Search Results (3,600)

Diabetic wounds are a devastating complication that cause chronic pain, recurrent infections, and limb amputations due to impaired healing. Despite advances in wound care, existing therapies often fail to address the underlying molecular dysregulation, highlighting the need for innovative and safe therapeutic approaches. Among these, D-amino acids such as D-tryptophan (D-Trp) have emerged as key regulators of cellular processes; however, their therapeutic potential in diabetic wounds remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the therapeutic potential of D-Trp in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, comparing it with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) controls and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a positive control. Wound healing, inflammation, and histopathology were assessed. Protein and gene expression were analyzed via Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) measured the binding of D-Trp to hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). D-Trp accelerated wound healing by modulating extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, signaling, and apoptosis. It upregulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP1, MMP3, MMP-9), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6). D-Trp also suppressed caspase-3 and enhanced angiogenesis through HIF-1α activation. These findings suggest that D-Trp promotes healing by boosting ECM turnover, reducing inflammation, and activating MAPK/JAK pathways. Thus, D-Trp is a promising therapeutic for diabetic wounds. Full article

A novel modified oyster shell (MOS-800) was developed to enhance phosphorus sequestration and recovery from wastewater. Approximately 33.3% of phosphate was eliminated by the MOS-800, which also exhibited excellent pH regulation capabilities. In semicontinuous tests, a synergistic phosphorus separation was achieved through the coupling process of CaCl₂/MOS-800 and a circulating fluidized bed (CFB), resulting in an 86.5% phosphate separation. In continuous flow experiments, phosphorus elimination reached 98.2%. Material characterization revealed that hydroxyapatite (HAP) was the primary component of the crystallized products. Additionally, MOS-800 released 506.5–572.2 mg/g Ca²⁺ and 98.1 mg/g OH⁻. A four-stage heterogeneous crystallization mechanism was proposed for the coupling process. In the first stage, Ca²⁺ quickly reacted with phosphate to form Ca-P ion clusters, etc. In the second stage, these clusters packed randomly to form spherical amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). In the third stage, the ACP spheres were transformed and rearranged into sheet-like HAP crystallites, Finally, in the fourth stage, the HAP crystallites aggregated on the surface of crystal seeds, also with the addition of crystal seeds and undissolved MOS-800, potentially catalyzing the heterogeneous crystallization. These findings suggest that the CaCl₂/MOS-800/CFB system is a promising technique for phosphate recovery from wastewater. Full article

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been widely studied for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Its application, combined with biomaterials, is emerging as a promising strategy for promoting tissue regeneration. Considering the diversity of available evidence, this study conducted an integrative literature review, aiming to critically analyze and synthesize the effects of PBM on bone tissue, particularly its potential role as an adjunct in guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures. To ensure an integrative approach, studies with different methodological designs were included, encompassing both preclinical and clinical research. The article search was performed in the digital databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the following search terms: “Photobiomodulation therapy” AND “guided bone regeneration”. The search was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025. A total of 85 articles were found using the presented terms; after checking the results, 11 articles were selected for this study. The remaining articles were excluded because they did not fit the proposed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies to date have shown preclinical models that demonstrated increased bone-volume fraction and accelerating healing. Although it has exciting potential in bone regeneration, offering a non-invasive and promising approach to promote healing and repair of damaged bone tissue, the clinical application of PBM faces challenges, such as the lack of consensus on the ideal treatment parameters. Calcium phosphate ceramics were one of the most used biomaterials in the studied associations. Further well-designed studies are necessary to clarify the effectiveness, optimal parameters, and clinical relevance of PBM in bone regeneration, in order to strengthen the current evidence base and guide its potential future use in clinical practice. Full article

Phosphorylated cellulose is proposed as a bio-resin for the removal of heavy metals, as a substitute for synthetic polymer-based materials. Phosphorylation is carried out using kraft pulp fibers as the cellulose source, with phosphate esters and urea as reactants to prevent significant fiber degradation. Herein, phosphorylated fibers, with three types of counterions (sodium, ammonium, or hydrogen), are used in adsorption trials involving four individual metals: nickel, copper, cadmium, and lead. The Langmuir isotherm model is applied to determine the maximum adsorption capacities at four different temperatures (10, 20, 30, and 50 °C), enabling the calculation of the Gibbs free energy (ΔG), entropy (ΔS), and enthalpy (ΔH) of adsorption. The results show that the adsorption capacity of phosphorylated fibers is equal or even higher than that of commercially available resins (1.7–2.9 vs. 2.4–2.6 mmol/g). However, the nature of the phosphate counterion plays an important role in the adsorption capacity, with the alkaline form showing a superior ion exchange capacity than the hybrid form and acid form (2.7–2.9 vs. 2.3–2.7 vs. 1.7–2.5 mmol/g). The thermodynamic analysis indicates the spontaneous (ΔG = (-)16–(-)30 kJ/mol) and endothermic nature of the adsorption process with positive changes in enthalpy (0.45–15.47 kJ/mol) and entropy (0.07–0.14 kJ/mol·K). These results confirm the high potential of phosphorylated lignocellulosic fibers for ion exchange applications, such as the removal of heavy metals from process or wastewaters. Full article

In the context of critical challenges in curcumin-modified polyurethane synthesis—including limited curcumin bioavailability and suboptimal biodegradability/biocompatibility—a novel polyurethane material (Cur-PU) with good mechanical, shape memory, pH-responsive, and biocompatibility was synthesized via a one-pot, two-step synthetic protocol in which HO-PCL-OH served as the soft segment and curcumin was employed as the chain extender. The experimental results demonstrate that with the increase in Cur units, the crystallinity of the Cur-PU material decreases from 32.6% to 5.3% and that the intensities of the diffraction peaks at 2θ = 21.36°, 21.97°, and 23.72° in the XRD pattern gradually diminish. Concomitantly, tensile strength decreased from 35.5 MPa to 19.3 MPa, and Shore A hardness declined from 88 HA to 65 HA. These observations indicate that the sterically hindered benzene ring structure of Cur imposes restrictions on HO-PCL-OH crystallization, leading to lower crystallinity and retarded crystallization kinetics in Cur-PU. As a consequence, the material’s tensile strength and hardness are diminished. Except for the Cur-PU-3 sample, all other variants exhibited exceptional shape-memory functionality, with R_f and R_r exceeding 95%, as determined by three-point bending method. Analogous to pure curcumin solutions, Cur-PU solutions demonstrated pH-responsive chromatic transitions: upon addition of hydroxide ion (OH⁻) solutions at increasing concentrations, the solutions shifted from yellow-green to dark green and finally to orange-yellow, enabling sensitive pH detection across alkaline gradients. Hydrolytic degradation studies conducted over 15 weeks in air, UPW, and pH 6.0/8.0 phosphate buffer solutions revealed mass loss <2% for Cur-PU films. Surface morphological analysis showed progressive etching with the formation of micro-to-nano-scale pores, indicative of a surface-erosion degradation mechanism consistent with pure PCL. Biocompatibility assessments via L929 mouse fibroblast co-culture experiments demonstrated ≥90% cell viability after 72 h, while relative red blood cell hemolysis rates remained below 5%. Collectively, these findings establish Cur-PU as a biocompatible material with tunable mechanical properties, and pH responsiveness, underscoring its translational potential for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds. Full article

Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) is a major weed in Brazilian soybean, corn, and cotton systems, infesting over 60% of grain-producing areas and potentially reducing yields by more than 50%. Its competitiveness is due to its rapid emergence, fast tillering, C4 metabolism, and adaptability to various environmental conditions. A critical challenge relates to its widespread resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action, notably glyphosate and acetyl-CoA carboxylate (ACCase) inhibitors. Resistance mechanisms include 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) target-site mutations, gene amplification, reduced translocation, glyphosate detoxification, and mainly ACCase target-site mutations. This literature review summarizes the current knowledge on herbicide resistance in goosegrass and its management in Brazil, with an emphasis on integrating chemical and non-chemical strategies. Mechanical and physical controls are effective in early or local infestations but must be combined with chemical methods for lasting control. Herbicides applied post-emergence of weeds, especially systemic ACCase inhibitors and glyphosate, remain important tools, although widespread resistance limits their effectiveness. Sequential applications and mixtures with contact herbicides such as glufosinate and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors can improve control. Pre-emergence herbicides are effective when used before or immediately after planting, with adequate soil moisture being essential for their activation and effectiveness. Given the complexity of resistance mechanisms, chemical control alone is not enough. Integrated weed management programs, combining diverse herbicides, sequential treatments, and local resistance monitoring, are essential for sustainable goosegrass management. Full article

Several strains of the genus Serratia isolated from the rhizosphere of crops are plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) that may possess various traits associated with nitrogen metabolism, auxin production, and other characteristics. The objective of the present study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo characteristics of the growth-promoting activity of S. liquefaciens UNJFSC 002 in potato plants. This strain was inoculated into potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum) under laboratory and greenhouse conditions to determine the bacterial strain’s ability to promote growth under controlled conditions. It was found that the S. liquefaciens strain UNJFSC 002 had a significantly greater effect on the fresh and dry weight of the foliage and induced a higher tuber weight per plant and larger tuber diameter compared to the uninoculated potato plants (p < 0.05). Additionally, in vitro, the strain demonstrated the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), as well as the capacity to solubilise tricalcium phosphate in the laboratory. This research reveals the potential of S. liquefaciens UNJFSC 002 as an inoculant to improve potato production, demonstrating its ability to promote the growth and productivity of potato varieties suitable for direct consumption and processing under controlled conditions. Full article

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teriparatide (TP) in guided bone regeneration (GBR). An electronic search without language or date restrictions was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Scielo, and gray literature for articles published until June 2025. Inclusion criteria considered studies evaluating the effect of TP on bone regeneration, analyzed using SYRCLE’s Risk of Bias tool. Twenty-four preclinical studies were included, covering diverse craniofacial models (mandibular, calvarial, extraction sockets, sinus augmentation, distraction osteogenesis, segmental defects) and employing systemic or local TP administration. Teriparatide consistently enhanced osteogenesis, graft integration, angiogenesis, and mineralization, with potentiated effects when combined with various biomaterials, including polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP), biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), octacalcium phosphate collagen (OCP/Col), enamel matrix derivatives (EMDs), autografts, allografts, xenografts (Bio-Oss), strontium ranelate, and bioactive glass. Critically, most studies presented a moderate-to-high risk of bias, with insufficient randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding, which limited the internal validity of the findings. TP shows promising osteoanabolic potential in guided bone regeneration, enhancing bone formation, angiogenesis, and scaffold integration across preclinical models. Nonetheless, its translation to clinical practice requires well-designed human randomized controlled trials to define optimal dosing strategies, long-term safety, and its role in oral and craniomaxillofacial surgical applications. Full article

Volcanic ash from explosive eruptions can significantly alter lake water chemistry through ash–water interactions, potentially influencing primary productivity. Alkaline (soda) lakes, mostly found in volcanic regions, are particularly sensitive due to their unique geochemical properties. However, the effects of volcanic ash on the biogeochemistry and phytoplankton dynamics of soda lakes remain poorly understood. This study presents the first nutrient release experiments using natural alkaline water from Lake Van (Türkiye) and volcanic ash from four volcanoes (Hekla, Arenal, Sakurajima, Rabaul-Tavurvur) with different compositions. Sixteen abiotic leaching experiments were conducted over contact durations ranging from 1 to 24 h. Results show rapid increases in pH (~0.4–0.5 units), enhanced silica and phosphate concentrations, and elevated levels of Na, K, Ca, Sr, and S. Nitrate and Mg were generally depleted. The low N:P ratio (~0.06) in Lake Van water indicated nitrogen limitation, partially mitigated by ash-derived inputs. Cyanobacteria dominated the phytoplankton community (95%), consistent with nitrogen fixation under low-nitrate conditions. Elevated silica may promote diatom growth, while changes in Mg/Ca ratios suggest possible impacts on carbonate precipitation and microbialite development. These findings highlight the biogeochemical and ecological relevance of volcanic ash inputs to soda lakes. Full article

In the swine industry, artificial insemination (AI) primarily uses chill-stored semen, making sperm preservation crucial for reproductive success. However, sperm quality declines at varying rates during chilled storage at 17 °C, distinguishing high-survival semen from low-survival semen. This study investigates the metabolomic profiles of boar sperm with different abilities to survive liquid storage. We analyzed sperm motility, kinematics, and morphology in freshly extended (Day 0) and 7-day stored AI semen doses. The AI semen doses were classified as high-motile (HM) or low-motile (LM) based on sperm motility after 7 days of storage (Day 7). Metabolomic data were collected in positive (ESI+) and negative (ESI−) ion modes using a Vanquish Flex UPLC coupled with a Q Extractive Plus. We consistently detected 442 metabolites (251 in ESI+, 167 in ESI−, and 24 in both) across samples and storage durations. In freshly extended and 7-day stored AI doses, we identified 42 and 56 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs), respectively. A clustering analysis showed significant changes in DEMs between the HM and LM samples. These DEMs were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycerolipid metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, etc. In summary, this study highlights the metabolomic differences between semen doses with varying abilities to survive liquid storage. Glyceric acid and lysoPC(20:3) emerged as potential markers for sperm preservation. Full article

The excessive use of chemical fertilizers in tea cultivation threatens soil health, environmental sustainability, and long-term crop productivity. This study explores the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers. A bacterial consortium was developed using selected rhizobacterial isolates—Lysinibacillus fusiformis, five strains of Serratia marcescens, and two Bacillus spp.—based on their phosphate and zinc solubilization abilities and production of ACC deaminase, indole-3-acetic acid, and siderophores. The consortium was tested in both pot and field conditions using two tea clones, S3A3 and TS491, and compared with a chemical fertilizer treatment. Plants treated with the consortium showed enhanced growth, biomass, and antioxidant activity. The total phenolic contents increased to 1643.6 mg GAE/mL (S3A3) and 1646.93 mg GAE/mL (TS491), with higher catalase (458.17–458.74 U/g/min), glutathione (34.67–42.67 µmol/gfw), and superoxide dismutase (679.85–552.28 units/gfw/s) activities. A soil metagenomic analysis revealed increased microbial diversity and the enrichment of phyla, including Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes. Functional gene analysis showed the increased abundance of genes for siderophore biosynthesis, glutathione and nitrogen metabolism, and indole alkaloid biosynthesis. This study recommends the potential of a PGPB consortium as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enhancing both the tea plant performance and soil microbial health. Full article

The rising global demand for food, including potatoes, necessitates increased crop production. To achieve higher yields, farmers frequently depend on regular applications of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. As people seek more environmentally friendly alternatives, biofertilizers are gaining popularity as a potential replacement for synthetic fertilizers. This study aimed to determine how Glomus iranicum affects the growth of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and the nutritional value of potato tubers when grown alongside broad beans (Vicia faba L.). An experiment was conducted using potatoes tested at five dosage levels of G. iranicum, ranging from 0 to 4 g, to see its impact on the plants and soil. Inoculation with G. iranicum produced variable results in associated potato and bean crops, with significant effects on some variables. In particular, inoculation with 3 g of G. iranicum produced an increase in plant height (24%), leaf dry weight (90%), and tuber dry weight (57%) of potatoes. Similarly, 4 g of G. iranicum produced an increase in the foliar fresh weight (115%), root length (124%), root fresh weight (159%), and root dry weight (243%) of broad beans compared to no inoculation. These findings suggest that G. iranicum could be a helpful biological tool in Andean crops to improve the productivity of potatoes associated with broad beans. This could potentially reduce the need for chemical fertilizers in these crops. Full article

This study systematically explored the performance of a vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) system equipped with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber membranes for treating simulated, acidic, low-level radioactive liquid waste. By focusing on key operational parameters, including feed temperature, vacuum pressure, and flow velocity, an orthogonal experiment was designed to obtain the optimal parameters. Considering the potential application scenarios, the following two factors were also studied: the initial nuclide concentrations (0.5, 5, and 50 mg·L⁻¹) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) concentrations (0, 20, and 100 mg·L⁻¹) in the feed solution. The results indicated that the optimal operational parameters for VMD were as follows: a feed temperature of 70 °C, a vacuum pressure of 90 kPa, and a flow rate of 500 L·h⁻¹. Under these parameters, the VMD system demonstrated a maximum permeate flux of 0.9 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹, achieving a nuclide rejection rate exceeding 99.9%, as well as a nitric acid rejection rate of 99.4%. A significant negative correlation was observed between permeate flux and nuclide concentrations at levels above 50 mg·L⁻¹. The presence of TBP in the feed solution produced membrane fouling, leading to flux decline and a reduced separation efficiency, with severity increasing with TBP concentration. The VMD process simultaneously achieved nuclide rejection and nitric acid concentration in acidic radioactive wastewater, demonstrating strong potential for nuclear wastewater treatment. Full article

This review explores the dual role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, aiming to deepen our understanding of these processes through a systematic literature review. To assess the induction and involvement of ROS in endometriosis, we conducted a comprehensive literature review using Cochrane Libraries, EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, and SCOPUS databases. Of 30 qualifying papers ultimately reviewed, 28 reported a significant contribution of ROS to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, while two found no association. The presence of ROS in endometriosis is associated with infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, painful menstruation, and chronic pelvic discomfort. Among individual ROS types studied, hydrogen peroxide was most frequently investigated, followed by lipid peroxides and superoxide radicals. Notable polymorphisms associated with ROS in endometriosis include those for AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) isoforms. Key enzymes for ROS scavenging and detoxification include superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. Effective inhibitors of ROS related to endometriosis are vitamins C and E, astaxanthin, fatty acid-binding protein 4, cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria), osteopontin, sphingosine 1-phosphate, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, catalase, and a high-antioxidant diet. Elevated levels of ROS and free radicals are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, suggesting that targeting these molecules could offer potential therapeutic strategies. Full article

Bone grafting is essential for the regeneration of bone defects where natural healing is inadequate. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP)/calcium citrate (CC)/pig gelatin (pig Gel) composites promote hydroxyapatite (HAp) formation in simulated body fluid (SBF); however, the rapid degradation of pig Gel leads to their degradation in SBF within 7 d. To address this, we developed a 35% OCP/35% CC/30% methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) composite by leveraging the tuneable photo-crosslinking ability of GelMA to enhance the initial structural stability in SBF. However, the optimal synthetic photo-crosslinking conditions and the apatite-forming abilities of the OCP/CC/GelMA composite require investigation. In this study, we employed photo-crosslinking to synthesize homogeneous OCP/CC/GelMA composites with initial structural stability in SBF and evaluated their HAp-forming ability in SBF as an indicator of osteogenic potential, in comparison with the OCP/CC/pig Gel composites. Both GelMA- and pig Gel-based composites were prepared and immersed in SBF for 7 d to assess HAp formation. Although the OCP/CC/GelMA composite showed reduced HAp nucleation compared to the OCP/CC/pig Gel composites, it exhibited enhanced initial structural stability in SBF while retaining its HAp-forming ability. These findings highlight the OCP/CC/GelMA composite as a stable and promising scaffold for bone regeneration, laying the groundwork for further research. Full article