Search Results (8,104)

A hypercaloric diet is associated with oxidative stress and the dysfunction of ATP-Binding Cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a key element in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) biogenesis and reverse cholesterol transport. Nicotinamide (NAM) presents antioxidant properties, which may contribute to maintaining lipid metabolism. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of NAM on HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) level, oxidative stress markers, and the gene expression and protein levels of ABCA1 in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a hypercaloric diet. Forty male rats were divided into five groups: one group received a standard diet, and the remaining groups received a single high-fat, high-fructose diet (HFDF). Three of the HFDF groups received NAM treatment (5, 10, and 15 mM) in drinking water for 16 weeks (5 h/day). While HDL-C and oxidative stress were measured in serum samples, oxidative stress markers, and the gene expression and protein levels of ABCA1 were quantified in liver samples. The HDL-C level altered by the HFDF was improved by treatment with NAM. Furthermore, NAM reduces systemic lipid peroxidation levels and enhances the hepatic antioxidant response affected by the HFDF. In addition, NAM modulates the hepatic ABCA1 gene expression and protein level, altered by the HFDF. Our results suggest that NAM may modify the serum HDL-C level by an improvement of antioxidant response, and a possible modulation of the hepatic ABCA1 gene and protein expression. Further metabolic and molecular studies are needed to support the potential therapeutic role of NAM to prevent or treat lipid alterations promoted by a hypercaloric diet. Full article

Seawater desalination has emerged as a crucial solution for addressing global freshwater scarcity. However, it generates significant volumes of concentrated brine waste. This brine is rich in dissolved salts and minerals, primarily, chloride (55%), sodium (30%), sulfate (8%), magnesium (4%), calcium (1%), potassium (1%), bicarbonate (0.4%), and bromide (0.2%), which are often discharged into marine environments, posing ecological challenges. This study presents a comprehensive global review of innovative technologies for recovering these constituents as valuable products, thereby enhancing the sustainability and economic viability of desalination. The paper evaluates a range of proven and emerging recovery methods, including membrane separation, nanofiltration, electrodialysis, thermal crystallization, solar evaporation, chemical precipitation, and electrochemical extraction. Each technique is analyzed for its effectiveness in isolating salts (NaCl, KCl, and CaSO₄) and minerals (Mg(OH)₂ and Br₂), with a discussion of process-specific constraints, recovery efficiencies, and product purities. Furthermore, the study incorporates a detailed techno-economic assessment, highlighting revenue potential, capital and operational expenditures, and breakeven timelines. Simulated case studies of a 100,000 m³/day seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) facility demonstrates that a sequential brine recovery process and associated energy balances, supported by pilot-scale data from ongoing global initiatives, can achieve over 90% total salt recovery while producing marketable products such as NaCl, Mg(OH)₂, and Br₂. The estimated revenue from recovered materials ranges between USD 4.5 and 6.8 million per year, offsetting 65–90% of annual desalination operating costs. The analysis indicates a payback period of 3–5 years, depending on recovery efficiency and product pricing, underscoring the economic viability of large-scale brine valorization alongside its environmental benefits. By transforming waste brine into a source of commercial commodities, desalination facilities can move toward circular economy models and achieve greater sustainability. A practical integration framework is proposed for both new and existing SWRO plants, with a focus on aligning with the principles of a circular economy. By transforming waste brine into a resource stream for commercial products, desalination facilities can reduce environmental discharge and generate additional revenue. The study concludes with actionable recommendations and insights to guide policymakers, engineers, and investors in advancing brine mining toward full-scale implementation. Full article

The pervasive contamination of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) in livestock and poultry production systems represent a critical threat to animal health, productivity, and food safety. This review systematically evaluates the potential of curcumin, a natural polyphenol from Curcuma longa, to mitigate MNP-induced toxicity, drawing on evidence from 25 preclinical studies (2014–September 2025). We highlight that curcumin exerts broad-spectrum, dose-dependent protection primarily through a dual mechanism: the preventive activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway and the therapeutic suppression of NF-κB-driven inflammation. These actions collectively ameliorate oxidative stress, restore metabolic homeostasis (e.g., via the gut–liver axis), and reverse histopathological damage across key organs, including the liver, kidneys, and reproductive tissues. A major translational insight is the significant species-specific variation in curcumin bioavailability, which is substantially higher in poultry than in ruminants, necessitating the development of tailored delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation. While the preclinical data are compelling, translating these findings into practice requires robust clinical trials to establish standardized, safe, and effective dosing regimens for food-producing animals. This review concludes that curcumin presents a promising, sustainable phytogenic strategy to enhance the resilience of livestock and poultry systems against MNP pollution, directly contributing to the One Health goals of safeguarding animal welfare, food security, and environmental sustainability. Full article

Conventional whole-blood flow assays for quantifying thrombus formation are typically performed at room temperature and are technically demanding, which limits their translational applicability. We engineered a novel, disposable, mountable, and single-channel microfluidic chip (MC-2S), which is based on the Maastricht chamber (MC) and designed for automated evaluation of platelet function, coagulation and fibrinolysis under physiological conditions. The MC-2S chip allows customizable choices of thrombogenic surfaces, such as collagen and tissue factor. The chip was used in combination with an adapted, 1.3 kg brightfield/fluorescence microscope, operating at physiological temperature (37 °C), and with scripts for automated multicolor analysis of image features. The integrated system enables a robust, rapid, and high-content quantification of the kinetics of thrombus formation and dissolution. In platelet-sensitive mode, MC-2S demonstrated high sensitivity to antiplatelet therapy with aspirin or cangrelor. In coagulation-sensitive mode, it detected the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban plus its reversal by andexanet-α. In fibrinolysis-sensitive mode, it monitored tissue-type plasminogen activator-induced thrombus dissolution, inhibited by tranexamic acid. Collectively, the MC-2S platform was found to provide a versatile, physiologically relevant tool for functional hemostasis testing, with high potential for the acute and subacute evaluation of patient blood samples in the context of bleeding disorders, thrombosis risk, and drug monitoring. Full article

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), accounting for 80–90% of renal malignancies, is frequently driven by VHL inactivation—either through mutation or promoter hypermethylation—resulting in constitutive HIF2$\alpha$ activation and pseudohypoxic signaling. VHL gene inactivation is a hallmark of von Hippel–Lindau syndrome, a hereditary disorder predisposing patients to ccRCC and other tumors, underscoring its central role in disease pathogenesis. While VHL dysfunction promotes aggressive tumor phenotypes, the therapeutic potential of VHL restoration remains underexplored. Here, using the Cas9 induced VHL-mutation in the Caki-1 cell line model, we demonstrate that VHL inactivation augments hypoxia-like pathways and enhances anaerobic glycolysis. Rescue of functional VHL reversed these activation patterns and modulated the expression of genes associated with angiogenesis. Using single cell transcriptomics, we show that the VHL-positive and -negative Caki-1 cells are characterized with different proportions of benign and aggressive cells as seen by analysis of specific gene expression. Furthermore, the identified angiogenesis-related genes were linked to affect clinical outcomes in ccRCC patients, suggesting that VHL restoration may mitigate high-risk molecular features. Full article

Investigating ecological irrigation risks associated with mine water utilization is of great significance for alleviating water resource shortages in arid mining regions of western China, thereby supporting efficient coal extraction and coordinated ecological development. In this study, a representative mining area in Xinjiang was investigated to reveal the evolution patterns of mine water quality under arid geo-environmental conditions in western China and to systematically assess environmental risks induced by ecological irrigation. Surface water, groundwater, and mine water samples were collected to study ion ratio coefficients, hydrochemical characteristics, and evolution processes. Based on this, a multi-index analysis was employed to evaluate ecological irrigation risks and establish corresponding risk control measures. The results show that the total dissolved solids (TDS) of mine water in the study area are all greater than 1000 mg/L. The evolution of mine water quality is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction and is affected by evaporation and concentration. The main ions Na⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, and SO₄²⁻ originate from the dissolution of halite, gypsum, and anorthite. If the mine water is directly used for irrigation without treatment, the soluble sodium content, sodium adsorption ratio, salinity hazard, and magnesium adsorption ratio will exceed the limits, leading to the accumulation of Na⁺ in the soil, affecting plant photosynthesis, and posing potential threats to the groundwater environment. Given the evolution process of mine water quality and the potential risks of direct use for irrigation, measures can be taken across three aspects: nanofiltration combined with reverse osmosis desalination, adoption of drip irrigation and intermittent irrigation technologies, and selection of drought-tolerant vegetation. These measures can reduce the salt content of mine water, decrease the salt accumulation in the soil layer, and lower the risk of groundwater pollution, thus reducing the environmental risks of ecological irrigation with mine water. The research will provide an important theoretical basis for the scientific utilization and management of mine water resources in arid areas by revealing the evolution law of mine water quality in arid areas and clarifying its ecological irrigation environmental risks. Full article

Epidemiological and geochemical evidence suggests that coal-fired fluorosis in Southwest China is mechanistically linked to the presence of fluoride-rich geochemical anomalies. However, the severity of dental fluorosis does not consistently align with the distribution pattern of fluoride geochemistry, suggesting that other factors may interfere with the dose–effect relationship of fluorosis. To investigate the potential biotoxicity impacts of fluoride, this study conducted an analysis of soil fluoride–selenium spatial correlation in the central areas of coal-fired fluorosis in China. The results revealed that 59.1% of soil fluoride contents were more than the average soil fluoride content of China (800 mg·kg⁻¹) and 77.9% of soil selenium contents were above 0.45 mg·kg⁻¹. Soil fluoride (1.11 × 10³ mg·kg⁻¹) and selenium contents (0.78 mg·kg⁻¹) were significantly high states, but agricultural products and drinking water sources showed relatively low levels, not significantly influenced by soil conditions. The severity of fluorosis was evaluated using Dean’s dental fluorosis index (DFI). The spatial association of soil selenium or fluoride with DFI suggested that there was a reverse relationship between soil selenium or selenium/fluoride and the DFI. The generalized additive model (GAM) showed the onset of DFI correlated with soil fluoride content, showcasing a distinctive “W” pattern, while DFI decreased steeply or gradually as soil selenium content or selenium/fluoride ratio increased. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the geochemical anomaly of soil fluoride likely contributes to the occurrence of fluorosis. However, the significantly elevated levels of soil selenium might alleviate the severity of dental fluorosis to some extent. Full article

Nickel nanoparticles (NiNPs) are extensively used in nanotechnology, electronics, and biomedical fields, raising concerns about their pulmonary toxicity and potential role in inducing lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). While heavy metals, like arsenic and cadmium, are well-known to drive LUAD through metabolic reprogramming, the molecular mechanism linking NiNPs to LUAD—particularly their impact on fatty acid metabolism (FAM)—remains unclear. This study is the first to explore whether NiNPs promote LUAD progression via the CDK1/STAT3/FASN axis, a key regulator of FAM, and to evaluate the natural compound apigenin (API) as a potential inhibitory agent. When human (A549) and mouse (LLC) LUAD cells were exposed to NiNPs, assessments of cell function and protein expression revealed increased malignant phenotypes, including enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), along with activation of the CDK1/STAT3/FASN axis and upregulation of FAM-related markers. Genetic silencing of either CDK1 or FASN reversed the dysregulation of FAM and reduced the malignant characteristics of the cells. Molecular docking analysis confirmed that API binds strongly to CDK1, and further experiments demonstrated that API suppresses NiNP-induced tumor growth both in laboratory cell models and in living organisms, while also blocking the activity of the CDK1/STAT3/FASN axis. Full article

Background and Objectives: Myofibroblast apoptosis resistance and excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are central drivers of the irreversibility of pulmonary fibrosis, and both are mechanistically linked to autophagy impairment. Phaseoloidin is a bioactive compound derived from Entada phaseoloides. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Phaseoloidin in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms. Methods:In vivo, the antifibrotic effects of Phaseoloidin were evaluated using a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model in male C57/BL mice. To further elucidate the mechanisms by which Phaseoloidin counteracts fibrosis, in vitro experiments were conducted using primary lung fibroblasts. Results: In vitro experiments showed that Phaseoloidin could activate the AMPK/mTOR pathway in autophagy-deficient myofibroblasts, effectively reversing autophagic defects and promoting collagen degradation. This autophagy activation selectively degraded PTPN13, a negative regulator of apoptosis, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of myofibroblasts to FasL-induced apoptosis and further facilitating fibrosis resolution. After AMPK gene knockout, the pro-autophagic effect of Phaseoloidin completely disappeared, and both collagen clearance and apoptosis recovery were blocked. In vivo experiments confirmed that Phaseoloidin exerted antifibrotic effects by activating AMPK-mediated autophagy in myofibroblasts, which significantly ameliorated pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusions: Phaseoloidin exerts a dual mechanism by activating AMPK-mediated autophagy in myofibroblasts: first, degrading PTPN13 to reverse myofibroblast apoptosis resistance; second, enhancing ECM turnover. These findings indicate that Phaseoloidin is a promising novel therapeutic candidate for pulmonary fibrosis. Full article

Chrysin is a dietary flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, but its clinical potential is limited by poor oral bioavailability. This randomized double-blind three period crossover trial evaluated the pharmacokinetics of a novel micellar chrysin formulation co-encapsulated with quercetin and rutin (LMC) compared with a non-micellar chrysin formulation (NMC) and unformulated chrysin (UFC). Secondary objectives included in vitro permeability (Caco-2) and a 30-day safety assessment of daily LMC supplementation. Sixteen healthy adults received a single oral dose of each formulation in randomized order separated by a 7-day washout. Plasma chrysin was quantified over 24 h to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. In vitro Caco-2 assays evaluated permeability, and clinical biochemistry of 15 participants were assessed weekly during 30 days of daily LMC use. LMC achieved >2-fold higher systemic exposure than unformulated chrysin (AUC_0–24 = 914.8 ± 697.5 ng·h/mL; C_max = 87.3 ± 59.4 ng/mL; both p < 0.05) and >2.6-fold higher than NMC, supported by >10-fold higher in vitro permeability. Daily LMC supplementation was well tolerated, with only mild, reversible adverse events and no clinically relevant safety changes, despite higher systemic exposure. Small, but significant, reductions in fasting glucose were observed in both sexes. The novel micellar chrysin–quercetin–rutin formulation substantially improved bioavailability and was well tolerated during 30 days of daily use, supporting its potential as an advanced delivery strategy for flavonoids with poor oral absorption and identifying glucose regulation as a physiological effect of interest. Full article

Background: Infectious pneumonia remains a major global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality, especially among vulnerable groups. Current diagnostic approaches lack sufficient specificity and accuracy. This study aimed to identify core diagnostic genes, explore their biological functions, and predict potential natural compounds targeting these genes to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Methods: Gene expression profiles from the GEO database (GSE103119) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Hub genes were selected by integrating protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and multiple machine learning algorithms. Expression patterns of the identified hub gene were validated in a murine pneumonia model. Reverse network pharmacology was applied to screen natural compounds, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate binding affinity and complex stability. Results: A total of 2550 DEGs were identified. FCER1A was consistently determined as a hub gene through PPI and machine learning analyses, showing significant downregulation in infectious pneumonia patients. Animal experiments confirmed pronounced reduction of Fcer1a transcription in both lung tissue and whole blood of pneumonia model mice. Two natural compounds, pyrogallol and tectorigenin, were identified as potential ligands for FCER1A. Molecular simulations confirmed stable binding with the target protein, with tectorigenin exhibiting superior binding affinity. Conclusions: This study proposes FCER1A as a promising diagnostic biomarker for infectious pneumonia and suggests tectorigenin as a candidate compound for further therapeutic development. Full article

Obesity, a major risk factor for cardiometabolic diseases, arises from chronic energy imbalance and ectopic lipid deposition. This study investigated the anti-obesity potential of Coral dealbatus crude polysaccharides (CDP), a previously uncharacterized bioactive fraction from a hybrid vegetable cultivar developed by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. CDP, obtained via hydroalcoholic extraction, was structurally characterized as amorphous with heterogeneous molecular weights (87,813 Da, 4158 Da, and 728 Da) and glucose-dominant monosaccharide composition (FT-IR, XRD, and HPLC). In a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced murine obesity model, oral CDP administration significantly attenuated body weight gain (p < 0.05) and reduced ectopic lipid deposition. Histopathological analysis confirmed CDP’s efficacy in ameliorating hepatic steatosis, evidenced by diminished lipid droplet accumulation. Furthermore, CDP reversed HFD-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, modulating beneficial bacterial taxa. These findings demonstrate CDP’s therapeutic potential against diet-induced metabolic disorders, likely mediated through lipid metabolism regulation and intestinal microbiota modulation, supporting its development as a novel functional food ingredient for dietary intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) was structurally similar to mRNAs, yet they could not be translated into proteins. While an increasing number of reports have systematically identified and described lncRNA in model species, information about non-model species remains scarce. Sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota could be used for both medicinal and food purposes, which have high economic value, gradually attracting the attention of researchers. Methods: In this research, we constructed lncRNA library and compared the difference in lncRNA expression profiles between testis and ovary of sea cucumber H. leucospilota. To elucidate the molecular interactions between lncRNA and mRNA, we computationally predicted potential complementary binding sites through analysis of both cis- and trans-acting antisense mechanisms. Subsequent Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses demonstrated that the identified target genes are potentially involved in the regulatory pathways governing gonad development. Results: Quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that MSTRG.32831.1-sox9 and MSTRG.57315.1-mthfr exhibited a high expression pattern in testis; while MSTRG.11041.1-mafa and MSTRG.11074.1-macf1 showed a high expression pattern in the ovary. Conclusions: Deciphering lncRNA–mRNA expression patterns may uncover fundamental principles governing reproductive regulation in marine invertebrates. This discovery not only deepens understanding in this field but also provides valuable comparative insights for developmental biology. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is a sudden and noticeably increasing focus on naturally found antiplatelet inhibitors that humans can use habitually. Given that athletes receive annual training with periods of recovery that are not always suitably adapted to the workload, this study aimed to explore the association between dietary fat intakes and the indices of blood profiles, concentrating on platelet variables in a sample of high-performance athletes. Methods: The sample encompassed 19.8 ± 2.2-year-old Lithuanian high-performance athletes (n = 82). The assessment of the nutritional profile of study participants was performed using a 3-day food record approach. In laboratory settings, the hematology profile of athletes was assessed via the Nihon Khoden automated hematology analyzer. Results: The recorded mean consumption of energy, carbohydrates, protein, and fat in elite athletes was 49 kcal/kg/day, 5.4 g/kg/day, 1.6 g/kg/day, and 40.3% of energy intake (EI), respectively. The study highlighted the excessive consumption of saturated fatty acids (FA) (13.4–14.3% of EI) and dietary cholesterol (698–982 mg/day). Also, considering that the ideal human omega-6 to omega-3 FA ratio is commonly deemed to be between 1:1 and 4:1, an athlete’s ‘Western diet’ was heavily skewed with a ratio fluctuating from 18.9:1 to 19:4 in favor of omega-6 FA. Furthermore, the study found that the outcomes related to slightly higher levels of blood platelet counts and plateletcrit, however, being within normal limits, were associated with a higher intake of omega-6 FA (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 9.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2; 9.9, p = 0.029). A higher platelet-to-hemoglobin ratio as a novel indirect blood-based biomarker pronouncing the potential inflammatory processes in the body revealed the reverse relationship of higher intake levels of dietary omega-3 FA (AOR 6.7, 95% CI 1.3; 12.2, p = 0.029), omega-6 FA (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 2.7; 11.5, p = 0.009), and saturated FA (AOR 8.5, 95% CI 1.5; 9.1, p = 0.020) among elite athletes. Conclusions: The prospect of personalized nutrition targeted at the professional athletes’ segment may provide an innovative opportunity to increase athletes’ capacity to manage the platelet function via diet while stressing the importance of further empirical experimental research in this dynamic and vital biomedical field. Full article

Background/Objectives: Working memory (WM) performance relies on the coordination of updating and inhibition functions within the central executive system. However, their interaction under varying cognitive loads, particularly across sensory modalities, remains unclear. Methods: This study examined how sensory modality modulates flanker interference under increasing WM loads. Twenty-two participants performed a visual n-back task at three load levels (1-, 2-, and 3-back) while ignoring visual (within-modality) or auditory (cross-modality) flankers. Results: Behaviorally, increased WM load (2- and 3-back) led to reduced accuracy (AC) and prolonged reaction times (RTs) in both conditions. In addition, flanker interference was observed under the 2-back condition in both the visual within-modality (VM) and audiovisual cross-modality (AVM) tasks. However, performance impairment emerged at a lower load (2-back) in the VM condition, whereas in the AVM condition, it only emerged at the highest load (3-back). Significant performance impairment in the AVM condition occurred at higher WM loads, suggesting that greater WM load is required to trigger interference. Event-related potential (ERP) results showed that N200 amplitudes increased significantly for incongruent flankers under the highest WM load (3-back) in the visual within-modality condition, reflecting greater inhibitory demands. In the cross-modality condition, enhanced N200 was not observed across all loads and even reversed at low load (1-back). Moreover, the results also showed that P300 amplitude increased with load in the within-modality condition but decreased in the cross-modality condition. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the interaction between updating and inhibition is shaped by both WM load and sensory modality, further supporting a sensory modality-specific resource allocation mechanism. The cross-modality configurations may enable more efficient distribution of cognitive resources under high load, reducing interference between concurrent executive demands. Full article