Search Results (5,428)

Background: Nipah virus (NiV), a zoonotic paramyxovirus with high case fatality and pandemic potential, remains without a licensed vaccine for humans to date. Although there has been progress in vaccine development, it remains limited, and peptide vaccines have rarely been validated in vivo. Methods: Here, we report the rational antigen selection, synthesis, and preliminary immunogenicity evaluation of NiV fusion glycoprotein (NiV-F)-derived linear peptides as vaccine candidates. Candidate epitopes were identified by in silico, and a total of 18 B- and T-cell epitope-derived peptides were shortlisted for synthesis and antigenicity validation by ELISA. Results: Antigenicity evaluation showed that 9 of the synthesized peptides have A_450nm of over 1 (8 from the F11 group, A_450nm: 1.13–3.6; 1 from the F18 group, A_450nm: 1.51), with the peptide constructs F11-3 (A_450nm: 3.5) and F11-4 (A_450nm: 3.6) showing the highest antigenicity. Interestingly, peptides from F11 with amidation increased antibody binding (F11-4-NH2, A_450nm: 3.05; F11-4-9mer-1-NH2, A_450nm: 0.87). The lead peptide candidates, F11-3 and F11-4, were subsequently used for the immunization experiment, and mouse sera were assessed against their homologous peptide antigens or recombinant NiV-F protein. ELISA result showed detectable antibody reactivity against their homologous antigen for the intramuscular (IM) F11-3 vaccinated group (A_450nm: 0.30 ± 0.35), whereas increased binding was observed for both IM-administered F11-3 (A_450nm: 1.62 ± 0.97) and F11-4 (A_450nm: 2.0 ± 0.77) against NiV-F protein, albeit without statistical significance compared to the negative control (NC, p > 0.05), and were markedly lower compared to mice immunized with NiV-F recombinant protein (PC, p < 0.01), underscoring the need for further optimization procedures. Conclusions: Collectively, these results support an exploratory antigen discovery and prioritization framework for NiV-F-derived peptide candidates and provide a foundation for future studies aimed at optimizing immunogenicity and evaluating protective relevance in appropriate preclinical models. Full article

Background: Early molecular changes on the facial skin surface during early adulthood remain insufficiently characterized. We integrated biophysical readouts with untargeted skin surface lipid (SSL) profiling to identify region-dependent, age-associated features in women with combination skin. Methods: Eighty healthy Chinese women were stratified into 22–28 years (n = 40) and 29–35 years (n = 40). Sebum was measured on the cheek and forehead; cheek elasticity, hydration (CM), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), pH, and tone indices were assessed under standardized conditions. SSLs from both regions were profiled by UPLC–QTOF–MS. Differential features were prioritized using OPLS-DA (VIP > 1) with univariate screening (p < 0.05; fold change > 2 or <0.5). Results: TEWL, CM, and pH were comparable between age groups, whereas the older group showed lower cheek elasticity and reduced sebum. Lipidomics revealed clearer remodeling on the cheek than the forehead: 30 and 59 differential SSL features were identified in the cheek and forehead, respectively. Cheek changes in the older group were characterized by lower ceramides (including acylceramides), TG/DG and long-chain fatty acids, alongside relatively higher cholesteryl esters. Conclusions: Conventional barrier indices remained largely stable across this age window, while cheek SSL profiles captured earlier molecular shifts, providing candidates for targeted validation and longitudinal follow-up. Full article

The paper presents a comparative experimental study of heat-transfer behavior in three alloys considered candidate materials for nuclear reactors: the austenitic stainless steel 316L, Zircaloy-4 (currently used in CANDU reactors), and an ODS alloy with a ferritic matrix. The investigation was conducted across five temperature intervals, each sample being subjected to a thermal shock through short-term overheating to the upper limit of its respective interval. The variation of thermal diffusivity in the three alloys was determined as a function of both measurement temperature and applied thermal shock, and trends in heat-transfer behavior were compared across the five temperature ranges. The experimental results show that up to 400 °C, Zircaloy-4 exhibits the highest thermal diffusivity, followed by the ODS alloy, with the lowest values measured for 316L steel. At approximately 450 °C, the ratio between 316L and the ODS alloy reverses. Beyond this point, increasing the temperature up to 900 °C is accompanied by a continuous rise in thermal diffusivity for both 316L stainless steel and Zircaloy-4. In contrast, for the ODS steel, increasing temperature leads to a continuous decrease in thermal diffusivity, reaching a minimum near the Curie point. The novelty of the study lies in the comparative assessment of the influence of temperature on the heat-transfer process in three alloys relevant to nuclear energy, covering the operating temperature ranges of CANDU and ALFRED reactors, as well as potential accidental overheating up to 900 °C. A particular feature of the work is the prior application of a short-duration overheating step produced using solar energy. The results are relevant not only for nuclear reactors but also for other high-temperature applications in corrosive environments. Full article

Niobium nitride (δ-NbN) coatings were deposited on AISI 316L austenitic steel using reactive DC magnetron sputtering. This study investigates the effects of air oxidation on the surface morphology, topography, roughness, nanohardness, adhesion, and wear resistance of NbN coatings. Their microstructure and thickness were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while surface morphology and roughness were assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface topography was assessed by an optical profilometer. Nanohardness was measured using a Berkovich indenter. Adhesion was evaluated via progressive-load scratch testing and Rockwell indentation (VDI 3198 standard). Wear resistance was assessed using the “ball-on-disk” method. Both as-deposited and oxidized NbN coatings improved the mechanical performance of the substrate surface. Air oxidation led to the formation of an orthorhombic Nb₂O₅ surface layer, which increased surface roughness and reduced hardness. However, the brittle oxide also contributed to a lower coefficient of friction. Despite reduced adhesion and increased surface development, the oxidized coating exhibited a significantly lower wear rate than the uncoated steel, though several times higher than that of the non-oxidized NbN. Considering its good wear and corrosion performance, along with the bioactivity confirmed in earlier research, the oxidized NbN coating can be considered a promising candidate for biomedical applications. Full article

Obesity is a growing health concern in Western countries and the link between obesity and mental disorders has been extensively studied, although less attention has been paid to post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms (PTSS). This observational study aimed at exploring the correlations between lifetime trauma exposure and its related PTSS and maladaptive eating behaviours in obese patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery. A total of 189 obese candidates for bariatric surgery were recruited at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana (AOUP) and assessed by the Trauma and Loss Spectrum—Self-Report (TALS-SR Lifetime Version), Emotional Eating Scale (EES), Night Eating Questionnaire—Italian Version (I-NEQ), Grazing Questionnaire (GQ), and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE-Q), Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI). Based on the TALS-SR (Lifetime Version) scores, patients were dichotomised as either with low PTSS scores or high PTSS scores. Results showed high PTSS scores in more than a third of the sample (36.5%), with these individuals showing statistically significant higher total and EES domain scores, total and controllability GQ domain scores, I-NEQ mood/sleep domain scores, and EDE-Q shape concern domain score. A logistic regression showed an association between higher burden of emotional eating and greater probability of lifetime PTSS. PTSS appear to be frequent among bariatric surgery candidates and are related with maladaptive eating behaviours, suggesting accurate evaluation to optimise surgical outcomes. Full article

Oxidative stress is a key driver of chronic inflammatory diseases. Anodendron affine is a native Formosan plant species in Taiwan that remains largely underexplored phytochemically and bioactivity. To reveal the bioactive constituents and assess its potential as a source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants, we performed bioactivity-guided fractionation and evaluated the inhibition of superoxide anion (O₂^•–) generation in formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine-stimulated human neutrophils. Molecular docking simulations were employed to model interactions with Formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) and the Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex, including neutrophil cytosol factor 1 (p47phox) and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), to propose a theoretical mechanism of action. Phytochemical investigation led to the isolation of two new compounds, methyl 4,5-O-diferuloyl-3-methoxyquinate (1) and 16-pregnen-3,12,20-trione (2), together with four known compounds. Notably, 4-hydroxy-3-prenylbenzoic acid (5) exhibited potent inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 17.65 ± 0.97 μM), surpassing the activity of the positive control, ibuprofen (IC₅₀ = 27.85 ± 3.56 μM). Docking studies suggested that anodendrosin H (4) and 4-hydroxy-3-prenylbenzoic acid (5) exhibit high predicted binding affinity to p47phox and NOX2. Based on these results, compounds 1, 4, and 5 from A. affine were identified as potential lead candidates for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics. Full article

This study focuses on preparing mullite grogs derived from selected waste materials and kaolin treated with advanced technologies to achieve high thermal resistance and low thermal expansion. The investigated waste materials include dust removal RON, slurry DE, feldspar dust removal from Halamky, and waste generated during the feldspar grinding at the Halamky I deposit. These materials (Red kaolin from Vidnava, Slurry DE, Dust-off RON, Feldspar dust-off Halamky) were processed into grogs and subsequently applied for the production of high-mullite ceramics. The influence of cristobalite admixture was also assessed. The chemical composition was determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), while the phase composition was analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Amorphous mullite grogs with mullite contents greater than 40% were successfully prepared. Despite the relatively high iron content, the resulting products exhibited the desired white colour after firing and demonstrated properties that make them promising candidates for advanced refractory applications. The study highlights the potential to valorise industrial waste materials for high-value ceramic applications. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is increasingly recognized as a disorder that extends beyond amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau pathology. To this end, growing evidence suggests that aberrant neuronal cell cycle re-entry (CCR) may contribute to neurodegeneration. To investigate this mechanism, we profiled the expression of 84 cell cycle-related genes in the brains of aged APP/PS1 mice, a widely used transgenic model of AD, and compared them with age-matched non-transgenic littermates. Our analysis revealed 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 8 of which exhibited significant changes (fold change > 2, p < 0.05). Several of these DEGs, including CDC7 and CCNC, displayed consistent dysregulation in human AD brains as assessed using the AMP-AD knowledge portal, supporting their translational relevance. Furthermore, integration with miRNA prediction analyses identified candidate post-transcriptional regulators of these DEGs, highlighting novel layers of regulation. Collectively, our results provide the first systematic overview of cell cycle gene dysregulation in aged APP/PS1 mice, establish cross-species concordance with human AD, and propose miRNA–gene interactions as potential contributors to neuronal vulnerability. These findings underscore the importance of cell cycle pathways in AD pathogenesis and point to new avenues for therapeutic exploration. Full article

Background/Objectives: Premalignant laryngeal lesions carry a variable risk of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma. Identifying reliable biomarkers that predict malignant transformation could improve patient management and surveillance strategies. The objective of this work is to perform a systematic review of the literature on biomarkers that predict malignant transformation of premalignant laryngeal lesions. Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between January 2011 and November 2025. Studies investigating biomarkers that predict malignant transformation of histopathologically confirmed premalignant laryngeal lesions were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: From 166 initially identified records, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria, including 730 patients. These studies investigated diverse biomarker categories such as protein markers (cortactin, FAK, NANOG, SOX2, CSPG4), immune markers (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, immune gene signatures), microRNAs (miR-183-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-106b-3p), and genetic markers (chromosomal instability, PIK3CA amplification and mutations, FGFR3 mutations). Five studies provided adequate follow-up data on transformation outcomes. Most studies showed a moderate to serious risk of bias primarily due to limited confounder control and incomplete reporting. Conclusions: While several promising biomarker candidates have been identified, the evidence base remains limited due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous methodologies, and inadequate follow-up data. Cortactin/FAK protein expression and immune signatures are the most promising but require validation in larger, well-designed prospective cohorts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Surfactin is a biosurfactant with various biological activities, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its effects on bone metabolism remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of surfactin on osteoclast differentiation and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: RAW264.7 cells were treated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and surfactin, and osteoclast differentiation and maturation were evaluated by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and F-actin staining, respectively. Gene expression of differentiation markers was assessed using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while the kinetics of intracellular signaling molecules and transcription factors were analyzed using Western blot analysis. Results: Surfactin treatment significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation and maturation, as well as the mRNA expression of Nfatc1, Acp5, and Cathepsin K. Although surfactin did not markedly affect RANKL-induced activation of the NF-κB or MAPK-mediated signaling, it significantly suppressed the expression of c-Fos at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, surfactin attenuated the phosphorylation of Elk1, a transcription factor involved in c-Fos induction. Conclusions: Surfactin inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by negatively regulating the Elk1-AP-1-NFATc1 axis. Surfactin may thus be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of metabolic bone disorders and inflammatory bone destruction. Full article

Vasculitides are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by inflammation of blood vessel walls, leading to tissue ischemia and organ injury. Traditional inflammatory markers such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are widely used but lack diagnostic specificity. This has driven the search for more informative biomarkers across vasculitis subtypes. This review summarizes current evidence for validated and emerging biomarkers in large-, medium-, small-, and variable-vessel vasculitis, as well as single-organ vasculitis. Key analytes reflect systemic inflammation, such as serum amyloid A (SAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as endothelial activation, complement pathways, neutrophil and macrophage activation, and organ-specific damage. Promising candidates include pentraxin-3 (PTX3) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in large-vessel vasculitis; N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and S100 proteins in Kawasaki disease; galactose-deficient immunoglobulin A1 (Gd-IgA1) and urinary angiotensinogen (AGT) in IgA vasculitis; and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), S100 proteins, complement C3, and PTX3 in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. Although these biomarkers provide mechanistic insight, most lack disease-specificity, external validation, or standardized assays. Future progress will require multicenter studies, harmonized testing, and integrated biomarker panels combined with imaging modalities to improve diagnosis, activity assessment, and monitoring. Full article

Drugs and drug candidate compounds commonly suffer from poor solubility and permeability. One promising strategy to mediate these drawbacks is use of novel solvents, such as deep eutectic compositions. The present research aims to determine the applicability of this approach for therapeutic metal complexes on the example of [Cu(Fur)₂(Phen)] (Fur = furoate-anion, Phen = 1,10-phenantroline) and [Cu(Fur)₂(Neoc)(H₂O)] (Fur = furoate-anion, Neoc = 2,9-dimetyl-1,10-phenanthroline) with molar weight of appx. 500 Da. Interaction of the metal complexes with the deep eutectic solvent (DES) reline was studied using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the complexes dissolved in DES and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were determined and found to be equivalent in both solvents. That is, use of reline as a solvent did not alter the functional properties of the metal complexes. Changes in the transdermal permeation of the complexes in DMSO and DES were assessed using a Franz diffusion cell. It was discovered that depending on the structure of the complex, the permeability might either increase (from 15 to 30%) or decrease (from 13 to 8%) with changes in the solvent, and this can be used to develop dosing strategies. Therapeutic eutectogels were successfully produced by impregnating SiO₂ nanoparticles with the metal complex solution in DES, facilitating convenient topical application. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a progressive brain disorder, is the most common form of dementia and necessitates the development of effective intervention strategies. Ginseng-Natto composite fermentation products (GN) have demonstrated beneficial bioactivities in mouse models of AD; however, the underlying mechanism of action through which GN ameliorates AD requires further elucidation. Methods: Mice received daily intragastric administration of low- or high-dose GN for 4 weeks, followed by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine to induce the AD model. The pharmacological effects of GN were systematically evaluated using the Morris water maze test, ELISA, and H&E staining. To further investigate the underlying mechanisms, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics were employed to analyze the regulatory effects of GN on the gut–brain axis. Additionally, Western blotting was performed to assess the impact of GN on blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Results: GN intervention significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits and attenuated neuropathological injury in AD mice, restoring the brain levels of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to normal ranges. GN reshaped the gut microbiota by promoting beneficial bacteria and inhibiting pro-inflammatory strains. It also regulated key metabolic pathways related to amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. This metabolic remodeling restored the compromised BBB integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that GN ameliorates AD through a gut-to-brain pathway, mediated by reshaping the microbiota-metabolite axis and repairing the BBB. Thus, GN may represent a promising intervention candidate for AD. Full article

Background: Traumatic injuries of the duodenum are generally rare but when they occur, they can result in serious complications. Inaccurate injury classification, delayed diagnosis, or late treatment can significantly raise morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach is often necessary. Mechanisms of injury: Isolated duodenal injuries are relatively uncommon due to the duodenum’s proximity to pancreas and major vascular structures. Duodenal injuries can result from blunt or penetrating trauma. Classification: The 2019 World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES)-American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) guidelines recommend incorporating both the AAST-OIS grading and the patient’s hemodynamic status to stratify duodenal injuries into four categories: Minor injuries WSES class I, Moderate injuries WSES class II, Severe injuries WSES class III, and WSES class IV. Diagnosis: The diagnostic approach involves a combination of clinical assessment, laboratory investigations, radiological imaging and, in particular situations, surgery. Prompt diagnosis is critical because delays exceeding 24 h are associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and a significant rise in mortality. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography (CT) represents the gold standard for diagnosis in patients who are hemodynamically stable. Management: Duodenal trauma requires a multimodal approach that considers hemodynamic stability, the severity of the injury and the presence of associated lesions. Non-operative management (NOM) is reserved for hemodynamically stable patients with minor duodenal injuries without perforation (AAST I/WSES I), as well as all duodenal hematomas (WSES I–II/AAST I–II) in the absence of associated abdominal organ injuries requiring surgical intervention. All hemodynamically unstable patients, those with peritonitis, or with CT findings consistent with duodenal perforations or AAST grade III or higher injuries are candidates for emergency surgery. If intervention is required, primary repair should be the preferred option whenever feasible, while damage control surgery is the best choice in cases of hemodynamic instability, severe associated injuries, or complex duodenal lesions. Definitive reconstructive surgery should be postponed until the patient has been adequately resuscitated. The role of endoscopic techniques in the treatment of duodenal injuries and their complications is expanding. Conclusions: Duodenal trauma is burdened by potentially high mortality. Among the possible complications, duodenal fistula is the most common, followed by duodenal obstruction, bile duct fistula, abscess, and pancreatitis. The overall mortality rate for duodenal trauma persists to be significant with an average rate of 17%. Future prospective research needed to reduce the risk of complications following duodenal trauma. Full article

The energy transition in the transportation sector makes hydrogen a promising candidate as a fuel for internal combustion engines; however, its tendency to knock limits its use to lean mixtures, resulting in a reduction in performance. In this context, water injection represents a technical solution capable of reducing both the risk of knocking and the pollutant emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx). Although several studies have been published on the benefits of water injection, its capacity to suppress high-intensity knocking phenomena was never investigated and is not traceable in the scientific literature. On account of this lack, the authors of the present paper experimentally evaluate the effectiveness of port water injection in suppressing high-intensity knock phenomena and its potential in terms of nitrogen oxide emission reduction. Differently from previous works, a highly reactive fuel (PRF60) was adopted to reproduce, as closely as possible, the knocking tendency of hydrogen. The tests were carried out on a single-cylinder CFR engine, suitably modified to allow port water injection, operating with stoichiometric air–fuel mixture (λ = 1) and at low engine speed, which constitutes the most critical condition, since it allows for heavy knocking and is less favorable for injected water evaporation. Moreover, aiming to assess the effect of spray atomization, the tests were repeated using three different water injection pressure levels. The study presented, however, is confined to the effects of port water injection on knock suppression and NOx emission reduction, while no engine performance or efficiency variation were considered. The results showed that port water injection, with water addition up to 40% by mass with respect to fuel, enables an almost complete suppression of high-intensity knocking phenomena, along with a significant reduction in NOx emissions (up to −62%). Full article