Search Results (12,869)

Inonotus obliquus, a medicinal mushroom valued for its bioactive compounds, has not been previously characterized from Romanian sources. This study presents the first comprehensive chemical and biological screening of I. obliquus, introducing novel polymer-based encapsulation systems to enhance the stability and bioavailability of its bioactive constituents. Two distinct delivery systems were designed to enhance the functionality of I. obliquus extracts: (i) microencapsulation in maltodextrin (MIO) and (ii) a sequential approach involving preparation of silver nanoparticle-loaded I. obliquus (IO–AgNPs), followed by microencapsulation to yield the hybrid MIO–AgNP system. Comprehensive metabolite profiling using GC–MS and ESI–QTOF–MS revealed 142 bioactive constituents, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, coumarins, styrylpyrones, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Structural integrity and successful encapsulation were confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Both IO–AgNPs and MIO–AgNPs demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and robust antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays revealed pronounced activity against MCF-7, HCT116, and HeLa cell lines, with MIO–AgNPs exhibiting superior efficacy. The synergistic integration of maltodextrin and AgNPs enhanced compound stability and bioactivity. As the first report on Romanian I. obliquus, this study highlights its therapeutic potential and establishes polymer-based nanoencapsulation as an effective strategy for optimizing its applications in combating microbial resistance and cancer. Full article

Lost circulation, a prevalent challenge in drilling engineering, poses significant risks including drilling fluid loss, wellbore instability, and environmental contamination. Conventional plugging materials often exhibit an inadequate performance under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP), and complex formation conditions. To address that, this study developed a high-performance gel–resin composite plugging material resistant to HTHP environments. By optimizing the formulation of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (20%), hexamethylenetetramine (3%), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (1%), and incorporating fillers such as nano-silica and walnut shell particles, a controllable high-strength plugging system was constructed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the structural stability of the resin, with an initial decomposition temperature of 220 °C and a compressive strength retention of 14.4 MPa after 45 days of aging at 140 °C. Rheological tests revealed shear-thinning behavior (initial viscosity: 300–350 mPa·s), with viscosity increasing marginally to 51 mPa·s after 10 h of stirring at ambient temperature, demonstrating superior pumpability. Experimental results indicated excellent adaptability of the system to drilling fluid contamination (compressive strength: 5.04 MPa at 20% dosage), high salinity (formation water salinity: 166.5 g/L), and elevated temperatures (140 °C). In pressure-bearing plugging tests, the resin achieved a breakthrough pressure of 15.19 MPa in wedge-shaped fractures (inlet: 7 mm/outlet: 5 mm) and a sand-packed tube sealing pressure of 11.25 MPa. Acid solubility tests further demonstrated outstanding degradability, with a 97.69% degradation rate after 24 h in 15% hydrochloric acid at 140 °C. This study provides an efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating drilling fluid loss in complex formations, exhibiting significant potential for engineering applications. Full article

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), characterized by intermittent hypoxia (IH), is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). IH exacerbates MASLD progression through oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid accumulation. This study aims to investigate the impact of oxygen normalization on metabolic dysfunction in OSA patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, and in mice exposed to IH followed by a reoxygenation period. In the clinical study, 76 participants (44 OSA patients and 32 controls) were analyzed. OSA patients had higher insulin resistance, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) content, and liver enzyme levels, along with a higher prevalence of liver steatosis. After 18 months of CPAP therapy, OSA patients showed significant improvements in insulin resistance, lipid profiles (total cholesterol and VLDL), liver function markers (AST and albumin), and steatosis risk scores (Fatty Liver Index and OWLiver test). In the experimental study, IH induced hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and reoxygenation reversed these deleterious effects in mice. At the molecular level, IH downregulated fatty acid oxidation (FAO)-related genes, thus impairing the FAO process. Reoxygenation maintained elevated levels of lipogenic genes but restored FAO gene expression and activity, suggesting enhanced lipid clearance despite ongoing lipogenesis. Indeed, serum β hydroxybutyrate, a key marker of hepatic FAO in patients, was impaired in OSA patients but normalized after CPAP therapy, supporting improved FAO function. CPAP therapy improves lipid profiles, liver function, and MASLD progression in OSA patients. Experimental findings highlight the therapeutic potential of oxygen normalization in reversing IH-induced liver damage by FAO pathway restoration, indicating a metabolic reprogramming in the liver. Full article

In this study, GH19 chitinase (Chi) gene family was systematically identified and characterized using genomic assemblies from four cotton species: Gossypium barbadense, G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii. A suite of analyses was performed, including genome-wide gene identification, physicochemical property characterization of the encoded proteins, subcellular localization prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, chromosomal mapping, promoter cis-element analysis, and comprehensive expression profiling using transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR (including tissue-specific expression, hormone treatments, and Fusarium oxysporum infection assays). A total of 107 GH19 genes were identified across the four species (35 in G. barbadense, 37 in G. hirsutum, 19 in G. arboreum, and 16 in G. raimondii). The molecular weights of GH19 proteins ranged from 9.9 to 97.3 kDa, and they were predominantly predicted to localize to the extracellular space. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three well-conserved clades within this family. In tetraploid cotton, GH19 genes were unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes, often clustering in certain regions, whereas in diploid species, they were confined to five chromosomes. Promoter analysis indicated that GH19 gene promoters contain numerous stress- and hormone-responsive motifs, including those for abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and gibberellin (GA), as well as abundant light-responsive elements. The expression patterns of GH19 genes were largely tissue-specific; for instance, GbChi23 was predominantly expressed in the calyx, whereas GbChi19/21/22 were primarily expressed in the roots and stems. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive genomic and functional characterization of the GH19 family in G. barbadense, laying a foundation for understanding its role in disease resistance mechanisms and aiding in the identification of candidate genes to enhance plant defense against biotic stress. Full article

Heme, an essential prosthetic group involved in mitochondrial respiration and transcriptional regulation, is synthesized via the rate-limiting enzyme 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS). Utilizing heterozygous mouse models for ALAS1 and ALAS2, our studies have revealed diverse systemic consequences of chronic heme deficiency. ALAS1-heterozygous (ALAS1+/−) mice develop metabolic dysfunction characterized by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and abnormal glycogen accumulation, linked mechanistically to reduced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. These mice also exhibit pronounced mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and accelerated aging phenotypes, including sarcopenia and metabolic decline, highlighting heme’s role as a critical metabolic regulator. Additionally, ALAS2 heterozygosity (ALAS2+/−) leads to impaired erythropoiesis, resulting in anemia and ineffective iron utilization. Importantly, supplementation with the heme precursor 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) significantly mitigates ALAS1+/− phenotypes, restoring metabolic function, mitochondrial health, autophagy, and immune competence. This review encapsulates key findings from our group’s research together with advances made by multiple research groups over the past decade, collectively establishing heme homeostasis as a central regulator of systemic physiology and highlighting the therapeutic potential of 5-ALA in treating heme-deficient pathologies. Full article

This study investigates the interplay between infill structure and surface texture in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)-printed polymer specimens and their combined influence on tribological and mechanical performance. Unlike previous works that focus on single-variable analysis, this work offers a comparative evaluation of Shore D hardness and coefficient of friction (COF) for PLA and Iglidur materials, incorporating diverse infill patterns. The results reveal that specific combinations (e.g., grid infill with 90% density) optimize hardness and minimize friction, offering practical insights for design optimization in functional parts. Our aim is to provide design insights for enhanced wear resistance and hardness through tailored structural configurations. Carbon Fiber-reinforced PLA (PLA CF), aramid fiber-reinforced Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (Kevlar), and Iglidur I180-BL tribofilament. Disc specimens were fabricated with gyroid infill densities ranging from 10% to 100%. Experimental methodologies included Ball-on-Disc tests conducted under dry sliding conditions (5 N normal load, 150 mm/s sliding speed) to assess friction and wear characteristics. These tribological evaluations were complemented by profilometric and microscopic analyses and Shore D hardness testing. The results show that Iglidur I180-BL achieved the lowest friction coefficients (0.141–0.190) and negligible wear, while PLA specimens with 90% infill demonstrated a polishing-type wear with minimal material loss and a friction coefficient (COF) of ~0.108. In contrast, PLA CF and Kevlar exhibited higher wear depths (up to 154 µm for Kevlar) and abrasive mechanisms due to fiber detachment. Shore hardness values increased with infill density, with PLA reaching a maximum of 82.7 Shore D. These findings highlight the critical interplay between infill architecture and surface patterning and offer actionable guidelines for the functional design of durable FDM components in load-bearing or sliding applications. Full article

Alloys and metals exhibit high sensitivity to corrosion and aggressive environments. Hence, the development of protective treatments through accessible methods with a high degree of protection has become a necessity. This paper presents a method for treating the hydrophilic surface of aluminum alloys using two types of unsaturated fatty acids, thereby increasing the degree of hydrophobicity and protecting the material. The samples were cleaned by a chemical process, followed by immersion in oleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂, 18:1 cis-9) and elaidic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₂, 18:1 trans-9), and they were then treated at a temperature of 80 °C. Morphological and microstructural analyses were conducted using OM, FE-SEM, EDX, and FTIR to understand the influence of unsaturated monocarboxylic fatty acids on the alloy surfaces. The wettability capacity of the alloys was investigated by measuring the contact angle (CA). The results revealed that the cleaning step and modification treatment with fatty acids are essential steps for increasing the hydrophobic character of the surface. This study can be applied to various types of metallic substrates to enhance their corrosion resistance and long-term chemical stability in aggressive environments, making it adaptable for use in different industrial fields. Full article

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) provides a significantly eco-friendly and low-impact counterpart to conventional chemical methods. In the present study, we synthesized gold nanoparticles using Schinus molle (P-AuNPs) aqueous extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The obtained nanoparticles were then stabilized by another biocompatible agent, the chiral amino acids L-cysteine (L-Cys-AuNPs) and D-cysteine (D-Cys-AuNPs), to estimate the potential of the surface modification for enhancing AuNPs surface chemistry and antimicrobial action. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and circular dichroism to validate their formation, crystalline structure, surface properties, and chirality. Physicochemical characterization confirmed the formation of crystalline AuNPs with size and morphology modulated by chiral functionalization. TEM and DLS analyses showed that L-cysteine-functionalized AuNPs were smaller and more uniform, while FTIR and circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed surface binding and the induction of optical activity, respectively. L-Cys-AuNPs exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and, notably, Candida albicans. L-Cys-AuNPs showed the lowest MIC and MBC values, highlighting the synergistic effect of chirality on biological performance. These findings suggest that L-cysteine surface engineering significantly enhances the therapeutic potential of AuNPs, particularly in combating drug-resistant fungal pathogens such as C. albicans. This research paves the way for the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents, reinforcing the relevance of green nanotechnology in the field of materials science and nanotechnology. Full article

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and steatohepatitis associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) are on the rise and pose serious health challenges worldwide. In recent years, researchers have gained a better understanding of the important role of the gut microbiota in the development and progression of these diseases. Intestinal dysbiosis can contribute to the occurrence of increased intestinal permeability, inflammation and reduced numbers of commensal bacteria. In obesity, these changes contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation and deregulated metabolism. In MASLD, gut microbiota dysbiosis can promote liver fibrosis and impair bile acid metabolism, while in T2DM, they are associated with impaired glycemic control and insulin resistance. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, increasing its diversity, modulating its metabolic functions, strengthening the intestinal barrier and reducing inflammation. These findings suggest that exercise and microbiota-targeted interventions may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Full article

In this study, a series of novel β-phenylalanine derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their anticancer activity. The 3-(4-methylbenzene-1-sulfonamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid (2) was prepared using β-phenylalanine as a core scaffold. The β-amino acid derivative 2 was converted to the corresponding hydrazide 4, which enabled the development of structurally diverse heterocyclic derivatives including pyrrole 5, pyrazole 6, thiadiazole 8, oxadiazole 11, triazoles 9 and 12 with Schiff base analogues 13 and series1,2,4-triazolo [3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazines 14. These modifications were designed to enhance chemical stability, solubility, and biological activity. All compounds were initially screened for cytotoxicity against the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line, identifying N-[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-oxo-1-phenylpropyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (5) and (E)-N-{2-[4-[(4-chlorobenzylidene)amino]-5-thioxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-1-phenylethyl}-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide (13b) as the most active. The two lead candidates were further evaluated in H69 and H69AR small cell lung cancer lines to assess activity in drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant models. Schiff base 13b containing a 4-chlorophenyl moiety, retained potent antiproliferative activity in both H69 and H69AR cells, comparable to cisplatin, while compound 5 lost efficacy in the resistant phenotype. These findings suggest Schiff base derivative 13b may overcome drug resistance mechanisms, a limitation commonly encountered with standard chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin. These results demonstrate the potential role of β-phenylalanine derivatives, azole-containing sulphonamides, as promising scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents, particularly in the context of lung cancer and drug-resistant tumours. Full article

One of the important traits of many plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is the biocontrol of phytopathogens. Some PGPR metabolize phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA); however, the role of this trait in plant–microbe interactions is scarcely understood. Phytopathogenic fungi produce ABA and use this property as a negative regulator of plant resistance. Therefore, interactions between ABA-producing necrotrophic phytopathogen Botrytis sp. BA3 with ABA-metabolizing rhizobacterium Rhodococcus sp. P1Y were studied in a batch culture and in gnotobiotic hydroponics with sunflower seedlings. Rhizobacterium P1Y possessed no antifungal activity against BA3 and metabolized ABA, which was synthesized by BA3 in vitro and in associations with sunflower plants infected with this fungus. Inoculation with BA3 and the application of exogenous ABA increased the root ABA concentration and inhibited root and shoot growth, suggesting the involvement of this phytohormone in the pathogenesis process. Strain P1Y eliminated negative effects of BA3 and exogenous ABA on root ABA concentration and plant growth. Both microorganisms significantly modulated the hormonal status of plants, affecting indole-3-acetic, salicylic, jasmonic and gibberellic acids, as well as cytokinins concentrations in sunflower roots and/or shoots. The hormonal effects were complex and could be due to the production of phytohormones by microorganisms, changes in ABA concentrations and multiple levels of crosstalk in hormone networks regulating plant defense. The results suggest the counteraction of rhizobacteria to ABA-producing phytopathogenic fungi through the metabolism of fungal ABA. This expands our understanding of the mechanisms related to the biocontrol of phytopathogens by PGPR. Full article

UNS S41003 is a low-cost, low-carbon ferritic stainless steel that exhibits moderate corrosion resistance but limited mechanical performance. This study evaluates the electrochemical behavior of untreated and thermomechanically treated UNS S41003 samples. Corrosion tests were conducted in acidic electrolytes with varying pH to simulate aggressive environments relevant to industrial and structural applications where exposure to acidic media and corrosive pollutants occurs. Potentiodynamic polarization curves for all samples displayed passive regions typically associated with protective oxide film formation; however, localized pitting corrosion was detected post-test. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated a marked decrease in corrosion resistance as pH decreased. The corrosion resistance of the treated alloy remained comparable to that of the untreated condition, indicating that thermomechanical processing did not detrimentally affect passivity or corrosion performance under the tested conditions. The literature suggests that the applied treatment enhances mechanical properties, supporting the potential use of this alloy in structural components subjected to acidic environments requiring a balance of mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Full article

Hydraulic asphalt concrete (HAC) is susceptible to performance deterioration under long-term water immersion. This study conducted compressive, tensile, and bending tests on HAC under various immersion times (0–96 h), established a multidimensional performance evaluation method, and developed a service-life prediction model for long-term water immersion. The average relative error between test values and predicted values was less than 5%, validating the model’s effectiveness and applicability. Results indicate that the rate of mechanical property degradation exhibits stage-dependent characteristics with immersion time, and the water damage resistance of alkaline aggregate is significantly superior to that of acidic aggregate. The predictive model shows that after 192 h of immersion, the retention rate of key mechanical properties for the alkaline aggregate reaches 92.71%, while that for acidic aggregate was only 73.85%. This study establishes a predictive model that provides a theoretical basis for assessing the lifespan of HAC under long-term immersion conditions. Full article

Antibiotic resistance is considered to be one of the most complex health obstacles of our time. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a global health challenge due to its broad treatment resistance capacity, resulting in high mortality rates. The shikimate pathway (SP) is responsible for the biosynthesis of chorismate from glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway intermediates. This pathway plays a crucial role in producing aromatic amino acids, folates, ubiquinone, and other secondary metabolites in bacteria. Notably, SP is absent in humans, which makes it a specific and potential therapeutic target to explore for discovering new antibiotics against MRSA. The present study characterized in vitro and in silico natural products as inhibitors of the shikimate dehydrogenase from methicillin-resistant S. aureus (SaSDH). The results showed that, from the set of compounds studied, phloridzin, rutin, and caffeic acid were the most potent inhibitors of SaSDH, with IC₅₀ values of 140, 160, and 240 µM, respectively. Furthermore, phloridzin showed a mixed-type inhibition mechanism, whilst rutin and caffeic acid showed non-competitive mechanisms. The structural characterization of the SaSDH–inhibitor complex indicated that these compounds interacted with amino acids from the catalytic site and formed stable complexes. In biological activity studies against MRSA, caffeic acid showed an MIC of 2.2 mg/mL. Taken together, these data encourage using these compounds as a starting point for developing new antibiotics based on natural products against MRSA. Full article

Municipal wastewaters pose a severe risk to the environment and human health when discharged untreated. This is due to their high content of pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, which can cause diseases like cholera. Herein, the research and development of porphyrin-modified polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes was conducted to improve bacterial inactivation in complex municipal wastewater and enhance the fouling resistance and filtration performance. The synthesis and fabrication of porphyrin nanofillers and the resultant membrane characteristics were studied. The incorporation of porphyrin-based nanofillers improved the membrane’s hydrophilicity, morphology, and flux (247 Lm⁻² h⁻¹), with the membrane contact angle (CA) decreasing from 90° to ranging between 58° and 50°. The membrane performance was monitored for its flux, antifouling properties, reusability potential, municipal wastewater, and humic acid. The modified membranes demonstrated an effective application in wastewater treatment, achieving notable antibacterial activity, particularly under light exposure. The In-BP@SW/PES membrane demonstrated effective antimicrobial photodynamic effects against both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli. It achieved at least a 3-log reduction in bacterial viability, meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for efficient antimicrobial materials. Among the variants tested, membranes modified with In-PB@SW nanofillers exhibited superior antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios (FRRs) of 78.9% for the humic acid (HA) solution and 85% for the municipal wastewater (MWW), suggesting a strong potential for long-term filtration use. These results highlight the promise of porphyrin-functionalized membranes as multifunctional tools in advanced water treatment technologies. Full article