Search Results (177)

Nowadays, electrochemical sensors have become a popular topic in cosmetics quality control. A simple and stable electrochemical sensor for hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was developed on the basis of a rhodium-modified glassy carbon electrode (Rh/GCE). A quick, one-step, reproducible, and cost-effective electrodeposition procedure was applied to modify GCE with Rh nanoparticles. The sensor shows a high selectivity for H₂O₂ at a low applied potential of −0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 M KCl), with an excellent stability and good repeatability (RSD = 3.2%; n = 5). The modified electrode Rh/GCE demonstrates a high sensitivity of 172.24 ± 1.95 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² (n = 3), a linear response to H₂O₂ between 5 and 1000 µM, and a detection limit estimated to be 1.2 µM. Furthermore, Rh/GCE has been successfully used to measure H₂O₂ concentrations in hair dye and antiseptic solution, yielding satisfactory recovery rates. These findings highlight the potential of the Rh/GCE for the reliable quantitative detection of H₂O₂ in complex cosmetics matrices. Full article

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently comorbid with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), indicating shared neurobiological pathways that influence stress modulation, emotional regulation, and neurohormonal adaptation. This study examines the roles of serum biomarkers—small ubiquitin-like modifier 1 (SUMO1), malondialdehyde (MDA), fractalkine (CX3CL1), and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1)—involved in oxidative stress management, neuroimmune regulation, and neuronal proteostasis. In this cross-sectional analysis, biomarker expression was assessed in 92 male trauma-exposed participants aged 19–50 years, divided into three groups: PTSD duration ≤ 5 years (n = 33, median age 34.0 years [IQR 31.0–41.0]), PTSD duration > 5 years (n = 31, median age 36.0 years [IQR 29.5–41.0]), and controls without current or past PTSD (n = 28, median age 33.5 years [IQR 24.3–41.5]). Participants were stratified into younger (19–34 years) and older (35–50 years) cohorts to account for age-related neurobiological variability. Dysthymic symptomatology was evaluated using the Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS), focusing on chronic subthreshold depressive features. Results indicated a significant association between PTSD and elevated dysthymic symptom burden (p < 0.001), with both PTSD subgroups demonstrating mild to moderate CDRS severity compared to euthymic controls. Biomarker analysis revealed phase-dependent alterations: SUMO1 levels were significantly elevated in the ≤5 years PTSD group compared to controls (p = 0.002), suggesting early compensatory neuroprotection, whereas UCHL1 was markedly increased in the >5 years PTSD group (p = 0.015), which is indicative of chronic neuronal damage and proteostatic disruption. No significant differences were observed in MDA or CX3CL1 across groups (p > 0.05). These findings highlight PTSD’s contribution to sustained affective dysregulation, potentially mediated by temporal shifts in oxidative stress and protein homeostasis markers. Clinically, this supports the utility of biomarker profiling for risk stratification, early intervention, and personalized therapeutic strategies, such as targeted modulation of SUMOylation or UCHL1 activity, to enhance neuroresilience and mitigate progression to severe mood disorders. Full article

Background: Anthropometric tests and scales used to predict difficult intubation in people with obesity have limited sensitivity and specificity. A thyromental height test (TMHT) is based on the height between the anterior border of the thyroid cartilage and the anterior border of the mentum. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of TMH in the prediction of difficult intubation in patients with obesity scheduled for elective surgical procedures. Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study in adult patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg⋅m⁻² scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia, direct laryngoscopy, and intubation was conducted in a university hospital between June 2020 and June 2021. The primary outcome measure was thyromental height, and the secondary outcome measures were thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance (SMD), score in the modified Mallampati test (MMT), Cormack–Lehane grade (CL), neck circumference (NC), and mouth opening (MO) distance. As a secondary outcome, a composite score was developed and analyzed for its predictive performance. Results: In 77 patients (56 females, 72.7%) aged 43.21 ± 9.39 years with a mean BMI of 37.18 (34.6–42.8) kg⋅m⁻², difficult intubation was found in 18 patients (23.38%). Sleep apnea was present in 14 (23.75) patients with easy intubation vs. 9 (50%) patients with difficult intubation (p = 0.033). There were no statistically significant differences in thyromental height test, thyromental distance, neck circumference, and mouth opening scores. Male sex, TMD ≤ 175 mm, and MO ≤ 60.5 mm were predictors of difficult laryngoscopy. The OPERA Score (range 0–5) demonstrated superior predictive value (AUC = 0.8 p < 0.01), outperforming its individual components. Conclusions: Male sex, TMD ≤ 175 mm, and MO ≤ 60.5 mm are predictors for difficult laryngoscopy in patients with obesity. The results of our study indicate that TMH may not be a good predictor of difficult intubation in patients with obesity. However, when integrated into a composite score, it contributes meaningfully to a multifactorial risk assessment. Full article

In vitro micropropagation is used to rapidly shorten the breeding process of crops, such as kale, an internationally widespread winter vegetable. The aim of this study is to develop optimised micropropagation protocols for three kale varieties. First, it was determined which seed surface disinfection method resulted in the highest germination rate and the lowest infection rate. Secondly, it was investigated which of several existing Brassica protocols and one modified protocol from the literature provided the highest regeneration efficiency of kale explant types (cotyledons, hypocotyl, root, and intact seedlings as the control) after eight weeks of cultivation. Germination was highest and fastest after disinfection with 10% NaClO for 10 min for “Frostara” and at 5% for 2.5 min for “Schatteburg”. The infection rate and speed were lowest in treatments with 10% NaClO. The regeneration efficiency and number of newly formed leaves, roots, shoots, and stems varied between media, explant type, and kale variety. Most new leaves and shoots were formed when hypocotyls were used as explant type. Roots regenerated mostly more roots than shoots, stems, and leaves. A higher ratio of auxin to cytokinin in the culture medium partially increased leaf regeneration. The addition of AgNO₃ increased shoot regeneration and reduced yellowing and leaf drop. Phenotypic anomalies occurred less frequently in media with lower hormone concentrations. All tested protocols are suitable for kale micropropagation, but regeneration was highly dependent on the medium for different varieties and explant types. Therefore, this study builds a basis for future micropropagation of kale and the development of variety-specific protocols for maximum commercial success. Full article

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is key to the regular functioning of the central nervous system. The dysfunction of the BBB has been described in various neurological disorders, including schizophrenia. Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic psychiatric disorder described by hallucinations, delusions, and negative symptoms. The Olanzapine (OLZ) drug is an electroactive species, and its levels can be monitored using electrochemical sensors. The detection of OLZ was demonstrated previously by using electrochemical sensors, and this technique can be used to monitor the levels of OLZ in real time. The challenge is to identify the permeability of OLZ through the BBB, so a replica model was designed with the BBB based on a Transwell membrane seeded with endothelial cells. A microfabricated electrode consisting of a 3 mm Au disk was modified with platinum black; this enables higher selectivity of electrochemical signals from OLZ. The dose–response of OLZ was characterized in phosphate buffer saline solution (10 mM, pH 7.4) by adding 20–200 nM (in steps 20) of OLZ stock solution. The observed chronoamperometric electrochemical signals showed an increasing current at 0.45 V vs. Ag/AgCl with an increasing OLZ concentration. The controls for the experiments were performed in phosphate-buffered saline solution (10 mM, pH 7.4). The detection limit was calculated as 9.96 ± 7.35 × 10⁻⁶ nM from the calibration curve. The membrane permeability of the OLZ drug tested with five SCZ patients was monitored by studying the TEER measurements and permeability rate constant data. Full article

A new type of CeO₂-modified AgCl catalyst (CeO₂/AgCl) was prepared by a one-step method, which efficiently inhibits the recombination of photogenerated carriers. During the visible-light degradation process, this catalyst exhibited excellent and stable performance. It could not only effectively degrade rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) and crystal violet (CV) but also maintain excellent activity under different environmental conditions. In the RhB degradation experiment in particular, the CeO₂/AgCl-30 composite with the optimal proportion had a degradation rate 5.43 times that of pure AgCl in the seawater system and 9.17 times that of pure AgCl in the deionized water condition, while also showing excellent stability. Through characterization tests such as XRD, XPS and ESR, its crystal structure, elemental composition and so on were analyzed. Based on the characterization results, the CeO₂/AgCl composite showed a relatively wide light absorption range and a relatively high photo-induced charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, it was inferred that the main active species in the reaction process were ·O₂⁻ and ·OH. Finally, based on its electronic band structure, an S-scheme heterojunction structure was proposed. Full article

A simple and easily applicable analytical method for the simultaneous determination of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cu^2+, and Cl⁻ by applying a modified carbon paste electrode with saffron-conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs@Sa) is being presented. The modified CPE was then used for the simultaneous determination of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cu²⁺ as well as chloride ions in soil and plants. The comparative analysis demonstrated a significant enhancement in the applicability of the modified electrode through the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at the carbon paste electrode (CPE) surface, leading to the development of a poly-Sa-CPE. This newly proposed method offers notably superior qualitative performance compared to other metal nanoparticle-based modifications reported in the literature. The accordingly modified electrode was successfully applied in the development of a chloride ion. A novel sensor is being proposed that makes possible the determination of heavy metals and chlorides in the same solution, in soil and plant samples. The enhanced sensitivity and selectivity of the poly-Sa-CPE system highlights its potential as a more effective alternative for heavy metal and chloride analysis, further demonstrating its advantages in electrochemical applications. The LODs of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn^2+, Cu²⁺, and Cl⁻ for their simultaneous determination are 0.38 μg·L⁻¹, 0.44 μg·L⁻¹, 0.72 μg·L⁻¹, 0.42 μg·L⁻¹, and 0.11 μg·L⁻¹, respectively, with comparably high relative standard deviations of about 8.1%, 9.4%, 8.3%, 7.6%, and 7.9%, respectively. Full article

Microplastic (MP) contamination in soil is an emerging environmental concern, influencing the mobility and bioavailability of heavy metals (HMs). This study investigates how different MP types (PP, PS, PVC, HDPE, LDPE, PES, and PET-Glitter) affect HM behavior in soil, focusing on sorption/desorption, and the extraction efficiency of Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, and Cd. Soil samples incubated with MPs showed significant pH increases, particularly with PES and HDPE at 0.8 and 0.6 pH units, respectively. The extraction experiments using 0.05 M EDTA and 0.01 M CaCl₂ revealed that MPs altered metal bioavailability—with HDPE reducing Pb mobility by 15%—and increased Cd and Co mobility by 10–20%. The batch sorption tests confirmed higher Pb adsorption onto HDPE but decreased Cd and Co sorption compared to control soils without MP. These findings demonstrate that MPs act as additional sorption sites, modifying metal speciation and availability, which has critical implications for soil health, agricultural sustainability, and remediation strategies. However, results may vary based on soil type, MP aging, and environmental conditions, indicating the need for further long-term field studies. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between MPs, heavy metals, and soil systems, contributing to a better understanding of pollution dynamics and risk assessment in contaminated environments. Full article

Basin-scale dolomitization of carbonate sequences occurs over long time spans and results from diagenesis, burial, and tectonically driven fluid fluxes. Depicting the different geological processes producing dolomitized carbonate sequences requires combining accurate field, petrographic, and geochemical analyses. Here, we investigate the dolomitization processes in carbonates of the Norian to Toarcian age exposed in the Gran Sasso Massif, Central Apennines of Italy, by integrating field observations, standard and CL petrography, carbon, oxygen, strontium and clumped isotopes, minor elements, and X-ray diffractometry. The carbonates show pervasive replacive dolomitization, and dolomite cements are observed in bed-parallel and thrust-related veins. Replacive dolomites show incomplete replacement from modified seawater in oxidizing conditions, with minimum temperatures of 40–65 °C and a ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr lower than coeval seawater. The first dolomitization event started at shallow burial in the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic and was later affected by replacement at intermediate burial depths. Bedding-parallel dolomite veins crystallized due to fluid overpressures at deep burial depths in a rock-buffered system without variations in geochemistry. Fault-related dolomites cemented thrust-related fractures during compressional deformation in the Messinian–Early Pliocene from seawater modified by mixing with external fluids. Precipitation temperatures of replacive, bedding-parallel, and fault-related dolomite veins are similar. Despite the dolomite types being characterized by different textures and petrographic features, rock-buffered conditions resulted in insignificant variations of their geochemical properties. Full article

Corrosion of traditional cement mortar is a critical issue in karst areas. Composite salt, i.e., sulfate–chloride salt, represents a typical corrosion agent due to the abundance of Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ ions in such geological environments. In this study, we used nano-metakaolin to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of cement mortar in the early aging stages, simulating groundwater corrosion by a compound salt solution in the karst region. The appearance and the change in the flexural/compressive strength of cement mortar upon the nano-metakaolin addition in the early aging stages under dry and wet cycling conditions were analyzed and combined with the results of scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and other methods, revealing the underpinning mechanism behind the function changes of nano-metakaolin-modified cement mortar. The results show that nano-metakaolin effectively promotes cement hydration in the early aging stages. The flexural/compressive strength after 7 days of aging with 1% of added nano-metakaolin increased by 10.38% and 4.41%, respectively, compared to ordinary cement mortar. Furthermore, adding 1–5% of nano-metakaolin under dry and wet cycling and the coupling effect of chloride and sulfate erosion effectively reduce the damage of harmful ions on the cement mortar, leading to evident corrosion inhibition. The generation of hydration products increased after adding the Ghanaian metakaolin, filling the microcracks and micropores, and increasing the overall microstructural compactness. Full article

In this study, an electrochemical approach was utilized to degrade the anionic Chlorazol Yellow (CY) dye in an aqueous solution using a lead oxide-modified stainless steel electrode (denoted as PbO₂-SS). The fabrication of this electrode involved scanning a clean stainless steel (denoted as SS) plate within a range of −1.0 V to +1.0 V against Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl) for three cycles at a scan rate of 0.1 V s⁻¹ in a 0.1 M Pb(NO₃)₂ solution. Analysis via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed successful fabrication, with Pb⁴⁺ being the predominant species observed in the XPS spectra. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging of the fabricated electrode revealed the deposition of PbO₂ in a flower-like, nanostructured form on the SS surface. To provide a cost-effective method for dye treatment, the PbO₂-SS anode was utilized to oxidize chloride ions (Cl⁻) into hypochlorite ions (ClO⁻), which subsequently oxidized CY molecules. Optimization of parameters such as the voltage, supporting electrolytes, and solution pH was conducted to determine the most effective degradation conditions. The method achieved a degradation efficiency of approximately 97% over a wide pH range within 20 min, indicating its applicability across various pH conditions. Consequently, this technique presents a promising approach for the treatment of industrial wastewater. Full article

The WHO has classified Helicobacter pylori as a group 1 carcinogen for stomach cancer since early 1994. However, despite the high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection, only about 3% of infected people eventually develop gastric cancer.Biomolecular detections of Helicobacter pylori(HP) were compared using specially modified sensors and fluorine immobilized on a carbon nanotube (HFCNT) electrode, which yielded sensitive results. Handheld voltammetric circuits were used for optimization. An anodic voltammogram of HP molecular oxidation was obtained at 0.0 V ± 0.1 (versus the Ag/AgCl/KCl) in a 0.1 ± 0.2 M NH₄H₂PO₄ electrolyte solution. Under optimized conditions, the analytical working range was 2.98 × 10³–22.127 × 10⁻³ CFU/mL HP using square wave (SW) stripping voltammetry, precision of R² = 0.9857 ± 0.0005 (SWSV), the detection limit approached to 2.5 × 10² CFU/mL HP (S/N = 3).The developed techniques have been applied to diagnosis of early-stage HP infections using stomach tissue from healthy humans and gastric patients. Full article

Leishmaniasis, a disease caused by protozoan Leishmania spp., exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. Host resistance or susceptibility to infections is often influenced by the genetic make-up associated with natural immunity. Caspase-1, a key component of the NLRP3 inflammasome, is critical for processing pro-IL-1β into its active form, IL-1β, while CARD8 functions as an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor. We conducted a case–control study comparing L. guyanensis-cutaneous leishmaniasis (Lg-CL) patients with healthy individuals (HCs) by analyzing the CASP1 genetic variants rs530537A>G, rs531542C>T, rs531604A>T and rs560880G>T. Additionally, a combined analysis of CARD8rs2043211A>T with CASP1rs530537 was performed. The genotype distribution for the four variants showed no significant differences between Lg-CL patients and HCs. However, the haplotype analysis of the four CASP1 variants identified the GTTT haplotype as associated with a 19% decreased likelihood of Lg-CL development, suggesting a protective effect against disease progression. The combined analysis of CARD8 with CASP1 variants indicated that individuals homozygous for both variants (GG/TT) exhibited a 38% reduced risk of developing Lg-CL (OR = 0.62 [95%CI:0.46–0.83]) in comparison to individuals with other genotype combinations. No correlation was found between the CASP1 variant genotypes and plasma IL-1β levels. CASP1 may act as a genetic modifier in Lg-CL. Full article

Background: The risk of developing a state of low energy availability (LEA) (<30 kcals/kg free-fat mass) in endurance athletes is known and recommendations for nutrition are available. However, information on male adolescent cyclists and the influence of hot temperatures is limited. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on energy availability of two 4-day nutritional intervention strategies: (1) supplementary carbohydrate (CHO) intake during exercise and (2) designing and implementing individual nutritional interventions. Methods: Each intervention was preceded by a 4-day basal assessment. Eight competitive male junior road cyclists (aged 16–17 years) were investigated using a 4-day diet and activity records, alongside bioelectric impedance analysis. Their real-time power output, interstitial glucose, and temperature were recorded via sensors and a bike computer. Their energy intake (EI) was estimated from daily, self-reported food diaries. Results: Overall, 100% and 71% of the cyclists were in a state of LEA during the baseline assessment of the supplementary CHO and nutritional interventions, respectively. LEA prevalence, not modified by supplementary CHO intake alone (from 100% to 87%, ns), was markedly reduced by the individual nutritional intervention (from 71% to 14%, p < 0.05). When considering all the data as a whole, LEA was positively influenced by the training load (OR 1.06; 95% Cl 1.03 to 1.09) and free-fat mass (OR 1.46; 1.04 to 2.04) and was negatively affected by EI (OR 0.994; 0.991 to 0.997). A hot environment (air temperature) failed to influence the LEA or glucose dynamics. Conclusions: the nutritional intervention, but not the supplementary CHO intake, markedly reduced the prevalence of LEA in adolescents, who often fail to match their energy expenditure with their energy intake during the competitive season. Nutritional education is essential for adolescent endurance cycling teams. Full article

Our paper introduces a new theoretical framework called the Fractional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet scalar field cosmology, which has important physical implications. Using fractional calculus to modify the gravitational action integral, we derived a modified Friedmann equation and a modified Klein–Gordon equation. Our research reveals non-trivial solutions associated with exponential potential, exponential couplings to the Gauss–Bonnet term, and a logarithmic scalar field, which are dependent on two cosmological parameters, m and ${\alpha }_0=t_0{H}_0$ and the fractional derivative order $\mu$. By employing linear stability theory, we reveal the phase space structure and analyze the dynamic effects of the Gauss–Bonnet couplings. The scaling behavior at some equilibrium points reveals that the geometric corrections in the coupling to the Gauss–Bonnet scalar can mimic the behavior of the dark sector in modified gravity. Using data from cosmic chronometers, type Ia supernovae, supermassive Black Hole Shadows, and strong gravitational lensing, we estimated the values of m and ${\alpha }_0$, indicating that the solution is consistent with an accelerated expansion at late times with the values ${\alpha }_0=1.38\pm 0.05$, $m=1.44\pm 0.05$, and $\mu =1.48\pm 0.17$ (consistent with ${\mathrm{\Omega }}_{m,0}=0.311\pm 0.016$ and $h=0.712\pm 0.007$), resulting in an age of the Universe $t_0=19.0\pm 0.7$ [Gyr] at 1$\sigma$ CL. Ultimately, we obtained late-time accelerating power-law solutions supported by the most recent cosmological data, and we proposed an alternative explanation for the origin of cosmic acceleration other than $\mathrm{\Lambda }$CDM. Our results generalize and significantly improve previous achievements in the literature, highlighting the practical implications of fractional calculus in cosmology. Full article