Search Results (1,157)

Biomineralization has recently emerged as a highly effective strategy for enzyme immobilization. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are particularly attractive carriers due to their structural tunability and chemical stability. While ZIF-8 has been extensively studied, its denser and thermodynamically more stable analog ZIF-zni has received far less attention. In this work, we report the biomineralization of glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger within the ZIF-zni framework and systematically investigate the influence of zinc and imidazole (Im) concentration on immobilization performance. The optimized biocomposite, obtained at 10 mM Zn²⁺ and a Zn:Im ratio of 1:10, exhibited a specific activity of 2051 IU g⁻¹, which is more than twice the activity obtained for GOx@ZIF-8 in our previous study (874 IU g⁻¹). Furthermore, the GOx@ZIF-zni biocomposite demonstrated remarkable resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and retained up to 50% of its activity after incubation at 65 °C for one hour. These results demonstrate that ZIF-zni is a highly promising carrier for enzyme immobilization and suggest that framework topology and synthesis conditions play a crucial role in determining the catalytic performance and stability of enzyme@MOF biocomposites. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent whose clinical utility is limited by severe side effects, including neurotoxicity affecting the ocular system. The pathophysiology involves oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, to which the retina is particularly vulnerable. Selenium (Se), an essential trace element and component of antioxidant enzymes, has shown potential in mitigating cisplatin toxicity, although its efficacy with respect to retinal structure and the influence of administration routes remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of selenium against cisplatin-induced retinal toxicity and compare the effects of intraperitoneal and oral selenium administration. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n = 10 each): Group A (Cisplatin Monotherapy, 3.5 mg/kg IP for 5 days; cumulative dose 17.5 mg/kg); Group B (Cisplatin + Intraperitoneal Selenium, 2.73 mg/kg; cumulative dose 60 mg/kg); Group C (Control); and Group D (Cisplatin + Oral Selenium). Selenium prophylaxis, administered as sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃), began two days prior to cisplatin administration and continued for 15 days post-treatment. Retinal evaluation two weeks after cisplatin cessation included light microscopy, semi-quantitative immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis for inflammatory (IL-6) and fibrotic (TGF-β2) markers, and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for ultrastructural analysis, which were the primary endpoints. Statistical differences in the IHC scores were analyzed via the Kruskal‒Wallis H test with Dunn’s post hoc comparisons. Results: Cisplatin monotherapy (Group A) caused severe disruption of the retinal architecture, including edema, reactive gliosis, and significant upregulation of IL-6 and TGF-β2. Ultrastructural analysis revealed mitochondrial swelling (cristolysis) and photoreceptor disk fragmentation. Intraperitoneal selenium (Group B) was associated with significant structural preservation and intact mitochondria, with TGF-β2 levels comparable to those of the controls, although the IL-6 level remained moderately elevated. Conversely, oral selenium (Group D) suppressed both IL-6 and TGF-β2 expression to near-negative levels but provided less ultrastructural protection, resulting in persistent mitochondrial swelling and focal photoreceptor disruption. Conclusions: Systemic cisplatin induces severe subcellular retinal toxicity characterized by mitochondrial damage and photoreceptor degeneration. Selenium supplementation attenuates these effects; however, outcome patterns differ by administration route. Intraperitoneal selenium was associated with greater morphological and ultrastructural preservation despite persistent IL-6 elevation, whereas oral selenium normalized immunohistochemical marker expression to near-control levels but was associated with more pronounced residual subcellular damage on qualitative TEM assessment. These preliminary morphological and immunohistochemical findings suggest that the route of selenium delivery may influence its neuroprotective profile; however, pharmacokinetic measurements and functional retinal assessments, such as electroretinography, are warranted before its clinical translation. Full article

Silicate rocks represent alternative K sources when finely ground, reducing production costs and dependence on imported fertilizers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of potassium (K) dose, application timing, and fertilizer sources on the concentrations and accumulation of K, silicon (Si), and sodium (Na) in maize diagnostic leaves, straw, and grains under a no-tillage system in Savanna. The soil was classified as Typic Haplustox (Oxisol). The experiment followed a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 × 3 factorial scheme, with two application times (30 days before sowing soybean and at sowing soybean), four K₂O rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha⁻¹), and three sources (KCl, Potasil, and Ekosil). K fertilization was applied by broadcasting without incorporation, before the preceding crop. Potasil provided a higher foliar Si concentration, and Si accumulation in grain and straw increased with the increment of K fertilization using the Potasil. Early fertilization promoted greater K accumulation in maize straw. For grain K accumulation, moderate K₂O doses favor greater accumulation, with Ekosil and Potasil showing superior results compared to KCl. There was less sodium accumulation in the grains with Ekosil compared to KCl. Agronomic efficiency is maximized at 40 kg ha⁻¹ of K₂O, with Ekosil showing the best performance for maize crop. These findings indicate that alternative K sources, applied at optimized rates, improve crop nutrition and promote sustainability in soybean–maize crop rotation. Full article

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors offer glucose-lowering, cardio-protective and reno-protective properties. Mortality rates constitute a central endpoint for understanding the overall clinical value of SGLT2 inhibitors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare mortality outcomes associated with SGLT2 inhibitors across different populations. A systematic search was performed in four databases—PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS) and Cochrane CENTRAL—in March 2025. We strictly included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared patients who received SGLT2is to control patients regarding mortality outcomes. All-cause mortality up to one year, all-cause mortality more than one year, cardiovascular mortality, renal mortality and in-hospital mortality were the extracted outcomes. Finally, RevMan (5.4) was adopted for meta-analysis, and OpenMeta analyst software was adopted for meta-regression. Fifty clinical trials met the eligibility criteria of the current systematic review and meta-analysis. SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced all-cause mortality in studies with follow-up of up to one year (RR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.80–0.99], p = 0.03). This early survival benefit was primarily driven by the subgroup of patients treated during acute cardiac decompensation (RR = 0.76, 95% CI [0.60–0.97], p = 0.03). Furthermore, long-term follow-up beyond one year showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.85–0.94], p < 0.0001), particularly among patients with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes mellitus (DM) with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) (following sensitivity analyses). Cardiovascular mortality was also significantly reduced overall (RR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.84–0.94], p < 0.0001), with the greatest benefit observed in chronic heart failure and CKD subgroups. SGLT2 inhibitors as a class provide a consistent and significant reduction in all-cause mortality across both short-term (up to one year) and long-term follow-up. The early survival benefit is particularly evident when initiated during acute cardiac decompensation, while the long-term benefit extends to chronic heart failure, CKD, and high-risk DM. Future well-designed trials are needed to address the impact of less-explored SGLT2 inhibitors and understudied populations. Full article

Osteoporosis is characterized by reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality. While gut-derived signaling has been increasingly studied in relation to BMD, its contribution to molecular factors associated with bone quality remains less defined. Here, we investigated whether a heat-inactivated, freeze-dried, non-viable preparation of Levilactobacillus brevis AS-1 modulates intestinal epithelial-like cells and thereby promotes lysyl oxidase (LOX), a key enzyme involved in collagen cross-linking. Caco-2 cells were treated using 1 mM sodium butyrate and subsequently stimulated with 100 μg/mL L. brevis AS-1. Supernatants were collected and applied to MG63 cells. Cytokine mRNA expression in Caco-2 cells and LOX responses in MG63 cells were analyzed by qRT-PCR, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)1 protein levels in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. L. brevis AS-1 stimulation up-regulated BMP-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA expression in SB-treated Caco-2 cells and increased BMP-1 protein secretion into the supernatant. LOX mRNA expression and total LOX activity were increased in MG63 cells treated with the conditioned supernatant, and inhibition of BMP-1/procollagen C-proteinase activity (UK383367) attenuated LOX mRNA induction. Collectively, these results suggest that L. brevis AS-1 stimulates intestinal epithelial-like cells to secrete BMP-1, which in turn promotes LOX mRNA expression in osteoblast precursor cells. This in vitro mechanism supports the concept of gut–bone crosstalk regulating molecular factors associated with bone quality. Full article

This study investigates the effects of organic salts, including sodium citrate (SC), calcium citrate (CC), and calcium lactate (CL), on the structure–property–function relationships of thermoplastic starch/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PBAT) films for active packaging applications. TPS incorporated with organic salts was prepared via twin-screw extrusion, blended with PBAT, and further processed into blown films. The films were systematically characterized using ¹H NMR, FTIR, and SEM, together with optical, mechanical, water vapor permeability, and antimicrobial evaluations against Staphylococcus aureus. The results revealed that SC primarily modulated hydrogen-bonding interactions within the starch matrix, resulting in improved structural homogeneity, balanced mechanical properties, and the highest antimicrobial activity among all formulations. In contrast, CL and CC promoted ionic crosslinking through Ca²⁺–starch interactions, leading to increased stiffness and Young’s modulus but reduced polymer chain mobility and limited release of active species, particularly in CC-containing systems. These differences in molecular interactions were consistent with variations in film microstructure, where SC-containing films exhibited more uniform morphologies, while calcium-based systems showed denser but less permeable structures. Furthermore, films containing SC and CL at appropriate concentrations achieved a favorable balance between transparency, water vapor barrier properties, and antimicrobial performance. Overall, this study provides new mechanistic insights into how monovalent and divalent organic salts govern intermolecular interactions, microstructure, and functional performance in TPS/PBAT systems. The findings highlight the critical role of additive type and concentration in designing biodegradable active packaging materials with tunable mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties. Full article

The carnauba palm trees in the Caatinga ecosystem, in Northeast Brazil, have been impacted by invasive species, particularly in areas subject to flooding. This study aimed to evaluate morphological, physiological, and nutritional responses of Copernicia prunifera (native) and Cryptostegia madagascariensis (invasive) seedlings exposed to flooding stress. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with a split-plot arrangement and five replicates. The treatments were formed by two species and five periods of flood stress (0, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days). Flooding significantly reduced shoot dry mass in both species; however, the reduction was more pronounced in the invasive species (27%) compared to the native palm (20%). The invasive species showed strong use of resources, with higher values for leaf mineral nutrient, net photosynthesis, growth rate, and leaf area, regardless of the water regime. Under flooding, the invasive species produced adventitious roots, and the net photosynthetic rate was less impacted, despite greater sodium accumulation in the leaves. The results indicate that the characteristics of C. prunifera, such as slow growth rate, low specific leaf area, and morphological adaptations of the root system, may ensure greater stability in net carbon assimilation in the whole plant under flooding. However, the rapid growth and high absorption of soil resources of C. madagascariensis pose a significant threat to the establishment of C. prunifera seedlings, directly jeopardizing the long-term renewal of carnauba palm groves in the Caatinga ecosystem. Full article

Dual-fuel combustion is often proposed for diesel engines as a means to partially replace conventional diesel with cleaner and/or more sustainable alternatives, such as those derived from green hydrogen. However, the low reactivity of these fuels (i.e., methane, hydrogen, and ammonia) often leads to prolonged ignition delay (ID) and combustion instability. This challenge could potentially be overcome using nanomaterials, which are additives that could improve reactivity and compensate for autoignition deficiencies. Thus, this study evaluates the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in diesel fuel on the autoignition process under dual-fuel operation. CNTs were dispersed at a concentration of 100 mg/L and stabilized with surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS). The resulting nanofuels were then tested in a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) using methane, hydrogen, and ammonia as secondary fuels across various energy substitution ratios and temperatures (535 °C, 590 °C and 650 °C). The results show that the impact of CNTs on ID is negligible, especially at high temperatures. At the lowest tested temperature (535 °C) and 40% methane substitution ratio, only slight reductions in ID were obtained. Nevertheless, this effect is less significant at higher temperatures (590 °C and 650 °C). Regarding pressure gradient, the addition of CNTs and SDBS generally induced a decrease in pressure-peak of up to 15%. This trend is attributed to the trapping of fuel droplets within the CNT structures, which creates a physical barrier that delays vaporization. Results confirm that autoignition, which is expected to be the main phenomenon influenced by CNT addition, is not enhanced. Full article

The mechanism of action of drugs used to treat ADHD has not been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of clonidine, a drug used to treat ADHD, on interictal-like epileptiform events in prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons. Epileptiform events (lasting less than 3 s) were recorded in a zero-magnesium and elevated-potassium proepileptic extracellular solution using the patch-clamp methodology. Clonidine 100 µM reduced the frequency of epileptiform events. Moreover, clonidine hyperpolarized the membrane potential recorded in the proepileptic extracellular solution. In the constant presence of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor antagonist idazoxan 20 µM in all solutions, clonidine 100 µM also inhibited the frequency of interictal-like epileptiform events. This suggests that clonidine inhibited the frequency of interictal events via a direct influence on ionic channels. Furthermore, clonidine inhibited tonic NMDA receptor currents and did not influence tonic AMPA currents. The tested drug inhibited fast-inactivating voltage-gated sodium currents. Blockade of NMDA currents and voltage-gated sodium currents likely contributed to the inhibition of epileptiform events exerted by clonidine. The potential translational relevance of the study is discussed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dietary intake of fruits and vegetables (FVs) has been inversely associated with a lower risk of ulcerative colitis. Using a pig model, we evaluated the effect of FV supplementation on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Methods: Six-week-old pigs were fed a grower diet (negative control), grower diet + 4% DSS (positive control), half-FV diet + DSS, or full-FV diet + DSS. FV levels matched half or full daily recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Clinical signs were monitored; proximal colon contents (PCs) and mucosa (PCM) were analyzed for metagenome, transcriptome and histopathology. Results: Full-FV pigs showed no diarrhea, less fecal occult blood (FOB), crypt hyperplasia, but no changes in gene expression or microbiome diversity (p < 0.05). Half-FV pigs had increased FOB, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to tissue remodeling, crypt/goblet cell hyperplasia and two cases of diarrhea (p < 0.05). DSS controls showed reduced immune-related DEGs, altered microbiome, PCM erosion, FOB, and persistent diarrhea in one pig (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A three-week full-FV diet conferred protection against DSS-induced colitis, with a dose-dependent protection of intestinal tissue and gut metagenome under inflammatory challenge. Full article

Background and Objectives: Patients with impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain at high risk for adverse outcomes despite successful procedures. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve outcomes in heart failure, but their long-term impact after TAVI is not well established. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study included patients with LVEF < 50% who underwent transfemoral TAVI between January 2015 and September 2025. Patients were stratified according to SGLT2i use. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization requiring intravenous diuretics. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and changes in echocardiographic parameters at 6 months. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity scores was applied to adjust for baseline differences. Time-to-event analyses were performed using IPTW-weighted Cox models and adjusted survival curves. Results: The study included 226 patients (78 SGLT2i users, 148 non-users) with a median follow-up of 37 months. After IPTW adjustment, SGLT2i use was associated with a lower rate of the composite outcome (32.8% vs. 50.8%, p = 0.019) and a lower crude long-term mortality (32.8% vs. 47.4%, p = 0.056). Acute kidney injury after TAVI occurred less frequently among SGLT2i users (3.4% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.013). In IPTW-weighted Cox analyses, SGLT2i use was associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.32–0.98) and the composite outcome (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.96). SGLT2i users demonstrated greater reductions in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter at 6 months. Conclusions: In patients with impaired LVEF undergoing TAVI, SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was associated with improved long-term survival, better composite outcome-free survival, and lower rates of post-TAVI acute kidney injury. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings. Full article

This study evaluated the technological and sensory effects of incorporating oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) powder and sylvinite as strategies to reduce salt content in beef patties while maintaining product quality. A 4 × 4 full factorial design was implemented to develop sixteen distinct formulations, evaluating the interaction between four levels of mushroom powder (0, 3, 5, and 10% w/w) as a partial meat replacer and four levels of sylvinite (0, 0.5, 1, and 2% w/w) as a NaCl substitute. To establish a baseline for comparison, control samples were prepared without sylvinite, with a fixed concentration of 1% NaCl. Patties were produced with low-fat content (6%), formed into 100 g portions, and evaluated in raw and cooked states. Physicochemical analyses included color (CIE L*, a*, b*), cooking yield, shrinkage, and texture profile analysis, while sensory quality was assessed by an expert panel and complemented with consumer discriminative tests, specifically a triangle test. Multivariate analysis revealed that mushroom powder significantly influenced color parameters, increasing redness and yellowness, whereas sylvinite tended to reduce color intensity; however, their interaction mitigated these effects at intermediate inclusion levels. Mushroom incorporation improved cooking yield and reduced hardness, particularly at 3–5% inclusion, enhancing elasticity and cohesiveness. Sensory results indicated that formulations containing 3–5% mushroom powder and up to 2% sylvinite achieved high overall acceptability. Consumer tests confirmed that these formulations effectively modulated saltiness and texture perception. Overall, the combined use of oyster mushroom powder and sylvinite represents a viable approach for developing reduced-sodium beef patties with acceptable technological and sensory properties. Full article

Background: Contemporary guidelines recommend rapid initiation of four classes of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); however, real-world persistence, adherence, and dose optimization remain suboptimal. Methods: We analysed a predefined subregistry within the prospective Cardiology Research Dubrava (CaRD) registry, a real-world HF registry at a tertiary centre that includes patients across the ejection-fraction spectrum in whom contemporary HF therapy, including sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), is introduced or optimised in routine practice. For this analysis, we included patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%) who were discharged on all four GDMT classes; 167 of 179 patients with newly diagnosed HFrEF during the study period had an available 6-month medication assessment and comprised the final analytic cohort. The four GDMT pillars (beta-blocker; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI); mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA); and SGLT2i) were initiated within 4 days when clinically feasible. Medication adherence and target-dose attainment were assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months using a structured self-report questionnaire. Major adverse events (MAE) and all-cause mortality were recorded over 24 months. Patients were classified as adherent if they reported regular intake (≥80% of prescribed doses) of all four drug classes at 6 months; otherwise, they were classified as nonadherent. Results: Among the 167 analysed patients (median age 64 years, 74% men, median LVEF 30%), regular adherence at 6, 12, and 24 months was 65%, 55%, and 59% for beta-blockers; 66%, 50%, and 49% for ACEi/ARB/ARNI; 62%, 52%, and 49% for MRAs; and 84%, 57%, and 68% for SGLT2i. Target doses were achieved in 25–33% for beta-blockers, 42–50% for ACEi/ARB/ARNI, and 73–78% for MRAs. At 24 months, 56 survivors (37%) were adherent to all four drug classes. Over 24 months, all-cause mortality was 9.0% and MAE 18.6%, occurring less frequently in adherent vs. nonadherent patients (mortality 0% vs. 13.5%; MAE 8.9% vs. 23.4%). Conclusions: In this real-world, non-randomized HFrEF subregistry, in-hospital initiation of quadruple GDMT was feasible, yet maintaining long-term adherence and achieving target doses remained challenging. These data underscore the gap between guideline recommendations and routine practice and support structured follow-up and protocol-driven titration to optimize implementation. Full article

Background: Candiduria is a common finding in hospitalized patients, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs) and in those with indwelling urinary catheters. Additionally, Candida spp. is among the most frequent causes of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections and can lead to severe clinical manifestations in specific scenarios involving risk factors. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe and analyze the epidemiological features, clinical risk factors, therapeutic approaches, and clinical outcomes in a cohort of hospitalized patients with candiduria at a regional hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on the selection of 207 urine cultures positive for Candida spp. between 1 February 2024, and 31 August 2024, at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada, Spain. Results: The most frequently isolated species was Nakaseomyces glabratus (42.03%), with no sex differences and a predominant occurrence in ICU patients (36.71%). Most patients had comorbidities (86.47%), urinary catheters (72.46%), and prior antibiotic use (75.85%). Less than half of the cases presented clinical symptoms (41.55%). Antifungal therapy was administered in 38.65% of cases, predominantly fluconazole (61/207; 29.47%), followed by echinocandins (12/207; 5.8%). Use of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) was documented in 36.71% of patients. Conclusions: Candiduria is more frequently observed in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, ICU admission, indwelling urinary catheters, prior antibiotic therapy, and SGLT2i use. Fewer than half of the episodes are symptomatic. Non-albicans yeast species, which often display distinct resistance patterns, are increasingly prevalent, with N. glabratus being the most frequently isolated. Full article

The coal-based direct reduction followed by magnetic separation (CDRMS) is an efficient iron extraction and dephosphorization process, which requires adding additives to improve the phosphorus removal rate. Compared with other additives, sodium carbonate has the advantages of good iron index, high phosphorus removal rate and less environmental pollution. Its role in phosphorus-rich oolitic iron ore (PROIO) where phosphorus exists in the form of apatite has been proved. However, the influence on the phosphorus transformation process in the lattice of iron minerals is not clear. In this paper, the effect of sodium carbonate on phosphorus removal in iron minerals and iron recovery during CDRMS was studied. Compared with not adding chemicals, the addition of sodium carbonate significantly reduced the phosphorus content of direct reduced iron (DRI) from 0.69% to 0.09%. The iron grade increased from 93.28% to 95.08%, and the iron recovery rate rose from 90.61% to 96.48%. The mechanism of sodium carbonate was revealed by using a synchronous thermal analyzer (TG–DSC), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM–EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results show that sodium carbonate reacted with silicon and aluminum components to form nepheline, and the lattice substitution of phosphorus in iron minerals and silicon in nepheline prevents the reduction of phosphorus. In addition, sodium carbonate promotes the reduction of iron minerals, resulting in an increase in the magnetic properties of the reduction products. Full article