Search Results (2,287)

This study investigated the phytochemical profile and evaluated the antimicrobial and insecticidal properties of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. essential oil (EC-EO) from Algeria, using in vitro and in silico approaches. The yield of EC-EO was 0.27%, with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealing spathulenol (58.24%), cryptone (17.22%), and o-cymene (15.53%) as the major compounds. EC-EO exhibited notable antibacterial activity, particularly against Salmonella typhimurium (14 ± 1.00 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.5 ± 0.50 mm). It also showed effective antifungal activity against Penicillium sp. (11.5 ± 0.49 mm), Candida albicans (11.2 ± 0.29 mm), and Aspergillus fumigatus (9.8 ± 0.27 mm). Insecticidal assays against Tribolium castaneum were conducted using contact toxicity, fumigation toxicity, and repellent activity methods. The median lethal concentration (LC50) for contact toxicity was 0.011 μL/insect after 72 h, while the fumigation test had an LC50 of 122.29 μL/L air. Repellent activity tests showed percentage repellency (PR) values exceeding 80% after 6 h. The molecular geometry and electronic properties of the main compounds were studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In addition, the interaction mode and binding affinity of these molecules with three key enzymes involved in antimicrobial activity, DNA gyrase, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and Tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (TyrRS), were explored by molecular docking. Full article

Mammals may experience physical changes from birth, and their diet varies at different stages of life. This study investigates the impact of development on the diet composition of three horseshoe bats: Rhinolophus euryale, R. hipposideros, and R. ferrumequinum in the Basque Country, north of the Iberian Peninsula. The diets of juvenile and adult individuals of each species were obtained by analysing their droppings using metabarcoding and then compared at (1) the taxonomic and (2) prey trait levels (size, flying speed, hardness). The diets of juvenile and adult individuals of R. euryale and R. hipposideros showed significant differences at the taxonomic level and regarding prey traits. In contrast, in the case of R. ferrumequinum, we could only observe discernible diet patterns through the trait analysis. Additionally, we discovered a shared pattern: younger individuals tend to feed on easier-to-hunt and/or handle smaller and smoother prey. The varying degrees of dissimilarity between juvenile and adult diets observed in this study suggest that the relative importance of psychomotor development, foraging strategies, prey discrimination, and/or spatial learning may differ among species. These findings contribute to conservation efforts, especially by recognising the dietary needs of juveniles for their survival and successful development. Full article

The aim of this article is to analyse the global environmental impact of wind farms, i.e., the effects on human health and the local ecosystem. Compared to conventional energy sources, wind turbines emit significantly fewer greenhouse gases, which helps to mitigate global warming. During the life cycle of a wind farm, 86% of CO₂ emissions are generated by the extraction of raw materials and the manufacture of wind turbine components. The water consumption of wind farms is extremely low. In the operational phase, it is 4 L/MWh, and in the life cycle, one water footprint is only 670 L/MWh. However, wind farms occupy a relatively large total area of 0.345 ± 0.224 km²/MW of installed capacity on average. For this reason, wind farms will occupy more than 10% of the land area in some EU countries by 2030. The impact of wind farms on human health is mainly reflected in noise and shadow flicker, which can cause insomnia, headaches and various other problems. Ice flying off the rotor blades is not mentioned as a problem. On a positive note, the use of wind turbines instead of conventionally operated power plants helps to reduce the emission of particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter (PM 2.5), which are a major problem for human health. In addition, the non-carcinogenic toxicity potential of wind turbines for humans over the entire life cycle is one of the lowest for energy plants. Wind farms can have a relatively large impact on the ecological system and biodiversity. The destruction of animal migration routes and habitats, the death of birds and bats in collisions with wind farms and the negative effects of wind farm noise on wildlife are examples of these impacts. The installation of a wind turbine at sea generates a lot of noise, which can have a significant impact on some marine animals. For this reason, planners should include noise mitigation measures when selecting the site for the future wind farm. The end of a wind turbine’s service life is not a major environmental issue. Most components of a wind turbine can be easily recycled and the biggest challenge is the rotor blades due to the composite materials used. Full article

Small datasets are frequent in some scientific fields. Such datasets are usually created due to the difficulty or cost of producing laboratory and experimental data. On the other hand, researchers are interested in using machine learning methods to analyze this scale of data. For this reason, in some cases, low-performance, overfitting models are developed for small-scale data. As a result, it appears necessary to develop methods for dealing with this type of data. In this research, we provide a new and innovative framework for regression problems with a small sample size. The base of our proposed method is the K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm. For feature selection, instance selection, and hyperparameter tuning, we use the bat optimization algorithm (BA). Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are employed to generate synthetic data, effectively addressing the challenges associated with data sparsity. Concurrently, Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), as a deep learning approach, are utilized for feature extraction from both synthetic and real datasets. This hybrid framework integrates KNN, DNN, and GAN as foundational components and is optimized in multiple aspects (features, instances, and hyperparameters) using BA. The outcomes exhibit an enhancement of up to 5% in the coefficient of determination (R2 score) using the proposed method compared to the standard KNN method optimized through grid search. Full article

Obesity, a prevalent global health issue, arises from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, leading to the expansion of adipose tissue and metabolic dysfunction. White adipose tissue (WAT) stores energy as lipids, while brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a pivotal role in energy dissipation through adaptive thermogenesis. Recent research initiatives have focused on finding strategies to decrease adipogenesis and fat mass accumulation and increase thermogenesis. Finding chemicals with anti-obesity properties would be beneficial. Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound abundantly found in the skin of grapes and red wine, possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity properties. This literature review examines the effects of resveratrol on adipocytes in culture and adipose tissue in animal models of obesity. The existing evidence indicates that resveratrol may exert its anti-obesity effects by inhibiting adipogenesis, promoting the apoptosis of mature adipocytes, reducing lipid accumulation, and increasing thermogenesis. Further research utilizing animal and clinical studies is required to understand in detail the anti-obesity potential of resveratrol. Full article

This study employs first-principles calculation methods to explore the characteristics of the TiB₂(0001)/L1₂-Al₃Zr(001) interface, including the atomic structure, adhesion work, interfacial energy, and electronic structure of various interface models. Considering four different terminations and three different stacking positions, twelve potential interface models were investigated. Surface tests revealed that a stable interface could be formed when a 9-layer TiB₂(0001) surface is combined with a 7-layer ZrAl-terminated and a 9-layer Al-terminated Al₃Zr(001) surface. Among these interfaces, the bridge-site stacking at the T/Al termination (TAB), hollow-site stacking at the Ti/ZrAl termination (TZH), top-site stacking at the B/Al termination (BAT), and hollow-site stacking at the B/ZrAl termination (BZH) were identified as the optimal structures. Particularly, the TAB interface exhibits the strongest adhesion strength and the lowest surface energy, indicating the highest stability. A Detailed analysis of the electronic structure further reveals that most interfaces predominantly exhibit covalent bonding, with the TAB, TZH, and BZH interfaces primarily featuring covalent bonds, while the BAT interface displays a combination of ionic and covalent bonds. The study ultimately ranks the stability of the interfaces from highest to lowest as TAB, BZH, TZH, and BAT. Full article

Ustekinumab is a fully human IgG1k monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity and specificity to the p40 subunit of interleukins (IL-) 12 and 23, inhibiting their activity by preventing binding to their receptors. The European extension of the patent (Supplementary Protection Certificate) of ustekinumab expired on 20 July 2024. Biosimilar alternatives to ustekinumab are now an additional option for treating patients. The efficacy data for this drug in moderate-to-severe psoriasis obtained both from clinical trials and indirect comparisons through meta-analyses, are superior to those of etanercept and adalimumab, and its safety profile is more favorable than that of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Several ustekinumab biosimilars have already been approved by regulatory agencies: between October 2023 and October 2024, Wezlana^® (Amgen ABP 654), Uzpruvo^® (Alvotech AVT04) and Pyzchiva^® (Samsung/Bioepis SB17) have been approved by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). SteQeyma^® (Celltrion Healthcare CT-P43) was approved by the EMA in August 2024. Otulfi^® (Fresenius Kabi/Formycon) was approved by the FDA in October 2024. Several other potential biosimilar candidates are under development, including BAT2206 (Bio-Thera), DMB-3115 (Dong-A ST), QX001S (Qyuns Therapeutic), BFI-751 (BioFactura), NeuLara (Neuclone), ONS3040 (Oncobiologics), and BOW090 (Epirus Biopharmaceuticals). In most cases, these monoclonal antibodies are expressed in cell lines (e.g., Chinese Hamster Ovary, CHO) different from those used for the originator (Sp2/0 spleen cell murine myeloma); of note, the cell line of origin is not a requirement for biosimilarity in the totality-of-evidence comparison exercise and may facilitate the production and reduce the immunogenicity of biosimilars originated in CHO cultures. This narrative review summarizes the available data on characteristics of the full comparability exercises and comparative clinical trials of these drugs. Full article

To contrast the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, new alternative therapeutic options are urgently needed. The use of nanoparticles as carriers for clinically relevant antibiotics represents a promising solution to potentiate their efficacy. In this study, we used Bombyx mori larvae for the first time as an animal model for testing a nanoconjugated glycopeptide antibiotic (teicoplanin) against Staphylococcus aureus infection. B. mori larvae might thus replace the use of mammalian models for preclinical tests, in agreement with the European Parliament Directive 2010/63/EU. The curative effect of teicoplanin (a last resort antibiotic against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens) conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles was assessed by monitoring the survival rate of the larvae and some immunological markers (i.e., hemocyte viability, phenoloxidase system activation, and lysozyme activity). Human physiological conditions of infection were reproduced by performing the experiments at 37 °C. In this condition, nanoconjugated teicoplanin cured the bacterial infection at the same antibiotic concentration of the free counterpart, blocking the insect immune response without causing mortality of silkworm larvae. These results demonstrate the value and robustness of the silkworm as an infection model for testing the in vivo efficacy of nanoconjugated antimicrobial molecules. Full article

Background: Environmental changes impact bat–human interactions, heightening concerns of pathogen spillover and highlighting the need to understand human–bat interactions in the context of ecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess factors associated with human contact with bats in communities living near bat roosts in Northern Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the factors associated with human contact with bats. Utilizing a standardized questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews, relevant data were collected from respondents living in or near regions characterized by high bat density. Descriptive analyses followed by bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association between the investigated factors and the outcome variable of interest, contact with bats. Results: Data were collected from 325 respondents. Of the respondents, 57.5% (187/325) reported bat contact, and only 4% believed bats can transmit rabies. The following factors were significantly associated with human–bat contact: being unaware that bats can transmit diseases like rabies (AOR = 8.63, CI = 1.04, 71.43, p = 0.045), feeling safe to handle bats with bare hands (AOR = 3.47, CI = 1.71, 7.05, p < 0.001), not washing hands thoroughly after bat bite or scratch (AOR = 2.43, CI = 1.29, 4.59, p = 0.006), using water from ponds, rivers or wells (AOR = 5.58, CI = 3.17, 9.79, p <0.001), age > 45 years (AOR = 1.77, CI = 1.0, 3.14, p = 0.047) and a low level of education (AOR = 5.86, CI = 2.97, 11.57, p <0.001). Conclusion: The study findings highlight the key factors to be targeted when developing strategies aimed at improving the community’s knowledge of the potential risks of zoonotic infectious diseases associated with bats and reducing the likelihood of human–bat contact and the related public health risks in communities living near bat roosting sites in Tanzania. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has exposed the vulnerabilities and unpreparedness of the global healthcare system in dealing with emerging zoonoses. In the past two decades, coronaviruses (CoV) have been responsible for three major viral outbreaks, and the likelihood of future outbreaks caused by these viruses is high and nearly inevitable. Therefore, effective prophylactic universal vaccines targeting multiple circulating and emerging coronavirus strains are warranted. Methods: This study utilized an immunoinformatic approach to identify evolutionarily conserved CD4+ (HTL) and CD8+ (CTL) T cells, and B-cell epitopes in the coronaviral spike (S) glycoprotein. Results: A total of 132 epitopes were identified, with the majority of them found to be conserved across the bat CoVs, pangolin CoVs, endemic coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Their peptide sequences were then aligned and assembled to identify the overlapping regions. Eventually, two major peptide assemblies were derived based on their promising immune-stimulating properties. Conclusions: In this light, they can serve as lead candidates for universal coronavirus vaccine development, particularly in the search for pan-coronavirus multi-epitope universal vaccines that can confer protection against current and novel coronaviruses. Full article

Zoonotic viruses originating from reservoir hosts, such as bats and birds, often cause severe illness and outbreaks amongst humans. Upon zoonotic virus transmission, infected cells mount innate immune responses that include the activation of programmed cell death pathways to recruit innate immune cells to the site of infection and eliminate viral replication niches. Different inflammatory and non-inflammatory cell death pathways, such as pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis can undergo concurrent activation in humans leading to mortality and morbidity during zoonosis. While controlled activation of PANoptosis is vital for viral clearance during infection and restoring tissue homeostasis, uncontrolled PANoptosis activation results in immunopathology during zoonotic virus infections. Intriguingly, animal reservoirs of zoonotic viruses, such as bats and birds, appear to have a unique immune tolerance adaptation, allowing them to host viruses without succumbing to disease. The mechanisms facilitating high viral tolerance in bats and birds are poorly understood. In this perspective review, we discuss the regulation of PANoptotic pathways in bats and birds and indicate how they co-exist with viruses with mild clinical signs and no immunopathology. Understanding the PANoptotic machinery of bats and birds may thus assist us in devising strategies to contain zoonotic outbreaks amongst humans. Full article

For insulated areas, careful exploitation of the available energy is a must. We are considering a scenario of an off-grid small resort, for which the electrical energy is available only from a photovoltaic (PV) system with a local battery (BAT) storage unit, while a supplementary energy source system could be considered: an electrical propulsion vehicle, i.e., a fuel cell (FC) car. This hybrid system is to be connected to the local three-phase microgrid used to ensure electric energy for in-house needs. This paper investigates through simulations the operability of this small microgrid, while its performances are evaluated to comply with the IEC 61000-2-2 standard in terms of voltage amplitude and current total harmonic distortion (THD). Full article

Understanding the performance of polymer dielectrics at different temperatures is becoming increasingly important due to the rapid development of electric cars, electromagnetic devices, and new energy production solutions. Cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) are an attractive material due to their low water absorption, good electrical insulation, long-term stability of surface treatments, and resistance to a wide range of acids and solvents. This work focused on the dielectric and electrical properties of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC)/Al₂O₃ composites over a wide range of temperature and frequency domains, from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures (around 125 K). Permittivity, electrical conductivity, and electrical modulus are given consideration. A composite of up to 50% Al₂O₃ mixed with COC was prepared via a conventional melt-blending method. The final samples were formed in sheets and processed using injection and extrusion moldings. It was found that formulations with Al₂O₃ concentrations ranging from 10 to 50% resulted in higher electrical conductivity while maintaining the viscosity of the composite at a level acceptable for polymer-processing machinery. Our data show that COC/alumina composites present substantial potential as materials for high-frequency applications, even at the regime of cryogenic temperatures. Full article

Increasing evidence suggests bats are the ancestral hosts of the majority of coronaviruses. In general, coronaviruses primarily target the gastrointestinal system, while some strains, especially Betacoronaviruses with the most relevant representatives SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, also cause severe respiratory disease in humans and other mammals. We previously reported the susceptibility of Rousettus aegyptiacus (Egyptian fruit bats) to intranasal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we compared their permissiveness to an oral infection versus respiratory challenge (intranasal or orotracheal) by assessing virus shedding, host immune responses, tissue-specific pathology, and physiological parameters. While respiratory challenge with a moderate infection dose of 1 × 10⁴ TCID₅₀ caused a systemic infection with oral and nasal shedding of replication-competent virus, the oral challenge only induced nasal shedding of low levels of viral RNA. Even after a challenge with a higher infection dose of 1 × 10⁶ TCID₅₀, no replication-competent virus was detectable in any of the samples of the orally challenged bats. We postulate that SARS-CoV-2 is inactivated by HCl and digested by pepsin in the stomach of R. aegyptiacus, thereby decreasing the efficiency of an oral infection. Therefore, fecal shedding of RNA seems to depend on systemic dissemination upon respiratory infection. These findings may influence our general understanding of the pathophysiology of coronavirus infections in bats. Full article

Sentiment is employed in various fields, such as collecting web-based opinions for the formulation of governmental policies, measuring employee and customer satisfaction levels in business organizations, and measuring the sentiment of the public in political and security matters. The field has recently faced new challenges since algorithms must operate with highly unstructured sentiment data from social media. In this study, the authors present a new stacking ensemble method that combines the lexicon-based approach with machine learning algorithms to improve the sentiment analysis of tweets. Due to the complexity of the text with very ill-defined syntactic and grammatical patterns, using lexicon-based techniques to extract sentiment from the content is proposed. On the same note, the contextual and nuanced aspects of sentiment are inferred through machine learning algorithms. A sophisticated bat algorithm that uses an Elman network as a meta-classifier is then employed to classify the extracted features accurately. Substantial evidence from three datasets that are readily available for public analysis re-affirms the improvements this innovative approach brings to sentiment classification. Full article