In the search for methods to incorporate Phase Change Materials (PCM) into Portland cement mortar mixtures, PCM based on paraffins adhered to a silica-based matrix appear as a suitable option. However, paraffin particles have been observed to escape from the silica matrix when water is added. There are only limited data on how the use of such PCM affects the behaviour of mortars. To evaluate the effect of this PCM addition, Portland mortar mixtures were elaborated with 5%, 10% and 15% of PCM content, and using CEM 42.5 I R and CEM I 52.5 R cement types. Physical properties such as density, open porosity, air content and water absorption were analysed for fresh and dry samples. The results obtained show that the PCM-added mixtures require greater water and cement amounts than the standard mortar mixtures to achieve similar compressive strengths. Compared to non-PCM mixtures the PCM-added mortars present a density lowering of 37% for fresh mixtures and near 45% for dry state forms. A maximum compressive strength of 15.9 MPa was reached for 15% PCM mixtures, while values beyond 40 MPa were achieved for 5% PCM mixtures. Thus, the proposed study contributes to broad the available knowledge of PCM cement mortar mixtures behaviour and their mix design.Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disorder (LSD), is caused by autosomal recessive mutations of the glucocerebrosidase gene, GBA1. In the majority of cases, GD has a non-neuropathic chronic form with adult onset (GD1), while other cases are more acute and severer neuropathic forms with early onset (GD2/3). Currently, no radical therapies are established for GD2/3. Notably, GD1, but not GD2/3, is associated with increased risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the elucidation of which might provide a clue for novel therapeutic strategies. In this context, the objective of the present study is to discuss that the evolvability of α-synuclein (αS) might be differentially involved in GD subtypes. Hypothetically, aging-associated PD features with accumulation of αS, and the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction might be an antagonistic pleiotropy phenomenon derived from αS evolvability in the development in GD1, without which neuropathies like GD2/3 might be manifested due to the autophagy-lysosomal dysfunction. Supposing that the increased severity of GD2/3 might be attributed to the decreased activity of αS evolvability, suppressing the expression of β-synuclein (βS), a potential buffer against αS evolvability, might be therapeutically efficient. Of interest, a similar view might be applicable to Niemann-Pick type C (NPC), another LSD, given that the adult type of NPC, which is comorbid with Alzheimer’s disease, exhibits milder medical symptoms compared with those of infantile NPC. Thus, it is predicted that the evolvability of amyloid β and tau, might be beneficial for the adult type of NPC. Collectively, a better understanding of amyloidogenic evolvability in the pathogenesis of LSD may inform rational therapy development.Noble metal-semiconductor nanocomposites have received extensive attention in Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) due to their unique properties. In this paper, the Ag-ZnO nanocomposites are prepared by hydrothermal growth and simple chemical reduction immersion. The synthesized nanocomposite material simultaneously integrates the individual enhancement effects of the two materials in the SERS, such as the electromagnetic enhancement of silver nanoparticles and the chemical enhancement of ZnO semiconductor materials. Using this substrate, Rhodamine 6G molecules with a concentration as low as 10-8 M can be detected, and the coupling reaction of PATP can be effectively promoted. The nanocomposite materials prepared by selecting appropriate semiconductor materials and metal materials combined, could be potentially applied, as SERS substrates, in certain catalytic reactions.Substituted N-phenyl cinnamamide derivatives were designed and synthesized to confirm activation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway by the electronic effect on beta-position of Michael acceptor according to introducing the R1 and R2 group. Compounds were screened using the Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven luciferase reporter assay. Compound 1g showed desirable luciferase activity in HepG2 cells without cell toxicity. mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2/ARE target genes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, hemeoxygenase-1, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) were upregulated by compound 1g in a concentration-dependent manner. Treatment with 1g resulted in increased endogenous antioxidant glutathione, showing strong correlation with enhanced GCLC expression for synthesis of glutathione. In addition, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-generated reactive oxygen species were significantly removed by 1g, and the results of a cell survival assay in a t-BHP-induced oxidative cell injury model showed a cytoprotective effect of 1g in a concentration dependent manner. In conclusion, the novel compound 1g can be utilized as an Nrf2/ARE activator in antioxidative therapy.Hydrochar is a carbon-based material that can be used as soil amendment. Quarfloxin Since the physical-chemical properties of hydrochar are mainly assigned to process parameters, we aimed at evaluating the organic fraction of different hydrochars through 13C-NMR and off-line TMAH-GC/MS. Four hydrochars produced with sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and sulfuric or phosphoric acids were analyzed to elucidate the main molecular features. Germination and initial growth of maize seedlings were assessed using hydrochar water-soluble fraction to evaluate their potential use as growth promoters. The hydrochars prepared with phosphoric acid showed larger amounts of bioavailable lignin-derived structures. Although no differences were shown about the percentage of maize seeds germination, the hydrochar produced with phosphoric acid promoted a better seedling growth. For this sample, the greatest relative percentage of benzene derivatives and phenolic compounds were associated to hormone-like effects, responsible for stimulating shoot and root elongation.