Search Results (2,498)

Type 2 endoleaks (EL2s) are potentially life-threatening complications, defined as persistent arterial perfusion of the excluded aneurysmal sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Most EL2s are managed endovascularly, through embolization of the aneurysmal sac and its arterial feeders. During embolization, attention should be given to anatomical variants such as “corona mortis”, an arterial anastomosis connecting external iliac (via inferior epigastric) and internal iliac (via obturator) arteries. We present the case of an 88-year-old male previously treated with EVAR for a left common iliac artery aneurysm (CIAA), complicated by EL2 originating from the ipsilateral ilio-lumbar branch of the internal iliac artery. Successful embolization of the endoleak was achieved through catheterization of the inferior epigastric artery, taking advantage of the “corona mortis” variant. This route allowed access to the sac and embolization with ethylene-vinyl-alcohol-copolymer. This approach represents a safe alternative to direct sac puncture or superior gluteal artery access in patients exhibiting this anatomical variant. Full article

Background/Objectives: Our previous study demonstrated that while the third SARS-CoV-2 booster effectively enhanced immunity against the Delta subvariant, its protection declined over time. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the humoral and cellular immune responses, as well as reactogenicity, of the mRNA-1273 vaccine administered as a fourth booster in healthy Thai adults previously vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac (CV) followed by a third dose of either AZD1222 (AZ) or BNT162b2 (BNT). Methods: Participants received a single 100 µg (0.5 mL) intramuscular dose of mRNA-1273. Blood samples were collected at baseline (D0), D14, D90, and D180 to assess anti-RBD IgG, conduct a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) against the Delta and Omicron variants, and assess IFN-γ levels and reactogenicity. Results: Both 2CV/AZ- and 2CV/BNT-primed groups exhibited comparable local and systemic reactogenicity. The fourth mRNA-1273 dose markedly increased Delta variant inhibition within 14 days in both groups and remained at high levels at Days 90 and 180. sVNT inhibition against Omicron rose similarly in both groups at Day 14; it declined sharply by Days 90 and 180, with the 2CV/AZ-primed group showing significantly lower levels than the 2CV/BNT-primed group. Baseline anti-RBD IgG levels were lower in the 2CV/AZ group (p = 0.003) but surpassed those of the 2CV/BNT group by Day 14, with no significant differences at later time points. IFN-γ responses followed a similar pattern to anti-RBD IgG Conclusions: A heterologous fourth mRNA-1273 booster in both 2CV/AZ- and 2CV/BNT-primed groups effectively enhances B-cell and T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2. However, emerging variants such as Omicron may still pose challenges. The trial was registered with the Thai Clinical Trials Registry: the name of the registry: “The comparison of immune response to the 4th dose booster with mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine in individuals who had received 2 doses of CoronaVac and booster with ChAdOx-1 or BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine”, TCTR20220205002 on 5 February 2022. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is an abundant lignocellulosic by-product whose valorization can support circular bioeconomy strategies. This study evaluated BSG bioconversion by Aspergillus oryzae ATCC 10124 under solid-state fermentation (SSF) to produce lignocellulolytic enzymes and release second-generation (2G) sugars relevant to biorefinery applications. SSF was monitored over 0–10 days, and FPase, endo-cellulase, β-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanase, amylase, and ligninolytic enzyme activities were quantified. Enzymatic crude extracts were further assessed in SDS-PAGE analysis. Glucose, cellobiose, xylose and arabinose release and consumption were tracked throughout fermentation, and substrate transformation was supported by FTIR. The secretome exhibited a predominantly hydrolytic profile, with maximal hemicellulolytic and cellulolytic activity around days 2–4, as well as sustained amylase activity. Ligninolytic activity was not detected. Sugar profiles indicated rapid early hydrolysis of glucose, followed by progressive pentose release. The stabilization and decline were consistent with fungal uptake. Changes in the carbohydrate fingerprint and SDS–PAGE banding supported structural polysaccharide remodeling and hydrolytic protein secretion. Thus, this SSF platform confirmed certain potential for low-cost cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzyme generation. However, because sugar accumulation was temporary and followed by consumption, this system is best interpreted as a biological pretreatment and enzyme-generation step that supports subsequent downstream valorization. Full article

To investigate the multi-factor aging mechanisms of silicone rubber used in the outer sheath of composite bushings, this study focused on HTV silicone rubber employed in the sheath layer of 1100 kV high-voltage bushings. The samples were subjected to temperature–humidity–corona coupled aging in a multi-factor aging platform. The aged samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, hydrophobicity measurements, hardness tests, and dielectric constant measurements. The results indicate that different aging factors affect the material differently. Corona aging primarily affects the sample surface, leading to substantial methyl group detachment, surface oxidation, and a decrease in hydrophobicity, with the local static contact angle decreasing by up to 70%. In contrast, wet heat aging affects the bulk material; under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, the internal small-molecule chains accelerate silicon-oxide crosslinking, leading to a marked increase in hardness and a relative dielectric constant that initially decreases and then increases. Considering the complex field environment, surface performance measurements are easily influenced by external factors. Therefore, hardness and relative dielectric constant are proposed as key indicators for evaluating the aging degree of silicone rubber sheaths in service. The findings provide a valuable reference for the service-life evaluation of composite bushings. Full article

Sit-to-stand (STS) is a fundamental functional task frequently impaired after stroke and widely used in rehabilitation to assess motor control and balance. While lower-limb kinematic and muscular asymmetries during STS have been documented, the contribution of trunk muscle coordination to compensatory strategies has received limited attention. We investigated STS performance in seven individuals with chronic right-sided hemiparesis under two conditions (free arms and crossed arms) to characterize phase-dependent kinematic asymmetries and side-dependent trunk muscle modulation relevant to rehabilitation practice. Optoelectronic motion capture was synchronized with bilateral surface electromyography, providing time-aligned kinematic and neuromuscular signals for sensor-based assessment of STS. Participants exhibited prolonged and highly variable STS durations, along with ankle asymmetries during the rising and lowering phases and hip asymmetries during upright standing, indicating increased reliance on the less impaired limb. Electromyography revealed side-dependent modulation of trunk muscles, notably latissimus dorsi, erector spinae longissimus, and multifidus, characterized by a prolonged relative contribution on the more impaired side. These findings suggest that altered trunk muscle modulation contributes to compensatory STS strategies after stroke and highlight the importance of trunk-focused neuromuscular assessment to guide individualized rehabilitation interventions aimed at improving symmetry, postural stability, and movement efficiency. Full article

Lipid nanodiscs are synthetic nanoparticles capable of solubilizing lipophilic drugs and have been shown to improve the potency of the antifungal Amphotericin B (AmphB) against various fungal pathogens. In this study, the SpyCatcher–SpyTag covalent labeling system was used to couple AmphB-loaded Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) lipid nanodiscs to the receptor domain of Dectin-1, which binds to β-1,3/1,6 glucans present in many fungal cell walls. Denaturing protein gel electrophoresis demonstrated that ApoA1-SpyTag003 lipid nanodiscs could be covalently labeled with SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-superfolder GFP (sfGFP). In microtiter growth assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dectin-1 AmphB nanodiscs displayed an IC₅₀ 1.5-fold lower than uncoupled AmphB nanodiscs and 2.8-fold lower than AmphB-only controls. Nanodiscs without AmphB and SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP themselves did not inhibit yeast growth. Fluorescence microscopy showed that SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP binds to yeast cell walls and accumulated at hot spots, matching the budding scar enrichment pattern previously described for other Dectin-1 fusion proteins. Together these results indicate that Dectin-1 fusions can target AmphB-loaded lipid nanodiscs to fungal cell walls and improve drug delivery. The results here establish the use of a modular SpyCatcher–SpyTag coupling system for targeting drug-loaded lipid nanodiscs to different cells or tissues, thereby increasing drug retention at infection sites, increasing drug potency, and reducing harmful side-effects. Full article

This paper presents the application of ozone for pest control in large-scale systems, with the potential for industrial implementation. The designed ozone generation system is capable of producing an ozone concentration of 550 ppm within 30 min in a controlled chamber. Ozone technology was applied for the control of insect pests in the orchid export industry, both for current use and future applications. A high-concentration ozone generator was designed to operate at temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. The total operating time of the system was 90 min, with a power consumption of 2647 watts. Experimental results indicated that the orchids were not adversely affected by the ozone exposure and that no chemical residues remained after treatment. Furthermore, the research evaluated the effectiveness of ozone fumigation against common orchid pests, namely aphids and red spider mites. When exposed to ozone concentrations ranging from 550 to 650 ppm for 60 min, the system achieved a 100% pest elimination rate for both species. These findings suggest that ozone treatment is a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for pest control in the orchid industry. Full article

Over the past decade, antibacterial materials have become a promising strategy to address both antibiotic-resistant and biomaterial-associated infections in clinical settings. Despite substantial progress, a gap remains between promising antibacterial performance in vitro and limited therapeutic outcomes in vivo. Herein, we present a mechanistic framework for understanding formulation-dependent antibacterial performance across five representative formulation architectures: nanoparticle-based systems, nanofibrous scaffolds, hydrogel matrices, surface coatings, and vesicular or microencapsulated carriers. We impart how structural organization and delivery dynamics regulate antibacterial mechanisms such as contact-mediated killing, controlled therapeutic release, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and discuss their context-dependent suitability for diverse infection scenarios; these include acute wound infections, biofilm-associated implant infections, and chronic infected wounds. Particular emphasis is placed on factors contributing to the frequent failure of high in vitro log reduction efficacy translating into clinical success, including protein corona formation, biological barrier penetration, and dynamic host–pathogen interactions. Finally, we propose a comparative formulation-selection framework based on infection type, tissue environment, and therapeutic objectives to guide the rational design of next-generation antibacterial materials. This perspective bridges the gap between material innovation and clinical translation by highlighting formulation architecture as a central determinant of antibacterial performance in biomedical applications. Full article

Nanoparticle powders of a Ce_1−xRu_xO₂ mixed oxide (3.0% w/w), were synthesized to be used as catalytic supports, on which Pt and Ir nanoparticles were deposited as the active phase. The catalytic supports were prepared through a route involving microwave heating, while the Pt or Ir nanoparticles were incorporated via the wet incipient method. The {Pt, Ir/Ce_1−xRu_xO₂} catalytic systems were successfully tested as catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation. To provide adequate support to our results, the compounds were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, DRS-UV-vis, and XPS techniques. In addition, BET isotherms were carried out to determine specific surface area features. The CO oxidation evolution was tested in the range of 25–350 °C. Both Pt and Ir supported Ce_1−xRu_xO₂ catalysts that remarkably improved the CO oxidation, reaching and sustaining 100% conversion from 125 °C onwards. Remarkably, the mixed oxide support, by itself, showed outstanding performance, achieving 100% conversion to CO₂, at a temperature of 225 °C. Full article

This review surveys how nanoparticles and biomolecular nanosized structures interact with model membrane systems, and how these interfacial processes govern their performance in drug and gene delivery, antimicrobial strategies, biosensing, and nanotoxicology. The nanostructures covered include polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, peptide nanostructures, dendrimers, and multifunctional hybrids. Model membranes span Langmuir monolayers, supported lipid bilayers, vesicles/liposomes across sizes, and emerging hybrid or asymmetric constructs that better approximate native complexity. Mechanistically, interactions follow recurrent routes—surface adsorption, bilayer insertion, pore formation, and lipid extraction/reorganization—regulated by particle size, morphology, charge, ligand architecture, and lipophilicity, in conjunction with membrane composition, phase state, curvature, and asymmetry. A multiscale toolkit links structure, mechanics, and dynamics: Langmuir troughs and Brewster Angle Microscopy map thermodynamics and mesoscale morphology; atomic force microscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation resolve nanoscale topography and viscoelasticity; fluorescence microscopy/spectroscopy reports on localization and packing; neutron and X-ray reflectometry quantify vertical structure; molecular dynamics provides atomistic pathways and design hypotheses. Historically, the field advanced from early monolayers and bilayers, through the fluid mosaic model, to raft microdomains and modern biomimetic systems, enabling increasingly realistic experiments. Key advances include cross-method integration linking experimental observations with image-based computational models; persistent debates concern the translation from simplified models to living membranes, the role of dynamic coronas, and scale/force-field limits in simulations. Future efforts should prioritize hybrid models incorporating proteins and asymmetric lipidomes, standardized reporting and reference systems, rigorous coupling of experiments with calibrated simulations and machine learning, and alignment with safety-by-design and regulatory expectations, thereby shifting interfacial measurements from descriptive observation to predictive design rules. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infant regulatory problems (RPs) are at risk of persisting and can contribute to later behavioral difficulties. Parenting stress has been identified as a risk factor associated with child RPs, but its mediating role has rarely been investigated in this context. The aim of the study was (1) to investigate whether RP symptoms were related to subsequent infant RP symptoms/toddler behavioral and emotional problems (BEPs) between two pediatric check-ups in the first 3 years of life and (2) to investigate the potential role of parenting stress as a partial mediator in the association of infant RPs and subsequent RPs/BEPs. Methods: Using data from a German cohort study (CoronaBaBY), associations between infant RPs at baseline and RPs/toddlers BEPs at follow-up (around 8 months later) were analyzed. Parenting stress was included as a mediation variable into the model. Results: In total, 725 parent–child dyads were analyzed. Mean infant age was 5.0 months (SD = 3.4). Elevated RP symptoms at baseline significantly predicted infant RP symptoms and BEPs at follow-up. Parenting stress at baseline significantly predicted feeding problems and BEPs at follow-up. Parenting stress partially mediated the associations between baseline infant RPs and follow-up RPs respectively BEPs in most models. Conclusions: Interventions should consider the partially mediating role of parenting stress, especially for the later development of BEPs. Research should aim to identify additional factors influencing infant regulatory problems and subsequent behavioral difficulties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis has been implicated in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis, influencing inflammation and neurodegeneration, but findings remain inconsistent due to environmental and methodological variability. This study aimed to identify possible microbial biomarkers of MS status and disease severity by profiling gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) patterns in people with relapsing–remitting MS (pwRRMS), using household-matched healthy controls (HC) to minimize environmental variability. Methods: Twenty-four pwRRMS and their respective household-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled, with dietary and lifestyle habits monitored. GM composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. PwRRMS were stratified by Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS). Results: β-diversity did not differ between groups. However, α-diversity was significantly reduced in pwRRMS, particularly in those with greater disability. Reduced diversity was associated with lower abundance of butyrate-producing genera (Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus) and enrichment of Oscillibacter and UBA1819, alongside a downward trend in fecal butyrate and propionate levels. Conclusions: RRMS and greater disease severity are associated with gut microbial alterations characterized by reduced SCFA-producing bacteria. Despite limitations including small sample size and sex imbalance, the household-matched design strengthens internal validity. Our findings highlight the potential of targeting the gut microbiota, an accessible compartment within the gut–brain axis, for MS management. Full article

Current efforts to improve photodynamic therapy focus on nanomaterials that integrate deep tissue imaging with efficient reactive oxygen species generation. Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are promising alternatives to conventional photosensitizers due to their effective ROS production and enhanced biocompatibility when stabilized by a protein corona. However, both photosensitizers and Au NCs are typically activated by ultraviolet or visible light, which cannot penetrate deeper into tissues and is limited to superficial applications. Here, we report a near-infrared (NIR)-activated photodynamic nanoplatform based on core–shell upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs; NaGdF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺@NaGdF₄:Yb³⁺,Nd³⁺), functionalized with a protein corona containing bovine serum albumin-stabilized Au NCs (BSA–Au NCs) and photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6). Spectroscopic data confirmed the formation of the UCNP-BSA–Au-Ce6 nanoplatform and demonstrated 32% energy transfer efficiency from UCNPs to Ce6, resulting in efficient reactive oxygen species generation under 808 nm irradiation. Cellular experiments confirmed the effective internalization and optimal biocompatibility of the nanoplatform in human breast cancer and healthy cells. Upon irradiation at 808 nm, the nanoplatform significantly reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. These findings indicate that the UCNP-BSA–Au-Ce6 nanoplatform couples NIR activation with enhanced singlet oxygen production, providing a multifunctional platform for deep tissue imaging and NIR-activated photodynamic therapy. Full article

Bioelectricity plays a vital role in regulating cellular behavior. During the process of tissue repair and regeneration, surface electrical signals provided by biomaterials are found to be helpful. The characteristics of these electrical signals typically vary depending on the specific tissue repair requirements. In this study, zinc oxide nanorod (ZNR) arrays were loaded onto a poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVTF) substrate via the hydrothermal method. The nanorods were subsequently tilted by uniaxial stretching to form a ZNR/PVTF composite film with in-plane, horizontally aligned ZNRs along the stretching direction on the surface. The distribution of ZNRs created a heterogeneous potential across the PVTF substrate. Under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, the surface potential of the ZNRs increased by approximately 76 mV due to a photoelectric response, enabling the formation of an adjustable millivolt-level surface potential. After corona polarization, the dipoles within the PVTF were aligned to achieve piezoelectric properties. The existence of oriented surface ZNRs enhanced the piezoelectric response of the ZNR/PVTF film, allowing for volt-level dynamic electrical signals through a force-voltage coupling mechanism. The output voltage increased from 1.32 V (PVTF) to 2.42 V (ZNR/PVTF) under the same 30° bending condition. Moreover, the ZNR/PVTF film exhibited excellent short-term biocompatibility toward bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). Overall, this work presents an effective strategy for generating multiscale electrical signals through external field applications, demonstrating strong potential for tissue repair and regeneration. Full article

The food packaging industry requires sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste and replace synthetic additives. This study addresses the need for scalable methods to transform conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging into active food preservation systems using natural biocides. Commercial PET packaging was surface-activated using industrial-scale corona treatment, followed by coating with natural biocides—carvacrol (CV) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCN). The resulting active packaging materials (PET-CV and PET-tCN) were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, AFM, and desorption kinetics. Packaging properties including mechanical strength, oxygen barrier, antioxidant (DPPH), and antibacterial activity (against S. aureus and E. coli) were evaluated. Real-food preservation tests were conducted using fresh minced pork (4 °C, 6 days) and table olives (23 °C, 21 days), monitoring microbiological (TVC), colorimetric (CIE L*a*b*), and pH changes. Corona treatment successfully anchored both biocides through physical adsorption, with tCN exhibiting stronger surface interaction (desorption energy: 128.0 kJ/mol). Both coatings significantly improved oxygen barrier properties (61% reduction for PET-CV, 80% for PET-tCN). PET-tCN demonstrated superior antibacterial activity (inhibition zones: 15.0 mm against E. coli). In pork preservation, PET-tCN achieved a 2-log reduction in TVC, maintained meat redness (a*: 12.80 vs. 5.10 for control), and stabilized pH. For olives, PET-tCN reduced TVC by 2.35 log cycles and preserved green color. This corona-assisted coating approach, demonstrated here at laboratory scale, successfully transforms inert PET into multi-functional active packaging with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, significantly extending food shelf-life and offering a sustainable solution for reducing food waste. Full article