Search Results (1,768)

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by high mortality rates and responsible for about one million new cases each year globally. Surgery is the main treatment, but achieving radical resection remains a relevant intraoperative challenge. Fluorescence-guided surgery offers clinicians greater capabilities for real-time detection of tumor nodules and visualization of tumor margins. In this field, the main challenge remains the development of fluorescent dyes that can selectively target tumor tissues. Methods: we examined the expression of the most suitable GC markers, including carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule-5 (CEACAM5) and Claudin-4 (CLDN4), in GC cell lines. To further evaluate their expression, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tumor and healthy tissue samples from 30 GC patients who underwent partial gastrectomy at the Digestive System Surgery Unit, AOU Careggi, Florence. Additionally, we validated anti-CEACAM5 expression on patient-derived organoids. Furthermore, we developed a fluorescent molecule targeting CEACAM5 on the surface of GC cells and assessed its binding properties on patient tissue slices and fragments. Results: in this work, we first identified CEACAM5 as an optimal GC biomarker, and then we developed a fluorescent antibody specific for CEACAM5. We also evaluated its binding specificity for GC cell lines and patient-derived tumor tissue, achieving an optimal ability to discriminate tumor tissue from healthy mucosa. Conclusions: Overall, our results support the development of our fluorescent antibody as a promising tumor-specific imaging agent that, after further in vivo validation, could improve the accuracy of complete tumor resection. Full article

Fabric veneer panels were prepared using ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film (EVA) as the intermediate layer and poplar plywood as the substrate. Eight fabrics with different compositions were selected for evaluation to screen out fabric materials suitable for poplar plywood veneer. The fabrics were objectively analyzed by bending and draping, compression, and surface roughness, and subjectively evaluated by establishing seven levels of semantic differences. ESEM, surface adhesive properties, and peel resistance tests were used to characterize the microstructure and physical–mechanical properties of the composites. The results show that cotton and linen fabrics and corduroy fabrics are superior to other fabrics in performance, and they are suitable for decorative materials. Because the fibers of the doupioni silk fabric are too thin, and the fibers of felt fabric are randomly staggered, they are not suitable for the surface decoration materials of man-made panels. The acetate veneer surface gluing performance was 1.31 MPa, and the longitudinal peel resistance was 20.98 N, significantly exceeding that of other fabric veneers. Through the subjective and objective analysis of fabrics and gluing performance tests, it was concluded that, compared with fabrics made of natural fibers, man-made fiber fabrics are more suitable for use as surface finishing materials for wood-based panels. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and process reference for the development of environmentally friendly decorative panels, which can be expanded and applied to furniture, interior decoration, and other fields. Full article

Healthcare-associated infection, mainly through medical device-associated infection, remains a critical issue in hospital care. Bacterial adhesion, proliferation, and biofilm formation on the device surface have been considered the foremost cause of medical device-associated infection. Different means have been explored to reduce microbial attachment and proliferation, including forming a bactericidal or microbial adhesion-resistant surface layer. Fear of limited bactericidal capability if the dead microbes remained adhered to the surface has withheld the widespread use of a bactericidal surface in medical devices if it was intended for long-term use. By contrast, constructing a microbial adhesion-resistant or antifouling surface, such as a surface with zwitterionic functionality, would be more feasible for devices intended to be used for the long term. Nevertheless, a sophisticated multi-step chemical reaction process would be needed. Instead, a simple immersion method that utilized a novel mussel-inspired catechol compound with zwitterionic sulfobetaine functionality, ZDS, was explored in this investigation for the surface modification of substrates with distinctively different surface characteristics, including titanium and polyvinyl chloride. Dopamine, NaIO₄ oxidants, and chemicals that could affect ionic interactions (NaCl and polyethyleneimine) were added to the ZDS-containing immersion solution to compare their effects on modifying titanium and PVC substrates. Furthermore, a layer-by-layer immersion method, in which the substrate was first immersed in the no-ZDS-added dopamine-containing solution, followed by the ZDS-containing solution, was also attempted on the PVC substrate. By properly selecting the immersion solution formulation and additional NaIO₄ oxidation modification, the antibacterial capability of ZDS-modified substrates can be optimized without causing cytotoxicity. The maximum antibacterial percentages against S. aureus were 84.2% and 81.7% for the modified titanium and PVC substrate, respectively, and both modified surfaces did not show any cytotoxicity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The bidirectional selection of the Roman low- (RLA) and Roman high-avoidance (RHA) rat strains for extremely slow vs. very rapid acquisition of the two-way (shuttle-box) avoidance response has generated two divergent phenotypic profiles: RHA rats exhibit a behavioural pattern and gene expression profile in the frontal cortex and hippocampus (HPC) that are relevant to social and attentional/cognitive schizophrenia-linked symptoms; on the other hand, RLA rats display phenotypic traits linked to increased anxiety and sensitivity to stress-induced depression-like behaviours. The present studies aimed to evaluate the enduring and potentially positive effects of neonatal handling-stimulation (NH) on the traits differentiating these two strains of rats. Methods: We evaluated the effects of NH on anxious behaviour, prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), spatial working memory, and hormone responses to stress in adult rats of both strains. Furthermore, given the proposed involvement of neuronal/synaptic plasticity and neurotrophic factors in the development of anxiety, stress, depression, and schizophrenia-related symptoms, using Western blot (WB) we assessed the effects of NH on the content of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), its trkB receptor and Polysialilated-Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (PSA-NCAM), in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACg), ventral (vHPC), and dorsal (dHPC) hippocampus of adult rats from both strains. Results: NH increased novelty-induced exploration and reduced anxiety, particularly in RLA rats, attenuated the stress-induced increment in corticosterone and prolactin plasma levels, and improved PPI and spatial working memory in RHA rats. These effects correlated to long-lasting increases of BDNF and PSA-NCAM content in PFC, ACg, and vHPC. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings show enduring and distinct NH effects on neuroendocrine and behavioural and cognitive processes in both rat strains, which may be linked to neuroplastic and synaptic changes in the frontal cortex and/or hippocampus. Full article

The increasing interest in fibre-enriched and functional bakery products has led to the exploration of novel plant-based ingredients with both technological functionality and consumer acceptance. This study evaluates the effects of incorporating flours derived from apple (Malus domestica cv. Oberländer Himbeerapfel), sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), and red, sessile, and pedunculate oak (Quercus rubra, Q. petraea, and Q. robur) into wheat bread at 5%, 10%, and 15% substitution levels. The impact on crumb structure, crust colour, textural parameters (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness), and sensory attributes was assessed. The inclusion of apple and sweet chestnut flours resulted in a softer crumb, lower adhesiveness, and higher sensory scores related to flavour, aroma, and crust appearance. In contrast, higher levels of oak- and horse-chestnut-derived flours increased crumb hardness and reduced overall acceptability due to bitterness or excessive density. Apple flour preserved crumb brightness and contributed to warm tones, while oak flours caused more intense crust darkening. These findings suggest that selected non-traditional flours, especially apple and sweet chestnut, can enhance the sensory and physical properties of wheat bread, supporting the development of fibre-rich, clean-label formulations aligned with consumer trends in sustainable and functional baking. Full article

Fusobacterium nucleatum and activating mutations in the Kirsten rat sarcoma virus oncogene homolog (KRAS) are increasingly recognized as cooperative drivers of colorectal cancer (CRC). F. nucleatum promotes tumorigenesis via adhesion to epithelial cells, modulation of the immune microenvironment, and delivery of virulence factors, while KRAS mutations—present in 60% of CRC cases—amplify proliferative signaling and inflammatory pathways. Here, we review the molecular interplay by which F. nucleatum enhances KRAS-driven oncogenic cascades and, conversely, how KRAS mutations reshape the tumor niche to favor bacterial colonization. We further discuss the use of KRAS as a prognostic biomarker and explore promising non-antibiotic interventions—such as phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and targeted small-molecule inhibitors—aimed at selectively disrupting F. nucleatum colonization and virulence. This integrated perspective on microbial–genetic crosstalk offers novel insights for precision prevention and therapy in CRC. Full article

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma and a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, is considered a critical regulator of various cellular processes involved in cancer development. FAK inhibitors (FAKi) have proven to be promising therapeutics for cancer treatment including for pancreatic cancer. As monotherapy, however, FAKi showed only a modest effect in clinical studies. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity of six FAKi (Defactinib, CEP-37440, VS-4718, VS-6062, Ifebemtinib and GSK2256098) used in clinical trials on five pancreatic tumor cell lines. We further examined whether their anti-tumor activity can be enhanced by combination with the oncolytic coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) strain PD-H. IC₅₀ analyses identified Defactinib and CEP-37440 as the most potent inhibitors of tumor cell growth. VS-4718, VS-6062, and Ifebemtinib showed slightly lower activity, while GSK2256098 was largely ineffective. The combination of Defactinib, CEP-37440, VS-4718, and VS-6062 with PD-H resulted in varying effects on cytotoxicity, depending on the cell line and the specific FAKi, ranging from no enhancement to a pronounced increase. Using the Chou–Talalay method, we determined combination indices (CI), revealing synergistic, additive, but also antagonistic interactions between the respective FAKi and PD-H. Considering both oncolytic efficacy and the CI, the greatest enhancement in oncolytic activity was achieved when VS-4718 or CEP-37440 was combined with PD-H. These findings indicate that co-treatment with PD-H can potentiate the therapeutic activity of the selected FAKi and may represent a novel strategy to improve treatment outcomes in PDAC. Full article

The selection of process parameters for an ultra-high-pressure water jet directly affects the adhesion ability of the subsequent coating on the ship’s surface. This study investigates the effect of jet pressure, standoff distance, and nozzle traverse speed on the surface roughness of grade-A marine steel, aiming to optimize the process parameters and improve the quality of surface treatment. Based on single-factor experiments and orthogonal experiments, a three-factor, three-level experimental design was employed, considering jet pressure, standoff distance, and nozzle traverse speed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a confocal microscope were used to analyze the surface morphology and roughness of grade-A marine steel. The experimental results proved that surface roughness exhibited a nonlinear relationship with jet pressure, initially increasing and then decreasing as pressure rose. Conversely, surface roughness showed negative correlations with both standoff distance and nozzle traverse speed, progressively decreasing with increases in these parameters. Through hierarchical analysis, the effect hierarchy of the three factors on surface roughness was determined as follows: jet pressure > standoff distance > nozzle traverse speed. Parametric optimization revealed that a jet pressure of 150 MPa, a standoff distance of 25 mm, and a nozzle traverse speed of 180 mm/min collectively yielded a peak surface roughness of 62.549 μm. This value aligns with the pre-coating surface preparation standards for grade-A marine steel substrates, ensuring optimal adhesion for subsequent anti-corrosion treatments. Full article

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using spheroidal cellulose powders with different particle sizes (2 and 7 µm) in face creams and to evaluate their effect on selected physicochemical and performance properties of these products. A series of prototypes of facial creams with spheroidal cellulose were prepared. The following tests were carried out: stability, dynamic viscosity, texture analysis, degree of skin hydration, and evaluation of sensory appeal by consumers. It was observed that none of the creams showed instability over time. The addition of powdered spheroidal cellulose was found to increase dynamic viscosity and hardness and reduce the adhesion strength of the tested emulsions to the base face cream. A positive effect of the presence of polymeric raw materials on the level of skin hydration was observed. The most favorable results were obtained for the E4 cream prototype containing spheroidal powders of both 2 and 7 µm particle size at a weight ratio of 2.5 to 2.5. In addition, according to the members of the sensory panel, the E4 face cream was best evaluated and showed sensory benefits. The study concluded that spheroidal cellulose powders are a promising biodegradable alternative to microplastics in cosmetics. Full article

This study discusses the frictional wear performance of three 3D-printed materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), while evaluating different layer thickness levels. The materials were subjected to wear volume and rate tests by ball-on-disc wear tests at various thickness levels (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mm) and sliding distances. Lastly, SEM analysis was carried out to study the wear tracks and debris developed during the testing. Quantitatively, ABS maintained a mean wear volume below 0.15 mm³ across all test conditions (e.g., 0.05 ± 0.01 mm³ at 0.1 mm layer thickness and 150 m sliding distance), whereas PLA and HIPS recorded much higher averages of 1.5 mm³ and 3.0 mm³, respectively. With the increase in layer thickness, which caused an upward trend in the obtained results, the wear volume of the investigated materials also increased. ABS exhibited the smallest material loss of all three polymers; for example, at 0.1 mm layer thickness and a 150 m sliding distance, the mean wear volume was only 0.05 mm³, and even under the harshest condition tested (0.3 mm layer thickness, 300 m), the value remained below 0.15 mm³. PLA and HIPS showed higher wear volumes, while HIPS had the lowest resistance among the three materials. The multifunctional wear behavior difference contributed by material type was 59.76%, as shown through ANOVA, and that by layer thickness was 21.32%. Among the parameters investigated, material type had the largest control in wear behavior due to inherent variation in the structural characteristics of the material such as interlayer adhesion, toughness, and brittleness. For instance, the amorphous nature of ABS and its good layer adhesion provided significantly superior wear resistance compared to the brittle PLA and the poorly adhered HIPS. It is highlighted in this research that selecting appropriate material and layer thickness combinations can improve the durability of 3D-printed components. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties (flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), Vickers microhardness (VMN), and shear bond strength (SBS)) of preheated composites. Two preheated composites (Z350XT and Proclinic) and one self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX™ U200) were used to fabricate specimens. All the specimens were subjected to thermocycling before their mechanical properties were evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. The chi-square test was used to evaluate the failure modes after SBS test. Results: RelyX™ U200 had a significantly higher FS (106.22 ± 14.23 MPa) than Proclinic (85.76 ± 12.75 MPa) and Z350 (71.47 ± 22.98 MPa). Z350 (118.10 ± 11.3 GPa) and RelyX™ U200 (110.88 ± 13.44 GPa) had significantly higher FMs than Proclinic (83.72 ± 9.3 GPa). A significantly higher VHN was seen with Z350 (136.84 ± 11.52 VHN) compared to Proclinic (115.25 ± 17.15 VHN) and RelyX™ U200 (100.83 ± 12.69 VHN). Z350 had a higher SBS (20.75 ± 5.6 MPa) than RelyX™ U200 (15.4 ± 3.46 MPa), while Proclinic was the weakest among all the groups (6.76 ± 1.44 MPa). In the failure mode analysis, the mixed failure mode was predominantly seen in all groups. In conclusion, not all preheated composites behave the same and it is the clinician’s responsibility to select the appropriate material for every clinical situation. Full article

This paper deals with an important issue, which is the influence of failure caused by the quality of matrix post-curing on the strength of complex and difficult materials of the “new generation” such as fibre composites, particularly with a polymer matrix. In recent years, significant advances in the field of adhesive materials chemistry have led to the constant development of bonding technology. The effectiveness of bonding depends, to a large extent, on the suitable selection of the adhesive and the use of appropriate surface treatment technology. It is difficult to imagine virtually any modern industry without adhesive joints, be it the aircraft, aerospace or automotive industries, which simultaneously highlights the great importance of adhesives and adhesive materials for the present-day economy. In modern technology, it is extremely important to obtain the right combination of modern construction materials. The statistical analysis of the components showed the complexity of the layered composite structure. The proposed model of the weakest micro-volume developed in this study indirectly reflects the experimentally based curing variables that affect the stresses of the components in the composite (laminate) structure. The strength of fibrous composite structures based on the Markov chain theory considers technological aspects during hardening. The model proposed in the paper was validated on the basis of examples from the literature and experimental data obtained in the research project. The numerical results are in good agreement with the literature database and measurement data. The presented model could be a novel method, which allows better insight into the curing process of epoxy resins. Full article

This study presents colorless polyimides (PIs) suitable for use as plastic substrates in flexible displays, designed to be compatible with controlled soft adhesion and easy delamination (temporary adhesion) processes. For this purpose, we focused on a PI system derived from norbornane-2-spiro-α-cyclopentanone-α′-spiro-2″-norbornane-5,5″,6,6″-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (CpODA) and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB). This system was selected with the aim of exhibiting excellent optical transparency and low linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) properties. However, fabricating this PI film via the conventional two-step process was challenging because of crack formation. In contrast, modified one-pot polymerization at 200 °C using a combined catalyst resulted in a homogeneous solution of PI with an exceptionally high molecular weight, yielding a flexible cast film. The solubility of PI plays a crucial role in its success. This study delves into the mechanism behind the significant catalytic effect on enhancing molecular weight. The CpODA/TFMB PI cast film simultaneously achieved very high optical transparency, an extremely high glass transition temperature (T_g = 411 °C), a significantly low linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE = 16.7 ppm/K), and sufficient film toughness, despite the trade-off between low CTE and high film toughness. The CpODA/TFMB system was modified by copolymerization with minor contents of another cycloaliphatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 5,5′-(1,4-phenylene)-exo-bis(hexahydro-4,7-methanoisobenzofuran-cis-exo-1,3-dione) (BzDAxx). This approach was effective in improving the film toughness without sacrificing the low CTE and other target properties. The peel strengths (σ_peel) of laminates comprising surface-modified glass substrates and various colorless PI films were measured to evaluate the compatibility with the temporary adhesion process. Most colorless PI films studied were found to be incompatible. Additionally, no correlation between σ_peel and PI structure was observed, making it challenging to identify the structural factors influencing σ_peel control. Surprisingly, a strong correlation was observed between σ_peel and CTE of the PI films, suggesting that the observed solid–solid lamination is closely linked to the unexpectedly high surface mobility of the PI films. The laminate using CpODA(90);BzDAxx(10)/TFMB copolymer exhibited suitable adhesion strength for the temporary adhesion process, while meeting other target properties. The modified one-pot polymerization method significantly contributed to the development of colorless PIs suitable for plastic substrates. Full article

Several of the integrin family of cell adhesion receptors have been popular targets for the development of anticancer agents, but with little clinical success to date. Cancer cells usually express multiple redundant integrins; one hypothesis for the lack of efficacy of current antagonists is their high selectivity for a single integrin. To address this, we developed a functional dual-β3-expressing cell model to investigate the effects of combined αIIbβ3/αvβ3 antagonism. We established that treating K562 chronic myeloid leukemia cells with 0.04 μM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 40 h significantly upregulates functional αIIbβ3 and αvβ3 integrins. This optimized method provides a reliable platform for adhesion and detachment assays, enabling the characterization of dual integrin targeting strategies. Using this model, we demonstrate that combining αIIbβ3 and αvβ3 antagonists (GR144053 and cRGDfV) synergistically enhances inhibition of cell adhesion and promotes cell detachment compared to single-agent treatments. Our findings establish a reproducible approach for studying dual β3 integrin targeting, which can be used to investigate potential strategies for overcoming integrin redundancy in cancer therapeutics. Full article

Microbial biofilms present a formidable challenge in ophthalmology. Their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and evasion of host immune defenses significantly complicate treatments for ocular infections such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and endophthalmitis. These infections are often caused by pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly in patients using contact lenses or intraocular implants—devices that serve as surfaces for biofilm formation. The global rise in antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for alternative treatment modalities. In this regard, plant-derived antimicrobials have emerged as promising candidates demonstrating broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity through different mechanisms from those of conventional antibiotics. These mechanisms include inhibiting quorum sensing, disrupting established biofilm matrices, and interfering with microbial adhesion and communication. However, the clinical translation of phytochemicals faces significant barriers, including variability in chemical composition due to environmental and genetic factors, difficulties in standardization and reproducibility, poor water solubility and ocular bioavailability, and a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating their efficacy and safety in ophthalmic settings. Furthermore, regulatory uncertainties and the absence of unified guidelines for approving plant-derived formulations further hinder their integration into evidence-based ophthalmic practice. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and treatment of biofilm-associated ocular infections, critically evaluating plant-based antimicrobials as emerging therapeutic agents. Notably, resveratrol, curcumin, abietic acid, and selected essential oils demonstrated notable antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. These findings support the potential of phytochemicals as adjunctive or alternative agents in managing biofilm-associated ocular infections. By highlighting both their therapeutic promise and translational limitations, this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable, innovative approaches to managing antibiotic-resistant ocular infections. Full article