time and concentrations through dilution-dominated dynamics despite accelerated release rates from increased pressure differentials. These findings indicated that synergistic high-temperature (40 °C)/high-humidity (60% RH) conditions accelerate odorant emission, while optimized ventilation (AER/L 0.5 m³·m⁻²·h⁻¹) ensures effective mitigation. The findings will inform strategies to reduce odor impact and advance eco-efficient finishing technologies for wood products. Full article

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, yet its pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely understood, highlighting the need for reliable experimental models. We previously developed a murine model based on inhalation of a manganese mixture (MnCl₂ and Mn(OAc)₃), which reproduces dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and motor impairment. However, its capacity to mimic mitochondrial dysfunction, a key mechanism in PD, had not been explored. This study evaluated mitochondrial ultrastructure, fission and fusion proteins, and the activity of electron transport chain complexes I and IV, alongside fine motor performance. Forty male CD1 mice were divided into control (deionized water) and manganese-exposed groups (0.04 M MnCl₂ + 0.02 M Mn(OAc)₃), inhaled for 1 h twice weekly over five months. Manganese inhalation induced significant fine motor deficits, increased mitochondrial number with reduced area and circularity, and disorganized cristae. Drp1 and Fis1 levels were elevated, accompanied by decreased activity of complexes I and IV, predominantly in the SNc. These findings demonstrate that this progressive, bilateral model reproduces mitochondrial and motor alterations resembling those observed in PD, supporting its utility for testing mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is increasingly used across all risk groups, meaning more patients are living long-term with transcatheter bioprosthetic valves. These patients are often multimorbid and vulnerable to both thrombotic and bleeding complications. Optimal antithrombotic therapy remains uncertain due to differences in trial design, patient demographics, and procedural practices. Methods: We undertook a narrative review that included randomised controlled trials, observational studies, biomarker research, and guideline recommendations on post-TAVI antithrombotic therapy. We evaluated the available evidence for antiplatelet and anticoagulant strategies after TAVI, predictors of bleeding and thrombotic complications, to identify emerging approaches using biomarkers for personalised risk stratification. Results: Thrombotic events after TAVI are predominantly early and procedural in origin, while new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) leads to substantial late risk. Subclinical leaflet thrombosis is frequent, but its clinical significance remains uncertain, as anticoagulation reduces CT-detected leaflet abnormalities without improving clinical outcomes. Early bleeding within the first 30 days remains a principal contributor to mortality, influenced by frailty, vascular access, comorbidity, and intensity of antithrombotic therapy. Randomised evidence consistently supports a minimalist, indication-driven regimen: single antiplatelet therapy for patients without an oral-anticoagulation (OAC) indication, and OAC monotherapy for those with AF. Routine OAC use in unselected patients carries no advantage and exposes them to harm. Biomarkers and machine-learning models show promise for future individualised risk assessment. Conclusions: Antithrombotic strategies post-TAVI should prioritise minimising bleeding while maintaining adequate thromboembolic protection. Single antiplatelet therapy for patients without an indication for OAC and OAC alone for those with AF offer the best balance of safety and efficacy. Ongoing trials may clarify the role of imaging-guided therapy and biomarker-based risk stratification and refine antithrombotic strategies. Full article

The ethanolic extract of the roots of Murraya exotica (Rutaceae) yielded twenty coumarins, including twelve previously undescribed compounds named exoticoumarins A–L (1–12; two biscoumarins, five coumarin hybrids, and five monomers). Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by a combination of NMR and HR-ESI-MS analyses, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ECD exciton coupling, Mo₂(OAc)₄- and Rh₂(OCOCF₃)₄-induced ECD, comparison of experimental with calculated ECD spectra, and chemical hydrolysis. Anti-inflammatory evaluation in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages identified exoticoumarins A and K (1 and 11) as potent inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) production, with IC₅₀ values of 7.41 and 10.63 μM, respectively. Mechanistic studies revealed that 1 suppressed nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression at both transcriptional and translational levels, an effect associated with the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, without markedly affecting extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation. These findings highlight exoticoumarin A (1) as a promising anti-inflammatory lead derived from M. exotica. Full article

The optical and thermal behaviors of a chiral europium(III) β-diketonate complex, Eu(D-facam)₃ (facam: 3-(trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)-(+)-camphorate), were examined in the presence of imidazolium-based ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMImOAc). The addition of EMImOAc to Eu(D-facam)₃ butanol solutions enhanced their luminescence intensity by up to 74-fold and induced clear circularly polarized luminescence (g_CPL = −0.28 for the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transition). When Eu(D-facam)₃ was dissolved directly in EMImOAc, the Eu(III) complex also exhibited distinct circularly polarized luminescence (g_CPL = −0.22). In addition, compared with the thermal stability of luminescence in 1-butanol, the ionic liquid solution exhibited superior thermal robustness, retaining approximately 30% of its room-temperature emission intensity even at 100 °C. Arrhenius analysis of the solutions was performed using their emission intensity and lifetime to evaluate the emission stability at higher-temperature regions near 70–100 °C. In EMImOAc, the thermal acceleration of the nonradiative decay of the ligands was suppressed; thus, the energy transfer from the ligand to the Eu(III) ion was stabilized even at higher temperatures. These results highlight the role of ionic liquids as effective media toward achieving thermally robust and highly emissive chiral Eu(III) systems. Full article

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) provides an alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who are at high bleeding risk. Prior studies have suggested sex-related differences in procedural outcomes, with women demonstrating higher peri-procedural complication rates. Data on long-term outcomes, however, remain inconsistent. Methods: We analyzed 407 consecutive patients with AF who underwent LAAC between 2010 and 2023 in four Israeli medical centers participating in the LEADER registry. Baseline characteristics, procedural data, and clinical outcomes were compared between men and women. The primary efficacy endpoint was ischemic stroke or systemic embolism at 1 year. The primary safety endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality, procedural complications, or major bleeding at 1 year. Results: Of 407 patients, 285 (70%) were men and 122 (30%) were women. The mean age was 77 ± 8.4 years with similar CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores across sexes. Device implantation exceeded 99% in both sexes. Major peri-procedural complications occurred in 6.4% overall, without significant sex-based differences (men 7.0%, women 4.9%, p = 0.51). At 1-year follow-up, Kaplan–Meier estimates for the primary efficacy endpoint of ischemic stroke/systemic embolism (2.6%), the primary safety endpoint (19.2%), major bleeding (8.9%), and all-cause mortality (9.3%) were comparable between men and women (all p > 0.1). Conclusions: In contrast to prior large registries reporting higher peri-procedural risk in women, this real-world multicenter experience demonstrated no significant sex differences in either peri-procedural or long-term outcomes following LAAC. These findings support LAAC as an effective and safe stroke-prevention strategy in AF, irrespective of sex. Full article

Obtaining water-soluble palladium complexes capable of interacting with DNA is an important synthetic task in medicinal chemistry. The interaction of [Pd(phen)(OAc)₂] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with pivalic acid (^tBuCOOH) and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) leads to the formation of the molecular complex [Pd(phen)(OOC^tBu)₂] (1) and the ionic complex [Pd(phen)(H₂O)₂]Otf₂ (2), respectively. Complex 1 is highly soluble in water and stable in solution for 48 h. When complex 2 is boiled in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to form the binuclear hydroxo-bridged complex [Pd₂(phen)₂(μ-OH)₂]Otf₂ (3). According to X-ray diffraction data, the crystal lattices of 1–3 are stabilized by numerous intermolecular hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. The interaction of 1 and 2 with DNA in vitro (in 0.005 M NaCl solution) was studied using UV spectroscopy, low-gradient viscometry, and DNA melting analysis. It was shown that both compounds interact with DNA, and the binding is accompanied by the intercalation of the phenanthroline ligand at low concentrations in the DNA solution. An increase in their concentration leads to an alternative binding mode—palladium–DNA interaction causes a decrease in the DNA molecular coil size due to electrostatic interaction and/or palladium coordination to DNA bases. The difference between the binding of compounds 1 and 2 to DNA is that 2 can coordinate to N-bases, unlike complex 1. The antibacterial properties of the complexes have been studied in vitro against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus. Full article

Globally, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, motivating the search for alternatives. Bovine mastitis is an inflammatory disease of the udder caused by various microorganisms, many of which are resistant to various antibiotics, impacting the quality of dairy products and farmer income. In this study, the in vitro bioactivity of the methanol leaf extract, fractions (ethyl acetate (CeEtOAc), butanol (CeBuOH), hexane (CeHx), dichloromethane CeDCM), and water (CeAq), and a purified compound, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside isolated from the CeEtOAc fraction of Combretum elaeagnoides Klotzsch, were investigated against six Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains isolated from clinical cases of bovine mastitis and two reference ATCC strains (S. aureus ATCC 29213 and S. epidermidis ATCC 35984). Methods used for assessing bioactivity included serial microdilution for antibacterial efficacy, crystal violet staining and p-iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) metabolic assays for anti-biofilm activity, and a microdilution assay for anti-quorum-sensing potential. The anti-inflammatory assays included 15-lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition and nitric oxide assays. Cytotoxicity screening was conducted using a tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay against bovine dermis cells. The extracts and fractions exhibited moderate to good antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.07 to 1.04 mg/mL, with the ethyl acetate fraction being the most effective. The anti-biofilm activity of the extract, fractions, and isolated compound (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) varied at time zero (T0), with inhibition ranging from 3% to 100%. The CeDCM and CeEtOAc fractions exhibited the most potent anti-biofilm effects after 24 h, with inhibition ranging from 24% to 91%. The extracts and fractions exhibited significant inhibition (>50%) of biofilm within the incubation times (T0–T48), and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside alone had >60% inhibition at 48 h. The CeEtOAc fraction had the most significant anti-quorum-sensing activity (IC₅₀ < 0.08 mg/mL). The methanol extract and fractions exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting nitric oxide production (IC₅₀: 7–26 µg/mL). In contrast, the CeAq, CeHx, and CeDCM fractions showed the best inhibitory activity against the 15-lipoxygenase enzyme (IC₅₀ = 3–4 µg/mL). The extracts and fractions were non-cytotoxic to bovine dermis cells (LC₅₀ = 0.88–1 mg/mL). Combretum elaeagnoides extract and its fractions are recommended for further investigation as potential herbal treatments for the management of mastitis and its symptoms. Full article

The transport of metabolites across biological membranes is vital for normal cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, homeostasis, and toxin efflux. In eukaryotes, mitochondrial transporters in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) play a pivotal role in energy production, metabolism, and the biosynthesis of a wide range of compounds. While functional assignments exist for over half of the mitochondrial transporters, emerging high-throughput methodologies underscore the need for reassessment and expansion of the current knowledge, particularly as evidence suggesting functional redundancy and substrate promiscuity has emerged. In this study, we investigated the substrate specificity of five yeast mitochondrial transporters—Crc1 (YOR100c), Ctp1 (YBR291c), Oac1 (YKL120w), Pet9 (YBL030c), and Yhm2 (YMR241w)—via heterologous gene expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based transport assays. We used two substrate mixtures: a 17-compound organic acid mix and a ¹³C-labeled yeast metabolite extract. Our results revealed broader substrate specificities than previously reported, as partially supported by substrate docking simulations. Pet9 transported several organic acids and amino acids, while Yhm2 showed uptake of nine amino acids and fumaric acid. Additional promiscuous transport activity was observed for Crc1, indicating that these proteins may have more extensive metabolic roles than previously known. This study advances the understanding of yeast mitochondrial transporter function, demonstrating redundancy and broad substrate specificity among mitochondrial carriers. It highlights the importance of utilizing in vivo heterologous systems and physiologically relevant substrate mixtures to elucidate transporter functionality. Full article

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy with poor prognosis, frequent relapse, and treatment-related toxicity. The discovery of novel anti-leukemic agents with improved selectivity remains an urgent clinical need. In this study, rhizomes of Angiopteris evecta, a medicinal plant used in Thai traditional medicine, were collected from twelve locations in Thailand and extracted using solvents of increasing polarity. Among thirty-six crude fractional extracts, the ethyl acetate crude fractional extract from source No. 003 (AE EtOAc No. 003) exhibited the strongest cytotoxic activity against KG-1a and EoL-1 leukemic cell lines, with low toxicity toward normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Bioactivity-guided fractionation yielded the ternary mixture, a furanone-rich mixture dominated by 5-(1-hydroxyethyl)-dihydro-2-furanone. The ternary mixture inhibited leukemic cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and downregulating WT1 expression in EoL-1 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses implicated AKT1, MAPK signaling, apoptosis-related pathways, and WT1 as key molecular targets. In addition, AE EtOAc No. 003 and the ternary mixture suppressed TNF-α and IL-6 production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Collectively, A. evecta-derived furanone compounds represent promising lead candidates for anti-leukemic drug development. Full article

A species of the genus Tetracera has been used as herbal medicine in traditional Indian Tetracera loureiri medicine. Tetracera loureiri, a plant from the Dilleniaceae family is considered one of the most valuable herbs in Thailand and is native to Southeast Asia. However, the anti-obesity effects of Tetracera loureiri extract have not been reported. In this study, we screened the effect of EtOH extract on lipid accumulation in a 3T3-L1 adipocyte model at various concentrations using Oil Red O staining, and the results were visualized under a light microscope. The fractionation of the soluble CH₂Cl₂ and EtOAc fractions from the EtOH extract revealed that both fractions significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in adipocytes at 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL, compared to n-hexane, n-BuOH, and aqueous extracts. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the CH₂Cl₂ and EtOAc extract led to the phytochemical investigation of 10 secondary metabolites (1–10), and the structure of these compounds was identified using various spectroscopic methods. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their ability to inhibit adipogenesis at a concentration of 2.5, 5, and 10 μM compared with positive control (Orlistat 100 μg/mL); in particular, compounds 1–3, 5, and 7–8 showed 57.39 ± 6.98, 19.35 ± 4.53%, 75.81 ± 1.75%, 17.61 ± 1.62%, 19.83 ± 5.27 and 14.66 ± 3.85% reduction in fat accumulation at 10 μMm in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, respectively. The activity of these compounds also inhibited the secretion of adiponectin and leptin in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, suggesting their role in disrupting adipocyte function and metabolic regulation. Therefore, the results herein provide experimental evidence supporting the potential of Tetracera loureiri extracts as an anti-obesity therapeutic agent. Full article

This study aims to investigate the feasibility and performance effects of using waste chestnut shells (CNS), derived from agricultural biomass, as a filler replacement material in hot mix asphalt mixtures. The influence of CNS on the mechanical behavior of hot mix asphalt mixtures was evaluated through a comprehensive experimental program. Initially, the physical and conventional properties of the B50/70 asphalt binder, aggregates, and CNS material were characterized to establish a reference framework for mixture design. The optimum asphalt content (OAC) for the control mixture was established using the Marshall mix design procedure. Mixture specimens incorporating CNS were produced by introducing the material at four different proportions, corresponding to filler substitution levels ranging from 5% to 20% by weight. The prepared specimens were evaluated through a series of mechanical and durability-related tests, including Marshall stability and flow, Retained Marshall, moisture damage, dynamic creep stiffness, indirect tensile strength (ITS), fatigue performance, and indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM). The results indicated that mixtures with 10% CNS replacement exhibited notable improvements in stability, water sensitivity, ITS, ITSM, dynamic creep, and fatigue resistance, suggesting that CNS has the potential to enhance the performance characteristics of hot mix asphalt pavements. Full article

Direct retrieval of Total Phosphorus (TP) from remote sensing is not possible because TP is not optically active. Unlike optically active parameters, TP does not exhibit spectral signals and relies on indirect correlations with Optically Active Constituents (OACs) such as Chl-a and suspended solids. Existing approaches often rely solely on spectral reflectance while neglecting the environmental variables, such as temperature, that can affect the correlations between OACs such as Chl-a and temperature. To address this, this study integrates satellite-derived Land Surface Temperature (LST) with Landsat 8/9 spectral features, utilizing LST as a spatial proxy for the aquatic thermodynamic environment. Focusing on the Dongjiang River, a subtropical river in China, a machine learning framework was constructed based on in situ measurements collected from 2020 to 2023. Feature selection using Pearson’s correlation and Random Forest importance identified the optimal combination of spectral bands and thermal inputs. The results from the model revealed the following: (1) annual mean TP concentrations in the delta were higher than in the main channel, with more pronounced seasonal fluctuations; (2) statistical verification (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.01) confirmed that incorporating LST yielded a certain reduction in retrieval error compared to the spectral-only model; (3) the most influential predictors for TP estimation were a combination of the blue, green, and red spectral bands along with LST; (4) models incorporating LST achieved significantly higher accuracy than those based solely on spectral reflectance, with improved R² and RMSE values across most TP concentration ranges (except for 0.04–0.06 mg/L). These findings demonstrate that integrating LST with spectral features enhances the accuracy of remote sensing-based TP retrieval in rivers, offering new opportunities for improved large-scale water quality monitoring. Full article

Isodonis Excisoidis Herba (IEH) is a newly discovered herbal medicine used to treat esophageal cancer, chronic pharyngitis, and hepatitis, and ent-kaurane diterpenoids are its main active components. However, systematic studies on the chemical profile of ent-kaurane diterpenoids are lacking. In this study, UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS was performed to investigate the fragmentation behaviors of three different types of ent-kaurane diterpenoids from IEH. Bridgehead-unsubstituted 7,20-epoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoids yielded ions with typical losses of R₇H, R₁H, R₁₄H, CH₂O, CO, and R₆H. The [M + NH₄ − NH₃ − R₂₀]⁺ precursor ions at 331.1895 and the characteristic ions at m/z 313.1792, 295.1686, 285.1842, 277.1581, 267.1737, and 249.1632 were the most possible fragmentation pathways for bridgehead-substituted 7,20-epoxy-ent-kaurane diterpenoids. Fragmentation with the successive loss of multiple 18, 42, or 60 Da occurring in the OH groups and OAc groups is characteristic of 7,20-non-epoxy-kaurane diterpenoids. Using accurate mass measurements for each precursor ion and the subsequent fragmented ions, a total of 94 ent-kaurane diterpenoids were identified or tentatively characterized in IEH, including 48 potentially new ent-kaurane diterpenoids. Full article