Whole genome duplication drives transcriptome reprogramming in response to drought in alfalfa.

Genome doubling did not enhance drought tolerance in alfalfa, but may set the stage for long-term adaptation to drought through a novel transcriptional landscape. Whole genome duplication (WGD) has been shown to enhance stress tolerance in plants. Cultivated alfalfa is autotetraploid, but diploid wild relatives are important sources of genetic variation for breeding.

Collapse or capture? Guest-induced response of two structurally distinct pillared-MOFs upon exposure to pyridines and quinolines.

The response of two differently entangled, Zn-containing, pillared metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) toward quinolines and pyridines was studied. The corresponding products have been defined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, when possible through single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations. These two MOFs have similar chemical compositions, each consisting of a dicarboxylate linker (4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate or 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) and the same bis-amide-bis-pyridine pillar.

Spectral phasor imaging on a commercial confocal microscope without a spectral detector.

Spectral imaging is a fluorescence microscopy technique with several applications, including imaging of environment-sensitive probes, spectral unmixing and identification of fluorescent species. In confocal microscopes not equipped with a spectral detection unit, spectral images can be obtained using the lambda scan mode of the microscope, namely the sequential acquisition of images using a tunable emission filter or other dispersive optical elements. Unfortunately, the lambda scan mode has poor temporal resolution, is a photon-wasting technique, and is not ideal for the spectral imaging of live samples.

Cyclodextrin-Based Nanotransporters as a Versatile Tool to Manage Oxidative Stress-Induced Lung Diseases.

Oxidative stress is one of the key elements in lung-related complications such as cystic fibrosis, acute lung injury, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic airway diseases, lung cancer, COVID-19, and many others. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapy can be considered as supportive alternatives in their management. However, most naturally derived antioxidants face issues with poor aqueous solubility and stability, which hinder their clinical utility.

Enhancing Antioxidants Performance of Ceria Nanoparticles in Biological Environment via Surface Engineering with Quinone Functionalities.

The development of ceria (CeO)-based nanoantioxidants requires fine-tuning of structural and surface properties for enhancing antioxidant behavior in biological environments. In this contest, here ultrasmall water-dispersible CeO nanoparticles (NPs), characterized by a high Ce/Ce ratio, were synthesized in a non-polar solvent and phase-transfer to an aqueous environment through ligand-exchange reactions using citric acid (CeO@Cit) and post-treatment with dopamine hydrochloride (CeO@Dopa). The concept behind this work is to enhance via surface engineering the intrinsic antioxidant properties of CeO NPs.

An unconventional electrochemical/solid-state-device integrated system: an electrochemical sensor based on the PCPDTBT polaronic state.

This work presents an unconventional device designed integration of an electrochemical cell and a solid-state circuitry resembling a triode-like configuration, referred to as an electrochemical transistor-like device. In our experimental setup, an organic semiconductor, poly[2,6-(4,4-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-4-cyclopenta[2,1-;3,4-']dithiophene)--4,7(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), serves both as the working electrode (WE) and as a "grid". "Gating" the grid is established by applying suitable electrochemical polarization to the polymer, exploiting a conventional three electrode electrochemical cell, which is placed directly on top of a device featuring three gold pads.

Lycopene Mitigates Malaria-Induced Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species and Oxidative Damage in Mice Brain and Lungs.

The severity of malaria is associated with low antioxidant availability and elevated free radical production, which induces oxidative damage in cerebral and pulmonary microcirculation. This can be mitigated by dietary antioxidants. We investigated the protective effects of lycopene (LYC) against oxidative changes induced by Plasmodium berghei (Pb).

ARMS in ports: monitoring non-indigenous species through Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures.

Harbors and marinas are considered Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) hotspots, being departure and arrival points for numerous vessels and providing environments with less complex artificial substrates that promote NIS colonization. Monitoring changes in the structure of benthic communities allows to early detect the arrival of new NIS. In this study, we used Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures, ARMS, 3D standardized passive collectors of benthic organisms, to monitor NIS presence and abundance in ports with different uses, a commercial harbor, and a touristic marina, in the northern Adriatic Sea, over one year.

Coacervate Vesicles as Adaptive Platforms for Synthetic Biology and Smart Materials.

Coacervate vesicles represent a versatile and emerging class of protocells that combine the dynamic properties of coacervate microdroplets with the structural advantages of membrane-bound systems. Leveraging features such as selective molecular uptake, enhanced reactivity, and dynamicity, they offer a promising platform for both fundamental research and technological applications in synthetic biology. In this concept, we introduce a classification of coacervate vesicles based on their formation mechanisms and energetic landscapes, highlighting how their formation routes give rise to protocells with distinct structural and dynamic properties.

Effects of Post-Curing on Mechanical Strength and Cytotoxicity of Stereolithographic Methacrylate Resins.

This study investigated the influence of curing temperature and time on both the mechanical properties and cytotoxicity of stereolithographic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. After printing using stereolithographic equipment, the resin was cured at 45 °C, 60 °C, and 75 °C for up to 120 min. Our results reveal that the mechanical properties achieved a peak after approximately 30 min of curing at the two highest temperatures, followed by a subsequent decrease, while curing at 45 °C resulted in a constant increase in mechanical properties up to 120 min.

Innovative Biobased Active Composites of Cellulose Acetate Propionate with Tween 80 and Cinnamic Acid for Blueberry Preservation.

In order to develop modern polymer films intended for food packaging, materials based on cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) with the addition of Tween 80 as a plasticizer and cinnamic acid (CA), known for its antibacterial properties, were prepared. It should be emphasized that materials based on CAP combined with Tween 80 have not been previously reported in the literature. Therefore, not only is the incorporation of cinnamic acid into these systems an innovative approach, but also the use of the CAP-Tween80 matrix itself represents a novel strategy in the context of the proposed applications.

Molybdenum carbide nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline conditions.

Molybdenum carbides have emerged as an optimal alternative to noble expensive materials for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Most reported synthesis methods involve prolonged operations at high temperatures in reactive gases environments. In this study, we introduce nanosecond Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL) as a viable and environmental friendly approach for synthesizing molybdenum carbide by ablating a molybdenum (Mo) target in ethanol.

Multifaceted Study of Medicago marina Essential Oil: Chemical Composition, Antidiabetic, and Phytotoxic Insights via In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

The essential oil of Medicago marina was subjected to analysis at vegetative and reproductive stages of development, with a particular emphasis on its chemical composition, α-amylase inhibition, and allelopathic activities. The results of the gas chromatography and molecular docking studies demonstrated alterations in oil yield and composition throughout the developmental stages. Before blooming, hydrocarbons were the predominant compounds, while monoterpenes were abundant during the reproductive stage, with higher concentrations of eugenol (8.

Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid Decomposition Promoted by Gold Nanoparticles Supported on a Porous Polymer Matrix.

Formic acid (FA) is considered one of the most promising carriers of clean and safe dihydrogen. This study highlights the potential of using poly-(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) as a support for AuNPs to produce H through formic acid dehydrogenation (FAD). The developed synthesis method allows for precise control over the gold content by completely encapsulating AuNPs (4-6 nm) within the PPO matrix, ensuring a uniform distribution of nanoparticles with an active cubic morphology.

Chitosan-based strategies as eco-friendly solutions for controlling contamination in wine production.

Introduction: This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of chitosan against , a wine spoilage yeast responsible for producing volatile phenols that lead to undesirable sensory defects commonly referred to as "Brett" character. The most widely used antimicrobial compound in oenology is sulphur dioxide (SO), due to its broad spectrum of action, but growing consumer demand for reduced chemical additives and evidence of spp. resistance to it, have encouraged different alternative strategies.

Unveiling the Solvent Effect: DMSO Interaction with Human Nerve Growth Factor and Its Implications for Drug Discovery.

The Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is essential for neuronal survival and function and represents a key therapeutic target for pain and inflammation-related disorders, as well as for neurodegenerative diseases. Small-molecule antagonists of human NGF (hNGF) offer advantages over monoclonal antibodies, including oral availability and reduced immunogenicity. However, their development is often hindered by solubility challenges, necessitating the use of solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

Anti-inflammatory potential of Grewialin from Grewia optiva: insights from molecular docking, ADMET, DFT, and in-vitro studies.

Grewia optiva, a medicinal plant native to northern Pakistan, has traditionally been valued for managing pain and inflammation. Among its bioactive constituents, Grewialin, a compound isolated from the stem bark, has garnered attention as a promising candidate for anti-inflammatory drug development. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Grewialin using a combination of in-silico and in-vitro approaches, focusing on its effects on lipoxygenase (LOX) and neutrophil respiratory burst activity.

Neuroprotective Potential of Curcumin in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Clinical Insights Into Cellular and Molecular Signaling Pathways.

Progressive neuronal loss and dysfunction characterize neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, spinal cord injury, and stroke, making them difficult to treat. Curcumin, a bioactive substance derived from the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), is interesting due to its potential neuroprotective properties. This review thoroughly shows the cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms that curcumin utilizes to provide neuroprotective effects in NDs.

Redox-Additive Gel Polymer Electrolyte Based on the Biodegradable Polymer Pectin for Supercapacitors with Enhanced Thermal Stability.

The implementation of environmentally green materials in energy storage technologies is essential to ensure a fair and ethical transition to net zero. In this work, we present a gel electrolyte (GPE) based on pectin, a biodegradable natural biopolymer synthesized by using lithium chloride (LiCl) and potassium iodide (KI) as redox additives to enhance the performance of a supercapacitor. GPE shows enhanced thermal stability and flame retardancy, as confirmed by thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis.

Hidden costs of beauty: An in vitro study on the ecotoxicological impacts of ultraviolet filters and parabens on the bioindicator species Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Skincare is an increasing concern, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin diseases and photoaging, increasing demand for photoprotective personal care products (PCPs). PCPs contain UV filters, namely ecamsule (ECA), 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and octocrylene (OC), and parabens, such as propylparaben (PPb) and methylparaben (MPb). These enter the environment, posing toxicity risks to marine species.

Cost-Effective Bimetallic Catalysts for Green H Production in Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers.

Green hydrogen production from water electrolysis (WE) is one of the most promising technologies to realize a decarbonized future and efficiently utilize intermittent renewable energy. Among the various WE technologies, the emerging anion exchange membrane (AEMWE) technology shows the greatest potential for producing green hydrogen at a competitive price. To achieve this goal, simple methods for the large-scale synthesis of efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts are needed.

Unveiling a novel ellagic acid derivative as a potent lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitor: integration of computational modeling and experimental validation.

Cornus macrophylla has been traditionally recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in managing inflammatory conditions. However, a scientific understanding of its bioactive constituents and mechanisms remains underexplored. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from the bark of C.

Tracing chalcolithic population mobility using strontium isotopes and proteomics at Gumelnița site, Romania.

The Kodjadermen-Gumelnița-Karonovo VI human group (KGK VI) reached its maximal extension around 4500 BC, covering a large area comprised between southern Ukraine and northern Greece. Afterward, its distribution gradually receded, before vanishing altogether at the end of the fifth - early fourth millenniums BC. This study seeks to investigate the role of individual mobility during this process by performing strontium isotopic analyses on the human remains found at Gumelnița, Romania.

Post Mortem Findings of Cetaceans Stranded Along the Campania Coast from 2016 to 2022.

The presence of cetaceans along the Campania coast has always been documented. Between 2016 and 2022, out of 65 cetaceans stranded along the Campania coast, 46 were studied for bacteriological, virological, parasitological, and histopathological investigations. The results highlighted that for 59% (n = 27) of the specimens, the cause of death was of natural origin, while for only 2% (n = 1) of animals, the origin of death was ascribed to anthropic causes.

A multiplexed LC-MS/MS method to reveal changes in inflammatory and coagulation cascades induced by host infection.

Inflammation has been considered a pivotal player in the most severe forms of respiratory infections like COVID-19, which induces a significant alteration of inflammatory cytokines called cytokine storm. Above the immune system, abnormalities in coagulation parameters have been observed in COVID-19-affected subjects displaying an increased risk of a blood clot causing thromboembolic events. Currently, clinical methods for monitoring infections rely on serological tests that detect the antibody response using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).