Search Results (1,000)

The rapidly developing food industry necessitates the efficient use of raw materials, which can be achieved through the production of functional ingredients with high nutritional value. Secondary fish raw materials generated during the filleting of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), including vertebral bones with residual muscle tissue, skin, tails, and fins, represent a promising source of both biologically active compounds and highly digestible protein substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of protein hydrolysates obtained from secondary Atlantic cod raw materials by conventional enzymatic hydrolysis and combined enzymatic-ultrasonic treatment. The best results were achieved at a power of 320 W and a treatment duration of 3.5 min prior to the addition of the enzyme preparation (Protozyme C). The application of ultrasound enhanced the degree of hydrolysis by 4–5% while simultaneously reducing the amount of enzyme used. Electrophoretic analysis demonstrated a predominance of smaller peptides in the 10–15 kDa range compared to the control sample (43–95 kDa). Infrared spectroscopy confirmed structural changes in the samples under study, manifested in an increase in the number of terminal groups and partial disaggregation of the peptide mixture. Particle size distribution analysis revealed a more uniform distribution and a decrease in the median particle size in samples with ultrasonic pretreatment. The safety and antioxidant activity assessment did not show any toxic effects, but manifested a significant increase in antioxidant indicators (2.5–3.2 times) compared to the control sample. The results obtained show the enzymatic-ultrasonic treatment to be promising for the integrated processing of fish raw materials and the production of functional food ingredients with improved properties. Full article

Background: Thunbergia alata is employed in traditional medicine to treat culture-bound syndromes such as “susto” (fright) or “espanto” (fearfulness). These conditions may correlate with depressive disorders. However, there is no evidence that this species has antidepressant properties. Aims: To characterize the antidepressant-like effect of an aqueous extract of T. alata in different paradigms and to analyze the role of brain monoamines in such actions. Methods: Independent groups of mice were treated with saline or the extract (1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg; p.o.) and evaluated in the tail suspension (TST) and forced swimming tests (FST). Biochemical mechanisms were analyzed using inhibitors of monoamine synthesis, ligands of serotonergic receptors, and in vitro assays of MAO-A and MAO-B activity. Acute and sub-acute toxicity was evaluated. Results: The extract significantly reduced the immobility time of mice in both the TST and the FST, without affecting locomotor activity, as did the prototypical antidepressant desipramine. PCPA, AMPT, and NAN-190 abolished the extract’s effects on despair, while serotonergic ligands (8-OH-DPAT, fluoxetine, and pindolol) facilitated their antidepressant action. T. alata inhibited MAO-A and B activity. High doses of the extract produced no change in organ morphology; LD₅₀ was >2000 mg/kg. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that an aqueous extract of T. alata produces antidepressant effects mediated by the monoamine brain levels, especially serotonin. In addition to its use in culture-bounded syndromes, the present findings of safety and efficacy give support to the proposal that T. alata may be used in the treatment of depression. Full article

Background and Objectives: Bile leak is a common complication after hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, requiring timely management to prevent life-threatening outcomes. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential in treatment, but large data concerning optimal timing and technique selection are unavailable. This study evaluates whether the timing of ERCP influences healing and if different bile duct injuries affect outcomes. Materials and Methods: Data from a prospectively maintained database over 25 years (2001–2025) included 176 patients (M/F: 91/85, mean age 62) undergoing ERCP for bile leaks. Results: Most leaks followed cholecystectomy (n = 143, 81.5%). The median time from leak to ERCP was 7 days. Ten patients (5.7%) had complete common bile duct (CBD) transection—considered major leaks—requiring surgery. Among the 166 minor leaks, the cystic duct stump (40.1%) was the most common injury site, followed by the CBD (24.1%) and the gallbladder bed (15.4%). Healing occurred in 90.6%. Stent placement improved healing rates (93.9% vs. 75.9%, p = 0.007), with no difference between pig-tail and (Amsterdam) straight plastic stents (90% vs. 96%, p = 0.267). Retained CBD stones or CBD strictures did not affect outcomes. Leaks from the cystic duct stump had a 96.9% resolution rate, whereas gallbladder bed leaks healed in 88%. The median healing time was 2 days, unaffected by stent placement or ES alone (p = 0.842), but later ERCP correlated with longer healing (RR: 0.362, p < 0.001). Following a right aberrant bile leak, the time for healing was longer than in leaks from other sites. Conclusions: ERCP with stenting remains the first-line approach for minor bile leaks. Early ERCP accelerates healing, emphasizing the importance of prompt intervention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Baihe Dihuang Tang (BDT), a classical herbal formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Han Dynasty work Jin Gui Yao Lue, is widely used to treat depressive disorder by nourishing Yin, clearing heat, and tonifying the heart and lungs. However, its pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore BDT’s antidepressant effects via MAOA-regulated serotonin (5-HT) metabolism and synaptic plasticity, supported by experimental validation, while using network pharmacology to predict MAOA-targeting active components. Methods: Active components and targets of BDT were screened using TCMSP, TCMID, and other databases, and then a component-target-pathway network was constructed. A chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depressive mouse model was established. Behavioral tests, including open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), were conducted to evaluate antidepressant effects. ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western blot were employed to assess hippocampal 5-HT metabolism (MAOA, 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio) neurotrophic signaling (BDNF, TrkB) and synaptic plasticity-related proteins (PSD-95, SYN1). Results: BDT significantly reduced FST/TST immobility time and improved anxiety-like behaviors in OFT/EPM. BDT treatment downregulated MAOA expression, elevated hippocampal 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio, activated BDNF/TrkB pathway, and upregulated PSD-95/SYN1. Network pharmacology confirmed MAOA’s central role, identifying MAOA/serotonergic synapse modulation as BDT’s main mechanism and pinpointing Ferulic acid, Caffeate, Stigmasterol, (−)-nopinene, Eugenol, and cis-Anethol as MAOA-targeting bioactive components. Conclusions: BDT ameliorates depressive-like behaviors. This effect is mechanistically linked to suppression of MAOA-mediated 5-HT catabolism—a key validated target. This suppression elevates hippocampal 5-HT bioavailability, thereby activating BDNF/TrkB signaling and promoting synaptic plasticity. Network pharmacology confirmed MAOA as a primary target and identified specific modulatory bioactive components. Full article

The common swift is the most observed swift species in Germany. During the summer months in urban areas, juvenile swifts in need of help are frequently cared for in wild bird rescue centers. Providing adequate housing and veterinary treatment for hundreds of juvenile swifts can be very challenging for non-specialized organizations and contact with other bird species is often unavoidable. The knowledge about the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals of this bird species specialized in an airborne life and of other bird species is limited. In this presented case a wild juvenile common swift was hand-reared for about 17 days and was noticed to have increasing feather abnormalities in a wildlife rescue center with close proximity to other wild birds. At the time of the investigation, the swift was of an age of about 35 days, and in good physical condition. The affected body, wing, and tail feathers showed retentions of feather sheaths, malformation of the feather vane, and circumferential constrictions with feather loss. The virological examination of the dystrophic feathers revealed a positive result for the circovirus and a negative result for the polyoma-consensus-nested PCR. The detected sequence of the circovirus showed the highest identity in 300 base pairs of 83.11% to a Canary circovirus isolate in NCBI Blast analysis. In addition to a transmission between common swifts during the nestling phase, other wild bird species can be discussed as a possible source of the infection. Full article

Organic chlorine (Org-Cl) in crude oil poses continuous operational and environmental risks during production, trading, and refining processes. This article reviews the management of Org-Cl from its origin assumptions to analysis and mitigation measures and proposes a practical closed-loop framework. Quantitative merit value indicators (typical detection limit/quantitative limit, accuracy, and repeatability) and greenness indicators are used to compare standard methods and advanced methods, and to guide the selection of applicable methods. Corresponding technical maturity levels (TRLs) are assigned to mitigation measures (protective beds/adsorption, HDC, and emerging electrochemical/photochemical routes). Technical economic indicators with reference values (relative capital expenditure/operating expenditure levels) are summarized to assist decision-making. The main findings are as follows: (i) Evidence of secondary formation of organic chlorine under distillation-related conditions still relies on the matrix and requires independent verification; (ii) MWDXRF can achieve rapid screening (usually only 5 to 10 min), while CIC/D5808 supports quality balance arbitration; (iii) adsorption can remove a considerable portion of organic chlorine in light fractions under laboratory conditions, while the survival ability of HDC related to crude oil depends on the durability of the catalyst and the tail gas treatment capacity; and (iv) minimum viable implementation (MVI) combined with online total-chlorine monitoring and a physical principle-based digital twin technology can provide auditable closed-loop control. The limitations of this review include partial reliance on laboratory-scale data, inconsistent reports among studies, and the lack of standardized public datasets for model benchmarking. Prioritization should be given to analysis quality control, process durability indicators, and data governance to achieve reliable digital deployment. Full article

Native plant species show significant promise for the remediation and rehabilitation of mine tailings contaminated with heavy metals (HM). Nonetheless, the harmful impact of HM can decrease plant survival, growth and reproduction, thereby diminishing the effectiveness of phytoremediation. Consequently, incorporating organic amendments into mine tailings, like biochar, can promote plant growth, decreasing the bioavailability of HM and their eventual potential to alter the food chain. This study aims to evaluate the capability of coconut fiber biochar in combination with Sanvitalia procumbens to phytostabilize HM in mine tailings by analyzing the effect of coconut fiber biochar on HM bioaccumulation levels (roots and leaves), as well as on morphological, physiological, and genotoxic parameters of S. procumbens grown in mine tailing substrate and mine tailing/biochar. Also, a physicochemical analysis of coconut fiber biochar was conducted. This research was conducted over 100 days on plants grown in greenhouse settings using two different substrates (mine tailing and agrolite [75/25 v/v] and mine tailing and coconut fiber biochar [75/25 v/v]). Every 25 days, 12 plants were selected per treatment for analysis. The bioaccumulation pattern exhibited by S. procumbens was Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd, in root and leaf tissues for both treatments. S. procumbes grown in mine tailing/biochar substrate showed the lowest HM bioaccumulation levels in both tissues in comparison to mine tailing substrate: Zn from 2.95 to 2.50 times lower; Pb 3.04 to 2.82; Cu 3.10 to 2.12; and Zn 2.12 to 3.00 in roots and leaves, respectively. The coconut fiber biochar was rich in functional groups, such as carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, which could favor HM adsorption. Immobilization percentage of HM by coconut fiber biochar showed the following pattern: Pb (66.33%) > Zn (64.50%) > Cu (62.82%) > Cd (55.39%). Incorporating coconut fiber biochar as an amendment improves HM phytostabilization efficiency by reducing their bioaccumulation, increasing biomass production and chlorophyll concentration, and reducing genetic damage levels. This strategy represents a sustainable approach towards reducing the ecological risk of HM biomagnification, alleviating the adverse effects of HM exposure on ecosystem health. Full article

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) poses a major challenge to public health and necessitates the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study aimed to isolate and characterize five lytic bacteriophages belonging to the genus Mosigvirus and evaluate their potential as biocontrol against MDR STEC strains and their biofilms. The five bacteriophages, designated vB_EcoM-pJBB (ΦB), vB_EcoM-pJBC (ΦC), vB_EcoM-pJBJ (ΦJ), vB_EcoM-pJBK (ΦK), and vB_EcoM-pJBL (ΦL), were isolated from sewage treatment plant samples using STEC ATCC 43895 as host. Biological characterization included host range determination against 19 MDR STEC strains, one-step growth analysis, environmental stability assays, bacteriolytic activity assessment, and antibiofilm efficacy testing. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed to determine genomic features and taxonomic classification. The phages demonstrated varying infectious capacities, lysing between six and 12 strains, with ΦL exhibiting the broadest spectrum of activity. All phages showed MOI-independent antibiofilm activity, preventing biofilm formation by approximately 70% and disrupting pre-formed biofilms by up to 80.3%. Genomic analysis revealed the absence of lysogeny markers, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes, while identifying putative depolymerase genes associated with tail fiber proteins. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the taxonomic position of these phages within the Mosigvirus genus in the Straboviridae family. Our findings indicate that the newly identified Mosigvirus phages are promising candidates for phage-based biocontrol applications. Full article

This study investigated the inactivation effect and influencing factors of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment with Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus populations on three food contact materials (FCMs)—kraft paper, 304 stainless steel, and glass. The CAP was generated as an atmospheric helium plasma jet (15 kV, 10.24 kHz, He 4 L/m), and the experimental results indicated that its inactivation effects on two bacterial species gradually increased as the plasma treatment duration increased (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min). Three classical sterilization kinetic models (Log-linear, Weibull, and Log-linear + Shoulder + Tail) were employed to evaluate the inactivation efficiency of plasma against bacteria FCMs. Combined with the coefficient of determination (R²), accuracy factor (A_f), and bias factor (B_f), together with the root mean square error (RMSE), it can be concluded that the Log-linear + Shoulder + Tail model had the highest fitting degree among the three sterilization kinetics models. Salmonella typhimurium exhibited weaker resistance than Staphylococcus aureus to the same CAP treatment. Under the same conditions, CAP had the strongest bactericidal effect on the bacteria on the glass surface, followed by those on the 304 stainless steel, and had the weakest bactericidal effect on the bacteria on the kraft paper surface, which might be related to the surface hydrophilicity and roughness of the FCMs. The above results indicated that CAP’s inactivation effect may be influenced by the microbial species as well as the surface characteristics of FCMs. This study provides useful information for future applications of CAP in enhancing food safety. Full article

Radiation-induced lung inflammation (RILI) is a major complication of thoracic radiotherapy, characterized by excessive inflammation and subsequent fibrosis that compromise pulmonary function and treatment outcomes. This study explores the pharmacological properties of a newly synthesized Lipoxin A4 analogue (CYNC-2) to mitigate RILI by modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3) inflammasome pathway. A murine RILI model was established in mice by delivering a single high-dose (ablative) X-ray irradiation to the left lung. Mice in the treatment group received CYNC-2 via tail-vein injection three times per week for 2 weeks. The effects of CYNC-2 on RILI were evaluated histological, immunohistochemical analysis of lung tissues, cytokine profiling, lung function testing using a FlexiVent system, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging of lung damage. In parallel, two human lung cell lines—L132 (normal bronchial epithelial cells) and A549 (lung carcinoma cells)—were irradiated with 6 Gy X-rays and treated with CYNC-2 to assess cell viability and changes in AMPK/NLRP3 pathway markers via qPCR and immunofluorescence. Lung tissue sample from patients who underwent thoracic radiotherapy were also examined to validate key findings. CYNC-2 activated AMPK and inhibited mTOR signaling, which suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and led to reduced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β1). In vitro, CYNC-2 mitigated radiation-induced inflammatory responses and preserved cellular viability. Overall, CYNC-2 effectively dampened acute pulmonary in the RILI model. These findings suggest that targeting the AMPK/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway via a stable LXA4 analogue such as CYNC-2 is a promising therapeutic strategy to improve clinical outcomes for patients receiving thoracic radiation therapy. Full article

Background: Pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer are exceptionally rare, with limited cases described in the literature. Their diagnosis and management remain challenging due to the absence of standardized protocols and the often poor prognosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a history of treated stage IIIB cervical squamous cell carcinoma who presented with a solitary mass in the pancreatic tail. Diagnosis was established through cross-sectional imaging, PET-CT, and EUS-guided needle biopsy. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and SBRT followed by surgical resection. Histopathological analysis confirmed metastatic squamous cell carcinoma associated with HPV. Despite an initially favorable recovery, peritoneal metastases developed three months later. The patient died seven months after surgery under palliative care after disease progression on immunotherapy. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase (2000–2025) to identify case reports and series describing pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer. A total of 14 published cases, together with the present case, were analyzed for demographic, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and outcome data. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 52.5 years (range 36–70). Squamous cell carcinoma was the predominant histology (73%). The pancreatic head was the most common metastatic site (53%). Diagnosis typically relied on abdominal CT, PET-CT, and EUS-guided biopsy. Surgical resection was performed in 28.6% of cases, while systemic therapy—most commonly cisplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab—remained the mainstay for inoperable patients. Conclusions: Pancreatic metastases from cervical cancer usually occur in advanced disease stages and are associated with poor outcomes. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of imaging and histopathology, with PET-CT useful for detecting additional metastases. Surgery may be beneficial in selected patients with isolated lesions, but systemic therapy remains the primary treatment for most. Emerging immunotherapies show promise but are still in early development. Multidisciplinary management and further research are needed to optimize outcomes in this rare presentation. Full article

Objectives: This paper reports the preclinical evaluation of stable tumor-specific gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) activated by neutron irradiation as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancers characterized by high tumor angiogenesis. Methods: A selection of promising AuNPs with high avidity to α_vβ₃-expressing glioma (U-87 MG) cells (IC₅₀ = 82–104 nM) were chosen with different surface loading of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides as tumor targeting vectors for integrin α_vβ₃, a target which is overexpressed in tissues displaying high tumor angiogenesis. Three different [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs were evaluated applying three injection methods, intravenous (i.v.), intraperitoneal (i.p.), and intratumoral (i.t.), each in a group of six U-87 MG xenograft–bearing mice (54 female athymic nude mice in total). Their biodistribution and tumor accumulation was assessed by in vivo imaging within 1–7 days after injection and 7 days after injection by ex vivo measurement. Results: The developed [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs exhibited suboptimal biodistribution by i.v. application (accumulation pattern tail > liver > spleen, no significant tumor accumulation) and by i.p. application (accumulation pattern spleen >> liver > pancreas, slight tumor accumulation of <0.3 %ID/g). However, an acceptable biodistribution by i.t. application was observed (5.5 %ID/g in liver, 4.9 %ID/g in spleen, and 3.0 %ID/g in tumor). Conclusions: Despite the very promising in vitro results, the in vivo evaluation suggests that the [¹⁹⁸Au]AuNPs represent a platform for the development of restricted therapeutic strategies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat that urgently requires alternative strategies to address this challenge. Klebsiella spp. are among the most important clinical pathogens and a leading cause of opportunistic nosocomial infections, with high morbidity and mortality associated with strains resistant to last-line antimicrobials such as carbapenems. Bacteriophages are considered a promising therapeutic option for treating infections caused by Klebsiella strains. Hence, the aim of this work was to isolate and characterize a phage capable of infecting carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella strains. The phage KpCCP1 was isolated using the double layer agar method (DLA), from the influent of a wastewater treatment plant, which was characterized through phenotypic and genomic analyses. Morphological characteristics were determined using TEM, and its host range was evaluated against a collection of 133 Klebsiella strains. Its whole genome was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platform and then assembled and annotated. VICTOR was used for phylogenetic analysis of the isolated phage, and VIRIDIC to compare its genome with those of its closest relatives. KpCCP1 is a tailed dsDNA lytic phage with a genome size of 177,276 bp and a GC content of 41.82%. It encodes 292 ORFs, including two tRNA genes. Phage KpCCP1 is a member of the Slopekvirus genus in the Straboviridae family. It is capable of infecting 22 carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella strains, including K. pneumoniae and K. michiganensis. Notably, it does not contain virulence or antibiotic resistance genes and harbors putative anti-CRISPR genes, therefore representing a promising candidate for phage therapy against clinically critical Klebsiella strains. Full article

Reliable schedule-risk estimation in hybrid software development lifecycles is strategically important for organizations adopting AI in software engineering. This study addresses that need by transforming routine process telemetry (CI/CD, SAST, traceability) into explainable, quantitative predictions of completion time and rework. This paper introduces an integrated probabilistic model of the hybrid software development lifecycle that combines Generalized Evaluation and Review Technique (GERT) network semantics with I-AND synchronization, explicit artificial-intelligence (AI) interventions, and a fuzzy treatment of epistemic uncertainty. The model embeds two controllable AI nodes–an AI Requirements Assistant and AI-augmented static code analysis, directly into the process topology and applies an analytical reduction to a W-function to obtain iteration-time distributions and release-success probabilities without resorting solely to simulation. Epistemic uncertainty on critical arcs is represented by fuzzy intervals and propagated via Zadeh’s extension principle, while aleatory variability is captured through stochastic branching. Parameter calibration relies on process telemetry (requirements traceability, static-analysis signals, continuous integration/continuous delivery, CI/CD, and history). A validation case (“system design → UX prototyping → implementation → quality assurance → deployment”) demonstrates practical use: large samples of process trajectories are generated under identical initial conditions and fixed random seeds, and kernel density estimation with Silverman’s bandwidth is applied to normalized histograms of continuous outcomes. Results indicate earlier defect detection, fewer late rework loops, thinner right tails of global duration, and an approximately threefold reduction in the expected number of rework cycles when AI is enabled. The framework yields interpretable, scenario-ready metrics for tuning quality-gate policies and automation levels in Agile/DevOps settings. Full article

Capsular polysaccharides are critical virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae, enabling the bacterium to evade host immune recognition and exacerbate infection. Phage-derived depolymerases, which specifically degrade these capsular polysaccharides, are increasingly recognized as a highly promising strategy for the treatment of bacterial infections. In the present study, we isolated and characterized a lytic Klebsiella pneumoniae phage, named phiTH1, and sequenced its genome. The K30-type capsular polysaccharide was identified as the receptor for phiTH1 infection. A tail fiber protein with a pectate lyase domain, Dop5, was then recognized as a potential K30-type depolymerase. Therefore, the recombinant protein Dop5 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, and its in vitro capsular depolymerase activity was demonstrated. Further, by using a murine aspiration pneumonia model induced by K30-type Klebsiella pneumoniae TH1, we found that Dop5 protected 80% of mice from lethal challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae. After Dop5 treatment, the pathological damage in multiple organs of mice was alleviated, the bacterial load was reduced, and serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and complement C3 decreased, along with a significant reduction in the pathological score of the lungs. Hence, this study revealed the potential of the depolymerase Dop5 for the treatment of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. Full article