Joanna Maria Jasińska, Klaudia Michalska, Joanna Tkaczewska
et al.
Novel double-layer films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of <i>Phytolacca americana</i> L. (PA) extract were used as active packaging for African catfish fillets. Films with PA extract have been shown to minimize the catfish spoilage effects, expressed as odor reduction compared to control samples; however, neither the films nor the PA extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested groups of microorganisms (fungi, lactic acid bacteria, <i>Enterobacterales</i> and psychrotrops) or specified microorganisms (<i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>S. cerevisiae</i>). The tested films demonstrated antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and Folin–Ciocâlteu methods. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that the PA extract affected tested cell lines (PNT2—prostate epithelial cells, HepG2—human liver cells, HaCaT—normal human keratinocytes and Nty-hori 3-1) only to a small extent—the calculated IC<sub>50</sub> values exceeded the maximal tested concentration of 500 µg/mL.
CO<sub>2</sub> flooding plays a crucial role in enhancing oil recovery and achieving carbon reduction targets, particularly in unconventional reservoirs with complex pore structures. The phase behavior of CO<sub>2</sub> and hydrocarbons at different scales significantly affects oil recovery efficiency, yet its underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood. This study improves existing thermodynamic models by introducing Helmholtz free energy as a convergence criterion and incorporating adsorption effects in micro- and nano-scale pores. This study refines existing thermodynamic models by incorporating Helmholtz free energy as a convergence criterion, offering a more accurate representation of confined phase behavior. Unlike conventional Gibbs free energy-based models, this approach effectively accounts for confinement-induced deviations in phase equilibrium, ensuring improved predictive accuracy for nanoscale reservoirs. Additionally, adsorption effects in micro- and nano-scale pores are explicitly integrated to enhance model reliability. A multi-scale thermodynamic model for CO<sub>2</sub>-hydrocarbon systems is developed and validated through physical simulations. Key findings indicate that as the scale decreases from bulk to 10 nm, the bubble point pressure shows a deviation of 5% to 23%, while the density of confined fluids increases by approximately 2%. The results also reveal that smaller pores restrict gas expansion, leading to an enhanced CO<sub>2</sub> solubility effect and stronger phase mixing behavior. Through phase diagram analysis, density expansion, multi-stage contact, and differential separation simulations, we further clarify how confinement influences CO<sub>2</sub> injection efficiency. These findings provide new insights into phase behavior changes in confined porous media, improving the accuracy of CO<sub>2</sub> flooding predictions. The proposed model offers a more precise framework for evaluating phase transitions in unconventional reservoirs, aiding in the optimization of CO<sub>2</sub>-based enhanced oil recovery strategies.
Photothermal, photodynamic and sonodynamic cancer therapies offer opportunities for precise tumor ablation and reduce side effects. The cyclic guanylate adenylate synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway has been considered a potential target to stimulate the immune system in patients and achieve a sustained immune response. Combining photothermal, photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies with cGAS-STING agonists represents a newly developed cancer treatment demonstrating noticeable innovation in its impact on the immune system. Recent reviews have concentrated on diverse materials and their function in cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of photothermal, photodynamic and sonodynamic cancer therapies and the connected role of cGAS-STING agonists in treating cancer.
Anderson Silva, Guilherme Lopes, Marcos Corazza
et al.
This study aimed to investigate the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) behavior of sesame fatty acid ethyl ester (FAEE) and methyl ester (FAME) in combination with glycerol and the co-solvents ethanol and methanol. FAEE and FAME were produced through the transesterification of mechanically extracted and purified sesame oil, using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a homogeneous base catalyst. The reactions were conducted in ethanol and methanol to produce FAEE and FAME, respectively. Post-reaction, the products were separated and purified, followed by an analysis of the LLE behavior at 313.15 K and 323.15 K under atmospheric pressure (101.3 kPa). The experimental process for the miscibility analysis utilized a jacketed glass cell adapted for this study. Miscibility limits or binodal curves were determined using the turbidity-point method. Tie lines were constructed by preparing mixtures of known concentrations within the two-phase region, which allowed the phases to separate after agitation. Samples from both phases were analyzed to determine their composition. This study revealed that higher temperatures promoted greater phase separation and enhanced the biodiesel purification process. The NRTL model effectively correlated the activity coefficients with the experimental data, showing good agreement, with a root-mean-square deviation of 3.5%. Additionally, the data quality was validated using Marcilla’s method, which yielded an R<sup>2</sup> value close to 1. Attraction factors and distribution coefficients were also calculated to evaluate the efficiency of the co-solvents as extraction agents. The findings indicated higher selectivity for methanol than for ethanol, with varying degrees of distribution among the co-solvents. These results offer significant insights into enhancing biodiesel production processes by considering the effects of co-solvents on the LLE properties of mixtures, ultimately contributing to more efficient and cost-effective biodiesel production.
Suwanan Denchai, Suppached Sasomsin, Cheunjit Prakitchaiwattana
et al.
It is well recognized that the aging process is a critical step in winemaking because it induces substantial chemical changes linked to the organoleptic properties and stability of the finished wines. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different types, utilization times, and volumes of aging barrels on the metabolite profile of red wines, produced from Thai-grown Shiraz grapes, using a non-targeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (<sup>1</sup>H-NMR) metabolomics approach. As a result, 37 non-volatile polar metabolites including alcohols, amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates and low-molecular-weight phenolics were identified. Chemometric analysis allowed the discrimination of wine metabolite profiles associated with different types of aging containers (oak barrels vs. stainless-steel tanks), as well as the utilization times (2, 6 and >10 years old) and volumes (225, 500 and 2000 L) of the wooden barrels employed. Significant variations in the concentration of formate, fumarate, pyruvate, succinate, citrate, gallate, acetate, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, γ-aminobutyrate, methionine and choline were statistically suggested as indicators accountable for the discrimination of samples aged under different conditions. These feature biomarkers could be applied to manipulate the use of aging containers to achieve the desired wine maturation profiles.
Veronika Tomina, Nataliya Stolyarchuk, Olha Semeshko
et al.
Novel spherically shaped organosilica materials with (propyl)ethylenediamine groups were obtained via a modified one-pot Stöber co-condensation method. The porosity of these materials was tuned with the controlled addition of three silica monomers acting as structuring agents (tetraethoxysilane and bridged silanes with ethylene and phenylene bridges). The morphologies and structures of the synthesized materials were studied by SEM, DRIFT spectroscopy, CHNS elemental analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and electrokinetic potential measurements. Their sizes were in the range of 50 to 100 nm, depending on the amount of structuring silane used in the reaction. The degree of the particles’ agglomeration determined the mesoporosity of the samples. The content of the (propyl)ethylenediamine groups was directly related with the amount of functional silane used in the reaction. The zeta potential measurements indicated the presence of silanol groups in bissilane-based samples, which added new active centers on the surface and reduced the activity of the amino groups. The static sorption capacities (SSCs) of the obtained samples towards Cu(II), Ni(II), and Eu(III) ions depended on the porosity of the samples and the spatial arrangement of the ethylenediamine groups; therefore, the SSC values were not always higher for the samples with the largest number of groups. The highest SSC values achieved were 1.8 mmol<sub>Cu(II)</sub>/g (for ethylene-bridged samples), 0.83 mmol<sub>Ni(II)</sub>/g (for phenylene-bridged samples), and 0.55 mmol<sub>Eu(III)</sub>/g (for tetraethoxysilane-based samples).
Vachirapong Charoennitiwat, Kittipong Chaisiri, Sumate Ampawong
et al.
The parasitic nematode Paracapillaria (Ophidiocapillaria) najae De, 1998, found in the Indian cobra Naja naja is redescribed and re-illustrated in the present study. The monocled cobra Naja kaouthia was discovered to be a new host for this parasite in central Thailand. A comprehensive description extending the morphological and molecular characteristics of the parasites is provided to aid species recognition in future studies. The morphometric characters of 41 parasites collected from 5 cobra specimens are compared with those described in the original studies. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and nuclear 18S ribosomal RNA genes were performed to provide novel information on the systematics of P. najae. Similar characteristics were observed in the examined nematode samples, despite being found in different hosts, confirming their identity as P. najae. The molecular genetic results support the species status of P. najae, indicating P. najae is well defined and separated from other related nematode species in the family Capillariidae. Morphological descriptions, genetic sequences, evolutionary relationships among capillariids and new host and distribution records of P. najae are discussed. Paracapillaria najae specimens found in the Thai cobra had some morphological variation, and sexual size dimorphism was also indicated. Paracapillaria najae was found to infect various cobra host species and appeared to be common throughout the Oriental regions, consistent with its hosts' distribution.
Daniel Machado de Alencar, Juliana Gonçalves, Andreia Vieira
et al.
We report herein a set of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) derivatives based on triazoles and triazolium salts for HIV-1 infection. The compounds were synthesized via click chemistry with Cu(I) and Ru(II) catalysts. Triazolium salts were synthesized by reaction with methyl iodide or methyl triflate in good yields. The antiviral activity of the compounds was tested using two methodologies: In method one the activity was measured on infected cells; in method two a pre-exposure prophylaxis experimental model was employed. For method one the activity of the compounds was moderate, and in general the triazolium salts showed a decreased activity in relation to their triazole precursors. With method two the antiviral activity was higher. All compounds were able to decrease the infection, with two compounds able to clear almost all the infection, while a lower antiviral activity was noted for the triazolium salts. These results suggest that these drugs could play an important role in the development of pre-exposure prophylaxis therapies.
The dipeptide <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-Glu-<i>mes</i>o-DAP (iE-DAP) is the minimal structural fragment capable of activating the innate immune receptor nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein (NOD1). The <i>meso</i>-diaminopimelic acid (<i>meso</i>-DAP) moiety is known to be very stringent in terms of the allowed structural modifications which still retain the NOD1 activity. The aim of our study was to further explore the chemical space around the <i>meso</i>-DAP portion and provide a deeper understanding of the structural features required for NOD1 agonism. In order to achieve the rigidization of the terminal amine functionality of <i>meso</i>-DAP, isoxazoline and pyridine heterocycles were introduced into its side-chain. Further, we incorporated the obtained <i>meso</i>-DAP mimetics into the structure of iE-DAP. Collectively, nine innovative iE-DAP derivatives additionally equipped with lauroyl or didodecyl moieties at the α-amino group of <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">d</span>-Glu have been prepared and examined for their NOD1 activating capacity. Overall, the results obtained indicate that constraining the terminal amino group of <i>meso</i>-DAP abrogates the compounds’ ability to activate NOD1, since only compound <b>6b</b> retained noteworthy NOD1 agonistic activity, and underpin the stringent nature of this amino acid with regard to the allowed structural modifications.
Background/Aims: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease that is associated with inflammation in joints. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of morin on human osteoarthritis chondrocytes stimulated by IL-1β. Methods: The levels of NO and PGE2 were measured by the Griess method and ELISA. The levels of MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13 were also measured by ELISA. Results: The results revealed that IL-1β significantly increased the production of NO, PGE2, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP13. Additionally, the increases were significantly attenuated by treatment with morin. Furthermore, IL-1β-induced NF-κB activation was suppressed by morin. In addition, the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased by morin and knockdown of Nrf2 could prevent the anti-inflammatory effects of morin. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study suggested that morin attenuated IL-1β-induced inflammation by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Chantelle Venter, Hester Magdalena Oberholzer, Janette Bester
et al.
Background/Aims: Heavy metal pollution is increasing in the environment, contaminating water, food and air supplies. This can be linked to many anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are absorbed through the skin, inhalation and/or orally. Irrespective of the manner of heavy metal entry in the body, the blood circulatory system is potentially the first to be affected following exposure and adverse effects on blood coagulation can lead to associated thrombotic disease. Although the plasma levels and the effects of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) on erythrocytes and lymphocytes have been described, the environmental exposure to heavy metals are not limited to a single metal and often involves metal mixtures, with each metal having different rates of absorption, different cellular, tissue, and organ targets. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the heavy metals Cd and Cr alone and whether Cr synergistically increases the effect of Cd on physiological important processes such as blood coagulation. Methods: Human blood was exposed to the heavy metals ex vivo, and thereafter morphological analysis was performed with scanning electron- and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in conjunction with thromboelastography®. Results: The erythrocytes, platelets and fibrin networks presented with ultrastructural changes, including varied erythrocytes morphologies, activated platelets and significantly thicker fibrin fibres in the metal-exposed groups. CLSM analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the membranes of the spherocytic erythrocytes exposed to Cd and Cr alone and in combination. The viscoelastic analysis revealed only a trend that indicates that clots that will form after heavy metal exposure, will likely be fragile and unstable especially for Cd and Cr in combination. Conclusion: This study identified the blood as an important target system of Cd and Cr toxicity.
The application of the most representative and up-to-date examples of homogeneous asymmetric organocatalysis to the synthesis of molecules of interest in medicinal chemistry is reported. The use of different types of organocatalysts operative via noncovalent and covalent interactions is critically reviewed and the possibility of running some of these reactions on large or industrial scale is described. A comparison between the organo- and metal-catalysed methodologies is offered in several cases, thus highlighting the merits and drawbacks of these two complementary approaches to the obtainment of very popular on market drugs or of related key scaffolds.