Search Results (152)

Cyanobacteria are a prolific source of bioactive metabolites with expanding applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. This work explores, for the first time in thermotolerant Colombian isolates, the impact of light spectrum, photoperiod, and irradiance on the co-production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Six strains from hot-spring environments were screened under varying blue:red (B:R) LED ratios and full-spectrum illumination. Hapalosiphon sp. UFPS_002 outperformed all others, reaching ~290 mg L⁻¹ EPS and 28 µg mL⁻¹ IAA in the initial screen. Response-surface methodology was then used to optimize light intensity and photoperiod. EPS peaked at 281.4 mg L⁻¹ under a B:R ratio of 1:5 LED, 85 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and a 14.5 h light cycle, whereas IAA was maximized at 34.4 µg mL⁻¹ under cool-white LEDs at a similar irradiance. The quadratic models exhibited excellent predictive power (R² > 0.98) and a non-significant lack of fit, confirming the light regime as the dominant driver of metabolite yield. These results demonstrate that precise photonic tuning can selectively steer carbon flux toward either EPS or IAA, providing an energy-efficient strategy to upscale thermotolerant cyanobacteria for climate-resilient biofertilizers, bioplastics precursors, and other high-value bioproducts. Full article

Background: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination, and immune status among a population, both Dentists and University Professors, within a clinical setting at one and at 12 months after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 47 professionals (aged 27–52) was conducted in the University Fernando Pessoa. Participants completed an online survey on SARS-CoV-2 infection status and vaccination, received and provided plasma samples for serological analysis. The protocol was approved by the UFP-Ethics Committee. Anti-S1-RBD SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibody titration values (AU/mL) were measured, by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), with reactive immunoglobulins (Ig) seropositivity for values ≥1 AU/mL. Results: SARS-CoV-2 infection rate increased from 8.5% in July 2021 to 48.9% in June 2022, with 8.5% experiencing reinfection. Vaccination rate was 91.5% by July 2021 and increased slightly to 93.6% by June 2022; 72.3% of the sample received a third dose. IgG seropositivity increased from 91.5% to 95.7% in June 2022. After one-year, significant associations were found between IgG seropositivity and both participant’s age (p = 0.009; <50 years) and vaccine doses (p = 0.003; 1–3 doses) received. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection rate, vaccination, and IgG seropositivity rates were high and increased over one year. The age and vaccination status were associated with the immunity status at 12th month follow-up. Findings highlight variability in IgG seroprevalence due to multiple influencing factors, which justifies future studies. Full article

Unconventional food plants (UFPs) are increasingly valued for their nutritional composition and bioactive potential. This study proposes a comprehensive characterization of the chemical and bioactive properties of Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) (PA); Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott (Araceae) (XS); Stachys byzantina K. Koch (Lamiaceae) (SB); and inflorescences from three cultivars of Musa acuminata (Musaceae) var. Dwarf Cavendish, var. BRS Platina, and var. BRS Conquista (MAD, MAP, and MAC), including the assessment of physical, nutritional, phytochemical, and biological parameters. Notably, detailed phenolic profiles were established for these species, many of which are poorly documented in the literature. XS was characterized by a unique abundance of C-glycosylated flavones, especially apigenin and luteolin derivatives, rarely described for this species. SB exhibited high levels of phenylethanoid glycosides, particularly verbascoside and its isomers (up to 21.32 mg/g extract), while PA was rich in O-glycosylated flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin derivatives. Nutritionally, XS had the highest protein content (16.3 g/100 g dw), while SB showed remarkable dietary fiber content (59.8 g/100 g). Banana inflorescences presented high fiber (up to 66.5 g/100 g) and lipid levels (up to 7.35 g/100 g). Regarding bioactivity, PA showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (95.21%) and SB the highest reducing power in the FRAP assay (4085.90 µM TE/g). Cellular antioxidant activity exceeded 2000% in most samples, except for SB. Cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities were generally low, with only SB showing moderate effects against Caco-2 and AGS cell lines. SB and PA demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Yersinia enterocolitica, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Enterococcus faecalis, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.156 to 0.625 mg/mL. Linear discriminant analysis revealed distinctive chemical patterns among the species, with organic acids (e.g., oxalic up to 7.53 g/100 g) and fatty acids (e.g., linolenic acid up to 52.38%) as key discriminant variables. Overall, the study underscores the nutritional and functional relevance of these underutilized plants and contributes rare quantitative data to the scientific literature regarding their phenolic signatures. Full article

Coke production generates up to 400 m³/min of flue gases containing 4% CO₂. This study evaluated the capacity of the microalga Halochlorella rubescens_UFPS013 to capture CO₂ from emissions generated by Excomin SAS (Colombia). A Central Composite Design and response surface methodology were employed to analyze the effects of CO₂ concentration and light–dark cycles on biomass production. The statistical model explained 99% of the observed variability, suggesting a robust foundation with room for further improvement. In situ test showed that H. rubescens_UFPS013 tolerated a flue gas flow rate of up to 0.587 L/min, achieving an optimal predicted biomass yield of 2 g/L under a 12.6 h photoperiod on day 20. The generated biomass exhibited significant protein (48.5%) and lipid (9.6%) content, highlighting its potential for industrial applications in the food and energy sectors. These findings underscore the role of H. rubescens_UFPS013 as a viable biotechnological tool for CO₂ capture in industrial processes, with prospects for scale-up and continuous optimization, contributing to sustainable solutions in emission reduction and the production of high-value bioproducts. Full article

Grape marc spirits represent a significant category within the alcoholic beverage sector, particularly across Mediterranean Europe. This study aimed to construct a sensory flavor wheel—covering aroma, taste, and mouthfeel modalities—specifically for non-flavored and non-wood-aged grape marc distillates. To achieve this, we explored the feasibility of a novel methodological approach combining three rapid sensory techniques: Ultra Flash Profiling (UFP), Check-All-That-Apply (CATA), and Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA). Forty-five (45) samples from Greece, Cyprus, and Italy were evaluated by a trained panel of 12 assessors. UFP generated 205 initial descriptors, which were refined to 59 for CATA. Despite the long attribute list, CATA data helped identify the most relevant terms for the final RATA experiment. The sequential application of these methods, along with intermediate data filtering, led to the selection of 45 key descriptors with occurrence frequencies ranging from 33.3% to 97.7%. These were organized into a comprehensive flavor wheel grouped into 12 general categories. This approach offers a flexible framework for future flavor wheel construction in other under-characterized product categories. Full article

Diesel particulate matter—primarily ultrafine particles (UFPs), defined as particles smaller than 0.1 µm—are released by diesel-powered vehicles, especially those used in heavy-duty hauling. While much of the existing research on traffic-related air pollution focuses on urban environments, limited attention has been paid to how complex topography influences the concentration of UFPs, particularly in areas with significant truck traffic. With a focus on Morgantown, West Virginia, an area distinguished by a steep topography, this study investigates how travel over two different terrain conditions affects UFP concentrations close to roadways. Specifically, we sought to determine if the truck count taken from simultaneous video evidence could be used as a surrogate for varying topography in determining the concentration of UFPs. This study shows that “TRUCK COUNT” and “TRUCK SPEED” have a linear relationship and yield a possible surrogate measure of the lung dose of UFP number concentration. Our results demonstrate a statistically significant (p < 0.1) linear relationship between truck count and UFP number concentration (R = 0.77 and 0.40), validating truck count along with truck speed as a medium effect surrogate for estimating near-road UFP exposure. Dose estimation using the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model further revealed that approximately 30% of inhaled UFPs are deposited in the alveolar region, underscoring the public health relevance of this exposure pathway in topographically complex areas. This method ultimately awaits comparison with health effects to determine its true potential as a useful exposure metric. Full article

Particulate matter (PM) is recognized as a leading health risk factor worldwide, causing adverse effects for people in living and working environments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was shown that ultrafine particles (UFP) and PM concentrations, may have played an important role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to investigate whether the mechanical ventilation system installed as a COVID-19 mitigation measure in a university dining hall can be effectively and sustainably used to improve indoor UFP exposure levels, integrated with a continuous low-cost sensor monitoring system. Measurements of particle number concentration (PNC), average diameter (D_avg), and Lung Deposited Surface Area (LDSA) were performed over three working days divided into ten homogeneous daily time slots (from 12:00 am to 11:59 pm) using high-frequency (1 Hz) real-time devices. PM and other indoor pollutants (CO₂ and TVOC) were monitored using low-cost handheld sensors. Indoor PNC (Dp < 700 nm) increased and showed great variability related to dining activities, reaching a maximum average PNC level of 30,000 part/cm³ (st. dev. 16,900). D_avg (Dp < 300 nm) increased during lunch and dinner times, from 22 nm at night to 48 nm during post-dinner recovery activities. Plasma-based filter technology reduced average PNC (Dp < 700 nm) by up to three times, effectively mitigating UFP concentrations in indoor environments, especially during dining hall access periods. It could be successfully adopted also after the pandemic emergency, as a sustainable health and safety control measure to improve UFPs exposure levels. Full article

Airborne particulate matter is a major pollutant globally due to its impact on atmospheric processes and human health. Depending on their aerodynamic size, particles can penetrate the respiratory system, with ultrafine particles (UFPs) reaching the bloodstream and affecting vital organs. This study investigates the particle number size distribution (PNSD), particle number concentration (PNC), and lung-deposited surface area (LDSA) in Bogotá, Cali, and Palmira, Colombia. Measurements were conducted at four sites representing different urban and industrial backgrounds using an Electrical Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI+). Due to the availability and operation of the device, observations were limited to a few days, so the results of this study are indicative and not generalized for the cities. UFP concentrations were highest in Cali (28,399 cm⁻³), three times higher than in San Cristóbal, Bogotá. Fine particles (FPs) exhibited similar patterns across the three cities, with higher concentrations in San Cristóbal (2421 cm⁻³). Coarse particles (CPs) were most prevalent in Palmira (41.37 cm⁻³), and the highest LDSA values were recorded in Palmira and Cali (>80 µm²/cm³), indicating a higher potential for respiratory deposition. These findings highlight the importance of PNSD in health risk assessment in urban areas, providing valuable insights for future studies and strategies to manage air quality in Colombia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Air pollution is the highest environmental risk factor of mortality and morbidity worldwide, leading to over 4 million deaths each year. Among different air pollutants, ultrafine particles (UFPs) constitute the highest risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Epidemiological studies have associated UFPs with the short- and long-term imbalance of numerous blood markers. Our objective was to systematically review the short-term and long-term impact of UFP exposure on blood markers of CVDs. Methods: We prepared the systematic review of CVD blood markers and meta-analyses of the short- and long-term effects of UFP exposure on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration. The eligibility criteria were established with the use of the Provider, Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS) model, and the literature search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases from 1 January 2013 to 9 January 2025. The risk of bias (RoB) was prepared according to a World Health Organization (WHO) template. Results: The results showed an increase in hsCRP as a result of both short-term and long-term UFPs. Moreover, IL-6 and IL-1β together with other inflammatory markers increased after short-term UFP exposure. In addition, different nucleic acids, among which were miR-24-3p and let-7d-5p, were differentially expressed (DE) as a result of short-term UFP exposure. Chronic exposure to UFPs could lead to a persistent increase in hsCRP and other blood markers of CVDs. Conclusions: Our findings underline that UFPs may lead to the development and/or worsening of cardiovascular outcomes in fragile populations living in air-polluted areas. Full article

This study explores the antioxidant activity and antioxidant mechanism of phenolic compounds (including free (FP), esterified (EP), and bound phenolic (BP)) from Dendrobium fimbriatum Hook (DFH) stems, before and after ultra-high pressure (UHP) treatment. A total of 374 compounds were identified, with 149 showing significant differences in DFH phenolic extracts before and after UHP treatment. UHP treatment significantly increased the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) and enhanced antioxidant activity in vitro. Particularly, the UEP-DFH, IC₅₀ values in ABTS and DPPH were reduced by 49.6% and 64.1%, respectively. In H₂O₂-treated HepG2 cells, the extracts demonstrated significant cytoprotective effects, including increased cell viability, ROS reduction, and enhanced GSH levels by 17.8% (UFP-DFH) and 12.5% (UEP-DFH). The activities of GS, GCL, GR, GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, NQO1, and HO-1 were also elevated in UHP-treated extracts. DAPI staining indicated that the extracts promoted nuclear Nrf2 expression, particularly UFP-DFH and UEP-DFH. Molecular docking indicated that vanillic acid could competitively bind to the Keap1-Kelch domain, facilitating activation of the antioxidant pathway. Overall, UHP treatment enhanced both extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity, making it a promising method for improving the bioactivity of DFH in the food and functional food industries. Full article

U-shaped flexural plates (UFPs) are promising components for seismic energy dissipation due to their ability to undergo stable plastic deformation under cyclic loading. This study investigates their cyclic behavior through a combination of experimental testing and finite element simulations, focusing on their application in multidirectional damping systems. Key response parameters such as hysteretic behavior, energy dissipation, stiffness degradation, fatigue life, and the effect of loading direction were analyzed. The results demonstrate that UFPs provide reliable hysteretic behavior and maintain mechanical integrity over repeated cycles. The cyclic response was found to be strongly influenced by plate thickness, aspect ratio, and material yield strength. Based on these findings, this work proposes predictive equations for estimating strength, stiffness, fatigue life, and hysteretic damping of UFPs. Additionally, a simplified design procedure is presented for evaluating the strength and stiffness of multidirectional damping systems incorporating UFPs, with potential applications in bridges, buildings, and other structures exposed to complex seismic loading conditions. Full article

Metal and metalloid powders are widely used in high-energy compositions (HECs) and solid propellants (SPs), increasing their energetic characteristics in the combustion chamber. The particle size distribution, protective coatings of the particles and heat of combustion of the metal powders influence the ignition and combustion parameters of the HECs as well as the characteristics of the propulsion systems. Boron-based metallic fuels achieve high-energy potentials during their combustion. The effect of Al-B, Fe-B and Ti-B (Me-B) mixture ultrafine powders (UFPs) on the ignition and combustion characteristics of a model HEC based on a solid oxidizer and a polymer combustible binder was investigated. The Me-B mass ratios in the mixture UFPs corresponded to the phase composition of the borides AlB₂, FeB and TiB₂. It was found that replacing the aluminum UFP with Al-B, Fe-B and Ti-B UFPs in the HECs changed the exponent (n) in the correlations of the ignition delay time t_ign(q) and burning rate u(p). The maximum burning rate and n over the pressure range of 0.5–5.0 MPa were obtained for the HEC with Al-B UFPs due to the increase in the heat release rate near the sample surface during the joint combustion of the Al and B particles. Full article

The yak, an important livestock mostly living in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau region, has attracted massive attention due to its reproductive specificity. However, the molecular mechanism regulating yak uterine functions remains to be explored. This study utilized transcriptomics to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in yaks across uteruses undergoing the follicular phase (UFP) (n = 3/group), luteal phase (ULP) (n = 3/group), and pregnant phase (UPP) (n = 3/group), aiming to depict and compare their transcriptomic characteristics. For the UFP and ULP groups, 495 DEGs were identified, including 329 upregulated and 166 downregulated DEGs in group ULP compared to UFP. Advanced analysis indicated that these DEGs between UFP and ULP were primary participants in GO items, such as adhesion, cell differentiation, and development, and were significantly enriched in KEGG signaling pathways like arachidonic acid metabolism, retinol metabolism, and cAMP signaling pathways. For the UFP and UPP groups, 353 DEGs were obtained, comprising 198 upregulated and 155 downregulated DEGs in group UPP compared to UFP. Advanced analysis showed that these DEGs between UFP and UPP were mainly related to GO items such as adhesion, binding, and the extracellular region, and were prominently enriched in KEGG signaling pathways like ECM-receptor interaction, the relaxing signaling pathway, and focal adhesion. For the groups ULP and UPP, 1303 DEGs were identified, encompassing 709 upregulated and 594 downregulated DEGs in group UPP compared to ULP. Advanced analysis indicated that these DEGs between ULP and UPP were associated with GO items such as multicellular organismal processes, cell differentiation, and the extracellular region, and mainly gathered in KEGG signaling pathways like signal transduction, cell differentiation, metabolism, and autophagy. These results provide valuable insights into the key biomarkers observable via dynamic changes in the yak uterus and offer a theoretical basis for further studies on yak reproductive mechanisms and improving production performance. Full article

Background/Objectives: To assess and compare the knowledge of and attitudes toward erosive tooth wear (ETW) among university students at the Portuguese University Fernando Pessoa (UFP). Methods: Cross-sectional, prospective pilot study approved by the UFP-Ethics Committee for a bilingual (English and Portuguese) online self-administered questionnaire displayed to all UFP students of the 2023–2024 academic year. Two groups were recruited, dental students (DSs) and non-medical students (NMSs), based on a convenience sample of 344 students. Participants voluntarily answered demographic questions, 15 true/false/do not know questions between knowledge of ETW, and 10 positive statements to score the attitude toward ETW based on a 5-point Likert scale. Differences in scores for DSs and NMSs groups by non-parametric tests and the correlation between knowledge of and attitudes by the Pearson coefficient were considered significant for p < 0.05. Results: A total of 251 (72.9%) students participated, but only 245 (71.2%) fulfilled the survey. The knowledge and attitude scores of the DSs (Md = 12.0; IQR 11.0–13.0 and Md = 43.0; IQR 40.0–48.0) were higher (p < 0.001; p = 0.019) than those of NMSs (Md = 8.0; IQR 6.0–10.0 and Md = 41.0; IQR 38.0–46.0). The attitudes score showed similar (p > 0.05) results for gender, age, nationality, and curricular year. Moderate level of knowledge was higher (p < 0.001) for DSs (Md = 12.0, IQR 11.0–12.0) than for NMSs (Md = 10.0, IQR 9.0–10.0) students. DSs and NMSs revealed differences in attitude level distribution (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This survey highlighted the need for knowledge on ETW among NMSs, but especially the high need for measures to promote more positive attitudes toward ETW among all university students, DSs, and NMSs. It provided valuable insights into the demographic characteristics, response rate, knowledge, and attitude scores of ETW with the implementation of multicenter designs applied to similar populations being important for future research. Full article

Particle number concentration (PN) in vehicle exhaust and ambient air describes the number of ultrafine particles (UFPs) below 500 nm, which are recognized as a toxic and carcinogenic component of pollution and are regulated in several countries. Metal nuclei, ash, and organic matter contribute significantly to the ultrafine particle size fraction and, thus, to the particle number concentration. Exhaust gas filtration is increasingly being used worldwide to significantly reduce this pollution, both on diesel particulate filter (DPF) and gasoline particulate filter (GPF) engines. In recent years, the EU has also funded research projects dealing with the possibilities of retrofitting gasoline vehicles with GPFs. This paper presents the results and compares the PN emissions of different vehicles. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) diesel car with a DPF is considered as a benchmark. The PN emissions of this car are compared with a CNG car without filtration and with gasoline cars equipped with GPFs. It can be concluded that the currently used GPFs still have some potential to improve their filtration efficiency and that a modern CNG car would still have remarkable possibilities to reduce PN emissions with an improved quality GPF. Full article