Search Results (5,470)

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of crystalline porous materials featuring a high specific surface area, tunable pore structures, and functional surfaces, exhibit remarkable potential in fluorescent sensing. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the construction strategies, sensing mechanisms, and applications of MOF-based fluorescent sensors. It begins by highlighting the diverse degradation pathways that MOFs encounter in practical applications, including hydrolysis, acid/base attack, ligand displacement by coordinating anions, photodegradation, redox processes, and biofouling, followed by a detailed discussion of corresponding stabilization strategies. Subsequently, the review elaborates on the construction of sensors based on individual MOFs and their composites with metal nanomaterials, MOF-on-MOF heterostructures, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), quantum dots (QDs), and fluorescent dyes, emphasizing the synergistic effects of composite structures in enhancing sensor performance. Furthermore, key sensing mechanisms such as fluorescence quenching, fluorescence enhancement, Stokes shift, and multi-mechanism coupling are thoroughly examined, with examples provided of their application in detecting biological analytes, environmental pollutants, and food contaminants. Finally, future directions for MOF-based fluorescent sensors in food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnostics are outlined, pointing to the development of high-performance, low-cost MOFs; the integration of multi-technology platforms; and the construction of intelligent sensing systems as key to enabling their practical deployment and commercialization. Full article

Fungi of the genus Parengyodontium (Ascomycota, Hypocreales, Cordycipitaceae) are emerging as promising sources of secondary metabolites with significant biotechnological potential. While traditionally understudied, species such as Parengyodontium album, Parengyodontium torokii and Parengyodontium americanum have been isolated from diverse and sometimes extreme environments—including deep-sea sediments, mangroves, and NASA clean rooms—suggesting remarkable ecological adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on the chemical diversity, biological activities, and potential industrial applications of secondary metabolites produced by fungi belonging to the genus. A wide variety of compounds have been identified, including polyketides (e.g., engyodontiumones, alternaphenol B2), terpenoids (e.g., cytochalasin K), alkaloids, and torrubielline derivatives. These metabolites exhibit cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifouling properties, with promising anticancer and antimicrobial activities. In addition, recent evidence points to the genus’s role in bioremediation, particularly through the degradation of polyethylene by P. album. Despite the advances highlighted here, challenges remain in scaling production, elucidating biosynthetic pathways, and confirming in vivo efficacy. This review underscores the value of integrating chemical, genomic, and metabolomic approaches to fully unlock the biotechnological potential of Parengyodontium species. Additionally, we broaden the perspective by comparing trends in secondary metabolites among Cordycipitaceae, highlighting lifestyle-related chemical compounds that serve as a reference for the Parengyodontium profile. Full article

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome marked by a dysregulated host response to infection, resulting in systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and high mortality globally. Despite advancements in supportive care, effective immunomodulatory therapies remain elusive, necessitating exploration of novel biological pathways and subsequent therapeutic development. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates immune function and homeostasis, has emerged as a key modulator of immunological and metabolic pathways central to sepsis pathophysiology. The ECS mediates its effects through endogenous ligands, G-protein-coupled cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB1), and regulatory enzymes that control its synthesis and degradation. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, this scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanistic roles of ECS components in experimental and clinical models of sepsis, identifies knowledge gaps, and delineates future areas of work. A comprehensive literature search across multiple databases without restrictions on date or publication type was executed to ensure broad coverage of original studies investigating ECS mechanisms and their intersection with sepsis and septic shock. Across 53 studies, CB2 receptor activation was consistently associated with anti-inflammatory process, organ-protective outcomes, and increased survival rates against septic challenges in preclinical rodent models. CB1 receptor activation trends, however, showed context dependent outcomes. Central antagonism improved hemodynamics and survival rate, but peripheral effects varied with cell type and timing. Non-canonical ECS components (TRPV1, GPR55, PPAR-α, FAAH, MAGL) also contributed to neuroimmune and metabolic regulation. Limited clinical data linked ECS lipid profiles and gene expression with sepsis severity and outcomes. Collectively, ECS modulation, particularly CB2 agonism, TRPV1 activation, and FAAH/MAGL inhibition, shows promise in mitigating sepsis-induced inflammation and organ dysfunction. However, complex, context-dependent effects, especially involving CB1, highlight the need for precision-targeted therapeutic approaches. Further preclinical research is needed to expand generalizable trends to allow translational research to refine ECS-based interventions for sepsis management. Full article

The One Health approach offers an integrative framework to understand infectious threats, environmental factors, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how their interactions affect the human–animal–environment interface. This review examines the epidemiology, transmission pathways, and mechanisms of microorganisms of public health importance (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses). It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, where the environment plays a central role in the dissemination of pathogens, driven by climate change, globalization, agricultural intensification, and habitat degradation. AMR is a major concern, driven by the indiscriminate use of pharmaceuticals in human, veterinary, and agricultural settings, horizontal gene transfer through mobile genetic elements, and microbial evolution. The study of different pathogens is of great importance due to their high prevalence in different ecosystems, their virulence, clinical interest, and mortality rates produced. Some of them are ESKAPE bacteria, Candida auris, Plasmodium falciparum, and emerging viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, which present complex transmission dynamics influenced by ecological and health determinants. The review also addresses the effects of climate change on the persistence and geographic spread of pathogens. Successful implementation of the One Health program requires intersectoral policies, integrated surveillance systems, prudent use of antimicrobials and investment in translational science. Coordinating these strategies is essential to limit the spread of pathogens, protect biodiversity, and save global health in the face of the growing threat of infectious diseases. Full article

Battery mechanical properties degrade progressively with aging, manifesting as expansion pressure in module-constrained cells. Here, an in situ pressure operating system was developed to replicate the mechanical environment of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, enabling long-term monitoring under different loads and temperatures. Coupled with quasi-static compression tests on internal components, stress–strain curves and elasticity moduli were obtained to link microscopic behavior with macroscopic pressure response. Results show that irreversible pressure growth is jointly governed by state of health (SOH) and load: under low-load conditions, irreversible pressure increases nonlinearly with SOH, whereas higher loads yield more linear trends. A multilevel physical model encompassing electrodes, cells, and modules was proposed to explain these behaviors. This model takes into account the influence of external pressure on the modulus of the battery, and indicates that SOH and load influence reversible pressure curves through their effect on modulus. A theoretical method was derived to calculate in-module modulus, confirming its linear correlation with the fluctuation amplitude of reversible pressure. Differential pressure-capacity analysis further demonstrated that characteristic changes in expansion pressure reflect modulus evolution, and deviations from this relationship reveal degradation pathways such as gas generation, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth, or lithium plating. This study establishes pressure signals as mechanistic indicators of modulus evolution and provides a framework for diagnosing mechanical degradation in batteries. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging airborne pollutants that can migrate through various environmental pathways, with air representing one of the most critical exposure routes. Their occurrence within suspended particulate matter (PM)—a major atmospheric pollutant associated with respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases—further amplifies the risks posed by air pollution. The main sources of airborne MPs include tire and road wear, degradation of larger plastic debris, and wind-driven resuspension from soil and landfills. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge on airborne MPs, integrating methodological and toxicological perspectives. It summarizes sampling and separation procedures (filtration, chemical digestion, density separation) and analytical techniques for qualitative and quantitative identification. Particular emphasis is placed on the toxicological implications of MPs, including oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and potential carcinogenicity, as revealed by in vitro and mechanistic studies. In light of the absence of standardized methodologies, this work highlights the urgent need for harmonized protocols linking environmental monitoring with biological toxicity assessment. By combining information on analytical workflows and cellular responses, this review serves as a key reference for developing environmentally relevant experimental designs and evaluating health risks associated with airborne microplastics. It therefore bridges the gap between environmental analysis and toxicological research, outlining future priorities for methodological standardization and risk assessment. Full article

Vaccine adjuvants play a crucial role in the field of vaccinology, yet they remain one of the least developed and poorly characterized components of modern biomedical research. The limited availability of clinically approved adjuvants highlights the urgent need for new molecules with well-defined mechanisms and improved safety profiles. Hemocyanins, large copper-containing metalloglycoproteins found in mollusks, represent a unique class of natural immunomodulators. Hemocyanins serve as carrier proteins that help generate antibodies against peptides and hapten molecules. They also function as non-specific protein-based adjuvants (PBAs) in both experimental human and veterinary vaccines. Their mannose-rich N-glycans allow for multivalent binding to innate immune receptors, including C-type lectin receptors (e.g., MR, DC-SIGN) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), thereby activating both MyD88- and TRIF-dependent signaling pathways. Hemocyanins consistently favor Th1-skewed immune responses, which is a key characteristic of their adjuvant potential. Remarkably, their conformational stability supports slow intracellular degradation and facilitates dual routing through MHC-II and MHC-I pathways, thereby enhancing both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. Several hemocyanins are currently being utilized in biomedical research, including Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) from Megathura crenulata, along with those from other gastropods such as Concholepas concholepas (CCH), Fissurella latimarginata (FLH), Rapana venosa (RvH), and Helix pomatia (HpH), all of which display strong immunomodulatory properties, making them promising candidates as adjuvants for next-generation vaccines against infectious diseases and therapeutic immunotherapies for cancer. However, their structural complexity has posed challenges for their recombinant production, thus limiting their availability from natural sources. This reliance introduces variability, scalability issues, and challenges related to regulatory compliance. Future research should focus on defining the hemocyanin immunopeptidome and isolating minimal peptides that retain their adjuvant activity. Harnessing advances in structural biology, immunology, and machine learning will be critical in transforming hemocyanins into safe, reproducible, and versatile immunomodulators. This review highlights recent progress in understanding how hemocyanins modulate mammalian immunity through their unique structural features and highlights their potential implications as potent PBAs for vaccine development and other biomedical applications. By addressing the urgent need for novel immunostimulatory platforms, hemocyanins could significantly advance vaccine design and immunotherapy approaches. Full article

Monascus pigments (MPs), natural food colorants produced by Monascus spp., have been traditionally used in China and Southeast Asia. Our prior work demonstrated that altered cell wall architecture in M. purpureus M9 significantly enhances pigment synthesis and secretion, although biosynthetic regulation under combined cell wall stress and acidic conditions remains unexplored. This study employed comparative transcriptomics to investigate coordinated regulation of MP production by pH stress and modified cell wall polysaccharides in wild-type (M9-WT) and UDP-galactopyranose mutase-deficient (M9-KO) strains at pH 5.0 and 3.0. At pH 5.0, MpglfA knockout enhanced MP secretion through cell wall restructuring involving differential expression total 67 genes (DEGs) of primary metabolism. Acidic stress (pH 3.0) significantly increased DEGs (168 up/643 down) in M9-KO versus M9-WT, inducing amino acid/fatty acid degradation pathways that generate MP precursors (acetyl-CoA/propionyl-CoA) and accelerating metabolic transition toward secondary metabolism. Concurrently, M9-KO adopted survival strategies featuring growth suppression and acid stress pathway activation to coordinate osmotic adaptation. Glucan synthase genes exhibited greater pH sensitivity than galactomannan-related genes, while MP biosynthetic genes were transcriptionally repressed in M9-KO under higher acidity. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment and the series test of cluster confirmed that primary metabolic pathways, particularly nitrogen/carbon metabolism, critically regulate MP biosynthesis. Transcriptomic analysis under limited pH regimes revealed that antagonistic regulators ROX1 and SPT15 mediated pH-responsive transcriptional reprogramming, potentially regulating specific MP biosynthesis (e.g., monascus orange pigments). This work established theoretical foundations for manipulating cell wall composition to enhance MP production efficiency. Full article

The tissue covering the bones in synovial joints is called articular cartilage. Chondrocytes produce and maintain the extracellular matrix and, based on their shape and the orientation of the collagen fibers, articular cartilage is separated into four histological zones: superficial, middle, deep, and calcified zones. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder in which mechanical, biochemical, and inflammatory factors contribute to the disruption of the balance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. This article aims to review the literature published to date by identifying the techniques most used in immunohistochemistry and histology for the detection and grading of knee osteoarthritis in rabbit/rat models. A systematic review was carried out using databases to find publications that assessed osteoarthritis in rabbit/rat knee models using histological and immunohistochemical methods. Out of 766 initial articles, 56 met the criteria. Hematoxylin–Eosin and Safranin O demonstrated clear distinctions between healthy and osteoarthritis cartilage. Immunohistochemical findings showed decreased expression of type II collagen and increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases and caspase-3 in osteoarthritis cartilage. Although both have limitations, histology stains are useful for evaluating cartilage structure and osteoarthritis progression. On the other hand, immunohistochemistry techniques support established osteoarthritis processes, including apoptosis, metalloproteinases activity, and collagen degradation. Future research should explore additional pathways to improve osteoarthritis understanding. Full article

Background/Objectives: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common hair loss disorder in dermatological practice. Its primary pathogenesis involves the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by type II 5α-reductase upon reaching dermal papilla cells (DPCs). DHT impairs DPCs’ activity and inhibits hair growth. Although the FDA-approved drugs finasteride and minoxidil show certain efficacy, they are also associated with severe side effects. This study aims to explore the effects of Terminalia chebula fruit extract (TCFE) on hair growth and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: We investigated the therapeutic potential of TCFE in hair follicle regeneration, employing a multi-level experimental approach combining in vitro analyses of DPCs, in vivo animal models of AGA, and ex vivo cultures of human hair follicles and scalp tissue. Results: First, RNA-seq analysis and RT-PCR validation revealed that TCFE treatment activated the Wnt and TGF-β3 signaling pathways in DPCs, particularly upregulating the AKR1C gene family, which is involved in DHT metabolism. TCFE also potently inhibited type II 5α-reductase activity and mitigated DHT-induced damage to DPCs. In an AGA mouse model, TCFE reversed the AGA phenotype with efficacy comparable to finasteride. However, unlike finasteride, TCFE specifically enhanced the expression of AKR1C1 and AKR1C3, indicating a distinct mechanism. Finally, in ex vivo organ cultures, TCFE suppressed hair follicle cell apoptosis, promoted proliferation, and thereby stimulated hair growth. Conclusions: These findings suggest that TCFE is a promising natural treatment for AGA, likely acting through multiple mechanisms, including Wnt pathway activation, 5α-reductase inhibition, and enhanced DHT degradation. Full article

The BCR-ABL fusion oncoprotein, a constitutively active tyrosine kinase, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed CML treatment, issues such as drug resistance, particularly involving mutations like T315I, and adverse effects underscore the need for alternative or complementary therapeutic strategies. Natural products derived from plants have long served as a reservoir for anticancer agents, offering structural diversity and multi-targeted bioactivity. Notably, many plant-based compounds exhibit anticancer effects with comparatively lower toxicity and fewer side effects than synthetic TKIs, making them attractive candidates for safer long-term use. This review explores the recent advances in plant-based natural compounds that directly or indirectly inhibit BCR-ABL kinase activity and its downstream signaling pathways. Key compounds are discussed with respect to their mechanisms of action, structure–activity relationships, and potential to overcome TKI resistance. Several of these compounds directly target BCR-ABL or promote its degradation, while others inhibit downstream effectors such as STAT5 and PI3K/Akt, leading to apoptosis and growth inhibition of leukemic cells. The synergistic potential of these natural products with existing TKIs and their promise to target drug-resistant CML cells further highlight their translational value. By integrating insights from molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and leukemia biology, this review supports the continued investigation of plant-derived agents as novel or adjunctive therapies against BCR-ABL-driven leukemias. Full article

Industrial machine tools are both performance assets and environmental hotspots over their long service lives. Maintenance is traditionally optimized to safeguard availability, quality and cost. However, maintenance choices also determine the energy consumption, footprints, component duration and end-of-life pathways. In this study, we present a decision framework to compare performance-only maintenance (POM) with sustainability-aware maintenance (SAM) for machine tools. The framework integrates degradation and Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimation, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). Outcomes are summarized with a Sustainable Maintenance Balance (SMB) index. We test the proposed approach on a horizontal machining center for aluminum, validated by running a Monte Carlo simulation over a 1000 h functional unit. Across empirical data and simulation, SAM—compared to POM—demonstrated an ability to improve availability, reduces downtime and scrap, and lower total LCC while cutting carbon emissions. The proposed method is proposed as readily deployable in real plants, supporting robust sustainable-production decisions. Full article

Food processing environments are prone to microbial contamination, where biofilm formation by persistent bacteria reduces hygiene and food safety. In this study, 27 biofilm-forming bacterial strains were isolated from processing equipment surfaces, with the dominant strains identified as B. cereus LE3, B. cereus YJBR3, and P. cibi F25. An environmental isolate, B. licheniformis YJE5, exhibited no hemolytic activity and demonstrated strong enzymatic potential. Intracellular substances (ICS) extracted from B. licheniformis YJE5, isolated from a food processing environment, significantly inhibited biofilm formation by B. cereus LE3, B. cereus YJBR3, and P. cibi F25 by 47–53% and degraded pre-formed biofilms by 37–44%. Light and confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed pronounced structural degradation of biofilms following ICS treatment. API ZYM analysis further revealed multiple hydrolytic enzymes, indicating that enzymatic hydrolysis is central to biofilm degradation. Whole-genome sequencing showed a 4.3 Mbp chromosome with diverse metabolic pathways but no antibiotic resistance and virulence genes, confirming the strain’s safety. These findings suggest that B. licheniformis YJE5 represents a safe and eco-friendly candidate for controlling biofilm-associated contamination in food processing facilities. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a significant public health challenge, with current treatments limited partly due to the difficulty of delivering therapeutics across the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The nose-to-brain (N-2-B) pathway offers a promising alternative to circumvent the BBB, but no drugs have yet been clinically applied via this route for AD. Mild stress is thought to activate intrinsic protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration, but traditional methods lack specificity and practicality. To address this, we propose the inhalation of mildly heated air as thermal stimulation, which utilizes the N-2-B pathway to induce mild stress and stimulate cerebral activity. This study employs thermal cycling-hyperthermia (TC-HT) in developing thermal cycling-stimulation via nasal inhalation (TCSNI), providing cyclic stimulation to maintain pathway activity while minimizing thermal injury. In C57BL/6 mice, TCSNI showed no adverse olfactory effects. In β-amyloid (Aβ)-treated mice, TCSNI significantly enhanced cognitive performance in Y-maze and novel object recognition (NOR) assessments, suggesting cognitive improvement. Mice hippocampal protein analyses indicated a reduction in Aβ accumulation, alongside increased expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt). These results suggest that N-2-B-delivered TCSNI effectively modulates protein expression and enhances cognitive function, highlighting its potential for further exploration in AD treatment. Full article

Biodegradable zinc-based alloys have recently emerged as promising candidates for temporary biomedical implants due to their favorable biocompatibility, appropriate degradation rate, and relatively simple processing. In this study, the Zn-0.1Mg alloy was investigated after being processed by means of a two-step equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) route, consisting of the first pass at 150 °C followed by a second pass at room temperature. The mechanical properties were evaluated using uniaxial tensile tests at different strain rates, while the microstructure and phase composition were analyzed using synchrotron hard X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The processed alloy exhibited a remarkable enhancement in both strength and ductility compared to the annealed state. At the lowest applied strain rate, a fracture elongation of up to 240% was achieved at room temperature, representing a unique manifestation of superplasticity under ambient conditions. Diffraction analysis confirmed the stability of the supersaturated Zn matrix with minor Mg₂Zn₁₁ intermetallic phase. TEM observations revealed an ultrafine-grained microstructure and activation of non-basal slip systems, which enabled efficient plastic flow. These findings demonstrate that controlled severe plastic deformation provides an effective pathway for tailoring Zn-Mg alloys, opening opportunities for their use in the next generation of bioresorbable low-to-moderate load orthopedic fixation devices, e.g., plates, screws, suture anchors and craniofacial miniplates. Full article