Search Results (3,697)

Background: Long-term diabetes mellitus may precipitate severe complications, including cognitive dysfunction. Existing research has shown that diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) in rats is characterized by memory deterioration and a disordered arrangement of hippocampal cells. The Shichangpu–Xiyangshen herb pair (SX) effectively improved the pathological changes induced by DCI. However, the role of SX in regulating the physiological and behavioral responses to DCI remains unclear. Methods: We sought to determine the small-molecule metabolites of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and delineate the pathways to elucidate the potential mechanism of the effect of SX in the treatment of DCI by metabolomics strategies, focusing on key mechanisms. Behavioral assessments were conducted on DCI rats and the rats treated with SX, as well as an evaluation of neuronal morphology in the hippocampal region. Metabolomics was used to analyze biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid at different time points during the development of DCI, to uncover the underlying core mechanisms of DCI, and to investigate the regulatory effects of SX on these core mechanisms. The mechanisms of SX on DCI were investigated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and ELISA. Results: The Morris water maze (MWM) and social interaction test results revealed that SX administration effectively counteracted cognitive impairments in rats with DCI while simultaneously diminishing pathological damage in the CA1, CA3, and DG hippocampal regions. Further analysis showed that SX restored the significantly reduced levels of IL-8, ROX, and TNF-α, and reduced Aβ plaque formation (as indicated by APP and BACE1 protein expression). Simultaneously, SX markedly ameliorated arachidonic acid metabolic disorders in DCI, including significant reductions in arachidonic acid (AA), PGE2, and LTB4 and reduced expression of COX-2 (PTGS2) and 5-LOX (ALOX-5). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that SX effectively counteracted cognitive impairment in rats with DCI by inhibiting AA metabolism through both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, thereby minimizing neuronal damage. Full article

Buying local food can support local economies, but the factors that drive these purchases in specific retail settings, such as local shops, are still not well understood. Research that considers sustainability alongside factors such as trust and perceived retail access remains limited. This study examines how dimensions of sustainability, trust, and perceived retail access influence purchase intention, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Data were collected via an online survey in Međimurje County, Croatia (n = 303), and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM), which explained 55% of the variance in purchase intention. The results show that, in addition to attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control, only the environmental dimension of sustainability significantly influences purchase intention. These findings suggest that consumer decision-making in local shops is more strongly shaped by internal evaluations and perceived environmental benefits than by trust or access. The study provides channel-specific evidence from an intermediated short food supply chain (SFSC) format and shows that the relevance of extended TPB predictors varies across retail contexts. Full article

In a complete kinematic synthesis process, a designer must select a planar linkage topology that is well suited to their problem situation. This involves weighing a set of competing priorities. For example, is it better to choose a simple topology like a four-bar mechanism that will be cheaper to produce, or a complex topology like an eight-bar mechanism that can produce intricate motions but will also be more expensive and more difficult to synthesize? The process of selecting the topology is broadly known as type synthesis, or sometimes structure synthesis, and has been studied in the past. However, past works on planar linkage type synthesis have overemphasized isomorphism detection, identifying the complete set of unique topologies up to a certain number of links, while the central problem of choosing the ideal topology has often been overlooked. In this work, a general procedure for forming basic kinematic chains (BKCs), a simplified topological representation, is presented. Then, a set of rules and design principles is provided that can help a designer narrow the infinite possible BKC options down to a manageable set. A few practical examples are provided to demonstrate the concepts and show that the procedure is effective. A literature review is also provided that examines past works, as well as introducing alternative approaches, such as simultaneous algorithmic methods and spatial methods. Full article

The gut microbiota plays a multifaceted role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism —acting through metabolic, immunological, and hormonal pathways that collectively constitute the gut–bone axis. The microbiota influences calcium bioavailability through several overlapping mechanisms that act in the intestine. Moreover, microbial fermentation products may directly impact the osteoblast–osteoclast interplay and, by modulating immune and endocrine functions, are crucial for bone metabolism. A healthy microbiota supports bone formation; however, intestinal dysbiosis may impair bone structure and function. This narrative review aims to present pathways linking the gut microbiota to bone metabolism, both in health and disease. First, we will discuss the influence of gut microbiota on calcium absorption. We will then outline the role that microbial metabolites, such as bile acids and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), play in regulating bone structure and function. In the following section, we will discuss the role of the microbiota in the immunological and hormonal modulation of bone metabolism. Finally, we will discuss how dysbiosis affects bone and how therapeutic interventions, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, may influence bone tissue quality. Full article

Sox9, a pivotal transcription factor belonging to the Sox family, orchestrates critical processes throughout embryonic development, maintenance and differentiation, and exerts a profound influence on organogenesis. Its regulatory versatility stems from precise binding to defined DNA regions, often in collaboration with tissue-specific partners. The dysregulation of Sox9 during chondrogenesis leads to a skeletal malformation termed campomelic dysplasia and has emerged as a significant factor in various other human diseases, including cancer. A point mutation at position 76 (alanine to glutamic acid, A76E) of Sox9 is recognized as one of the causes of campomelic dysplasia. We have used a combination of biophysical, structural and computational techniques to characterize the Sox9 A76E mutant and compare it with the wild-type (WT) Sox9. WT and A76E Sox9 assemble as homodimers, but form predominantly monomeric complexes in the presence of Sox-specific DNA. A CD analysis shows that the A76E mutant preserves the folding as well as the overall secondary structure of Sox9. Both A76E and WT Sox9 behave similarly in the presence of Sox-specific DNA. Perturbation, with increased temperature, displays a lower melting point for A76E, relative to WT Sox9, indicating decreased stability that may arise due to the long and charged side chain of glutamic acid compared to the small hydrophobic alanine, making unfavorable intra-molecular interactions. The destabilizing effect of the A76E mutant may disturb the formation of a stable higher-order complex that is a prerequisite for normal gene expression. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a major global public health concern, as antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to drug resistance. The ß-lactam group of antibiotics are widely used in dairy farms to treat animal infections, and their presence in the food chain is a significant concern. Addressing this issue requires the development of effective analytical tools for the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a miniaturized Biosensor-on-Pillar platform was developed for detecting ß-lactam antibiotics in milk, which operates in a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly format, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. The platform employs an enzyme induction-based approach, wherein Bacillus cereus spores germinate in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, leading to the production of β-lactamase enzyme, which is then recognized using a chromogenic substrate functionalized on paper associated with the pillar platform. The developed biosensor can detect 12 β-lactam antibiotics with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1 to 1000 ppb, achieving sensitivity at or below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies (FSSAI/CODEX) for the majority of the tested antibiotics. The performance of the platform, including the design, fabrication, and working principle, was further evaluated by analyzing six blind milk samples, yielding significant results compared to the commercially available AOAC-approved gold-standard method. Hence, the developed biosensor demonstrates promising potential for the rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput screening of milk samples for β-lactam antibiotics, benefiting the dairy industry and ensuring food safety. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a complex pathogenesis involving epidermal barrier dysfunction, microbiome dysbiosis, and immune dysregulation. Despite significant advances in therapy, including biologics and targeted treatments, their use may be limited by adverse effects, highlighting the need for safe adjunctive strategies. Polyphenols are naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are abundant in plant-based foods and are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, making them promising candidates for supportive AD management. This review integrates current evidence on the effects of polyphenols on epidermal barrier lipids, microbiome interactions, and key inflammatory pathways, including NF-κB and JAK/STAT signaling. Additionally, the role of polyphenols in modulating dendritic cell and neutrophil activity, and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, as well as their potential involvement in mitophagy regulation, is discussed. Polyphenols support epidermal barrier integrity by modulating the expression of key structural proteins, including filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin, leading to a reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Furthermore, they interact bidirectionally with the gut microbiome, acting as metabolic substrates for beneficial bacteria and promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing species such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, while simultaneously inhibiting pathogenic strains. These findings highlight the role of polyphenols in maintaining microbiome homeostasis and supporting epidermal barrier integrity. The review encompasses findings from clinical studies, animal models, and mechanistic investigations, while also addressing limitations related to polyphenol bioavailability. Overall, polyphenols may represent a valuable adjunctive approach in AD management; however, further well-designed clinical and mechanistic studies are required to confirm their therapeutic potential. Full article

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major antimicrobial-resistant pathogen affecting both human and animal health. Although historically associated with healthcare settings, MRSA is now established in livestock production and throughout the production chain. Its detection in animals, food products, and processing environments reflects the complex ecology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in modern food systems. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular basis of methicillin resistance and multidrug resistance determinants, as well as the epidemiology of MRSA in food-associated settings. Particular emphasis is placed on its occurrence in animal-derived foods and key reservoirs within farms, slaughterhouses, and processing environments. Livestock-associated populations are dominated by clonal complex CC398. In contrast, CC9 is prevalent in pig production systems in Asia, while CC5-related lineages occur at the human and animal interface. MRSA has been detected in retail meat and animal-derived foods at low but measurable prevalence, indicating contamination during slaughter and processing. Virulence determinants include staphylococcal enterotoxins linked to food poisoning and Panton–Valentine leukocidin associated with severe infections. Biofilm formation and adhesins further support persistence and colonization. Epidemiological and molecular evidence indicates that livestock, processing environments, and food-contact surfaces act as interconnected reservoirs sustaining MRSA circulation. Human exposure occurs primarily through occupational contact and environmental pathways, whereas foodborne transmission appears less common. Effective control requires integrated surveillance, responsible antimicrobial use in livestock production, and strict hygiene practices throughout the production chain within a One Health framework. Full article

Environmentally friendly radiation shielding materials for medical institutions require lightweight characteristics and high flexibility as key performance indicators. One promising approach is the incorporation of lead-free materials that combine high-density shielding fillers with polymer matrices. High filler loading is necessary to maintain shielding performance while preserving the inherent flexibility of the polymer. However, during the mixing of shielding materials with polymers, microvoids may form. Therefore, strategies are required to enhance structural densification of the composite by reducing microvoid formation. This study aims to investigate the effects of interfacial design using an anchor–chain dispersant (APTES: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) on micropore formation, effective density, and X-ray shielding performance in highly filled tungsten/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composites. TPU-based composite shielding sheets containing 75–90 wt% tungsten were fabricated. The dispersant (APTES) can adsorb onto the surface of metal particles and form a stabilization layer. In this study, the observed reduction in particle agglomeration and porosity upon addition of the dispersant suggests that interfacial stabilization was induced. As a result, in the 85 wt% composite sheet, the porosity decreased from 5.89% without the dispersant to 0.56% with the dispersant, leading to an improvement in the densification level and effective density of the sheet. Under the same thickness condition (0.25 mm), the dispersant-containing sheet exhibited a shielding efficiency that was 3–4% p higher than that of the sheet without dispersant in the 100–120 kVp range. Meanwhile, as the tungsten content increased, the overall density and shielding efficiency of the sheets also increased. At 90 wt% tungsten loading, the composite demonstrated shielding performance approaching that of conventional lead shielding even at a reduced thickness. These results indicate that interfacial design using an anchor–chain dispersant is an effective processing strategy for improving density uniformity and radiation shielding performance in highly filled tungsten/TPU composite shielding materials by controlling microvoid formation. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with goji berries (Lycium barbarum) on the nutritional profile, oxidative stability, and shelf life of rabbit meat. Thirty-two rabbits were assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (CN) and the same diet supplemented with 3% dried goji berries (GJ). Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle were determined at dissection, whereas physical, microbiological, and biochemical parameters were evaluated during refrigerated storage (4 °C; 1, 4, and 10 days) and frozen storage (−20 °C; 60 and 120 days). Dietary supplementation significantly modified the lipid profile of the meat, reducing saturated fatty acids and increasing long-chain n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. During refrigerated storage, lipid peroxidation increased in both groups; however, meat from the GJ group showed significantly lower TBARS values after 10 days (0.22 vs. 0.33 mg MDA/kg; p < 0.001), indicating improved oxidative stability. Lower accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), reduced formation of biogenic amines, and slower growth of spoilage-related microbial populations, particularly Pseudomonas spp., were also observed in GJ samples. Overall, the GJ diet improved fatty acid composition and delayed degradative processes during storage, suggesting its potential as a functional feed ingredient to enhance rabbit meat quality and shelf life. Full article

Enterprise spatial data supply chains (SDSCs) increasingly support high-stakes decision-making; yet, the provenance in operational geospatial systems is often fragmented across metadata records, workflow logs, and application-specific formats. This limits traceability, reproducibility, auditability, and fitness-for-purpose assessment, particularly when organisations need to explain how spatial products were created, with which parameters, spatial references, and dependencies. This study proposes the Enterprise Spatial Data Provenance Knowledge Infrastructure (ESDPKI), a standards-aligned framework that treats provenance as enterprise knowledge infrastructure rather than passive metadata. Using a design science research approach, the study synthesised the literature-derived requirements, standards-based interoperability constraints, and representative spatial data supply chain workflows to develop four artefacts: a six-layer reference architecture, the GeoPROV minimal semantic profile, a validation-gated ingestion and governance mechanism, and a reproducible evaluation blueprint with service-level objectives. Together, these artefacts support provenance capture, semantic normalisation, validation, queryable lineage, catalogue linkage, and policy-aware disclosure across enterprise environments. The resulting design makes geospatial operations, parameters, geometry, and coordinate reference system context machine-actionable, enabling lineage tracing, impact analysis, discovery-time fitness-for-purpose assessment, and stronger governance at scale. ESDPKI therefore provides a coherent architectural pathway for operationalising trustworthy, explainable, and scalable spatial provenance in enterprise settings. Full article

Iso-cetane serves as an ideal component representing branched-chain alkanes in surrogate fuels for diesel. However, the predictive accuracy of existing detailed chemical kinetic models for iso-cetane requires improvement. In this study, focusing on the reaction processes of iso-cetane and its key intermediates, we first updated the thermodynamic data of iso-cetane and some of its intermediates, systematically analyzed the effects of various reactions on ignition delay time (IDT), and made targeted modifications to the relevant reaction rate constants. The reaction types involved include fuel cracking reactions of iso-cetane, hydrogen abstraction reactions, cracking reactions of fuel radicals, as well as the oxidation of fuel radicals, isomerization of alkylperoxy radicals (RO₂ )  concerted elimination reactions, formation of cyclic ethers, and the formation and decomposition of ketohydroperoxides (KHP). Additionally, reactions related to the formation and consumption of p-alkyl-dihydroperoxides (P(OOOH)₂) were supplemented. Based on the above work, we developed a detailed chemical kinetic model for iso-cetane, comprising 4541 species and 18,359 elementary reactions. Through systematic validation against experimental data on ignition delay time and concentration variations of key species during oxidation, the improved predictive performance of the proposed model was demonstrated. Furthermore, using sensitivity analysis and reaction pathway analysis for the ignition process, we revealed that the formation of the low-temperature negative temperature coefficient (NTC) region for iso-cetane is intrinsically associated with the competition between chain-branching and chain-propagating pathways. Full article

This study presents a multi-period Generalized Cell Formation Problem with Machine Availability (GCFP-MA) aimed at designing manufacturing cells that explicitly account for equipment reliability, maintainability, and temporal degradation. The proposed model extends classical formulations by introducing (i) availability-based constraints derived from Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and Markov-Chain models, (ii) downtime penalty costs reflecting non-production losses, and (iii) a multi-period horizon that captures system dynamics over time. To solve the resulting NP-hard problem, the Black Widow Optimizer (BWO)—a population-based metaheuristic inspired by cannibalistic reproduction—is implemented and validated against an exhaustive search benchmark. Computational experiments confirm that the BWO attains the global optimum with substantially reduced computational effort, achieving a balanced trade-off between exploration and exploitation. Results highlight that incorporating availability and repair dynamics prevents infeasible or over-optimistic configurations and yields cost-effective, robust cell layouts. The proposed approach provides both theoretical and practical contributions by integrating availability engineering and production system design within a unified optimization framework. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants detected in terrestrial, aquatic, and human systems. Emerging evidence indicates that MPs interact with microbiota through biofilm formation, induction of oxidative stress, enrichment of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and disruption of short-chain fatty acid metabolism, leading to dysbiosis and altered host immune responses. These interactions contribute to dysbiosis, altered immune responses, and increased dissemination of ARGs, which pose health risks. This review synthesizes current knowledge on mechanisms of microplastic–microbiota interactions, highlighting evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and environmental studies. We discuss methodological challenges, including variability in particle types, concentrations, aging, and analytical approaches. Recent advances in multi-omics techniques provide deeper mechanistic understanding and reveal functional consequences of MP exposure. We outline key knowledge gaps and propose future research directions to assess the impact of microplastic exposure on ecosystems and human health. Full article

The emergence of membrane boundaries represents a decisive transition in the origin of life, yet the molecular nature of the earliest abiotic membranes remains uncertain. Existing models based on simple fatty acids, while experimentally tractable, often lack the environmental robustness required under fluctuating prebiotic conditions. Furthermore, the absence of clear pathways linking primitive amphiphiles to later phospholipid systems highlights the need for chemically continuous intermediate frameworks. Here, we explore borate-bridged amphiphile–carbohydrate conjugates as plausible intermediates between simple prebiotic surfactants and modern lipid bilayers. These conjugates arise from low-molecular-weight polyols—including glycerol, butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol, pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentaol, and hexane-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexitol—reacting with long-chain alkyl ethers and borate species under alkaline conditions, enabling reversible coupling to ribose and other vicinal diol-containing sugars. This chemistry integrates three essential properties for early compartmentalization: hydrolytically robust ether-linked hydrophobic domains, multivalent and highly hydrated headgroups, and environmentally responsive borate coordination. Comparative physicochemical analysis suggests that single-tail alkylglycerol derivatives preferentially form micelles and interfacial films, while di- and tri-tail tetritol and pentitol conjugates favor lamellar assemblies and vesicle formation across realistic prebiotic pH and salinity ranges. Hexitol-based systems, particularly those bearing three hydrophobic chains, may act as membrane-stabilizing components that enhance rigidity and reduce permeability under extreme conditions. We propose that heterogeneous mixtures dominated by two-tail polyol diethers, supplemented by tri-tail stabilizers and surface-active alkylglycerols, could provide mechanically robust, pH-tunable, and sugar-decorated abiotic membranes. Such borate-mediated amphiphiles offer a chemically coherent framework linking carbohydrate stabilization, ether lipid persistence, and dynamic self-assembly, potentially representing a transitional stage in the evolutionary pathway from primitive amphiphilic films to biologically encoded membranes. Full article