Search Results (1,380)

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the structural and biophysical properties of the wild-type antimicrobial peptide LyeTx I, isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha, and its analog LyeTx I-b, designed to enhance antibacterial activity, selectivity, and membrane interactions by the acetylation and increased amphipathicty. Methods: To understand the mechanisms behind these enhanced properties, comparative analyses of the structural, topological, biophysical, and thermodynamic aspects of the interactions between each peptide and phospholipid bilayers were evaluated. Both peptides were isotopically labeled with ²H₃-Ala and ¹⁵N-Leu to facilitate structural studies via NMR spectroscopy. Results: Circular dichroism and solid-state NMR analyses revealed that, while both peptides adopt α-helical conformations in membrane mimetic environments, LyeTx I-b exhibits a more amphipathic and extended helical structure, which correlates with its enhanced membrane interaction. The thermodynamic properties of the peptide–membrane interactions were quantitatively evaluated in the presence of phospholipid bilayers using ITC and DSC, highlighting a greater propensity of LyeTx I-b to disrupt lipid vesicles. Calcein release studies reveal that both peptides cause vesicle disruption, although DLS measurements and TEM imaging indicate distinct effects on phospholipid vesicle organization. While LyeTx I-b permeabilizes anionic membrane retaining the vesicle integrity, LyeTx I promotes significant vesicle agglutination. Furthermore, DSC and calcein release assays indicate that LyeTx I-b exhibits significantly lower cytotoxicity toward eukaryotic membranes compared to LyeTx I, suggesting greater selectivity for bacterial membranes. Conclusions: Our findings provide insights into the structural and functional modifications that enhance the antimicrobial and therapeutic potential of LyeTx I-b, offering valuable guidance for the design of novel peptides targeting resistant bacterial infections and cancer. Full article

Hemolymph enables communication between organs in insects and ensures necessary coordination and homeostasis. Its composition can provide important information about the physiological state of an insect and can have diagnostic significance, which might be particularly important in the case of harmful insects subjected to biological control. Galleria mellonella Linnaeus 1758 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a global pest to honey bee colonies. The hemolymph of its larvae was examined after infection with the soil fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Constantin) Batko 1964 (Entomophthorales). It was found that after one hour of contact with the fungus, the volume of the hemolymph increased while its total protein content decreased. In larvae with a high pathogen load, just before death, hemolymph volume decreased to nearly initial levels, while total protein content and synthesis (incorporation of ³⁵S-labeled methionine) increased. The hemolymph polypeptide profile (SDS-PAGE followed by autoradiography) of infected insects was significantly different from that of healthy larvae. Hemocytes of infected larvae did not surround the fungal hyphae, although they encapsulated small foreign bodies (phase contrast microscopy). Infection had a negative effect on hemocytes, causing oenocyte and spherulocyte deformation, granulocyte degranulation, plasmatocyte vacuolization, and hemocyte disintegration. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 21 compounds in the hemolymph of control insects. C. coronatus infection caused the appearance of 5 fatty acids absent in healthy larvae (heptanoic, decanoic, adipic, suberic, tridecanoic), the disappearance of 4 compounds (monopalmitoylglycerol, monooleoylglycerol, monostearin, and cholesterol), and changes in the concentrations of 8 compounds. It remains an open question whether substances appearing in the hemolymph of infected insects are a product of the fungus or if they are released from the insect tissues damaged by the growing hyphae. Full article

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is a parasite known for its diverse genotypic variants, or Discrete Typing Units (DTUs), which have been associated with varying degrees of tissue involvement. However, aspects such as parasite attachment remain unclear. It has been suggested that the TcI genotype is associated with cardiac infection, the most common involved site in chronic human infection, while TcII is associated with digestive tract involvement. Traditional models for T. cruzi infection provide limited in vivo observation, making it challenging to observe the dynamics of parasite-host interactions. This study evaluates the cardiac attachment of trypomastigotes from TcI and TcII DTUs in zebrafish larvae. Labeled trypomastigotes were injected in the duct of Cuvier of zebrafish larvae and tracked by stereomicroscopy and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Remarkably, it was possible to observe TcI parasites adhered to the atrium, atrioventricular valve, and circulatory system, while TcII trypomastigotes demonstrated adhesion to the atrium, atrioventricular valve, and yolk sac extension. When TcI and TcII were simultaneously injected, they both attached to the heart; however, more of the TcII trypomastigotes were observed attached to this organ. Although TcII DTU has previously been associated with digestive tissue infection, both parasite variants showed cardiac tissue attachment in this in vivo model. Full article

This article addresses religious governance in Ukraine in relation to local Muslim organizations associated with the Council of European Muslims (CEM), formerly known as the Federation of Islamic Organizations in Europe (FIOE). Specifically, it focuses on the Council of Ukrainian Muslims (CUM), formerly known as Alraid, and the Spiritual Administrations of Ukrainian Muslims Ummah (SAUM Ummah). Addressing the policymaking aspect of securitization, the article concerns state policies in Ukraine as ‘soft securitization’, meaning the execution of limited interventions and restrictions on the activities of Muslim organizations in Ukraine, particularly those at the focus of this article and labeled as ‘Islamist’. The FIOE in Europe and Alraid in Ukraine developed a response to these policies, informed by the wasatiyyah (moderation) post-Islamist ideology. The article analyzes how the wasatiyyah ideology was appropriated and negotiated in the discourse of these Ukrainian organizations, and how it informed their civic activism. Full article

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) convert kitchen waste into high-quality insect feed. However, the optimal amount of auxiliary materials needed to improve the physical and chemical properties of kitchen waste and enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency remains unresolved. In this study, maize stover and BSFL frass were added to kitchen waste (in groups G2 and G3, respectively) to explore their effects on the growth performance and bioconversion efficiency of BSFL. The group with only kitchen waste, without the addition of maize stover or BSF frass, was used as the control group and labeled as G1. On the 5th day, the body length of the BSFL in the G2 group was significantly greater than that in G1 and G3 (p < 0.05). The dry matter weight loss rate in the G3 group was significantly lower compared to that of G1 and G2 (p < 0.05), and the feed conversion rate (FCR) of G1 was significantly lower than that of G2 and G3 (p < 0.01). In summary, adding maize stover and BSFL frass increased BSFL feed intake and improved body weight gain. However, these additives did not significantly enhance BSFL bioconversion efficiency. The organic matter in maize stover and BSFL frass was utilized by the BSFL, and the heavy metal levels in each group of BSFL did not exceed standard limits. Full article

Blue Biotechnology (BBt) is a young and promising sector in the Mediterranean region with the potential to drive innovation and strengthen the Blue Economy (BE). However, its progress is constrained by fragmented coordination among stakeholders, impeding policy development and efficient resource management. Under this context, this study investigates the role of networks of diverse stakeholders, particularly the Spanish Blue Biotechnology Hub (BBHub) and a digital tool, ICT Matchmaking Tool (which connects network actors), in addressing these challenges by fostering collaboration, enhancing governance and supporting sustainable innovation. Building on this, the research employed the quadruple helix model (administrations, academia and research, industry and society), engaging 214 individuals from 130 organizations in the BBHub network. A survey assessed participants’ involvement and influence perceptions, followed by the formation of a discussion group “called sherpa group” of 10 key stakeholders for in-depth discussions through semi-structured interviews and meetings. Through this approach, key barriers to BBt and potential solutions for BE sustainable growth in Spain were identified, including regulatory obstacles, limited funding or weak public-private collaboration. Among the solutions proposed were the simplification of administrative processes to create new business, the creation of specific funding opportunities or the implementation of labelling policies to promote BBt products and value chains. Considering these findings, the study demonstrates that the BBHub network and ICT Matchmaking Tool could enhance stakeholder coordination, governance and decision-making processes in Spain. By addressing these gaps, these tools enable collaboration and better coordination among actors, contributing to sustainable marine resource use and innovation in the BBt and BE sector. However, sustained progress requires stable funding and stronger stakeholder commitments. In turn, as a broader implication, this research provides a replicable model for leveraging open innovation and multi-stakeholder frameworks to promote coordination, policy development and sustainable growth in the BBt and BE sectors. Thus, it offers insights into addressing governance challenges in Spain and the Mediterranean, advancing the use of marine bioresources through collaborative approaches. Full article

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 16% of people are affected by infertility across the globe. One underlying factor is the age-related decline of ovarian reserve (DOR), which can lead to a higher chance of infertility and has no widely accepted treatment currently. Specific supplements and moderate exercise have been shown to improve fertility; however, there is no consensus to date on the type of exercise providing the best results. Our goal is to develop a novel exercise program combined with natural supplements for the improvement of fertility. We also propose a single-centered, randomized, open-label clinical trial using our newly developed exercise in the intervention group, compared to walking and no exercise in the other groups, to investigate the benefits of this exercise program in the future. In this study, we developed a structured, novel combination of exercises focusing on the pelvic and ovarian regions, core strengthening and improvement of blood circulation in this region. The 70 min full body “reproductive gymnastics”, includes strengthening, stretching, and relaxation exercises combined with yoga-inspired moves and diaphragmatic breathing with meditation elements to activate the parasympathetic pathway and stress relief. We believe we can improve fertility through the combination of natural supplements and our targeted, moderate physiotherapy program in women with DOR. Full article

The Lichenotheca Veneta, published in 1869 by Vittore Trevisan (1818–1897), is one of the most relevant historic collections of exsiccatae of lichens in Italy. It contains a total of 268 specimens from 74 genera, 197 species, and 119 varieties and forms, organized into eight files and four volumes, and was probably conceived as the first of a series, even if no further volumes were published. To our knowledge, it is probably preserved in its complete and original form at the Natural History Museum of Venice only. Given its historical, cultural, and scientific relevance, it has been digitized and the resulting images and metadata have been published in a web portal. The digitization workflow comprised an initial digital imaging phase, followed by the extraction of specimens’ metadata from the specimens’ labels, and by a further digital imaging phase to capture specimens’ relevant details. The mobilization of metadata and images by means of digitization is widely recognized as an effective approach for enhancing the accessibility and usability of natural history collections. At the same time, since several inferences can be made without physically accessing the specimens, which, being biological objects, are intrinsically fragile, digitization contributes to reducing the risk of their deterioration. This contribution details the collection and its features, discussing the digitization process and its results. Full article

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of propidium iodide as a reliable marker for detecting dead or dying cells in frozen liver tissue sections. By comparing propidium iodide staining with the widely used Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, both methods showed consistent results in disease models such as alcohol-induced fibrosis and Western diet-induced fatty liver. Additionally, propidium iodide was successfully co-stained with other fluorescent markers, like phalloidin (for actin filaments) and antibodies targeting collagen, enabling detailed spatial analysis of dying cells within tissue. This multiplex approach allows for a deeper understanding of tissue organization and cell death localization, particularly in complex conditions like liver fibrosis. Moreover, our results suggest that propidium iodide staining can be applied beyond current models, offering a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, like TUNEL. Furthermore, its integration with other markers enables simultaneous analysis of immune responses and tissue damage, making it a powerful tool for future studies on liver disease and other inflammatory conditions. This technique has the potential to advance research into disease mechanisms and improve the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies targeting tissue regeneration and inflammation control. Full article

Ethanol production by fermentation results in obtaining, in addition to the main product, ethyl alcohol, by-products and secondary products, which include carbon dioxide, fusel oil, and ester–aldehyde cut. Fusel oil, despite its low yield and the large volume of ethanol production, accumulates at distilleries, which ultimately raises the question of its disposal or the rational use of this by-product. Fusel oil, being a complex mixture, can serve as a source of technical alcohols used in various sectors of the economy, including the food industry, pharmaceuticals, organic synthesis, perfume, and cosmetics industries, as well as the production of paints and varnishes. However, the complexity of using fusel oil lies in its difficult separation. The reason for this is the presence of water, which forms low-boiling azeotropes with aliphatic alcohols. Our study aimed to develop a process flow diagram (PFD) that allows individual components from fusel oil to be obtained without extraneous separating agents (not inherent in fusel oil). This condition is necessary to obtain products labeled as natural for further use in the food, perfume, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The distinctive feature of this work is that the target product is not only isoamyl alcohol but also all other alcohols present in the composition of fusel oil. To achieve this goal and create a mathematical model, the Aspen Plus V14 application, the Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) thermodynamic model, and the Vap-Liq/Liq-Liq phase equilibrium were used. Fusel oil separation was modeled using a continuous separation PFD to obtain ethanol, water, isoamyl alcohol, and raw propanol and butanol cuts. The Sorel and Barbet distillation technique was used to isolate ethanol. The isolation of isopropanol and 1-propanol, as well as isobutanol and 1-butanol, was modeled using the batch distillation method. The isolation of fusel oil components was based on their thermodynamic properties and the selection of appropriate techniques for their separation, such as extraction, distillation, pressure swing distillation, and decantation. The simulation of fusel oil separation PFD showed the possibility of obtaining the components of a complex mixture without separating agents, as discussed earlier. Ethanol corresponds to the quality of rectified ethyl alcohol, and 1-butanol and isoamyl alcohols to anhydrous alcohols, whereas isopropanol (which contains an admixture of ethanol), 1-propanol, and isobutanol are obtained as aqueous solutions of different concentrations of alcohols. However, due to a distillation boundary in the raw propanol and butanol cuts, these mixtures cannot be separated completely, which leads to the production of intermediate fractions. To eliminate intermediate fractions and obtain anhydrous isopropanol, 1-propanol, and isobutanol in the future, it is necessary to solve the dehydration problem of either fusel oil or the propanol–butanol mixture. Full article

Background: To help consumers make healthier choices, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been charged with developing a front-of-package label (FOPL) to appear on US packaged foods and beverages. One option being explored is the use of “high-in” FOPLs for added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat using a threshold of ≥20% of the recommended daily value (%DV) per portion/serving size to define “high-in”. While research has addressed what FOPL designs are most effective at visually communicating “high-in”, less attention has been paid to the nutrient profile model (NPM) used to decide which products should receive these labels. In addition, several established regional NPMs already exist that identify products that are high in nutrients of concern, but it is unclear how these compare to the FDA’s %DV approach. Methods: We used a dataset of 51,809 US products from Mintel’s Global New Products Database to examine how the FDA’s current definition of “high-in” compares to three established regional NPMs: the Canadian NPM, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) NPM, and Chile’s NPM. Results: Overall agreement between the four NPMs was 51% for foods and 72% for beverages, with highest agreement in categories such as sweetened sodas (87%), and lowest agreement in categories such as bread (14%) and salty snacks (29%). The Canadian NPM showed the highest agreement to the FDA “high-in” criteria while the Chilean and PAHO models had lower agreement. For many food categories, the FDA’s definition of “high-in” would require the fewest products to carry a “high-in” label. This issue was particularly pronounced in categories that tend to be served in small portions (e.g., salty snacks, bars), but disappeared or reversed for categories that are served in larger portions (e.g., frozen and non-frozen main dishes). Conclusions: The NPM chosen has important policy implications for an FOPL system’s ability to identify unhealthy foods and incentivize companies to reformulate products. Based on these results, the FDA should consider using a stronger NPM similar to those used elsewhere in the Americas region when deciding the final thresholds for “high-in” for US packaged foods and beverages. Full article

Liposomal drug delivery systems are successfully used in various fields of medicine for external and systemic applications. Marine organisms contain biologically active substances that have a unique structure and exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Polysaccharide of red seaweed (carrageenan (CRG)), and water-insoluble sea urchin pigment (echinochrome (Ech)) interact with each other and form a stable complex. We included the CRG/Ech complex in liposomes for better permeability into cells. In our research, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate TRITC-labeled CRG was synthesized to study the interaction of the complex encapsulated in liposomes with human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaTs) widely used to expose the skin to a variety of substances. Using confocal microscopy, we found that liposomes were able to penetrate HaCaT cells with maximum efficiency within 24 h, and pre-incubation of keratinocytes with liposomes resulted in the delivery of the CRG/Ech complex into the cytoplasm. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of liposomes, including the lysosomal regulation, increased intracellular ROS levels, and increased NO synthesis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or Escherichia coli (E. coli)-induced inflamed skin cells. Liposomes containing the CRG/Ech complex significantly reduced lysosomal activity by 26% in LPS-treated keratinocytes and decreased ROS levels in cells by 23% after LPS exposure. It was found that liposomes with the complex improved the migration of HaCaT keratinocytes incubated with high-dose LPS by 47%. The results of the work, taking into account the good permeability of liposomes into keratinocytes, as well as the anti-inflammatory effect on cells treated with LPS or E. coli, show the prospects of using liposomes containing the CRG/Ech complex as an anti-inflammatory agent in the fight against skin infections. Full article

Small non-coding RNAs play a pivotal role in regulating various metabolic processes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. However, knowledge about small RNAs (sRNAs) in Streptomyces clavuligerus (S. clavuligerus) is scarce. This study aimed to use cutting-edge bioinformatics tools and a compendium of RNA-seq data to predict the potential coding of sRNAs that might be present in the genome of S. clavuligerus ATCC 27064. In the genome of S. clavuligerus, 606 intergenic regions (IGRs) are conserved, and 272 possess a highly thermodynamically stable and conserved secondary structure, indicating the presence of non-coding RNA in these regions. The transcriptome assembly of S. clavuligerus showed that the genome is completely functional, as all the annotated genes are expressed under the conditions analyzed. From this assembly, transcripts originating from IGRs were labeled as putative sRNAs, and their differential expression during the growth curve of S. clavuligerus for clavulanic acid (CA) production was established. The interactome of these differentially expressed (DE) RNAs displayed the sRNAs as global regulators, as they can have multiple mRNA targets. The functional annotation of the target genes of DE sRNAs demonstrated that they are directly involved in secondary metabolite production. Specifically, two sRNA have the genes of the biosynthetic gene cluster of CA as targets. Thus, these molecules add an additional layer to the regulatory cascade for CA biosynthesis, and we propose them as targets for metabolic engineering to increase CA production. Full article

Background: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-targeted theranostic radiopharmaceuticals have shown desired tumor-to-background organ selectivity due to the ubiquitous presence of FAP within the tumor microenvironment. However, suboptimal tumor retention and fast clearance have hindered their use to deliver effective cancer therapies. With well-documented FAP-targeting moieties and linkers appending them to optimal chelators, the development of copper radiopharmaceuticals has attracted considerable interest, given the fact that an ideal theranostic pair of copper radionuclides (⁶⁴Cu: t_1/2 = 12.7 h; 17.4% β⁺; E_β⁺_max = 653 keV and ⁶⁷Cu: t_1/2 = 2.58 d; 100% β⁻; E_β⁻_max = 562 keV) are available. Herein, we report our design, synthesis, and comparative evaluation of monovalent and divalent FAP-targeted theranostic conjugates constructed from our previously reported bifunctional chelator scaffold (BFS) based on 1,4,8,11-tetraaza-bicyclo [6.6.2]hexadecane-4,11-diacetic acid (CB-TE2A), which forms the most stable complex with Cu(II). Methods: After synthesis and characterization, the monovalent and divalent conjugates were radiolabeled with ⁶⁴Cu for in vitro cell assays, followed by in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging evaluation in relevant mouse models. Results: Both ⁶⁴Cu-labeled conjugates showed high in vitro stability and anticipated FAP-mediated cell binding and internalization. The divalent one showed significantly higher FAP-specific tumor uptake than its monovalent counterpart. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the BFS-based multivalent approach can be practically used to generate FAP-targeted radiotheranostic agents for effective cancer diagnosis and treatment. Full article

Cellular mechanical properties are critical for tissue and organ homeostasis, which are associated with many diseases and are very promising non-labeled biomarkers. Over the past two decades, many research tools based on microfluidic methods have been developed to measure the biophysical properties of single cells; however, it has still not been possible to develop a technique that allows for high-throughput, easy-to-operate and precise measurements of single-cell biophysical properties. In this paper, we review the emerging technologies implemented based on microfluidic approaches for characterizing the mechanical properties of single cells and discuss the methodological principles, advantages, limitations, and applications of various technologies. Full article