Search Results (836)

Background/Objectives: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represents a critical complication in polytrauma patients, characterized by diffuse lung inflammation and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates with mortality rates reaching 45% in intensive care units (ICU). The heterogeneous nature of ARDS and complex clinical presentation in severely injured patients poses substantial diagnostic challenges, necessitating early prediction tools to guide timely interventions. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have emerged as promising approaches for clinical decision support, demonstrating superior performance compared to traditional scoring systems in capturing complex patterns within high-dimensional medical data. Based on the identified research gaps in early ARDS prediction for polytrauma populations, our study aimed to: (i) develop a balanced random forest (BRF) ML model for early ARDS prediction in critically ill polytrauma patients, (ii) identify the most predictive clinical features using ANOVA-based feature selection, and (iii) evaluate model performance using comprehensive metrics addressing class imbalance challenges. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 407 polytrauma patients admitted to the ICU of the Center of Traumatology and Major Burns of Ben Arous, Tunisia, between 2017 and 2021. We implemented a comprehensive ML pipeline that incorporates Tomek Links undersampling, ANOVA F-test feature selection for the top 10 predictive variables, and SMOTE oversampling with a conservative sampling rate of 0.3. The BRF classifier was trained with class weighting and evaluated using stratified 5-fold cross-validation. Performance metrics included AUROC, PR-AUC, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and Matthews correlation coefficient. Results: Among 407 patients, 43 developed ARDS according to the Berlin definition, representing a 10.57% incidence. The BRF model demonstrated exceptional predictive performance with an AUROC of 0.98, a sensitivity of 0.91, a specificity of 0.80, an F1-score of 0.84, and an MCC of 0.70. Precision–recall AUC reached 0.86, demonstrating robust performance despite class imbalance. During stratified cross-validation, AUROC values ranged from 0.93 to 0.99 across folds, indicating consistent model stability. The top 10 selected features included procalcitonin, PaO₂ at ICU admission, 24-h pH, massive transfusion, total fluid resuscitation, presence of pneumothorax, alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary contusion, hemothorax, and flail chest injury. Conclusions: Our BRF model provides a robust, clinically applicable tool for early prediction of ARDS in polytrauma patients using readily available clinical parameters. The comprehensive two-step resampling approach, combined with ANOVA-based feature selection, successfully addressed class imbalance while maintaining high predictive accuracy. These findings support integrating ML approaches into critical care decision-making to improve patient outcomes and resource allocation. External validation in diverse populations remains essential for confirming generalizability and clinical implementation. Full article

A series of poly(5-n-butyl-2-norbornene) oils with controlled molecular weights was synthesized via metathesis polymerization, fully hydrogenated, and characterized in terms of viscosity and tribological performance. In contrast to established lubricant base stocks—such as poly(α-olefins) and multiply alkylated cyclopentanes—these novel norbornene-based polymers remain underexplored, despite their promising anti-wear activity. Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data, all the synthesized products are amorphous compounds whose thermograms show a single glass transition temperature. The effect of molecular weight and temperature on the viscosity of poly(5-n-butyl-2-norbornene) oils was quantified over an extended temperature range, including extra-cold conditions down to −80 °C. The pour points of the oils were determined and can be as low as −66 °C, indicating excellent low-temperature fluidity. The tribological performance of the synthesized oils was evaluated using the four-ball test, with friction coefficient and wear scar diameter measured to assess anti-wear and antifriction properties. The tribological results were benchmarked against commercially available polyalphaolefin (PAO) oils (PAO-4, PAO-20, and PAO-80). Metathesis and hydrogenated poly(5-n-butyl-2-norbornene) oils outperform conventional PAOs by up to 67% in wear protection and 30% in friction reduction. These findings establish alicyclic molecular strain as a viable design parameter for next-generation lubricating oils, thereby expanding the toolbox for material development beyond conventional chemical functionalization. Full article

Background: Early reports highlighted unique features of COVID-19-associated ARDS. The combination of prone position (PP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)-induced lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing oxygenation and improving outcomes in patients with ARDS, but it remains unknown whether there is a difference between COVID-19 ARDS and non-COVID-19 ARDS. Method: This study is a secondary analysis of a previously conducted randomized controlled trial. Patients with moderate to severe ARDS were consecutively enrolled during the study period (June–December 2023). After initiation of PP, patients received a PEEP-induced LRM followed by 12 h of daily PP. The interventions were repeated at least three times over the subsequent 3 days. Clinical outcomes, respiratory mechanics, and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) results were evaluated. Results: Twenty-eight patients were included in the final analysis, half of whom were infected with COVID-19 (50%). The PEEP-induced LRM led to greater improvement in oxygenation among COVID-19 ARDS than non-COVID-19 ARDS (∆PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio 90.5 mmHg vs. 65.5 mmHg, p < 0.05). Based on EIT measurement, compared with the non-COVID-19 ARDS group, PEEP-induced LRM resulted in a greater increase in ventilation distribution, mainly in the dorsal regions of interest 4 (ROI 4) ventilation distribution (∆ROI4 4.5% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.01) and in dorsal regional ventilation (∆dorsal regional ventilation 10.0% vs. 5.5%, p = 0.04) in the COVID-19 ARDS group. Conclusions: Compared to typical ARDS, PEEP-induced LRM combined with PP may be more effective in enhancing oxygenation in COVID-19-related ARDS. Full article

Background: Noble gases, such as argon, have been observed to exhibit cytoprotective effects. The non-anesthetic properties, abundance, and cost-effectiveness of argon suggest its clinical potential. While its efficacy in mitigating ischemia–reperfusion injury has been demonstrated in cellular and small animal models, data on its effects in large animals remain limited. This study evaluated the effects of argon inhalation on pulmonary ischemia–reperfusion injury in miniature swine with potential applications in transplantation. Methods: The left bronchial and pulmonary artery and veins were clamped for 90 min, and then the clamps were released to induce lung ischemia–reperfusion injury in 10 CLAWN miniature swine. The argon group (n = 5) inhaled a mixture of 30% oxygen and 70% argon for 360 min, whereas the control group (n = 5) inhaled a mixture of 30% oxygen and 70% nitrogen for an equivalent duration. Lung function was evaluated using chest X-ray, lung biopsies, and blood gas analysis. Results: The PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio significantly decreased in the control group 2 h post-reperfusion (568 ± 12 to 272 ± 39 mmHg), but was better preserved in the argon group (562 ± 17 to 430 ± 48 mmHg). Blood gas from the left pulmonary vein showed a superior PvO₂/FiO₂ ratio in the argon group (331 ± 40 vs. 186 ± 17 mmHg at 2 h; 519 ± 19 vs. 292 ± 33 mmHg at 2 days). Chest X-ray revealed reduced infiltration in the left lung. The lung biopsy histological scores improved in the argon group at 2 h and 2 days. Serum superoxide dismutase analysis and tissue TUNEL assays suggested that antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, respectively, were involved. Conclusions: Perioperative argon inhalation attenuates ischemia–reperfusion injury in swine lungs, likely via anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects. Full article

Background: Hemoglobin Rothschild (Hb Rothschild), NM_000518.5(HBB):c.112T>C, is an ultra-rare low-oxygen-affinity hemoglobin variant that persistently causes reduced peripheral oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry despite normal arterial oxygenation. Fewer than ten cases have been reported worldwide, and only one involved a child—an asymptomatic carrier identified incidentally. Methods: The patient underwent clinical examination, growth assessment, blood tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, chest CT, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiography, and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the proband and parents was performed, followed by bioinformatic analysis and ACMG-based variant interpretation. A PRISMA-guided PubMed literature review was conducted. Results: We report on the first pediatric case exhibiting a symptomatic clinical course. A 4-year-old boy was referred for chronically low peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), 78–86%, on pulse oximetry and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Early developmental history revealed episodes of apnea in infancy, perioral cyanosis, poor exercise tolerance, and low weight gain. Repeated cardiopulmonary assessments, chest computed tomography (CT), echocardiography, and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy yielded unremarkable findings. Arterial blood gas analysis consistently showed normal arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), excluding true hypoxemia. Hemoglobin electrophoresis revealed an abnormal HbD fraction; WGS identified a heterozygous variant NM_000518.5(HBB):c.112T>C inherited from the patient’s asymptomatic father. This variant increases the partial pressure of oxygen at which hemoglobin is 50% saturated (p50), thereby decreasing hemoglobin’s oxygen affinity and shifting the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve to the right. These alterations explain the discordance between low peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and preserved oxygen delivery to tissues. Conclusions: This case expands the clinical spectrum of Hb Rothschild and demonstrates that symptomatic presentation may occur in early childhood. Awareness of low-affinity hemoglobin variants is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary cardiopulmonary interventions. Early genetic testing facilitates accurate diagnosis and appropriate counseling. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global health threat, which is becoming more challenging due to the involvement of bacterial virulence mechanisms such as quorum sensing (QS) and biofilm formation. These systems regulate pathogenic traits and shield bacteria from conventional therapies. Phytocompounds offer promising antivirulence strategies by disrupting QS and biofilms without exerting selective pressure. In this study, emodin, a natural anthraquinone, was evaluated for its anti-QS and antibiofilm efficacy. Emodin inhibited violacein production by 63.86% in C. violaceum 12472. In P. aeruginosa PAO1, it suppressed pyocyanin (68.04%), pyoverdin (48.79%), exoprotease (58.55%), elastase (43.13%), alginate (74.12%), and rhamnolipids (56.37%). In S. marcescens MTCC 97, emodin reduced prodigiosin (55.94%), exoprotease (48.80%), motility (83.27%), and cell surface hydrophilicity (41.20%). Biofilm formation was inhibited by over 50% in all three bacteria, highlighting emodin’s potential as a broad-spectrum antibiofilm agent. Molecular docking analyses indicated that emodin exhibited affinity towards QS regulatory proteins CviR, LasR, and SmaR, implying a possible competitive interaction at their ligand-binding sites. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations confirmed these observations by demonstrating structural stability in emodin-bound proteins. The collective insights from in vitro assays and computational studies underscore the potential of emodin in interfering with QS-mediated virulence expression and biofilm development. Such findings support the exploration of non-antibiotic QS inhibitors as therapeutic alternatives for managing bacterial infections and reducing dependence on traditional antimicrobial agents. Full article

With global warming intensifying, urban public spaces in cold-climate regions are increasingly exposed to heat beyond residents’ adaptive capacity. This study investigates whether smartphone use enhances thermal adaptation in Jingyue Central Park, Northeast China. A seven-day field campaign integrating microclimate monitoring and Passive Activity Observation (PAO) collected synchronized environmental and behavioral data. Results show that smartphone users had higher attendance and longer stays under high temperatures. Their Thermal Neutrality Threshold (NTT) and Critical Thermal Threshold (CTT) increased by about 2 °C and 3 °C, respectively, and up to 4.5 °C during optional activities, suggesting that voluntary media engagement improves heat tolerance and adaptive behavior. The study proposes mediated thermal adaptation to describe how digital media co-regulate environmental perception and adaptation. It extends thermal comfort research to cognitive-behavioral dimensions, links UTCI, NTT/CTT, and PAO data within one framework, and provides practical insights for optimizing thermal environments in cold-climate public spaces. Overall, the findings reveal the growing role of media-mediated behavior in enhancing human resilience to thermal stress. Full article

The influence of light on nutrient removal in microalgae–bacteria biofilm systems containing polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) remains unclear under low-carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio wastewater. This study investigated the effects of different light energy density (Es, 16.23–1101.61 J/gVSS) on the system performance and microbial community of a phototrophic simultaneous nitrification–denitrification phosphorus removal biofilm (P-SNDPRB) system treating wastewater with C/N ratios of 3.19–3.92. At Es below 367.22 J/gVSS, denitrification was the main nitrogen removal pathway, exceeding 82% total nitrogen removal. With increasing Es, nitrogen assimilation increased, while total nitrogen removal declined, remaining above 65%. Phosphorus removal was dependent on phosphorus-accumulating metabolism, achieving exceeding 90% phosphorus removal at Es below 367.22 J/gVSS. However, effluent phosphorus concentrations exceeded 0.5 mg/L at higher Es due to elevated glycogen-accumulating organism (GAO) activity and photoinhibition. Excessive light induced reactive oxygen species accumulation, inhibiting cellular activity and causing bacterial death in flocs. In contrast, the biofilm mitigated light stress, preserving the activity of PAOs, GAOs, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria across different Es levels. These findings demonstrate that P-SNDPRB systems exhibit resilience to fluctuating light conditions, enabling effective nutrient removal in low-C/N wastewater and offering insights into optimizing light management for microalgae-assisted treatment processes. Full article

Objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of high clinical relevance due to its ability to form biofilms, its inherent virulence regulated by quorum-sensing systems, and its multidrug resistance. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory potential of nine extracts from Inula species (chloroform and methanolic fractions, including a sesquiterpene lactone-enriched fraction) against biofilm formation and virulence-associated traits of P. aeruginosa PAO1 and three multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, as well as their cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and ability to affect cytokine and nitric oxide production in infected skin explants. Methods: The following methods were applied: fractionation and extraction of plant extracts; cytotoxicity assessment on HFF cells; crystal violet assay for determining antibiofilm activity; fluorescence microscopy for evaluating biofilm viability; electron microscopy for assessing the 3D structure of biofilms and morphological alterations; inhibition assays of pyocyanin pigment, protease activity, bacterial motility, interleukin-17, and nitric oxide production; histological analysis of mouse skin explants. Results: Quantitative analyses of antibiofilm activity revealed that five of the tested extracts inhibited biofilm formation by more than 50%. Structural and functional analyses using confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a substantial reduction in biofilm thickness, exfoliation of biofilm biomass, the presence of isolated bacterial clusters, metabolically inactive cell populations, and morphological abnormalities associated with cell elongation, invaginations, and polar deformations as a consequence of treatment. In addition, the plant extracts strongly affected virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing. The methanolic fractions from I. britannica and I. bifrons significantly suppressed pyocyanin synthesis. In contrast, the chloroform fractions from I. helenium and I. spiraeifolia produced the largest inhibition zones in assays for extracellular protease activity. Furthermore, all chloroform extracts suppressed bacterial motility, with the lowest swarming diameter observed for the chloroform and lactone-enriched fractions from I. britannica. The chloroform extracts of I. helenium and I. bifrons, methanolic extracts of I. britannica, and chloroform and methanolic extracts of I. spiraeifolia showed relatively low toxicity to normal diploid human fibroblasts. Methanolic and chloroform fractions from I. britannica disrupted biofilm integrity and reduced IL-17A and nitric oxide production in infected skin explants. Conclusions: All these findings indicate a possible synergistic action of the chemical constituents within the fractions on quorum-sensing regulation, biofilm formation, cellular viability, and modulation of host inflammatory responses. Full article

The western Ordos Basin (OB) is situated at the junction of multiple tectonic units with distinct properties. The prolonged and complex tectonic interactions from adjacent tectonic units have resulted in diverse structural phenomena and intricate evolutionary history in this region. The late Paleozoic represents a critical period for the transition of the tectonic regime in this area. However, due to the effects of intense later-stage modification, the late Paleozoic provenance system and paleogeomorphology of this region remain poorly constrained. Against this background, systematic fieldwork and detrital zircon geochronological analyses of the Youjingshan and Quwushan Permian sections were conducted to determine sediment provenance, and spatial variations in detrital zircon geochronological characteristics across different parts of the OB are further discussed. The results indicate that the detrital zircon age spectra of the Permian Dahuangou and Yaogou formations in the Youjingshan and Quwushan sections are dominated by late Paleozoic (250–360 Ma), early Paleozoic (360–500 Ma), and Paleoproterozoic (1600–2500 Ma) age populations. However, significant differences in age composition are also observed among different samples. This study proposes that the detritus of the Dahuangou Formation in the Youjingshan area was mainly derived from the Alxa Block (AB), while that from the Yaogou Formation was sourced from the Yinshan-Daqingshan-Wulashan Orogenic Belt (YDWOB). In contrast, the West Qinling Orogenic Belt (WQOB) and North Qilian Orogenic Belt (NQOB) were identified as the source areas for the Dahuangou and Yaogou Formations in the Quwushan area. Based on a comprehensive comparison of detrital zircon geochronological data of the Permian strata in the OB, three major provenance systems can be identified: the southwestern source area (WQOB and NQOB); the northwestern source area (YDWOB and AB); and the interior source area (YDWOB). During the Permian, the tectonic-sedimentary evolution of the OB was primarily controlled by the combined effects of the Paleo-Asian Ocean (PAO) to the north and the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (PTO) to the south. Differences in the timing and intensity of subduction/collision between the PAO and the PTO resulted in a general paleogeographic pattern of “higher in the north and lower in the south” in the OB. Full article

Background: Discontinuing mechanical ventilation during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is common but may adversely affect postoperative pulmonary function. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of stopping ventilation during CPB on postoperative gas exchange, radiographic findings, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), mortality, reintubation, re-exploration, and bleeding. Methods: A prospective observational study was performed involving adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery requiring CPB. Participants were divided into ventilated and non-ventilated groups according to intraoperative strategy. Postoperative arterial carbon dioxide levels (PaCO₂), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂), the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (P/F ratio), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), and the ratio of PaCO₂ to minute ventilation (PaCO₂/MV) were measured before the induction of anesthesia (within 5 min after transportation into the operating room), postoperatively within 5–10 min after transportation to the ICU, and in a 24 h postoperative period. Chest X-ray data, mechanical ventilation time, LOS in ICU, re-exploration, reintubation, and bleeding parameters were documented. Analyses were also conducted with the estimation of the age effect and BMI. Results: Individuals in the non-ventilated group exhibited lower postoperative P/F ratios and elevated postoperative PaCO₂ and PaCO₂/MV ratios. The difference in gas exchange leveled off within 24 h. There was no difference in the incidence of atelectasis (postoperatively in a 24 h period), mechanical ventilation time, LOS in ICU, or mortality. However, the incidence of bleeding was higher in the non-ventilated group (χ² = 5.78, p = 0.016). Interestingly, postoperative PaCO₂ and PaCO₂/MV peaked in the 50-year age group. Conclusions: Continued mechanical ventilation during CPB correlates with better postoperative gas exchange, better CO₂ clearance, and fewer bleeding events. The results suggest that maintaining low tidal volume ventilation during CPB may provide benefits, especially for patients aged 50 years. Full article

Objectives: The ability of clinicians to predict prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is inaccurate, mainly because of the competitive risk of mortality. We aimed to assess the performance of machine learning (ML) models for the early prediction of prolonged MV in a large cohort of patients with AHRF. Methods: We analyzed 996 ventilated AHRF patients with complete data at 48 h after diagnosis of AHRF from 1241 patients enrolled in a prospective, national epidemiological study, after excluding 245 patients ventilated for <2 days. To account for competing mortality, we used multinomial regression analysis (MNR) to model prolonged MV in three categories: (i) ICU survivors (regardless of MV duration), (ii) non-survivors ventilated for 2–7 days, (iii) non-survivors ventilated for >7 days. We performed 4 × 10-fold cross-validation to validate the performance of potent ML techniques [Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF)] for predicting patient assignment. Results: All-cause ICU mortality was 32.8% (327/996). We identified 12 key predictors at 48 h of AHRF diagnosis: age, specific comorbidities, sequential organ failure assessment score, tidal volume, PEEP, plateau pressure, PaO₂, pH, and number of organ failures. MLP showed the best predictive performance [AUC 0.86 (95%CI: 0.80–0.92) and 0.87 (0.80–0.93)], followed by MNR [AUC 0.83 (0.76–0.90) and 0.84 (0.77–0.91)], in distinguishing ICU survivors, with non-survivors ventilated 2–7 days and >7 days, respectively. Conclusions: Accounting for ICU mortality, MLP and MNR offered accurate patient-level predictions. Further work should integrate clinical and organizational factors to improve timely management and optimize outcomes. This study was initially registered on 3 February 2025 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06815523). Full article

Background/Objectives: Evidence on the use of biologics in severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) associated with persistent airflow obstruction (PAO) status and smoking habits is scarce. As these factors could potentially impact real-world benralizumab clinical effects, this study was conceived to provide a deeper understanding of these specific patient subgroups. Methods: This observational, retrospective ORBE II study (NCT04648839) involved 204 adults with uncontrolled SEA treated with benralizumab in Spain. In this analysis, patients were categorized by baseline PAO status (PAO− or PAO+) and smoking habit (SMK− or SMK+) to assess baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes after one year of follow-up. The impact of smoking on PAO+ patients was also analyzed. Results: This analysis showed that 75.6% of patients had PAO and 36.9% were former/current smokers. After benralizumab, both PAO subgroups showed substantial improvement, with higher proportions of PAO+ patients achieving prespecified clinical objectives. Benralizumab benefited patients regardless of their smoking habit, though patients who had never smoked exhibited slightly fewer exacerbations, greater improvements in ACT scores, and a higher proportion achieved a ≥100 mL increase in pre-BD FEV₁. An analysis of the impact of smoking on the PAO+ subgroup showed that while a similar proportion of patients were able to eliminate exacerbations and discontinue OCS use, higher percentages of PAO+SMK− patients achieved an ACT score ≥ 20 and a ≥100 mL increase in pre-BD FEV₁. Conclusions: PAO is common among patients included in ORBE II, and a considerable proportion are former/current smokers. This study showed that clinical outcomes improved after benralizumab initiation regardless of these factors, highlighting its potential as a valuable therapeutic option for managing SEA. These findings also emphasize the need for further real-world evidence to optimize treatment strategies for diverse patient subgroups. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise in multidrug-resistant pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), coupled with declining antibiotic development, underscores the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Repurposing approved drugs provides advantages of safety and rapid development. Since quorum sensing (QS) controls key virulence traits in PA, targeting this pathway represents a promising antivirulence approach. This study aimed to identify and repurpose existing drugs as QS inhibitors. Methods: An in silico docking screen of 3000 FDA-approved or clinically tested compounds was performed against the C4-HSL receptor RhlR. Seventeen candidates were tested in the laboratory strain PAO1 for lactone-dependent signaling inhibition. The most active compound, MK-8245, was further evaluated for effects on growth, cytotoxicity, lactone release, biofilm formation, pyocyanin, elastase, rhamnolipids, and swarming motility. Its activity was also assessed in 20 clinical PA isolates. Results: MK-8245 (40 µM) reduced QS-regulated gene expression by ~60% without affecting viability. In PAO1, it inhibited rhamnolipids (60%), pyocyanin (40%), elastase (25%), biofilm formation, and swarming motility (25%). MK-8245 also enhanced the efficacy of imipenem against biofilms. In clinical isolates, it consistently decreased lactone release (~60%), pyocyanin (~50%), rhamnolipids (~40%), biofilm formation (~30%), and swarming motility (~25%). Conclusions: MK-8245 emerges as a promising antivirulence candidate against P. aeruginosa. By disrupting QS signaling and impairing multiple virulence factors, it attenuates pathogenicity without bactericidal pressure. Its synergy with standard antibiotics and consistent activity in clinical isolates highlight its translational potential and warrant further preclinical evaluation. Full article

Oils with low-friction performance are essential to meet the evolving requirements of the modern industry. Except for the viscosity, there is still a lack of a high-pressure rheological parameter that can quantitatively compare the friction performance of base oils. This study investigated the frictional behavior of six types of base oils with identical viscosity at 40 °C—paraffinic mineral oil 500N, naphthenic mineral oil, polyalphaolefin (PAO), oil-soluble polyether, ester oil, and alkyl naphthalene. Stribeck and traction curves were measured. The limiting shear stress (LSS) has been proposed and modeled for the quantitative comparison of the friction behavior of the base oils at high pressures (1.2–1.7 GPa). Results indicate that the PAO exhibits the lowest friction coefficient. Additionally, the LSS of all tested oils has a linear relation with the average contact pressure (R² > 99%), suggesting that the LSS at different mean contact pressures can be predicted using a linear LSS-pressure fitting model. This work contributes to providing fluid rheological models for the quantitative EHL friction prediction and provides guidance for choosing low-friction base oils for EHL-lubricated rolling/sliding contacts. Full article