Search Results (7,175)

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Hexokinase II (HKII) overexpression is associated with the proliferation and survival of tumor cells, as it inhibits apoptosis. Incomptine A (IA) is cytotoxic to breast cancer cells, likely due to a decrease in the expression of HKII. This study evaluated the antitumor activity of IA in an in vivo mouse model of BC. A model was generated from 4T1 cells and grouped tumor-bearing animals according to treatment: in IA or doxorubicin (DOXO), or untreated (UT). Comparing the body weight and tumor size between groups, tumors were analyzed using histopathological, Western blot, flow cytometry, and mitochondrial activity assays. Tumors IA-treated showed a reduction in size, weight, and number of tumor cells; the expression of HKII and Bcl-2 decreased, while that of Caspase-3 increased. IA treatment increased apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial activity in tumor cells. This data showed that IA has an impact on tumor cells by reducing tumor volume and size, increasing cell apoptosis, and decreasing mitochondrial activity, all of which could be attributed to reduced HKII expression. Therefore, IA may be a promising compound that requires further studies to elucidate its mechanism of action and analyze its possible future use in BC. Full article

This work aims to solve the problem of product quality fluctuations caused by batch-to-batch variations in the adsorption capacity of activated carbon during the production of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections. In this work, Shenqi Fuzheng injection was selected as an example. Diluted Shenqi Extract (DSE), an intermediate in the production process of Shenqi Fuzheng injection, was adsorbed with different batches of activated carbon. The adsorption capacities of adenine, adenosine, calycosin-7-glucoside, and astragaloside IV in DSE were selected as evaluation indices for activated carbon absorption. Characterization methods such as nitrogen adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) were chosen to explore the quantitative relationships between the properties of activated carbon (i.e., specific surface area, pore volume, surface elements, and spectrum) and the adsorption capacities of these four components. It was found that the characteristic wavelengths from FTIR characterization, i.e., 1560 cm⁻¹, 2325 cm⁻¹, 3050 cm⁻¹, and 3442 cm⁻¹, etc., showed the strongest correlation with the adsorption capacities of these four components. Prediction models based on the transmittance at characteristic wavelengths were successfully established via multiple linear regression. In validation experiments of models, the relative errors of predicted adsorption capacities of activated carbon were mostly within 5%, indicating good predictive ability of the models. The results of this work suggest that the prediction method of adsorption capacity based on the mid-infrared spectrum can provide a new way for the quality control of activated carbon. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the bidirectional deterioration of cardiac and renal function, driven by mechanisms such as renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the key molecular pathways involved in CRS and to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, with a special emphasis on nutritional interventions. We examined recent evidence on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction, uremic toxins, and immune activation to CRS progression and assessed the role of dietary and micronutrient factors. Results indicate that a high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus additives, and processed foods is associated with volume overload, vascular damage, and inflammation, whereas deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D correlate with worse clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives, such as omega-3 PUFAs, curcumin, and anthocyanins from maqui, demonstrate potential to modulate key CRS mechanisms, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Gene therapy approaches targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are also discussed. An integrative approach combining pharmacological RAAS modulation with personalized medical nutrition therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrients may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay CRS progression and improve patient outcomes. Full article

The commercial propagation of strawberries is increasingly constrained by the incidence of both established and emerging soilborne pathogens, particularly under soil cultivation systems. Micropropagation represents an effective strategy to ensure the production of virus-free, true-to-type mother plants suitable for high-efficiency propagation. In this study, micropropagated mother plants of four short-day cultivars (‘Francesca’, ‘Silvia’, ‘Lauretta’, and ‘Dina’) and one ever-bearing advanced selection (‘AN12,13,58’) were cultivated under a controlled soilless system. Quantitative parameters including number of runners per plant, runner length, and number of tips per runner and per plant were assessed to evaluate propagation performance. Micropropagated mother plants exhibited a significantly higher stoloniferous potential compared to in vivo-derived mother plants (frigo plants type A), with the latter producing approximately 50% fewer propagules. Rooted tips of ‘Dina’ were further assessed under different fertigation regimes. The NPK 20–20–20 nutrient solution enhanced photosynthetic activity and shoot and root biomass (length, diameter, and volume via WinRHIZO analysis). These results confirm the suitability of micropropagated mother plants grown in soilless conditions for efficient, high-quality clonal propagation and support the integration of such systems into certified nursery production schemes. Full article

Construction and demolition byproducts include substantial amounts of wood panel waste (WPW) that pose environmental challenges. They also create opportunities for sustainable resource recovery. This study investigates the potential of WPW-derived biochar as an efficient adsorbent for phenol removal from aqueous solutions. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 450 °C and subsequent activation at 750, 850, and 950 °C. The biochar’s physicochemical properties, including surface area, pore volume, and elemental composition, were characterized using advanced methods, including BET analysis, elemental analysis, and adsorption isotherm analysis. Activated biochar demonstrated up to nine times higher adsorption capacity than raw biochar, with a maximum of 171.9 mg/g at 950 °C under optimal conditions: pH of 6 at 25 °C, initial phenol concentration of 200 mg/L, and biochar dosage of 1 g/L of solution for 48 h. Kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that phenol adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model and fit the Langmuir isotherm, indicating chemisorption and monolayer adsorption mechanisms. Leaching tests confirmed the biochar’s environmental safety, with heavy metal concentrations well below regulatory limits. Based on these findings, WPW biochar offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment in line with circular economy and green chemistry principles. Full article

We investigate the temperature evolution in the three-dimensional skin tissue exposed to a millimeter-wave electromagnetic beam that is not necessarily perpendicular to the skin surface. This study examines the effect of the beam’s incident angle. The incident angle influences the thermal heating in two aspects: (i) the beam spot projected onto the skin is elongated compared to the intrinsic beam spot in a perpendicular cross-section, resulting in a lower power per skin area; and (ii) inside the tissue, the beam propagates at the refracted angle relative to the depth direction. At millimeter-wavelength frequencies, the characteristic penetration depth is sub-millimeter, whereas the lateral extent of the beam spans at least several centimeters in applications. We explore the small ratio of the penetration depth to the lateral length scale in a nondimensional formulation and derive a leading-term asymptotic solution for the temperature distribution. This analysis does not rely on a small incident angle and is therefore applicable to arbitrary angles of incidence. Based on the asymptotic solution, we establish scaling laws for the three-dimensional skin temperature, the skin surface temperature, and the skin volume in which thermal nociceptors are activated. Full article

Synthetic dyes are highly recalcitrant and are discharged in large volumes in industrial wastewater, which represents a serious environmental pollution problem. Biological methods for dye degradation are a potentially effective option for these synthetic products. In this study, a strain of Pleurotus ostreatus was used to evaluate the decolorization of the Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBBR) dye added to the culture medium in the exponential growth phase of the fungus. The dye removal capacity of live and inactivated pellets by biosorption, as well as the enzymatic degradation of the dye using a cell-free culture broth considered an extracellular extract (EE), were also evaluated. The activity of laccase and dye-decolorizing peroxidase was determined in both the EE and the intrapellet extract (IPE); their values increased in the presence of dye in the culture medium. A decolorization of 98.5% and 98.0% was obtained in the culture broth and by the EE, respectively; biosorption of the dye by the inactivated pellets was 17 mg/g. The results suggest that the decolorization of the dye is primarily enzymatic, although there are also bioadsorption and bioaccumulation of the dye, which is then enzymatically degraded, and could be used as a carbon source. Full article

Background: Lower limb lymphedema (LLL) is a frequent complication after gynecological cancer treatment, with a significant impact on quality of life. Despite the common use of compression therapy in managing established lymphedema, its role in prevention remains insufficiently explored. Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 64 women treated for gynecological malignancies were assigned to either a compression group (CG) using medium-pressure stockings (23–32 mmHg) or a no-compression group (NCG). All participants received standard education and physical activity guidance. Limb volume, symptom burden, and quality of life were assessed over 12 months. Results: The incidence of LLL was significantly lower in the CG (3.4%) compared to the NCG (38%, p = 0.003). Compression use resulted in significant reductions in limb volume and symptom severity, as well as improved physical functioning. Compliance with compression therapy was high, and patients reported good comfort and usability. Conclusions: Medium-pressure compression stockings combined with education and physical activity are effective and well-tolerated in preventing LLL following gynecological cancer treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: The incorporation of bioactive molecules into mesoporous carriers is a promising strategy to improve stability, solubility, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report for the first time the encapsulation of the synthetic chalcone 4-Cl into KIT-6 mesoporous silica and evaluate its cytotoxicity, toxicological profile, and pharmacological activities (antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic) using an in vivo zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Methods: Zebrafish were orally dosed with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg) and mortality was recorded for 96 h. For analgesia, zebrafish pretreated with 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, KIT-6, or morphine received a tail stimulus (0.1% formalin). Locomotor activity (quadrant crossings) was monitored for 30 min to assess analgesia (neurogenic: 0–5 min; inflammatory: 15–30 min). For inflammation, abdominal edema and weight gain were assessed 4 h after intraperitoneal carrageenan (1.5%). Zebrafish (n = 6/group) received 4-Cl, 4-Cl/KIT-6, or KIT-6 (4, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Controls received ibuprofen (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or 3% DMSO. Weight was measured hourly for 4 h post-carrageenan (difference between baseline and hourly weights). Results: Physicochemical characterizations confirmed successful encapsulation without compromising the ordered structure of KIT-6, as evidenced by a significant reduction in surface area and pore volume, indicating efficient drug incorporation. In vivo assays demonstrated that the 4-Cl/KIT-6 formulation maintained the pharmacological activities of the free chalcone, reduced toxicity, and, notably, revealed a significant anxiolytic effect for the first time. Conclusions: These findings highlight KIT-6 as a promising platform for chalcone delivery systems and provide a solid basis for future preclinical investigations. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to use an informatics-based analysis to develop a rational design approach to the accelerated screening of nano-composite materials. Using existing nano-composite data, we develop a quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) as a function of polymer matrix chemistry and nano-additive volume, with the property predicted being electrical conductivity. The development of a QSAR for the electrical conductivity of nano-composites presents challenges in representing the polymer matrix chemistry and backbone structure, the additive content, and the interactions between the components while capturing the non-linearity of electrical conductivity with changing nano-additive volume. An important aspect of this work is designing chemistries with small training data sizes, as the uncertainty in modeling is high, and potentially the representated physics may be minimal. In this work, we explore two important components of this aspect. First, an assessment via Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) is used to assess the variability provided by new data points and how much information is contributed by data, which is significantly more important than the actual data size (i.e., how much new information is provided by each data point?). The second component involves assessing multiple training/testing splits to ensure that any results are not due to a specific case but rather that the results are statistically meaningful. This work will accelerate the rational design of polymer nano-composites by fully considering the large array of possible variables while providing a high-speed screening of polymer chemistries. Full article

This paper addresses a well-known research topic in the design of complex systems, specifically within the class of reliability optimization problems (ROPs). It focuses on optimal reliability–redundancy allocation problems (RRAPs) for large binary systems with hybrid structures. Two main objectives are considered: (1) to maximize system reliability under cost and volume constraints, and (2) to achieve the required reliability at minimal cost under a volume constraint. The system reliability model includes components with only two states: normal operating or failed. High reliability can result from directly improving component reliability, allocating redundancy, or using both approaches together. Several redundancy strategies are covered: active, passive, hybrid standby with hot, warm, or cold spares, static redundancy such as TMR and 5MR, TMR structures with control logic and spares, and reconfigurable TMR/Simplex structures. The proposed method uses a zero–one integer programming formulation that applies log-transformed reliability functions and binary decision variables to represent subsystem configurations. The experimental results validate the approach and confirm its efficiency. Full article

This study investigates the effects of samarium (Sm) promotion on the catalytic activity of 5 weight percent Ni catalysts for partial oxidation of methane (POM)-based hydrogen production supported on a Si-Al mixed oxide (10SiO₂+90Al₂O₃) system. Several 5% Ni-based catalysts supported on silica–alumina was used to test the POM at 600 °C. Sm additions ranged from 0 to 2 wt.%. Impregnation was used to create these catalysts, which were then calcined at 500 °C and examined using BET, H₂-TPR, XRD, FTIR, TEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA methods. Methane conversion (57.85%) and hydrogen yield (56.89%) were greatly increased with an ideal Sm loading of 1 wt.%, indicating increased catalytic activity and stability. According to catalytic tests, 1 wt.% Sm produced high CH₄ conversion and H₂ production, as well as enhanced stability and resistance to carbon deposition. Nitrogen physisorption demonstrated a progressive decrease in pore volume and surface area with the addition of Sm, while maintaining mesoporosity. At moderate Sm loadings, H₂-TPR and XRD analyses showed changes in crystallinity and increased NiO reducibility. Sm incorporation into the support and its impact on the ordering of carbon species were indicated by FTIR and Raman spectra. The optimal conditions to maximize H₂ yield were successfully identified through optimization of the best catalyst, and there was good agreement between the theoretical predictions (87.563%) and actual results (88.39%). This displays how successfully the optimization approach achieves the intended outcome. Overall, this study demonstrates that the performance and durability of Ni-based catalysts for generating syngas through POM are greatly enhanced by the addition of a moderate amount of Sm, particularly 1 wt.%. Full article

In the present work, the antimicrobial efficacy of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (EO) was investigated on Alternaria alternata strain BNR; a paper biodeteriogen was used as a model for a contaminated library. The influence of EO volume and diffusion modality, treatment duration, and inoculum age was evaluated in the vapor phase. In Petri dish screening, the influence of different EO volumes (5, 7.5, and 10 μL) on the microbial growth lag phase was investigated, and the growth inhibition period was established. The most effective treatment (10 μL EO) was then scaled up in a glass airtight container of 2650 cm³; a cold diffusion method was applied in order to quickly reach the maximum concentration of active compounds in the vapor phase. These tests demonstrated that EO efficacy is affected by the inoculum age and the contact time, and that the treatment should be performed as early as is feasible. A mycostatic effect was confirmed to be proportional to the utilized EO volume and independent from the treatment method. The information obtained in the present work will be applied to the set-up of an EO treatment in a library characterized by different levels of air contamination. Full article

While the explosive growth in e-commerce stresses urban logistics systems, city planners lack of fine-grained data in order to anticipate and manage the resulting freight flows. Using a three-stage analytical approach combining descriptive zonal statistics, hotspot analysis and different regression modeling from univariate to geographically weighted regression, this study integrates one year of parcel deliveries from a leading courier with open spatial layers of land-use zoning, census population, mobile-signal activity and household income to model last-mile demand across different land use types. A baseline linear regression shows that residential population alone accounts for roughly 30% of the variance in annual parcel volumes (2.5–3.0 deliveries per resident) while adding daytime workforce and income increases the prediction accuracy to 39%. In a similar approach where coefficients vary geographically with Geographically Weighted Regression to capture the local heterogeneity achieves a significant raise of the overall R² to 0.54 and surpassing 0.70 in residential and institutional districts. Hot-spot analysis reveals a highly fragmented pattern where fewer than 5% of blocks generate more than 8.5% of all deliveries with no apparent correlation to the broaden land-use classes. Commercial and administrative areas exhibit the greatest intensity (1149 deliveries per ha) yet remain the hardest to explain (global R² = 0.21) underscoring the importance of additional variables such as retail mix, street-network design and tourism flows. Through this approach, the calibrated models can be used to predict city-wide last-mile demand using only public inputs and offers a transferable, privacy-preserving template for evidence-based freight planning. By pinpointing the location and the land uses where demand concentrates, it supports targeted interventions such as micro-depots, locker allocation and dynamic curb-space management towards more sustainable and resilient urban-logistics networks. Full article

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), especially iron oxide (Fe₃O₄), display distinctive superparamagnetic characteristics and elevated surface-area-to-volume ratios, facilitating improved physicochemical interactions with solutes and pollutants. These characteristics make MNPs strong contenders for use in water treatment applications. This research investigates the application of iron oxide MNPs synthesized via co-precipitation as innovative draw solutes in forward osmosis (FO) for treating synthetic produced water (SPW). The FO membrane underwent surface modification with sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA), a zwitterionic polymer, to increase hydrophilicity, minimize fouling, and elevate water flux. The SBMA functional groups aid in electrostatic repulsion of organic and inorganic contaminants, simultaneously encouraging robust hydration layers that improve water permeability. This adjustment is vital for sustaining consistent flux performance while functioning with MNP-based draw solutions. Material analysis through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the MNPs’ thermal stability, consistent morphology, and modified surface chemistry. The FO experiments showed a distinct relationship between MNP concentration and osmotic efficiency. At an MNP dosage of 10 g/L, the peak real-time flux was observed at around 3.5–4.0 L/m²·h. After magnetic regeneration, 7.8 g of retrieved MNPs generated a steady flow of ~2.8 L/m²·h, whereas a subsequent regeneration (4.06 g) resulted in ~1.5 L/m²·h, demonstrating partial preservation of osmotic driving capability. Post-FO draw solutions, after filtration, exhibited total dissolved solids (TDS) measurements that varied from 2.5 mg/L (0 g/L MNP) to 227.1 mg/L (10 g/L MNP), further validating the effective dispersion and solute contribution of MNPs. The TDS of regenerated MNP solutions stayed similar to that of their fresh versions, indicating minimal loss of solute activity during the recycling process. The combined synergistic application of SBMA-modified FO membranes and regenerable MNP draw solutes showcases an effective and sustainable method for treating produced water, providing excellent water recovery, consistent operational stability, and opportunities for cyclic reuse. Full article