Search Results (130)

This study investigated the response of pepper seeds with varying seed coat conditions (SCs) to dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment (PT). The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. The primary plot factor was the SC (normal seeds [NMS], nicking at the hilum part [NHP], and removed seed coat [RSC]), while the subplot factor was the plasma exposure time (0.4–2.0 s/cm), including a control, to determine the effects on seed viability, germination, and vigor. The results indicate that NMS seeds exhibit the highest performance in terms of seed viability. The NMS and NHP had statistically significantly higher seed germination, electrical conductivity, radical emergence, and germination index at 14 days after sowing, and the shoot length measured longer than RSC. Plasma exposure at 1.2 s/cm improved germination and vigor, whereas 2.0 s/cm exposure significantly decreased seed viability and increased the number of abnormal seedlings. The interaction between SC and PT significantly affected seedling abnormalities, with RSC seeds being more vulnerable to damage under prolonged exposure. These findings highlight the crucial role of seed coat integrity in maintaining seed quality and suggest that carefully controlled PT can be a promising and sustainable method to enhance pepper seed performance. Full article

In this study, platinum (Pt) nanocatalysts were synthesized via a sol-gel method over the non-stoichiometric, Magnéli phase titanium oxides (TinO_2n−1) at varying Pt loadings (10–40 wt.%). Their structural and morphological properties were characterized, and after preliminary electrochemical screening, the catalysts were integrated into commercially available gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with a three-layer structure to enhance mass transport and catalyst utilization. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were fabricated using a Nafion^® 117 polymer membrane and tested in a laboratory PEM cell under controlled conditions. The electrochemical activity toward the hydrogen reduction reaction (HRR) was evaluated at room temperature and at elevated temperatures to determine the catalytic efficiency and stability. The optimal Pt loading was determined to be 30 wt.%, achieving a current density of approximately 0.12 A cm⁻² at 0.25 V, demonstrating a balance between catalyst efficiency and material utilization. The chronoamperometry tests showed minimal degradation over prolonged operation, suggesting that the catalysts were durable. These findings highlight the potential of Pt-based catalysts supported on Magnéli phase titanium oxides (TinO_2n−1) for efficient HRRs in electrochemical hydrogen pumps/compressors, offering a promising approach for improving hydrogen compression efficiency and advancing sustainable energy technologies. Full article

This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the fibrinolytic, thrombolytic, hematological, and toxicological aspects of a serine protease (AsKSP) from Aspergillus tamarii Kita UCP 1279. The enzyme was purified using a two-phase aqueous system and assessed for optimal pH (7.0) and temperature (50 °C), stability, and effects of metal ions, inhibitors, and surfactants. AsKSP exhibited stability for up to 120 min at 50 °C and 36 h at pH 7.0. Enzymatic activity was enhanced by Na⁺ and Zn²⁺ and non-ionic surfactants (Tween-80) but inhibited by Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Triton X-100, and SDS, reducing activity by up to 62.35%. The highest amidolytic activity was observed for the substrate N-succinyl-Gly–Gly–Phe-p-nitroanilide. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated an approximate molecular mass of 90 kDa. The enzyme showed fibrinolytic activity, degrading 38.81% of fibrin clots in vitro after 90 min, without affecting fibrinogen. Cytotoxicity assays indicated no toxicity (cell viability > 80%). Coagulation assays showed slight prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), with no effect on thrombin time. No red blood cell lysis was observed, and albumin increased enzymatic activity by 31.70%. These findings demonstrate that Aspergillus tamarii Kita UCP 1279 produces a fibrinolytic protease with potential for thrombus treatment, providing a promising foundation for drug development. Full article

Adults bereaved by the suicide or overdose death of someone close to them are vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes, but little is known about how these individuals utilize avoidance- and approach-based coping strategies, how these strategies relate to outcomes, and what accounts for these associations. Informed by contemporary theories of bereavement, we utilize prospective data from suicide- and overdose-bereaved adults (N = 212) who completed two waves of online data collection approximately two years following the death (T1 and T2; six months apart) to examine the mediating role of meaning making in the relationship between coping strategies and grief-related mental health outcomes, such as prolonged grief (PG), posttraumatic stress (PTS), and depression. Path analysis with mediation was used to investigate the relations between coping strategies at T1, meaning making at T2, and mental health outcomes at T2. The results indicated direct effects of avoidant coping at T1 in predicting higher PG and PTS symptoms at T2, while approach-based coping at T1 indirectly predicted an improvement in all three T2 outcomes due to increased meaning making. These results suggest that avoidance-based strategies directly and indirectly contribute to poorer outcomes and impaired meaning making processes, while approach-based strategies lead to increased meaning making and adaptation to loss among suicide and overdose loss survivors. The clinical implications and future directions for research are discussed. Full article

The development of efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective catalysts is crucial for energy storage technologies, such as zinc–air batteries (ZABs). These batteries require bifunctional catalysts capable of efficiently and selectively catalyzing oxygen redox reactions. However, the high cost and low selectivity of conventional catalysts hinder the large-scale integration of ZABs into the electric grid. This study presents binder-free Fe-based bifunctional electrocatalysts synthesized via a sol–gel method, followed by thermal treatment under ammonia flow. Supported on nickel foam, the catalyst exhibits enhanced activity for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), essential for ZAB operation. This work addresses two critical challenges in the development of ZABs: first, the replacement of costly cobalt or platinum-group-metal (PGM)-based catalysts with an efficient alternative; second, the achievement of prolonged battery performance under real conditions without passivation. Structural analysis confirms the integration of iron nitrides, oxides, and carbon, resulting in high conductivity and catalytic stability without relying on precious or cobalt-based metals. Electrochemical tests reveal that the catalyst calcined at 800 °C delivers superior performance, achieving a four-electron ORR mechanism and prolonged operational life compared to its 900 °C counterpart. Both catalysts outperform conventional Pt/C-RuO₂ systems in stability and selective bifunctionality, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative. The innovative combination of nitrogen, carbon, and iron compounds overcomes limitations associated with traditional materials, paving the way for scalable, high-performance applications in renewable energy storage. This work underscores the potential of transition metal-based catalysts in advancing the commercial viability of ZABs. Full article

The development of sustainable epoxy vitrimers with outstanding mechanical strength and facile self-healing capabilities are of great significance for prolonging the lifespan and enhancing the reliability of electronic devices. In this study, we present a castor oil-derived epoxy vitrimer (ASB–ECO) featuring dual dynamic networks enabled by rationally designed ester–imine bonds and an aromatic Schiff base-conjugated crosslinker architecture. This molecular design strategy effectively enhances the mechanical properties of vegetable oil-based vitrimers and endows them with controllable self-healing capabilities under photothermal conversion. The 1.0-ASB–ECO system demonstrates dynamic characteristics with an activation energy (Ea) of 37.25 kJ/mol and a topological freezing transition temperature (Tv) of 123.13 °C. The material exhibits a photothermal conversion efficiency (ηPT = 61.42%) and can achieve a self-healing rate of 100% under visible-light radiation. In addition, 1.0-ASB–ECO displays a dielectric constant (Dk) of 5.54 and a loss tangent (Df) of 0.025 at 106 Hz. This study on biomass-based epoxy vitrimers presents a novel approach to developing electronic materials, achieving a combination of high mechanical performance, sustainability, and photothermal self-healing properties. Full article

Background: As COVID-19 has become an epidemic, we conducted an open-label study aimed to identify immunogenicity and reactogenicity of boosters of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a real-world cohort of long-survivor metastatic lung cancer patients (LS-mLC pts). Methods and Analysis: According to the timing of the booster dose (BD) and SARS-CoV-2 infection (Cov-I) during anticancer treatment (ACT), between October 2021 and February 2022, we prospectively enrolled 166 cancer patients into five parallel cohorts. The primary endpoints were seroprevalence of IgG Anti-spike-RBD (anti-S IgG) at two pre-defined timepoints (T1: +30–90 days after BD; T2: +6 months +/− 4 weeks after BD). As an exploratory endpoint, we compared the median pre-vaccination value of four cytokines (IL-6, IL-2R, TNF-α, IL-10) with post-BD values in immunotherapy-treated pts (IO-pts). Results: The anti-S IgG seropositivity rate was 100% at T1 and 98.8% at T2. After 6 months, hybrid immunisation was associated with a higher median anti-S IgG titre compared to vaccine-alone-induced seroconversion (p < 0.0001). In uninfected pts, the median anti-S IgG titre was significantly lower in IO-pts compared to non-IO-pts (p = 0.02); no difference was found when comparing myelosuppressive or not ACT. Among the 68 IO-pts, 5 pts (7.3%) showed a significant increase (≥1.5 fold) of at least two cytokines in post-BD samples, without reporting ir-AEs. Conclusions: Boosters of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were effective and safe. In IO-pts without recent Cov-I, additional BDs should be considered to prolong serological immunity. Full article

Background: The most important concern regarding living donor liver transplantation is the safety of living liver donors, of which anesthesia management is an important part. Sugammadex, which has recently been used frequently for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade, is known to cause adverse effects on the coagulation profile. This study seeks to assess the impact of neostigmine and sugammadex on coagulation parameters in living liver donors following hepatectomy. Methods: We compared the demographic, clinical, and coagulation parameters of 209 living liver donors who received sugammadex (2 mg/kg) for neuromuscular blockade reversal during donor hepatectomy procedures from January 2018 to July 2022, with 209 patients who received neostigmine (50 g/kg) for the same purpose during the same timeframe. We compared the following parameters: age, gender, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count, ICU stay, hospital stay, and relaparotomy for bleeding and other causes. Results: Demographic data and preoperative biochemical values were similar in both groups. PT (p = 0.004) and aPTT (p < 0.001) values were significantly longer in the postoperative period in both groups; the difference between preoperative and postoperative PT (p = 0.009) and aPTT (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the sugammadex group. However, neither group showed any elongation beyond the reference range. The sugammadex group had an elevated postoperative platelet count (p = 0.040). The duration of patients’ stay in the ICU was significantly shorter in the sugammadex group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prolonged aPTT and PT associated with sugammadex did not lead to any postoperative bleeding complications. The sugammadex group significantly reduced the duration of ICU stays, while the hospital stays remained comparable. Further multicentric prospective randomized studies should support our study’s findings, which demonstrate the safe use of low-dose sugammadex. Full article

Background: This study evaluated the prognostic impact of Trop-2, CD47, and CD163 expression on clinical outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and investigated their interactions with tumor progression. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 92 patients with TNBC was analyzed. The expression scores for Trop-2, CD47, and CD163 were categorized as negative/low (0–3 points) or high (4–6 points). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Results: The median age of the cohort was 50 years old. High Trop-2 expression was observed in 55.4% of the patients and was significantly associated with advanced disease stage (p < 0.001). High CD47 expression (44.6%) was correlated with advanced stage (p = 0.044), whereas high CD163 expression (45.7%) was associated with advanced stage (p = 0.021), absence of comorbidities (p = 0.022), and lower pT stage (p = 0.023). Moderate positive correlations were found between Trop-2 and CD47 (p = 0.022), Trop-2 and CD163 (p = 0.037), and CD47 and CD163 (p < 0.001), respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with low Trop-2 expression exhibited significantly prolonged OS (p = 0.021) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.026) compared to those with high Trop-2 expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed significant associations between OS and PFS for Trop-2, lymphovascular invasion, and BRCA status. Conclusions: Trop-2 expression is a significant prognostic factor for TNBC and is correlated with worse outcomes. Although CD47 and CD163 showed trends for poorer prognosis, their significance was not confirmed. These findings offer promising prospects for future studies on combined antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), as they may present opportunities to address multiple resistance mechanisms in the management of TNBC and enhance clinical outcomes. Full article

This study introduces a novel approach for enhancing the functional properties of cotton fibers through complexation of copper sulfate, and subsequent combination with chitosan (COT-CuSO₄-CTS). Our preliminary investigations focused on the development composites as candidate materials for functional coatings with antimicrobial properties. The materials were thoroughly characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy, providing insights into their structural features and composition. The findings show that the modified cotton materials exhibit potent antimicrobial activity. Specifically, the COT-CuSO₄ and COT-CuSO₄-CTS samples demonstrated zones of inhibition against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, confirming their ability to reduce microbial growth significantly. The incorporation of a chitosan layer significantly enhanced the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the cotton fabric from 3.37 to over 50, indicating exceptional UV shielding capabilities, while copper(II) oxide treatment provided a moderate UPF value of 14.56. Blood compatibility studies further revealed that COT-CuSO₄ and COT-CuSO₄-CTS fabrics influence coagulation parameters, with a marked prolongation in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT) compared to untreated cotton. This anticoagulant effect is primarily linked to the presence of copper, although the addition of chitosan modulates this response, slightly reducing clotting times compared to COT-CuSO₄ alone. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assessments using Peripheral Blood Mononuclear (PBM) cells indicated that untreated cotton was non-toxic and non-genotoxic. However, COT-CuSO₄ and COT-CuSO₄-CTS fabrics displayed a reduction in cell viability and induced DNA damage, highlighting their potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects. Notably, COT-CuSO₄-CTS showed lower cytotoxicity and genotoxicity than COT-CuSO₄-CTS, suggesting that chitosan reduces the overall cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of the composite. Furthermore, plasmid DNA relaxation assays indicated that COT-CuSO₄ and COT-CuSO₄-CTS interact with DNA, with COT-CuSO₄ exhibiting a stronger interaction than COT-CuSO₄-CTS, consistent with the findings on PBM cells. Full article

This paper presents the results of a study on the characteristics of semiconductor sensors based on thin SnO₂ films modified with antimony, dysprosium, and silver impurities and dispersed double Pt/Pd catalysts deposited on the surface to detect carbon monoxide (CO). An original technology was developed, and ceramic targets were made from powders of Sn-Sb-O, Sn–Sb-Dy–O, and Sn–Sb-Dy-Ag–O systems synthesized by the sol–gel method. Films of complex composition were obtained by RF magnetron sputtering of the corresponding targets, followed by technological annealing at various temperatures. The morphology of the films, the elemental and chemical composition, and the electrical and gas-sensitive properties were studied. Special attention was paid to the effect of the film composition on the stability of sensor parameters during long-term tests under the influence of CO. It was found that different combinations of concentrations of antimony, dysprosium, and silver had a significant effect on the size and distribution of nanocrystallites, the porosity, and the defects of films. The mechanisms of degradation under prolonged exposure to CO were examined. It was established that Pt/Pd/SnO₂:0.5 at.% Sb film with optimal crystallite sizes and reduced porosity provided increased stability of carbon monoxide sensor parameters, and the response to the action of 100 ppm carbon monoxide was G₁/G₀ = 2–2.5. Full article

China’s renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, yet its inherent intermittency is creating significant challenges for balancing power supply and demand. Power-to-gas (PtG) technology, which converts surplus electricity into combustible gas, offers a promising solution. Salt caverns, due to their favorable geological properties, are among the best choices for large-scale underground energy storage in PtG systems. CO₂ leakage along the interlayer and salt rock–interlayer interfaces is a key constraint on the CO₂ tightness of subsurface salt caverns. This paper focuses on the critical issue of tightness within salt cavern CO₂ storage, particularly in the Jintan region. A coupled hydro-mechanics mathematical model is developed to investigate CO₂ transportation and leakage in bedded salt caverns, with key variables such as permeability range, pore pressure evolution, and permeability changes being analyzed. The results reveal that permeability plays a decisive role in determining the CO₂ transportation rate and leakage extent within the salt rock layer. Notably, the CO₂ transportation rate and influence range in the mudstone interlayer are significantly larger than those in the salt rock over the same period. However, with prolonged storage time, the CO₂ transportation rate and pressure increase in both salt rock and mudstone interlayer exhibit a decreasing trend, eventually stabilizing as the CO₂ pressure front reaches the boundary of the simulation domain. Furthermore, elevated operating pressure markedly expands the permeability range and results in higher cumulative leakage. For a specific salt cavern, the CO₂ leakage range can reach up to 142 m, and the leakage volume can reach 522.5 tonnes with the increase in operating pressure during 35 years of operation. Therefore, the setting of operational pressure should fully consider the influence of permeability and mechanical strength of the salt rock and mudstone interlayer. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the sealing performance of salt cavern CO₂ storage systems under varying conditions. Full article

Phyllophorus proteus is a low-value sea cucumber from Indonesia and other tropical peripheral waters. In this study, a fucosylated glycosaminoglycan (FG) was extracted from P. proteus. It consists of GlcA, GalNAc, and Fuc, with a molecular weight of 67.1 kDa. The degraded FG (dFG) was prepared by β-elimination. Structural analysis revealed that the main chain of dFG was composed of GalNAc and GlcA, linked alternately by β1,3 and β1,4 glycosidic bonds. The sulfate group was located at the 4 and 6 positions of GalNAc. Fuc was attached to the 3 position of GlcA by an α1,3 glycosidic bond, and the side chain of Fuc exhibited various sulfate substitutions. FG significantly prolonged the coagulation time of APTT, PT, TT, and FIB, surpassing the effect of LMWH, thereby demonstrating its ability to exert anticoagulant effects in both the endogenous and exogenous coagulation pathways. Conversely, dFG had no significant effect on the clotting time of PT, suggesting its lack of impact on the intrinsic coagulation pathway. This study elucidates the structural properties and potent anticoagulant activities of fucosylated glycosaminoglycan from P. proteus. Full article

Expansins are cell wall (CW) proteins that mediate the CW loosening and regulate salt tolerance in a positive or negative way. However, the role of Populus trichocarpa expansin A6 (PtEXPA6) in salt tolerance and the relevance to cell wall loosening is still unclear in poplars. PtEXPA6 gene was transferred into the hybrid species, Populus alba × P. tremula var. glandulosa (84K) and Populus tremula × P. alba INRA ‘717-1B4’ (717-1B4). Under salt stress, the stem growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, activity and transcription of antioxidant enzymes, Na⁺ content, and Na⁺ flux of root xylem and petiole vascular bundle were investigated in wild-type and transgenic poplars. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the correlations among the characteristics and principal components. Our results show that the transcription of PtEXPA6 was downregulated upon a prolonged duration of salt stress (48 h) after a transient increase induced by NaCl (100 mM). The PtEXPA6-transgenic poplars of 84K and 717-1B4 showed a greater reduction (42–65%) in stem height and diameter growth after 15 days of NaCl treatment compared with wild-type (WT) poplars (11–41%). The Na⁺ accumulation in roots, stems, and leaves was 14–83% higher in the transgenic lines than in the WT. The Na⁺ buildup in the transgenic poplars affects photosynthesis; the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT); and the transcription of PODa2, SOD [Cu-Zn], and CAT1. Transient flux kinetics showed that the Na⁺ efflux of root xylem and leaf petiole vascular bundle were 1.9–3.5-fold greater in the PtEXPA6-transgenic poplars than in the WT poplars. PtEXPA6 overexpression increased root contractility and extensibility by 33% and 32%, indicating that PtEXPA6 increased the CW loosening in the transgenic poplars of 84K and 717-1B4. Noteworthily, the PtEXPA6-promoted CW loosening was shown to facilitate Na⁺ efflux of root xylem and petiole vascular bundle in the transgenic poplars. We conclude that the overexpression of PtEXPA6 leads to CW loosening that facilitates the radial translocation of Na⁺ into the root xylem and the subsequent Na⁺ translocation from roots to leaves, resulting in an excessive Na⁺ accumulation and consequently, reducing salt tolerance in transgenic poplars. Therefore, the downregulation of PtEXPA6 in NaCl-treated Populus trichocarpa favors the maintenance of ionic and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis under long-term salt stress. Full article

Background: The management of advanced prostate cancer continues to evolve rapidly, particularly with the earlier use of survival-prolonging therapies in metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). Though approved prior to the use of intensification therapy in mCSPC, taxane-based chemotherapies remain a relevant option for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, there is little evidence determining the outcomes of taxane chemotherapies as the first subsequent taxane (FST) in mCRPC pts who received docetaxel intensification (DI) in mCSPC. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes between the survival-prolonging taxanes, docetaxel and cabazitaxel as FST after DI. Methods: New patient consults seen at the Cross Cancer Institute from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Pts were considered eligible if they received DI for mCSPC and then received either docetaxel or cabazitaxel in mCRPC. Variables of interest were collected from electronic medical records. The primary endpoint was ≥50% PSA response at 12 weeks relative to baseline for FST. Secondary endpoints included OS from mCSPC diagnosis, as well as PFS and OS from the FST start date. PSA responses were compared using the chi-squared test, and time-based endpoints were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: In total, 34 pts were identified: docetaxel = 22 and cabazitaxel = 12 as FST. 91.2% of pts (docetaxel 95.5% vs. cabazitaxel 83.3%) received FST in 2nd line mCRPC. The median age at diagnosis (63.1 vs. 67.1 yrs, p = 0.236) and the median time to CRPC (18.6 vs. 14.2 mos, p = 0.079) were similar for docetaxel and cabazitaxel, respectively. The median time to FST (24.1 vs. 34.6 mos, p = 0.036) and OS from mCSPC diagnosis (30.9 vs. 52.7 mos, p = 0.002) were significantly shorter for pts receiving cabazitaxel vs. docetaxel. PSA responses occurred in 40.9% of pts treated with docetaxel compared to 25.0% treated with cabazitaxel (p = 0.645). There was no significant difference in median PFS (2.7 vs. 3.5 mos, p = 0.727) or median OS (11.4 vs. 8.1 mos, p = 0.132) from the time of FST for pts treated with docetaxel vs. cabazitaxel, respectively. Conclusions: Both docetaxel and cabazitaxel demonstrated activity as FST after DI in mCSPC. Pts who received cabazitaxel had a shorter time to FST and OS from mCSPC. The reasons for this may reflect clinician preference for cabazitaxel in pts with aggressive or rapidly progressing disease. No difference was found in PSA response, PFS, or OS from FST with docetaxel compared to cabazitaxel. While limited by its retrospective nature and small sample size, this study suggests that docetaxel is active as FST despite treatment with DI in mCSPC. Full article