Search Results (255)

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress (OS), and neuroinflammation. Current treatments provide symptomatic relief, but do not halt the disease’s progression. OS plays a crucial role in AD pathogenesis by promoting Aβ accumulation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key regulator of the antioxidant response, influencing genes involved in OS mitigation, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Dysregulation of NRF2 is implicated in AD, making it a promising therapeutic target. Emerging evidence suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD), which is particularly rich in polyphenols from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment. Polyphenols can activate NRF2, enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses. This study employs a computational approach to explore the potential of bioactive compounds in EVOO to modulate NRF2-related pathways in AD. We analyzed transcriptomic data from AD and EVOO-treated samples to identify NRF2-associated genes, and used chemical structure-based analysis to compare EVOO’s bioactive compounds with known NRF2 activators. Enrichment analysis was performed to identify common biological functions between NRF2-, EVOO-, and AD-related pathways. Our findings highlight important factors and biological functions that provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms through which EVOO consumption might influence cellular pathways associated with AD via modulation of the NRF2 pathway. The presented approach provides a different perspective in the discovery of compounds that may contribute to neuroprotective mechanisms in the context of AD. Full article

The rapid urbanization and technological advancements in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have placed its modern architectural heritage from the 1970s and 1980s at increasing risk of being unrecognized and lost, particularly in Dubai following the discovery of oil. This research addresses the critical need for the documentation and heritage representation of Dubai’s modern heritage, a city undergoing rapid transformation within a globalized urban landscape. Focusing on the Nasser Rashid Lootah Building (Toyota Building), an iconic early 1970s residential high-rise representing the modern architecture of Dubai and a significant milestone in its architectural history, this study explores a replicable and cost-effective approach to digitally document and conserve urban heritage under threat. The existing building was meticulously documented and analyzed to highlight its enduring value within the fast-changing urban fabric. Through the innovative combination of drone photography, ground-based photography, and HBIM, a high-resolution 3D model and a semantically organized HBIM prototype were generated. This research demonstrates a replicable measure for identifying architectural values, understanding modernist design typologies, and raising local community awareness about Dubai’s modern heritage. Ultimately, this study contributes toward developing recognition criteria and guiding efforts in documenting modern high-rise buildings as vital heritage worthy of recognition, documentation, and future conservation in the UAE. Full article

Background: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by progressive cardiac dysfunction, metabolic dysregulation, myocardial fibrosis, and mitochondrial impairment. Existing animal models, such as streptozotocin (STZ)-induced models, suffer from high mortality and fail to replicate chronic metabolic dysregulation induced by high-fat diets (HFD), whereas HFD or HFD/STZ-combined rodent models require high maintenance costs. This study aimed to establish a zebrafish HFD-DCM model to facilitate mechanistic exploration and drug discovery. Methods: Eighty wild-type female zebrafish were divided into normal diet (N, 6% fat) and HFD (H, 24% fat) groups and fed the diet for 8 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes were evaluated using intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and insulin level analysis. Cardiac function was assessed by using echocardiography (ejection fraction, E peak). Structural, metabolic, and oxidative stress alterations were analyzed by histopathology (H&E, Masson, and Oil Red O staining), molecular assays (RT-qPCR, Western blotting), and mitochondrial structure/function evaluations (respiratory chain activity, transmission electron microscopy, and DHE staining). Results: HFD-fed zebrafish developed obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance. Echocardiography revealed cardiac hypertrophy, reduced ejection fraction, and diastolic dysfunction. Excessive lipid accumulation, upregulated fibrosis/inflammatory markers, impaired mitochondrial respiration, elevated reactive oxygen species levels, and a disrupted redox balance were observed. Conclusions: We established a female zebrafish HFD model that recapitulates human DCM features, including hypertrophy, metabolic dysregulation, fibrosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This model offers novel insights into DCM pathogenesis and serves as a valuable platform for mechanistic studies and targeted drug screening. Full article

In recent years, major breakthroughs have been achieved in oil and gas exploration within China’s complex thrust–fault zones in the western region, confirming their significant potential. The northern piedmont zone of the Turpan–Hami Basin, a classic thrust–fold belt formed by the Bogda Orogenic belt’s overthrusting, has seen the discovery of several Jurassic–Cretaceous hydrocarbon fields, yet exploration at its thrust-front margins remains relatively underdeveloped. This study focuses on the central piedmont segment at Qialekan and Kekeya, integrating 3D seismic data with fault-related folding theory and balanced cross-section restoration to systematically analyze the area’s tectonic evolution. We specifically examine the formation and modification of wedge structures and assess their petroleum geological significance. Our results indicate that the wedge bodies formed in the Late Jurassic, along with their subsequent basinward insertion, critically controlled the present-day structural framework. In the Qialekan area, wedge formation coincided with the main hydrocarbon expulsion phase of underlying Permian source rocks. Type I faults acted as effective migration pathways, while later tectonic reworking was limited, favoring for hydrocarbon preservation. In contrast, in the Kekeya area, wedge structures underwent intense modification by Type II faults, which pierced the wedge and facilitated vertical hydrocarbon migration, creating a mixed-source accumulation pattern. The findings of this study provide new theoretical insights and practical guidance for future exploration in the northern piedmont zone and also offer a valuable reference for hydrocarbon exploration in structurally similar foreland basins. Full article

Natural products have long been recognized as invaluable resources in drug discovery. Essential oils have attracted widespread attention due to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Herein, we report the anti-kinetoplastid activity of Aloysia citrodora leaf essential oil through a bioassay-guided fractionation method against the etiological agents of Chagas disease and leishmaniasis. This approach has led to the isolation and structural identification of compound 1 (citral) as the main active constituent, with IC₅₀ values of 8.47 μM against Leishmania amazonensis and 12.90 μM against Trypanosoma cruzi. In addition, eight compounds (2–9) were synthesized and evaluated. Among these, citral 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (9) exhibited the highest anti-kinetoplastid activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 10.62 μM against L. amazonensis, displaying a similar biological profile to citral and the reference drug. Structure–activity relationship studies revealed that the type of Schiff base and acylating agent played a crucial role in the activity. Mechanism of action studies demonstrated that compound 9 directly targets the apoptotic pathway, inducing programmed cell death through selective pathway inhibition. This work underscores the potential of A. citrodora essential oil and its compounds as prospective therapeutic leads against neglected tropical diseases. Full article

Inflammation is a vital physiological response that plays a crucial role in regulating host defense against pathogens while maintaining tissue homeostasis. Inflammasomes, a family of protein complexes, are responsible for controlling the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and they play significant roles in inflammatory responses. However, dysregulated inflammation can become a risk factor for the pathogenesis of various diseases. The discovery of anti-inflammatory substances derived from natural products represents an important strategy for new drug development. In this study, we found that the essential oil derived from the heartwood of Cinnamomum kanehirai Hayata (EOC) exhibits anti-inflammatory activities by inhibiting the NLRP3, NLRP1, NLRC4, AIM2, and non-canonical inflammasomes in macrophages. EOC also suppresses the expression of NLRP3, TNF-α, IL-6, and NO in LPS-activated macrophages. The mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of EOC were shown to involve a reduction in reactive oxygen species production and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, terpinen-4-ol may be the key anti-inflammatory compound present in EOC. These results suggest that EOC has potential as an anti-inflammatory agent for future development. Full article

Exploration practice has proved that preservation conditions are one of the critical factors contributing to shale gas enrichment in the Middle Yangtze area. Well Yidi2 is the discovery well of Cambrian shale gas in this area. The paleo-fluid evolution and its implication for preservation conditions of shale gas remains unclear, posing challenges for shale gas exploration and development. In this study, through systematic analysis of fluid inclusions in fractrue-filling vein of the entire core section of this well, combined with carbon and oxygen isotope tests of veins and host rocks, a paleo-fluid profile was established to explore the formation environment of Cambrian paleo-fluids and their implications for the preservation conditions of the Shuijingtuo Formation (SJT Fm.) shale gas. The results suggest that fractures in the SJT Fm. shale at the base of Cambrian Series 2 mainly formed during the deep burial hydrocarbon generation stage, trapping a large number of liquid hydrocarbon inclusions. Subsequently, numerous high-density methane inclusions and a few of gas-liquid two-phase inclusions were trapped. The SO₄²⁻, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ content of fluid inclusion groups in the veins decreased from the Qinjiamiao Formation (QJM Fm.) at the bottom of Cambrian Series 3 upward and downward respectively, and the rNa⁺/rCl⁻ ratio was the lowest in the SJT Fm. and increased overall upward. The δ¹³C values of calcite veins in Tianheban Formation (THB Fm.)-Shipai Formation (SP Fm.) of the middle Cambrian Series 2 and the Loushanguan Formation (LSG Fm.) of the Cambrian Series 3 were lighter compared to the host rocks. Results indicate the later tectonic activities in this area were relatively weak, and the shale interval remained in a state of high gas saturation for a long time. The QJM Fm. was the main source of high-salinity brine, and the SJT Fm. had strong self-sealing properties and was relatively less affected by external fluids. However, the pressure evolution of high-density methane inclusions in the SJT Fm. indicated that the pressure coefficient of the shale section significantly decreased during the Indosinian uplift and erosion stage. The veins in the THB-SP and LSG Fms. were closely related to the oxidation of hydrocarbon gases by TSR (thermochemical sulfate reduction) and the infiltration of atmospheric water, respectively. Therefore, the paleo-fluid in the fractures of Well Yidi2 have integrally recorded the whole geological process including the evolution from oil to gas, the backflow of high-salinity formation water, the upward escape of shale gas, and the process of shale gas reservoirs evolving from overpressure to normal pressure. Considering that Well Yidi2 area is located in a relatively stable tectonic setting, widely distributed fracture veins probably enhance the self-sealing ability, inhibiting the rapid escape of SJT Fm. shale gas. And the rapid deposition of Cretaceous also delayed the loss of shale gas to some extent. The combination of these two factors creates favorable preservation conditions of shale gas, establishing the SJT Fm. as the primary exploration target in this area. Full article

Starting with the debate on the “resource curse”, the main aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of natural resource rents on income/wealth inequality in the European Union (EU) during the period from 1990 to 2023. Excepting the Gini index, natural resources rents reduced other measures of income and wealth inequality, and the results indicate that growth has a masking mediating effect on the Gini index, but no mediation role of GDP was observed in the case of the top 1% income/wealth share. The income inequality based on the top 1% share significantly increased in Denmark after the discovery of oil and gas relative to the control group composed of Finland and Sweden. Other control variables are considered, and some policy recommendations are proposed to reduce income/wealth inequality. Full article

Pequi oil (PO) is a natural feed additive rich in bioactive compounds, which can modulate antioxidant and immunological systems. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the proteomic profile of laying hens supplemented with PO under heat stress conditions. Ninety-six 26-week-old Lohmann White hens were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two climate chambers (cyclic heat stress and thermoneutral) and two diets (control and 0.6% PO). At 38 weeks old, liver samples were collected for protein extraction and digestion, and were submitted to liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 996 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the liver proteome of laying hens fed with 0.6% PO under heat stress. These upregulated proteins (0.95 ≤ p ≤ 1.00) are associated with lipid metabolism (apolipoprotein B; vitellogenin-1; ovotransferrin), the antioxidant system (protein disulfide-isomerase A4; superoxide dismutase 1_ soluble; catalase), the immune system (Ig-like domain-containing protein) and chaperones (HSP 90; HSP 70). PO positively modulates a network of heat shock proteins and antioxidant enzymes, and the unique proteins identified can contribute to the discovery of new biomarkers related to heat stress reduction by phytogenic additives. Full article

The deep-water area of the Qiongdongnan basin is currently a hot topic for exploration. The discovery of gas fields in the Baodao sag confirms its abundant oil and gas resources and potential, making it of significant economic and strategic importance. The complexity of sedimentary structural evolution within the Baodao sag makes the process of oil and gas accumulation in the area extremely complex, and the law of natural gas enrichment is difficult to grasp, resulting in unclear exploration directions. Therefore, this study focuses on the third member of the Lingshui Formation in the Paleogene of the Baodao sag. Based on the abundant thin section, scanning electron microscopy, 3D seismic and geochemical analysis data in the area, through analyzing the density of natural gas, the proportion of hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon components, the dryness coefficient carbon, and the isotopic characteristics, combined with the deep natural gas genesis discrimination chart, the types and genesis types of natural gas and organic matter in the sag are clarified. In addition, combined with the package and BasinMod 2009 software, the filling period and reservoir-filling process were clarified and restored. At the same time, the reservoir formation characteristics of the different fault-step zones inside the sag were dissected and the primary and secondary migration of natural gas were analyzed in order to clarify the types and characteristics of different fault-step zone transport systems. Finally, the research findings indicate that there are two reservoir formation modes developed within the depression, as follows: “multiple hydrocarbon generation and control sources—continuous vertical control of large faults—lateral sand body convergence (T + Z-type transport)—multiple cap layer closure” and “mixed-source hydrocarbon supply—continuous vertical control of large faults—short lateral sand body convergence (Z-type transport)—multiple cap layer closure”, providing an important basis for the next exploration of the basin. Full article

Phytopathogenic fungi are important causative agents of many plant diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses in agriculture. Proteomics has become one of the most relevant high-throughput technologies, and current advances in proteomic methodologies have been helpful in obtaining massive biological information about several organisms. This review outlines recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics applied to the study of phytopathogenic fungi, including analytical platforms such as LC-MS/MS and MALDI-TOF, as well as quantitative strategies including TMT, iTRAQ, and label-free quantification. Key findings are presented from studies exploring infection-related protein expression, virulence-associated factors, post-translational modifications, and fungal adaptation to chemical fungicides, antimicrobial peptides, and biological control agents. Proteomic analyses have also elucidated mechanisms of resistance, oxidative stress response, and metabolic disruption following exposure to natural products, including essential oils and volatile organic compounds. The proteomic approach enables a comprehensive understanding of fungal biology by identifying proteins related to pathogenicity, stress adaptation, and antifungal resistance, while also facilitating the discovery of molecular targets and natural compounds for the development of sustainable antifungal strategies that reduce risks to human health and the environment. Full article

Background: Syzygium aromaticum is a tree whose aromatic dried flower buds are known as cloves. When it comes to phenolic chemicals, such as flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxyphenyl propane, clove is a major plant source of these substances. Finding out how effective clove buds are as antioxidants was the driving force behind this study’s GC-MS investigation and computational discoveries. Methods: This inquiry into clove pods focused on the chemical composition of clove using the GC-MS technique, as well as its antioxidant qualities and computational modeling. Results: This antioxidant may be more effective in lower doses than ascorbic acid (A.A.), butylate hydroxytoluene (BHT), and β-carotene, with 57.22 ± 0.41 mg QE/g of total phenols and flavonoids and 7.25 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g of clove extract. Phenols destroy free radicals, which boosts antioxidant activity. Flavonoids defend against ROS, which also boosts antioxidant activity. Clove pod GC-MS analysis identified 21 components, of which eugenol accounted for 58.86%. The absence of nitrogen and chlorine molecules emphasizes the composition’s organic nature. Eugenol, the major component of clove oil, is a phenolic molecule that binds strongly to bacterial enzymes such as DNA gyrase and dihydrofolate reductase. Docking experiments have shown that clove chemicals interact with acetylcholinesterase, a crucial enzyme in insect larvae, paralyzing and killing them. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the immense potential of plants in providing novel therapeutic and environmental solutions. We must support further research into nature’s inherent benefits. The extensive knowledge that can be gained from botany can be used to improve health, ecology, and sustainability. Full article

Introduction: Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are widely consumed despite their established associations with obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other metabolic disorders. One potential factor contributing to high UPF consumption is the decline in cooking skills, particularly among younger generations. This study aimed to describe the cooking skill perceptions of a sample of Spanish adolescents to examine the relationship between perceived cooking skills and UPF consumption, and to identify the specific UPF subcategories most associated with perceived cooking skills. Methods: This study is a secondary cross-sectional analysis using data from the Eating Healthy and Daily Life Activities (EHDLA) study, which was conducted among 847 Spanish adolescents (12–17 years) from three secondary schools in Valle de Ricote (Region of Murcia, Spain). The participants’ perceptions of their cooking skills were assessed through the following question: “How would you rate your cooking skills?”. The response options included (a) very adequate, (b) adequate, (c) inadequate, and (d) very inadequate. UPF consumption was evaluated via a self-administered food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) previously validated for the Spanish population. UPFs were classified according to the NOVA system, which distinguishes four groups: (1) unprocessed or minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients, such as salt, sugar, and oils, used to enhance the preparation of fresh foods; (3) processed foods; and (4) UPF and drink products. To examine the associations between perceived cooking skills and UPF consumption, marginal means and 95% confidence intervals for servings of individual UPF groups were calculated via generalized linear models. These models were adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and body mass index to control for potential confounders. Post hoc comparisons between cooking skill categories were conducted via false discovery rate correction following the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participants (47%) rated their cooking skills as adequate (47%) or very adequate (18%). Overall UPF intake showed a decreasing trend across skill levels, with the “very adequate” group consuming significantly fewer servings than the “very inadequate” group did (p = 0.015). Among the specific UPF categories, adolescents in the “very adequate” category consumed significantly fewer sweets than those in the “very inadequate” and “inadequate” categories did (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusions: This study revealed evidence of a relationship between cooking skills and overall UPF intake. These results support the importance of interventions that promote cooking competencies among adolescents. School-based culinary programs and community initiatives that teach adolescents simple, time-efficient, and cost-effective cooking techniques could help reduce the overall intake of UPFs. Full article

With the rapid development of long-distance transmission pipelines for oil and natural gas, pipeline steel is continuously evolving towards higher pressure, larger diameter, and thicker wall thickness. Many extensive studies and research have been conducted on X70 pipeline steel produced through traditional processing routes. This study focuses on Nb-V-Ti-N microalloyed steel with different nitrogen contents, systematically investigating the variations in microstructure and tensile properties after quenching and tempering processes. The results indicate that after quenching treatment, when the nitrogen content of the tested steel is 0.0020 wt%, its primary microstructure consists of granular bainitic ferrite (GBF), acicular ferrite (AF), and residual M/A (martensite/austenite) components. As the nitrogen content increases, the contents of acicular ferrite and M/A constituents gradually rise, while granular bainitic ferrite correspondingly decreases. After tempering treatment, the microstructure of the tested steel transforms into granular bainitic ferrite, acicular ferrite, and carbonitrides. Notably, with the elevation of nitrogen content, the number of high-angle grain boundaries in the microstructure significantly increases. Meanwhile, the mean equivalent diameter (MED) defined by the misorientation angle (MTA) ranging from 2 to 15° and the dislocation density (ρ) exhibit an overall decreasing trend. Both of these factors contribute significantly to yield strength, resulting in a gradual increase in yield strength (YS) as the nitrogen content rises. Additionally, the study finds that as the nitrogen content increases, the size of precipitated particles continuously enlarges, and their proportion in the microstructure gradually increases. This discovery provides important theoretical basis and practical guidance for further optimizing the microstructure and mechanical properties of X70 pipeline steel. Full article

Annatto (Bixa orellana L.) is cultivated primarily for the extraction of bixin, a natural dye with substantial industrial importance, resulting in the generation of large quantities of residues that remain underutilized. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of annatto byproducts derived through molecular distillation, highlighting their untapped potential for sustainable innovation. Employing state-of-the-art techniques—HS-SPME-GC-MS for volatile compounds and UPLC-MS/QTOF for non-volatile ones—the research identified a remarkable array of bioactive constituents. Over thirty pharmacologically significant compounds were unveiled, many appearing for the first time in annatto byproducts. Notable discoveries include diterpenoid alcohols, oleamide, δ-tocotrienol, n-alkanes, fatty acid methyl esters, and springene among the volatiles. Among the non-volatiles, groundbreaking identifications such as dihydroactinidiolide, dihydrochalcone, 3-phenyl propiofenone, novel tetracosan amides, halisphingosine A, kauranetriols, and phytoene derivatives redefine the chemical profile of this residue. Further amplifying the value of these findings, the study successfully transformed these byproducts into innovative antioxidant packaging materials, demonstrating their high potential for food preservation and sustainable applications. The packaging films, developed from samples devoid of vegetable oil, exhibited robust antioxidant properties, offering a compelling solution to extend shelf life and reduce spoilage. This work underscores the importance of revalorizing agricultural residues like annatto byproducts, turning waste into high-value resources that align with the principles of the circular economy. Full article