Search Results (7,374)

γ-Oryzanol is a complex mixture of ferulic acid esters of phytosterols and triterpene alcohols predominantly found in rice bran. It exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects, as well as the ability to modulate cellular metabolic pathways in both in vitro and in vivo models. The composition and concentration of γ-oryzanol vary significantly among rice varieties and are influenced by genetic, environmental, and technological factors. Advances in extraction methods, including traditional solvent extraction and innovative approaches such as supercritical fluid extraction, have improved yield and purity, supporting its use in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Current research in the biological, biomedical, and cosmetic fields is actively investigating γ-oryzanol’s mechanisms of action in metabolic regulation and inflammation, as well as developing advanced formulation strategies to enhance its antioxidant, skin-protective, and functional properties. These efforts aim to optimize its delivery and efficacy by addressing challenges related to poor water solubility and bioavailability, thereby expanding its role as a multifunctional bioactive compound. This review provides a comprehensive overview on γ-oryzanol, focusing on its extraction techniques, chemical characterization, and biological/pharmacological activities. Additionally, clinical trials investigating its efficacy and safety have been thoroughly dissected, offering valuable insights into its therapeutic potential in human populations. Full article

The increasing interest in the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in aquatic environments has driven research into biological mechanisms capable of eliminating pharmaceutical compounds like paracetamol, considering different plant species as model systems. Thus, the use of hairy roots (HRs) has become an interesting tool. This study explores the ability of tobacco HRs to remove paracetamol, with an emphasis on elucidating the main metabolism steps and key enzymes involved in the green liver detoxification process, as well as the antioxidant response. The deepening of these aspects has been carried out through gene expression and biochemical analysis under circadian regulation. Our results reveal that HRs efficiently removed paracetamol (100 mg L⁻¹) from the culture medium, achieving around 99% removal at ZT16 h (Zeitgeber Time 16). The early activation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, demonstrated by enhanced peroxidase (POD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (TAA) during the light phase, has been observed. Furthermore, glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) activity and glutathione (GSH) levels, potentially linked to paracetamol conjugation, were also assessed. Gene expression analyses confirmed GST gene upregulation in response to paracetamol treatment, with GSTF6-like and GSTF8-like maintaining circadian rhythms as in the control, and GSTZ1-like only displayed rhythmic expression upon treatment. Additionally, the modulation of core circadian clock genes (NtLHY1 and NtTOC1) suggests that the plant response to paracetamol is tightly regulated by the circadian system. Together, these findings shed light on the complex molecular and biochemical mechanisms underlying paracetamol detoxification in tobacco HRs and underscore the significant role of circadian regulation in orchestrating these responses. Full article

Meteorological and climatological trends are surely changing the way urban infrastructure systems need to be operated and maintained. Urban road traffic fluctuates more significantly under the interference of strong wind–rain weather, especially during tropical cyclones. Deep learning-based methods have significantly improved the accuracy of traffic prediction under extreme weather, but their robustness still has much room for improvement. As the frequency of extreme weather events increases due to climate change, accurately predicting spatiotemporal patterns of urban road traffic is crucial for a resilient transportation system. The compounding effects of the hazards, environments, and urban road network determine the spatiotemporal distribution of urban road traffic during an extreme weather event. In this paper, a novel Knowledge-driven Attribute-Augmented Attention Spatiotemporal Graph Convolutional Network (KA3STGCN) framework is proposed to predict urban road traffic under compound hazards. We design a disaster-knowledge attribute-augmented unit to enhance the model’s ability to perceive real-time hazard intensity and road vulnerability. The attribute-augmented unit includes the dynamic hazard attributes and static environment attributes besides the road traffic information. In addition, we improve feature extraction by combining Graph Convolutional Network, Gated Recurrent Unit, and the attention mechanism. A real-world dataset in Shenzhen City, China, was employed to validate the proposed framework. The findings show that the prediction accuracy of traffic speed can be significantly increased by 12.16%~31.67% with disaster information supplemented, and the framework performs robustly on different road vulnerabilities and hazard intensities. The framework can be migrated to other regions and disaster scenarios in order to strengthen city resilience. Full article

Climate change is elevating temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Despite the urgency with which solutions are needed, relatively few studies comprehensively investigate the effectiveness of alternative flood risk management options under different climate conditions. Specifically, we are interested in a comparison of the effectiveness of resistance, nature-based, and managed retreat strategies. Using an integrated 1D-2D PCSWMM model, this paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the effectiveness of alternative adaptation strategies in reducing flood risks in Eastwick, a community of Philadelphia, PA, subject to fluvial, pluvial, and coastal flood hazards. While addressing the urgent public need to develop local solutions to this community’s flood problems, the research also presents transferable insights into the limitations and opportunities of different flood risk reduction strategies, manifested here by a levee, watershed-scale green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) program, and a land swap. The effectiveness of these options is compared, respectively, under compound climate change conditions, with the spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation and Delaware river tidal conditions based on Tropical Storm Isaias (2020). The hypothesis was that the GSI and managed retreat approaches would be superior to the levee, due to their intrinsic ability to address the compound climate hazards faced by this community. Indeed, the findings illustrate significant differences in the predicted flood extents, depths, and duration of flooding of the various options under both current and future climate scenarios. However, the ideal remedy to flooding in Eastwick is more likely to require an integrated approach, based on more work to evaluate cost-effectiveness, stakeholder preferences, and various logistical factors. The paper concludes with a call for integrating multiple strategies into multifunctional flood risk management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. This study aimed to repurpose methylstat, a selective histone demethylase inhibitor, as a novel anti-glioma agent. We characterized its anti-proliferative efficacy, elucidated mechanisms of cell cycle regulation, and evaluated its blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability potential. Methods: Compounds with transcriptional profiles enriched for cell cycle arrest and tumor-suppressive pathways were identified via Connectivity Map (CMAP) analysis. Methylstat was selected based on its high connectivity score and favorable physicochemical properties. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate its effects on cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle progression, and expression of related molecular markers in U251 and HOG glioma cell lines. Molecular docking and 200 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to evaluate the binding mode and stability of the Methylstat–JMJD2A complex. An in vitro BBB model was established to assess the ability of Methylstat to cross the BBB. Results: Methylstat significantly inhibited glioma cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without inducing apoptosis. It caused G1-phase arrest in U251 cells and G2-phase arrest in HOG cells. Mechanistically, methylstat downregulated cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases via the p53/p21 pathway. Additionally, methylstat reduced the expression of JMJD2A and its downstream targets, including PDK1, AKT, and mTOR. Molecular docking studies and 200 ns MD simulations confirmed the stable binding of methylstat to the catalytic pocket of JMJD2A, effectively inhibiting its enzymatic activity. HPLC analysis confirmed that methylstat could penetrate the in vitro BBB model to varying extents. Conclusions: Methylstat is a promising small-molecule agent that effectively suppresses glioma cell growth by modulating key cell cycle regulators. Its ability to cross the BBB highlights its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for GBM and other brain tumors. Full article

CTX-M beta-lactamases have become the predominant extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) globally, contributing to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This study investigated the prevalence of biofilm formation and CTX-M genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from Baghdad hospitals, aiming to better understand antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and support the development of targeted interventions. A total of 300 samples were collected from various clinical and hospital sources, and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. ESBL production was also confirmed using specifically designed primers. Platanus orientalis Linn extract was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against K. pneumoniae isolates. The results showed significant resistance to the majority of antibiotics, including cefotaxime, gentamicin, levofloxacin, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone. A high prevalence of the CTX-M gene (100%) was detected in the isolates, with the most frequent alleles being blaCTX-M-15 (65.2%) and blaCTX-M-1 (30%). Furthermore, 95.6% of the isolates were capable of forming biofilms. However, when treated with P. orientalis Linn extract, most isolates exhibited reduced biofilm production, becoming weak biofilm producers. Phytochemical analysis of P. orientalis Linn revealed significant amounts of phenolic compounds, tannins, and glycosides, as well as the presence of alkaloids and carbohydrates. Overall, this study demonstrates a correlation between CTX-M production and biofilm-forming ability in K. pneumoniae and highlights the potential role of P. orientalis Linn extract in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Full article

Molecular diversity is a key component of overall biodiversity, playing a vital role in evolution. It results from the adaptation of organisms to various habitats, which impacts their survival. The Amaryllidoideae subfamily is a significant group of monocotyledonous plants known for producing an exclusive and still-expanding group of molecules with diverse biological activities. Galanthamine (Gal), the most renowned metabolite from Amaryllidoideae subfamily, has been marketed for the palliative treatment of Alzheimer’s disease since 2001 due to its ability to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Due to the high cost and low yield of its synthesis, pharmaceutical companies extract this drug from Amaryllidoideae plants, such as Narcissus pseudonarcissus cv. Carlton in Europe and Lycoris radiata in China. The aim of this study was to describe the alkaloid profile of fifteen different species of Narcissus L. (commonly known as daffodils) collected in Spain using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Fifty-one alkaloids were identified and quantified within these species through our private library of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AA) built over the last four decades, while thirty structures remained not identified in thirteen of these species. The highest concentration of these nitrogenate metabolites was quantified in N. confusus, 541 μg Gal·100 mg⁻¹ DW, which also exhibited a notably high concentration of Gal, 301 μg Gal·100 mg⁻¹ DW, which represents about 55% of the alkaloids identified in this species. The species N. bujei was also found to contain a significant quantity of this compound, amounting to 103.2 μg Gal·100 mg⁻¹ DW. The plant N. assoanus harbored a total of seven unidentified compounds, indicating that this species could be a potentially important source of novel alkaloids. In conclusion, this study facilitates a direct comparison of alkaloid profiles for fifteen Narcissus plant species. This serves as a valuable tool for identifying possible new sources of galanthamine, as well as other novel medicinal alkaloids. Finally, this work presents the first alkaloid profile of the species N. minor and N. nevadensis. Full article

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic disorders that can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nowadays, there are several groups of drugs for the treatment of T2DM, but there is no one that would not have significant side effects and suitable for most patients. In our previous study, it was shown that the (S)-2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid derivative containing isopimaric acid moiety exhibited pronounced antidiabetic activity. In the present study, a series of (S)-2-ethoxy-3-phenylpropanoic acid derivatives containing an isopimaric acid moiety with various aromatic substituents at position 16 were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were tested for their ability to improve glycemic control and to counter lipid abnormalities in C57BL/6^Ay mice placed on a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet. Of all tested compounds, the 2-NO₂-phenyl derivative (16d) had the most pronounced effect in decreasing blood glucose and serum triglyceride levels. All the compounds displayed a relatively safe profile in the animal studies carried out in this work. Therefore, it can be concluded that chemical modification of isopimaric acid may enhance its efficacy as an antidiabetic agent as part of the potential glitazar. Full article

This study investigates the scavenger activity of Polynucleotide High Purification Technology (PN HPT^TM), alone or in combination with hyaluronic acid (PN HPT^TM + HA) against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Since oxidative stress is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, identifying effective antioxidants is crucial for therapeutic development. We employed a cell-free fluorometric assay based on Calcein-AM, a fluorescence probe whose signal increases proportionally to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), to evaluate the ability to neutralize ROS under varying oxidative stress conditions and determine the dose- and time-dependent effects of these compounds. PN HPT^TM, HA, and PN HPT^TM + HA were tested at various concentrations over multiple time points. Our results demonstrated that all tested treatments significantly lowered ROS levels compared to the untreated control. Notably, the PN HPT^TM -based compounds exhibited robust scavenging activity, with PN HPT^TM + HA displaying the strongest and most consistent ROS-neutralizing effect across all concentrations and time points. This enhanced performance suggests a synergistic interaction between PN HPT^TM and HA, potentially due to complementary mechanisms of free radical scavenging and structural stabilization. These findings highlight the potential of PN HPT^TM and PN HPT^TM + HA as effective antioxidative agents, offering potential for therapeutic applications where oxidative stress is central, including wound healing and tissue regeneration. Full article

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) encompass a group of chronic conditions, characterized by neuronal losses in large areas of the brain, leading to cognitive and behavioral impairments. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is a progressive ND, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid β and tau protein, entails cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and blood–brain barrier impairment, with oxidative stress playing a critical role in its pathogenesis. To date, the available pharmacotherapy has shown limited efficacy, and multitarget activity of plant-derived neuroprotective bioactive compounds is currently in focus. This review synthesizes experimental evidence regarding Ocimum species with neuroprotective potential in AD, particularly Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpenoids that synergistically scavenge reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx), and reduce lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, these extracts have demonstrated the ability to decrease β-amyloid accumulation and tau protein levels, key pathological features of AD. Even though additional research is required to fully assess their potential as therapeutic agents for NDs, by diving into the specific mechanisms through which they improve neurodegenerative processes, important steps can be made towards this endpoint. Full article

The ability of the quinonoid sea urchin pigment ethylspinazarin (U-573) to protect mouse Neuro-2a neuronal cells from the neurotoxic effect of one of the Parkinson’s disease inducers, MPP+, was studied. This compound blocked Ca²⁺ influx and inhibited macropore formation through the P2X7 receptor induced by high concentrations of ATP. Ethylspinazarin at a concentration of 10 μM increased the viability of neuronal cells treated with the neurotoxin by approximately 15% and reduced the level of NO and ROS to control values. Further, U-573 prevented the MPP+-induced formation of amyloid-like protein aggregates in neuronal cells by approximately 50%. This compound at a dosage of 1 mg/kg exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in a mouse model of inflammation, reducing ATP-induced paw edema to values of intact animals. Moreover, the potential of ethylspinazarin in providing an antiparkinsonian effect was shown using a mouse model of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease. It is likely that the antiparkinsonian activity in in vivo experiments may be mediated by the ability of U-573 to cross the blood–brain barrier. Finally, we found that U-573 effectively inhibits the functioning of ATP-dependent purinergic P2X7 receptors in neuronal cells. This property may be of key importance in the manifestation of the antiparkinsonian activity of this 1,4-naphthoquinone. Full article

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of Ligilactobacillus salivarius A3iob on honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies’ health and honey production. The present work aimed to assess the genomic characteristics of the A3iob strain to understand its ability to improve bees’ health. Methods: The comparative genomic analysis was performed with the A3iob genome and the genomes of probiotic L. salivarius strains of human, porcine, and chicken origin, as well as bacteria isolated from the bees’ gut. The analysis included the examination of metabolic genes and functional genes related to adhesion, the production of bioactive compounds, the modulation of the host’s immune system, and antimicrobial substances. Genes associated with antimicrobial resistance and virulence were also analyzed. Results: In silico studies revealed that L. salivarius A3iob possesses genes for glycosyltransferases (GTs) from the families GT2 and GT4, like Bombella apis and Bombella intestinalis, and glycosylhydrolases (GH) from the families GH1, GH2, GH13, GH36, GH65, and GH177, similar to Apilactobacillus kunkeei, Enterococcus durans, and bifidobacteria isolated from the bee intestine. The A3iob strain also has a unique genetic profile with a high number of secretion system genes and adhesion genes, including the ones coding for the SecA2/Y2 system, the mucus-binding proteins MucBP1, MucBP2, and MucBP3, and a pilus cluster (pilA, SpaA, SpaB, and sorteaseA) that has only been described in five strains of the L. salivarius species and in the intestinal bee-derived strain E. durans EDD2, which could be involved in the successful colonization of the A3iob strain in the bee gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, L. salivarius A3iob showed the presence of exopolysaccharide biosynthesis clusters described in the probiotic L. salivarius UCC118. Genes related to oxidative stress response (thioredoxin and NrdH-redoxin systems) and the bacteriocin genes abp118A and abp118B were found in the A3iob genome. L. salivarius A3iob does not harbor virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. Conclusions: The genomic characterization of L. salivarius A3iob performed in this work provides some clues about the genetic mechanisms underlying its probiotic properties, paving the way for future research aimed at improving bees’ health and productivity in the face of environmental challenges. Full article

The efficient compounding of microbial agents for use in aerobic composting processes is a pressing problem that needs to be addressed. This work focused on the lack of effective oil-degrading microorganisms and the challenges in formulating microbial consortia during the composting of food waste (FW). Following the isolation of three bacteria and three fungi with high oil-degrading ability, a simplex-lattice mixture design methodology was used to conduct compounding within and between groups of bacteria and fungi. Three special cubic response models were successfully developed and validated by performing an analysis of variance. From our analysis, it was demonstrated that the three models had high R² values of 96.06%, 97.18%, and 96.27%. The global solution of the mixture optimization predicted the optimal value for a blend comprising 11.83% Agrobacterium tumefaciens, 8.10% Pseudomonas geniculata, 10.97% Luteibacter rhizovicinus, 20.9% Simplicillium cylindrosporum, 22.3% Fusarium proliferatum, and 25.9% Simplicillium lanosoniveum. Thus, these proportions were considered the optimal combination of strains for oil degradation during FW composting. Composting verification in a 60 L fermenter revealed that the composite microbial agent group had a 31.3% higher oil degradation efficiency than the control group. This work provides valuable insights for the compounding of microbial agents and the resource utilization of rural FW. Full article

Background: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments and strategies for managing infections caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). Shrimp aquaculture faces significant challenges from these pathogens, resulting in substantial economic losses. Vibrio species are known for their ability to form biofilms, enhancing their resistance to conventional treatments. Methods: The review follows the PRISMA guidelines, searching Scopus and PubMed databases for relevant studies on antibiotics and plant extracts used against these pathogens. Data were extracted and analysed to assess the effectiveness of different treatments, including antibiotics, plant extracts, and combined therapies. Results: The review found that while antibiotics remain widely used, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains necessitates alternative strategies. Plant extracts, rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, showed promising antimicrobial activity. Combined therapies involving antibiotics and plant extracts were also explored for their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce resistance. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of addressing biofilm formation in managing Vibrio-related infections and highlight the need for further research to develop sustainable and effective treatment protocols for shrimp aquaculture. Full article

The shift toward future-forward foods begins with subtle yet innovative alternatives—yeast among them, playing a surprising role in this transformation. Traditionally, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has dominated the bakery industry due to its reliable fermentation and predictable performance. However, rising demand for artisanal, nutritious, and eco-friendly baked goods has sparked interest in unconventional yeast species. This review highlights the potential of alternative yeasts such as Torulaspora delbrueckii, Candida milleri, Pichia anomala, and Yarrowia lipolytica to enhance bakery processes. These species possess distinctive metabolic traits, enabling the formation of complex aroma and flavour compounds—like esters, higher alcohols, and organic acids—that enrich bread’s taste and texture. Moreover, some strains offer nutritional benefits by synthesizing essential micronutrients, breaking down anti-nutritional phytates, and improving mineral and vitamin bioavailability. Their robustness under stress conditions, such as high sugar, salt, or temperature, and their ability to ferment diverse substrates further support their industrial appeal. Still, challenges persist: unconventional yeasts often exhibit weaker leavening capacity, greater sensitivity to processing, and loss of volatiles during baking. Even so, hybrid fermentations that blend conventional and unconventional yeasts show promise in enhancing both dough performance and end-product quality. Overall, the integration of these alternative yeasts represents a forward-looking approach in bakery, aligning with consumer preferences for health-conscious and sustainable options while offering opportunities for innovation and product differentiation. Full article