The Ordered Structures Formed by Janus-like Particles on a Triangular Lattice.

The formation of ordered structures by Janus-like particles, composed of two parts (A and B), with orientation-dependent interactions on a triangular lattice was studied using Monte Carlo methods. The assumed lattice model allows each particle to take on one of the six orientations. The interaction between the A parts of neighboring particles was assumed to be attractive, while the AB and BB interactions were assumed to be repulsive.

Exploring and Nematode Symbionts in Search of Novel Therapeutics.

and bacteria, which live in mutualistic symbiosis with entomopathogenic nematodes, are currently recognised as an important source of bioactive compounds. During their extraordinary life cycle, these bacteria are capable of fine regulation of mutualism and pathogenesis towards two different hosts, a nematode and a wide range of insect species, respectively. Consequently, survival in a specific ecological niche favours the richness of biosynthetic gene clusters and respective metabolites with a specific structure and function, providing templates for uncovering new agrochemicals and therapeutics.

Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Characterization, and Antioxidant, Protective, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity, of the Polyphenolic Fraction from .

is a valuable plant widely consumed worldwide and considered a rich source of polyphenols. This study examined the impact of the polyphenolic fraction isolated from basil (ObF) on human normal colon epithelial cells and human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, evaluating its anti-inflammatory and protective activity against oxidative stress. The phytochemical characterization of the fraction was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with a photodiode detector (DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS).

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Nettle Polyphenolic Extract: Impact on Human Colon Cells and Cytotoxicity Against Colorectal Adenocarcinoma.

L. is one of the most widely utilized medicinal plants commonly applied in the form of tea, juice, and dietary supplements. This study aimed to assess the effect of the ethanol-water extract (UdE) and polyphenolic fraction isolated from the extract (UdF) on normal human colon epithelial cells and to evaluate their protective activity against induced oxidative stress.

Effect of Ionic Surfactants on Kinetics and Mechanism of the Bi(III) Ion Electroreduction in the Mixed Aqueous-Organic Solutions of Supporting Electrolytes.

This work presents the results of a study on the effect of ionic surfactants: cationic hexadecyltriammonium bromide (CTAB) and anionic sodium salt of sulfonic acid (1OSASS) on the Bi(III) electroreduction process in mixed aqueous-organic supporting electrolyte solutions containing methanol. This study showed that the composition of the supporting electrolyte solution, particularly the methanol and surfactant concentrations, significantly affects the mechanism and rate of the Bi(III) ion electroreduction. Analysis of the influence of the indicated factors on the mechanisms and kinetics of metal ion electroreduction can contribute not only to the optimization of industrial electrochemical processes but also to the development of innovative technological solutions, such as advanced electrochemical materials and novel sensors.

Transcriptomic Response of to Acidic Stress and Nutrient Limitation Is Versatile and Substantially Influenced by Extrachromosomal Gene Pool.

Multipartite genomes are thought to confer evolutionary advantages to bacteria by providing greater metabolic flexibility in fluctuating environments and enabling rapid adaptation to new ecological niches and stress conditions. This genome architecture is commonly found in plant symbionts, including nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, such as bv. TA1 (RtTA1), whose genome comprises a chromosome and four extrachromosomal replicons (ECRs).

Attachment and Detachment of Oil Droplets on Solid Surfaces: Insights from Molecular Simulations.

The behavior of oil droplets at solid surfaces is a key aspect of oil production and environmental protection. In this paper, the mechanisms of attachment and detachment of oil aggregates are studied via molecular dynamics simulations. The influence of oil-surface interactions on the shape and structure of adsorbed clusters is discussed.

Exploring the Potential of Fungal Biomass for Bisphenol A Removal in Aquatic Environments.

Bisphenol A is a plastic component, which shows endocrine activity that is detrimental to humans and aquatic ecosystems. The elimination of BPA from the environment is one of the solutions for BPA contaminant management. Adsorption is a cost-effective, easy-to-use method generating low harmful byproducts; nevertheless, contaminant sorbent treatment is a challenge that still needs to be addressed.

Better Ce (III) Sorption Properties of Unprocessed Chitinous Waste from than Commercial Chitosans.

Insect farming generates a new type of chitinous waste in the form of dead specimens that have died of natural causes and insect moults (puparia), particularly large amounts of which are generated during the rearing of holometabolous insects. Following the circular economy paradigm, we treated waste in the form of puparia and dead adults of as a valuable material, i.e.

Impact of DBD Plasma Jet Treatment on the Enamel Surface of Primary Teeth.

The impact of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment on the enamel of twelve primary teeth (incisors, canines, and molars) collected from six children was examined in order to evaluate the possibility of using the CAP technique in dental applications. A radio-frequency dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma jet operating at a voltage of 3.25 kV using a mixture of helium and oxygen as the working gas was used for the generation of plasma as part of the electro-technological method for the treatment of biological material.

Enhancement of Glutamate Uptake as Novel Antiseizure Approach: Preclinical Proof of Concept.

Objective: Excitotoxicity is a common hallmark of epilepsy and other neurological diseases associated with elevated extracellular glutamate levels. Thus, here, we studied the protective effects of (R)-AS-1, a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of glutamate uptake in epilepsy models.

Methods: (R)-AS-1 was evaluated in a range of acute and chronic seizure models, while its adverse effect profile was assessed in a panel of standard tests in rodents.

Can the pH-dependent adsorption of phenoxyalkanoic herbicides in soils be described with a single equation?

The six phenoxyalkanoic acid herbicides currently used in the European Union have similar molecular structures. Therefore, we assumed the soil components involved in the adsorption mechanisms of these herbicides to be identical. The values of the adsorption distribution coefficient K, obtained via batch experiments involving typical Polish Arenosol, Luvisol, and Chernozem profiles with a native pH of 4.

Biochar amendment affects the fate of phthalic acid esters in the soil-vegetable system.

Phthalates, e.g., esters of phthalic acid (PAEs), when used as plasticizers due to weak physical bonding with polymer matrix favoring leaching, are widely noted in the environment.

Diverse prehistoric cattle husbandry strategies in the forests of Central Europe.

During the sixth millennium BCE, the first farmers of Central Europe rapidly expanded across a varied mosaic of forested environments. Such environments would have offered important sources of mineral-rich animal feed and shelter, prompting the question: to what extent did early farmers exploit forests to raise their herds? Here, to resolve this, we have assembled multi-regional datasets, comprising bulk and compound-specific stable isotope values from zooarchaeological remains and pottery, and conducted cross-correlation analyses within a palaeo-environmental framework. Our findings reveal a diversity of pasturing strategies for cattle employed by early farmers, with a notable emphasis on intensive utilization of forests for grazing and seasonal foddering in some regions.

Biochemical characterization of a recombinant laccase from Halalkalibacterium halodurans C-125 and its application in the biotransformation of organic compounds.

Objectives: This study aimed to produce an engineered recombinant laccase from extremophilic Halalkalibacterium halodurans C-125 (Lac-HhC-125) with higher protein yield, into a more active conformation and with properties that meet the fundamental needs of biotechnological application.

Results: The rLac-HhC125 was partially purified by size exclusion chromatography and concentrated by ultrafiltration (10 kDa) with a yield of 57.6%.

Synthesis and characterization of a crosslinked deacetylated chitin modified chicken bone waste-derived hydroxyapatite and TiO biocomposite for defluoridation of drinking water.

This work represents an innovative approach to the synthesis and characterization of a chitosan-based biocomposite for fluoride adsorption. The work involved the development of a biocomposite based on modified chicken bone waste-derived hydroxyapatite and TiO. The composite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared analysis (FTIR), thermal-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Effect of Xenon Ion Irradiation on the Properties of Austenitic Steel AISI 316.

This study investigated changes in the crystal lattice, tribological properties and friction mechanism of AISI 316 steel irradiated with swift 160 MeV xenon ions. The irradiation process caused the increased roughness of the steel surface and the swelling of the material. The thickness of the irradiated layer increased by about 13 nm.

Potentiometric Electronic Tongue for the Evaluation of Multiple-Unit Pellet Sprinkle Formulations of Rosuvastatin Calcium.

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting genre of medicinal products. A frequent problem, however, is the need to mask the unpleasant taste of these drug substances. In the present work, we propose the use of a novel sensor array based on solid-state ion-selective electrodes to evaluate the taste-masking efficiency of rosuvastatin (ROS) sprinkle formulations.

Hydrodynamic Cavitation as a Method of Removing Surfactants from Real Carwash Wastewater.

The present work aimed to evaluate whether the use of an innovative method such as hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is suitable for the simultaneous removal of surfactants of different chemical natures (non-ionic, anionic and cationic) from actual car wash wastewater at different numbers of passes through the cavitation zone and different inlet pressures. An additional novelty was the use of multi-criteria decision support, which enabled the selection of optimal HC conditions that maximized the removal of each group of surfactants and chemical oxygen demand (COD) with minimal energy input. For the optimal HC variants, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR/ATR) as well as investigations of surface tension, zeta potential, specific conductivity, system viscosity and particle size were carried out.

Comparative study of the photosynthetic efficiency and leaf structure of four Cotoneaster species.

Plants belonging to the genus Cotoneaster can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with potential therapeutic properties. The natural habitats of most of these species are situated in Asia, Africa and southern Europe. Introducing them into other climatic conditions could expose them to abiotic and biotic stresses, affecting their bioactive properties.

Hematologists' state of knowledge on practical aspects of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adult patients: A Young Hematologists' Club survey.

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome with various etiologies. Its treatment is complicated by several important but not immediately obvious issues (e.g.

Application of Response Surface Methodology to Design and Optimize Purification of Acetone or Aqueous Acetone Extracts of Hop Cones ( L.) Using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Xanthohumol Isolation.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are an ideal sorbent for magnetic dispersion extraction due to their superparamagnetic properties and developed and active surface. This work aims to use IONPs, obtained by chemical co-precipitation, to purify 100% acetone and 50% acetone extracts from hop cones ( L.) obtained by ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction.