Search Results (19,618)

Visible light (VL) accounts for approximately 50% of the solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface and has emerged as a major contributor to skin photoaging and pigmentation disorders, particularly in individuals with darker Fitzpatrick skin phototypes. Increasing evidence suggests that VL exposure induces oxidative stress, inflammation, and melanogenesis by generating reactive oxygen species. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of a topical antioxidant formulation (AOX Mix) containing 15% ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, and 1% tocopherol against VL exposure in ex vivo skin biopsies from donors with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes IV–V. To preserve physiological tissue tension and closely replicate in vivo skin responses, human skin explants were maintained using the TenSkin™ culture system. Samples were pretreated with AOX Mix for 30 min, then exposed to VL for 8 h, and collected on Days 2 and 7 for histological and molecular analyses. Our results demonstrated that prolonged exposure to VL disrupted redox homeostasis and induced structural alterations in skin explants, accompanied by increased markers of oxidative stress and pigmentation. In contrast, pre-treatment with AOX Mix significantly attenuated these effects, preserving tissue architecture and reducing molecular indicators of photodamage. In addition, we observed the co-localization of 4-hydroxynonenal and collagen type I, suggesting that oxidative post-translational modification of collagen may contribute to its loss. These findings suggest that antioxidant-based interventions, such as AOX Mix, may be a promising strategy for protecting dark skin against VL exposure. Full article

Edible lily bulbs (Lilium lancifolium Thunb.) are highly valued for their rich nutritional profile and significant medicinal properties. To further enhance these beneficial attributes, this study investigates a novel, green post-harvest enhancement strategy using low-dose ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation (2–5 Gy) followed by immediate freeze-drying. Experimentally, fresh bulbs were exposed to varying irradiation doses, after which physiological parameters (enzyme activities, phytochemical contents) and metabolic profiles (via LC-MS/MS) were systematically evaluated. The results demonstrated that 4 Gy represented the optimal dose; compared to the non-irradiated control group (0 Gy), the 4 Gy treatment significantly enhanced the antioxidant defense system by eliciting oxidative stress responses, increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities by 1.55- to 1.86-fold, and elevating total phenolics and flavonoids by 1.31- and 2.69-fold, respectively. Untargeted metabolomic analysis identified 42 differential metabolites, revealing that 4 Gy irradiation primarily upregulated the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthetic pathways. Key antioxidants, specifically rosmarinic acid and the newly detected alkaloid jurubine, exhibited significant accumulation. Integrated correlation analysis and molecular docking simulations elucidated the underlying mechanisms, providing theoretical insights into their transient interactions with DPPH radicals. In conclusion, low-dose ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation serves as a sustainable, green post-harvest processing strategy to improve the nutritional quality of edible lily bulbs by activating intrinsic metabolic defense mechanisms. Full article

Mudstone caprocks are important sealing formations for geological CO₂ storage, but the extent and mineralogical response of CO₂-induced alteration within mudstone caprocks remain poorly constrained. This study examines a Paleocene mudstone caprock from the Mingyuefeng Formation in the Lishui Sag, East China Sea Basin, where natural CO₂ charging has occurred. Mineralogical and geochemical analyses, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), rare earth elements (REE), and carbon–oxygen isotopes, were used to characterize CO₂–water–rock interaction at the reservoir–caprock transition. The studied caprock is dominated by quartz and clay minerals, with mineralogical characteristics favorable for caprock sealing. REE signatures indicate a felsic source and limited vertical REE redistribution within the studied interval. Carbonate minerals display distinct vertical variations across the sandstone–mudstone interface, with localized carbonate redistribution near the transition and carbonate depletion accompanied by clay-mineral alteration above it. Most samples retain δ¹³C values close to background levels, whereas a decimeter-scale interval adjacent to the interface exhibits depleted δ¹³C values accompanied by localized δ¹⁸O variations, consistent with the localized influence of CO₂-bearing fluids. The altered zone is restricted to a decimeter-scale interval above the reservoir–caprock transition, suggesting that CO₂-related alteration was spatially restricted within the studied interval. Carbonate redistribution and clay-mineral transformation may have contributed to geochemical buffering during CO₂–water–rock interaction, although their quantitative effects on pore structure and sealing performance require further petrophysical investigation. These results provide a natural analogue for understanding localized CO₂-induced alteration and potential geochemical self-sealing processes at reservoir–caprock interfaces. Full article

3-Hydroxybutyric acid (3-HB) is a bioactive ketone body involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and metabolic homeostasis. Although engineered bacterial probiotics have been developed for localized 3-HB delivery, their susceptibility to antibacterial antibiotics may limit their use during concurrent antibiotic treatment. The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii offers an alternative host for intestinal 3-HB delivery because of its compatibility with antibacterial antibiotics and the availability of well-established genetic engineering tools. Here, we engineered S. boulardii for 3-HB production using Cas9-mediated genome editing. A heterologous 3-HB biosynthetic pathway was introduced into S. boulardii MYA-797, and endogenous acetyl-CoA and ethanol metabolism was subsequently rewired by overexpressing ACS1, deleting ADH1, and overexpressing ADH7. The optimized strain, SbDY02, produced 1.7 g/L 3-HB under microaerobic conditions. Oral administration of SbDY02 to C57BL/6J mice increased fecal 3-HB and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations by 1.89-fold and 1.68-fold, respectively, compared with mice receiving the parental strain. Repeated administration also increased fecal acetate and circulating total SCFAs, butyrate, and propionate. In human colonic epithelial cells, purified 3-HB attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, supporting its direct activity toward inflammation-associated epithelial signaling. To our knowledge, this study provides the first demonstration of a 3-HB-producing probiotic yeast and links central metabolic engineering of S. boulardii with increased 3-HB availability, altered SCFA profiles, and a host-relevant epithelial response. Full article

Skin aging is characterized by various changes, including epidermal thinning, barrier dysfunction, dermis alteration, and dermal–epidermal junction flattening. These changes lead to wrinkles and loss of skin radiance. This study investigates the potential of a supercritical CO₂ extract derived from Helichrysum italicum distillation co-products (CO₂SC extract) to serve as a botanical anti-aging product, targeting epidermal renewal, barrier reinforcement, dermal–epidermal junction organization, and engagement of retinoid-related gene networks. CO₂SC extract’s effects were examined at 0.005% in aged-human-skin equivalents via histology, immunohistology, and transcriptomics. Furthermore, CO₂SC extract was investigated at 0.1% in human skin explants using label-free proteomics in comparison with retinol (ROL) at 0.1% and 0.3%. The clinical effectiveness and tolerability of 0.1% CO₂SC extract were determined by conducting a randomized, intra-individual comparison with a 0.1% ROL formulation. In aged-human-skin equivalents, CO₂SC extract at 0.005% increased epidermal thickness, enhanced expression of differentiation- and barrier-related genes, and stimulated dermal remodeling by increasing type I and III collagens while promoting type VII collagen at the dermal–epidermal junction. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of genes involved in ROL metabolism and retinoic-acid-responsive signaling. Proteomic profiling further highlighted treatment-associated molecular signatures in comparison with ROL. Clinically, 0.1% CO₂SC extract significantly improved wrinkles by day 28, with improvements of comparable magnitude to those observed with the 0.1% ROL arm under the tested conditions and good tolerability, with no signs of irritation reported, including in sensitive-skin participants. CO₂SC extract displays anti-aging activity at the molecular, histological, and clinical levels under the tested conditions, modulating gene networks related to ROL metabolism and retinoid signaling while reinforcing barrier integrity and dermal regeneration. Together with its favorable tolerability profile, these findings suggest that this CO₂SC extract triggers retinoid-associated programs while maintaining a molecular profile distinct from that of ROL, supporting further evaluation as a botanical anti-aging ingredient agent. Full article

Background: Children with Down syndrome often have co-occurring physical conditions affecting well-being, and respiratory issues remain a leading cause of hospitalization and death among people with Down syndrome. Parents of children with Down syndrome experience stressors associated with respiratory illness and challenges navigating healthcare access. No prior qualitative study has examined parental perspectives on respiratory health specifically among children with Down syndrome. Identifying parental concerns can help in the development of strategies to mitigate respiratory ailments in children with Down syndrome. Methods: One-hour, semi-structured interviews were conducted among 24 families of children with Down syndrome to understand respiratory concerns. Findings were identified through codebook thematic analysis. Results: The themes identified included persistent concerns about respiratory health, repeated impact from acute and chronic respiratory issues, a rapid and unexpected decline in health during respiratory illness, insurance coverage concerns, and a lack of confidence in assessing air quality which could impact respiratory health. Conclusions: Insights gained from interviews of parents of children with Down syndrome can help policy makers identify opportunities to prevent and mitigate respiratory health problems. Findings underscore the importance of clinician responsiveness to parental concern about rapid deterioration and suggest that insurance coverage policies for this high-risk population warrant further research and policy consideration. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in soils, and their inherent toxicity and persistence pose serious threats to terrestrial animals and plants. This study reports the synthesis of a biochar-supported Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄ nanocomposite (Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC) as a peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activator for the degradation of PAHs in contaminated soil. The one-step prepared Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC exhibits abundant nanoporous structures, with a specific surface area of 158.34 m² g⁻¹ and average pore size of 2.84 nm. Compared with pristine biochar (BC), Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC shows superior catalytic performance in activating PMS for the efficient degradation of seven kinds of 3–4 ring PAHs in soil. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, electrochemical analysis and scavenger quenching experiments, the catalytic mechanism was elucidated, revealing that ^•OH, SO₄^•−, and electron transfer were primarily responsible for the degradation of phenanthrene (PHE) in soil. The presence of coexisting soil constituents, including Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻, NO₃⁻ and humic acid (HA), was found to inhibit PHE degradation. Furthermore, plant growth experiments revealed that the Fe₂O₃/CoFe₂O₄@BC/PMS system effectively alleviated the ecotoxicity of PHE-contaminated soil. This work thus provides a promising nanocatalyst for PMS-mediated remediation of soil contaminated with refractory organic pollutants and offers a feasible strategy for the in situ chemical remediation of PAH-polluted soil. Full article

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) needs point-like reference targets for co-registration, calibration, and absolute geolocation, but real corner reflectors (CRs) exist only at a few dedicated sites. We present a detection and three-dimensional (3D) positioning pipeline for naturally occurring corner-reflector-like (pseudo-CR) scatterers in KOMPSAT-5 stacks, combining constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection ranked by local contrast rather than absolute power, a multi-scale template bank, multi-look range-Doppler bundle triangulation, and a per-target conditioning diagnostic vector. At the nine-CR Mongolia calibration field, all nine are recovered, with a mean horizontal error of 1.37 m and a mean 3D error of 2.01 m. At a CR-absent suburban site in Suncheon, Republic of Korea, 18 scenes yield 39,822 clusters, 26,659 of which pass the conditioning gate. Over 16 response-enriched poles retained by author adjudication, the difference to the nearest conditioning-filtered cluster averages 3.19 m horizontally and 1.45 m vertically relative to the surveyed pole base. Because part of that set was selected after inspecting preliminary responses, these are conditional nearest-cluster agreements, not verified target accuracies, and no detection probability is claimed. In an exploratory comparison on the same set, contrast ranking retains more evaluation targets than power ranking at equal budgets, 16 against 9 of 16. Removing robust weighting and pruning degrades the mean Mongolia 3D error to 7.39 m; the DEM prior is non-critical, whereas the clustering radius is consequential in the dense pole field, with the count within 20 m falling from 16 to 9 as the radius grows from 15 m to 30 m. In a leave-scene-out check, 85.8% of 254 evaluable clusters persist in a scene excluded from their solutions, against 35.2% of 270 evaluable random positions: a complete-case enrichment of 78%, or 53–82% under cross-arm worst-case imputation of the unevaluable targets; neither estimate measures catalogue precision. Limited KOMPSAT-5 stacks can therefore yield few-metre nearest-cluster agreement at selected pole locations where stable multi-scene responses form. Full article

The occurrence of viral zoonotic spillover (the transmission of viruses from animals to humans) has attracted worldwide attention due to mounting concerns regarding viral threats such as avian influenza, Hendra, monkeypox, Nipah and bat coronaviruses. It is evident that these events deviate significantly from natural occurrences, being the conflation of ecological, environmental and social factors that are profoundly altering the boundaries between the animal and human domains. Consequently, in order to comprehend both the contemporary and prospective drivers of zoonotic viral spillover, a coordinated, comprehensive global One Health response is essential. The purpose of the present review is to analyze prevailing pathways of transmission between animal reservoirs and human populations. This examination involves the analysis of historical cases, including those of SARS and Ebola, as well as recent occurrences, such as the global pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). A secondary objective of this review is to comprehend the fundamental mechanisms of cross-species transmission. The development of effective strategies to mitigate the emergence of zoonotic viruses and prevent future pandemics is contingent on a robust understanding of these mechanisms. This analysis is key to identifying pandemic pathogens and preventing the spread of zoonotic viruses. In conclusion, the review provides a thorough evaluation of current global strategies to prevent the spread of zoonotic viruses, highlighting gaps in our understanding and areas for further research. Full article

Metal oxide thin-film transistors (MO TFTs) have drawn wide interest in photodetectors and optoelectronic synaptic devices owing to their wide bandgap, low off-state current, high optical transparency, low-temperature processing, and large-area uniformity. Gate modulation in the TFT structure can tune the channel’s initial state and interfacial electric field, enhancing the tunability of photogenerated carrier transport, defect trapping/release, and interfacial charge regulation. This article reviews the progress of MO TFT photodetectors and optoelectronic synaptic devices, and examines the roles of light absorption, carrier transport, defect-related carrier dynamics, interfacial charge control, and persistent photoconductivity in different device functions. For photodetectors, key goals include broadening the response spectrum, reducing dark current, improving spectral selectivity, and enhancing response stability. For optoelectronic synaptic devices, post-illumination conductance retention and slow relaxation enable memory retention and synaptic weight modulation. Thus, rather than being separate, photodetection and optoelectronic synapses are functional extensions of the MO TFT optoelectronic response under different application targets. This article further discusses the synergy between these two functions in array sensing, visual preprocessing, and intelligent vision systems. Future development requires advances in targeted defect engineering, interface and structure optimization, array uniformity, standardized evaluation, and device–circuit–algorithm co-design for low-power, integrable intelligent vision hardware. Full article

In recent decades, the digital transformation has increasingly influenced structures and practices in community social services in Spain and other European countries. The progressive integration of telecare systems, home automation, mobile applications, and digital tools into the community sphere has enabled the optimisation of certain interventions, but it has also generated ethical dilemmas and new forms of inequality. This article examines how technologies are incorporated into community social services and home care practices in Spain within a context marked by gender, class, and age inequalities. Drawing on qualitative research involving thirty-two interviews with care recipients, carers, and representatives of social organisations, we analyse the socio-technological networks that mediate care, their impact on self-determination, and the limits and resistance to digitalisation. Our findings indicate that, within the community sphere, technologies can only contribute effectively to greater well-being when they are integrated into an ethical framework that prioritises human accompaniment, social co-responsibility, and the recognition of care as a right. We further discuss the tensions faced by cooperative and community organisations in providing sustained inclusive and dignified services within a precarious socio-economic context that highlights shared responsibility. Finally, we offer reflections on technological innovation, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration that strengthens community networks and advances social justice. Full article

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality, and responses to immune checkpoint blockade are often limited. Casein kinase 2 beta (CK2beta), encoded by CSNK2B, has established tumor-intrinsic functions, but its relationship with immune states in HCC remains unclear. Methods: We integrated TCGA-LIHC, six GEO cohort-platform combinations, GSE149614 single-cell RNA sequencing data, CIBERSORTx deconvolution, broad-compartment CellChat inference, and public proteomic resources. We evaluated CSNK2B expression, overall survival, a prespecified GDF15-associated Treg/checkpoint transcriptional module, tumor microenvironment features, compartment-level localization, and protein-level support. Results: CSNK2B was upregulated in TCGA-LIHC and all six external cohort-platform comparisons but was not a robust prognostic marker. The strongest immune association was with the GDF15-associated Treg/checkpoint module (Spearman rho = 0.371, q = 2.9 × 10⁻¹²); the direction was positive in all six GEO analyses and four passed BH-FDR. Deconvolution results were small and heterogeneous. CSNK2B and GDF15 were most prominent in hepatocyte-like compartments, while the candidate hepatocyte-to-T/NK GDF15–TGFBR2 pair was not reproduced in pooled data or in any of 10 patient-stratified CellChat runs. Public proteomic datasets supported tumor-side elevation of both proteins. Conclusions: CSNK2B expression aligns with a reproducible GDF15-associated transcriptional state in HCC, accompanied by selective stromal, endothelial, and immune-context changes. The evidence is associative and provides hypotheses for perturbation, spatial, and co-culture validation rather than a causal or treatment-prediction claim. Full article

The growing deterioration of water resources and the energy requirements of conventional wastewater treatment technologies have increased interest in systems that combine organic matter removal with bioelectrochemical conversion. This study evaluated a laboratory-scale dual-chamber microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated with real wastewater using Scenedesmus acutus (S. acutus) and a native microbial consortium as anodic biocatalysts at 25 and 30 °C. The system was assessed through continuous monitoring of voltage, pH, temperature, and CH₄, H₂, and CO₂ signals in the anodic headspace, together with physicochemical characterization and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. COD removal efficiencies of 33.7 and 30.3% were obtained for S. acutus at 25 and 30 °C, respectively, whereas the native microbial consortium achieved 29.8 and 43.4% removal under the same conditions. The consortium at 30 °C showed the most favorable combination of COD removal and electrical response, whereas S. acutus at 30 °C reached the highest maximum voltage and stored energy, although with greater signal variability. The CH₄, H₂, and CO₂ signals differed among conditions and were consistent with the possible participation of fermentative and methanogenic processes alongside electrogenic activity, although gas production rates and the contribution of individual pathways were not quantified. Overall, the results demonstrate the operational feasibility of the proposed MFC for coupling wastewater treatment with a measurable electrical response and support further evaluation of native microbial consortia as anodic biocatalysts. Full article

(1) Background: Natural pigments and bioactive compounds have attracted increasing interest as sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants in food and industrial applications. This study evaluated the effects of foliar-applied thiamin (vitamin B1) on the physiological, growth, and biochemical responses of Celosia argentea L. var. cristata. (2) Methods: Plants are exposed to different concentrations of thiamin (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L⁻¹) and cultivated under protected conditions, in a semi-hydroponic system. (3) Results: Increases of 17.53% in CO₂ assimilation rate, 34.0% in carboxylation efficiency, 15.06% in flower fresh weight, and 14.63% in flower dry weight were observed under lower concentrations (50–100 mg L⁻¹). In contrast, higher concentrations (150–200 mg L⁻¹) stimulated the accumulation of flavonoid content, increased by 9.93%. At 200 mg L⁻¹, betacyanin, betaxanthin, and total betalain contents increased by 22.04%, 25.97%, and 23.55%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Thiamin application induces concentration-dependent responses in Celosia argentea L. Concentrations up to 100 mg L⁻¹ enhance flower production and biomass accumulation, while higher doses stimulate the accumulation of bioactive compounds, antioxidant metabolites, and betalains in flowers. These effects highlight thiamin’s potential to improve ornamental quality and support natural colorant production for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile applications. Full article

Magnetic molecular thin films provide a platform for nanoscale control of spin density, morphology and low-dimensional magnetism. We use co-deposition of closely isostructural iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and metal-free phthalocyanine (H₂Pc) onto heated substrates to prepare diluted thin films with systematically varied Fe spin densities. Structural and surface characterization shows that H₂Pc incorporation modifies film growth, producing a monotonic dependence of surface roughness on dilution and a grain size minimum for mixed FePc:H₂Pc films. Vibrating sample magnetometry reveals a nonlinear suppression of the magnetic response with increasing H₂Pc content, exceeding the reduction expected from FePc concentration alone. Below 5 K, the saturation magnetization is markedly reduced in diluted films compared with undiluted FePc, suggesting that molecular packing, Fe chain length and nanoscale morphology influence the magnetic coupling strength. These findings provide insight into FePc:H₂Pc co-deposition as a route to chemically tunable magnetic molecular nanomaterials and highlight the importance of structurally compatible molecular dilution for magnetic sensing applications. Full article