Scientifica最新文献

This study explores the anticancer and antioxidant potential of Heliotropium indicum L. through integrated phytochemical, biological, and computational approaches. GC-MS analysis identified phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) as a major constituent. The chloroform fraction (CHF) exhibited significant in vivo antitumor activity in an Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model, showing 76.39% tumor growth inhibition, comparable to bleomycin (80.36%). CHF also demonstrated potent cytotoxicity (LC₅₀ = 28.96 μg/mL) in a brine shrimp assay and protected against AAPH-induced oxidative DNA damage. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of key compounds to topoisomerase II, supported by stable molecular dynamics simulations and favorable MM-PBSA binding energies. These findings highlight H. indicum as a promising source of anticancer and antioxidant agents, warranting further mechanistic and preclinical investigation.

Recent evidence highlights a concerning increase in fast food consumption among university students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of fast food consumption among medical sciences students in Kermanshah, Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 students selected through the stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a personal information form. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 18, applying both descriptive and inferential statistics, including an adjusted Poisson regression model to identify factors associated with fast food consumption. The findings showed that the prevalence of fast food consumption in the past week was 55.7%. Significant determinants included age (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.09, and p = 0.012) and education level (IRR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.75-0.97, and p = 0.018). No significant associations were found between fast food consumption and gender, marital status, or body mass index. The high prevalence of fast food consumption among these students raises important health concerns, reflecting unhealthy eating behaviors. Therefore, educating students about the benefits and risks of fast food consumption is essential. Moreover, improving access to healthy and nutritious food options is crucial to reduce dependence on fast food.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by repeated, unprovoked seizures arising from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The management of epilepsy presents several significant challenges. One of these challenges involves drug resistance, where seizures persist despite treatment with multiple antiepileptic drugs, requiring a tailored approach often involving complex medication regimens or alternative therapies. Additionally, antiepileptic medications can cause a range of side effects, from minor discomfort to severe complications, which can affect patient adherence and overall well-being. Accurate classification and diagnosis of seizures are crucial yet complex, potentially resulting in misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments. These challenges can be addressed through the utilization of medical devices. A comprehensive assessment of medical apparatuses is utilized in the management of epilepsy, focusing on both implanted and non-invasive technologies. This examination encompasses implanted devices, such as neuromodulators, which are surgically inserted to address seizures in individuals with epilepsy who are resistant to pharmaceutical treatment, as well as noninvasive devices, including wearable technologies and mobile applications. These noninvasive devices enhance seizure detection and monitoring by leveraging advancements in electroencephalography, allowing for real-time data collection. Consequently, there has been an improvement in diagnostic precision and the facilitation of tailored treatment approaches.

Accurate estimation of tree and log volume plays a pivotal role in a wide range of applications within the field of forestry, especially in biomass assessment and forest management. The effectiveness and applicability of formulas for volume estimation have recently become a topic of extensive deliberation among forestry officials and a diverse array of stakeholders. This study conducts a comparative analysis between the Huber and allometric equation with the Quarter girth formula and a formula based on form factor to estimate the volume of standing trees and logs. Field measurements of 168 felled trees in coupes and randomly selected 1192 logs were examined in this study. The findings of the study revealed a decrease of approximately 0.8% in timber volume and a substantial increase of 78.6% in firewood volume while adopting the allometric equation when compared to the formula based on form factor. Similarly, the application of Huber's formula resulted in a 27.34% increase in volume compared to the Quarter girth formula. ANOVA demonstrated highly significant differences in the average volume per tree among the four formulas (p value = 0.00004) for both standing tree and log volume, and further analysis using Tukey's HSD indicated that the Quarter girth and form factor-based formula for standing trees differed significantly from the allometric equation for standing timber, while other formula combinations did not show significant differences. Timber losses in the felling and bucking stage with the Quarter girth and Huber formula were 37.06% and 19.86%, respectively. Moreover, paired t-test at 5% level of significance revealed that there was a significant loss in both tree felling using both formulas.

Apricot kernels, often regarded as by-products, are a valuable source of oils and bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, which have applications in pharmacology, the food industry, and cosmetology. This study aimed to address the research gaps regarding the nutritional and functional potential of Moroccan bitter apricot kernels (BAKs) by analyzing their mineral composition and evaluating the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of their oil. The mineral composition of the kernels was analyzed using ICP-AES. The physicochemical properties of BAK oil, including density (D), acid value (AV), saponification number (SN), iodine value (IV), refractive index (RI), and peroxide value (PV), were evaluated. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant potential was examined through 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assays, and antibacterial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Results showed that the apricot kernels are rich in essential minerals, with high amounts of potassium (184.75 ± 5.5 g/kg) and phosphorus (109.72 ± 2.5 g/kg). The physicochemical properties of the studied oil were as follows: D: 0.92 ± 0.001 g/cm³, AV: 0.65 ± 0.17 mg KOH/g of oil, SN: 187.15 ± 0.05 mg KOH/g of oil, IV: 95.5 ± 0.45 g I₂/100 g of oil, RI: 1.470 ± 0.001, and PV: 0.98 ± 0.17 meq O₂/kg of oil. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 41 ± 0.5 mg GAE/100 g and 23.1 ± 0.2 mg QUE/100 g of oil, respectively. The DPPH IC₅₀ value was 6640 ± 0.32 μg/mL, and the TAC was 2.21 ± 0.12 mg AAE/g of oil. The highest antibacterial effect was observed against both Gram-positive bacterial strains, with a MIC value of 100 μL/mL. This study demonstrates that BAKs are a noteworthy oil source, offering promising opportunities for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Maize and beans are very important sources of proteins and carbohydrates, and these grains are widely cultivated and stored for further use and consumption. During their storage, maize and beans are seriously attacked by beetle pests, namely, Sitophilus zeamais and Acanthoscelides obtectus, respectively. The pest management of these beetles is mostly carried out by the use of chemical insecticides, which are not environmentally friendly. In this regard, the insecticidal efficacy of Aquaria salicifolia leaf powder and wood ash was assessed on S. zeamais and A. obtectus concerning their effects on adult mortality, progeny inhibition, repellence, population increase and grain damage in the fluctuating laboratory conditions. Each biosubstance was mixed with grain at different contents (5, 10, 20 and 40 g/kg). Mortality was determined for 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 days post-treatment. All treatments were displayed on the shelves in the darkness. Four repetitions were carried out for each test, and the experiment was done in a complete randomized block design. The substances significantly caused mortality in the study coleopteran compared to the negative control, with wood ash being more effective than the leaf powder. 40 g/kg of wood ash caused 100% mortality to the bruchids after 10 days of exposure, while 40 g/kg of leaf powder caused 100% mortality after 14 days of exposure. For the weevils, the leaf powder was less effective as the highest dosage causing 37.50% in 14 days whereas wood ash caused 73.75% mortality in the same period. The production of F₁ progeny and rate of population increase as well as percentage of damaged grains and weight losses were reduced significantly by both substances, which were also repellent. Considering these findings, A. salicifolia products could favourably be used as an alternative to chemically synthesized insecticides employed in the conservation of maize and beans during storage.

Air pollution, characterized by the presence of pollutants in the air in large quantities, is one of the main factors degrading the quality of life, especially in industrialized urban centers. This study investigated how air pollution affects LINE-1 methylation and expression in Taubaté and Lagoinha, cities selected for their contrasting characteristics regarding pollution. DNA and RNA samples were extracted to evaluate LINE-1 methylation and LINE-1. The bisulfite PCR technique was used to quantify methylation, whereas RT-qPCR was employed to measure mRNA expression. Saliva spectral analysis was performed using FT-IR spectroscopy. The results showed a significant difference in the methylation of the L1TD1 gene: In Taubaté, methylation levels were significantly lower, whereas LINE-1 mRNA expression was higher compared to Lagoinha. Furthermore, spectral analysis revealed small variations in the intensities of phosphate bands in DNA, suggesting structural alterations. The inverse correlation between pollution levels and the methylation status of the LITD1 gene in oral mucosa cells indicates that the concentration of pollutants may contribute to genomic instability promoted by hypomethylation, potentially leading to the development of chronic diseases. These findings provide evidence that air pollution significantly impacts DNA methylation and LINE-1 expression and alters the chemical composition of saliva, suggesting that these factors may serve as biomarkers for studies on pollution exposure and disease risk. Therefore, it is essential to implement public policies to reduce air pollution and protect health.

The use of biostimulants can help to mitigate the conditions of biotic and abiotic stresses in crops by enhancing the crop yield and product nutrients. The novelty of this research was to produce a biostimulant for the tomato cultivation through fermentation of pomegranate waste, evaluating in the crop the effect on the growth, development, and quality of tomato fruits. Pomegranate bagasse was used as a substrate during the liquid fermentation using Aspergillus niger M4 strain. Three applications of fermented extract were made in three phenological crop stages for each of the four different treatments. The biotechnological process allowed the transformation of pomegranate residues, increasing the content of antioxidant activity and catechin in 467% and 315%, respectively. The fermentation enabled the mineral content modification, such as the condensed tannins, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidant capacity. By applying the fermented extract of pomegranate, an increase of 34% in crop yield and a 32% in the lycopene content in tomato fruit was obtained. The use of a fermentative process enables the pomegranate waste mineral modification, enhancing the biostimulant capacity of pomegranate residues. The foliar application of a raw pomegranate fermented extract increases the crop yield and nutritional quality of the tomato fruits.

Introduction: Dental education's globalization necessitates that curricula meet international standards, and simulation technologies provide opportunities to enhance skill acquisition in endodontics. This study investigates faculty perceptions on implementing a simulation-based curriculum in Pakistan, focusing on preclinical training effectiveness and potential integration challenges.

Methods: A cross-sectional study, employing probability sampling, was conducted among endodontics faculty across Pakistan. Using a validated online questionnaire distributed via Google Forms, the study gathered quantitative data on faculty perceptions regarding the simulation curriculum's design, assessment methods, and implementation.

Results: Among the 33 participants, 63.6% were male, and 69.7% had over 8 years of experience. Faculty responses indicated strong support for simulation integration, with concerns about feasibility given resource limitations. Many endorsed haptic VR's potential for improving clinical skills, though practical barriers such as cost and faculty training were highlighted.

Conclusion: There is significant interest in implementing a structured simulation-based endodontics curriculum in Pakistan. While faculty are positive about simulation's benefits, institutional support and resource allocation will be essential for effective integration to enhance skill acquisition and patient safety in endodontics education, ensuring that students receive comprehensive training and workshops that meet international standards. By leveraging simulation-based learning, dental education in Pakistan can evolve to produce competent and confident practitioners equipped to address the challenges of modern clinical practice.

Vegetable leather is an emerging preservation strategy that extends shelf life, reduces postharvest losses, and provides a convenient format for nutrient-rich vegetables. Sweet leaf (Sauropus androgynus L. Merr.) and amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus L.) are rich in bioactive compounds, making them promising raw materials for functional vegetable leather. This study optimized vegetable leather formulation by evaluating the effects of carrageenan, sorbitol, and sweet leaf-amaranth ratios on mechanical and physicochemical properties. Response surface methodology (RSM) with a D-optimal design was applied using Design Expert 13.0.12 software. Factors tested included carrageenan concentration (0.5%-2.5%), sorbitol concentration (1%-13%), and sweet leaf-amaranth ratios (25:75, 50:50, and 75:25). Optimization results identified the optimal formula as 0.877% carrageenan, 1% sorbitol, and a 25:75 sweet leaf-amaranth ratio, with a desirability value of 0.864. The optimized product exhibited tensile strength of 6.08 N/mm², elongation of 6%, solubility of 92.77%, moisture content of 10.93%, and ash content of 3.11%. Functional analysis of the optimized product showed a chlorophyll content of 9.35 ± 0.35 mg·L^-1 and antioxidant activity of 76.0 ± 0.02% inhibition. Sensory evaluation indicated neutral to slightly favorable acceptance, with overall acceptability of 5.1 ± 0.90 on a seven-point hedonic scale. These results confirm that the optimized sweet leaf-amaranth vegetable leather has promising functional and consumer attributes in addition to desirable physicochemical properties.