Search Results (22,526)

Brown macroalgae are a valuable source of bioactive polysaccharides, particularly alginates and fucoidans, with significant potential for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, polysaccharides were extracted from four species (Padina pavonica, Sargassum ilicifolium, S. latifolium, and Turbinaria decurrens) collected along the Djibouti coastline. Structural characterization by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR revealed pronounced interspecific variability. Alginates displayed distinct mannuronate/guluronate (M/G) ratios, with Sargassum latifolium showing the highest and T. decurrens the lowest, reflecting differences in polymer composition and structural flexibility. Fucoidan spectra exhibited characteristic sulfate bands at 1217–1220 and 840 cm⁻¹, with lower transmission values for T. decurrens indicating a relatively higher degree of sulfation. Biological assays demonstrated that alginate extracts exhibited moderate antioxidant activity, whereas fucoidans showed significantly stronger radical scavenging (DPPH) and ferric reducing (FRAP) capacities, in some cases comparable to vitamin C. Fucoidans also displayed potent inhibition of skin-aging enzymes, with elastase inhibition reaching 62.1% for P. pavonica and tyrosinase inhibition peaking at 63% for S. ilicifolium at 0.5 mg/mL. These results highlight the critical role of structural features, particularly sulfation patterns, in determining biological activity. Overall, Djiboutian brown algal polysaccharides combine antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties, confirming their potential as multifunctional and sustainable marine-derived ingredients for cosmetic formulations. Full article

The Tawenchahanxi mining area, situated in the southeastern Qimantagh region of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, hosts a skarn-type Fe–polymetallic deposit associated with acidic granitic intrusions. Laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry zircon U–Pb dating yields ages of 233.3 ± 1.2 to 234.3 ± 1.1 Ma for a granodiorite and 397.7 ± 1.4 Ma for a quartz porphyry, indicating two magmatic intrusive events during the Early Devonian and Late Triassic. The Early Devonian quartz porphyry is characterized by high ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{i}\mathrm{O}}_2$ (72.39%–74.04%), high total alkalis (7.81%–7.83%), high TFeO (>1.0%) and high crystallization temperatures (~865 °C), together with low CaO (1.64%–1.70%) and MgO (0.61–0.65%), which are all consistent with A-type granite affinity. The granodiorite exhibits aluminum saturation index (A/CNK) values of 0.67–1.07 (metaluminous to weakly peraluminous) and belongs to the high-K calc-alkaline series. It exhibits moderate negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.71–0.83), and zircon saturation temperatures of ~748 °C, collectively indicative of I-type granite affinity. Both rock suites display depletion in Nb, Ta, and Sr and enrichment in Rb and LREEs. Zircon Hf isotopic data show εHf(t) values of −0.64 to 0.57 for the quartz porphyry and −4.37 to −1.06 for the granodiorite, indicating derivation primarily from partial melting of ancient crust with variable mantle contributions. These intrusions formed during post-collisional extensional (Early Paleozoic) and collisional to post-collisional (Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic) stages, respectively, associated with mantle magma underplating and crust–mantle mixing. Such processes formed the material basis for the polymetallic mineralization in the Tawenchahanxi district by providing Fe–Cu–Pb–Zn and other ore-forming elements from deeper crust. Full article

This study investigates the complex relationship between fracture patterns and acoustic emission (AE) mechanisms during triaxial deformation experiments on Westerly granite under various confining pressures (5, 10, 20, and 40 MPa). Using numerical simulations with the Particle Flow Code (PFC2D, 6.0, Itasca Consulting Group Inc, Minneapolis, USA), this research emphasizes the significant influence of confining pressure on crack development, AE events, spatiotemporal distribution, energy dissipation, and peak stress in the samples. AE source mechanisms, categorized into T-Type, C-Type, and S-Type, show the dominance of T-Type fractures during post-peak unstable failure and the emergence of C-Type fractures as precursors to critical damage. Additionally, increasing confining pressure is found to correlate with changes in fracture dynamics, evidenced by an increase in big events and a decrease in small events. The analysis of b-values across different pressures reveals fluctuations that indicate change in fracture features. Fractures originate in the model center and propagate towards both ends as loading progresses, ultimately leading to failure. In summary, these findings provide important insights into the fracture patterns of granite and the underlying mechanisms of AE release. Moreover, they carry practical implications for identifying failure precursors and for the potential application of early warning systems in rock engineering. Full article

Methanol ammoxidation over FeMo/SiO₂ has emerged as a promising low-temperature route to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). In this work, an eight-parameter Mars–van Krevelen (MvK) kinetic model, previously established from intrinsic fixed-bed experiments, is embedded in a heterogeneous plug-flow description to design an industrial multitubular reactor with a nominal HCN capacity of 10,000 t∙a⁻¹. The reactor is represented by a bank of isothermal tubes that are operated at 420 °C and a mildly elevated pressure, each packed with spherical FeMo/SiO₂ pellets. Detailed simulations for a 30 mm inner tube diameter and 2 mm pellets, including an Ergun pressure drop and intraparticle diffusion with realistic effective diffusivities, show that a 4 m bed at an outlet pressure of 1.5 bar (abs) achieves an essentially complete methanol conversion with a carbon-based HCN yield of ≈0.95 at a space time of ≈160 gcat∙h∙mol⁻¹. Axial effectiveness factors remain above ≈0.6, indicating moderate but manageable diffusion limitations. Comparison with a 35 mm/3 mm geometry reveals a clear trade-off between pressure drop and HCN selectivity. Parametric studies of space time, feed composition and outlet pressure delineate a broad non-flammable operating window with robust HCN yield and moderate compression duty. The results demonstrate how a mechanistic MvK rate expression can be translated into a practical design framework for FeMo-based multitubular HCN reactors. Full article

Background/Objectives: Immune-mediated hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, remains a formidable clinical challenge characterized by the rapid destruction of the liver parenchyma. While whey proteins are well-regarded for their anti-inflammatory properties, goat whey possesses a distinct bioactive profile, offering superior digestibility and reduced allergenicity compared to their bovine counterparts. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential and underlying immunological mechanisms of lyophilized goat whey (LGW) in a Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced model of acute hepatitis. Methods: BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were administered LGW orally (1 g/kg/day) for five consecutive days prior to a ConA challenge. Liver injury was quantified via serum transaminase levels and histopathological evaluation. The cytokine profiles and the phenotype of liver mononuclear cells (MNCs) were analyzed using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: LGW pretreatment significantly attenuated ConA-induced hepatitis in both mouse strains, markedly reducing serum transaminase levels and preserving hepatic architecture. Mechanistically, LGW triggered a fundamental shift in the hepatic immune microenvironment by suppressing the pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 axis (evidenced by decreased IFN-γ and IL-17) while concurrently upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, LGW induced a tolerogenic phenotype in hepatic dendritic cells (CD11c⁺CD206⁺), which directly correlated with a significant expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). This strain-independent protection suggests that LGW modulates fundamental, early-stage immune signaling pathways within the liver. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that LGW exerts potent hepatoprotection by effectively reprogramming the hepatic immune microenvironment toward a tolerogenic state. These results position LGW as a promising, safe, and effective functional food candidate for the prevention and adjunct management of immune-mediated inflammatory liver diseases. Full article

Background: Acne in adult women is increasingly recognized as a condition with systemic endocrine–metabolic correlates. Evidence linking acne to thyroid-related abnormalities and cardiometabolic risk markers remains mixed, and integrated real-world evaluations combining thyroid biochemistry, ultrasound metrics, inflammatory indices, and lipid profile are limited. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational analysis of 80 women with acne who underwent routine laboratory testing and thyroid ultrasound assessment. Thyroid status was defined using TSH (reference 0.4–4.5 mIU/L) and free T4 (0.8–1.8 ng/dL), with an additional TSH-only sensitivity definition (high TSH >4.5 mIU/L). Low HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) was defined as <50 mg/dL. Group comparisons used Mann–Whitney U tests with Hodges–Lehmann shifts; associations were summarized using odds ratios (ORs) with Fisher’s exact tests; correlations used Spearman’s ρ (TSH log-transformed for correlation analyses) with confidence intervals. Multiple testing was controlled within panels using Benjamini–Hochberg FDR. Analyses were complete-case per comparison. Results: Thyroid dysfunction and metabolic–inflammatory abnormalities were common in this cohort. Low HDL-C was more frequent in thyroid dysfunction, and in the TSH-only sensitivity analysis, high TSH (>4.5 mIU/L) was strongly associated with low HDL-C (OR 13.13, 95% CI 1.48–116.04; p = 0.020). In a minimal adjusted model including NLR, high TSH remained associated with low HDL-C (adjusted OR 12.93, 95% CI 1.44–115.70; p = 0.022). HDL-C showed an inverse association with NLR (ρ = −0.28; p = 0.023). Endocrine profiling suggested a positive association between ACTH and log(TSH) (ρ = 0.62; p = 0.004), although this did not remain significant after FDR correction. Thyroid ultrasound metrics showed limited correspondence with thyroid biochemistry. Conclusions: In women with acne, elevated TSH is associated with substantially higher odds of low HDL-C, independent of inflammatory burden as proxied by NLR, while thyroid ultrasound morphology contributes limited functional information. These findings support integrated thyroid–metabolic assessment in adult female acne and motivate prospective studies incorporating acne severity measures and standardized testing to clarify clinical implications. Full article

Introduction: Stunting is associated with poor nutritional intake during early childhood. This study evaluated the effect of a daily intake of 510 mL of an oral nutritional supplement for 180 days on linear growth among children with stunting and at-risk of stunting aged 12–36 months. Methods: A community-based, single-arm intervention was conducted among 91 children in Kelantan, Malaysia. The children at enrolment had height-for-age Z-scores (HAZs) between <−1.0 SD and >−3 SD based on WHO Growth Standards. Anthropometric measurements were collected at baseline (T0), 90 days (T90; mid-intervention), and 180 days (T180; post-intervention). Nutrient intake was assessed using 24 h dietary recalls, and compliance was monitored via returned empty sachets. Results: The mean age of the children at baseline was 26.7 ± 6.6 months (range, 12.9–36.0 months), with 37 (41%) being stunted and 54 (59%) at risk of stunting. After intervention, the linear growth (height-for-age Z-score) was significantly improved over time (p < 0.001) in both stunted and at-risk children. A significant time-by-group interaction (p = 0.014) indicated differential effects between the stunted and at-risk groups. Post hoc analysis showed HAZ improvements from baseline (T₀) to 180 days in stunted and at-risk groups (p < 0.001), with the stunted group demonstrating a greater mean change in HAZ compared with the at-risk group. The number of stunted children declined by 37.8% (p = 0.003). Nutrient intakes of protein, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B-complex, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron improved significantly. Conclusions: A daily intake of 510 mL of oral nutrition supplement improved linear growth and nutrient intake. These findings support the potential of targeted supplementation in addressing child growth faltering and micronutrient inadequacies. Full article

Background: Haemoglobinopathies are the most common monogenic disorders both in Greece and worldwide. The most effective strategies against them are carrier detection and prenatal testing following genetic risk assessment consultation for couples on the likelihood of their offspring being affected. Case Presentation: A novel alpha globin chain variant, named Hb Thessaloniki, was detected in Northern Greece. The underlying point variation HBA1:c.260T>C (ref. seq. NM_000558.5) was detected in the HBA1 gene, in heterozygosity, during a routinely performed population screening for haemoglobinopathies. The amino-acid residue Leu86 was replaced by a structure disrupting Pro residue, resulting in a hyperunstable product as shown by the isopropanol test and predicted by the Dynamut2 and Alphafold3 algorithms. The haematological phenotype, due to which genetic analysis was performed, presented with mild microcytosis and hypochromia and was also indicative of the presence of an unstable haemoglobin produced in small quantities (variant encoded by HBA1). Since the proband’s partner presented with a normal haematological phenotype, there is no risk of the couple giving birth to an affected offspring. Expanded analysis of the proband’s relatives identified biallelic variants (α^Parmaα/αα^{Τhessaloniki}) in the proband’s mother, who presented with no apparent clinical findings, expect for slightly reduced haematological indices. Conclusions: The novel Hb Thessaloniki identified, although theoretically hyperunstable, seems to have minor effects on erythrocyte function, as indicated by haematological findings on the proband and his close relatives. Future identification of co-inheritance with HBA pathogenic point variations or deletions may provide further information regarding genetic counselling. In parallel, the usage of structure–function relation-calculating algorithms may enhance our prediction capability for novel variants. Full article

Epigenetic and stress-response pathways play central roles in cancer progression and represent attractive therapeutic targets. In this study, a series of dipyridothiazine–1,2,3-triazole hybrids bearing p-fluorophenyl and p-trifluoromethylphenyl substituents was synthesized via efficient dipolar cycloaddition reactions. Structural characterization was performed using ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Anticancer activity was evaluated using WST-1 and MTT assays against human cancer cell lines SNB-19 (glioblastoma), C32 (amelanotic melanoma), A549 (lung carcinoma), and MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 (breast cancer), as well as normal HFF-1 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes, with doxorubicin and cisplatin as reference drugs. The hybrids TDT2b and TDT3b containing a p-trifluoromethylphenyl moiety showed the highest cytotoxicity and cancer cell selectivity. RT-qPCR analysis of H3, TP53, CDKN1A, BCL-2, and BAX expression for the lead compound TDT2b revealed modulation of chromatin organization, p53-dependent stress responses, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Molecular docking studies with human histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) demonstrated favorable binding of TDT2b and TDT3b, supporting their role as potential epigenetic anticancer agents. Full article

Robot-assisted therapy (RT) is increasingly implemented in rehabilitation, yet evidence on its effectiveness in improving upper extremity function after cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) remains limited. Therefore, this randomised crossover study aims to investigate the effects of unilateral RT compared to conventional unilateral occupational therapy (OT) on upper extremity function in individuals with cSCI. 40 participants with traumatic or non-traumatic cSCI (16–81 days post-injury, neurological level of injury: C1–T1) will be randomised (1:1), stratified by their predicted recovery profile, to receive 6 weeks of RT (ArmeoSpring) and 6 weeks of OT in random order, each 3 × 30 min/week in addition to the clinical routine therapy. Assessments are conducted before (t₀), between (t₁) and after both intervention blocks (t₂ and t₃). The primary outcome is the Quantitative Grasping Subtest of the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP-QtG); primary analysis uses a linear mixed model to estimate the treatment effect based on change scores. Recruitment is currently ongoing. This randomised crossover study allows the collection of a comprehensive dataset to generate knowledge about treatment effectiveness, enabling future individuals with cSCI to benefit from improved and individualised therapy schedules. Full article

Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, exhibits therapeutic potential for various conditions, including inflammation, pain, and skin disorders, making it a promising candidate for the topical treatment of psoriasis. However, its poor water solubility and instability limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study focuses on the development and characterization of CBD-loaded nanoemulsions using argan oil as the lipid phase, with and without a chitosan coating, which serves as a stabilizing and functional biopolymer. Methods: Nanoemulsions (NE) and chitosan-stabilized nanoemulsions (CS-NE), both without CBD (serving as controls), and CBD-loaded variants (CBD-NE and CBD-CS-NE) were prepared and characterized for their physicochemical properties, including pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ-potential), and viscosity at various shear rates and temperatures. Stability was assessed over time, and drug release behavior was investigated through in vitro diffusion and ex vivo skin permeation studies, followed by kinetic modeling. Safety was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays using HaCaT keratinocyte cells, as well as in vivo toxicity studies using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Results: The chitosan-coated formulations exhibited enhanced physical stability, nanoscale droplet size, a positive surface charge, and increased viscosity. Release studies demonstrated that CBD-CS-NE enabled controlled and sustained drug release, with a strong correlation to the Higuchi model, indicating diffusion-controlled permeation. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that CBD-CS-NE was non-toxic to cultured cells, while in vivo testing with C. elegans revealed sensitivity to chitosan-coated systems. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of CBD-loaded argan oil nanoemulsions, particularly those stabilized with chitosan, as potential topical delivery systems for managing psoriasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Liposomes are promising carriers for enhancing antibiotic delivery, but their stability under various stress conditions is crucial for clinical applicability. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and antimicrobial stability of streptomycin-loaded liposomes subjected to mechanical (bath ultrasonication, probe ultrasonication, ultra-turrax homogenization), thermal (freezing, heating), and chemical (H₂O₂, Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulfate—SDS) stressors. Results: Isolated mechanical stresses (probe ultrasonication, ultrasonic bath, and ultra-turrax) did not significantly affect hydrodynamic diameter (DH), polydispersity index (PdI), or Zeta potential (ZP) (p > 0.05). In contrast, combined ultrasound–freezing stress induced marked destabilization, with DH increasing from ~110 nm to 362 nm (Lc0uf) and from 109 nm to 334 nm (Lc1uf), accompanied by PdI increases from ~0.13 to 0.37–0.41 and a ZP shift in Lc1uf from −43.1 mV to −60.1 mV. Thermal exposure at 75 °C and freezing at −30 °C caused no significant changes in DH or PdI, whereas freezing at −80 °C led to severe destabilization, with over fourfold increases in DH and fivefold increases in PdI; the cholesterol-free formulation (Lc0t−80) reached ~664 nm and a PdI of 0.609. Chemical oxidation with 1% H₂O₂ did not affect DH, PdI, or ZP, while surfactants (1% Triton X-100 and 1% SDS) significantly altered PdI and ZP in a cholesterol-dependent manner. MIC assays showed that formulations stressed by freezing at −80 °C or by combined ultrasound–freezing retained activity against Escherichia coli (MIC = 50 µg/mL), whereas SDS abolished activity. For Staphylococcus aureus, all stressed formulations remained active, and SDS reduced the MIC from 12.5 to 5.625 µg/mL. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the robustness and stress-specific stabilization of these liposomal formulations, confirming that the antibiotic’s activity is preserved, which highlights their potential for therapeutic use. Full article

Progressive collapse is characterized by disproportionate structural failure triggered by localized damage, such as column loss under extreme loading conditions. The objective of this study is to develop a simplified analytical model that is applicable in engineering practice without the need for high-fidelity nonlinear finite element analysis. Although current design guidelines (GSA and DoD) provide analytical procedures and acceptance criteria, they do not explicitly address the tensile resistance of girders after the acceptance criteria are satisfied, particularly under large deformation and connection failure. To address this limitation, this study proposes a simplified theoretical load–displacement model for a fixed-end girder subjected to three concentrated loads, considering the effects of secondary beams and focusing on the local girder response under a column-removal scenario. The proposed model incorporates moment–axial force interactions at plastic sections in the large-deformation range. Based on one-dimensional finite element analysis results, an early-developed axial force of 0.15Fₚ at the onset of the transition stage and a residual bending moment of 0.3Mₚ during the catenary action stage are explicitly introduced to better represent actual structural behavior. The girder response is idealized using five characteristic points: yielding (Y), full plasticity (P), transition initiation (T), pure catenary action initiation (C), and collapse governed by connection failure (F_conn). Stress distributions at plastic sections are analyzed using three-dimensional finite element models to establish stress-based formulations and a rational procedure for estimating axial force at collapse. The validity of the proposed model is verified through comparisons with finite element analysis results for girders with different span-to-depth ratios. The results demonstrate reasonable agreement in terms of collapse load and displacement, particularly for slender girders, confirming the applicability of the proposed model for progressive collapse assessment. Full article

Objectives: To explore the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk and to evaluate potential interactions of obesity and dyslipidemia in the context of this association. Methods: This cohort study included 8055 adults. Dietary data from food frequency questionnaires were used to calculate DII, reflecting dietary inflammatory potential. T2DM was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥6.5%, a documented T2DM history, or glucose-lowering therapy. Multivariate Cox regression models assessed the DII-T2DM association, with multiplicative interaction analysis via product terms and additive interactions evaluated using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) and attributable proportion due to interaction (AP). Results: After a median 5.01-year follow-up, 1034 incident T2DM cases had occurred. The highest versus lowest DII quartile showed an unadjusted HR of 1.20 (95% CI: 1.01–1.42), which attenuated after adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. In women, the highest DII quartile had a significantly adjusted HR of 1.36 (1.03–1.81), with a 16% increased risk per 1-SD DII increase (adjusted HR:1.16, 95% CI:1.04–1.29); no association was observed in men. Positive multiplicative and additive interactions emerged in total participants between high DII and central obesity (measured by waist circumference/waist-to-hip ratio), accounting for 22% and 31% of excess T2DM risk, respectively. No interactions were found with dyslipidemia and other obesity metrics (BMI, waist-to-height ratio). Conclusions: This study suggests that a highly pro-inflammatory diet may be associated with an increased incident risk of T2DM among women. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio and a high DII are found to act synergistically in elevating T2DM risk. Full article

Insulin resistance is a vital component in the diagnosis of prediabetes. Understanding the factors that influence its development and the course of metabolic disorders should include individual genetic predispositions, which may provide insight into etiology and potential prevention strategies. In this study, we examined associations between MMP-2 −1306 C/T (rs243865) and MMP-9 −1562 C/T (rs3918242) single-nucleotide polymorphisms, serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and the occurrence of insulin resistance in patients in a Polish cohort. DNA isolated from 200 unrelated individuals was studied; participants were divided into insulin-resistant and control groups based on the homeostatic model assessment criteria (HOMA-IR). Genotyping of MMP-2 −1306 C/T (rs243865) and MMP-9 −1562 C/T (rs3918242) SNPs was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) techniques. Serum MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). No significant associations were observed between the investigated MMP-2 and MMP-9 polymorphisms or TIMP-1 concentrations and the occurrence of insulin resistance. MMP-9 exhibited genotype-related variation, and MMP-2 concentrations differed between the IR and CTR groups. No significant correlations were found between MMP-2 or MMP-9 and TIMP-1. Our data do not support a direct association between the analyzed polymorphisms and insulin resistance in this sample. The observed higher MMP-2 levels in controls warrant further study. Larger, multi-ethnic studies are required to confirm these findings. Full article