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17 pages, 1033 KB  
Article
Hesperetin, Acting Through Inhibition of c-Jun Signaling, Mitigates Hypomyelinating Disease-Associated Stop-Loss Claudin-11-Induced Defective Morphogenesis in Oligodendroglial FBD-102b Cells
by Yuki Miyamoto, Takeru Omata, Yu-uta Muraki, Moeri Yagi, Masahiro Yamamoto, Akinori Nishi, Hideji Yako and Junji Yamauchi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(4), 1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27041956 - 18 Feb 2026
Viewed by 34
Abstract
Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HLDs) are a group of hereditary CNS disorders characterized by hypomyelination and, sometimes, repeated cycles of demyelination and remyelination. In HLDs, various genetic mutations in the responsible genes disrupt the morphogenesis of oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells), which wrap neuronal axons with their [...] Read more.
Hypomyelinating leukodystrophies (HLDs) are a group of hereditary CNS disorders characterized by hypomyelination and, sometimes, repeated cycles of demyelination and remyelination. In HLDs, various genetic mutations in the responsible genes disrupt the morphogenesis of oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells), which wrap neuronal axons with their differentiated myelin sheaths. A stop-loss mutation (c.622T-C or c.622T-G) in the gene encoding claudin family tetraspan plasma membrane protein claudin-11 (CLDN11) is associated with HLD22, which is characterized by incomplete differentiation and hypomyelination or delayed myelination in the brain. Herein, we describe for the first time that a CLDN11 mutant protein with an additional amino acid sequence due to the stop-loss mutation, but not the wild-type protein, leads to decreased expression of oligodendroglial differentiation marker proteins in the FBD-102b oligodendroglial progenitor cell line, the model undergoing its differentiation, at both the molecular and morphological levels. Consistently, mutant CLDN11 exhibited decreased morphological differentiation with a reduced ability to extend processes. These cells contained punctate structures that were partially localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and stimulated phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A (eIF2A) kinase, ER stress-responsible kinases. Hesperetin, a neuroprotective flavonoid that can downregulate ER stress, recovered the differentiation abilities of these cells. Notably, the effects were related to decreased phosphorylation of ER stress-responsible kinases. JNK was found to be present in a co-precipitate with the hesperetin core, whereby hesperetin inhibited signaling through c-Jun as a negative regulator of differentiation. These findings indicate that the HLD22-associated mutant protein can cause an ER stress response, decreasing cell morphological differentiation. In addition, this study offers possible therapeutic implications for the as-yet-unexplored mechanisms involved in HLD22, at least at the molecular and cellular levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Neurobiology)
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15 pages, 724 KB  
Article
Postoperative Monacolin K Supplementation and Lipid Profile After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis in Women
by Krzysztof Nocoń, Urszula Kukla, Daria Gendosz de Carrillo, Claudia Wawrzynosek, Halina Jędrzejowska-Szypułka, Dominika Krakowczyk, Aleksander J. Owczarek, Kamila Szeliga and Tomasz Sawczyn
Nutrients 2026, 18(4), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18040647 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 97
Abstract
Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) reliably reduces weight and triglycerides, but LDL-C responses are variable. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated whether adjunctive monacolin K (red yeast rice; 3 mg/day) improves early lipid modulation after SG. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study of [...] Read more.
Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) reliably reduces weight and triglycerides, but LDL-C responses are variable. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated whether adjunctive monacolin K (red yeast rice; 3 mg/day) improves early lipid modulation after SG. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study of women only, 149 patients undergoing SG within the national KOS-BAR program were analyzed in four groups: controls without supplementation (CG, n = 62) and three supplementation cohorts receiving monacolin K for 6 months (G1 early (from week 1; n = 46), G2 delayed (months 3–9; n = 10), and G3 delayed (months 6–12; n = 31)). Outcomes included total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL, and triglycerides (TG). Missing data were imputed; mixed models for repeated measures assessed longitudinal changes. Results: From baseline to 6 months, LDL-C-C increased in the control group (CG; +21.9 mg/dL) and decreased in G1 (mean change: −11.1 mg/dL), with a significant group-by-time interaction (p < 0.001). HDL-C increased in both CG and G1, whereas triglyceride levels decreased more markedly in G1 than in CG (−36.2 vs. −19.6 mg/dL). Total cholesterol decreased in G1 (−13.4 mg/dL) and in G2 at 9 months (−22.5 mg/dL). Conclusions: In the early supplementation group, LDL-C-C levels decreased over the first 6 months after SG, whereas an increase was observed in the control group, which had significantly lower baseline LDL-C concentrations. In women undergoing SG, early postoperative monacolin K supplementation was associated with LDL-C stabilization and enhanced lipid optimization without impeding weight-loss benefits. Delayed initiation yields partial improvements, especially for TG and HDL-C. These observations underscore the need for prospective, sex-stratified studies with appropriate baseline adjustments to clarify the association between monacolin K use and postoperative lipid trajectories after SG. Full article
24 pages, 6834 KB  
Article
Flame-Retardant and Hydrophobic Cotton via Alkoxysilyl-Functionalized Polysiloxanes, Cyclosiloxanes, and POSS with Surface Thiol-Ene Dithiophosphate Grafting
by Marcin Przybylak, Anna Szymańska, Weronika Gieparda, Mariusz Szołyga, Agnieszka Dutkiewicz and Hieronim Maciejewski
Materials 2026, 19(2), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020265 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 411
Abstract
In this work, a multifunctional surface engineering strategy was developed to impart both flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties to cotton fabrics. In the first stage, cellulose fibers were modified with poly(methylvinyl)siloxane containing trimethoxysilyl groups, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-divinyl-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane, or tetrakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)tetrakis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS). All modifiers contained alkoxysilyl groups capable [...] Read more.
In this work, a multifunctional surface engineering strategy was developed to impart both flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties to cotton fabrics. In the first stage, cellulose fibers were modified with poly(methylvinyl)siloxane containing trimethoxysilyl groups, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-divinyl-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane, or tetrakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)tetrakis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS). All modifiers contained alkoxysilyl groups capable of forming covalent bonds with cellulose hydroxyl groups. The modification was performed using a dip-coating process followed by thermal curing. This procedure enabled the formation of Si-O-C linkages and the generation of a reactive organosilicon layer on the cotton surface. In the second step, O,O′-diethyl dithiophosphate was grafted directly onto the vinyl-functionalized fabrics via a thiol-ene click reaction. This process resulted in the formation of a phosphorus- and sulfur-containing protective layer anchored within the siloxane-based network. The obtained hybrid coatings were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM-EDS. These analyses confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the modifiers on the fiber surface. Microscale combustion calorimetry demonstrated a substantial reduction in the heat release rate. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) revealed increased char formation and altered thermal degradation pathways. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased for all modified fabrics, confirming enhanced flame resistance. Water contact angle measurements showed values above 130°, indicating effective hydrophobicity. As a result, multifunctional textile surfaces were obtained. In addition, the modified fabrics exhibited partial durability toward laundering and retained measurable flame-retardant and hydrophobic performance after repeated washing cycles. Full article
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21 pages, 4234 KB  
Article
Improving Freeze–Thaw Stability of High-Moisture Extruded Plant-Based Meat: A Synergistic Strategy Combining Glucose Oxidase, Phytase and Tamarind Gum
by Xuzeng Wang, Xiangquan Zeng and Jian Li
Foods 2025, 14(24), 4270; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14244270 - 11 Dec 2025
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Plant-based meat analogs, particularly those produced by high-moisture extrusion, are prone to quality deterioration during frozen storage due to poor freeze–thaw stability. This study aimed to develop a synergistic stabilization strategy for soy protein isolate (SPI)-based extrudates using glucose oxidase (GO), phytase (PA), [...] Read more.
Plant-based meat analogs, particularly those produced by high-moisture extrusion, are prone to quality deterioration during frozen storage due to poor freeze–thaw stability. This study aimed to develop a synergistic stabilization strategy for soy protein isolate (SPI)-based extrudates using glucose oxidase (GO), phytase (PA), and tamarind gum (TG). The effects of individual additives (GO, PA, TG) and their combination (GO + TG) were systematically evaluated over seven freeze–thaw cycles, with a pure soybean-protein meat analog (PSM) as a control. The results showed that repeated freeze–thaw cycles severely degraded the control groups, leading to reduced water-holding capacity (WHC), increased hardness, and color darkening. While all additives mitigated these changes, the GO + TG combination exhibited the most pronounced protective effect, maintaining the highest WHC (0.993 ± 0.000), optimal texture (hardness 66.0 ± 0.0 N, elasticity 3.7 ± 0.0 mm), and minimal color variation. Structural analyses revealed that GO + TG effectively suppressed protein oxidation, minimized sulfhydryl loss, preserved protein secondary and tertiary structures, and inhibited the conversion of immobilized water to free water. The synergistic mechanism is attributed to the formation of a dual-network structure, wherein GO enhances covalent cross-linking and TG provides steric stabilization. This study offers a practical and effective approach for enhancing the freeze–thaw stability of extruded plant-based meat products, with potential industrial applications. Full article
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19 pages, 2402 KB  
Article
Exploring the Effects of Thermal Cycling on the Precision of 3D-Printed Parts: A Comprehensive Analysis
by Gina-Mihaela Sicoe, Abdelhakim Dorbane and Daniel-Constantin Anghel
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(24), 12955; https://doi.org/10.3390/app152412955 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
This study investigates the dimensional stability of FDM-printed Z-ULTRAT components subjected to repeated thermal cycling between −20 °C and 80 °C. Dimensional measurements (height and width) were collected before cycling and after 1, 5, and 10 cycles to quantify thermal-induced drift. Results show [...] Read more.
This study investigates the dimensional stability of FDM-printed Z-ULTRAT components subjected to repeated thermal cycling between −20 °C and 80 °C. Dimensional measurements (height and width) were collected before cycling and after 1, 5, and 10 cycles to quantify thermal-induced drift. Results show that a single thermal cycle produces negligible dimensional change (ΔH ≈ +0.01 mm; ΔW ≈ +0.007 mm), with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). However, repeated cycling leads to cumulative deformation: after 5 and 10 cycles, the average height increased by +0.29–0.30 mm (p < 0.001), while width exhibited a nonlinear contraction–reexpansion behavior with mean variations between −0.05 mm and −0.03 mm (p < 0.05). Standard deviations increased with cycle count, indicating rising variability among specimens. These findings demonstrate that Z-ULTRAT parts experience progressive dimensional drift under sub-Tg thermal cycling, primarily along the build (Z) direction, due to anisotropic thermal response and relaxation of internal stresses. The study highlights the importance of thermal environment considerations in functional and industrial applications involving FDM components. Future work will include microstructural characterization (SEM/XRD) and multi-parameter optimization to better understand and mitigate thermal-induced deformation in polymer-based additively manufactured parts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging and Exponential Technologies in Industry 4.0)
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17 pages, 3932 KB  
Article
Elevated Levels of Active GSK3β in the Blood of Patients with Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 Correlate with Muscle Weakness
by Katherine Jennings, Cuixia Tian, Rebeccah L. Brown, Paul S. Horn, Benedikt Schoser, Hani Kushlaf, Nikolai A. Timchenko and Lubov Timchenko
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(21), 10760; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262110760 - 5 Nov 2025
Viewed by 701
Abstract
Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex disease affecting multiple tissues, including skeletal and cardiac muscles, the brain and the eyes. DM1 results from an expansion of CTG repeats in the 3′ UTR of the DMPK gene. Previously, we described that the [...] Read more.
Myotonic Dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a complex disease affecting multiple tissues, including skeletal and cardiac muscles, the brain and the eyes. DM1 results from an expansion of CTG repeats in the 3′ UTR of the DMPK gene. Previously, we described that the small-molecule inhibitor of GSK3β, tideglusib (TG), reduces DM1 pathology in DM1 cell and mouse models by correcting the GSK3β-CUGBP1 pathway, decreasing the mutant CUG-containing RNA. Respectively, clinical trials using TG showed promising results for patients with congenital DM1 (CDM1). The drug development in DM1 human studies needs specific and noninvasive biomarkers. We examined the blood levels of active GSK3β in different clinical forms of DM1 and found an increase in active GSK3β in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in patients with CDM1, juvenile DM1 and adult-onset DM1 vs. unaffected patients. The blood levels of active GSK3β correlate with the length of CTG repeats and severity of muscle weakness. Thrombospondin and TGFβ, linked to the TG-GSK3β pathway in DM1, are also elevated in the DM1 patients’ blood. These findings show that the blood levels of active GSK3β might be developed as a potential noninvasive biomarker of muscle weakness in DM1. Full article
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16 pages, 2905 KB  
Article
Study of the Mechanical Recycling on the Properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Aliphatic Polyketone Composites
by Annamária Polyákné Kovács, Yitbarek Firew Minale, Mariann Éva Hegedűs and Tamás József Szabó
Polymers 2025, 17(20), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17202743 - 14 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effects of repeated mechanical recycling on the properties of a novel aliphatic polyketone composite reinforced with 15 wt% and 30 wt% glass fibers (PK15GF and PK30GF), providing insights into its potential for sustainable engineering applications. The investigation [...] Read more.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of repeated mechanical recycling on the properties of a novel aliphatic polyketone composite reinforced with 15 wt% and 30 wt% glass fibers (PK15GF and PK30GF), providing insights into its potential for sustainable engineering applications. The investigation focuses on three main aspects: changes in melt flow index (MFI) and viscosity, the influence of glass fiber content on thermal and mechanical stability, and the retention of structural integrity and crystallinity under multiple processing cycles. Composites, commercially available since 2019, were subjected to single- and five-cycle recycling with 100% reprocessed content. Comprehensive characterization—including tensile testing, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Melt-Flow Index (MFI), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), and mechanical tensile testing—revealed filler-dependent alterations in morphology, thermal stability, and crystallinity. MFI decreased from 100.56 to 42.63 g/10 min for PK15GF, indicating pronounced chain scission, recombination, and crosslinking, whereas PK30GF decreased only from 89.00 to 59.76 g/10 min. FT-IR spectra confirmed greater crosslinking in PK15GF, while DSC and DMA demonstrated smaller Tg and ΔHm variations in PK30GF (Tg +0.45 °C, ΔHm −13.93 J·g−1) versus PK15GF (Tg +1.13 °C, ΔHm −69.24 J·g−1). These findings reveal that higher glass fiber content mitigates degradation, preserves structural integrity, and maintains thermal and viscoelastic stability, establishing clear correlations between filler content, mechanical performance, and recyclability. Overall, this work provides mechanistic insights into degradation pathways and demonstrates the potential of glass fiber-reinforced aliphatic polyketones for sustainable, high-performance engineering and automotive applications. Full article
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16 pages, 1621 KB  
Article
Combined Repeated-Dose Toxicity Study with the Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity Screening Test of Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate in Sprague Dawley Rats
by Ji-Woo Eom, Han-il Kang, Jae-Hyun Lee, Si-Hwan Song, Jeong-hyun Hong, Seungjin Bae, Chun-Ja Nam and Kyung-Min Lim
Toxics 2025, 13(10), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13100835 - 30 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1944
Abstract
Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, used in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, and concrete admixtures, has limited toxicity data despite extensive industrial use. This study evaluated its repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats following OECD TG 422, which combines TG 407 and 421 to extend [...] Read more.
Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, used in fertilizers, wastewater treatment, and concrete admixtures, has limited toxicity data despite extensive industrial use. This study evaluated its repeated-dose and reproductive/developmental toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats following OECD TG 422, which combines TG 407 and 421 to extend dosing than TG 407 and reduce animal use compared with separate studies. Rats were administered 0, 100, 300, or 1000 mg/kg/day. Males were treated for 49 days and females from 2 weeks pre-mating to postpartum day 13; the recovery group was observed for an additional 2 weeks. Endpoints included clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, hematology, serum biochemistry, organ weights, histopathology, reproductive performance, and F1 development. No systemic toxicity was observed in F0 males. Minimal prostate atrophy occurred in high-dose males but was considered non-adverse due to limited severity. One high-dose female died on PPD 1, and high-dose F1 litters showed decreased litter size, increased post-implantation loss, and a reduced live-born index. Based on these results, NOAELs were cautiously assigned 1000 mg/kg/day for repeated-dose and male reproductive toxicity and 300 mg/kg/day for female reproductive and developmental toxicity. TG 422 efficiently characterized hazards while reducing animal use, though its limited duration and scope indicate the need for complementary studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Environmental Factors)
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17 pages, 6009 KB  
Article
Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Using a Silver-Incorporated CeO2/Ag2O Nanocomposite
by Gunasekaran Manibalan, Govindhasamy Murugadoss, Dharmalingam Krishnamoorthy, Venkataraman Dharuman and Shaik Gouse Peera
Biosensors 2025, 15(9), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15090617 - 17 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1236
Abstract
Precision and real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are essential in pharmaceutical, industrial, and defence sectors due to its strong oxidizing nature. In this study, silver (Ag)-doped CeO2/Ag2O-modified glassy carbon electrode (Ag-CeO2/Ag2 [...] Read more.
Precision and real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are essential in pharmaceutical, industrial, and defence sectors due to its strong oxidizing nature. In this study, silver (Ag)-doped CeO2/Ag2O-modified glassy carbon electrode (Ag-CeO2/Ag2O/GCE) has been developed as a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective detection of H2O2. The synthesized Ag-doped CeO2/Ag2O nanocomposite was characterized using various advanced techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Their optical, magnetic, thermal, and chemical properties were further analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical sensing performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry. The Ag-CeO2/Ag2O/GCE exhibited superior electrocatalytic activity for H2O2, attributed to the increased number of active sites and enhanced electron transfer. The sensor displayed a high sensitivity of 2.728 µA cm−2 µM−1, significantly outperforming the undoped CeO2/GCE (0.0404 µA cm−2 µM−1). The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 6.34 µM and 21.1 µM, respectively, within a broad linear detection range of 1 × 10−8 to 0.5 × 10−3 M. The sensor also demonstrated excellent selectivity with minimal interference from common analytes, along with outstanding storage stability, reproducibility, and repeatability. Owing to these attributes, the Ag-CeO2/Ag2O/GCE sensor proved effective for real sample analysis, showcasing its potential as a reliable, non-enzymatic platform for H2O2 detection. Full article
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18 pages, 1750 KB  
Article
CO2 Adsorption by Amino-Functionalized Graphene–Silica Gels
by Marina González-Barriuso, Ángel Yedra and Carmen Blanco
Gels 2025, 11(9), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11090702 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
This work evaluates the CO2-adsorption relevance and cycling stability of graphene oxide–silica (GO-SiO2) and reduced graphene oxide–silica (rGO-SiO2) gels after amine functionalization, demonstrating high-capacity retention under repeated adsorption–desorption cycles: rGO-SiO2-APTMS retains ≈96.3% of its initial [...] Read more.
This work evaluates the CO2-adsorption relevance and cycling stability of graphene oxide–silica (GO-SiO2) and reduced graphene oxide–silica (rGO-SiO2) gels after amine functionalization, demonstrating high-capacity retention under repeated adsorption–desorption cycles: rGO-SiO2-APTMS retains ≈96.3% of its initial uptake after 50 cycles, while GO-SiO2-APTMS retains ≈90.0%. The use of surfactants to control the organization of inorganic and organic molecules has enabled the development of ordered mesostructures, such as mesoporous silica and organic/inorganic nanocomposites. Owing to the outstanding properties of graphene and its derivatives, synthesizing mesostructures intercalated between graphene sheets offers nanocomposites with novel morphologies and enhanced functionalities. In this study, GO-SiO2 and rGO-SiO2 gels were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), mass spectrometry (MS), N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting materials exhibit a laminar architecture, with mesoporous silica domains grown between graphene-based layers; the silica contents are 83.6% and 87.6%, and the specific surface areas reach 446 and 710 m2·g−1, respectively. The laminar architecture is retained regardless of the surfactant-removal route; however, in GO-SiO2 obtained by solvent extraction, a fraction of the surfactant remains partially trapped. Together with their high surface area, hierarchical porosity, and amenability to surface functionalization, these features establish amine-grafted graphene–silica gels, particularly rGO-SiO2-APTMS, as promising CO2-capture adsorbents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Gel Applications)
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19 pages, 971 KB  
Article
Impact of Dietary Patterns on the Lipidemic Profile and the Cardiovascular Risk in Stage 1 Hypertension: A Post Hoc Analysis of the HINTreat Trial
by Anastasios Vamvakis, Antonios Lazaridis, Maria G. Grammatikopoulou, Anastasia Malliora, Kyriaki Tsiroukidou, Christos Tzimos, Andrea Di Blasio, Pascal Izzicupo and Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
Nutrients 2025, 17(16), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17162632 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
Background/Objectives: In hypertension (HTN), lifestyle modification is important for controlling blood pressure (BP) and lipidemic profile. The HINTreat trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with improved endothelial function, after six months of intensive nutritional treatment. Methods: This post hoc [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: In hypertension (HTN), lifestyle modification is important for controlling blood pressure (BP) and lipidemic profile. The HINTreat trial showed that an anti-inflammatory diet was associated with improved endothelial function, after six months of intensive nutritional treatment. Methods: This post hoc analysis of the HINTreat trial examined how adherence to various nutritional patterns like the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, and anti-inflammatory diet, had impact on the blood lipids profile and the CVD risk. Patients with stage 1 HTN, allocated either on intensive lifestyle treatment (ILT) or usual care (UC) standard treatment, participated in the analysis. From the original sample size of the HINTreat trial, all patients that were prescribed lipid lowering medication at any time of the study period were excluded from the total analysis; thus, the intervention and the control groups consisted of 33 and 28 patients, respectively. Nutritional intakes were assessed with repeated 24 h recalls from the previous day, and dietary indexes and scores were calculated as follows: MedDiet score, DASH index, and Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). After six months of intervention, changes in the nutritional indexes and their effect on the lipidemic profile and CVD risk were analyzed. Results: In the ILT group, reductions were noted in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) for day systolic BP (SBP) (−12.7 mmHg) and diastolic BP (DBP) (−8.4 mmHg), total cholesterol (TC) (−35.4 mg/dL), triglycerides (TG) (−21.4 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) (−27.5 mg/dL) concentrations, and CVD risk score (−1.5%), p < 0.001 for all. Multiple regression analysis showed that dietary quality indices independently influenced improvements in blood lipid profile and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among patients receiving ILT. Specifically, a higher Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) score was significantly associated with reductions in TC (B = −7.238, p < 0.001), TG (B = −4.103, p = 0.035), and LDL-C (B = −6.431, p = 0.004). The DASH index was positively associated with TG levels (B = 9.913, p = 0.010), suggesting a more complex relationship that may require further investigation. In addition, DII was positively associated with increased CVD risk (B = 0.973, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings suggest that ILT can improve BP levels, target blood lipids concentrations, and reduce CVD risk in patients with stage 1 HTN. Full article
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18 pages, 3706 KB  
Article
Controllable Preparation of TiO2/SiO2@Blast Furnace Slag Fiber Composites Based on Solid Waste Carriers and Study on Mechanism of Photocatalytic Degradation of Urban Sewage
by Xinwen Luo, Jinhu Wu, Guangqian Zhu, Xinyu Han, Junjian Zhao, Yaqiang Li, Yingying Li and Shaopeng Gu
Catalysts 2025, 15(8), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15080755 - 7 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 831
Abstract
Photocatalytic composite materials (TiO2/SiO2/BFSF) were first fabricated using the sol–gel method of loading SiO2 and TiO2 on blast furnace slag fibers (BFSFs) in sequence and using them as a new carrier. Then, TG-DTA, XRD, BET, SEM-EDS, and [...] Read more.
Photocatalytic composite materials (TiO2/SiO2/BFSF) were first fabricated using the sol–gel method of loading SiO2 and TiO2 on blast furnace slag fibers (BFSFs) in sequence and using them as a new carrier. Then, TG-DTA, XRD, BET, SEM-EDS, and UV-Vis absorption spectra, as well as spectrophotometric measurements, were employed to analyze the physicochemical properties of TiO2. The influence of SiO2 coating, the number of impregnations in TiO2 sol, the calcination temperature, and the number of repeated usages on the activity of TiO2/SiO2/BFSF was researched by analyzing the degradation of methylene blue (MB) aqueous solution. The results show that SiO2 could increase the load of TiO2, impede the growth of TiO2 grains, and inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs, ultimately enhancing the photocatalytic activity of samples. The activity of TiO2/SiO2/BFSF first quickly increased and then slowly decreased with an increase in the loading times of TiO2 sol and calcination temperature. After three impregnations in TiO2 sol and calcining at 450 °C for 2.5 h, a uniform and compact anatase TiO2 thin film was deposited on the surface of TiO2/SiO2/BFSF, showing the strongest activity. When this sample was used to degrade MB aqueous solution for 180 min under ultraviolet light irradiation, the degradation proportion reached a maximum of 96%. After four reuses, the degradation ratio could still reach 67%. In addition, three potential photocatalytic mechanisms were proposed. Finally, the high-value-added application of blast furnace slag for preparing photocatalytic composite materials was achieved, successfully turning solid waste into “treasure”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity over Ti, Zn, or Sn-Based Catalysts)
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15 pages, 2691 KB  
Article
d-Allulose Ameliorates Fructose-Induced Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance via Regulation of Ectopic Lipid Accumulation Independent of Body Weight Changes
by Shahriar Kamal, Yang Gou, Takamasa Tsuzuki, Linlin Fu, Takako Yamada, Ryoichi Banno and Teruhiko Koike
Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2050; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122050 - 19 Jun 2025
Viewed by 7200
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages, especially when combined with a high-fat (HF) diet, substantially contributes to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Ectopic fat accumulation in skeletal muscles is a critical factor in the development of insulin resistance, a key [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages, especially when combined with a high-fat (HF) diet, substantially contributes to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Ectopic fat accumulation in skeletal muscles is a critical factor in the development of insulin resistance, a key feature of these metabolic disorders. We aimed to investigate the effects of the rare sugar, d-allulose, on fructose-induced insulin resistance. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to fructose-free control diet (CD), HF/fructose-free diet (HF), or HF/fructose diet (HFF) groups. After 4 weeks, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, followed by a two-step hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp (HE-clamp) test at 5 weeks. Blood, skeletal muscle, and liver samples were collected after 6 weeks, and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured. Additionally, Western blot was performed on skeletal muscle samples. The same protocol was repeated for the HFF group supplemented with either 5% d-allulose or 5% cellulose. Results: Compared to the CD and HF groups, the HFF group exhibited increased blood glucose levels during the IPGTT and greater systemic and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in the HE-clamp. Furthermore, plasma, liver, and muscle TG levels were significantly elevated in the HFF group. However, d-allulose supplementation improved insulin resistance in the HFF group and reduced blood, liver, and muscle TG levels. Additionally, insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation and acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation were enhanced in the skeletal muscle following d-allulose administration. Conclusions: d-allulose may improve insulin resistance by reducing TG accumulation in the skeletal muscle, potentially independent of its anti-obesity properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hypoglycemic Properties and Pathways of Natural Substances)
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13 pages, 1588 KB  
Article
Case–Control Study with a 6-Month Follow-Up to Compare the Effect of Nano-Hydrophilic and Moderately Rough Implant Surfaces in Association with Transcrestal Sinus Lift
by Domenico Baldi, Luigi Canullo, Paolo Pesce, Alessio Triestino, Francesco Gianfreda, Nicola De Angelis, Valeria Pistilli, Francesco Bagnasco and Vito Carlo Alberto Caponio
Prosthesis 2025, 7(3), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/prosthesis7030058 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 2059
Abstract
Background: Wettability of dental implant surfaces is a key factor in the osteointegration process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new hydrophilic surface on implant stability in posterior maxilla rehabilitations. Materials and Methods: A 6-month, single-center, parallel-group clinical trial following [...] Read more.
Background: Wettability of dental implant surfaces is a key factor in the osteointegration process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a new hydrophilic surface on implant stability in posterior maxilla rehabilitations. Materials and Methods: A 6-month, single-center, parallel-group clinical trial following STROBE guidelines was reported. Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) changes were compared between implants with a moderately rough surface (MultiNeO CS, Alpha-Bio Tec, Israel, Control Group–CG) and those with the same surface and, in addition, nano-scale roughness and hydrophilic properties (MultiNeO NH CS, Alpha-Bio Tec, Israel, Test Group–TG) placed using a crestal sinus lift technique. ISQ values at bucco-lingual (ISQBL) and mesio-distal (ISQMD) sides were measured at insertion (t0), 4 months (t4), and 6 months (t6). Repeated measures ANOVA (RMA) was performed for statistical evaluation. Results: The study included 35 participants (18 TG, 17 CG). Mean ISQBL0 was 69.45 (SD = 12.62), increasing to 71.72 (SD = 6.74) at t4 and 75.21 (SD = 4) at t6. ISQMD0 mean was 67.54 (SD = 12.54), rising to 72.32 (SD = 6.90) at t4 and 75.67 (SD = 4.60) at t6. No statistically significant differences were found between groups, though TG showed a significant increase in ISQBL at t6 vs. t4 and ISQMD at t6 vs. t0. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant variations between mean ISQ differences over time. Conclusion: Both groups exhibited an increasing ISQ trend, but no significant differences were observed between t4–t0 and t6–t4 periods. Further research is required to assess the impact of hydrophilia on early loading, osteointegration, and long-term outcomes. Full article
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12 pages, 944 KB  
Article
Dynamic Lipid–Glycaemic Index and Inflammation—Endothelial Shifts and Fetal Aortic Wall Thickening: A Repeated-Measures Gestational Phenotyping Study
by Maria Cezara Muresan, Biliana Belovan, Ioan Sîrbu, Zoran Laurentiu Popa, Cosmin Citu, Ioan Sas and Adrian Ratiu
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 964; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61060964 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 1015
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Maternal dyslipidaemia and low-grade inflammation are recognised drivers of in utero vascular remodelling, yet composite dynamic markers that integrate lipid–glycaemic, inflammatory and endothelial signals have not been evaluated. We investigated whether eight-week trajectories in the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG), interleukin-6 [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Maternal dyslipidaemia and low-grade inflammation are recognised drivers of in utero vascular remodelling, yet composite dynamic markers that integrate lipid–glycaemic, inflammatory and endothelial signals have not been evaluated. We investigated whether eight-week trajectories in the triglyceride–glucose index (TyG), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) outperform single-timepoint lipids for predicting fetal aortic remodelling. Materials and Methods: In a prospective repeated-measures study, 90 singleton pregnancies were examined at 24–26 weeks (Visit-1) and 32–34 weeks (Visit-2). At each visit, we obtained fasting lipids, TyG index, hsCRP, IL-6, oxidative-stress markers (MDA, NOx), brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid IMT and uterine-artery Doppler, together with advanced fetal ultrasonography (abdominal-aorta IMT, ventricular strain, Tei-index, fetal pulse-wave velocity). Mothers were grouped by k-means clustering of the visit-to-visit change (Δ) in TG, TyG, hsCRP, IL-6 and FMD into three Metabolic-Inflammatory Response Phenotypes (MIRP-1/2/3). Linear mixed-effects models and extreme-gradient-boosting quantified associations and predictive performance. Results: Mean gestational TG rose from 138.6 ± 14.1 mg/dL to 166.9 ± 15.2 mg/dL, TyG by 0.21 ± 0.07 units and FMD fell by 1.86 ± 0.45%. MIRP-3 (“Metabolic + Inflammatory”; n = 31) showed the largest change (Δ) Δ-hsCRP (+0.69 mg/L) and Δ-FMD (–2.8%) and displayed a fetal IMT increase of +0.17 ± 0.05 mm versus +0.07 ± 0.03 mm in MIRP-1 (p < 0.001). Mixed-effects modelling identified Δ-TyG (β = +0.054 mm per unit), Δ-IL-6 (β = +0.009 mm) and Δ-FMD (β = –0.007 mm per %) as independent determinants of fetal IMT progression. An XGBoost model incorporating these Δ-variables predicted high fetal IMT (≥90th percentile) with AUROC 0.88, outperforming logistic regression (AUROC 0.74). Conclusions: A short-term surge in maternal TyG, IL-6 and endothelial dysfunction delineates a high-risk phenotype that doubles fetal aortic wall thickening and impairs myocardial performance. Composite dynamic indices demonstrated superior predictive value compared with individual lipid markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Obstetrics and Gynecology)
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