Search Results (20,221)

Morbid obesity is a complex, multifactorial disorder characterized by metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation. The aim of this study was to observe changes in obese patients adhering to a personalized nutrition plan based on multi-omic data. This study included 14 adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m² who were consecutively recruited from those presenting to our outpatient clinic and who met the inclusion criteria. Clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and glycomic parameters were assessed, along with whole-genome sequencing (WGS) that included a focused analysis of obesity-associated genes and an extended analysis encompassing genes related to cardiometabolic disorders, hereditary cancer risk, and nutrigenetic profiles. Patients were stratified into nutrigenetic clusters using a patented unsupervised machine learning platform (German Patent Office, No. DE 20 2025 101 197 U1), which was employed to generate personalized nutrigenetic dietary recommendations for patients with morbid obesity to follow over a six-month period. At baseline, participants exhibited elevated glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglycerides, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, consistent with insulin resistance and chronic low-grade inflammation. The majority of participants harbored risk alleles within the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) and the interleukin-6 gene (IL-6), together with multiple additional significant variants identified across more than 40 genes implicated in metabolic regulation and nutritional status. Using an AI-driven clustering model, these genetic polymorphisms delineated a uniform cluster of patients with morbid obesity. The mean GlycanAge index (56 ± 12.45 years) substantially exceeded chronological age (32 ± 9.62 years), indicating accelerated biological aging. Following a six-month personalized nutrigenetic dietary intervention, significant reductions were observed in both BMI (from 52.09 ± 7.41 to 34.6 ± 9.06 kg/m², p < 0.01) and GlycanAge index (from 56 ± 12.45 to 48 ± 14.83 years, p < 0.01). Morbid obesity is characterized by a pro-inflammatory and metabolically adverse molecular signature reflected in accelerated glycomic aging. Personalized nutrigenetic dietary interventions, derived from AI-driven analysis of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data, effectively reduced both BMI and biological age markers, supporting integrative multi-omics and machine learning approaches as promising tools in precision-based obesity management. Full article

Pseudolysimachion pyrethrinum var. gasanensis (Gasan spike speedwell) is a valuable Korean endemic variety with significant horticultural potential. Despite its morphological distinctiveness, its taxonomic status and evolutionary position have remained a subject of debate. In this study, we assembled and characterized the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of P. pyrethrinum var. gasanensis using high-throughput sequencing. The complete plastome is 152,251 bp in length, exhibiting a typical quadripartite structure with a large single-copy (LSC) region (83,191 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,690 bp), and two inverted repeats (IRs) (25,685 bp each). The genome contains 133 genes, including 88 protein-coding, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Genomic analysis identified 42 simple sequence repeat (SSR) units across 38 distinct loci, predominantly mononucleotide A/T motifs, which serve as potential molecular markers for variety-level identification. Selective pressure analysis revealed that the majority of protein-coding genes are under strong purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1.0), emphasizing the evolutionary stability of the plastome. Comparative analysis of IR boundaries using IRscope revealed a high degree of structural conservation among Pseudolysimachion species, with minor variations at the junction sites. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18 complete plastomes strongly supported the monophyly of the genus Pseudolysimachion (Bootstrap = 100%) and placed P. pyrethrinum var. gasanensis as a sister to the European P. spicatum. These genomic resources provide a foundational tool for the molecular breeding, systematic conservation, and sustainable utilization of this endemic variety, while offering clarity to its taxonomic classification within the tribe Veroniceae. Full article

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a globally prevalent chronic metabolic disorder that poses severe public health risks. Synthetic hypoglycemic agents are susceptible to inducing adverse reactions, thus driving the development of natural, safe and highly effective plant-derived hypoglycemic active compounds as a research hotspot. Inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase represents an effective strategy to regulate postprandial blood glucose levels. This study investigated the synergistic hypoglycemic activity of a composite (PS-PP) formed by polysaccharide (PS) and polyphenols (PP) from Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Muzao and elucidated the structural basis underlying this synergistic effect. First, MPS and MPP were isolated and purified, followed by the in vitro assembly to prepare PS-PP. The hypoglycemic activities of MPS, MPP and MPS-PP were evaluated via in vitro enzyme inhibition assays, while structural characterization was conducted using GPC-MALLS, FT-IR and SEM techniques. Results demonstrated that PS-PP exerted the strongest activity under optimal conditions (0.75 mg/mL concentration, pH 4.0, 1:2 mass ratio), with IC₅₀ values of 1.14 μg/mL and 0.82 μg/mL against the two enzymes, which were superior to those of polysaccharides (15.10 and 36.06 μg/mL) and polyphenols (1.18 and 46.24 μg/mL). Structural analysis revealed that the interaction between PS and PP was primarily mediated by hydrogen bonds. PS-PP exhibited significant differences from single-component compounds in molecular weight distribution, functional group binding and surface morphology. These structural alterations were identified as the key factors contributing to its enhanced hypoglycemic efficacy. This study clarifies the synergistic hypoglycemic mechanism of MPP-PS and lays a scientific foundation for the development of natural hypoglycemic preparations and functional foods. Full article

Herein, we report the mechanochemical synthesis of a novel hybrid molecule, N-(4-methoxyphenethyl)-2-propylpentanamide. This solvent-minimized synthesis aligns with the principles of Green Chemistry and exemplifies the emerging paradigm of medicinal mechanochemistry, offering an efficient, sustainable route to pharmaceutically relevant amides. The newly synthesized compound was fully characterized by melting point determination, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Full article

The hydroisomerization reaction of light alkanes was used to improve their octane value. Industrial light alkane feeds usually contain a certain amount of cycloalkanes and aromatics (known as hydrocarbon impurities). In this study, the influence of hydrocarbon impurities on the isomerization activity of n-alkanes over Pt/SO₄²⁻/ZrO₂/Al₂O₃ (PSZA) was investigated in a continuous flow fixed-bed reactor, TPSR, and pulse reactor. The reason for the influence of hydrocarbon impurities on the isomerization activity of n-alkanes was also discussed by using in situ adsorption–desorption and temperature-programmed reactions. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, PyIR, N₂ adsorption–desorption, TEM, and XRF. The results showed that the prepared catalyst contained mainly tetragonal zirconia and possessed a large amount of strong B and L acid sites. A certain amount of hydrocarbon impurities obviously inhibited the isomerization conversion of n-alkanes. The extent of the inhibition was very dependent on the kind of hydrocarbon impurities, n-alkane carbon number, and reaction temperature. Lighter n-alkane isomerization conversion was influenced to a greater extent. And the increase of reaction temperature could weaken its inhibitory effect. The results provided a reference and base for the industrial application of light alkane hydroisomerization over PSZA. Full article

Magnesium has attracted attention as an orthopedic implant material due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability; however, rapid corrosion in physiological environments remains a major limitation. In this study, a polydopamine (PDA) intermediate layer and alginate/chitosan multilayer coating were formed on pure magnesium surfaces, with dexamethasone incorporation to simultaneously improve corrosion resistance and bioactivity. SEM observation revealed that uniform coating layers were formed on alginate/chitosan multilayer coated specimens, and the chemical structure of the coating layers was confirmed through FT-IR and XRD analyses. Electrochemical analysis revealed that the PDA/alginate/chitosan coating group exhibited higher corrosion potential (Ecorr: −0.7514 ± 0.022 V vs. −1.706 ± 0.001 V) and lower corrosion current density (icorr: 2.275 ± 0.15 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm² vs. 1.528 ± 0.47 × 10⁻⁴ A/cm²) compared to pure magnesium, with the highest impedance indicating superior corrosion resistance. In tape peel testing, the polydopamine-coated group demonstrated superior adhesion compared to the non-coated group, and sustained release of dexamethasone was confirmed. MC3T3-E1 cell culture results confirmed cell proliferation in all specimens, with the PDA/alginate/chitosan group exhibiting the highest ALP activity compared to other surface-treated groups. Based on these results, the PDA/alginate/chitosan multilayer coating was confirmed to be an effective surface modification method for corrosion control and promotion of osteoblast differentiation on magnesium. Full article

Non-destructive cutting (NDC) is promising for fabricating high-efficiency half-cut solar cells by minimizing thermal and mechanical damage during cell cutting. Here, a dual-laser NDC process, comprising an infrared (IR) laser for pre-cut formation and a thermal laser for crack propagation, was applied to hybrid passivated back contact solar cells. Accordingly, the effects of scan speed, IR laser-induced pre-cut depth, and thermal laser power were systematically investigated at scan speeds of 300, 400, and 500 mm/s. Furthermore, stable process windows for cleaving were identified, within which fill factor and maximum power were evaluated. Despite differences in absolute laser power and scan speed, the highest electrical performance was consistently achieved at an intermediate pre-cut depth combined with the maximum thermal laser power available within each process window. To elucidate this behavior, a crack-driving index (ψ) was introduced to consider the coupled effects of thermal driving and crack guidance. The ψ-based analysis reveals that higher scan speeds enhance process sensitivity, highlighting a trade-off between peak performance and process robustness. Full article

In this work, a series of defective Co₃O₄ catalysts (Al@Co₃O₄₋x, x = 4, 6, 8 mmol/L, representing the NaOH concentration) were prepared by Al doping and NaOH etching via hydrothermal method for ethyl acetate degradation. The results indicated that the Al@Co₃O₄-6 catalyst presented the optimal catalytic performance for ethyl acetate degradation (T₉₀ = 207 °C). The results of many characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, Raman, and temperature-programmed H₂ reduction (H₂-TPR), etc., showed that the Al doping and NaOH etching induced the production of defects and oxygen vacancies in the catalyst, improved the surface area, boosted the low-temperature reducibility, and promoted the low-temperature oxygen species desorption, which enhanced ethyl acetate oxidation over Al@Co₃O₄-6. Importantly, the possible ethyl acetate degradation pathway was revealed by in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS), in the sense that the adsorbed ethyl acetate was gradually oxidized to ethanol and acetaldehyde, acetic acid, formate, and finally to CO₂ and H₂O. Full article

Three complexes of Zn(II) with the general formulas {[Zn(H₂O)₄(4,4′-BiPy)](NO₃)₂·2NA·H₂O}_n(1), [Zn(NA)₂Br₂]·2NA (2), and [Zn₂(CH₃COO)₄(NA)₂]·2H₂O (3), where 4,4′-BiPy = 4,4′-bipyridine and NA = nicotinamide, have been synthesized and characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction (complexes 1 and 2), elemental analysis, FT-IR, fluorescence, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy (complexes (2) and (3)), and thermogravimetric analysis. A previously reported complex, [Zn(NA)₂(H₂O)₄](NO₃)₂·2H₂O, was used as a precursor for the synthesis of coordination compounds (1) and (2). X-ray data show that (1) is a 1D polynuclear compound, whereas complex (2) is mononuclear. The Zn(II) ions adopt a slightly distorted octahedral geometry in the polymer and a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry in the monomer. The antimicrobial activity of complexes (2) and (3) was also evaluated, and complex (3) exhibited superior antimicrobial properties, particularly against the C. albicans strain. Full article

Data on microplastic contamination in pristine caves are rare, thus limiting our understanding of its pervasiveness in intact underground ecosystems. Here, we quantified microplastics in sediments from two newly discovered, extremely remote caves (Maucci and Luftloch) and compared them with a frequently visited cave (Trebiciano), all three of which are hydraulically connected to the Reka/Timavo River in the Classic Karst (NE Italy). Sediment samples were collected along river-to-slope transects and analyzed for microplastics using density separation and μFT-IR spectroscopy. Average contamination levels were comparable across caves, ranging from 84.7 to 105.9 items kg⁻¹ (dry weight). Fibers and fragments dominated, with similar polymer spectra across sites—polypropylene (PP, 29–42%), polyethylene (PE, 19–27%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 33–46%). Microplastic abundance systematically increased with elevation, up to ~4–12× from river-proximal to high-bench sediments. Polymer-resolved trends reflected density-coupled, flood-driven sorting with low-density PP and PE accumulated on higher benches and denser PET depleted aloft, indicating slackwater retention at flood crests and re-entrainment of lower benches during recession. These findings suggest that indirect riverine inputs of microplastics outweigh direct human contamination and provide the first baseline for pristine Timavo caves—serving as reference sites for background microplastic levels in the Classic Karst and similar karst systems worldwide. Full article

In this paper, a wireless network architecture is considered that combines double intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRSs), energy harvesting (EH), and non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with cooperative relaying (C-NOMA) to leverage the performance of non-line-of-sight (NLoS) communication mainly and incorporate energy efficiency in next-generation networks. To optimize the phase shifts of both IRSs, we employ a machine learning model that offers a low-complexity alternative to traditional optimization methods. This lightweight learning-based approach is introduced to predict effective IRS phase shift configurations without relying on solver-generated labels or repeated iterations. The model learns from channel behavior and system observations, which allows it to react rapidly under dynamic channel conditions. Numerical analysis demonstrates the validity of the proposed architecture in providing considerable improvements in spectral efficiency and service reliability through the integration of energy harvesting and relay-based communication compared with conventional systems, thereby facilitating green communication systems. Full article

To address the reduction in energy efficiency caused by severe signal attenuation during long-distance transmission in cognitive radio networks, this paper constructs an IRS-assisted and energy-constrained relay cognitive radio resource allocation model operating in the underlay mode. By introducing controllable reflective paths, the model enhances link quality and improves energy utilization efficiency. Our objective is to maximize the energy efficiency of secondary users while satisfying the interference constraints imposed on the primary user. To effectively solve the highly non-convex and high-dimensional optimization problem, we propose a Chaotic Spider Wasp Optimization algorithm. The algorithm employs chaotic mapping to initialize the population and enhance population diversity, and incorporates a dynamic trade-off factor to achieve an adaptive balance between hunting and nesting behaviors, thereby improving global search capability and avoiding premature convergence. In addition, the Jain fairness index is introduced to enforce fairness in the power allocation among secondary users. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model and optimization method significantly improve system energy efficiency and the stability of communication quality. Full article

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a cost-effective method for fabricating large aluminum components; however, it tends to suffer from heat accumulation and coarse anisotropic microstructures, which can limit the part’s performance. In this study, a wall is fabricated using a hybrid unified additive deformation manufacturing process (UAMFSP) method, which integrates friction stir processing (FSP) into WAAM, and is compared with a Metal Inert Gas (MIG)-based WAAM wall. Infrared (IR) thermography revealed progressive heat buildup in MIG walls, with peak layer temperatures of about 870 to 1000 °C. In contrast, in the UAMFSP process, heat was redistributed through mechanical stirring, maintaining more uniform sub-solidus profiles below approximately 400 °C. Also, optical microscopy and quantitative image analysis showed that MIG walls developed coarse, dendritic grains with a mean grain area of about 314 µm², whereas the UAMFSP produced refined, equiaxed grains with a mean grain area of about 10.9 µm². Microhardness measurement (Vickers HV0.2, 200 gf) confirmed that the UAMFSP process can improve the hardness by 45.8% compared to the MIG process (75.8 ± 7.7 HV vs. 52.0 ± 1.3 HV; p = 0.0027). In summary, the outcomes of this study introduce the UAMFSP process as a method for addressing the thermal and microstructural limitations of WAAM. These findings provide a framework for further extending hybrid additive–deformation strategies to thicker builds, alternative alloys, and service-relevant mechanical evaluations. Full article

Background: A protein called ‘apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM)’ is involved in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated disease. Although it is widely recognized that concurrent obesity affects the disease progression of chronic liver disease, as does concurrent type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the involvement of AIM in the pathogenesis of obesity or insulin resistance is not yet understood in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Methods: Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 25, and insulin resistance was defined as a homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value exceeding 2.0, respectively. Hepatic steatosis was estimated based on the classification proposed by Brunt and colleagues. The histological stage was determined by Scheuer’s classification. Results: Twelve (25.0%) of the forty-eight PBC patients had concurrent obesity, and seven (14.6%) had concurrent T2DM. The PBC patients with obesity had significantly higher frequency of hepatic steatosis. Compared to the patients without T2DM, those with concurrent T2DM had significantly higher serum ALT levels and more advanced histological stages. The patients’ serum AIM levels were not associated with concurrent obesity or concurrent T2DM. Our analyses identified the following as the factors that significantly affected the patients’ AIM levels: serum immunoglobulin G, albumin, tumor necrosis factor-α levels, and the histological stages. Conclusions: These results indicate that AIM may not be involved in obesity or insulin resistance, but it may be associated with the disease severity of PBC. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a pathological condition characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple metabolic abnormalities. The affected population is increasingly shifting toward younger age groups. Emerging digital health technologies, arising from advances in digital society, offer novel methodological tools for lifestyle-based interventions targeting metabolic risk. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging digital health technologies based on dietary and physical activity regulation in improving MetS-related outcomes among adolescents, including school-aged children. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines, systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus, and screened eligible studies based on the PICO framework. Results: A total of 12 randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2025 were included in the analysis. Single device interventions (5/12) and dual device combinations (5/12) were the predominant approaches used in current digital health technology applications. Intervention content primarily focused on either physical activity alone (5/12) or combined exercise and nutrition interventions (7/12), with most programs lasting 3–6 months (7/12). Across the included digital health interventions, 13 MetS-related measures were assessed, including anthropometric/body composition measures (BMI, BMI z-score, WC, WHR, WHtR, and VFA), blood pressure measures (SBP/DBP), and biochemical markers (BG, HOMA-IR, TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C). Conclusions: The available evidence supports the potential of digital health technologies to improve MetS-related outcomes. Although the selection of biochemical markers varied across studies, the findings highlight the importance of combined exercise and nutrition interventions or physical activity of moderate to high intensity in improving MetS. These results underscore the value of digital health technologies in elucidating the complex interactions among diet, physical activity, and metabolic responses. Overall, these findings support integrating digital health technologies into adolescent lifestyle interventions to facilitate more personalized monitoring and behavior support, and to potentially improve MetS-related outcomes. By promoting timely improvements in these outcome measures, such digital health interventions may have potential longer term implications for chronic disease prevention. Full article