Rice bran is rich in bioactive compounds, but its potential for cosmeceutical applications remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the anti-melanogenic effects of a 70% ethanol extract of rice bran prepared by ultrasonication in distilled water. The extract was evaluated for DPPH radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity, tyrosinase inhibition, melanin production, and associated signaling pathways in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. The rice bran extract exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity and showed no cytotoxicity in B16F10 cells. It also inhibited tyrosinase activity in a dose-dependent manner and suppressed melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. Mechanistically, the extract reduced the TRP1, TRP2, and MITF protein levels, while increasing the phosphorylation of Erk and Akt in B16F10 cells. In addition, treatment with PD98059 or LY294002 attenuated the extract-induced downregulation of MITF and altered MITF phosphorylation. These findings suggest that rice bran extract may serve as a potential cosmeceutical ingredient for controlling melanogenesis, warranting further cosmeceutical investigation.
Epigenetic alterations are increasingly being evaluated as diagnostic biomarkers and risk-stratification tools in surgical pathology and cytopathology. The clinical implementation of epigenetic biomarkers requires more than the demonstration of disease-associated molecular changes. DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs may provide clinically relevant information, but their clinical value depends on reproducibility, specimen adequacy, analytical robustness, interpretability, and suitability for clinical reporting. These requirements are particularly relevant in cytopathology and molecular testing of body fluid specimens, where specimens may have low cellularity or suboptimal nucleic acid quality, and morphological interpretation may be equivocal. Urothelial carcinoma represents an informative model because urine-based methylation assays illustrate both the potential and the limitations of epigenetic translation. These assays have been explored as adjunctive tools to cytology in selected diagnostic and surveillance settings, without replacing guideline-based cystoscopic follow-up. This editorial introduces the Special Issue "Epigenetics in Diagnostic Pathology: Translational Biomarkers, Technologies, and Clinical Impact" and supports a translational approach grounded in diagnostic pathology, in which epigenetic biomarkers are evaluated according to their capacity to generate reliable diagnostic evidence in routine clinical specimens.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the need for novel natural antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and redox-modulatory effects of Tanacetum argyrophyllum essential oil (EO) against Escherichia coli wild-type (E. coli K12) and kanamycin-resistant (E. coli pARG-25) strains. EO extraction yielded 0.1% (v/w), with eucalyptol (35%), camphor (24%), and camphene (17%) as major constituents, thus defining a eucalyptol-camphor chemotype. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 100 mu L/mL for both strains. Biophysical analyses revealed that EO exposure delayed the decline in the extracellular oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and altered the pH dynamics, thus reflecting interference with bacterial kinetics, metabolic activity, and organic acid production. Biochemical assays indicated strain-specific oxidative stress responses: malondialdehyde formation increased by similar to 50% in the resistant strain, accompanied by substantial upregulation of superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, whereas the wild-type strain showed moderate changes. These data suggest that T. argyrophyllum EO disrupts bacterial redox homeostasis, likely via the modulation of antioxidant defenses, thus resulting in reduced viability and enhanced oxidative stress in resistant cells. The findings provide some influence modes into EO-mediated bacteriostatic effects and support its potential as a natural agent that targets kanamycin-resistant bacteria through redox-dependent pathways.
Modern nanotechnology focuses on developing environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing nanomaterials. Among these, the biosynthesis of nanoparticles using biological microorganisms has emerged as a promising strategy. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using the extracellular secretions of the fungus Aspergillus niger. The fungal strain was successfully isolated from rice wine yeast and identified as Aspergillus niger QNUGT6 based on morphological characterization and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene region. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by a visible color change and the appearance of a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 410 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed diffraction peaks corresponding to crystalline AgNPs. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the involvement of various functional groups in the culture medium responsible synthesized AgNPs were spherical with an average size of 26.1 +/- 7.8 nm. Moreover, the synthesized provides further evidence for the potential use of Aspergillus fungi to control the properties of AgNPs.
Jumbo bacteriophages possess exceptionally large capsids accommodating genomes encode additional proteins, which support their infection and replication. A distinctive structural element, known as the inner body, has been observed in a number of phiKZ-like phage particles its proteins are believed to play an essential role in phage genome organization and ejection. However, the precise localization and three-dimensional structure of the inner body have remained elusive. Here, we applied the high-dose cryo-electron microscopy ("bubblegram") approach to localize the inner body within the capsid of phiKZ-like jumbo phage phiK601. The inner body was resolved cylindrical structure approximately 22 nm in diameter, tilted by similar to 20 degrees relative to the tail axis positioned asymmetrically, likely contacting the portal vertex and the opposing capsid edge. surrounded by 17 concentric layers of packaged DNA and exhibits positional flexibility within capsid.
Cryo electron tomography (cryo-ET) enables three-dimensional visualization of biological macromolecules in their near-native environments, bridging the gap between structural and cellular biology. In this study, we evaluated high-resolution subtomogram averaging (STA) using a cryo-TEM (CRYO ARM (TM) 300 II, JEOL) and PACEtomo software system for both single-particle analysis (SPA) type grids and lamellae prepared by cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling (JIB-4700F, JEOL). Using mouse apoferritin and E. coli ribosomes in thin vitreous ice film, resolutions of 2.04 & Aring; and 2.86 & Aring; were achieved, respectively. Using cryo-FIB lamellae of Salmonella cells, in situ ribosome structures were resolved to 8.2 & Aring; resolution.
Purpose. This study aims to evaluate how different shield materials and aperture sizes impact dosimetric properties within the planning target volume (PTV) across various electron beam energies. Material and Methods. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using a 30 & times; 30 & times; 30 cm3 solid water phantom covered with a custom bolus-shield assembly. The phantom was irradiated with 6, 9, and 16 MeV electron beam energies. Shield materials included polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and lead alloy, while the bolus was made of ABS. Three configurations were tested, each pairing a fixed 0.5 cm thick ABS bolus with one of the shield materials (thicknesses were adjusted based on material properties). For each configuration, aperture sizes of 2 & times; 2, 5 & times; 5, and 8 & times; 8 cm2 were evaluated. Reference simulations were conducted for each energy using a 0.5 cm ABS bolus covering the entire phantom. Results. Our findings demonstrate that although ABS and PLA require thicker layers and result in wider penumbras than other materials, they are promising shield materials for low-and medium-energy electron beams. These materials improved surface dose coverage, offered superior deep-tissue protection, and eliminated dual hot spots yielding more favorable distributions. Moreover, sensitivity tests confirmed the model's robustness against setup errors up to +/- 5 degrees. However, larger angles introduced obliquity effects, establishing a 5 degrees tolerance limit for reliable clinical applications. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that traditional lead shields can be effectively replaced by a custom 3D-printed ABS or PLA unit that functions simultaneously as a bolus and shield. This approach is particularly effective for low and medium electron energies with small-to-moderate apertures, where it enhances surface dose and protects deep tissues more effectively. Ultimately, these findings confirm that tissue-equivalent polymer shields can satisfy clinical radiobiological requirements, offering a viable, non-toxic alternative to lead to optimizing patient safety during superficial cancer treatments.
Purpose. This study aims to compare the dosimetric characteristics of 3D-printed bolus materials acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA) with recently introduced natural rubber (NR) bolus. Materials and Methods. We employed Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate ABS, PLA, and NR boluses of thicknesses 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 cm under 6, 9, and 16 MeV electron beam irradiation. Percentage depth dose (PDD) data was analyzed to evaluate dosimetry parameters. Dosimetric stability under varying air-gap conditions was assessed by analyzing PDD curves under air-gap sizes of (0, 1, 3, 5 mm). Results. NR and ABS showed similar dosimetric profiles, whereas PLA showed enhanced deeper-tissue protection and provided 0.7-10.2% higher surface dose (SD). PLA also exhibited the highest stability, with SD and R90 deviations limited to 1% and 1.2%, respectively, under varying air-gap sizes. At 6 and 9 MeV, a 0.5 cm bolus failed to provide a single dose of 90% of maximum dose for nearly all tested materials Conclusion. NR demonstrated comparable dosimetric performance to ABS, serving as a viable substitute. PLA was optimal for maximizing SD and distal tissue sparing while exhibiting the lowest air-gap sensitivity. For tumors located several centimeters deep from the surface, 16 MeV electron beams were suitable. Furthermore, Dual hotspots were identified a substantial risk of localized normal tissue toxicity.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical autoimmune disease characterized by immune dysregulation and multi-organ damage. Recent advances have underscored the critical involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) biophysical properties in shaping immune cell behavior and metabolic states that contribute to disease progression. This review systematically delineates the pathological remodeling of ECM biophysics in SLE, with a focus on their roles in mechanotransduction, immune-metabolic interplay, and organ-specific tissue injury. By integrating current evidence, we highlight how ECM-derived mechanical cues orchestrate aberrant immune responses and propose new perspectives for targeting ECM-immune crosstalk in the development of organ-specific, mechanism-based therapies for SLE.
Calcium ions are universal signaling particles used alongside other signaling systems in animal cells. Changes in intracellular calcium concentration trigger vital reactions in different types of eukaryotic cells by acting through molecular calcium sensors. Over several decades, calcium imaging has been developed to study calcium-based signaling pathways. This method visualizes changes in intracellular free calcium using special fluorescent indicators. The retina, a type of nervous tissue in the eye, is responsible for perception, primary processing, and transmission of visual information to the brain. Signal cascades within retinal cells and synaptic transmission between cells play a crucial role in implementing these functions. Calcium plays a significant and diverse role in the functioning of the retina, in both normal and pathological conditions. Studying the fundamental processes of visual perception at the retinal level requires the visualization of changes in intracellular calcium concentration at different time scales, including very rapid changes. Consequently, the calcium imaging method, which was originally developed and used for studying other tissues, has now entered the field of visual neuroscience. While there are currently many examples of calcium imaging being used to study the functioning principles of all major types of retinal cells, adapting this method to the study of this tissue presents a number of difficulties. This review discussed these problems and how to solve them.
In the last decade, complementary metal-oxide semi-conductor (CMOS) cameras became the state-of-the-art technology in many biological applications, and the ability to reach high acquisition rates represents one of the characteristics that outperform previous technologies. In this review, I concentrated on neuronal functional imaging (voltage and/or ions) that requires recording fluorescence from multiples sites of a neuron or of a network at kHz rates to sample signals associated with neuronal excitability. After introducing the physical constrains of this type of imaging and reviewing the technologies used in the past, I analysed how CMOS can address the challenge of neuronal functional imaging. I focused on the characteristics of two CMOS cameras that are in use in my laboratory: DaVinci2K and Kinetix. DaVinci2K achieves high acquisitions rates at 14-bit depth by using parallel processing from 16 sub-sensors whereas Kinetix achieves higher spatiotemporal resolution by sampling fluorescence at 8-bit depth, but at the cost of decreasing the dynamic range which represents a limitation in several experimental scenarios. I present comparable membrane potential imaging recordings of action potentials from the axon initial segment, which were achieved at 20 kHz with the two cameras. Finally, I conclude the review with some perspective considerations on future availability of CMOS cameras that may overcome the performance of present devices and the limitations in developing optimal devices for biological and biomedical applications.
Triathlon is an endurance sport growing in popularity. There are various triathlon race formats that require different types of effort. However, there is a lack of information regarding the integrated physiological and biomechanical characteristics of the different race formats. Thus, our aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the biophysical characteristics of different triathlon race formats. The methodology was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines searching Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Eligibility criteria were defined for the PICOS strategy (healthy mature triathletes, biomechanical and/or physiological assessment, continuous efforts simulating either segments of races or full races, cardiovascular demand, aero/hydrodynamic, and a technical profile). The quality index was assessed with the Downs and Black Assessment Checklist. A total of 8560 articles were screened, of which 30 satisfied the inclusion criteria, and these were grouped in short-distance race formats (n = 18) and middle-distance race formats (n = 12). Overall, studies showed a quality score of 11.86 ± 1.05 points. The biophysical profile of triathlon is influenced by multiple factors, including race distance, competitive level, segment-specific demands, and sex. Within the literature, there is a lack of analysis concerning other race formats, such as long-distance events (e.g., Ironman and Deca-Ironman), as well as new emerging race formats (e.g., Supertri, Arena Supertri E World Triathlon Championship, or T100).
Due to increasing antibiotic resistance and a lack of new antibiotics, alternative treatments are urgently needed. This study investigates photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light-activated photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species that effectively inactivate bacteria. We evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of PDT against two pathogens that are resistant to current antibiotics, namely Staphylococcus epidermidis (Gram-positive) and Acinetobacter baumannii (Gram-negative), by testing various illumination protocols. The results showed that combining blue light (468 nm) and red light (632 nm) with methylene blue (MB) produced a synergistic effect in bacterial inactivation compared with protocols using either blue or red light individually in combination with methylene blue (MB). Specifically, after just 30 minutes of exposure, S. epidermidis showed a 3.3 log reduction (99.95%), while A. baumannii showed a 3.1 log reduction (99.92%) after 60 minutes. Overall, S. epidermidis was more sensitive to all tested protocols than A. baumannii. We also examined the effects of this protocol on antibiotic susceptibility. For most antibiotics tested, there was no change in the size of the inhibition zones. However, for linezolid, we observed a significant increase in the inhibition zone's diameter, indicating a possible enhanced susceptibility to this antibiotic.
Nucleic acid testing (NAT) is widely used in disease screening and diagnosis due to its high sensitivity and strong specificity. In addition, whole blood circulation analysis has become a promising non-invasive strategy for cancer diagnosis and surveillance. With the growing testing demand and the advancement of new amplification technologies, nucleic acid detection methods are evolving toward simplicity, speed, and cost-effectiveness. As the gold standard in nucleic acid detection, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) relies on expensive fluorescence reading equipment and professional operators and is not suitable for the rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases and other diseases. Biosensors have attracted the attention of scientists due to their advantages of rapidity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. They have been widely applied in medical diagnosis, including point-of-care testing, forensic science, and biomedical research. This paper reviews the recent research progress of NAT methods for pathogenic microorganisms and disease markers and points out future prospects of point-of-care testing, with great significance in improving health care and disease surveillance in resource-constrained areas.
The investigation of phytochemicals in plants has garnered substantial interest because of their potential therapeutic applications and pharmaceutical industries. These compounds can interact with biological systems, influencing critical biochemical mechanisms such as apoptosis, cell signaling, and oxidative stress. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action of these compounds is crucial to unlock their potential for developing novel agents for pharmaceuticals and health-promoting supplements. Breonadia salicina is a native species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries. This plant is used to treat of wounds, ulcers, fevers, headaches, gastrointestinal illness, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, inflammation, and bacterial and fungal infections. The roots were extracted via successive solvent extractions and evaluated for their antioxidant, phytochemical, and anticancer properties, with an emphasis on their apoptotic and underlying potential mechanisms. The ethanolic (REE), aqueous (AQR), ethyl acetate (EAR), and n-butanol (NBR) fractions significantly inhibited HT-29 cancer cells (p < 0.05). The EAR fractions displayed the strongest inhibition (IC50 of 22.5 g/mL) and promptly triggered early and late apoptosis and cell necrosis (p < 0.001). The EAR fractions demonstrated powerful TFC (19.4 Quercetin/g) activity, with IC50 values of 22 and 25 mg/ml for ABTS and DPPH, respectively. LC-MS/LC-HRM analysis revealed several phytochemicals in the EAR fractions that contributed to the potential properties of the plants, including polyphenols, coumarin derivatives, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, glycosides, and geniposidic acid. Notably, the in-silico cytotoxicity of these phytochemicals revealed the significant cytotoxicity of four potent compounds against six colon cancer cell lines, which presented the greatest interaction with the CDK2 enzyme (- 5.0 kcal/mol). These findings underscore the potential of the identified phytochemicals as promising anticancer or nutraceutical candidates for drug development and in the pharmaceutical industry.
