Search Results (21,344)

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent proinflammatory condition. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid obtained through the diet, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to compare DHA concentrations in serum and cervical mucus between women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 42 women with PCOS and 42 healthy controls aged 18–40 years. Anthropometric measurements, fasting metabolic and hormonal profiles were obtained, and paired serum and cervical mucus samples collected on midluteal phase of the menstrual cycle were analyzed for DHA concentrations using ELISA. Results: Serum DHA levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared with controls (304.50 [167.75–593.00] vs. 168.50 [105.25–312.75] ng/L; median difference of 136.0 ng/L [95% CI: 18.46–284.50]; p = 0.015). Cervical mucus DHA levels tended to be lower in the PCOS group (189.50 [168.75–240.25] vs. 220.00 [189.50–241.75] ng/L; median difference of −30.50 ng/L [95% CI: −63.01 to −12.00]; p = 0.098). The serum-to-cervical mucus DHA ratio was significantly higher in the PCOS group (1.65 [0.85–2.83] vs. 0.80 [0.52–1.93]; median difference of 0.85 [95% CI: 0.10–1.60]; p = 0.002). Conclusions: Women with PCOS exhibited significantly elevated serum DHA levels and serum to cervical mucus DHA ratios compared to healthy controls, while cervical mucus DHA levels were similar between groups. The higher serum DHA and comparatively lower cervical mucus DHA in PCOS patients may indicate impaired DHA metabolism, slower metabolic processing, or reduced utilization of its active mediators. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine DHA levels in both serum and cervical mucus in PCOS, highlighting the need for further large-scale studies. Full article

Nutrition has been recognized as a major contributor to health and well-being. However, the association between nutritional status and cardiometabolic health across different stages of adulthood is not yet well understood. This cross-sectional study examined the association between health and micronutrient status among young and older Austrian adults. Specifically, the study investigated how blood micronutrients, blood lipid measures, and body composition are interrelated. A total of 488 adults who fulfilled the study criteria were categorized into young adults (n = 380; aged 20–49 years; 48% female) and older adults (n = 108; aged 50–64 years; 45% female). Blood analyses were performed to assess blood micronutrient levels and serum concentrations of a wide range of cardiometabolic health biomarkers, including blood lipids. Micronutrient deficiencies and excesses were determined using sex-based reference ranges. Significant differences were found between younger and older adults for 16 out of the 28 blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health using group comparison tests (p < 0.05). There were significant age-based differences in the levels of magnesium, copper, zinc, molybdenum and vitamin D, but only copper and molybdenum deficiency/excess differed significantly between age groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that several micronutrients and demographic factors were associated with body weight, body mass index, and blood lipids (p < 0.05), with variation in associations observed between younger and older adults. These findings highlight that age-related differences in specific micronutrients, as well as their associations with blood lipids and body composition, should be considered when developing targeted nutritional and cardiometabolic health interventions for adults. Full article

The northwestern Hubei region, primarily encompassing Shiyan City and Yunxi County in Hubei Province, constitutes a crucial component of the South Qinling Tectonic Belt. The Neoproterozoic Wudang Group in the study area exhibits Cu element enrichment, with ore deposit formation closely associated with stratigraphic and structural features. This study evaluates copper mineral resource distribution and metallogenic potential in northwestern Hubei by employing factor analysis, concentration-area fractal modeling, and the fuzzy weights-of-evidence method based on stream sediment data, aiming to construct a metallogenic potential model. Factor analysis was applied to process 2002 stream sediment samples of 32 elements to identify principal factors related to copper mineralization. Inverse distance interpolation was used to generate element distribution maps of principal factors, which were integrated with geological and structural data to establish a model using the fuzzy weights of evidence method. Prediction results indicate that most known copper deposits are located within posterior favourability ranges of 0.0027–0.272, constrained by stratigraphic and fault controls. The central northwestern Hubei region is identified as a priority target for future copper exploration. This research provides methodological references for conducting mineral resource potential assessments in north-western Hubei using innovative evaluation approaches. Full article

Traditional fermented beverages from Chiapas, Mexico, represent an important source of microbial diversity, particularly of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In native strains isolated from traditional fermented beverages, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been observed to display distinct morphological and physiological traits; therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the population growth and the tolerance of twenty isolates to different stress factors such as temperature, osmotic pressure, and high ethanol concentrations, as well as the genetic variability through interdelta analysis, and to determine whether these physiological and molecular characteristics are associated with the type of beverage and the locality of origin. Differences were observed in tolerance to various factors, including high ethanol concentrations and elevated temperatures, as well as in the production of volatile compounds, with Taberna and Mezcal isolates showing notable performance. These isolates were able to withstand temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 °C and ethanol concentrations of up to 17% in Mezcal and Pox isolates, and 15% in Taberna isolates. High concentrations of isoamyl acetate and higher alcohols such as isoamyl alcohol were detected. In addition, the genetic variability of the isolates was evaluated, and its relationship with the type of beverage and the geographical origin of production was explored, including isolates obtained from Taberna, Mezcal, Pox, and Chicha de Chilacayote. Intraspecific variability was assessed through a retrotransposon-based analysis of the interdelta region using different primer combinations (δ1-δ2, δ12-δ21, and δ12-δ2). The generated banding patterns were analyzed using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), which enabled the identification of molecular variability patterns among the isolates. Furthermore, a UPGMA analysis was performed using physiological and compound production data, revealing a relationship between these characteristics and the geographical origin of the isolates. The results revealed a high degree of intraspecific variability, which was associated with both the type of beverage and the locality of origin of the isolates. Full article

Managing bacterial infections and the spread of microbial resistance is one of the most critical and complex tasks of modern healthcare infrastructures. Antiseptics and disinfectants such as biocides play a significant role in controlling microbial resistance by reducing the microbial load on surfaces, skin, and environments, thereby limiting the opportunity for pathogens to proliferate and develop resistance. Herein, we tested the different interactions of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC)-based biocide compositions in pursuit of a better antimicrobial performance. An extensive microbiological analysis was conducted for 12 selected compositions of various combinations of mono-QACs, bis-QACs, and alcohols on 17 strains of bacteria of the ESKAPEE group and fungi, including 11 clinical highly resistant varieties, highlighting synergistic or additive dynamics. The evaluation showed noticeable improvements in activity, with up to 16-fold MBC and 32-fold MBEC reductions for alcohol-based compositions of lead QAC. Moreover, synergistic interactions were detected and confirmed via an optimized checkerboard assay for pyridinium QAC combinations against planktonic Gram-positive S. aureus with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCI) of 0.39–0.5 and Gram-negative A. baumannii biofilms. The studied biocides demonstrated the long-term preservation of antimicrobial efficiency without resistance development during a 40-day period and do not induce QAC-associated cross-resistance for four commercially available antibiotics with similar mechanisms of action. Full article

This study examines the traditional villages of the Tujia and Miao ethnic groups in Xiangxi Prefecture, western Hunan, and clarifies their spatial distribution and residential cultures through ArcGIS-based spatial analysis combined with extensive field investigation. On the basis of a systematic comparative framework, it explores differences in village patterns, architectural forms, and folk belief systems between the two groups. The results indicate that (1) in terms of spatial distribution, Miao villages are mainly located to the south of the Wuling Mountains, while Tujia villages are concentrated to the north, with the mountainous ranges of Baojing and Guzhang counties forming a clear transitional belt; (2) regarding village layout, Miao villages are generally clustered with “mountain-backed and water-adjacent”, whereas Tujia villages tend to adopt a more dispersed and defensive pattern than “mountain-anchored and water-distanced”; (3) in dwelling form, both groups share similar basic spatial organization, yet Miao dwellings exhibit greater diversity in construction materials, including timber, stone, and rammed earth; (4) in terms of belief and ritual, distinct folk practices and symbolic systems are embedded in the spatial organization and decorative features of each group’s villages. These findings deepen the understanding of cultural diversity among ethnic minorities in western Hunan and provide a theoretical basis for authenticity-oriented conservation and the sustainable development of traditional villages in ethnic regions. Full article

In the context of dust pollution contributing more than 30% to PM_2.5 during urbanization, this study optimally designed a multi-component coupled dust suppressant based on the coupling mechanism of chemical dust suppressants, oriented towards environmental friendliness. The concentration range of the core component was determined through single-factor experiments: surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) 0.5–1.0% (minimum surface tension 27.8 mN/m), coagulant sodium polyacrylate 0.1–0.2% (viscosity ≥ 42 mPa·s), and water-retaining agent triethanolamine 0.1–1.0% (3 h water retention > 90%). The L9 (3⁴) orthogonal test was used to optimize the formulation with water retention rate, crust hardness, and wind erosion rate as indicators, combined with range and variance analysis (α = 0.05). The results showed that sodium polyacrylate concentration had an extremely significant effect on water retention (contribution rate 98.6%), and an increase in its concentration significantly enhanced shell hardness (up to 51HA) and reduced wind erosion rate (down to 0.05%). The optimal ratio was 0.2% sodium polyacrylate, 1.0% sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and 2.5% triethanolamine. At this time, the 24 h water retention rate reached 35.14%, and the wind erosion resistance was 16 times higher than that of the control group. The system builds a three-dimensional cross-linked structure through a hydrogen bond network to synergistically achieve enhanced dust wetting, particle coalescence, and long-lasting consolidation, providing theoretical support and practical solutions for green dust suppression technology. Full article

Freshwater scarcity makes saline–alkaline water essential for sustainable aquaculture. Current research has primarily focused on individual salinity or alkalinity effects on fish, with limited studies addressing their interactive effects. We found significant synergistic toxicity between salinity and alkalinity (r ≈ −0.950/−0.925) in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), demonstrating higher salinity levels corresponding to lower 96-h median lethal concentration (96 h LC₅₀) values for alkalinity, and vice versa. A subsequent 56-day subacute stress trial (salinity: 6‰; alkalinity: 20 mmol/L) assessed the impact on largemouth bass through growth efficiency, histopathology, biochemical assays, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, comparing a saline–alkaline group (SA) with a normal control group (NC). There were no significant differences in growth or survival between the SA and NC groups, but the SA group exhibited pathological changes in gill and liver tissues. Biochemically, the SA group exhibited elevated malondialdehyde, glutathione, and blood urea nitrogen levels, whereas glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses demonstrated that saline–alkaline stress disrupts lipid, amino acid, and steroid metabolism in largemouth bass, affecting steroid biosynthesis, fatty acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism pathways. Fish adapt by adjusting gene expression and metabolite levels to maintain metabolic balance. This study highlights adaptive mechanisms and applications for sustainable largemouth bass culture in saline–alkaline environments. Full article

Apatite is a key indicator mineral whose chemical signature can reveal the genesis and evolution of ore-forming systems. However, correctly interpreting these signatures requires a robust discrimination between apatite types formed by different geological processes, such as metamorphism and hydrothermal activity. This study aims to chemically characterize and genetically classify apatite samples from the Slyudyanka deposit (Siberia, Russia) to establish discriminative geochemical fingerprints for metamorphic and hydrothermal apatite types. We analyzed 80 samples of apatite using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The geochemical data were processed using principal component analysis (PCA) and k-means cluster analysis to objectively discriminate the apatite types. Our analysis reveals three distinct geochemical groups. Metamorphic veinlet apatite is defined by high U and Pb, low REE, Sr, and Th, and suprachondritic Y/Ho ratios. Massive metamorphic apatite from silicate–carbonate rocks shows extreme REE enrichment and chondritic Y/Ho ratios. Hydrothermal–metasomatic apatite features high Sr, Th, and As, with intermediate REE concentrations and chondritic Y/Ho ratios. Furthermore, we validated the critical and anomalous Y concentrations in the metamorphic veinlet apatite by cross-referencing TXRF and ICP-MS data, confirming the reliability of our measurements for this monoisotopic element. We successfully established diagnostic geochemical fingerprints that distinguish apatite formed in different geological environments at Slyudyanka. The anomalous Y/Ho ratio in metamorphic veinlet apatite serves as a key discriminant and provides insight into specific fractionation processes that occurred during the formation of phosphorites in oceanic environments, which later transformed to apatites during high-grade metamorphism without a change in the Y/Ho ratio. This work underscores the importance of multi-method analytical validation for accurate geochemical classification. Full article

Background: To meet the urgent need for novel antibacterial agents that are active also against worrying superbugs, natural pentacyclic triterpenoids, including totally inactive betulin (BET) and betulinic acid (BA), as well as ursolic acid (UA), active on Gram-positive bacteria, have been chemically modified, achieving compounds 1–7. Methods: Triterpenoid derivatives 1–7 and all synthetic intermediates were characterized by chemometric-assisted FTIR and NMR spectroscopy, as well as by other analytical techniques, which confirmed their structure and high purity. Minimum inhibitory concentration values (MICs) of 1–7, BET, BA and UA were determined by the broth dilution method, using a selection of Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinically isolated superbugs. Results: Performed experiments evidenced that compounds 4–7 had potent antibacterial effects against Gram-positive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis (MRSA and MRSE), as well as against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and E. faecium (VRE). The antibacterial effects of 4–7 were due to the insertion of a triphenyl phosphonium (TPP) group and were higher than those reported so far for other BET, BA and UA derivatives, especially considering the complex pattern of resistance of the isolates used here and their clinical source. Conclusions: For the first time, by inserting TPP, a real activity (MICs 2–16 µg/mL) was conferred to inactive BET and BA (MICs > 1024 and 256 µg/mL). Moreover, the antibacterial effects of UA were improved 16- and 32-fold against MRSE and MRSA (MICs = 2 vs. 32 and 64 μg/mL). Future Perspectives: Based on these very promising microbiologic results, new experiments are currently underway with the best-performing compounds 5 and 7 (MICs = 2 μg/mL) on an enlarged number of Gram-positive isolates, to confirm their MICs. Moreover, investigations about their possible antibiofilm activity, time-killing curves and cytotoxicity on eukaryotic cells will be carried out to define their pharmacological behavior and clinical potential. Full article

Silicone is widely used in medical devices due to its mechanical properties and biocompatibility; however, microbial contamination of silicone surfaces, which can lead to nosocomial infections, remains a significant concern. This can be countered by surface modification using techniques commonly involving oxidative plasma activation or ozone treatments, followed by treatment with silanization agents. Here, we report an alternative surface modification procedure involving treatment with non-toxic organic hydroxyl amines or diamine dissolved in eco-friendly solvents, thus avoiding using reactive and potentially harmful compounds and not requiring specialized equipment. Our findings demonstrate that ethanolamine in isopropanol effectively activates silicone without compromising its tensile strength, making it ideal for further modification. The activated surfaces showed stable amino group areal concentrations over a 10-day period, confirmed by fluorescence imaging and ninhydrin assays. Subsequent treatments with glutaraldehyde and chitosan enhanced the antibacterial properties of the silicone. Chitosan-coated silicone significantly reduced Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria colony-forming units (CFUs), with Enterococcus faecalis CFUs decreasing from 7.1 to 3.7 Log₁₀ CFU/mL. This study introduces a sustainable activation technique for silicone surfaces, resulting in medical devices with improved resistance to microbial colonization while maintaining their mechanical integrity. Full article

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis characterized by chronic, painful ulcerations. Despite increasing evidence suggesting immunological dysregulation, the role of IL-36 cytokines in PG remains poorly defined. Objectives: To evaluate serum levels of IL-36α, IL-36β, IL-36γ, IL-36Ra, IL-37, and IL-38 in PG patients compared to healthy controls, and to assess their correlation with selected clinical parameters and cytokine ratios. Methods: 44 PG patients and 40 healthy controls were included in this case–control study. Serum cytokine levels were measured using ELISA. Correlations between cytokine levels and clinical features were analyzed using nonparametric tests. Results: PG patients showed significantly lower serum levels of IL-36α and IL-36γ (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.02, respectively), with no difference in IL-36β. Conversely, levels of IL-36Ra, IL-37, and IL-38 were significantly higher in PG patients (p < 0.0001 for all). In the PG group, significant positive correlations were observed between IL-36α and IL-36β, and between IL-36β and IL-36γ, while IL-37 correlated negatively with IL-38. IL-36α was inversely associated with serum IgA levels and total ulcer surface area, and IL-36γ correlated negatively with white blood cell count. Conclusions: Our findings reveal a dysregulated IL-36 cytokine profile in pyoderma gangrenosum, marked by reduced serum levels of IL-36α and IL-36γ and elevated levels of IL-36Ra, IL-37, and IL-38. This may reflect a compensatory response to chronic inflammation. The inverse correlation between IL-36α and ulcer size suggests its potential involvement in wound healing. Despite lower serum levels of agonists, local biological activity of IL-36 cytokines may remain elevated due to tissue-level activation and consumption. These results highlight the therapeutic relevance of targeting the IL-36 pathway—particularly in treatment-resistant cases—and support further research into cytokine activity beyond serum concentration to guide novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

Mt. Etna is the highest and most active stratovolcano in Europe, located in Catania (Sicily, Italy). Its persistent degassing, frequent explosions, and lava flows release large amounts of ash and gases into the atmosphere. This study aimed to assess whether chronic exposure to local volcanic emissions leads to an increased internal dose of trace elements (As, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Tl, U, V, W, Zn) in Catania adult residents. To this end, urine samples were collected from 167 individuals residing in Catania and compared with 193 residents of other Sicilian areas located farther from the volcano. Results revealed significantly higher urinary concentrations of As, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Tl in the exposed group, suggesting volcanic activity as a relevant source of exposure. The levels of the other elements were instead affected by other factors such as lifestyle habits and the consumption of specific foods and beverages. The urinary concentrations of trace elements were consistent with reference values reported in other European studies, and the levels remained well within the health-based guidance values. There is evidence of an increased internal dose of a few elements in the Sicilian population exposed to volcano activity, but the observed increases are unlikely to pose a significant health risk. Full article

Community water fluoridation is a key public health intervention, yet ongoing debates about systemic risks call for evidence on fluoride exposure. We analyzed NHANES 2013–2016 biomonitoring data to assess fluoride exposure in children and adolescents aged 0–19 years. We calculated the proportion of children with fluoride levels in relation to guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Biomonitoring data was obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Median water fluoride concentration was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.64) mg/L for males, 0.49 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.63) mg/L for girls, 0.49 (95% CI: 0.35, 0.63) for the <3 age group, and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.36, 0.64) for the 18–19 age group. Median urine fluoride concentration was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.51, 0.62) mg/L for males, 0.46 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.50) for girls, 0.59 (95% CI: 0.50, 0.62) for the age group 6–8, and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.42, 0.60) for the 18–19 age group. Of the children, 99.96% were below the EPA’s enforceable 4.0 mg/L limit, 99.05% below the EPA’s 2.0 mg/L limit, and 98.6% below the WHO 1.5 mg/L standard. For urinary fluoride, 88.1% were within the CDC reference range of 0.2–<3.2 mg/L. We found that water fluoride levels did not vary across age and sex groups, but urine fluoride levels changed. Results indicate that most children remain within regulatory agencies’ guidelines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plant-derived diuretics are attracting increasing interest due to their promising efficacy and improved safety profile compared with synthetic drugs. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition of Astragalus boeticus (A. boeticus) extracts, evaluate their diuretic activity, and assess the oral safety of their main phenolic compound. Methods: Aqueous (AQE) and hydroethanolic (EtOHE) extracts were analyzed using LC–MS/MS, while in silico toxicity prediction of trans-resveratrol was performed using ProTox-II and ADMETlab 2.0. Diuretic activity was evaluated in male Wistar rats (n = 24) divided into four groups: control (distilled water, 10 mL/kg), furosemide (10 mg/kg), AQE (300 mg/kg), and EtOHE (300 mg/kg). Urine and plasma samples were collected after 15 days to determine electrolyte concentrations, creatinine level, creatinine clearance, and hepatic enzyme profile. Results: LC–MS/MS profiling identified fourteen phenolic compounds, with trans-resveratrol (270 µg/g in AQE) being the most abundant, followed by cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and gentisic acid. In silico assessments revealed no hepatotoxic, mutagenic, or neurotoxic effects of trans-resveratrol. Both extracts significantly enhanced urinary output, chloride excretion, and creatinine clearance, while maintaining stable renal and hepatic biochemical parameters, indicating potent diuretic activity without toxicity. Conclusions: A. boeticus extracts demonstrate strong diuretic potential associated with a favorable safety profile, likely linked to their phenolic composition dominated by trans-resveratrol. These findings support the use of A. boeticus as a natural and safe diuretic source. Further investigation is recommended to elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms and therapeutic relevance. Full article