Aquatic Invertebrate Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight Against Aquaculture Pathogens.

The intensification of aquaculture has escalated disease outbreaks and overuse of antibiotics, driving the global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a promising alternative due to their rapid, broad-spectrum activity, low AMR risk, and additional bioactivities, including immunomodulatory, anticancer, and antifouling properties. AMPs derived from aquatic invertebrates, particularly marine-derived, are well-suited for aquaculture, offering enhanced stability in high-salinity environments.

1,8-Cineole reduces pulmonary vascular remodelling in pulmonary arterial hypertension by restoring intercellular communication and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Background: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodelling, often associated with disruption of BMPR2/Smad1/5 and BMPR2/PPAR-γ signalling pathways that ultimately lead to right ventricle failure. Disruption of intercellular junctions and communication and a pro-angiogenic environment are also characteristic features of PAH. Although, current therapies improve pulmonary vascular tone, they fail to tackle other key pathological features that could prevent disease progression.

Soothing the Itch: The Role of Medicinal Plants in Alleviating Pruritus in Palliative Care.

Chronic pruritus, or persistent itching, is a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life, especially in palliative care settings. Traditional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief or are associated with significant side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies. This review investigates the antipruritic potential of eight medicinal plants: chamomile (), aloe vera (), calendula (), curcumin (), lavender (), licorice (), peppermint (), and evening primrose ().

Coumarins and Hesperetin Inhibit Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most prevalent viruses that causes severe acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) in the elderly and young children. There is no specific drug to treat RSV, only a broad-spectrum antiviral, ribavirin, which is only used in critical cases. Our research group is investigating antiviral agents of natural origin, such as coumarins and flavonoids, that may help reduce or prevent RSV infection.

Production of Cellulose Nanoparticles from Cashew Apple Bagasse by Sequential Enzymatic Hydrolysis with an Ultrasonic Process and Its Application in Biofilm Packaging.

Cellulose nanostructures obtained from lignocellulosic biomass via enzymatic processes may offer advantages in terms of material properties and processing sustainability. Thus, in this study, cellulose nanoparticles with a spherical morphology were produced through the enzymatic hydrolysis of cashew apple bagasse (CAB). CAB was previously subjected to alkaline and acid-alkali pretreatment, and the pretreated solids were labeled as CAB-PTA and CAB-PT-HA, respectively.