Search Results (55,196)

Isoquercitrin, a monoglucoside form of quercetin, exhibits superior antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects in comparison to its precursor, rutin. However, its natural abundance is limited. This study aimed to increase the functional value of Diospyros lotus leaf extract through enzymatic conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin using α-l-rhamnosidase and to evaluate the changes in biological activities after conversion. A sugar-free D. lotus leaf extract was prepared and subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with α-l-rhamnosidase under optimized conditions (pH 5.5, 55 °C, and 0.6 U/mL). Isoquercitrin production was monitored via high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assays, respectively. The enzymatic reaction resulted in complete conversion of 30 mM rutin into isoquercitrin within 180 min, increasing isoquercitrin content from 9.8 to 39.8 mM. The enzyme-converted extract exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant activity, with a 48% improvement in IC₅₀ value compared with the untreated extract. Similarly, LOX inhibition increased from 39.2% to 48.3% after enzymatic conversion. Both extracts showed higher inhibition than isoquercitrin alone, indicating synergistic effects of other phytochemicals present in the extract. This study is the first to demonstrate that α-l-rhamnosidase-mediated conversion of rutin to isoquercitrin in D. lotus leaf extract significantly improves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzymatically enhanced extract shows potential as a functional food or therapeutic ingredient. Full article

(1) Background: Polyploid fish are highly important in increasing fish production, improving fish quality, and breeding new varieties. The loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus), as a naturally polyploid fish, serves as an ideal biological model for investigating the mechanisms of chromosome doubling; (2) Methods: In this study, tetraploidization in diploid loach was induced by heat shock treatment, and, for the first time, the role of the key cell cycle gene cdk1 (cyclin-dependent kinase 1) in chromosome doubling was investigated; (3) Results: The experimental results show that when eggs are fertilized for 20 min and then subjected to a 4 min heat shock treatment at 39–40 °C, this represents the optimal induction condition, resulting in a tetraploid rate of 44%. Meanwhile, the results of the cdk1 knockout model (2n cdk1^−/−) constructed using CRISPR/Cas9 showed that the absence of cdk1 significantly increased the chromosome doubling efficiency of the loach. The qPCR analysis revealed that knockout of cdk1 significantly upregulated cyclin genes (ccnb3,ccnc, and ccne1), while inhibiting expression of the separase gene espl1 (p < 0.05); (4) Conclusions: During chromosome doubling in diploid loaches induced by heat shock, knocking out the cdk1 gene can increase the tetraploid induction rate. This effect may occur through downregulation of the espl1 gene. This study offers novel insights into optimizing the induced breeding technology of polyploid fish and deciphering its molecular mechanism, while highlighting the potential application of integrating gene editing with physical induction. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are the most common pregnancy-related conditions resulting in adverse maternal and fetal complications. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), particularly miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p, are promising biomarkers as they act as regulatory elements in various diseases; however, their roles in GDM and IDA are unclear. The present study aimed to analyze the expression and functional relevance of miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p in GDM and IDA. Experimental validation via RT-PCR revealed significant upregulation of both miRNAs in GDM and IDA samples. We identified common target genes and signaling pathways associated with these miRNAs, using a combination of data mining, bioinformatic tools (miRDB, TargetScan, miRTarBase, and miRWalk), and differentially expressed gene (DEGs) analysis using the GEO, OMIM, MalaCards, and GeneCards datasets. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the shared miRNA–mRNA in target genes were enriched in insulin signaling, apoptosis, and inflammatory pathways—key mechanisms implicated in GDM and IDA. Furthermore, hub genes such as IRS1, PIK3CA, CASP3, MAPK7, and PDGFRB were identified, supporting their central role in metabolic dysregulation during pregnancy. These findings demonstrate the potential of miR-182-3p and miR-24-3p as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in managing GDM and IDA, offering new insights into the molecular interplay underlying pregnancy complications. Full article

In this study, we propose a bidirectional chemical sensor platform based on a reconfigurable ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (R-ISFET) architecture. The device incorporates Ni-silicide Schottky barrier source/drain (S/D) contacts, enabling ambipolar conduction and bidirectional turn-on behavior for both p-type and n-type configurations. Channel polarity is dynamically controlled via the program gate (PG), while the control gate (CG) suppresses leakage current, enhancing operational stability and energy efficiency. A dual-control-gate (DCG) structure enhances capacitive coupling, enabling sensitivity beyond the Nernst limit without external amplification. The extended-gate (EG) architecture physically separates the transistor and sensing regions, improving durability and long-term reliability. Electrical characteristics were evaluated through transfer and output curves, and carrier transport mechanisms were analyzed using band diagrams. Sensor performance—including sensitivity, hysteresis, and drift—was assessed under various pH conditions and external noise up to 5 V_pp (i.e., peak-to-peak voltage). The n-type configuration exhibited high mobility and fast response, while the p-type configuration demonstrated excellent noise immunity and low drift. Both modes showed consistent sensitivity trends, confirming the feasibility of complementary sensing. These results indicate that the proposed R-ISFET sensor enables selective mode switching for high sensitivity and robust operation, offering strong potential for next-generation biosensing and chemical detection. Full article

Background/Objectives. Efficient nucleic acid delivery into target cells remains a critical challenge in gene therapy. Due to its advantages in biocompatibility and safety, recent research has increasingly focused on non-viral gene delivery. Methods. A series of copolymers—synthesized by integrating thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafts, and a polycationic poly(L-lysine) (PLL) block of varying lengths ((PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)_z, z = 10–65)—were investigated. Plasmid DNA complexation with the copolymers was achieved through temperature-modulated methods. The resulting polyplexes were characterized by evaluating complex strength, particle size, zeta potential, plasmid DNA loading capacity, resistance to anionic stress, stability in serum, and lysosomal membrane destabilization assay. The copolymers’ potential for plasmid DNA delivery was assessed through cytotoxicity and transfection studies in cancer cell lines. Results. Across all complexation methods, the copolymers effectively condensed plasmid DNA into stable polyplexes. Particle sizes (60–90 nm) ranged with no apparent correlation to copolymer type, complexation method, or N/P ratio, whereas zeta potentials (+10–+20 mV) and resistance to polyanionic stress were dependent on the PLL length and N/P ratio. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed a direct correlation between PLL chain length and cell viability, with all copolymers demonstrating minimal cytotoxicity at concentrations required for efficient transfection. PNL-20 ((PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)₂₀) exhibited the highest transfection efficiency among the tested formulations while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Conclusions. The study highlights the promising potential of (PNIPAm)₇₇-graft-(PEG)₉-block-(PLL)_z copolymers for effective plasmid DNA delivery to cancer cells. It reveals the importance of attaining the right balance between polyplex tightness and plasmid release to achieve improved biocompatibility and transfection efficiency. Full article

Hormone-dependent breast cancer, particularly in its treatment-resistant forms, remains a significant therapeutic challenge. In this study, we applied a fully computational strategy to design steroid-based compounds capable of simultaneously targeting three key receptors involved in disease progression: progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α), and HER2. Using a robust 3D-QSAR model (R² = 0.86; Q²_LOO = 0.86) built from 52 steroidal structures, we identified molecular features associated with high anticancer potential, specifically increased polarizability and reduced electronegativity. From a virtual library of 271 DFT-optimized analogs, 31 compounds were selected based on predicted potency (pIC₅₀ > 7.0) and screened via molecular docking against PR (PDB 2W8Y), HER2 (PDB 7JXH), and ER-α (PDB 6VJD). Seven candidates showed strong binding affinities (ΔG ≤ −9 kcal/mol for at least two targets), with Estero-255 emerging as the most promising. This compound demonstrated excellent conformational stability, a robust hydrogen-bonding network, and consistent multitarget engagement. Molecular dynamics simulations over 100 nanoseconds confirmed the structural integrity of the top ligands, with low RMSD values, compact radii of gyration, and stable binding energy profiles. Key interactions included hydrophobic contacts, π–π stacking, halogen–π interactions, and classical hydrogen bonds with conserved residues across all three targets. These findings highlight Estero-255, alongside Estero-261 and Estero-264, as strong multitarget candidates for further development. By potentially disrupting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, these compounds offer a promising strategy for overcoming resistance in hormone-driven breast cancer. Experimental validation, including cytotoxicity assays and ADME/Tox profiling, is recommended to confirm their therapeutic potential. Full article

This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of iron molybdate (Fe₂(MoO₄)₃) and iron tungstate (FeWO₄) as photocatalysts for the degradation of a real industrial effluent from aluminum anodizing processes under visible light irradiation. The oxides were synthesized via a co-precipitation method in an aqueous medium, followed by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The effluent was characterized by means of ionic chromatography, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, physicochemical parameters (pH and conductivity), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Both materials exhibited well-crystallized structures with distinct morphologies: Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ presented well-defined exposed (001) and (110) surfaces, while FeWO₄ showed a highly porous, fluffy texture with irregularly shaped particles. In addition to morphology, both materials exhibited narrow bandgaps—2.11 eV for Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ and 2.03 eV for FeWO₄. PL analysis revealed deep defects in Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ and shallow defects in FeWO₄, which can influence the generation and lifetime of reactive oxygen species. These combined structural, electronic, and morphological features significantly affected their photocatalytic performance. TOC measurements revealed degradation efficiencies of 32.2% for Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ and 45.3% for FeWO₄ after 120 min of irradiation. The results highlight the critical role of morphology, optical properties, and defect structures in governing photocatalytic activity and reinforce the potential of these simple iron-based oxides for real wastewater treatment applications. Full article

Background: Oral leukoplakia (OL) and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) remain challenging entities due to the absence of reliable prognostic biomarkers. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA), a pivotal modulator of epithelial differentiation and mucosal integrity, has been proposed as a candidate biomarker. This study sought to quantify plasma RA levels in patients with OL and PVL compared to healthy controls, assessing their potential clinical utility. Methods: A cohort of 40 participants was recruited, comprising 10 patients with OL, 10 with PVL, and 20 healthy controls. This nested case–control study was derived from previously characterized institutional databases of oral potentially malignant disorders. Plasma samples were analyzed for atRA concentration using high-precision mass spectrometry. Statistical comparisons were conducted to evaluate differences between groups and associations with clinical outcomes. Results: Patients with homogeneous OL exhibited significantly reduced plasma atRA concentrations (mean 2.17 ± 0.39 pg/mL) relative to both PVL patients (2.64 ± 0.56 pg/mL) and healthy controls (2.66 ± 0.92 pg/mL), with p-values of 0.009 and 0.039, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found between PVL patients and controls. Furthermore, atRA levels demonstrated no correlation with clinicopathological variables or malignant progression within the PVL cohort. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that diminished plasma atRA levels may serve as a prognostic marker for homogeneous oral leukoplakia, whilst its role in PVL appears limited. However, effect estimates were imprecise, and additional studies are warranted. Full article

This study investigated the effect of an apple pectin coating enriched with gamma-decalactone (GDL) on the physicochemical and microbiological quality of strawberries over 9 days of refrigerated storage. Strawberries were coated with pectin solutions containing a plasticizer and emulsifier, with or without GDL, and compared to uncoated controls. The coatings were evaluated for their effects on fruit mass loss, pH, extract content (°Brix), firmness, color parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h*, ΔE), and microbial spoilage. The pectin coating limited changes in extract, pH, and color and slowed firmness loss. Notably, GDL-enriched coatings significantly reduced spoilage (14.29% after 9 days vs. 57.14% in the control) despite accelerating pulp softening. Extract content increased the most in the GDL group (from 9.92 to 12.00 °Brix), while mass loss reached up to 22.8%. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) confirmed coating type as a major factor differentiating sample quality over time. These findings demonstrate the potential of bioactive pectin-based coatings to enhance fruit preservation and support the development of active packaging strategies. Further studies should optimize coating composition and control the release kinetics of functional compounds. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool plays an extremely important role in regulating the global carbon (C) cycle and climate change. Atmospheric nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition caused by human activities has significant impacts on soil C sequestration potential of terrestrial ecosystem. To investigate the effects of N and P deposition on soil C sequestration and C-N coupling relationship in broad-leaved evergreen forests, a 6-year field nutrient regulation experiment was implemented in subtropical Castanopsis sclerophylla forests with four different N and P additions: N addition (100 kg N·hm⁻²·year⁻¹), N + P (100 kg N·hm⁻²·year⁻¹ + 50 kg P·hm⁻²·year⁻¹), P addition (50 kg P·hm⁻²·year⁻¹), and CK (0 kg N·hm⁻²·year⁻¹). The changes in the C and N contents and stable isotope distributions (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) of different soil organic fractions were examined. The results showed that the SOC and total nitrogen (STN) (p > 0.05) increased with N addition, while SOC significantly decreased with P addition (p < 0.05), and N + P treatment has low effect on SOC, STN (p > 0.05). By density grouping, it was found that N addition significantly increased light fraction C and N (LFOC, LFN), significantly decreased the light fraction C to N ratio (LFOC/N) (p < 0.05), and increased heavy fraction C and N (HFOC, HFN) accumulation and light fraction to total organic C ratio (LFOC/SOC, p > 0.05). Contrary to N addition, P addition was detrimental to the accumulation of LFOC, LFN and reduced LFOC/SOC. It was found that different reactive oxidized carbon (ROC) increased under N addition but ROC/SOC did not change, while N + P and P treatments increased ROC/SOC, resulting in a decrease in SOC chemical stability. Stable isotope analysis showed that N addition promoted the accumulation of new soil organic matter, whereas P addition enhanced the transformation and utilization of C and N from pre-existing organic matter. Additionally, N addition indirectly increased LFOC by significantly decreasing pH; significantly contributed to LFOC and ROC by increasing STN accumulation promoted by NO₃⁻-N and NH₄⁺-N; and decreased light fraction δ¹³C by significantly increasing dissolved organic C (p < 0.05). P addition had directly significant negative effect on LFOC and SOC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, six-year N deposition enhances soil C and N sequestration while the P enrichment reduces the content of soil C, N fractions and stability in Castanopsis sclerophylla forests. The results provide a scientific basis for predicting the soil C sink function of evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem under the background of future climate change. Full article

Background/Objectives: Preoperative strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) requiring major hepatectomy remain controversial, particularly in “borderline resectable” cases. This study aimed to evaluate the oncological benefit and perioperative safety of Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE) in patients undergoing right or extended right hepatectomy for HCC. Material and Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent right or extended right hepatectomy for HCC at a single tertiary center between January 2013 and December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped based on whether they received preoperative TARE or underwent upfront resection. Outcomes analyzed included perioperative morbidity and long-term oncological endpoints. Results: A total of 39 patients were included, of whom 18 received preoperative TARE and 21 underwent upfront surgery. Patients in the TARE group showed significantly greater tumor necrosis at pathology (70% vs. 10%, p = 0.002) and more frequent extended resections. Five-year cancer-specific survival (80.4% vs. 33.5%, p = 0.011), recurrence-free survival (33.8% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.047), and curative-intent disease-free survival (69.3% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.0037) were significantly higher in the TARE group. Overall survival showed a favorable trend. Intraoperative outcomes, postoperative morbidity, and 90-day mortality were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Preoperative TARE is a safe and effective neoadjuvant strategy in selected patients with HCC undergoing major hepatectomy. It may enhance long-term oncological outcomes without increasing surgical risk, supporting its potential role in the management of borderline resectable HCC. Full article

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

Medication discrepancies at hospital admission are common and may lead to adverse outcomes. Medication reconciliation is a critical process for minimizing medication discrepancies and medication errors at the time of hospital admission. This study aimed to evaluate the role of clinical pharmacists in identifying pharmacotherapy-related issues upon patient admission in a low-resource setting. A prospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital between 1 March and 31 May 2023. Within 24 h of admission, a clinical pharmacist documented each patient’s pre-admission medication regimen and compared it with the medication history obtained by the admitting physician. Discrepancies and pharmacotherapy problems were subsequently identified. Among 65 patients, pharmacists documented 334 medications versus 189 recorded by physicians (p < 0.01). The clinical pharmacist identified 155 discrepancies, 112 (72.26%) of which were unintentional. The most frequent type was drug omission (91.07%), followed by incorrect dosage (4.46%), incorrect dosing interval (2.68%), and medications with unknown indications (1.79%). Most discrepancies were classified as errors without harm (53.57%), while 41.07% were potentially harmful. These findings underscore the importance of integrating clinical pharmacists into the healthcare team. Their active participation during hospital admission can significantly enhance medication safety and reduce preventable adverse drug events. Full article

The textile industry’s reliance on synthetic dyes contributes significantly to pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives like biopigments. This study investigates the production and application of the biopigment prodigiosin, which was produced by Pseudomonas putida with a yield of 1.85 g/L. Prodigiosin was prepared under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, resulting in varying protonation states that influenced its affinity for cotton and polyester fibers. Three surfactants (anionic, cationic, non-ionic) were tested, with non-ionic Tween 80 yielding a promising color strength (above 4) and fastness results with neutral prodigiosin at 1.3 g/L. Cotton and polyester demonstrated good washing (color difference up to 14 for cotton, 5 for polyester) and light fastness (up to 15 for cotton, 16 for polyester). Cellulose acetate, used in the conventional printing process as a thickener, produced superior color properties compared to commercial thickeners. Neutral prodigiosin achieved higher color strength, and cotton fabrics displayed halochromic properties, distinguishing them from polyester, which showed excellent fastness. Prodigiosin-printed samples also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and retained halochromic properties over 10 pH cycles. These findings suggest prodigiosin as a sustainable dye alternative and pH sensor, with potential applications in biomedical materials, such as antimicrobial and pH-responsive wound dressings. Full article

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. Population genetic studies and phylogeographic patterns are essential to understanding the transmission dynamics of this parasite under varying environmental conditions. In this study, the genetic diversity of E. granulosus s.s. was evaluated using 46 hydatid cyst samples obtained from sheep, goats, cattle, and humans across three regions of Chile: Coquimbo, La Araucanía, and Magallanes. Mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences were analyzed and compared with reference sequences reported from South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. In Chile, the EG01 haplotype was the predominant haplotype. A total of four haplotypes were identified, with low haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.461 ± 0.00637) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00181 ± 0.00036). The haplotype network displayed a star-like configuration, with the EG01 genotype at the center, suggesting a potentially ancestral or widely distributed lineage. In Coquimbo (Tajima’s D = −0.93302, p = 0.061; Fu’s Fs = −0.003, p = 0.502) and Magallanes (Tajima’s D = −0.17406, p = 0.386; Fu’s Fs = −0.121, p = 0.414), both neutrality tests were non-significant, indicating no strong evidence for recent population expansion or selection. Star-like haplotype network patterns were also observed in populations from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with the EG01 genotype occupying the central position. The population genetic structure of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. in Chile demonstrates considerable complexity, with EG01 as the predominant haplotype. Further comprehensive studies are required to assess the intraspecific genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. throughout Chile and to determine whether this variability influences the key biological traits of the parasite. This structure may prove even more complex when longer fragments are analyzed, which could allow for the detection of finer-scale microdiversity among isolates from different hosts. We recommended that future cystic echinococcosis control programs take into account the genetic variability of E. granulosus s.s. strains circulating in each endemic region, to better understand their epidemiological, immunological, and possibly pathological differences. Full article