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The increasing demand for functional nanodevices in sustainable energy applications necessitates the development of innovative approaches. In this study, we present the fabrication and characterization of three-dimensional (3D) structures coated with titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanorods (NRs). These novel devices are created through the integration of four distinct techniques, multi-photon lithography, post-thermal treatment, pulsed laser deposition, and an aqueous chemical growth, enabling their unique properties and functionalities in photocatalysis. The photocatalytic performance of the 3D devices is evaluated through the degradation of organic pollutants, such as methylene blue and stearic acid, showcasing their efficiency in reducing pollutant concentrations. The devices demonstrate a remarkable decomposition coefficient (k = 0.059 min − 1 ), highlighting their enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. Additionally, we propose a rapid fabrication technique using 3D holographic printing to create large-area TiO 2 -coated micro-structured photocatalytic devices at the mesoscale regime. This approach increases the active surface area, further enhancing the devices' photocatalytic capabilities. By combining additive micro-manufacturing, TiO 2 NR coating, and holographic printing, our work introduces a promising avenue for the development of advanced nanodevices with superior photocatalytic performance in sustainable energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal signals are dynamic traits that can undergo considerable spatial and temporal changes and that are influenced by factors such as age, health condition and interactions with both the abiotic and biotic environment. However, much of our understanding of signal changes throughout an individual's lifetime stems from cross‐sectional, often laboratory‐based, studies focused on visual and auditory signals. Longitudinal field investigations of temporal variation in chemical signals, especially in vertebrates, remain rare despite chemical communication being the most ubiquitous form of information exchange in the natural world. To remedy this, we conducted a unique, replicated field experiment to study the temporal signal dynamics in free‐living lizard populations on natural islands. Specifically, we collected scent marks from individually marked lizards across five populations during the spring of two consecutive years and analysed the lipophilic chemical composition of these scent marks. Our findings demonstrate that the overall scent mark composition of individual lizards changed over time, shifting consistently in both direction and magnitude from year to year among individuals and across replicate populations. Similar patterns were observed for the chemical richness and diversity of scent marks. Temporal variation in the relative proportions of three potentially socially relevant signalling compounds in lizard scent marks revealed a more complex pattern: α‐tocopherol remained stable over time, oleic acid decreased and the change in octadecanoic acid proportion was body size‐dependent. Together, our results provide novel insights into how individual vertebrate chemical signals may fluctuate across space and time. We discuss the potential causes of the observed temporal variability and its consequences for chemical signal evolution. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose and its derivatives have shown significant potential as plastic replacement materials due to their outstanding properties. However, current research still faces challenges related to green synthesis, structural design, and multifunctionality. To address these issues, an innovative green eutectic solvent (ES) based on ethylcellulose (EC) and thymol (Thy) is proposed for the preparation of high-performance cellulose-based hydrophobic covalently crosslinked networks. EC and Thy can be prepared as a molecular solvent system in one step without the need for external solvents. Subsequently, co-monomers and chemically stable lithium salts are introduced into the homogeneous EC/Thy ES medium, resulting in the formation of highly transparent, mechanically tough, and ionically conductive cellulosic polymer films (CPFs) through in situ photopolymerization. Furthermore, the prepolymer achieves a precise replication of the complex microstructure of the natural rose surface with the help of stearic acid, imparting superhydrophobicity to the CPF. The prepared superhydrophobic CPF exhibits excellent self-cleaning ability, pressure responsiveness, and stable sensing performance under different humidity environments. The biomass-based eutectic strategy demonstrated in this paper presents a green and efficient method for preparing multifunctional cellulose-based materials with a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical defence in insects is an increasingly popular subject of research and has the potential for providing unexplored compounds with unknown properties for drug and repellent discovery, so the secretions of various species of insects are currently being studied, and new ways of collecting these secretions are being sought. Silica gel and activated carbon were used as absorbents to collect the sprayed defensive secretion of Eurycantha calcarata. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, 49 compounds were identified, including 19 carboxylic acids, nine esters, ten alcohols, five hydrocarbons, and other organic compounds. The most abundant two compounds from each group were: hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9-hexadecenoic acid octadecyl ester, hexadecanoic acid tetradecyl ester, octacosanol, triacontanol, tridecane, and tetradecane. Silica gel turned out to be a better absorbent because it captured more compounds than the activated carbon. The mass of the absorbent did not affect the quality of the analyses. This paper is the first describing the volatile secretions emitted by phasmid representatives that originate from abdominal structures rather than the glands on prothorax. The presented results of the analyses and the known properties of the detected compounds give grounds for the conclusion that these secretions are of importance for defence in this species of phasmid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of superhydrophobic materials with inexpensive cost, and simple preparation processes is crucial for alleviating oil pollution. In this paper, cotton-based composites (cotton@LDH-SA) were prepared by an in situ hydrothermal growth and simple impregnation method. The needle-like Ni–Co LDHs growing on the surface of the cotton fibers formed micro/nano hierarchical structures, and subsequently grafted stearic acid endowing the composite with superwettability. The optimized cotton@LDH-SA possesses a superior superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 161.6 ± 2°. The prepared composite adsorbent exhibits excellent oil absorption performance with an adsorption capacity of more than 10 times its own mass. The adsorbent has acceptable reusability, and after 6 cycles of repeated adsorption, the adsorption rate remains at 72.4%. Given the excellent economic and renewable properties of cotton, this composite adsorbent has great potential for application in large-scale production and oil–water separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, barley holds significant importance as a vital crop with multiple uses. It provides a variety of advantages, including weed suppression, erosion management, nutrient recycling, and improved soil structure. The nutritional and functional composition of barley varieties' samples were analyzed using AOAC methods. The moisture content of the samples ranged from 7.3% to 12.8%, while the ash content varied from 0.5% to 13%. The crude fiber content ranged from 0.5% to 1.5%, and the crude protein content ranged from 0.73% to 3.4%. Furthermore, the crude fat content ranged from 0.11% to 0.8%. The carbohydrate content of the samples were found to be between 69.5% and 82.5%, with an energy value ranging from 338.2 to 382.02 kcal/100 g. In terms of mineral content, the samples exhibited varying levels of calcium (310–670 mg/100 g), iron (34.9–65 mg/100 g), zinc (8.9–16 mg/100 g), and magnesium (Mg) (520–1122 mg/100 g). In addition, the range of the total phenolic content was 1.2 to 3.1 mg/100 g, while the range of the total flavonoid content was 0.41 to 0.55 mg/100 g. Therefore, barley, a selenium‐rich food, acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radical damage, reducing inflammation, and reducing the risk of chronic illnesses. The highest content of stearic acid (3.4 g/100 g) followed by myristic acid (2.6 g/100 g) were found in barley varieties. Barley amino acids are essential nutrients for various biological processes, muscle repair, immunological system function, neurotransmitter generation, and detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are used in a wide range of consumer products and in biomedical applications, resulting in an increased production of these materials with potential for exposure, thus causing human health concerns. Although there are many reports on the size-related toxicity of ZnO NPs, the toxicity of different nanoforms of this chemical, toxicity mechanisms, and potency determinants need clarification to support health risk characterization. A set of well-characterized ZnO nanoforms (e.g., uncoated ca. 30, 45, and 53 nm; coated with silicon oil, stearic acid, and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane) were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity in two cell types, human lung epithelial cells (A549), and mouse monocyte/macrophage (J774) cells. ZnO (bulk) and ZnCl2 served as reference particles. Cytotoxicity was examined 24 h post-exposure by measuring CTB (viability), ATP (energy metabolism), and %LDH released (membrane integrity). Cellular oxidative stress (GSH-GSSG) and secreted proteins (targeted multiplex assay) were analyzed. Zinc oxide nanoform type-, dose-, and cell type-specific cytotoxic responses were seen, along with cellular oxidative stress. Cell-secreted protein profiles suggested ZnO NP exposure-related perturbations in signaling pathways relevant to inflammation/cell injury and corresponding biological processes, namely reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis/necrosis, for some nanoforms, consistent with cellular oxidative stress and ATP status. The size, surface area, agglomeration state and metal contents of these ZnO nanoforms appeared to be physicochemical determinants of particle potencies. These findings warrant further research on high-content "OMICs" to validate and resolve toxicity pathways related to exposure to nanoforms to advance health risk-assessment efforts and to inform on safer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, fatty acids have garnered significant attention as a natural phase‐change material and a hydrophobizer due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, the utilization of fatty acid is proposed as a polymerization medium for the first time. As a specific reaction, chemical oxidative polymerizations of pyrrole is conducted using ferric chloride as an oxidant in a stearic acid medium. The polymerizations resulted in the production of micrometer‐sized polypyrrole (PPy) grains, which are aggregates of atypical primary particles with submicrometer size. The PPy grains are doped with stearic acid, suggesting that the stearic acid functioned as a dopant and a hydrophobizing agent as well as a polymerization medium. The dried PPy grains can adsorb at the air–water interface and function as a liquid marble stabilizer with light‐to‐heat photothermal properties. The liquid marble can move on a planar air‐water interface by Marangoni flow induced by NIR laser light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has become one of the most common and deadliest diseases worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. As a contribution to finding ways how to combat this problem by well balanced nutrition, the current research compared the levels of medium and longchain saturated fatty acids in the milk of three distinct domestic animal species, including cattle, goats, and horses, intending to identify their potential anti-cancer properties. The study analysed milk samples from three different animal species in Slovenia and Croatia - the Simmental cows, the Saanen goats, and the Lipizzaner mares. The samples were evaluated for their fatty acid profiles, which included five medium-chain fatty acids (caprylic, pelargonic, capric, undecylic, and lauric) and ten long-chain fatty acids (myristic, pentadecylic, palmitic, margaric, stearic, nonadecylic, arachidic, behenic, tricosylic, and lignoceric). By analysing the fatty acid profiles, the research study aimed to contribute to the development of new nutritional recommendations for cancer and to help improve the lives of those affected by the cancer. The results indicate that milk from different animal species varies in the concentration of medium and long-chain saturated fatty acids. Goat’s milk has a high concentration of caprylic acid that may help prevent certain cancers (colorectal, skin, and breast cancer), whereas cow’s milk has more capric and lauric acid that can have beneficial effects against cancer. All three species have high concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid), with cow’s milk having the highest value. These fatty acids have potential benefits in the prevention of diverse types of cancer (leukemia, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer). Therefore, consumption of milk, especially cows’ milk, may offer some protection against cancer prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise and safe treatment of bioorthogonal prodrug system is hindered by separate administration of prodrug and its activator, which often results in poor therapeutic effects and severe side effects. To address above issues, we herein construct a single bioorthogonal-activated co-delivery system for simultaneous PROTAC prodrug (proPROTAC) delivery and controlled, site-specific activation for tumor-specific treatment. In this co-delivery system (termed AuPLs), prodrug (proPROTAC) and water-soluble Pd-catalyst are first encapsulated by gold nanocubes (AuNCs), which are further coated with a layer of phase-change material (lauric acid/stearic acid, LA/SA). Below 39 °C, the solid state of LA/SA prevents the activation of Pd-mediated bioorthogonal reaction due to the solidification of Pd-catalyst and proPROTAC. Nevertheless, once over 42 °C, the phase change of LA/SA into liquid state, enabled by the photothermal effect of AuNCs, triggers the simultaneous release of proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and initiates the in situ bioorthogonal reaction for proPROTAC activation. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, the systemic administration of AuPLs results in the accumulation in tumor region, where the photothermal effect activates and controls the tumor-specific bioorthogonal reaction to degrade BRD4 protein, leading to anti-tumor effects with minimized side effects. Overall, the co-delivery proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and controlled activation by photothermal effects provide a precise way for biorthogonal-based anticancer prodrugs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the meat industry, the quality grading system is commonly applied to classify carcasses based on quality and value. Presently, to facilitate consumer convenience, pork bellies are prepared into slices and retailed in supermarkets and butchers. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of quality grade (QG) and retail cutting manner on the quality properties of pork bellies. Thirty-two bellies with different QGs: QG1+, 1, 2, and off-grade (n = 8 each) randomly collected from a commercial slaughterhouse were used. Each belly was cut into 3 portions: A (5–10th rib, cranial edge), B (11–15th rib), and C (without rib, caudal edge) according to the commonly used retail cutting manner. Samples were subjected to chemical composition, quality traits, and aroma analysis. Fat content was highest in QG1+ and lowest in off-grade and distributed at a higher level in portions A and B than in portion C in all QGs (p < 0.05). Off-grade was associated with higher shear force and chewiness values and lower levels of palmitic and stearic acids, regardless of the cutting portion. The bellies used in this study exhibited variations in chemical composition and quality properties not only among the QGs but also across the cutting portions within each QG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bio‐based methacrylates 9‐(methacryloyloxy)‐10,18‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid/9,18‐dihydroxy‐10‐(methacryloyloxy)octadecanoic acid isomer mixture and 22‐methacryloyloxydocosanoic acid were synthesized from 9,10‐epoxy‐18‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and 22‐hydroxydocosanoic acid. The white crystalline 9,10‐epoxy‐18‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid and cream‐colored 22‐hydroxydocosanoic acid were isolated from both the bark of Betula pendula and cork of Quercus suber after extraction of the milled plant materials with methanol, treating the insoluble residues with 2‐propanole containing suspended sodium hydroxide, application of a working up procedure developed in this work for the resulting mixture, and purification of the products obtained. The new bio‐based methacrylates show higher reactivity in the photoinitiated polymerization in comparison with the commercial laurylmethacrylate as detected by photo‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). For comparison, traditional free radical polymerization of the new bio‐based methacrylates was carried out in dimethylsulfoxide using 2,2'‐azobis‐(2‐propionitrile) as initiator. Furthermore, the quantitative conversion of the bio‐based monomers during the photoinitiated polymerization makes these bio‐based monomers interesting for application in coatings. As expected, the photopolymer made from the 9‐(methacryloyloxy)‐10,18‐dihydroxyoctadecanoic acid/9,18‐dihydroxy‐10‐(methacryloyloxy)octadecanoic acid isomer mixture is amorphous. Interestingly, the photopolymer made from the 22‐methacryloyloxydocosanoic acid contains crystalline structures as detected by DSC investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying and selecting superior genotypes in different countries and regions is a valuable breeding method in walnuts. The present study evaluated 31 quantitative and qualitative traits of seven superior walnut genotypes comparable to 'Jamal', 'Lara', and 'Serr' cultivars. The comparisons followed IPGRI descriptions. We evaluated pomological traits in the superior genotypes for four consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), observing high variations among the genotypes. The thickness of husk, fruit weight, nut weight, and nut length ranged between 2.47–4.08 mm, 42.26–58.38 g, 10.43–14.60 g, and 29.59–37.61 mm, respectively. Also, kernel weight, percentage, color, plumpness, and fillness ranged between 5.22–6.97 g, 40.18–54.75%, 1.33–2.67 (approximately light), 2.33 (medium)—3.00 (plump), and 4.78 (medium)—7.00 (good), respectively. Biochemical features in the kernels varied significantly among the genotypes, particularly in the case of oil content (62.26–70.08%), SFA (10.10–13.03%), MUFA (13.38–36.40%), and PUFA (52.05–74.40%). Furthermore, kernel protein content, total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity ranged between 16.79–21.61%, 58.78–95.06 mg GAE/g, and 0.15–0.22 EC50, respectively. The kernel percentage correlated significantly and negatively with the flowering type (r = −0.414) and nut weight (r = −0.467) but positively with DFO (r = 0.545), fruitfulness percentage (r = 0.471), kernel weight (r = 0.412), saturated fatty acid (r = 0.375), oil percentage (r = 0.472), and protein percentage (r = 0.422). These genotypes were superior due to closed-shell seal, light kernel color, ease of kernel removal from nuts, lateral bearing, high kernel percentage, and high nutritional value. The selected genotypes are the bearers of desirable genes for future walnut breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of four initial culture pH values (3, 4, 5, and 6) and nitrogen limitation on growth, TAG accumulation, lipid production, fatty acid profile, and estimated biodiesel quality of Starmerella magnoliae X3 were investigated. TAG and lipid levels were measured by Nile Red fluorescence and sulfo-phospho-vanilin (SPV) techniques, respectively. The results showed that a combination of nitrogen limitation and acidic pH significantly (p < 0.05) increased TAG accumulation, total lipid contents, and lipid productivity in Starmerella magnoliae X3 compared to the control group. Under nitrogen limitation, the highest TAG accumulation was achieved at initial pHs of 3 and 5 after 72 h of cultivation, and the highest lipid productivity (0.306 g L−1 d−1) was observed after 48 h at pH 3; the major fatty acids at the four pH values were oleic acid (63.6%–64%), palmitoleic acid (11.3%–12.5%), stearic acid (9.7%–11.4%), and palmitic acid (9.4%–10%). In addition, both stresses were associated with lower iodine value and higher cetane number of the biodiesel compared to the control. These findings suggest that cultivation in a low-nitrogen medium at an initial pH of 3 or 5 holds promise in increasing TAG production in Starmerella magnoliae X3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Numerous insect pests attack stored grains causing both qualitative and quantitative losses. The most damaging pest that infests dry stored produce is the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a secondary pest of stored goods. This pest, especially in its adult stage, exhibits resistance to chemical insecticides, thereby rendering the traditional pesticides ineffective in controlling it. Phyto-derivatives, which are strong insecticides and also ecologically benign, have gained interest as non-chemical solutions for controlling this pest. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Piper longum leaf extract insecticidal action as an environmentally benign insecticide for the first time against the adults of T. castaneum. In this study, P. longum leaf ethanol extract was tested against the adults of T. castaneum by petri dish bioassay method. Ad hoc studies to verify significant mortality for the initial confirmation of adulticidal activity were conducted for 24 h at different dosages of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L of P. longum leaf ethanol extract. Thereafter, dosages set at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L for the fractions of P. longum leaf ethanol extract were conducted. Prior to this, the leaf extract of this plant was subjected to column chromatography for fractionation. The fractions tested for adulticidal activity were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Results: Significant adulticidal action with 100% adult mortality was observed in ethanol extract of P. longum leaves. Among the fourteen fractions (F0–F13) obtained tested, only fractions, F5, F10 and F13, demonstrated adulticidal activity, and the remaining fractions displayed poor activity. One hundred per cent morality was noted in T. castaneum adults after 96 h at 40 mg/L in F5 and F10, and in F13 at 20 mg/L, and their respective LD50 values were 17.6, 26.6 and 10.0 mg/L. The fractions F5, F10 and F13 contained fatty acids, viz., hexadecanoic acid, dotriacontane and heptacosane in F5; tetradecanoic acid and nonadecanoic acid in F10; and octadecanoic acid, aspartame and tridecanoic acid in F13, revealed through gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. Conclusions: The results of the study showed that P. longum ethanol leaf extract revealed significant adulticidal activity and is a promising toxic agent to the adults of T. castaneum. The fatty acids in the ethanolic leaf extract fractions of P. longum could have caused toxicity to the adults of T. castaneum. According to the current literature survey, this is the first research report on the adulticidal activity of P. longum leaf extracts against the adults of T. castaneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idesia polycarpa Maxim is a high-value species of fruit oil with edible, abundant linoleic acid and polyphenols. Idesia polycarpa is described as a dioecious species, and the flowers are male; female and bisexual flowers are produced on separate plants. In order to explore the flower types of Idesia polycarpa, the morphology of its flowers and inflorescence were investigated in this study. The flower and inflorescence types, the diameter, and the flowering sequencing in male and female inflorescence were determined. We also detected the length, width, and fresh weight of leaves, shoots, and female inflorescence, as well as the length and fresh weight of the petiole during the development. Additionally, we compared the length, width, the length/width ratio, and the flowering density between 5- and 7-year-old female trees. The phenological period observation of Idesia polycarpa showed that the development process can be roughly divided into 12 stages, including bud burst, leaf expansion, inflorescence growth, initial flowering, full flowering, flower decline, initial fruiting, fruit enlargement, fruit color change, fruit ripening, post-ripening of fruit, and leaf fall periods. Furthermore, four elites' fruit determined the oil content and the composition of fatty acid content during the development. The dynamic of fatty acids contents, the palrnitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid contents were detected during the fruit development of four elites. Moreover, the mineral elements content of fruit of four elites during development were determined. The patterns of vegetative and reproductive growth in young dioecious trees of Idesia polycarpa provided the theoretical basis for artificial pruning and training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, novel Ni2P/WO3-ZrO2 bifunctional catalysts are prepared by an isovolume impregnation method. A series of characterizations (e.g., Py-IR, TEM, and XPS) demonstrated that the introduction of WO3 resulted in the acidity of the carrier and the formation of a well-dispersed Ni2P crystalline phase. The hydrodeoxygenation and hydroisomerization properties were evaluated by single-factor experiments using stearic acid as a model compound. Under the same conditions (solvent-free and relatively mild), the product obtained with a low amount of catalyst (stearic acid:catalyst = 40:1 wt.%) has a high deoxygenation rate (> 96%). The addition of an acidic carrier also gave the catalyst excellent hydroisomerization properties, which were excellent for increasing the low-temperature fluidity of the biodiesel. In addition, the effects of catalyst dosage, H2 pressure, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the hydroisomerization of stearic acid were investigated using the response surface method. In the response surface experiments, the deoxygenation rate of all experimental products is above 98%. The increase in catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, and decrease in H2 pressure favored the increase in isoparaffin content, and the reaction time had the least effect. The isoparaffin content varied significantly in response surface experiments, with molar ratios in the product ranging from 3 to 30%. There are interactions between the independent variables and a high coefficient of determination of the regression model (R2 = 0.9729), indicating that the experimental results were in good agreement with the model predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite widespread cervical cancer (CC) screening programs, low participation has led to high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in developing countries. Because early-stage CC often has no symptoms, a non-invasive and convenient diagnostic method is needed to improve disease detection. In this study, we developed a new approach for differentiating both CC and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)2/3, a precancerous lesion, from healthy individuals by exploring CC fatty acid metabolic reprogramming. Analysis of public datasets suggested that various fatty acid metabolizing enzymes were expressed at higher levels in CC tissues than in normal tissues. Correspondingly, 11 free fatty acids (FFAs) showed significantly different serum levels in CC patient samples compared with healthy donor samples. Nine of these 11 FFAs also displayed significant alterations in CIN2/3 patients. We then generated diagnostic models using combinations of these FFAs, with the optimal model including stearic and dihomo-γ-linolenic acids. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses suggested that this diagnostic model could detect CC and CIN2/3 more accurately than using serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen level. In addition, the diagnostic model using FFAs was able to detect patients regardless of clinical stage or histological type. Overall, the serum FFA diagnostic model developed in this study could be a powerful new tool for the non-invasive early detection of CC and CIN2/3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D organic–inorganic hybrid lead halide perovskite films are fascinating optoelectronic materials for white‐light emission and lasing applications. Here, it is demonstrated that nano‐meter‐thick films of perovskites can be formed at room temperature using Langmuir–Schaefer (LS) deposition technique. In situ X‐ray measurements reveal a self‐assembly process of the 2D perovskite formation at the air–water interface. This formation process requires the presence of stearic acid monolayer on the water subphase having a solution of lead‐perovskite in dimethylformamide. Microscopy and X‐ray measurements of these nanofilms transferred onto substrates show crystalline phase formation that deviates from the known orthorhombic structure of the bulk crystals. The nanofilms exhibit novel broad optical emission with sharp band‐edge transition in temperature‐dependent photoluminescence studies. Also, their band‐edge emission is distinctly blue‐shifted compared to that of thicker 2D perovskite flakes prepared by the slow‐cooling chemical synthesis process. 2D flakes exhibit lasing that cannot be obtained in the LS nanofilms as their thicknesses are lower than the lasing wavelength prohibiting wave‐guide formation. The results show that the 2D single‐crystalline nature of the LS films and flakes are suitable materials to develop broad‐band white light emission across the entire visible range and to obtain lasing without external cavities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica, F.Cuvier, 1823) is a rodent-mammal species native to Indonesia and is utilised in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Some ethnic communities in Indonesia have traditional beliefs regarding Sunda porcupine's quills, which are thought to relieve back pain and toothache. Despite this traditional knowledge, there is limited scientific research on the topic. The aim of this study was to identify active compound in an ethanolic crude extract of Sunda porcupine's quills, and to evaluate its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical scavenging assay while the antimicrobial activity was evaluated through microdilution resazurin assay. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined to support the antioxidant properties. The active compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GCMS) with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-11) library. The result showed that the extract possesses antioxidant properties (IC50 138.93 µg/mL) and antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) (IC50 range 0.40 mg/mL-33.05 mg/mL). Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were 27.29 ± 2.20 mgGAE/g and 27.09 ± 1.66 mgQE/g, respectively. A total of 24 active compounds from the crude extract were identified. As much as five compounds serve as antioxidant agents, including: butylated hydroxytoluene; eicosane; 1-iodo-hexadecane; methyl ester hexadecanoic acid; and L-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate. Furthermore, as much as 11 compounds serve as antimicrobial agents, including: tetradecane; pentadecane; 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1-heptanol; hexadecane; butylated hydroxytoluene; eicosane; 1-iodo-hexadecane; methyl ester hexadecanoic acid; benzenepropanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, methyl ester; L-(+)-ascorbic acid 2,6- dihexadecanoate; and octadecanoic acid. This study provides scientific validation for the use of the Sunda porcupine's quills in traditional medicine and highlights the potential for further research in animal bioprospecting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of the water on Earth roughly 97% is contaminated or salty, only 3% is fresh water, and only 1% of pure water is easily available for human use. In rural areas and remote locations suffering from pure drinking water scarcity.Water purification techniques are generally dependent on electricity, which relies on coal and gas plants, these poses a risk to the environment and society. Solar desalination is being recognized as the most practical way to deal with the scarcity of pure drinking water in all aspects of sustainable development. This paper describes the creation of a single slope solar still (SSSS) using opaque and crystal‐clear toughened glass with a thickness of 6 mm as a cover and also another setup of a single slope phase change material (PCM)‐based solar still (MSSSS). In this paper, a flat plate solar collector coupled with water heater is used to enhance the productivity of still. In this study, an experimental model has been developed to experimentally analyze exercise productivity performance of SSSS and MSSSS of MMIT Kushinagar, India on April 10, 2023 to April 15, 2023. Combination of stearic acid, lauric acid, and paraffin wax combined with CuO (nanoadditive) is used to enhance the solar still productivity. Also, basin temperature for different PCM's such as paraffin wax, lauric acid, and stearic acid are compared. Different combinations of PCM's and nanoadditives are compared to find the better productivity. It is observed that maximum output is obtained at 3:00 p.m. afternoon on experimental setup. Paraffin wax, stearic acid, and lauric acid still increases productivity by 38.8%, 20.3%, and 30.5%, respectively, when compared to simple solar still. On experimentation of various combinations, it is found that the use of PCM paraffin wax and nanoadditives CuO gives 55% better productivity compared to other combinations. This innovative system is suitable and ideal for desalinating water in isolated and rural locations with low traffic and limited demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-based composite phase change materials (PCMs) are gaining popularity in thermal energy storage (TES) applications. Organic PCMs derived from fatty acids are favored for their affordability and variable melting temperatures based on carbon chain length. Understanding the interaction between different carbon-length fatty acid PCMs and porous biochar is crucial for optimizing thermal performance. Thus, this study explored the interaction between PCMs of decanoic acid (DA) and octadecanoic acid (OA) with banana peel (BP) biochar. Experimental results showed that shorter carbon chain of DA enhanced thermal properties and surface compactness compared to OA. BP-DA had higher loading efficiency and PCMs ratio, resulting in superior thermal cycle endurance and latent heat ratio. The molecular dynamics suggest that longer carbon chains affect the mean square displacement (MSD) curves, reducing the self-diffusion coefficients of BP-DA. This is due to DA's high loading rate, which occupies more space within BP biochar structure, thus limiting its diffusion capacity. Enhanced hydrogen bonding constrained DA's thermal motion during phase transition, restricting atom mobility within BP. With temperature elevations, BP-DA exhibits lesser fractional free volume than BP-OA, due to lower molecular mass. This research highlights how carbon chain length influences composite PCMs performance, offering insights for efficient TES system design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease, in particular among infants, and is characterized, among other things, by a modification in fatty acid and ceramide composition of the skin's stratum corneum. Palmitic acid and stearic acid, along with C16-ceramide and 2-hydroxy C16-ceramide, occur strikingly in AD. They coincide with a simultaneous decrease in very long-chain ceramides and ultra-long-chain ceramides, which form the outermost lipid barrier. Ceramides originate from cellular sphingolipid/ceramide metabolism, comprising a well-orchestrated network of enzymes involving various ELOVLs and CerSs in the de novo ceramide synthesis and neutral and acid CERase in degradation. Contrasting changes in long-chain ceramides and very long-chain ceramides in AD can be more clearly explained by the compartmentalization of ceramide synthesis. According to our hypothesis, the origin of increased C16-ceramide and 2-hydroxy C16-ceramide is located in the lysosome. Conversely, the decreased ultra-long-chain and very long-chain ceramides are the result of impaired ELOVL fatty acid elongation. The suggested model's key elements include the lysosomal aCERase, which has pH-dependent long-chain C16-ceramide synthase activity (revaCERase); the NADPH-activated step-in enzyme ELOVL6 for fatty acid elongation; and the coincidence of impaired ELOVL fatty acid elongation and an elevated lysosomal pH, which is considered to be the trigger for the altered ceramide biosynthesis in the lysosome. To maintain the ELOVL6 fatty acid elongation and the supply of NADPH and ATP to the cell, the polyunsaturated PPARG activator linoleic acid is considered to be one of the most suitable compounds. In the event that the increase in lysosomal pH is triggered by lysosomotropic compounds, compounds that disrupt the transmembrane proton gradient or force the breakdown of lysosomal proton pumps, non-HLA-classified AGEP may result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notwithstanding the several investigations of the hydroxy fatty acids (hFAs)' physiological functions, studies focusing on their anti-obesity effects are limited. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of 4 hFAs—10-hydroxy stearic acid (10-hSA), 12-hydroxy stearic acid (12-hSA), 9,12-hydroxy stearic acid (9,12-dhSA), and 12-hydroxy oleic acid (12-hOA)—on the 3T3-L1 cells. All hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation, with 10-hSA and 12-hOA exhibiting the strongest suppression, followed by 12-hSA and 9,12-hSA. This trend was similar to that observed for the glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity level. Contrastingly, only 9,12-dhSA suppressed cell viability. The mRNA levels of HK1 and Aldoa were markedly suppressed by 10-hSA and 12-hSA compared to the control. Additionally, mRNA expression of Gyk was considerably suppressed by 12-hSA. Thus, all hFAs suppressed lipid accumulation by suppressing GPDH activity, although their molecular mechanisms were different. These findings will aid the application of hFAs in the food and medical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nanobubbles (NBs) are classified in two distinct categories: surface and bulk. Surface NBs are readily observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), while the existence of bulk NBs has been a subject of debate, conflicting with the diffusion theory's predictions. Current methodologies for identifying bulk NBs yield inconclusive results. In this study, Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technique and AFM, are utilized to visualize NB imprints on anionic, cationic and zwitterionic lipid films deposited on glass-slide substrates. Our analysis of Langmuir monolayers compression isotherms reveals the impact of bulk NBs on lipid monolayer development. AFM scans of the deposited lipid films consistently show NB imprints. Notably, cationic and zwitterionic film depositions exhibit NB formations from the 1st layer, whereas in anionic films, these formations are observed only after the 3rd layer. These results suggest that the origin of these imprinted formations may be attributed to bulk NBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the drug delivery potential of chitosan‐conjugated Spondias pinnata phytocompounds for anticancer and antibacterial applications. The phytochemical composition of the aqueous extract of S. pinnata plant leaves revealed seven major compounds, including stearic acid, 2H‐Indol‐2‐one, beta amyrin, oleic acid, octadecanoic acid, 7‐hexadecenoic acid, and phytol. Additionally, five minor compounds were identified through GC–MS analysis. SEM analysis of chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds revealed amorphous particles. This demonstrates the attainment of optimized larger crystallites, which differ in size and shape extensively. The antioxidant potential of both the chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds and S. pinnata leaf extracts was evaluated via DPPH and ABTS assays, and the results revealed that the chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds exhibited significant scavenging activity, with IC50 values of 18.20 and 33.15 μg/mL, respectively. Chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds also demonstrated antibacterial activity against four clinically significant infections, with zones of inhibition ranging from 16 ± 0.07, 19 ± 0.10, 17 ± 0.09, and 19 ± 0.11 mm against Escherichia coli (MTCC 452), Salmonella typhi (MTCC 733), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC 39), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 1688), respectively. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds was assessed against A549 lung cancer cells, and the results revealed a significant reduction in cell viability (33.85) at higher concentrations of 150 μg/mL. The IC50 values of S. pinnata leaf extract (149.2 mg/mL) and chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata (126.4 mg/mL) toward A549 lung cancer cells were recorded. Overall, the results of the present study highlight the therapeutic applications of chitosan‐conjugated S. pinnata phytocompounds, particularly in the context of their anticancer and antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seven fatty acids were detected by GC-MS in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil extracted at different temperatures, including Palmitic acid C16:0, Stearic acid C18:0, Oleic acid C18:1, Eicosenoic acid C20:1, Docosenoic acid C22:1, Tetracosenoic acid C24:1, and Linoleic acid C18:2. The highest content of nervonic acid (NA) was found in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil extracted at 70 °C. Three methods were selected to analyze the extraction rate of nervonic acid in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil, including urea complexation, low-temperature solvent crystallization, and a combined treatment using these two methods. The final content of nervonic acid obtained was 14.07%, 19.66%, and 40.17%, respectively. The combined treatment method increased the purity of nervonic acid in Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge seed oil by 12.62 times. Meanwhile, thermogravimetric behavior analysis of samples extracted using different methods was conducted by thermogravimetric analyzer, which suggested that the thermal stability of the samples extracted by the combined treatment was enhanced. These results can provide a new process parameter and scientific basis for the extraction of NA. At the same time, FTIR and NMR were also used to characterize the combined extraction sample, and the structure of the samples was proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effects of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus inoculation on flavor generation and lipolysis-oxidation in Coppa. Acid lipase, neutral lipase, phospholipase, and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities, as well as free fatty acids, volatile compounds, and sensory evaluation, were determined during the fermentation and air-drying processes of Coppa over 40 days. Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus or a combination of both strains were selected for this study, and natural fermentation was treated as a control. The results showed that Staphylococcus inoculation significantly enhanced lipase and LOX activities, and mixed strains had a superior effect. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid were identified as the predominant free fatty acids in Coppa, with the mixed fermentation group exhibiting the highest contents. Acids, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, esters, and phenols were found for the volatile compounds in Coppa. These findings thus suggested a positive role of Staphylococcus inoculation in activating lipolysis-oxidation and contributing to the flavor formation of Coppa during the air-drying stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work focuses on the profiling of semiochemicals (SCS) from Callosobruchus maculatus, Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. Totally, 6, 9 and 8 volatile compounds (VCS) were detected from C. maculatus, S. oryzae and T. castaneum, respectively. As a result of pherobase analysis and preference bioassay, stearic acid (C. maculatus); nonanal, lauric acid and stearic acid (S. oryzae); stearic acid (T. castaneum) were identified as new SCS that could be useful for integrated pest management (IPM) practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In order to determine the accumulation dynamics of flax seed quality and the best harvest time, optimize the quality breeding and high quality cultivation technology of flax, 5 germplasms including 1158-S, BISOW, Longya 10, CHLH-99 and 38078, were used to analyze the dynamic change of water content, 1 000-seed weight, oil content, 5 major fatty acids and the lignan content. The samples were taken at 5 d after flowering and sampled every 5 d until maturity. After sampling, the seeds were immediately peeled the capsule to determine fresh weight, dry weight, oil content, 5 kinds of main fatty acids content and lignan content. The results showed that the water content, palmitic acid and linoleic acid of different varieties decreased gradually, and reached stability at 40 (water content), 30 (palmitic acid) and 25 d (linoleic acid) after flowering; while the 1 000-seed weight, oil content, α-linolenic acid content and lignan content increased gradually with the ripening of seeds, and reached stabilization at 40, 35, 35 and 40 d after flowering in sequence. The content of stearic acid decreased first and then increased to stable; oleic acid rose first, then decreased and then increased rapidly to stable.These showed that the palmitic acid and linoleic acid accumulated at the beginning of seed stage, stearic acid and oleic acid accumulated was mainly in the middle and late stages of seed development, whereas the accumulation of seed weight, oil content, α-linolenic acid and lignan content occurred during the whole seed development period. The most positive effect of the accumulation of each index was between dry weight and oleic acid content, and the most negative effect was between oil content and palmitic acid content. In order to increase the content of oil, α-linolenic acid and lignan in flaxseed, it is necessary to prolong the synthesis time of oil, α-linolenic acid and lignan in the plant body as much as possible or increase their growth rate in the early stage. 40 d after flowering can be regarded as the best harvest period of the flax important quality accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensing array based on aggregation-induced emission micelles was proposed for efficient discrimination of three typical long-chain fatty acids (lauric, palmitic, and stearic acids) and their mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a tree of the Punicaceae family that is widespread all over the world and has several types and therapeutic uses. The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds by GC analysis and carried out physical characterization of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The pomegranate seed oil was extracted, and its self-nanoemulsifying system was then prepared. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC, and physical characterization was established of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The GC–MS analysis revealed that punicic acid, β-eleosteric acid, catalpic acid, α-eleosteric acid, and oleic acid were the most predominant compounds in pomegranate seed oil. Other active compounds like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and α-linolenic acid were detected in trace percentages. The self-nanoemulsifying system was prepared using various concentrations of surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Span 80), and pomegranate seed oil. The selected formulation had a PDI of 0.229 ± 0.09 and a droplet size of 189.44 ± 2.1 nm. The free radical scavenging activity of pomegranate seed oil, the self-emulsifying system, and Trolox was conducted using DPPH. The oil-self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent antioxidant activity compared to Trolox. Also, pomegranate oil inhibited α-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 354.81 ± 2.3 µg/ml. The oil self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent activity compared to acarbose and had a weaker IC50 value (616.59 ± 2.1 µg/ml) and a potent IC50 value (43.65 ± 1.9 µg/ml) compared to orlistat.Pomegranate seed oil self-nanoemulsifying system could be applied in the future for the preparation of possible oral medications for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity due to its high activity against free radical, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to pomegranate seed oil itself and the references used. This study reveals that self-nanoemulsion systems can enhance oil drug formulations by improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, acting as drug reservoirs, and facilitating efficient oil release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Following weaning, piglets exhibit an immature immune system, reduced capacity to digest and absorb nutrients, and encounter diverse stressors that significantly compromise their overall health. The supplementation of probiotics in animal feed has proven to be a beneficial strategy for enhancing the welfare of livestock and poultry. The findings of this research demonstrate that supplementing the diet with 5 × 108 CFU/kg of Clostridium butyricum enhances fecal microflora diversity and richness through the modulation of specific metabolites such as L-aspartic acid, 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid, stearic acid, and adipic acid. This mechanism contributes to a reduction in the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets triggered by E. coli K88. Consequently, the study outcomes offer both empirical evidence and theoretical support for the utilization of Clostridium butyricum in combatting diarrhea in piglet rearing. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) on the prevention of the diarrhea rates and growth performances of weaned piglets induced by Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). Twenty-four weaned piglets (6.92 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups for a period of 21 days. Each group consisted of eight pigs, with each pig being housed in an individual pen. Group I received the control diet along with normal saline, Group II received the control diet along with E. coli K88, and Group III received the control diet supplemented with 5 × 108 CFU/kg of C. butyricum and E. coli K88. We examined alterations in rectal microbiota and metabolites, analyzed the incidence of diarrhea, and investigated the interactions between microbiota and metabolites through the application of Illumina MiSeq sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that, from days 14 to 21, the diarrhea incidence in Group III decreased significantly by 83.29% compared to Group II (p < 0.05). Over the entire experimental duration, the average daily feed intake of Group III decreased significantly by 11.13% compared to Group I (p < 0.05), while the diarrhea incidence in Group III decreased by 71.46% compared to Group II (p < 0.05). The predominant microbial flora in the rectum consisted of Firmicutes (57.32%), Bacteroidetes (41.03%), and Proteobacteria (0.66%). Administering E. coli K88 orally can elevate the relative abundance of Megasphaera (p < 0.05). Conversely, the supplementation of C. butyricum in the diet reduced the relative abundance of Megasphaera (p < 0.05), while increasing the relative abundance of unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05). Rectal metabolomics analysis revealed that supplementing C. butyricum in the feed significantly altered the amino acids and fatty acids of the piglets infected with E. coli K88 (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the occurrence of diarrhea was inversely related to adipic acid (p < 0.05) and positively associated with (5-hydroxyindol-3-YL) acetic acid and L-aspartic acid (p < 0.05). Prevotella_1 exhibited a negative correlation with octadecanoic acid (p < 0.05). Prevotellaceae_UCG-005 showed a negative correlation with (5-hydroxyindol-3-YL) acetic acid (p < 0.05). The findings from this research study aid in probiotic development and the enhancement of healthy growth in weaned piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is implicated in the etiology of obesity-related diseases. Thromboxane-prostanoid receptor (TPR) is known to play a role in mediating an inflammatory response in a variety of cells. Gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a TLR4 agonist, is elevated in obesity. Moreover, free fatty acids (FFAs) are important mediators of obesity-related inflammation. However, the role and mechanisms by which TPR regulates the inflammatory response in human immune cells remain unclear. We sought to determine the link between TPR and obesity and the role/mechanisms by which TPR alters LPS- or stearic acid (SA)-induced inflammatory responses in PBMCs. Cells were pre-treated with agents blocking TPR signaling, followed by treatment with LPS or stearic acid (SA). Our findings showed that TPR mRNA levels are higher in PBMCs from individuals with obesity. Blockade of TPR as well as ROCK, which acts downstream of TPR, attenuated LPS- and/or SA-induced pro-inflammatory responses. On the other hand, TPR activation using its agonist enhanced the pro-inflammatory effects of LPS and/or SA. Of note, the TPR agonist by itself elicits an inflammatory response, which was attenuated by blocking TPR or ROCK. Our data suggest that TPR plays a key role in promoting an inflammatory response in human PBMCs, and this effect is mediated via TLR4 and/or ROCK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple, cost‐effective, and practical techniques can enhance the shelf life of cold‐pressed oils. This study evaluated sesame seed (SS) cold‐pressed oil with various percentages of rice bran (RB) as press aid, including 0% (control or TSSO), 1% (T1), 2.5% (T2.5), 5% (T5), 7.5% (T7.5), and 10% (T10) w/w. The results demonstrated that adding RB considerably boosted extraction yields (p < .05), with 5% RB constituting the ideal combination. Adding 7.5% and 10% RB to the SS reduced free fatty acid (FFA) levels compared to the control sample. The oxidative stability index (OSI) and peroxide value (PV), however, significantly increased at combination ratios ranging from 2.5% to 10% (p < .05). Rice bran oil (TRBO) had the greatest OSI of all the studied oils, with 18.99 h, while the extracted oils showed an increase in OSI as RB contents rose. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols, γ‐oryzanol content, and total antioxidant activity (TAA) increased directly with the RB level. Despite the addition of RB altering the fatty acids concentration, linoleic and oleic acids continued to be the predominant fatty acids in TSSO, TRBO, and other extracted oil samples. Increasing the combination ratio increased the palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linolenic acid content and decreased the stearic and linoleic acid content. In summary, the study demonstrated that the simultaneous cold‐pressing of oil‐bearing seeds and agro‐industrial by‐products is a potentially advantageous technique to increase the extraction yield, qualitative attributes, and shelf life of the extracted oils without the addition of synthetic antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The passion fruit, Passiflora edulis, recognized for its rich nutritional properties, has long been used for its varied ethnobotanical applications. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of P. edulis var. Tainung No. 1 rind extracts by examining their polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes such as elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and their ability to inhibit bacterial growth, single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB), and their cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. The acetone extract from the rind exhibited the highest levels of TPC, TFC, anti-SSB, and antibacterial activities. The antibacterial effectiveness of the acetone-extracted rind was ranked as follows: Escherichia coli > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Staphylococcus aureus. A titration curve for SSB inhibition showed an IC50 value of 313.2 μg/mL, indicating the potency of the acetone extract in inhibiting SSB. It also significantly reduced the activity of enzymes associated with skin aging, particularly tyrosinase, with a 54.5% inhibition at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis tentatively identified several major bioactive compounds in the acetone extract, including stigmast-5-en-3-ol, vitamin E, palmitic acid, stigmasterol, linoleic acid, campesterol, and octadecanoic acid. Molecular docking studies suggested some of these compounds as potential inhibitors of tyrosinase and SSB. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated anticancer potential against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation and inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of P. edulis (Tainung No. 1) rind as a promising candidate for anti-skin aging, antibacterial, and anticancer applications, meriting further therapeutic investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus spina-christi (Rhamnaceae family) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat dandruff, wounds, hair loss, diarrhea, mastitis, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal complications. To support this, the present work aims to study the in vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities of compound isolates from the roots of Ziziphus spina-christi along with their in silico computational analyses. Compounds were isolated on silica gel column chromatography and an agar disc diffusion and DPPH radical scavenging assays were employed to study the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, respectively. The ADME and toxicity properties of the compounds were evaluated using SwissADME and ProTox‐II online Web tools, respectively. Conversely, the in silico molecular docking studies were attained via a Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer 2021 in combination with the AutoDock Vina software. The silica gel chromatographic separation of the combined CH2Cl2 : CH3OH (1 : 1) and CH3OH root extracts afforded trimethyl trilinolein (1), stearic acid (2), 13‐hydroxyoctadeca‐9, 11‐dienoic acid (3), β‐sitosteryl‐3β‐glucopyranoside‐6′‐O‐palmitate (4), and stigmasterol (5). Notably, the in vitro antibacterial study revealed the extract and β‐sitosteryl‐3β‐glucopyranoside‐6′‐O‐palmitate (4) with the highest inhibitory activities (15.25 ± 0.35 and 14.25 ± 0.35 mm, respectively) against E. coli compared to ciprofloxacin (21.00 ± 0.35 mm) at 2 mg/mL. The CH2Cl2 : CH3OH (1 : 1) extract (IC50 : 1.51 µg/mL) and β‐sitosteryl‐3β‐glucopyranoside‐6′‐O‐palmitate (4) (IC50 : 5.41 µg/mL) also exhibited auspicious DPPH scavenging activities, followed by stigmasterol (5) (IC50 : 6.88 µg/mL) compared to the ascorbic acid standard (IC50 : 0.46 µg/mL). The molecular docking analyses unveiled the highest binding affinity by β‐sitosteryl‐3β‐glucopyranoside‐6′‐O‐palmitate (4) (−8.0 kcal/mol) against P. aeruginosa PqsA relative to the ciprofloxacin standard (−8.2 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the organ toxicity predictions showed that all the compounds exhibit no hepatotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects and stigmasterol (5) affords drug‐likeness protocols. Overall, the combined experimental and computational investigations of this study support the traditional uses of Ziziphus spina-christi for antibacterial and natural antioxidant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co–Mo sulfides with tube-like structures were prepared through a low-temperature pre-sulfurization process using rod-like CoMoO4 as the precursor. Pre-sulfurization solvents with different polarities markedly affected the textural properties, the concentration and microstructure of the active components, and the catalytic deoxygenation activity. The increased solvent polarity can promote the formation of hollow structures and the degree of sulfurization of the precursor, and the appropriate polarity of pre-sulfurization solvents is helpful for the sulfurization of CoMoO4 to form (Co)MoS2 slabs with shorter lengths and greater stacking numbers, which means more coordinatively unsaturated sites, especially corner sites. The results of the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of stearic acid suggested that a higher fc/fe resulted in a greater reaction rate of stearic acid, and the yields of the liquid products were highly dependent on the number of surface-active sites, which mainly originated from type II CoMoS species. Moreover, increasing the reaction temperature favored the direct hydrodeoxygenation pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ajuga L., a member of the Lamiaceae family, is one of the most popular species due to its medicinal, decorative, and pharmacological properties. One of them is Ajuga vestita BOISS. which is endangered and placed in the "Endangered (EN)" category. In the present study, using in vitro tissue culture techniques, Ajuga vestita BOISS. seeds were germinated in hormone-free 1/4 MS medium, and callus were regenerated from leaf explants of germinated seeds in 1/1 MS medium containing BAP (benzylaminopurine) and Kin (kinetin). It was aimed at comparatively examining the fatty acid content of Ajuga vestita BOISS. callus. When the fatty acid content of the callus obtained from the control (hormone-free), BAP, and Kin media were examined, major saturated fatty acid amounts were palmitic acid in all three extracts (59.137%, 38.836%, and 24.295%) for control, BAP, and Kin respectively. The major unsaturated fatty acid amounts were octadecanoic acid (21.097%, 32.283%) for control and BAP, respectively, and linoleic acid (21.209%) for Kin considering that high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids make the plants more reliable in terms of health, the higher amount of unsaturated fatty acid content determined in the Kin extract in our study compared to the control will shed light on future studies in this sense that can be done with tissue culture techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) is a polyphagous pest with a significant impact on grapevines. This study aimed to characterize the fatty acid composition of the protective wax secreted by M. hirsutus reared on grapevines and potato sprouts using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The wax samples from mealybugs and their egg masses revealed a diverse array of methyl esters and hydrocarbons. Key compounds consistently found across all samples included methyl undecanoate, myristoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and erucic acid. Unique to grapevine-reared specimens were methyl palmito-oleate, gondoic acid, eicosadienoic acid, and eicosatrienoic acid (methyl dihomolinolenate), while potato sprout-reared specimens contained methyl decanoate, methyl heptadecanoate, heptadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid. These findings indicate a complex and host-dependent profile of fatty acids in M. hirsutus wax, demonstrating the pest's biochemical adaptability. GLA emerged as a predominant component, crucial for protecting mealybugs and their eggs from desiccation, and has potential as a dietary source for humans. Methyl undecanoate likely enhances offspring survival through defence mechanisms. Oleic and gondoic acids suggest protective functions in the mealybug wax. Methyl decanoate has antimicrobial properties and suggests defence against microbial threats. Methyl heptadecanoate (margaric acid) plays a role in insect communication and defence, acting as both attractant and repellent. Methyl linoleic acid is essential for reproductive success through sex pheromone synthesis. Erucic acid, present in small amounts, is toxic to many animals and provides hydrophobic and lubrication properties. This detailed characterization of fatty acids enhances our understanding of M. hirsutus' adaptability and defence mechanisms, offering insights for potential pest control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-contact devices are prone to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, and the uncontrolled release of metal ions during implantation and service. Therefore, it is essential to make these multifunctional. Herein, a superhydrophobic DE@ZnS-ZnO@SA film (composed of dabigatran ester, zinc sulfite, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, respectively) is produced. The prepared film has non-adhesion and antibacterial properties, superior mechanical stability, durability, corrosion resistance, and is self-cleaning and blood-repellent. The results of the hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and other anticoagulant experiments revealed that the film had good blood compatibility, no cytotoxicity, and excellent anticoagulant properties. The film displays anticoagulant properties even after being immersed in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) for 7 days. Furthermore, the film can spontaneously release H2S gas for 90 h after soaking in an acidic environment (pH = 6) for 90 h. This property improves the acidic microenvironment of the lesion and promotes the proliferation of endothelial cells by using H2S gas. In addition, the film can inhibit the uncontrollable release of Zn2+ ions, avoiding its toxicity even when immersed in an acid environment for 35 days. This time-sequential functionalized surface has the potential to typify the future of blood-contacting scaffolds for long-lasting use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nanosilicon was synthesized and characterized for size, shape, stability and functional group analysis. • Metabolomics elucidated differential metabolites of PEG-induced water stress and nanosilicon-treated leaves. • Volcano plot demonstrated differential metabolites recognized significantly in tolerant vs. susceptible group. • Enrichment analysis explains drought-responsive metabolites and novel pathways inclined by nanosilicon. Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a crucial agricultural crop, facing challenges in yield due to environmental stresses, particularly drought. The potential of nanosilicon (NS) in improving drought tolerance in crops remains unclear. This study efforts on synthesizing and characterizing silicon nanoparticles using sodium silicate, examining properties such as size, shape, stability, and functional groups before assessing their potential biological effects. Two chickpea varieties, drought-tolerant (GJG-6) and drought-susceptible (GJG-3), were selected based on previous research exploring biochemical and physiological changes under polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced osmotic stress. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were employed to elucidate the metabolomic profile of chickpea leaves under PEG-induced osmotic stress, with and without NS treatment, at 23 days after sowing. Heatmap analysis depicted the intensity gradient of identified metabolites induced by NS treatment under osmotic stress. Fold change and volcano plot analyses revealed significantly differential metabolites between tolerant (T) and susceptible (S) groups. Metabolites such as l -tryptophan, d -fucitol, beta- d -(+) talopyranose, alloxanic acid, and azelaic acid were significantly upregulated in the tolerant group (T/S). Remarkably, metabolites like oxalic acid, 5-methyluridine, l -histidine, lactic acid, l -asparagine, and mannonic acid exhibited higher fold changes in the NS-treated tolerant variety compared to the susceptible one under drought influence (T_PEGNS/S_PEGNS). NS-treated tolerant variety revealed vital drought-responsive metabolites like l -asparagine, behenic acid, alanine, stearic acid, and d -mannose. This study unveils novel metabolites responsive to drought stress and induced by NS treatments, emphasizing their roles in antioxidants and signal transduction pathways that mitigate the effects of drought in chickpea. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Analysis of Iyengaria stellata for its nutritional composition. • Detection of chemical constituents through GC-MS, FT-IR, Total Flavonoid and Phenolic contents. • Evaluation of pharmacological potential for hypoglycemic activity. • Evaluation of potential for pharmacological antimicrobial. • Evaluation of pharmacological potential for antioxidant. Seaweeds have gained significant attention for their bioactive compounds and extensive use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Therefore, comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the nutritional composition, identify and quantify the Phyco-chemicals and to evaluate the pharmacological potential using hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Iyengaria stellata extract. The results of nutritional analysis revealed 39.72±2.60 % total ash, 14.54±0.44 % crude fat, 9.61±0.60 % proteins, 5.29±0.52 % crude fibers, 10.49±1.00 % moisture content, and total energy was 108.26±2.01 Kcal 100 g −1 of dry powder. Approximately, 15 compounds were tentatively detected in ethyl acetate extract with major compounds being Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, easter (31.62 %), (Z) -9- stearic acid, methyl easter (13.36 %), Elaidic acid, methyl easter (11.46 %), Phytol (6.31 %), n -Hexadecanoic acid (7.47 %), Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester (5.64 %) and 1-octadecyne (5.34 %). Similarly, n -butanol extract contained 16 compounds with primary compounds being Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (25.96 %), Elaidic acid methyl ester (21.39 %), Linolelaidic acid methyl ester (11.53 %), Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (5.89 %), and Hexanedioic acid, dioctyl ester (5.26 %). FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of similar groups of compounds i.e. alcohols, phenols, lipids, carboxylic acids, amines, aromatics, ketones and halogens. Total phenolic contents (TPC) in ethyl acetate and n -butanol extract were measured as 2.982±0.876 mg GAEg−1 and 1.538±0.711 mg GAE g −1, whereas Total Flavonoids contents (TFC) were 2.058 ± 0.121 mg QE g −1 and 1.614 ± 0.643 mg QE g −1, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited more antioxidant potential with an IC 50 (2.59±1.34) compared to n -butanol extract (2.75±1.60). Moreover, n -butanol extract exhibited strong antimicrobial activity. The most susceptible strains were E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In terms of in-vivo hypoglycemic activity, the n -butanol extract proved to be more effective which significantly reduced the blood glucose level up to 226.17±3.43, 201.33±4.63 and 265.17±3.92 at 300, 200 and 100 mg kg−1 doses respectively after 24 h. In conclusion, the seaweed I. stellata exhibited significant potential in terms of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) have emerged as promising biodegradable nanomaterial for the enhancement of biopolymer films' properties. Nevertheless, using SNCs alone is difficult due to restricted capacity for nanocrystal integration within the film's matrix. The objective of this study was to enhance the properties of biopolymer films using waxy corn starch nanocrystals supplemented with stearic acid. Cassava starch films containing varying proportions of SNCs (0–20 wt.% starch) and steric acid (2%) were prepared and characterised. The inclusion of stearic acid substantially improved SNC integration from 5% to 15%, yielding nanocomposite films with better tensile strength, thermal stability and barrier properties than those prepared with native starch or starch‐fatty acid alone. The improvement in film properties was attributed to V‐amylose complexes formation, increased crystallinity and hydrophobicity. Microscopy images revealed homogenous film surfaces, depicting greater nanocrystal dispersibility. The supplementation of lipid additives offers a valuable strategy to improve the integration of SNCs in film matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermochromic phase change materials (TPCMs) are gaining increasing interest among scientists. These multifunctional materials can store thermal energy but also, at the same time, during the phase transition, they can change colour. Thermal conductivity is also extremely important for this type of material, which is why various additives are used for this purpose. This work aimed to study the properties of thermochromic phase change materials with an inorganic modifier. Stearic acid, behenyl alcohol, and bromocresol purple were used as thermochromic system components, while boron nitride particles were used as an additive. The key tests for such systems are thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which allow determining the thermal stability of the materials (at around 170 °C) and phase transition parameters (thermal energy storage of 300 J/g in the range of 40–75 °C). The thermochromic properties were tested, and satisfactory results were obtained. In the end, laser flash analysis (LFA) tests indicated that boron nitride improves the thermal conductivity of the organic thermochromic phase change material by almost 30%. The results showed that the tested materials have great potential as thermochromic phase change materials for thermal energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ex vivo skin has been used to study various skin conditions from atopic dermatitis to burn injury. The aim of this research is to identify a more effective barrier improvement strategy and to evaluate topical formulations in replenishing the skin. The skin can create new longer chain fatty acids and ceramides (CERs) from topically applied skin natural fatty acid to help renew the skin's barrier. Methods: An ex vivo skin model damaged by sequential tape stripping of the stratum corneum (SC) was used to investigate the repair of the SC. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess the SC layers recovered. Ultrastructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy to visualize the lamellar bodies and intercellular lipid lamellae. Results: The data in this study provide the first direct ex vivo evidence comparing different marketed formulations containing three CERs with those containing fatty acids. Free fatty acid (FFA)‐containing formulations, but not CER‐containing formulations, directly applied to the damaged skin, showed an increased number of repaired SC layers and this was reflected at the ultrastructural level by an increased intercellular lipid lamellae length and an increased number of lamellar bodies. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that FFA‐containing formulations can repair damaged ex vivo skin and point to a repair mechanism in which topically applied palmitic and stearic acids, (which boost lipid levels and elongation) can increase the production and transport of lipids into a repaired SC and thus rebuild an effective skin barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dietary protein satisfies growth performance requirements and contributes to the maintenance of the rumen environment. High protein intake increased the total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), propionic acids and butyric acids by regulating the microbiome (Prevotella 1, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Ruminococcus 1, Coprostanoligenes group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae NK3A20 group and Succiniclasticum) and metabolome (stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, erucic acid, 6-hydroxymelatonin, indole-3-acetamide and taurine), thereby altering the papillae length and papillae width in the rumen of Tibetan sheep. The dietary crude protein level could affect ruminal fermentation parameters and the microflora of ruminants. The present study's aim was to investigate the effects of different protein level diets on ruminal morphology, fermentation parameters, digestive enzyme activity, microflora and metabolites of Tibetan sheep. Ninety weaned lambs (initial weight of 15.40 ± 0.81 kg, 2 months old) were selected and randomly divided into three groups (six pens/treatment, five rams/pen). Dietary treatments were formulated with 13.03% (high protein, HP), 11.58% (moderate protein, MP) and 10.20% (low protein, LP), respectively. Compared with LP, both papillae length and papillae width were significantly promoted in HP and MP (p < 0.05). The concentrations of ammonia nitrogen, total VFAs, propionic acids and butyric acids in HP were significantly increased compared to those in MP and LP (p < 0.05). The activities of protease and α-amylase in HP were significantly greater than those of LP (p < 0.05). For the ruminal microbial community, higher proportions of phylum Prevotella 1 and Succiniclasticum and genus Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group and Ruminococcus 1 were observed in HP (p < 0.05). A total of 60 differential metabolites (DMs) (28 up, 32 down) between HP and MP; 73 DMs (55 up, 18 down) between HP and LP; and 65 DMs (49 up, 16 down) between MP and LP were identified. Furthermore, four pathways of the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, tryptophan metabolism, bile secretion and ABC transporters were significantly different (p < 0.05). The abundance of phylum Prevotella 1 was negatively associated with stearic acid and palmitic acid but positively associated with the taurine. The abundance of genus Ruminococcus 1 was negatively associated with stearic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, Indole-3-acetamide and palmitic acid but positively associated with 6-hydroxymelatonin. In conclusion, a 13.03% CP level improved ruminal morphology, fermentation parameters and digestive enzyme activities through modulating the microbial community and regulating metabolism in Tibetan sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipid mediators have been suggested to play important roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Lipidomics has recently allowed for the comprehensive analysis of lipids and has revealed the potential of lipids as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of RA and prediction of therapeutic responses. However, the relationship between disease activity and the lipid profile in RA remains unclear. In the present study, we performed a plasma lipidomic analysis of 278 patients with RA during treatment and examined relationships with disease activity using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28)-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In all patients, five lipids positively correlated and seven lipids negatively correlated with DAS28-ESR. Stearic acid [FA(18:0)] (r = -0.45) and palmitic acid [FA(16:0)] (r = -0.38) showed strong negative correlations. After adjustments for age, body mass index (BMI), and medications, stearic acid, palmitic acid, bilirubin, and lysophosphatidylcholines negatively correlated with disease activity. Stearic acid inhibited osteoclast differentiation from peripheral blood monocytes in in vitro experiments, suggesting its contribution to RA disease activity by affecting bone metabolism. These results indicate that the lipid profile correlates with the disease activity of RA and also that some lipids may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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