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The manufacturing and characterization of nanographite films on substrates form the foundation for advances in materials science. Conductive graphite films are challenging products, as isolating graphite oxide is often necessary. In this study, nanographite suspensions containing non-oxidized graphite flakes were used to fabricate novel thin and ultrathin films via blade coating on industry-standard substrates. Films as thin as 346 nm were successfully fabricated. Moreover, it was possible to induce the orientation of the graphite nanoflakes via blade coating. This orientation led to electrical anisotropy; thus, the electrical behavior of the films in each orthogonal direction differed. After adjusting the coating parameters and the concentration of the nanographite flakes, the electrical conductivity ranged from 0.04 S/cm to 0.33 S/cm. In addition, with such adjustments, the transparency of the films in the visible range varied from 20% to 75%. By establishing a methodology for the tuning of both electrical and optical properties via adjustments in the nanographite suspension and coating parameters, we can fabricate resistant, conductive, and transparent films satisfying certain requirements. The results presented here can be extrapolated to enhance applications, especially for photonics and solar cells, in fields that require electrical conductive materials with high levels of transparency.

The strategies used to associate peptide arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) with calcium phosphate grafts to enhance cell–biomaterial interactions have been controversial in the literature. Several works have demonstrated that RGD-functionalized hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces improve cell adhesion, whereas others claim that RGD-loaded HA has an inhibitory effect when serum is present in the biological medium. To investigate such contradictory results, we associated RGD with the HA surface using physical adsorption and chemical bonding methods and evaluated the cell adhesion and spreading in pre-osteoblasts culture with and without fetal bovine serum (FBS). The effect of functionalization methods on the physicochemical characteristics of both surfaces was analyzed using multiscale techniques. Adsorption assays of serum allowed us to estimate the impact of the association method on the HA surface’s reactivity. Physically adsorbed RGD did not increase the number of adhered cells due to the weak interactions between the peptide and the surface. Although chemical binding stabilizes RGD on the HA, the functionalization procedure covered the surface with molecules such as (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTEs) and carbodiimide, changing the surface’s chemical activity. Serum protein adsorption decreased by 90%, revealing a significant reduction in the surface interactions with molecules of the biological medium. The present study’s findings showed that the RGD’s physical association with HA did not improve cell adhesion and that this phenomenon is highly dependent on the presence of serum proteins.

Liver ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) during hepatic surgeries can lead to liver cell death via oxidative stress and the activation of immune cells, the release of cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Ascorbic acid has been shown to confer potential protective effects against IR injury, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid infusion at different time points during hepatic IR in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups that received the same total ascorbic acid dose at three different infusion times: before ischaemia, before reperfusion, or before both ischaemia and reperfusion. All of the animals experienced hepatic IR injury. We measured the hepatic enzymes, cytokines, and portal blood flow. Animals receiving ascorbic acid before both ischaemia and reperfusion had lower liver enzyme levels, reduced inflammation, and better portal venous flow than other animals. Divided doses of ascorbic acid before IR may be beneficial for reducing liver injury associated with IR.

EFFECTS OF MULTIPLE STRUCTURES AND TORSIONAL ANHARMONICITY FOR THE HYDROGEN ABSTRACTION REACTIONS OF THE THMETHYL BUTANOATE BY H RADICAL. Thermal rate constants for the hydrogen abstraction reactions of the methyl butanoate (MB) by H radical were estimated by applying the multistructural canonical variational theory with small-curvature tunneling (CVT/SCT). The conformational search was performed at MPWB1K/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory and 68 distinguishable conformers for MB and transition state located. The multistructural and torsional anharmonicity effects were corrected through the rovibrational partition functions calculated with the multistructural method based on a coupled torsional potential, MS-T(C). The MS-CVT/SCT thermal rate constants are shown in good concordance with previous combustion models. After fitting the rate constants in a four-parameters equation, the activation energy showed a temperature dependence. The product branching ratios indicate a preference for (Rα) until 500 K. Above this temperature, the contribution of other reactions becomes relevant, especially for (Rβ).

Modular timber construction embodies a pioneering and eco-friendly methodology within the building sector. With the notable progress made in manufacturing technologies and the advent of engineered wood products, timber has evolved into a promising substitute for conventional materials such as concrete, masonry, and steel. Beyond its structural attributes, timber brings environmental advantages, including its inherent capacity for carbon sequestration and a reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional materials. Timber’s lightweight nature, coupled with its versatility and efficiency in factory-based production, accelerates modular construction processes, providing a sustainable solution to the growing demands of the building industry. This work thoroughly explores contemporary modular construction using wood as the primary material. The investigation spans various aspects, from the fundamentals of modularity and the classification of modular timber solutions to considerations of layout design, structural systems, and stability at both the building and module levels. Moreover, inter-module joining techniques, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) integration, and designs for disassembly are scrutinized. The investigation led to the conclusion that timber modular construction, drawing inspiration from the steel modular concept, consistently utilizes a structural approach based on linear members (timber frame, post-and-beam, etc.), incorporating stability configurations and diverse joint techniques. Despite the emphasis on modularization and prefabrication for adaptability, a significant portion of solutions still concentrate on the on-site linear assembly process of those linear members. Regarding modularity trends, the initial prevalence of 2D and 3D systems has given way to a recent surge in the utilization of post-and-beam structures, congruent with the ascending verticality of buildings. In contrast to avant-garde and bold trends, timber structures typically manifest as rectilinear, symmetric plans, characterized by regular and repetitive extrusions, demonstrating a proclivity for centrally located cores. This work aims to offer valuable insights into the current utilization of modular timber construction while identifying pivotal gaps for exploration. The delineation of these unexplored areas seeks to enable the advancement of modular timber projects and systems, fully leveraging the benefits provided by prefabrication and modularity.

Parabens are used as preservatives in sanitizers and cosmetic products causing environmental concern, because presented potential as endocrine disrupters. Among these compounds, the most used are methylparaben and propylparaben. Thus, a study was proposed to evaluate the interaction between different concentrations (mmol L-1) of the variables methylparaben [MP] and propylparaben [PP], against the acute toxicity of the microcrustacean Artemia salina (A. salina) and Allium cepa (A. cepa) applying the 22 factorial design with an added center point. Responses were used: percent A. salina mortality (% mortality), A. cepa root growth inhibition (% root inhibition) and mitotic index (%MI). For A. salina, after 72 hours of exposure with the combination of concentration ([MP] and [PP] = 0.8 mmol L−1) caused an 80% mortality. While, A. cepa a high cytotoxicity was observed with the mixture of Parabens, exhibiting 72.3% root growth inhibition at [MP] = 1.2 mmol L-1 with [PP] = 1.2 mmol L-1. In contrast, for response %MI at [MP] = 0.3 mmol L-1 with [PP] = 0.3 mmol L-1, 2.5 %MI with 36% inhibition. In this context, parabens demonstrated high toxicity for A. salina and cytotoxicity for A. cepa, based on the interaction with the effect of the concentrations.

This study analyzed muscle activity during the stand-up paddle stroke, considering the paddling side and the adjacent and opposing muscles relative to the position of the arms during paddling. Methods: Fourteen male paddleboarders performed three trials covering 195 m in which surface electromyography of the upper trapezius, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius medialis were recorded (four-cycle strokes on each side). The data were processed according to percentage of maximum voluntary contraction (% MVC). The MVC activation values (µV) for each muscle were then calculated and presented as percentage MVC (% MVC). Results: The recovery phase accounted for 60% of the paddle cycle, while the pull phase represented 39%. During right-side paddling, higher % MVC was found in the opposite-side upper trapezius (24.35%, p < 0.01) during the pulling phase and in the adjacent biceps brachii (8.36%, p < 0.03) during the recovery phase. In left-side paddling, greater % MVC was found in the opposite-side upper trapezius (27.60%, p < 0.01) during the pulling phase and in the opposite-side triceps brachii (42.25%, p < 0.04) during the recovery phase. Furthermore, the pulling phase exhibited higher MVC in the opposite-side upper trapezius compared to the recovery phase, both in the right-side (24.35%, p < 0.03) and left-side (27.60%, p < 0.01) paddling. Conclusions: these findings help establish the muscular activity of both sides of the paddling technique and the differences between the upper and lower limbs.

The central role of RNA molecules in cell biology has been an expanding subject of study since the proposal of the “RNA world” hypothesis 60 years ago [...]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents as metastatic disease in one third of cases. Research on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and liquid biopsies is improving the understanding of RCC biology and metastases formation. However, a standardized, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective CTC detection technique is lacking. The use of platforms solely relying on epithelial markers is inappropriate in RCC due to the frequent epithelial-mesenchymal transition that CTCs undergo. This study aimed to test and clinically validate RUBYchip™, a microfluidic label-free CTC detection platform, in RCC patients. The average CTC capture efficiency of the device was 74.9% in spiking experiments using three different RCC cell lines. Clinical validation was performed in a cohort of 18 patients, eight non-metastatic (M0), five metastatic treatment-naïve (M1TN), and five metastatic progressing-under-treatment (M1TP). An average CTC detection rate of 77.8% was found and the average (range) total CTC count was 6.4 (0–27), 101.8 (0–255), and 3.2 (0–10), and the average mesenchymal CTC count (both single and clustered cells) was zero, 97.6 (0–255), and 0.2 (0–1) for M0, M1TN, and M1TP, respectively. CTC clusters were detected in 25% and 60% of M0 and M1TN patients, respectively. These results show that RUBYchip™ is an effective CTC detection platform in RCC.

This study presents an approach to investigating the main interventions related to gains on performance using a combination of educational data mining (EDM) techniques and traditional theory-driven models. The goal is to overcome the limitation of previous EDM studies that lack of causal reasoning, which is a critical concern for educational specialists. We use large-scale assessment data from Brazil and map the main sources of unobserved confounders using causal graphs. We then use a two-way logistic regression fixed effects to account for these confounding factors. The model is evaluated for its predictive ability and further investigated through classification rules and decision trees, resulting in the proposition of new insights into the data. The findings of the study underline the importance of socio-economic factors and showcase the significant impact of faculty education policies as well as the vital role of Brazilian states in these policies.

The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) constituents were isolated by our group leading to four mixtures and seventeen pure compounds, which had chromophoric groups similar to organic ultraviolet (UV) absorbers. In addition, C15 and C8 CNSL-derivatives molecules were rationally planned as UV absorbers. Mixtures and isolated CNSL compounds were demonstrated to be non-phototoxic when evaluated in a phototoxicity assay using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Considering the absorption values on the UV range, 6 compounds showed appropriate SPF values regarding the spectrophotometric test. Additionally, in silico and in vitro evaluations were performed, showing non-oral bioavailability, as well as non-mutagenic, non-genotoxic and non-phototoxic properties for the tested compounds. These results contribute favorably to the aimed use of the compounds under analysis as novel organic UV absorbers that have as precursor the phenolic lipid component of CNSL, a waste product obtained as the by-product of cashew nut food processing.

Although the current literature describes significant advances in biocatalytic ester syntheses, few industrial plants worldwide are currently producing esters using biocatalysts. Green and sustainable esters can be obtained via a biocatalytic route, including some operational advantages over conventional syntheses. An analysis of the literature revealed that most articles neglect or describe the economic issues generically, without quantitative information. Scaling-up studies are also scarce in this field. The main disadvantage of biocatalysis using immobilized lipases—their cost—has not been studied at the same level of depth as other technical aspects. This gap in the literature is less intense in enzymatic biodiesel production studies and, despite the lack of a strict correlation, enzymatic biodiesel commercial plants are relatively more common. Preliminary techno-economic assessments are crucial to identify and circumvent the economic drawbacks of biocatalytic ester syntheses, opening the way to broader application of this technology in a large-scale context.

The chemical modification of natural compounds is a promising strategy to improve their frequently poor bioavailability and low potency. This study aimed at synthesizing chemical derivatives of carvone, a natural monoterpene with anti-inflammatory properties, which we recently identified, and evaluating their potential anti-inflammatory activity. Fourteen chemical derivatives of carvone were synthesized, purified and their chemical structures confirmed. Noncytotoxic concentrations of the test compounds were selected based on the resazurin reduction assay. Among the tested compounds, four significantly reduced the lipopolysaccharides-induced protein levels of the inducible isoform of the nitric oxide synthase and nitric oxide production and showed a dual effect on pro-IL-1 protein levels in the Raw 264.7 cell line. The Ligand Express drug discovery platform was used to predict the targets of the test compounds, and an enrichment analysis was performed to group the different biological processes and molecular and cellular functions of the tested compounds. Moreover, Ligand Express also predicted that all chemicals evaluated have intestinal and blood–brain barrier permeability, do not inhibit P-gp and do not interact with major receptors. Although presenting anti-inflammatory and some advantageous ADME properties, the tested compounds still have low potency and specificity but may provide novel structures the further chemical modification of which may yield more promising drugs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen encoding several virulence factors in its genome, which is well-known for its ability to cause severe and life-threatening infections, particularly among cystic fibrosis patients. The organism is also a major cause of nosocomial infections, mainly affecting patients with immune deficiencies and burn wounds, ventilator-assisted patients, and patients affected by other malignancies. The extensively reported emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains poses additional challenges to the management of infections. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence rates of selected virulence-factor-encoding genes and the genotype distribution amongst clinical multidrug-sensitive (MDS) and MDR P. aeruginosa strains. The study involved 74 MDS and 57 MDR P. aeruginosa strains and the following virulence-factor-encoding genes: lasB, plC H, plC N, exoU, nan1, pilA, and pilB. The genotype distribution, with respect to the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the strains, was also analyzed. The lasB and plC N genes were present amongst several P. aeruginosa strains, including all the MDR P. aeruginosa, suggesting that their presence might be used as a marker for diagnostic purposes. A wide variety of genotype distributions were observed among the investigated isolates, with the MDS and MDR strains exhibiting, respectively, 18 and 9 distinct profiles. A higher prevalence of genes determining the virulence factors in the MDR strains was observed in this study, but more research is needed on the prevalence and expression levels of these genes in additional MDR strains.

The growing need for increasingly miniaturized devices has placed high importance and demands on nanofabrication technologies with high-quality, low temperatures, and low-cost techniques. In the past few years, the development and recent advances in atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes boosted interest in their use in advanced electronic and nano/microelectromechanical systems (NEMS/MEMS) device manufacturing. In this context, non-thermal plasma (NTP) technology has been highlighted because it allowed the ALD technique to expand its process window and the fabrication of several nanomaterials at reduced temperatures, allowing thermosensitive substrates to be covered with good formability and uniformity. In this review article, we comprehensively describe how the NTP changed the ALD universe and expanded it in device fabrication for different applications. We also present an overview of the efforts and developed strategies to gather the NTP and ALD technologies with the consecutive formation of plasma-assisted ALD (PA-ALD) technique, which has been successfully applied in nanofabrication and surface modification. The advantages and limitations currently faced by this technique are presented and discussed. We conclude this review by showing the atomic layer etching (ALE) technique, another development of NTP and ALD junction that has gained more and more attention by allowing significant advancements in plasma-assisted nanofabrication.

Hierarchical BEA zeolite was prepared through desilication or desilication followed by acid treatment. The catalytic performance of BEA zeolite samples was evaluated using Friedel-Crafts acylations with two substrates of different molecular sizes, furan (5.7 Å) and benzofuran (6.9 Å), in the presence of acetic anhydride as acylating agent. The application of the simplified Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model showed that the size of the substrate leads to different catalytic activities, with improved rate constant and turnover frequency (TOF) solely in the presence of benzofuran for both desilicated and further acid treated samples. The mesopores developed during the zeolite treatments have an important role as transportation channels by reducing diffusion limitations. The application of Quantitative Structure–Property Relationships (QSPR) allowed the finding of the most relevant properties of the zeolite and substrate with impact on the catalytic parameters.

The biological properties of sixteen structurally related monoanionic gold (III) bis(dithiolene/ diselenolene) complexes were evaluated. The complexes differ in the nature of the heteroatom connected to the gold atom (AuS for dithiolene, AuSe for diselenolene), the substituent on the nitrogen atom of the thiazoline ring (Me, Et, Pr, iPr and Bu), the nature of the exocyclic atom or group of atoms (O, S, Se, C(CN)2) and the counter-ion (Ph4P+ or Et4N+). The anticancer and antimicrobial activities of all the complexes were investigated, while the anti-HIV activity was evaluated only for selected complexes. Most complexes showed relevant anticancer activities against Cisplatin-sensitive and Cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells A2780 and OVCAR8, respectively. After 48 h of incubation, the IC50 values ranged from 0.1–8 μM (A2780) and 0.8–29 μM (OVCAR8). The complexes with the Ph4P+ ([P]) counter-ion are in general more active than their Et4N+ ([N]) analogues, presenting IC50 values in the same order of magnitude or even lower than Auranofin. Studies in the zebrafish embryo model further showed that, despite their marked anticancer effect, the complexes with [P] counter-ion exhibited low in vivo toxicity. In general, the exocyclic exchange of sulfur by oxygen or ylidenemalononitrile (C(CN)2) enhanced the compounds toxicity. Most complexes containing the [P] counter ion exhibited exceptional antiplasmodial activity against the Plasmodium berghei parasite liver stages, with submicromolar IC50 values ranging from 400–700 nM. In contrast, antibacterial/fungi activities were highest for most complexes with the [N] counter-ion. Auranofin and two selected complexes [P][AuSBu(=S)] and [P][AuSEt(=S)] did not present anti-HIV activity in TZM-bl cells. Mechanistic studies for selected complexes support the idea that thioredoxin reductase, but not DNA, is a possible target for some of these complexes. The complexes [P] [AuSBu(=S)], [P] [AuSEt(=S)], [P] [AuSEt(=Se)] and [P] [AuSeiPr(=S)] displayed a strong quenching of the fluorescence intensity of human serum albumin (HSA), which indicates a strong interaction with this protein. Overall, the results highlight the promising biological activities of these complexes, warranting their further evaluation as future drug candidates with clinical applicability.

Nutritional status performs an essential role in agriculture, affecting productivity and keeping crops functioning properly. Despite being required in smaller amounts, micronutrients are also needed for adequate growth, namely Zn (zinc) with regulatory, catalytic and structural functions. Fertilization with Zn is used to ameliorate the deficits of this micronutrient in more susceptible crops, such as grapes. Yet, the management of this application must consider the antagonistic and synergistic interactions among nutrients, as it affects their uptake and translocation rates. Therefore, a workflow with three ZnO foliar applications (30% and 60%, 450 and 900 g ha−1, respectively) in the variety Vitis vinifera cv. Fernão Pires, was implemented in a field located in Palmela, Portugal. The concentration of Zn in the tissues was therefore evaluated by microenergy X-ray dispersion fluorescence (µEDXRF), showing an increase of 1.82 and 2.54 times in the seed and flesh of grapes fertilized with a concentration of 60% compared to control grapes, respectively. Using the same method, a synergistic relationship was observed for macronutrients, such as Ca and K, and micronutrients, such as Fe, P and Mn. In addition, a complementary analysis of grapes’ density was carried out to verify changes in quality, in which no negative impact was observed due to Zn application. This study allows us to verify that the concentration of the applied Zn fertilizer brings benefits in the amount of nutrients that are important for development and crops quality.

In the present day, there is an increasing demand for foods capable of fulfilling the nutritional needs of consumers, leading to a search for food products with a nutrient content able to promote a healthier lifestyle. In this study, an agronomic biofortification itinerary of Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Paiva) was conducted in an experimental field, located in Beja, Portugal, comprising foliar fertilization with ZnSO4 and Tecnifol Zinc in three different concentrations for each fertilizer along the plant cycle. The mineral quantification (S, K, Ca, and Zn) of whole bread wheat flour and refined bread wheat flour was measured using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer (XRF analyzer), whereas the micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence system (μ-EDXRF) was used to quantify the minerals within the different regions of the wheat grain (embryo, endosperm, and vascular bundle). All the minerals presented lower values in the refined flour relative to the whole bread wheat flour, in which K had higher values followed by S and finally Ca with the lower values in both types of flour. The different minerals were spread around the various regions of the grain; however, they were more concentrated in the embryo and vascular bundle. The values are similar for both fertilizers, with a slight difference regarding Zn values, namely increasing with ZnSO4. To sum up, as the different minerals tend to accumulate in the embryo and vascular bundle, the whole bread wheat flour presents the richest option, promoting a healthier diet for consumers.

Background. The tumor immune microenvironment exerts a pivotal influence in tumor initiation and progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the immune context of sporadic and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) lesions along the colorectal adenoma–carcinoma sequence (ACS). Methods. We analyzed immune cell counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, Foxp3+, and CD57+), tumor mutation burden (TMB), MHC-I expression and PD-L1 expression of 59 FAP and 74 sporadic colorectal lesions, encompassing adenomas with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (30 FAP; 30 sporadic), adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (22 FAP; 30 sporadic), and invasive adenocarcinomas (7 FAP; 14 sporadic). Results. The sporadic colorectal ACS was characterized by (1) a stepwise decrease in immune cell counts, (2) an increase in TMB and MHC-I expression, and (3) a lower PD-L1 expression. In FAP lesions, we observed the same patterns, except for an increase in TMB along the ACS. FAP LGD lesions harbored lower Foxp3+ T cell counts than sporadic LGD lesions. A decrease in PD-L1 expression occurred earlier in FAP lesions compared to sporadic ones. Conclusions. The colorectal ACS is characterized by a progressive loss of adaptive immune infiltrate and by the establishment of a progressively immune cold microenvironment. These changes do not appear to be related with the loss of immunogenicity of tumor cells, or to the onset of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

Root extracts from Danube Delta Nymphaea alba were used to prepare gold nanoparticles (AuNPRn) by reducing HAuCl4 at different pHs (6.4–8.4) using ultrasonic irradiation: an easy, cheap, eco-friendly and green approach. Their antibacterial and anticancer activities were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and A2780 ovarian cancer cells, respectively. The AuNPRn were characterized concerning their phytoconstituents (polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins) and gold content. All of the nanoparticles were negatively charged. AuNPRn exhibited a hydrodynamic size distribution ranging from 32 nm to 280 nm, with the larger nanoparticles being obtained with an Au/root extract ratio of 0.56, pH 7 and 10 min of sonication (AuNPR1), whereas the smallest were obtained with an Au/root extract ratio of 0.24, pH 7.8 and 40 min of sonication (AuNPR4). The TEM/SEM images showed that the AuNPRn had different shapes. The ATR-FTIR indicated that AuNPRn interact mainly with hydroxyl groups present in the polyphenol compounds, which also confirm their high antioxidant capacity, except for AuNPR2 obtained at pH 6.4. Among the AuNPRn, the smallest ones exhibited enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AT1 and AT2 receptors in a periodontal inflammation experimental model. Methods: Periodontal inflammation was induced by LPS/Porphyromonas gingivalis. Maxillae, femur, and vertebra were scanned using Micro-CT. Maxillae were analyzed histopathologically, immunohistochemically, and by RT-PCR. Results: The vertebra showed decreased BMD in AT1 H compared with WT H (p < 0.05). The femur showed increased Tb.Sp for AT1 H and AT2 H, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively. The Tb.N was decreased in the vertebra (WT H-AT1 H: p < 0.05; WT H-AT2 H: p < 0.05) and in the femur (WT H-AT1 H: p < 0.01; WT H-AT2 H: p < 0.05). AT1 PD increased linear bone loss (p < 0.05) and decreased osteoblast cells (p < 0.05). RANKL immunostaining was intense for AT1 PD and WT PD (p < 0.001). OPG was intense in the WT H, WT PD, and AT2 PD when compared to AT1 PD (p < 0.001). AT1 PD showed weak immunostaining for osteocalcin compared with WT H, WT PD, and AT2 PD (p < 0.001). AT1 H showed significantly stronger immunostaining for osteonectin in fibroblasts compared to AT2 H (p < 0.01). Conclusion: AT1 receptor knockout changed bone density, the quality and number of bone trabeculae, decreased the number of osteoblast cells, and increased osteonectin in fibroblasts.

Esters are organic compounds widely represented in cellular structures and metabolism, originated by the condensation of organic acids and alcohols. Esterification reactions are also used by chemical industries for the production of synthetic plastic polymers. Polyester plastics are an increasing source of environmental pollution due to their intrinsic stability and limited recycling efforts. Bioremediation of polyesters based on the use of specific microbial enzymes is an interesting alternative to the current methods for the valorization of used plastics. Microbial esterases are promising catalysts for the biodegradation of polyesters that can be engineered to improve their biochemical properties. In this work, we analyzed the structure-activity relationships in microbial esterases, with special focus on the recently described plastic-degrading enzymes isolated from marine microorganisms and their structural homologs. Our analysis, based on structure-alignment, molecular docking, coevolution of amino acids and surface electrostatics determined the specific characteristics of some polyester hydrolases that could be related with their efficiency in the degradation of aromatic polyesters, such as phthalates.

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators of post-transcriptional gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. These molecules can interact with mRNAs or proteins, affecting a variety of cellular functions. Emerging evidence shows that intra/inter-species and trans-kingdom regulation can also be achieved with exogenous RNAs, which are exported to the extracellular medium, mainly through vesicles. In bacteria, membrane vesicles (MVs) seem to be the more common way of extracellular communication. In several bacterial pathogens, MVs have been described as a delivery system of ncRNAs that upon entry into the host cell, regulate their immune response. The aim of the present work is to review this recently described mode of host-pathogen communication and to foster further research on this topic envisaging their exploitation in the design of novel therapeutic and diagnostic strategies to fight bacterial infections.

Microbial virulence factors encompass a wide range of molecules produced by pathogenic microorganisms, enhancing their ability to evade their host defenses and cause disease [...]