Search Results (3,280)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with vascular complications that increase morbidity and mortality. Natural antioxidants play a vital role in reducing diabetes-related damage. This study investigated the protective effects of the phenolic monoterpene carvacrol (CAR) against diabetic complications. Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats (4 months, 250–300 g) were divided into four groups: control, DM, DM + DMSO, and DM + CAR. Type 1 diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). The DM + CAR group received 20 mg/kg CAR daily for four weeks. Body weight and blood glucose levels were regularly monitored. At the end of the study, aortic tissues were examined using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E), Verhoeff–Van Gieson, and immunohistochemical staining, while cardiac tissues were analyzed with H&E and Masson’s trichrome. Serum levels of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured. In the DM group, IMA and CHOL levels were increased (p = 0.0208 and p = 0.0207, respectively), apoptosis was elevated (caspase-3 expression, p = 0.0001), and marked tissue damage was observed. In contrast, in the DM + CAR group, IMA levels (p = 0.0228) and caspase-3 expression (p = 0.0457) were reduced, and notable improvements were detected in vascular and cardiac tissues. These results suggest that CAR protects against diabetic complications by modulating oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, and preventing tissue injury. Full article

It is widely accepted that modern humans display distinctive vertebral and intervertebral disc (IVD) morphologies that evolved to meet the biomechanical demands of habitual terrestrial bipedalism. This study synthesizes macro- and microstructural differences in the lumbar spine to clarify how human specializations compare with those of extant apes. The skeletal sample consisted of 240 humans, 20 chimpanzees, and 25 gorillas. The CT scan sample comprised 180 humans and eight chimpanzees. Histological analysis of the IVD was performed on 10 humans and four ape specimens. Vertebral bodies and discs were measured. Histological analyses employed hematoxylin–eosin, Von Kossa, and Van Gieson staining. Statistical analyses included ANOVA with Bonferroni-corrected t-tests or Welch’s ANOVA and Games–Howell post hoc tests. Regression analyses were performed using ordinary least-squares estimation, and differences between regression lines were assessed using ANCOVA. Humans and chimpanzees differed significantly in vertebral body proportions, bone volume fraction, IVD thickness, apophyseal ring thickness, annulus fibrosus lamellar organization, endplate and subchondral bone thickness, and vascularization at the bone–endplate interface. These results indicate substantial evolutionary modification of the human vertebral body and IVD, enhancing rotational mobility and resistance to axial loading, key functional requirements for maintaining upright posture and efficient bipedal locomotion. Full article

Rapid and large-scale urban transformations destabilize historical continuity in both the material fabric of cities and the theoretical assumptions guiding urban design. This review reconceptualizes tabula rasa and palimpsest as a negative dialectic through which historical dis/continuity can be critically interpreted. Drawing on Henri Lefebvre’s account of the production of space and Marc Augé’s notion of non-place, tabula rasa is understood not as a neutral void but as a historically produced condition of erasure. Paul Ricoeur’s distinction between reconstruction memory and repetition memory informs an interpretation of the palimpsest as an active process of selective re-inscription, rather than a passive accumulation. Through engagement with Fredric Jameson’s cognitive mapping and Aldo van Eyck’s configurative discipline, the article advances methodological orientations for operating in contexts where historical anchors are attenuated or selectively preserved. Analyses of mapping and superposition techniques in the Parc de La Villette competition proposals by OMA/Rem Koolhaas and Peter Eisenman illustrate how dialectical strategies generate form under conditions of unstable continuity. The study argues that urban design necessitates neither presuming uninterrupted historical transmission nor treating erasure as neutral. By framing tabula rasa and palimpsest as mutually constitutive processes, the article clarifies how historical dis/continuity shapes contemporary urban form and proposes methodological instruments for engaging it critically. Full article

The present work aims to investigate Kenmotsu manifolds under prescribed ${\alpha }_i$-curvature conditions with respect to the connections ∇ and $\tilde{\nabla }$. We investigate the geometric consequences of ${\alpha }_i$- and ${\tilde{\alpha }}_i$-flatness conditions for $i=1,2,3,4$, and show that these assumptions impose strong restrictions on the underlying geometry, leading to Einstein and $\eta$-Einstein structures. Furthermore, curvature derivation conditions of the forms ${\alpha }_i(K,L){\alpha }_4=0$ and ${\tilde{\alpha }}_i(K,L){\tilde{\alpha }}_4=0$ for $i=1,2,3,4$ are examined under both mentioned connections, and the corresponding curvature characterizations are obtained. Full article

Chrysomya megacephala is a synanthropic fly with a high potential to act as a mechanical vector of pathogenic bacteria, surpassing Musca domestica in both bacterial load and diversity. Native to Asia and Africa, it has become a cosmopolitan species, successfully adapting to a wide range of environments, including natural ecosystems. In Colombia, studies on its role as a vector are limited and have largely relied on traditional culturing methods. This study aimed to characterize the pathogenic bacterial microbiota associated with C. megacephala using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in urban, rural, and forest settings of a coastal tourist city. Flies were collected using Van Someren Rydon traps with attractants and sterile materials. Bacterial identification was performed through Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing (Manufactured by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Oxford, UK). A total of 49 bacterial species were identified, with urban environments showing the highest taxonomic richness. The forest environment was characterized by a highly dominant community structure, led by Vagococcus carniphilus. Notably, 20 bacterial species of public health relevance were detected, including Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Ignatzschineria ureiclastica, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae. These findings indicate that bacterial community composition varies by environment and underscore the potential role of C. megacephala as a mechanical vector, highlighting the importance of surveillance for its public health implications. Full article

Despite decades of research into high-temperature oxidation kinetics, the atomic-scale origin of oxygen radical formation—a critical driver of the synthesis of functional oxide materials, oxidation corrosion of alloys, and combustion of fuels—remains elusive. Here, we unveil a previously unrecognized “oxygen clustering–radical release” pathway at the molecular level, wherein transient van der Waals aggregates of oxygen molecules, rather than isolated O₂, serve as the primary radical source. Through an integrated computational strategy combining first-principles calculations and deep neural network potential function molecular dynamics, we demonstrate that oxygen clusters exhibit a pronounced odd–even oscillation in stability: even-numbered clusters (especially O₆/O₈ subunits) are chemically inert, whereas odd-numbered clusters (dominated by O₃) possess high reactivity. Kinetically, clusters evolve via reversible aggregation–dissociation, and upon reaching a critical size, undergo structural collapse accompanied by radical release—a process initiated predominantly by large odd-numbered clusters. This mechanism persists in both pure O₂ and TiCl₄-containing environments, with TiCl₄ modulating only the aggregation kinetics, not the fundamental pathway. Our work establishes oxygen clustering as a universal, spontaneous source of radicals in high-temperature oxidation, providing a new molecular-level mechanistic framework for understanding and controlling radical-driven processes in materials synthesis, corrosion and combustion. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern, driven in part by antibiotic use in animal production systems. Despite its relevance, the microbiome and resistome of small ruminant farm environments remain largely underexplored. Methods: In this study, shotgun metagenomics was applied to environmental samples from 46 sheep, goat and mixed-species farms across 14 municipalities in central Portugal. Results: Microbial profiling revealed a well-preserved microbiome with Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota and Bacillota (syn. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes respectively) as the most dominant phylum across different farm types. Regarding AMR, a total of 706 unique antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), covering 15 antibiotic classes, were detected. Tetracycline, aminoglycoside and macrolide resistance genes dominated across all samples, forming a conserved core resistome. While overall resistome profiles were broadly similar among farm types, significant differences were observed in specific ARG classes, such as pleuromutilin and fosfomycin. Conclusions: These findings highlight small ruminant farm environments as potential reservoirs of clinically relevant ARGs, including WHO highest priority critically important antimicrobial (HPCIA) resistance genes for macrolides (mph(c), erm(f), erm(b)) and fluoroquinolones (qnrD1), as well as critically important antimicrobial (CIA) resistance genes for glycopeptides (vanR-SC, vanR-O) and aminoglycosides (str, aadA), supporting the need to incorporate these environments into surveillance strategies. Full article

The dangerous potential of chemical warfare requires immediate development of new materials capable of detecting and efficiently adsorbing the toxic nerve agents VX and Novichok (A-234). The current adsorbents fail to achieve sufficient detection efficiency and specific binding capabilities. Our research, conducted through advanced computational modeling, predicts that carbon nanocones (CNCs) could function as effective molecular traps for these toxic substances. The research combines density functional theory (DFT) with molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to explain the basic principles of molecular trapping by these agents. The nanocone shape produces two distinct and selective binding areas. MC shows preferential trapping VX molecules within the internal concave surface (P1), while A-234 molecules are strongly adsorbed on the external convex surface (P2). Docking results complement this by showing that A-234 exhibits stronger single-molecule binding on the more open surface, consistent with its preference for P2. The nanocone captures molecules through van der Waals forces, which produce measurable electronic changes that modify its electronic signature. The research demonstrates that carbon nanocones represent a promising candidate material for the future development of chemical defense systems, potentially including sensitive detection systems and advanced filtration technologies. Full article

Persimmon polyphenols (PP) are natural polyphenols with high reactivity and strong deodorization potential; however, their practical application in odor control is limited by their poor solubility. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were employed for the green extraction of PP, and the capabilities of extracts on the removal of ammonia (NH₃) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) were investigated. In addition, the underlying mechanisms were explored by integrating spectroscopic analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and quantum chemical calculations. The results showed that chloride-citric acid (CC-CA) was the optimal system in both PP extraction and sustained NH₃ removal, while the betaine-urea (B-U) system was more effective for H₂S removal. NH₃ removal was governed by acid-base neutralization, with the resulting ammonium species being further stabilized within the PP-regulated NADES hydrogen-bond network. In contrast, H₂S interacted with the solvent network not only through acid-base neutralization but also via Van der Waals forces and hydrophobic contacts. Our data supported that NADESs enhanced the deodorization performance of PP through cooperative microenvironment regulation rather than irreversible chemical conversion. This work highlighted that NADESs could not only function as highly efficient extraction media for polyphenols, but also active platforms for enhancing selective gas-capture capability for polyphenols. Furthermore, it provided a new strategy for the rational design of green, persimmon-derived deodorants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a bioactive, non-proteinaceous amino acid with potential health benefits. Weissella cibaria UF-274 is an important lactic acid bacterium isolated from Balinese fermented sausage (urutan) with GABA-producing abilities. The aim of this study was to enhance GABA synthesis in skim milk as a basal substrate, as well as whole genome sequencing and analysis to evaluate the functionality and safety of the strain. Methods: A Box–Behnken response surface design was used to enhance GABA accumulation in skim milk. Results: The optimum conditions for GABA production were at concentrations of glucose of 23.91 g/L, monosodium glutamate concentrations of 2.32 g/L and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate at 46 μM. The genome assembly produced a high-quality draft with a 2.53 Mb circular chromosome and 2378 coding sequences. A whole genome analysis revealed that the strain possesses a glutamine amidotransferase (puuD-like) as an alternative route linked to the GABA pathway. AntiSMASH prediction results showed that the strain has two biosynthetic gene clusters including terpene and type III polyketide synthases. Several bioinformatic approaches predicted no antibiotic resistance genes, while van genes encoding vancomycin resistance were detected with low pathogen risk with one approach. Conclusions: Weissella cibaria UF-274 is a promising GABA producer with genomic evidence and a good candidate for functional food development. Full article

While graphene-based lubricants are well-studied, the tribological potential of emerging carbon–nitride and carbon–boron 2D materials remains largely unexplored. Herein, by using first-principles calculations implemented in the VASP code, we systematically explored the interlayer interactions and frictional properties of bilayer homojunctions and heterostructures composed of graphene, C₃N, and C₃B. The DFT-D3 dispersion correction was employed to accurately capture the interlayer van der Waals forces. The results reveal that C₃N/C₃N, C₃N/graphene (C₃N/Gra), and C₃B/graphene (C₃B/Gra) systems exhibit significantly lower friction coefficients compared to pristine bilayer graphene (Gra/Gra). Notably, the sliding potential barrier of the C₃N/Gra heterostructure is only ~0.45 meV/atom (approximately 1/10 that of the Gra/Gra system), manifesting exceptional superlubricity and considerable potential for superlubricant applications. The sliding potential barrier of the C₃B/C₃N heterostructure is slightly smaller than that of Gra/Gra. In contrast, the C₃B/C₃B homojunction exhibits high resistance to sliding; under normal loads of 1–4 nN, its potential barrier ranges from ~16 to ~115 meV/atom, which is consistently twice that of Gra/Gra. The observed frictional variations are attributed to sliding-induced interfacial charge redistribution. These findings provide fundamental insights into the tribological behavior of C₃N- and C₃B-based materials and establish a quantitative link between frictional properties and interfacial charge dynamics, offering a theoretical basis for the development of advanced graphene-derived lubricants. Full article

CD38 is a multifunctional enzyme that plays a pivotal role in NAD⁺ metabolism and calcium signaling, and its abnormal activity is closely associated with multiple myeloma, age-related metabolic decline, neurodegenerative diseases, and other disorders. Although monoclonal antibodies such as daratumumab have been approved for clinical application, their inherent limitations necessitate the development of novel small-molecule CD38 inhibitors. In this study, we employed DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology for the high-throughput screening of CD38 inhibitors, using a DEL library containing more than 100,000 unique compounds to screen against recombinant human CD38. A total of 1043 enriched compounds were initially identified, and after rigorous validation and screening to exclude non-specific binding and previously reported active compounds, eight hit compounds with diverse chemical scaffolds were obtained, among which Fenbendazole—a clinically approved antiparasitic drug—was included. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays confirmed the direct binding of these hit compounds to CD38, with dissociation constants (KD) ranging from 7.74 × 10⁻⁵ M to 2.15 × 10⁻⁴ M. Fluorescence-based enzymatic activity assays demonstrated that these compounds exert dose-dependent inhibitory effects on both the hydrolase (with ε-NAD as substrate) and cyclase (with NGD as substrate) activities of CD38. Further structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis of Fenbendazole analogues revealed the critical structural features that regulate CD38 inhibitory potency, and Flubendazole was found to exhibit excellent inhibitory activity, with an IC₅₀ of 14.78 ± 4.21 μM against CD38 hydrolase and 26.31 ± 3.40 μM against cyclase. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further elucidated the molecular mechanism of CD38 inhibition by lead compounds, confirming that van der Waals interactions are the main driving force for the binding of small-molecule ligands to CD38, with conserved aromatic residues in the active site mediating ligand recognition. This study validates DEL technology as an efficient and reliable platform for the discovery of CD38 inhibitors, and the identified lead compounds—especially Fenbendazole and its analog Flubendazole—provide valuable molecular scaffolds for the further structural optimization of CD38 inhibitors. These findings lay a solid foundation for the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of CD38-associated diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease, largely driven by persistent systemic inflammation. This study aimed to assess the risk of CKD in RA patients and to evaluate its association with structural joint damage and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 patients fulfilling the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria for RA were evaluated. Structural joint damage was assessed using the Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). Renal involvement was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), and intrarenal resistive index (RRI). CVR was assessed using the SCORE system, adjusted according to EULAR recommendations, and carotid ultrasonography was performed to assess intima–media thickness (IMT) and atherosclerotic plaques. Results: SHS was significantly correlated with renal and vascular parameters, showing positive associations with ACR, RRI, and carotid IMT, and a negative correlation with eGFR (all p < 0.0001). CVR correlated positively with SHS, ACR, RRI, and IMT. Patients with elevated RRI (≥0.70) had longer disease duration, more severe joint damage, impaired renal function, and higher CVR. Conclusions: In RA patients, cumulative articular damage is closely associated with renal dysfunction and increased CVR, highlighting the central role of sustained inflammation in multiorgan involvement. Full article

This study addresses ambiguity in spatial extent and boundaries in satellite image classification to improve the accuracy of fine-grained object-based Level 2 land cover classification. Unlike conventional data augmentation, we propose a novel Style-Adaptive U-Net that incorporates the visual characteristics of landscape paintings into classification learning. Specifically, we developed a lightweight CNN-based Art Encoder coupled with an Enhanced Style Feature Fusion (ESFF) module to inject artistic features into the network’s feature representation. Based on visual features extracted from works by Egon Schiele, Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Elyse Dodge, the model utilizes painting styles with distinct boundaries or strong textures to explicitly enhance the boundary recognition capability of objects. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the proposed model. It achieves a peak Dice score of 0.7631, outperforming the baseline U-Net’s 0.6512, and maintains a manageable processing load with only a 19% increase in parameters. Our comparative analysis shows a distinct representational mechanism by demonstrating that styles with explicit structural features (Schiele, Dodge) improve boundary discrimination, whereas styles emphasizing blurred transitions (Monet) yield limited functional gain. This validates our premise that the network actively utilizes artistic features as functional structural guidance rather than mere aesthetic enhancements, offering an efficient paradigm for resolving geographic ambiguity. Full article