Search Results (1,472)

Pancreatic cancer is one of the highly malignant cancers that have poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The development of targeted therapies is important for improving patient outcomes. In this study, we analyzed the datasets from the GEO database to identify potential mRNA biomarkers for pancreatic cancer. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was performed in R to identify genes that expressed differentially between tumor and normal samples. TFF1 and LAMC2 emerged as key candidate genes for pancreatic cancer among the identified DEGs. Additionally drugs approved by the FDA were repurposed as an inhibitor against key genes. These findings suggest that these genes play a significant role in pancreatic cancer progression and have the potential to serve as molecular elements for targeted therapies. Full article

The blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) is a red fruit with great potential as a functional food thanks to its composition, which is rich in antioxidants. This work focused on the study of two byproducts of blackberry (skins and seeds) after juice production, with the aim of characterizing them and studying their bioactivity. The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of the products, determined by ABTS, as well as their colonic fermentation fractions, were analyzed. In addition, their genotoxicity and effect on the intestinal microbiota were evaluated after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation. Blackberry byproducts, namely skin and seeds, are rich in phenolic compounds, especially the skin, which is rich in anthocyanins and presents an antioxidant capacity that makes it potentially usable as a functional ingredient. All the fermented samples present in vitro genoprotective activity and a modulation effect on the intestinal microbiota, promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and reducing the abundance of the Clostridia XIVa cluster and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. A similar effect was observed for the skin and seeds. The results provide insights into the digestive properties and health benefits of blackberry byproducts after consumption. Full article

The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Genes (IECGE2024) was organized by the MDPI open access journal Genes and held online from the 11th to 13th December 2024. This conference provided leading scientists with an online platform to share their latest research and engage in exciting discussions. The main topics and sessions of the conference were as follows: Non-coding RNAs in Health and Diseases; Genetic Diagnosis and Targeted Therapy in Cancer; Microbial Genetics and Genomics; Technologies and Resources for Genetics Research; Human Genomics and Genetic Diseases. This was an excellent opportunity for researchers and scientists to interact with each other, communicate with their colleagues, learn from each other, share ideas and results, help solve problems, and suggest alternative options for a better future. Full article

Oat (Avena sativa L.) is one of the most important self-fertilizing field plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has no significant requirements regarding growing conditions but has a very good reaction to fertilization. The current research evaluated the significance of the effects of individual applications of mineral (NPK) and organo-mineral (OMF) fertilizers, as well as their individual combination with slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂), on the yield, morphological traits [mean number of leaves per plant—MNLP, minimum leaf length (cm) per plant—MinLL, maximum leaf length (cm) per plant—MaxLL, number of ears per plant—NEP], and physiological parameters (nitrogen balance index—NBI, content of chlorophyll—Chl, flavonoids—Flv, anthocyanins—Ant) of organic and pelleted (graded) oat plants, comparing the treatments and in relation to the control. The experiment was performed in semi-controlled glasshouse conditions, in pots, from the fourth week of March to the fourth week of June 2024, using Vertisol soil. This soil is characterized as light clay with an acid reaction. Physiological parameters were measured using a Dualex leaf clip sensor. The results obtained showed that physiological parameters in both oat types significantly differed (p < 0.05) between the treatments applied and in relation to the control, whereas the morphological traits did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) between the treatments. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the yield of both oat types were most pronounced in the OMF + Slaked Lime treatment (organic: 4.49 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 4.61 g pot⁻¹) in relation to the control (organic: 2.48 g pot⁻¹; pelleted: 2.63 g pot⁻¹). The pelleted oats showed slightly better results for the effects of different treatments across all tested parameters compared to organic oats. In conclusion, the best results were obtained with the use of OMF + Slaked Lime, which could be proposed as the optimal fertilization treatment for pelleted and organic oat cultivation based on this research. Full article

Background: Crude extracts are easily available and considered safe and cost-effective in comparison with synthetic extracts and are more accessible compared with purified compounds, making them suitable for initial screening and exploratory studies in drug discovery. Introduction: Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita pepo are medicinal plants that belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, commonly known as cucumber and pumpkin, comprising a series of phytochemicals such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, oleanolic acid, saponin, and triterpenoids. Materials and Methods: In this study, an ethanol extract of Cucumis sativus and Cucurbita pepo whole plants was used to assess their hypoglycemic effects in a fasted, fed, glucose-loaded and streptozotocin-induced diabetes model of albino rats followed by Molecular Spectroscopic (FTIR and UV-Vis) analysis. Blood sugar levels were determined from samples collected at different intervals (0, 1, 3, and 4 h). Results and Conclusions: A significant blood glucose reduction was observed as a result of both plants’ extracts, while the greatest reduction was shown by Cucumis sativus. The UV-Vis profile showed several absorption bands ranging from 200 to 800 nm, showing the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, carotenoids, and chlorophyll. The FTIR spectra reveal the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to the extracts’ nutritional and biological value. Further research is needed to determine the active agents and the likely mechanism of action of both the plants regarding their hypoglycemic effects. Full article

Understanding the intricate and dynamic nature of brain disorders, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia, presents a formidable challenge due to their inherent chaotic properties, which defy conventional analytical approaches. In response to this challenge, our research introduces a groundbreaking methodology aimed at simulating the chaotic behavior characteristic of these neurological conditions using advanced electrical circuit models. By conceptualizing the interactions among neurons and synapses as electrical components within our model, we endeavor to unravel the complex underlying mechanisms driving these disorders. Leveraging insights from chaos theory and drawing upon the rich toolkit of electrical engineering, our simulation framework offers a novel perspective on the ways in which disruptions within neural circuits manifest as pathological states, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of brain diseases. Through rigorous numerical simulations and thorough analysis, we illustrate the efficacy of our approach in deciphering the chaotic dynamics inherent in these disorders, thus laying the foundation for the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, our research underscores the paramount importance of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of neuroscience and electrical engineering; as such, synergistic partnerships hold the key to unlocking new frontiers in understanding and effectively treating complex neurological disorders, thus paving the way for improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Full article

The positive effects of probiotic strains on human health are well documented, with growing evidence that interactions between different strains enhance these benefits. Lactoplantibacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., key members of the gut microbiota, have been extensively studied for their probiotic potential. This study presents preliminary findings on the bioactive effects of cell-free supernatants from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains on bifidobacteria. Using the Gompertz equation, the impact on microbial growth kinetics was analyzed, revealing strain- and species-dependent stimulation or inhibition during the growth and death phases. These findings suggest potential prebiotic activity and represent novel insights into L. plantarum supernatants’ bioactivity on bifidobacteria. Full article

Pulque is an ethnic and traditional fermented beverage produced and consumed in Mexico; it is obtained from certain varieties of Agave, and its final alcohol content is around 4% to 7%. It is rich in protein and its carbohydrate content brings it a characteristic flavor; also, some probiotic bacteria are present in pulque. On the other hand, foams are a colloid system where the air bubble phase is dispersed in a continuous liquid phase. The foaming of liquids has been recognized as a method that shortens processes such as drying and preserves quality attributes. The present work studied the drainage kinetics of different pulque foams prepared with egg white in order to obtain a product suitable for further drying. Different egg white and pulque concentrations, as well as mixing times, were evaluated. The drainage volume was recorded and foam density was determined among different experiments. It was found that the lowest volume was drained when mixing for 20 min, and the lowest foam density was obtained when egg white and pulque were mixed in a 2:1 ratio. The drainage kinetics of the foam determines important information for its further use in a new product with pulque. Full article

The study of muscle activation patterns using surface electromyography (sEMG) provides critical insights into muscle coordination, enabling advancements in prosthetics, robotics, and rehabilitation by improving intuitive control, replicating human movements, and developing targeted therapeutic strategies. The study involved 15 healthy participants aged 20–27, using Trigno Avanti sensors to record sEMG signals from forearm muscles during specific gestures, with data processed into activation maps to analyze muscle activity and coordination for applications in rehabilitation and prosthetics. The results revealed distinct muscle activation patterns for each gesture, highlighting precise muscle coordination, with specific muscles like m. flexor carpi ulnaris and m. extensor digitorum showing varying levels of involvement depending on the movement, while m. brachioradialis remained inactive across all gestures. The study’s findings enhance our understanding of motor control by revealing specific muscle activation patterns for different hand gestures, highlighting the selectivity of muscle coordination, and suggesting avenues for future research to improve prosthetic design and rehabilitation strategies. Full article

Besides the other factors, the microclimate (terroir) influences the quality characteristics of wine. The Assyrtiko variety has adapted to the volcanic soil of Santorini but under climate change, finding an ideal location for full grape ripening represents a challenge in preserving the PDO quality of Santorini wines. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of location and harvesting time on the quality of Assyrtiko wine. It assessed the location effect (three distant plots of land in three distant areas of the island) on the composition of grapes (water uptake, pH, sugar, and organic acid accumulation) during the ripening. The grapes were vinified using the same procedure. The aromatic volatile profile of the wines was evaluated with GC-MS. A two-way ANOVA revealed that besides location and harvest time, their interaction is also significant for the parameters studied, except for the interaction effect involving sugar content. The analysis of volatile aromatic compounds revealed that the wine from grapes harvested at a later date had a higher aromatic intensity with notes of citrus, white-fleshed, and tropical fruits. This wine surpasses the levels of 2-phenylethanol, isoamyl acetate, linalool, and 2-phenylethyl ester with 17.8%, 7.7%, 21.1%, and 15.6%, respectively, compared to the immediate next in descending order. Results suggest that the grape variety is better suited to the local climatic conditions when full grape ripeness is reached by the end of the growing season. Full article

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder afflicting millions of people worldwide. Malnutrition is frequently associated with AUD, which could be the result of reduced nutritional intake and impairment in the absorption/metabolism of nutrients because of excessive alcohol drinking. Interestingly, the higher consumption of high calorie/palatable foods is reported in recovering alcoholics who stayed sober. However, it is unclear if the higher calorie or rewarding properties of these palatable foods accounted for the protective effect in these conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the palatable food intake in male and female alcohol-preferring (P-rats) and compared it to alcohol-non-preferring rats (NP-rats). Importantly, alcohol-preferring (P-rats) were selectively bred for a higher alcohol preference and are regarded as a well-characterized model of alcoholism. A group of P- and NP-rats received a high-fat diet (40% fat) on four separate days over a two-week period, and their 24 h caloric intake and change in body weight were recorded. Standard chow and water were available unrestricted to all groups for the entire duration of the study. Total caloric intake in both P- and NP-rats was significantly increased on HFD access days compared to chow-only days, an effect observed in both males and females. Further analysis revealed that the total caloric intake in the P-rats was significantly lower compared to the NP-rats, an effect more significant and pronounced in the female group of rats. Furthermore, body weight increase during this period was significantly lower in the P-rats than the NP-rats, an effect more significant and pronounced in the male group of rats. These data not only document the important differences in the palatable diet intake between alcohol-preferring and non-preferring rats and the sex differences but also highlight that a higher alcohol preference does not necessarily equate to a higher intake of high calorie/palatable food. Full article

Introduction: The third step in histidine degradation is catalysed by imidazolonepropionase. It catalyses the conversion of 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid to produce N-formimino-L-glutamic acid by hydrolyzing the carbon-nitrogen bonds. The histidine is a very expensive amino acid inside the cell and its degradation is a very conserved process. To date, very few reports are there regarding the structure of bacterial imidazolonepropionase but no reports have been published regarding the comparative structure and sequence analysis of this enzyme from bacterial sources. Methods: An in-silico study has been done to characterize the imidazolonepropionase from gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and gram-negative Agrobacterium fabrum. Results: The sequence analysis revealed that a higher amount of charged residues are present in Bacillus subtilis. These charged residues help in the increment of polarity and hydrophilicity of Bacillus subtilis. The formation of intra-protein interactions was also high in gram-positive species. Interestingly, both species have almost equal abundance of aromatic amino acids in their sequences, but the formation of aromatic-aromatic interactions was high in Bacillus subtilis. Finally, the molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that imidazolonepropionase from Bacillus subtilis was more stable and compact than Agrobacterium fabrum. Conclusions: The imidazolonepropionase from Bacillus subtilis was more stable than Agrobacterium fabrum. Due to the presence of higher stable imidazolonepropionase in Bacillus subtilis, it can use histidine more efficiently. Full article

This paper aimed to determine the quality of reclaimed water using biochar. Turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), total suspended solid (TSS), and E. coli analyses were performed to determine the effluent’s quality. At the end of the treatment, the water reclaimed from greywater met the requirements of Class B quality according to European Union (EU) legislation. This study verified that malt dust-derived biochar is an efficient and low-cost adsorbent that can be used to obtain reclaimed water. The reclaimed water was used for the irrigation of the green areas of Osmanbey Campus in Turkey. It was reported that on average %30 of water consumption was prevented by water reuse. Full article

One ton of potatoes processed to starch yields 5 to 12 m³ of potato fruit juice (PFJ), containing 30–41 wt% per dry matter protein with a high nutritional value that is comparable to eggs and has all essential amino acids. However, high levels of phenolics reduce potato protein concentrate (PPC) quality and taste. This study deployed a sustainable method evaluating novel adsorption resins to bind phenolics in PFJ and improve the PPC. Resins exhibited aqueous phenolic binding capacities ranging from 317 ± 0.5 mg to 606 ± 0.9 mg of Gallic Acid bound per mL of resin. The best performing resin, Strong Anion Exchanger (SAX) 002, significantly reduced PFJ total phenolic content (TPC) from 295 ± 0.6 μg/mL to 84 ± 0.1 μg/mL (Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)). Weak Anion Exchanger (WAX) 007 and 008 also decreased TPC to 155 ± 0.2 μg/mL GAE and 154 ± 0.3 μg/mL GAE, respectively. However, the most effective phenolic-binding resin resulted in a lower PPC yield versus control. In contrast, WAX 003 showed moderate phenolic removal but resulted in a higher yield (60 ± 0.69% to 90.1 ± 0.1% of control), demonstrating a trade-off between phenolic reduction and PPC recovery. SAX resins are superior in lowering PFJ and PPC phenolic content through adsorption. The results show the possibilities of using specialized resins to improve PPC quality for human consumption. Full article