Search Results (9,658)

The synthesis and systematic investigation of inorganic and organic compounds are fundamental to medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly for developing novel therapeutic agents. Transition-metal complexes and bioactive organic compounds have shown significant potential to modulate cellular pathways, yielding anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review summarizes recent advances in the synthesis, structural characterization, and therapeutic evaluation of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and ruthenium (Ru) complexes, as well as selected organic compounds, with an emphasis on their biological activities and potential clinical relevance. The integration of synthetic chemistry with biological evaluation underscores the therapeutic potential of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and ruthenium (Ru) complexes, as well as organic compounds. Au(I/III), Pt(II/IV), and Ru(II/III) complexes demonstrated notable in vivo anticancer activity, while selected organic derivatives exhibited promising bioactive properties. This review aims to support researchers and clinicians in the ongoing development of novel compounds with clinical relevance for anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory applications. Full article

Kefir is a self-carbonated fermented milk produced with kefir grains which is valued for its complex symbiotic microbiota and probiotic potential. Flavouring kefir is a recognised strategy to broaden consumer appeal, yet the moment at which a flavouring ingredient is introduced—before or after fermentation—may differentially affect the product. The present study evaluated the effect of the timing of instant coffee addition on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of kefir during 14 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C). Three kefir samples were produced from UHT cow’s milk (3% fat) inoculated with 3% (w/v) kefir grains: a control without coffee (K), kefir with 0.5% (w/v) instant coffee added before fermentation (PreF_CK) and kefir with 0.5% (w/v) instant coffee added after fermentation and maturation (PostF_CK). Samples were analysed on days 1, 7 and 14. The coffee addition significantly increased the total dry matter (K = 10.72%; PreF_CK = 11.04%; PostF_CK = 11.00%; p < 0.01) and slightly modified the titratable acidity and pH (p < 0.05), whereas the ash content (expressed in terms of dry matter) did not differ among samples (p > 0.05). The titratable acidity increased and the pH decreased with storage in all samples (p < 0.05). Crucially, the coffee addition—irrespective of the timing—did not impair the viability of the kefir microbiota; the total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., mesophilic lactic cocci and yeast counts did not differ significantly among the samples (p > 0.05) and remained high throughout storage (lactic acid bacteria ≥8 log CFU/g; yeast ≥5.7 log CFU/g), exceeding the minimum thresholds of the standards for fermented milk products. Sensory evaluation showed that the control achieved the highest odour and taste scores (p < 0.001), while among the coffee-containing samples, the post-fermentation addition (PostF_CK) was generally scored at least as high as the pre-fermentation addition (PreF_CK); overall acceptability did not differ significantly among the samples (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that 0.5% instant coffee can be incorporated into kefir without compromising its characteristic microbiota or storage stability and that post-fermentation addition is a viable route for producing an acceptable coffee-flavoured kefir. Full article

Aquatic animals are increasingly exposed to complex mixtures of emerging environmental toxicants, including microplastics, nanoplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This raises serious concerns for reproductive health, offspring survival rates, and long-term population stability. This narrative review synthesizes the available peer-reviewed evidence on the reproductive and developmental effects of these contaminant groups in aquatic animals. Growing evidence indicates that these contaminants adversely affect reproductive processes, impair offspring development, and reduce survival and fitness across a wide range of aquatic species. Their effects are mediated through interconnected pathways involving oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epigenetic alterations, ultimately leading to reproductive and developmental abnormalities. These changes may weaken wild fish populations, reduce aquaculture productivity, and compromise aquatic biodiversity. However, interpretation of the available evidence is constrained by substantial heterogeneity in species, contaminant properties and concentrations, exposure durations, and reproductive endpoints, together with the predominance of laboratory-based single-contaminant studies. This review integrates current knowledge on the reproductive and developmental impacts of emerging contaminants by connecting mechanistic toxicity pathways with population-level and ecosystem consequences. Overall, this review emphasizes that protecting aquatic reproductive health requires an integrated framework linking contaminant monitoring, mechanistic biomarkers, reproductive performance, and ecosystem-level risk assessment. Full article

Sustainable aviation fuel is among the most practical near-term routes for aviation decarbonization because it can be used in existing aircraft, engines, and airport fuel systems with limited infrastructure changes while minimizing disruption to the aviation fuel supply chain. This review examines SAF applications in aerospace propulsion systems, focusing on production pathways, aero-engine compatibility, property prediction, and fuel heat sink potential. It compares hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), Fischer–Tropsch (FT), alcohol-to-jet (ATJ), synthesized iso-paraffins (SIP), and power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels in terms of feedstock type, process complexity, product composition, and blending constraints. It also assesses how molecular composition governs density, cold-flow behavior, thermal stability, coking propensity, seal compatibility, and emissions. Recent advances in molecular dynamics, machine learning, spectroscopic analysis, and uncertainty quantification show a shift from empirical estimation toward composition-based prediction, prescreening, and fuel design. For high-thermal-load propulsion systems, SAF is further evaluated as a fuel heat sink in active regenerative cooling. Current evidence points to advantages in thermal stability and low coking tendency, but important gaps remain in transcritical and supercritical heat transfer, pyrolytic heat absorption, wall-material effects, coke deposition, and heat sink capacity modeling across wide operating ranges. Full article

Integrating full-coverage 2D seismic profiles, local 3D seismic volumes, and borehole data, this study characterizes the transfer structures within the Hangjinqi area of the northern Ordos Basin and elucidates their control on natural gas accumulation. We propose a novel model for hydrocarbon migration and aggregation within transfer structures under an intraplate strike-slip framework. Our findings reveal the following: (1) The transfer structures in the study area manifest as accommodation zones formed by the soft-linkage of overlapping segments of the Hangjinqi fault zone (HFZ)—comprising the Porjianghaizi fault (PF), Wulanjilinmiao fault (WF), and Sanyanjingfault (SF)—since the Hercynian period. Specifically, these consist of two diagonally distributed relay ramps. The relay ramp between the PF and WF hosts a complex reticulate tectonic pattern, characterized by NE- and NWW-trending en-echelon sub-basement fault belts. (2) Transfer structures govern natural gas accumulation through three primary mechanisms: reservoir distribution, reservoir reformation, and fluid migration. ① During the Late Carboniferous to Late Triassic (C2-T3), under N-S compression, the relay ramps controlled the strike and distribution of sedimentary channels. Simultaneously, stress concentration at these ramps under sinistral transpression induced NWW-trending en-echelon faults, which significantly enhanced reservoir petrophysical properties. ② During the Middle-Late Jurassic (J2-3) primary charging period, a shift to a NE-high/SW-low paleogeographic setting triggered a strike-slip reversal of the HFZ. Natural gas migrated northward primarily through bedding-parallel pathways at the relay ramps. ③ By the Early Cretaceous (K1) secondary charging period, weakened shale smear effects along segments of the PF provided lateral pathways, allowing simultaneous northward migration via both strata and fault surfaces. This prolonged differential activity ultimately dictated the heterogeneous distribution of natural gas across the Hangjinqi area. Full article

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) provide a versatile, fully aqueous platform for probing solute–water interactions and protein structure. This review first surveys the diversity and phase behavior of biphasic aqueous systems formed by polymers and salts. We describe how phase diagrams characterize ATPS formation and composition and how both polymer chemistry and salt identity, rather than molecular size alone, govern phase separation by modulating the solvent properties of water. Building on a modified binodal model, we show that phase separation and solute partitioning can be understood in terms of changes in aqueous solvent dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen-bond donor/acceptor properties, hydrophobicity, and electrostatics, quantified via solvatochromic probes and homologous solute series. These measurements underpin solvent interaction analysis (SIA), in which the partition coefficients of small molecules and proteins across panels of ATPSs are used to generate “structural signatures” that sensitively report on amino acid substitutions, conformational changes, aggregation, ligand binding, osmolyte effects, and post-translational modifications, independent of protein size. We discuss how SIA can be implemented in vial-, plate-, and microfluidic formats and combined with diverse analytical readouts (HPLC, MS, colorimetric assays, and immunoassays), and we contrast this structure-focused approach with conventional concentration-only proteomic and biomarker strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on structure-based biomarker discovery, where disease-relevant shifts in proteoform distributions—especially glycosylation changes—are often more informative than bulk protein levels and where SIA can complement or simplify complex glycomics and top-down proteomics workflows. As a case study, we describe the recently FDA-approved IsoPSA assay, which applies SIA principles to prostate-specific antigen by measuring cancer-associated structural alterations in circulating PSA via its partition behavior in a proprietary ATPS. IsoPSA generates a single index that discriminates between high-grade prostate cancer and benign and low-grade conditions. Prospective, longitudinal, and MRI-integrated clinical studies demonstrate that IsoPSA improves pre-biopsy risk stratification, reduces unnecessary biopsies, and provides robust negative and positive predictive values within the PSA “gray zone.” Collectively, the data support aqueous solvent interaction analysis as a broadly applicable, mechanistically grounded technology for protein characterization, drug–protein interaction studies, and structure-centric biomarker development, exemplified by the clinical translation of IsoPSA. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with limited effective therapies. In this study, a series of 2-(arylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives was synthesized using an efficient microwave-assisted protocol, and evaluated for neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced oxidative stress (OS) in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells and an Aβ42-expressing Drosophila melanogaster model of AD. Among the synthesized compounds, 3n, 3i, and 3b exhibited low cytotoxicity and significant neuroprotection, as evidenced by increased cell viability, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Notably, compound 3n demonstrated the highest activity and effectively ameliorated Aβ42-induced behavioral deficits in vivo. Molecular docking studies predicted favorable binding affinity within the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) active site, with the thiazol scaffold and aryl substituents stabilizing ligand binding through π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions; compound 3n also formed additional hydrogen bonds enhancing its affinity. Consistent with the docking predictions, in vitro AChE inhibition studies demonstrated that compounds 3n, 3i, and 3b inhibited AChE in a concentration-dependent manner. Network pharmacology predicted seven potential core targets implicated in AD pathogenesis and related pathways, including OS, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction. Furthermore, in silico pharmacokinetic analysis indicated compliance with Lipinski’s and Veber’s rules, supporting favorable drug-like properties. While further experimental validation is essential, these findings highlight 2-(arylamino)thiazol-4(5H)-one derivatives, particularly compound 3n, as promising multifunctional candidates for further preclinical development against AD. Full article

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) composites represent a promising sustainable solution to address the environmental challenges posed by conventional polymers across multiple sectors. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on PHB-based composites, examining their development, performance, and biodegradation characteristics in diverse applications such as packaging, biomedical devices, agriculture, aerospace, and environmental remediation. Various composite fabrication methods, including melt blending, solution casting, electrospinning, and in situ polymerization, are evaluated for their impact on functional properties. Natural fiber- and nanomaterial-reinforced PHB composites are critically analyzed for their mechanical integrity, thermal stability, surface chemistry, biodegradability, and environmental compatibility. Practical challenges, including manufacturing scalability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term stability in complex environments, are discussed within circular economy and regulatory frameworks to situate PHB composites for realistic industrial and environmental deployment. This review provides timely insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to develop environmentally compatible, scalable biopolymer-based solutions across multiple domains. Full article

High-intensity exercise performance is a complex phenomenon that emerges from the interaction of neuromuscular, metabolic, molecular, and biomechanical systems. While previous research has primarily examined these factors independently, a comprehensive understanding requires an integrative perspective. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to synthesize current evidence and conceptualize high-intensity exercise performance as a complex adaptive system. The review examined the effects of different training modalities, including high-intensity interval training, sprint training, resistance training, plyometric training, and concurrent training, alongside neuromuscular regulation, molecular adaptations, fatigue mechanisms, and ergogenic aids. Evidence indicates that performance improvements result from coordinated interactions among training-induced adaptations, intracellular signaling pathways, and physiological responses. Furthermore, ergogenic aids such as caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, and dietary nitrates may enhance performance when appropriately aligned with training demands. Overall, high-intensity exercise performance should be viewed as an emergent property of interconnected physiological systems rather than the product of isolated mechanisms. This systems-based framework provides a comprehensive perspective for understanding and optimizing athletic performance. Full article

This study addresses the development of nickel(II) complexes with potential antiproliferative activity. Two novel hydrogenated Schiff base ligands (N₂O₂-type), L1 and L2, were synthesized using environmentally friendly routes within a green chemistry framework and fully characterized. These ligands were coordinated to Ni(II) to obtain mixed octahedral complexes of general formulae [Ni(N₂O₂)(NO₃)₂] and [Ni(N₂O₂)(O–O)]NO₃, where O–O denotes β-diketones (acetylacetonate and fluorinated analogs). Structural, spectroscopic, and electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry, was performed to evaluate the effect of ligand substitution on redox properties. Antiproliferative activity was assessed in HeLa cells. The results show that all complexes exhibit octahedral geometry, while [Ni(N₂O₂)(O–O)]NO₃ complexes behave as 1:1 electrolytes, with redox potentials influenced by electron-withdrawing fluorinated substituents on the secondary ligand. Complexes containing fluorinated diketones and the methoxy-substituted L1 ligand displayed enhanced antiproliferative effects compared to non-fluorinated and unsubstituted analogues. Mechanistic studies suggest apoptosis induction associated with early caspase-3 activation, likely mediated by reactive oxygen species. Overall, ligand electronic effects play a key role in modulating redox behavior and biological activity in these nickel(II) complexes. Full article

H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) continues to mutate, leading to immunosuppression and secondary infections in poultry. Traditional inactivated vaccines mainly induce humoral immunity and have limited cross-protection efficacy against various subtypes of virus strains. In this study, we targeted the HA2 and M1 proteins of H9N2 as antigens and used immunoinformatics methods to design a broad-spectrum multi-epitope vaccine (MEV) that can simultaneously activate humoral and cellular immunity. Firstly, through systematic evolutionary analysis and sequence comparison, highly conserved amino acid sequence regions were selected from HA2 and M1 proteins. B-cell epitopes were predicted in the HA2 conserved sequence, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted in the M1 conserved sequence. Three candidate vaccines containing different epitope combinations were constructed. After secondary structure and physicochemical property comparisons, HM1 was determined as the optimal scheme. HM1 contains three B cell epitopes, two CTL epitopes, and three HTL epitopes, and was connected to chicken β-defensin at the N-terminus as a molecular adjuvant; a dendritic cell-targeting peptide was added at the C-terminus. The HM1 tertiary structure optimized by GalaxyRefine met the standards of a reliable model. The molecular docking results indicated that HM1 can form stable binding with chicken TLR2, TLR4, MHC I, and MHC II molecules, with binding free energies of −7.1 kcal/mol and −6.1 kcal/mol, respectively, and can form multiple hydrogen bonds and salt bridges. Normal mode analyses revealed that the HM1–TLR complex exhibits favorable dynamic properties at the computational level. The immune simulation prediction results showed that after vaccination with HM1, specific antibodies can be induced, B cells, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T cells can be activated, and IFN-γ and IL-2 can be secreted. In summary, the HM1 designed based on the conserved regions of HA2 and M1 proteins has good physicochemical stability and immunogenicity, providing a theoretical basis for the development of broad-spectrum and highly effective H9N2 vaccines. Full article

This study addresses the complexity and high cost associated with traditional temporary formwork in post-cast strips. An innovative use of fish-scale mesh as a permanent interface material is proposed. This material serves as both construction framework and a connector during the service phase. The study investigates the enhancement mechanism of fish-scale mesh on the interfacial bond between new and old concrete. A multi-parameter experimental framework combined with full-field strain measurement was employed. Three specimen types with varying hole heights and numbers were designed and fabricated. Macro-mechanical properties were evaluated through double-shear and splitting-tensile tests. The interfacial strain field was quantified with high precision and visual clarity using Digital Image-Correlation (DIC) technology. Results show that introducing fish-scale mesh alters the interface failure mode. In mesh-free specimens, failure occurs through brittle interfacial delamination. With fish-scale mesh, failure transitions to ductile rupture within the concrete body. The number of holes has the greatest effect on shear strength, followed by hole height. Among all configurations, the fish-scale mesh with a hole height of 6 mm and 30 holes demonstrated the best performance. The shear strength and splitting strength increase by about 32% and 13%, respectively, compared to mesh-free specimens. Based on experimental results and theoretical derivation, a shear-bearing capacity formula for the fish-scale mesh interface is proposed. This model innovatively incorporates the shear key area of the fish-scale mesh, along with weakening and disturbance coefficients derived from experimental data. The theoretical model was validated against experimental results, showing a good agreement and supporting the use of fish-scale mesh as a permanent interface material. Full article

Rice intensification influences soil biodiversity and ecological functioning in paddy ecosystems; however, its effects on soil nematode communities across different rice production systems remain poorly understood in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (MD). This study evaluated the effects of rice cropping practices in the MD on nematode community composition, trophic structure, functional guilds, diversity, plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), and soil chemical properties. A total of 91 soil samples were collected from double-rice intensive (RR), triple-rice intensive (RRR), and rice–upland–rice rotational (RUR) systems. Thirty nematode genera were identified, with a total abundance showing high variability, but no significant differences among cropping systems. Community composition differed considerably among systems, with Chronogaster dominating across all systems, particularly under RRR, whereas RUR supported more dominant genera with higher abundances of Tyleptus, Mesodorylaimus, Cephalobus, and Calolaimus. RUR exhibited significantly greater genus richness, and higher abundances of fungivores, omnivores, and higher colonizer–persister groups (cp4–cp5), indicating greater soil food-web complexity and ecological stability. In contrast, RRR was characterized by bacterivore-dominated communities, and increased abundance of cp3 nematodes, suggesting simplified community structures associated with agricultural intensification. Plant-parasitic nematodes remained relatively stable across management systems, despite taxon-specific responses. Soil pH, organic matter, and nitrogen availability were strongly associated with nematode community variation. Therefore, crop diversification through rotational practices enhanced belowground biodiversity, and promoted more sustainable soil ecological functioning in intensive rice production systems. Full article

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is an effective method for developing protective conversion coatings on magnesium and its alloys. The efficiency of this process is governed by several factors, including electrical parameters and electrolyte composition. Typically, PEO has been performed in alkaline silicate or phosphate solutions, often enriched with simple fluoride ions (F⁻) to improve the mechanical and anticorrosive properties of the resulting layers. Recently, the positive impact of complex fluoride ions (such as ZrF₆²⁻, TiF₆²⁻, SiF₆²⁻, AlF₆³⁻ and PF₆⁻) on the properties of conversion coatings on magnesium substrates has been shown. This review analyzes how these complex precursors influence the phase composition, morphology, and corrosion resistance of coatings. Furthermore, these parameters are compared with those obtained by using electrolytes composed of a mixture of simple fluorides and additional constituents that provide the incorporation of the appropriate elements into the coating structure (phosphorus, silicon, zirconium, titanium, or aluminum). It was indicated that when using complex fluoride salts, an important aspect is the stability of the electrolyte, which depends on pH and the presence of stabilizing additives. Ensuring that the decomposition of the complex fluoride occurs during the PEO process increases the amount of fluorine incorporated into the layers formed, leading to the formation of a coating with enhanced properties. Full article

Background: Infrared (IR) radiation constitutes the dominant component of the energy reaching the Earth’s surface and plays a significant role in the photochemical and thermal processes occurring in the skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the photoprotective potential of selected cosmetic ingredients—ferulic acid, citrus pectin, and dextran—against IR radiation using the directional hemispheric reflectance (DHR) method in an ex vivo model. Methods: Formulations based on an amphiphilic carrier (Lekobaza) containing various concentrations of the tested substances were developed, and their optical and thermal properties were evaluated. Results: The results showed that the application of all formulations led to a statistically significant reduction in reflectance in the near- and mid-infrared range, indicating an increase in the absorption of radiation energy within the formulation layer. The strongest absorption effect was observed for ferulic acid, which—in addition to its antioxidant properties—exhibits the ability to absorb IR energy and dissipate it as heat. Pectin and dextran formed a water-binding hydrocolloid matrix on the surface, acting as a selective “water filter” for long-wavelength radiation (IR-B and IR-C). At the same time, all the tested systems increased the surface’s thermal emissivity, which promotes more efficient dissipation of absorbed energy through radiative cooling and may support the skin’s natural thermoregulation. Conclusions: The obtained data indicate that protection against IR radiation should not be defined solely as the physical reflection of radiation, but as a complex process of managing the skin’s energy balance, encompassing surface absorption, heat dissipation, and the neutralization of biological effects. The results support the development of hybrid photoprotective systems combining antioxidant and thermoregulatory mechanisms to prevent thermal aging-related changes. Full article