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The design of vibratory feeders ensuring effective product feeding is particularly demanding since the flexibility of the device components severely affects the dynamic response. Traditional design approaches are based on expensive and time-consuming trial and error iterations, which include building and testing tentative devices. In order to overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a novel systematic approach for designing linear vibratory feeders, based on an inverse dynamic structural modification approach. After synthesising a reduced-order model, the design is cast as an inverse eigenvalue problem and solved numerically through the minimization of a convex quadratic function. Constraints on the design variables, i.e. inertial and elastic parameters, are represented through a convex domain and included in the optimization problem. The numerical and experimental results obtained prove the effectiveness of the method and its ease of application, that make is suitable for both the design of new feeders and the optimization of existing ones.

The results on protonation in solutions and melts of salts and acids, as well as structural changes associated with the formation of nanocomposition structure of materials are presented. It is shown by structural methods that proton localization is invariant to the volume in the protonated layer and is accompanied by changes between oxygen distances, enlargement of the unit cell and transition to the rhombic phase. Having the maximum crystal-chemical activity, protons create a hexagonal lattice in accordance with the features of equipotential pictures of their nonequilibrium electrostatic fields. The increase in the integral intensity of reflexes observed on neutronograms of protonated LiNbO3 (102), (111), (113) it is associated with the ordering of protons in the hexagonal oxygen sublattice of the initial phase.

Natural polysaccharides are macromolecular substances with a wide range of biological activities. The structural modification of polysaccharides by chemical means can enhance their biological activity. This paper reviews the latest research reports on the chemical modification of natural polysaccharides. At present, the modification methods of polysaccharides mainly include sulfation, phosphorylation, carboxymethylation, socialization, methylation and acetylation. The chemical and physical structures of the modified polysaccharides were detected via ultraviolet spectroscopy, FT-IR, high-performance liquid chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and scanning electron microscopy. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the modified polysaccharide has various biological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, immune regulation, antiviral, antibacterial and anticoagulant functions in vitro. This review provides fresh ideas for the research and application of polysaccharide structure modification.

Vancomycin is a critical last-resort treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, particularly severe methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections. However, the rise of vancomycin-resistant strains significantly compromises its therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this challenge, recent research has focused on structural modifications of vancomycin using diverse strategies. Herein, the potential of a modification strategy by coupling vancomycin with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that have different mechanisms of action is explored. Among the acquired conjugates, Vm-MSI showed a 20.18 fold improvement in antimicrobial activity over vancomycin and a 1.95 fold increase compared to the parent peptide MSI-78. Vm-MSI not only delays the development of resistance in vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) but also exhibits potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, Vm-MSI demonstrated strong synergy with several conventional antibiotics of distinct mechanisms and displayed potent activities in eradicating biofilms and persisters. Mechanistic studies revealed the complex antibacterial mechanisms of Vm-MSI, which hinder the development of bacterial resistance. In vivo, Vm-MSI displayed remarkable therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of VRSA-induced skin infection and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii-induced lung infection. These findings underscore the great potential of Vm-MSI as an effective treatment for infections caused by vancomycin-resistant and Gram-negative bacteria.

Ursolic acid is a pharmacologically active pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from medicinal plants, fruit, and vegetables. The pharmacological activities of ursolic acid have been extensively studied over the past few years and various reports have revealed that ursolic acid has multiple biological activities, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, etc. In terms of cancer treatment, ursolic acid interacts with a number of molecular targets that play an essential role in many cell signaling pathways. It suppresses transformation, inhibits proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells. Although ursolic acid has many benefits, its therapeutic applications in clinical medicine are limited by its poor bioavailability and absorption. To overcome such disadvantages, researchers around the globe have designed and developed synthetic ursolic acid derivatives with enhanced therapeutic effects by structurally modifying the parent skeleton of ursolic acid. These structurally modified compounds display enhanced therapeutic effects when compared to ursolic acid. This present review summarizes various synthesized derivatives of ursolic acid with anti-cancer activity which were reported from 2015 to date.

Different oleanolic acid (OA) oxime ester derivatives (3a-3t) were designed and synthesised to develop inhibitors against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. All the synthesised OA derivatives were evaluated against α-glucosidase and α-amylase in vitro. Among them, compound 3a showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibition with an IC 50 of 0.35 µM, which was ∼1900 times stronger than that of acarbose, meanwhile compound 3f exhibited the highest α-amylase inhibitory with an IC 50 of 3.80 µM that was ∼26 times higher than that of acarbose. The inhibition kinetic studies showed that the inhibitory mechanism of compounds 3a and 3f were reversible and mixed types towards α-glucosidase and α-amylase, respectively. Molecular docking studies analysed the interaction between compound and two enzymes, respectively. Furthermore, cytotoxicity evaluation assay demonstrated a high level of safety profile of compounds 3a and 3f against 3T3-L1 and HepG2 cells. Highlights Oleanolic acid oxime ester derivatives (3a-3t) were synthesised and screened against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Compound 3a showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory with IC50 of 0.35 µM. Compound 3f presented the highest α-amylase inhibitory with IC50 of 3.80 µM. Kinetic studies and in silico studies analysed the binding between compounds and α-glucosidase or α-amylase.

Pectin is a biocompatible polysaccharide with intrinsic biological activity, which may exhibit different structures depending on its source or extraction method. The extraction of pectin from various industrial by-products presents itself as a green option for the valorization of agro-industrial residues by producing a high commercial value product. Pectin is susceptible to physical, chemical, and/or enzymatic changes. The numerous functional groups present in its structure can stimulate different functionalities, and certain modifications can enable pectin for countless applications in food, agriculture, drugs, and biomedicine. It is currently a trend to use pectin to produce edible coating to protect foodstuff, antimicrobial bio-based films, nanoparticles, healing agents, and cancer treatment. Advances in methodology, use of different sources of extraction, and knowledge about structural modification have significantly expanded the properties, yields, and applications of this polysaccharide. Recently, structurally modified pectin has shown better functional properties and bioactivities than the native one. In addition, pectin can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of biopolymers with differentiated properties and specific functionalities. In this context, this review presents the structural characteristics and properties of pectin and information on the modification of this polysaccharide, its respective applications, perspectives, and future challenges.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019 posed significant global public health challenges. One of the most promising targets for novel antiviral drug development is the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CL[sup.pro]). In this study, fragment molecular orbital (FMO) calculations were conducted to provide guidance for the structural modification of natural flavonoids, identifying the pyrogallol moiety as a key candidate. Natural flavonoids were chemically modified to generate 33 semi-synthetic derivatives through the introduction of various functional groups. Our findings revealed that the incorporation of a galloyl moiety significantly enhances anti-proteolytic activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CL[sup.pro], achieving up to a 23-fold increase compared to the activity of the parent compounds. Notably, 7-O-galloyl-DMC (40) exhibited the highest anti-proteolytic activity in an enzymatic assay. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations provided atomic-level insights into the interactions between the galloyl moiety and 3CL[sup.pro]. All galloylated flavonoid derivatives positioned their galloyl groups within the S1′ sub-pocket, facilitating hydrogen bonding and π-interactions, particularly with Thr26 and Leu27. These findings underscore the potential of the galloyl moiety as a crucial structural element for enhancing the binding affinity of flavonoids with inhibitory activity against SARS-CoV-2 3CL[sup.pro].

The bioavailability of small-molecule drugs remains a critical challenge in pharmaceutical development, significantly impacting therapeutic efficacy and commercial viability. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding and overcoming bioavailability limitations, focusing on key physicochemical and biological factors influencing drug absorption and distribution. We examine cutting-edge strategies for enhancing bioavailability, including innovative formulation approaches, rational structural modifications, and the application of artificial intelligence in drug design. The integration of nanotechnology, 3D printing, and stimuli-responsive delivery systems are highlighted as promising avenues for improving drug delivery. We discuss the importance of a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to bioavailability optimization, emphasizing early-stage consideration of ADME properties and the need for patient-centric design. This review also explores emerging technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9-mediated personalization and microbiome modulation for tailored bioavailability enhancement. Finally, we outline future research directions, including advanced predictive modeling, overcoming biological barriers, and addressing the challenges of emerging therapeutic modalities. By elucidating the complex interplay of factors affecting bioavailability, this review aims to guide future efforts in developing more effective and accessible small-molecule therapeutics.

A significant number of the anti-inflammatory drugs currently in use are becoming obsolete. These are exceptionally hazardous for long-term use because of their possible unfavourable impacts. Subsequently, in the ebb-and-flow decade, analysts and researchers are engaged in developing new anti-inflammatory drugs, and many such agents are in the later phases of clinical trials. Molecules with heterocyclic nuclei are similar to various natural antecedents, thus acquiring immense consideration from scientific experts and researchers. The arguably most adaptable heterocyclic cores are benzimidazoles containing nitrogen in a bicyclic scaffold. Numerous benzimidazole drugs are broadly used in the treatment of numerous diseases, showing promising therapeutic potential. Benzimidazole derivatives exert anti-inflammatory effects mainly by interacting with transient receptor potential vanilloid-1, cannabinoid receptors, bradykinin receptors, specific cytokines, 5-lipoxygenase activating protein and cyclooxygenase. Literature on structure–activity relationship (SAR) and investigations of benzimidazoles highlight that the substituent’s tendency and position on the benzimidazole ring significantly contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity. Reported SAR analyses indicate that substitution at the N1, C2, C5 and C6 positions of the benzimidazole scaffold greatly influence the anti-inflammatory activity. For example, benzimidazole substituted with anacardic acid on C2 inhibits COX-2, and 5-carboxamide or sulfamoyl or sulfonyl benzimidazole antagonises the cannabinoid receptor, whereas the C2 diarylamine and C3 carboxamide substitution of the benzimidazole scaffold result in antagonism of the bradykinin receptor. In this review, we examine the insights regarding the SARs of anti-inflammatory benzimidazole compounds, which will be helpful for researchers in designing and developing potential anti-inflammatory drugs to target inflammation-promoting enzymes.