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Plant proteins have become attractive for biomedical applications such as wound dressing and drug delivery. In this research, nanofibers from pristine zein (plant protein) and zein loaded with tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) were prepared (WO 3 @zein) using less toxic solvents (ethanol and acetic acid). Morphological and biological properties of the zein nanofiber were determined. Prepared nanofibers were defined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy. The average fiber diameter was unchanged with an increase in WO 3 concentration from 0.001 to 0.008%. FT-IR spectroscopy and X-RD indicated the presence of WO 3 in WO 3 @zein nanofibers. In comparison to WO 3 -free, WO 3 @zein nanofibers showed higher safety and preserved the anticancer effect of WO 3 against human melanoma cell line (A375) melanoma cells compared to WO 3 -free. Moreover, both WO 3 -free and WO 3 @zein caused a fourfold increase in the cellular proliferation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the treated A375 cells compared to untreated cells. ROS elevation led to apoptosis-dependent cell death of A375 cells as evidenced by up-regulating the expression of p53-downstream genes (p21 and Bax) (tumor-suppressor gene) while down-regulating the expression of key oncogenes (BCL2 and cyclin D). In conclusion, the prepared nanofiber represents a promising and safe candidate for anticancer applications.

Lipidomics refers to the full characterization of lipids present within a cell, tissue, organism, or biological system. One of the bottlenecks affecting reliable lipidomic analysis is the extraction of lipids from biological samples. An ideal extraction method should have a maximum lipid recovery and the ability to extract a broad range of lipid classes with acceptable reproducibility. The most common lipid extraction relies on either protein precipitation (monophasic methods) or liquid–liquid partitioning (bi- or triphasic methods). In this study, three monophasic extraction systems, isopropanol (IPA), MeOH/MTBE/CHCl3 (MMC), and EtOAc/EtOH (EE), alongside three biphasic extraction methods, Folch, butanol/MeOH/heptane/EtOAc (BUME), and MeOH/MTBE (MTBE), were evaluated for their performance in characterization of the mouse lipidome of six different tissue types, including pancreas, spleen, liver, brain, small intestine, and plasma. Sixteen lipid classes were investigated in this study using reversed-phase liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results showed that all extraction methods had comparable recoveries for all tested lipid classes except lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, acyl carnitines, sphingomyelines, and sphingosines. The recoveries of these classes were significantly lower with the MTBE method, which could be compensated by the addition of stable isotope-labeled internal standards prior to lipid extraction. Moreover, IPA and EE methods showed poor reproducibility in extracting lipids from most tested tissues. In general, Folch is the optimum method in terms of efficacy and reproducibility for extracting mouse pancreas, spleen, brain, and plasma. However, MMC and BUME methods are more favored when extracting mouse liver or intestine.

This study determined if 18 days of supplementation with blueberries (BL) compared to placebo (PL) could mitigate muscle soreness and damage and improve inflammation resolution in untrained adults (n = 49, ages 18–50 years) after engaging in a 90-min bout of “weekend warrior” eccentric exercise. The BL freeze dried supplement provided 1 cup of fresh blueberries per day equivalent with 805 mg/day total phenolics and 280 mg/day anthocyanins. Urine levels of eight BL gut-derived phenolics increased after 14- and 18-days supplementation with 83% higher concentrations in BL vs. PL (p < 0.001). The 90-min exercise bout caused significant muscle soreness and damage during 4d of recovery and a decrease in exercise performance with no significant differences between PL and BL. Plasma oxylipins were identified (n = 76) and grouped by fatty acid substrates and enzyme systems. Linoleic acid (LA) oxylipins generated from cytochrome P450 (CYP) (9,10-, 12,13-dihydroxy-9Z-octadecenoic acids) (diHOMEs) were lower in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.051). A compositive variable of 9 plasma hydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (HDoHEs) generated from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6) and lipoxygenase (LOX) was significantly higher in BL vs. PL (treatment effect, p = 0.008). The composite variable of plasma 14-HDoHE, 17-HDoHE, and the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-derived oxylipin 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) (specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, SPM, intermediates) was significantly higher in BL vs PL (treatment effect, p = 0.014). Pearson correlations showed positive relationships between post-exercise DHA-LOX HDoHEs and SPM intermediates with urine blueberry gut-derived phenolics (r = 0.324, p = 0.023, and r = 0.349, p = 0.015, respectively). These data indicate that 18d intake of 1 cup/day blueberries compared to PL was linked to a reduction in pro-inflammatory diHOMES and sustained elevations in DHA- and EPA-derived anti-inflammatory oxylipins in response to a 90-min bout of unaccustomed exercise by untrained adults.

Nanomaterials, including nanofibers, have emerged as promising drug delivery systems with a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. In the present study, a nanofiber-based scaffold has been fabricated for ginger oil’s formulation. The scaffold formula is composed of ginger oil (encapsulated) within poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofiber (GIN@PVDF). The scaffold was prepared using electrospinning technique and its structure was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopic analysis, contact angle measurement, and thermogravimetric analysis. Prepared formula showed higher safety profile against human normal cells (Wi-38), while retained the anticancer effect of the free ginger oil against the Huh-7 liver cancer and the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. Moreover, the prepared scaffold showed superior antioxidant potential, as evident by its ability to further activate the transcription of the redox mediator Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NrF2) compared to the free ginger oil. Furthermore, insignificant difference was observed between the apoptotic effects of GIN-free and GIN@PVDF against MDA-MB-231 cells. Therefore, the novel nanofiber scaffold provides promising potential for the preparation of ginger oil-based pharmaceutical formula for anticancer treatment area.

This paper presents novel wind tunnel test results on the aerodynamics of a symmetric thin porous airfoil and a porous rectangular half wing using a symmetric thin airfoil as its cross section, obtained by a six-component force balance. The variation of lift coefficient, drag coefficient, pitching moment, lift versus drag, the gradient of lift, and location of the aerodynamic center with respect to the angle of attack are presented as a function of the porosity. The data, where possible, are compared with the analytical results. The trend of the experimental results behaves in the same manner as the analytical solution. The measured drag coefficients of the airfoil and wing are also presented. The applicability of the standard equation relating the lift coefficient of a non-porous wing with that of a non-porous airfoil to the case of porous wings is verified by applying the equation to porous wings and validating the results using experimental data. Lift slope decreases as the porosity increases. The drag decreases at a low value of porosity and then increases as porosity increases. The standard equation for obtaining the lift coefficient of a wing from the lift coefficient of an airfoil is applicable and valid for porous wings and airfoils.

Background Chronic stress exposure has been widely recognized as a significant contributor to numerous central nervous system (CNS) disorders, leading to debilitating behavioral changes such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. The prolonged activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis during chronic stress disrupts the neuroendocrine balance and has detrimental effects on neuronal function and survival. Nelumbo nucifera (N. nucifera) Gaertn., commonly known as the lotus flower, is a traditional medicinal plant consumed for its purported benefits on mental and physical well-being. Despite its traditional use, limited scientific evidence supports these claims. Methods The present study explores the effects of N. nucifera, commonly known as the lotus flower, on cognitive performance and stress resilience in a mouse model subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Results Daily treatment significantly improved cognitive performance, alleviated depressive-like behaviors, and normalized hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity, as indicated by a 60.97% reduction in serum corticosterone. At the molecular level, N. nucifera petals also downregulated serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) mRNA expression while upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression and cyclic-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element-binding protein (CREB) mRNA expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. These normalizations are critical, as chronic stress dysregulates HPA axis function, exacerbating behavioral changes. Furthermore, a phytochemical analysis resulted in the isolation of five major compounds, kaempferol (1), trifolin (2), kaempferol-3-neohesperidoside (3), icariside D2 (4), and β-sitosterol (5), each demonstrating significant monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity. Conclusions These compelling findings suggest that N. nucifera petals not only alleviate stress-induced mood and cognitive deficits but also offer a promising avenue for modulating the HPA axis and promoting neuroprotection via essential neurotrophic factors and enzymatic pathways. We advocate for its potential as a complementary and alternative medicine for effective stress management. Future investigations should further explore its mechanisms of action and evaluate its clinical applicability in stress-related disorders.

Background A significant contributing factor to liver damage is drug consumption. Phytochemicals of Aloe vera extract are effective against a variety of diseases. Consequently, this study aimed to create chitosan nanoparticles (chi NPs) that were loaded with Aloe vera extract (ALV extract) to increase the delivery of the extract's bioactive materials. ALV extract, chi NPs, and Aloe vera extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ALV-chi NPs) underwent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxicity tests. The preventive and therapeutic effects of ALV-chi NPs against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury were assessed using a male Sprague Dawley rat model. Results Our findings demonstrated that the synthesis of ALV-chi NPs was a promising option for combining the therapeutic benefits of both ALV extract (included in its phytochemicals) and chi NPs. ALV-chi NPs have a uniformly distributed smooth shape with a size of 48.3 ± 2.97 nm, similar to the hydrodynamic size (50.9 ± 0.07 nm), and a surface charge of 38.16 mV. At a 1000 μg/mL concentration, ALV-chi NPs showed high DPPH scavenging % and a high hemolysis inhibition %. At 75 μg/mL, ALV-chi NPs showed lower PTT (63.7 s) than ALV extract (71.2 s). The phenolic components and flavonoids in the extract were released under controlled conditions throughout time, and their bioavailability was enhanced by loading the extract on chi NPs. Conclusions Among all tested formulations, ALV-chi NPs demonstrated superior efficacy, showing 95.4% DPPH scavenging (vs. 91.8% for free extract), 94.1% hemolysis inhibition (comparable to indomethacin), and optimal hepatoprotection in CCl4-induced liver injury. ALV-chi NPs ameliorated the raised levels of liver function parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and intracellular apoptotic proteins. Graphical abstract Highlights Aloe vera extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles have a hepatoprotective effect. Extract bioactive components were released under controlled conditions from chitosan nanoparticles. Chitosan nanoparticles succeeded in boosting the activity of Aloe vera extract.

The recent Nipah virus (NiV) epidemic and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) outbreak have had a significant impact on human health and society worldwide. The attachment glycoprotein (G) and fusion glycoprotein (F0) of NiV and hMPV are essential for pathogenesis and are potentially pronounced targets for antiviral treatment. In the present study, we utilised computational methods to analyse the predictive antiviral potential of phytochemicals present in Cleistanthus bracteosus and in the essential oils of Artemisia scoparia and Thuja orientalis against NiV and hMPV. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were the primary tools for assessing the binding interactions of compounds detected by GC-MS. Three out of four compounds tested (digoxigenin, cedrene and cedrol) exhibited remarkable binding affinities between −7.7 kcal/mol and −6.2 kcal/mol for NiV fusion glycoprotein (F0), and between −8.3 kcal/mol and −7.1 kcal/mol for NiV attachment glycoprotein (G). Similarly for hMPV fusion glycoprotein (F0), the aforesaid compounds showed binding affinities between −8.1 kcal/mol and −6.4 kcal/mol. Moreover, MD simulations illustrated phytochemical interacting amino acid residues associated with each receptor of NiV and hMPV. These phytochemical compounds were further evaluated using ADMET platforms. In conclusion, the present in silico work predicts for the first time the predicted potential of using major compounds present C. bracteosus , A. scoparia and T. orientalis as a novel anti-viral therapeutic strategy to control the entry and pathogenesis of NiV and hMPV. Despite few RMSD fluctuations in protein-ligand complexes stemming from structural alterations in the beta-turn-beta and helix-coil-helix, the simulations remain mostly stable from 50 ns till 100 ns.

The present study aims to examine the effect of a side flap on drag reduction and rolling moment stability as a passive flow control mechanism installed on a scaled square back van model, through both experimental and computational methods. The side flap significantly reduces drag, with the greatest decrease occurring when the flap is mounted at a 10° angle. The experimental work was carried out in a wind tunnel under low-speed conditions, with Re = 5.1 × 10 6 , and the aerodynamic force data were obtained through the utilization of a six-component force balance, while the simulation was performed using ANSYS-Fluent on a geometrically similar model at the same Reynolds number. Various flap mounting angles were evaluated to compare results and highlight the influence of the side flap on the wake area. The most advantageous angle was determined to be 10° resulting in up to 7% drag reduction. The optimal mounting angle was selected for the investigation of vehicle stability in crosswind conditions. The presence of the side flap has a notable effect on the drag reduction and stability of the van, resulting in a decrease in drag by about 7% and an improvement in rolling moment by 8% when subjected to a free stream flow yaw angle of 12°.

Primary Graft Dysfunction (PGD) is a major cause of both short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation. Various donor, recipient, and technical risk factors have been previously identified as being associated with the development of PGD. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the current literature as it pertains to PGD following lung transplantation, as well as discussing current strategies to mitigate PGD and future directions. We will pay special attention to recent advances in lung transplantation such as ex-vivo lung perfusion, thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion, and up-to-date literature published in the interim since the 2016 ISHLT consensus statement on PGD and the COVID-19 pandemic.