Search Results (17,471)

Various species from the genus Equisetum are recorded as food and folk medicine against both kidney complications and diabetes. Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. is documented as a folk remedy in Türkiye against several kidney disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the possible protective mechanisms of E. telmateia EtOH extract (ETE) against kidney disorders and diabetes through different routes, such as the prevention of ROS formation, inhibitory potential against various DM-related enzymes, and a reduction in the amount of the mediators leading to disorders in both systems at the cellular level. The objective was to achieve advanced precision for in vitro results while considering the effect of GIS on oral consumption. Both phytochemical and bioactivity studies were conducted before and after simulated digestion. The results showed that ETE is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids. In addition, it has significant antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory potential. Treatment also yielded promising results at the cellular level for both antioxidative and inhibitor proteins, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of kidney disorders and diabetes. Following the in vitro digestion procedure, both the number of phytochemical ingredients and bioactivity parameters showed a considerable decreasing trend; however, the results are still significant enough to justify the traditional utilization of the genus Equisetum. This investigation demonstrated that ETE has noteworthy potential as a functional food for protection against diabetic kidney disease. Full article

The Cd hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. exhibits a cosmopolitan character and proven high and differentiated efficiency. This suggests the possibility of optimizing its Cd phytoremediation capacity and applicability through searching among remote ecotypes/genotypes. However, the extensive studies on this hyperaccumulator have been limited to Far East (Asian) regions. Pioneer pot experiments on the Middle European ecotype of S. nigrum within a concentration range of 0–50 mg kg⁻¹ Cd in soil revealed its Cd phytoremediation capacity to be comparable to Asian ecotypes but with a fundamentally different Cd tolerance threshold. While biomass of the Asian ecotypes declined sharply at C_soil ≈ 10 mg kg⁻¹ Cd, in the Middle European ecotype, a gradual mild biomass decrease occurred within the whole C_soil ≈ 0 −50 mg kg⁻¹ Cd range with no toxic symptoms. Its adapted A50 variety was obtained from the seeds of first-generation plants grown in soil with C_soil ≈ 50 mg kg⁻¹ Cd. In this variety, Cd tolerance, accumulation performance, and all physiological parameters (chlorophyll, carotenoids, RuBisCO, and first- and second-line defense anti-oxidant activity) were significantly enhanced, while cell damage by ROS was considerably lesser. This makes the Middle European ecotype and its adapted variety A50 particularly useful to sustainable decontamination of heavily polluted “hot spots” in degraded post-industrial areas. Full article

Abstract: Background: Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women despite advances in early detection. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is now standard for early-stage BC, with vitamin D (VD) emerging as a potential prognostic biomarker considering its positive pleiotropic effects. This review and meta-analysis assess the impact of baseline VD levels on outcomes in BC patients undergoing NACT. Methods: Inclusion criteria required patients to be over 18 years of age, have a pathologically confirmed BC diagnosis, and have their VD levels assessed prior to chemotherapy. Studies were included if they reported odds ratios (ORs) for response and/or hazard ratios (HRs) for PFS with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus/ELSEVIER (2014–2024) was conducted, and data were analyzed using fixed- and random-effects models, with Forest plots illustrating the results. Study quality and potential biases were assessed using the MINORS, NOS, and RoB2 scales, and statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with I² statistics and funnel plots. Results: Six studies were included in the analysis. All studies addressed stages II and III, with three also including stage I. The meta-analysis covered data from 722 patients regarding NACT response and 1033 patients for PFS. The results revealed a 22% reduction in the likelihood of non-response to NACT associated with adequate VD levels (low/deficient VD vs. high/sufficient VD; OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.30-1.25; p = 0.001) and a 35% reduction in progression risk with sufficient baseline VD levels (low/deficient VD vs. high/sufficient VD; HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.33–0.97; p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings highlight the significance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in BC treatment and encourage further studies to unravel the role of VD on cancer biology. Full article

Heat stress poses a significant challenge to animal husbandry, contributing to oxidative stress, intestinal mucosal injury, and apoptosis, which severely impact animal health, growth, and production efficiency. The development of safe, sustainable, and naturally derived solutions to mitigate these effects is critical for advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Butyrolactone-I (BTL-I), a bioactive compound derived from deep-sea fungi (Aspergillus), shows promise as a functional feed additive to combat heat stress in animals. This study explored the protective effects of BTL-I against heat-stress-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in IPEC-J2 cells and mice. Our findings demonstrated that BTL-I effectively inhibited the heat-stress-induced upregulation of HSP70 and HSP90, alleviating intestinal heat stress. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that heat stress increased intestinal cell apoptosis, with a significant upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 expression, while BTL-I pretreatment significantly reduced apoptosis-related protein levels, showcasing its protective effects. Furthermore, BTL-I suppressed oxidative stress markers (ROS and MDA) while enhancing antioxidant activity (SOD levels). BTL-I also reduced the expression of p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP, mitigating oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in intestinal cells. In conclusion, BTL-I demonstrates the potential to improve animal resilience to heat stress, supporting sustainable livestock production systems. Its application as a natural, eco-friendly feed additive will contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

The objective of this study is to understand how each variable impacts the optimal configuration of a marine diesel engine equipped with an electric hybrid air-charging system that allows energy assistance and recovery. The aim is to minimize CO₂ emissions by reducing fuel consumption. The hybrid system offers flexibility in adjusting parameters from both the engine and air-charging system. It is compared with the baseline engine, which uses a free-floating turbocharger. The results show a significant improvement at low engine loads, where the baseline engine struggles to provide sufficient air. While turbine speed has little influence, compressor power reduces fuel consumption at low loads. However, at mid loads, resizing the turbomachine is necessary for further improvements. At high loads, full optimization of all variables is required to reduce fuel consumption. The electric hybrid system is particularly effective in tugboat-like conditions, where low loads dominate, but less impactful for ro-pax ferries. Despite the potential of the hybrid system, a fully optimized turbocharger could provide greater benefits due to reduced losses. Future studies could explore combining the adaptability of the hybrid system with a highly efficient turbocharger to reduce emissions across all load conditions. Full article

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have seen widespread adoption across diverse sectors, including agriculture, logistics, surveillance, and disaster management, due to their capabilities for real-time data acquisition and autonomous operations. The integration of UAVs with Internet of Things (IoT) systems further amplifies their functionality, enabling sophisticated applications such as smart city management and environmental monitoring. In this context, blockchain technology plays a pivotal role by providing a decentralized, tamper-resistant ledger that facilitates secure data exchange between UAVs and connected devices. Its transparent and immutable characteristics mitigate the risk of a single point of failure, thereby enhancing data integrity and bolstering trust within UAV–IoT communication networks. However, the interconnected nature of these systems introduces significant security challenges, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and a variety of network-based attacks. These issues are further compounded by the limited computational capabilities of IoT devices and the inherent vulnerabilities of wireless communication channels. Recently, a lightweight mutual authentication scheme using blockchain was presented; however, our analysis identified several critical security flaws in these existing protocols, such as drone impersonation and session key disclosure. To address these vulnerabilities, we propose a secure and lightweight authentication scheme for multi-server UAV–IoT environments. The proposed protocol effectively mitigates emerging security threats while maintaining low computational and communication overhead. We validate the security of our scheme using formal methods, including the Real-Or-Random (RoR) model and BAN logic. Comparative performance evaluations demonstrate that our protocol enhances security while also achieving efficiency, making it well-suited for resource-constrained IoT applications. Full article

Background: Achieving ideal anchorage is crucial in orthodontics for controlled tooth movement. Miniscrews (MSs) have improved skeletal anchorage, but freehand placement poses risks like root damage and limited precision. Guided techniques, including radiographic guides and computer-assisted methods (static [sCAS] and dynamic [dCAS]), were developed to enhance accuracy and safety. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and accuracy of MS placement using different guidance approaches. Materials: A systematic search up to March 2024 identified studies on guided MS insertion, assessing safety (root contact/damage) and accuracy (angular, coronal, and apical deviations) of guided vs. freehand placement. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias and study quality using RoB 2 for RCTs, NOS for cohort studies, and an adapted tool for pre-clinical studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed for studies with common parameters, and safety outcomes were pooled using logit-transformed proportions. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I² and χ² tests. Results: Eleven studies (652 MSs) were included, though no dCAS studies were analyzed. The only RCT had “some concerns” regarding risk of bias, cohort studies ranged from medium to low quality, and most pre-clinical studies had high bias risk. sCAS significantly reduced root damage compared to freehand methods (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.04–0.36; p < 0.001; I² = 1%) and reduced angular and linear deviations. Due to heterogeneity, no quantitative synthesis of accuracy outcomes was performed. Conclusions: sCAS improves the safety and accuracy of MS insertion compared to freehand and radiographic guide methods. These results highlight the clinical benefits of sCAS in orthodontics. Future studies should refine protocols and explore dCAS for further accuracy improvements. Full article

Background: Cueing interventions, which utilize external auditory, visual, or somatosensory stimuli, are increasingly used to improve motor performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This review explores the effectiveness of cueing on gait, balance, and quality of life outcomes in PD. Methods: A scoping review of six studies was conducted, focusing on the impact of cueing interventions on gait parameters, balance stability, and functional outcomes in PD patients. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the PEDro scale, and risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2. Results: Cueing interventions consistently improved gait parameters, with five studies showing significant increases in step length. The results for walking speed were more varied, with some studies reporting statistically significant gains while others found non-significant or mixed outcomes. Balance improvements were noted in dynamic balance measures, though static balance effects were less consistent. Two studies observed long-term benefits at follow-up, particularly when interventions were structured and supervised. The quality of life improvements were limited, with only one study measuring this outcome and showing no significant changes. Conclusions: Cueing interventions demonstrate potential for enhancing gait and dynamic balance in PD, though effects on quality of life remain uncertain. Early and structured implementation of cueing, especially with auditory stimuli, may support functional gains in PD management. Further research is required to establish optimal cueing protocols and long-term benefits. Full article

Candida species constitute the most common cause of fungal infections in humans; the emergence of resistance and biofilm formation by Candida species further threaten the limited availability of antifungal agents. Over the past decade, C. auris has caused significant outbreaks worldwide and has emerged as a human pathogenic fungus that causes diseases ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated infections. Despite the recent advances in antifungal research, the mechanisms of drug resistance in C. auris remain poorly understood even as its ability to form biofilms poses a significant therapeutic challenge. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the fungal properties of Sphaeropsidin A (SphA), a secondary metabolite derived from Diplodia fungi, with a specific focus on its efficacy against C. auris. This study revealed that SphA and its liposomal encapsulated (SphA-L) form are fungistatic with time-kill kinetics highlighting their efficacy and significantly inhibited the formation of C. auris biofilms. Our investigation into the antifungal mechanism of this drug revealed notable alterations in ROS production and the disruption of the Candida cell cycle. Our findings show that SphA-L impairs key pathogenic traits of C. auris, such as its ability to adhere to human epithelial cell lines, while exhibiting no harmful effects on human cells, highlighting its potential as a future therapeutic agent. In Caenorhabditis elegans infection models, both ShpA and SphA-L displayed effective antifungal activity, significantly reducing the C. auris fungal load and improving nematode survival rates, underscoring their promise as antifungal candidates. Overall, the potent antifungal effects of SphA and SphA-L against C. auris encourage further research. Full article

A large number of cases of infectious colitis caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can result in colon damage and severe inflammation. Vanilla, a widely utilized flavor and fragrance compound, is extensively used in various food. However, the effect of vanilla on MDR E. coli-induced infectious colitis has received less attention. In this study, the antibacterial activity of vanillin against MDR E. coli and other bacteria was determined by the microtiter broth dilution method. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of vanillin was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and MDR E. coli-induced mouse colitis. The results demonstrated that vanillin exhibited potent antibacterial activity against various strains of MDR E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.25–2.5 mg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 5–10 mg/mL; it effectively inhibited cell division in E. coli. Vanillin also displayed remarkable antioxidant activity by suppressing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell; it significantly reduced the production of inflammatory mediators including nitroxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β), while increasing interleukin 10 (IL-10). In an MDR E. coli-induced mouse colitis model, vanillin effectively inhibited inflammation by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB) cell signaling pathway activation; it ameliorated changes in intestinal microflora characterized by decreased Firmicutes richness alongside increased Bacteroides richness, rebalancing the dysbiosis caused by E. coli. These findings highlight the potential pharmacological applicability of vanillin as a promising bioactive molecule for treating infectious colitis. Full article

Variations in disease resistance among pig breeds have been extensively documented, with Sertoli cells (SCs) playing a pivotal role in spermatogenesis. Infections can induce oxidative stress, which can lead to damage to these cells. This study aimed to compare the levels of oxidative stress in SCs from Rongchang and Landrace pig breeds following LPS challenge. SCs were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with LPS to assess cell viability and markers of oxidative stress. Cell viability was evaluated along with oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial superoxide, malondialdehyde, and antioxidant enzymes. Mitochondrial function was assessed using JC-1 and Calcein AM probes. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) explored enriched pathways. IL20RA, identified through transcriptomics, was validated using the siRNA knockdown technique. The results showed that Rongchang SCs exhibited lower levels of oxidative stress compared to Landrace SCs along with higher activity of antioxidant enzymes. IL20RA emerged as a key regulator since its knockdown affected mitochondrial superoxide production and catalase secretion. The findings suggest that Rongchang SCs possess superior antioxidant capacity, possibly due to the IL20RA-mediated protection of mitochondria, thereby providing insights into breed-specific resistance against oxidative stress and highlighting the role of IL20RA in maintaining stem cell function. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate and compare oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activity in the serum of women at risk of developing preeclampsia (PE) to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes through early intervention. Changes in soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were measured between 11 and 13 gestational weeks (gw.) before the onset of preeclampsia and its associated complications. This study evaluated the feasibility of the sFlt-1/PlGF biomarker ratio in predicting preeclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes, with the goal of preventive therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (150 mg daily), with acetylsalicylic acid (75 mg daily) and Clampsilin. For this purpose, the following were evaluated: (1) the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as parameters of oxidative stress; (2) lipid oxidation; (3) antioxidant enzyme activity; and (4) cytokine production. Analysis of the results showed that pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia had significantly higher levels of ROS, lipid oxidation, and superoxide anion radical (•O₂⁻) levels compared to normal pregnancies. In PE, depleted levels of nitric oxide (NO), impaired NO synthase system (NOS), and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (p < 0.03) suggest that PE patients cannot compensate for oxidative stress (OS). In conclusion, oxidative stress in PE plays a key role, which arises from placental problems and affects both mother and baby. The groups with acetylsalicylic acid therapy (150 mg and 75 mg) were better affected compared to those on Clampsillin. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by a high rate of both incidence and mortality, and its treatment outcomes are often affected by recurrence and drug resistance. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent programmed cell death mechanism triggered by lipid peroxidation, has recently gained attention as a potential therapeutic target. Graphene oxide (GO), known for its oxygen-containing functional groups, biocompatibility, and potential for functionalization, holds promise in cancer treatment. However, its role in ferroptosis induction in CRC remains underexplored. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of High Carbonyl Graphene Oxide (HC-GO) on ferroptosis in CRC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: In vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of HC-GO on CRC cell proliferation, mitochondrial function, iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 was used to confirm the role of ferroptosis in HC-GO’s anti-tumor effects. In vivo, the anti-tumor activity of HC-GO was assessed in a CRC xenograft model, with organ toxicity evaluated. Results: HC-GO significantly inhibited CRC cell proliferation, induced mitochondrial damage, and enhanced iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and ROS production. It also downregulated the ferroptosis-inhibiting proteins GPX4 and SLC7A11, which were reversed by Fer-1, confirming the involvement of ferroptosis in HC-GO’s anti-cancer effects. In vivo, HC-GO significantly suppressed tumor growth without noticeable toxicity to vital organs. Conclusions: HC-GO triggered ferroptosis in CRC cells by suppressing the System Xc−/GSH/GPX4 pathway, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment. These findings suggest HC-GO as a promising nanomedicine for clinical application, warranting further investigation to explore its potential in CRC therapy. Full article

Each cell in the human body is continually exposed to harmful external and internal factors. During evolution, cells have developed various defence systems, divided into enzymatic and non-enzymatic types, to which low-weight molecule antioxidants belong. In this article, the ionisation potential and electron affinity, as well as global reactivity descriptors of Vitamin C, Melatonin, Uric Acids, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine, were theoretically investigated at the MP-2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory in the condensed (aqueous) phase. The vertical ionisation potential and electron affinity are discussed in terms of non-equilibrated and equilibrated solvent–solute interactions. Additionally, at the same theoretical level, the electronic properties of canonical and oxidised derivatives of guanine were analysed. The presented results indicate that the selected antioxidants for this study (Vitamin C, Uric Acid, NAC, and Melatonin) exhibit the highest adiabatic electron affinity, while guanine derivatives (Gua, ^OXOGua, Guo, dGuo, ^OXOGuo, ^OXOdGuo) are more prone to adiabatic radical cation formation. A red-ox balance (redox homeostasis) is crucial for intracellular signalling pathways that are reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RO/NS)-dependent. Should this gentle balance be disrupted, either by an overload or deficit of species, physiological consequences may result, which in turn lead to pathological outcomes. On the other hand, maintaining the stability of the above balance of antioxidants/radicals may result in the improved effectiveness and safety of anticancer radiotherapy/chemotherapy or combined therapies with a subsequent increase in a patient’s quality of life. Full article

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is an important oilseed crop cultivated extensively across the globe. High salinity adversely impacts plant growth and physiological processes. In this study, the data on the phenotypes, physiological indices, and expression of relevant genes from different pathways responding to the stress were collected to clarify the physiological mechanisms underlying sunflower’s salt tolerance with the seedlings of two salt-tolerant (182265 and 182283) and two salt-sensitive (182093 and 186096) genotypes, which were exposed to 350 mM NaCl for 5 days. The findings revealed that, during the seedling stage, salt-tolerant sunflowers accumulated less Na⁺ and more K⁺, resulting in a higher K⁺/Na⁺ ratio that mitigated ionic toxicity throughout the plants, compared to the salt-sensitive resources. Furthermore, the salt-tolerant germplasms also exerted salt tolerance through the following several pathways: they maintained robust osmotic regulation by accumulating higher levels of proline, soluble sugars, and other osmolytes; they neutralized reactive oxygen species (ROS) by elevating the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as POD, SOD, CAT, APX, and GR; and they sustained optimal growth by boosting photosynthesis. Taken together, this study provided a more comprehensive assessment of the sunflower’s physiological salt tolerance, providing insights that will inform further molecular studies on salt tolerance and accelerating the breeding process for sunflower varieties with improved salt resilience. Full article