Search Results (1,536)

Background/Objective: Niclosamide exhibits considerable potential for the treatment of drug-resistant cancers. However, its poor aqueous solubility substantially limits its oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we developed a novel pharmaceutical supramolecular crystalline phase comprising niclosamide and nafamostat. Methods: In this study, we developed a niclosamide–nafamostat pharmaceutical supramolecular crystalline phase using a conventional solvent evaporation technique. Comprehensive solid-state characterization was carried out using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro drug transport kinetics and barrier transport efficiency were evaluated across artificial transpermeable membranes using a diffusion cell setup. In vitro anticancer efficacy was systematically screened against human lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Finally, in vivo translation was established using female NOD/SCID mice tumor-bearing animal models; therapeutic efficacy and total tumor burden were evaluated. Results: Niclosamide–nafamostat cocrystal (NNC) was found to form a distinct crystalline phase, with characterization results supporting a unique crystal lattice stabilized through strong intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions and exhibiting high thermal purity. Crucially, the supramolecular crystalline phase considerably enhances membrane transport, yielding superior cumulative permeation and enhanced apparent permeability (Papp) values compared to those of pure niclosamide. In vitro evaluation across multiple cancer cell lines demonstrated a tenfold increase in antiproliferative potency compared to the parent compounds. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed a twofold increase in tumor growth inhibition and a tenfold reduction in total tumor burden (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the NNC supramolecular crystalline phase platform successfully optimizes membrane permeability and antitumor efficacy, highlighting its potential for treating advanced cancers. Full article

To explore the high-value utilization of liquid recovery products from waste wind turbine blades in road binders, a liquid-rich fraction obtained from subcritical acetic acid degradation and subsequent vacuum distillation of waste wind turbine blade epoxy composites was introduced into styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt to prepare composite-modified asphalt. Conventional property tests, dynamic shear rheological tests, bending beam rheological tests, steady shear tests, master curve analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were conducted to systematically evaluate the influence of the liquid-rich fraction on the properties and structural characteristics of the composite-modified asphalt. The results showed that, with increasing liquid-rich fraction content, the softening point increased, while penetration and ductility decreased, and the rotational viscosity at 135 °C increased, indicating enhanced overall stiffness and high-temperature flow resistance. High-temperature rheological results showed that the liquid-rich fraction increased the storage modulus, loss modulus, and rutting factor, while decreasing the phase angle improved the high-temperature deformation resistance of the composite-modified asphalt. Low-temperature rheological results indicated that the creep stiffness S increased, the m-value decreased, and the S/m ratio increased, suggesting weakened stress relaxation capacity and reduced cracking resistance at low temperature. Fatigue factor and steady shear results revealed that the liquid-rich fraction enhanced structural stability and flow resistance but also increased fatigue damage sensitivity at intermediate temperature. Master curves, Black diagram, and Cole–Cole plots further demonstrated that the liquid-rich fraction increased the modulus level over a wide frequency domain and strengthened the structural stability of the asphalt system. FTIR and GPC results indicated that the introduction of the liquid-rich fraction increased the relative contents of aromatic structures and polar oxygen-containing groups and promoted molecular association and increased the apparent molecular weight level of the system. Overall, the liquid-rich fraction acted as a structure-enhancing modifier in SBS-modified asphalt, improving its high-temperature performance while causing a certain trade-off in low-temperature and fatigue properties. Therefore, the dosage should be selected by balancing high-temperature stability, low-temperature cracking resistance, and fatigue durability, and the practical sustainability of this recycling route still requires dedicated economic and environmental evaluation. Full article

The structural and immunomodulatory properties of arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) from edible medicinal plants remain largely unexplored. Here, A homogenous AG-II-like arabinogalactan protein (CTSP-W2, 9862 Da) was isolated from Cynanchum thesioides via hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and column chromatography. Its structure was thoroughly characterized by high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Congo-red, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), methylation analysis. The mechanism of immune activity was examined using specific inhibitors, Western blotting, and molecular docking. It comprises galactose, arabinose, glucose, galacturonic acid, xylose, and 18 amino acids (asparagine-rich), with a backbone of →3,6)-Galp-(1→ and →6)-Galp-(1→. CTSP-W2 significantly enhanced macrophage proliferation, phagocytosis, and secretion of Nitric oxide (NO), Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Inhibitor assays showed that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4, TAK-242) and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9, E6446) antagonists markedly reduced CTSP-W2-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and NO in a dose-dependent manner, whereas Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) inhibition (C29) unexpectedly upregulated these mediators. Western blot revealed that CTSP-W2 upregulated TLR4 and TLR9 protein expression and increased phosphorylation of Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B alpha (IκBα), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), and p38, indicating activation of the TLR4/9–NF-κB–p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling axis. Furthermore, Molecular docking analysis further indicated that CTSP-W2 forms extremely strong hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions with TLR4 through its galactose chains. This study elucidates the immunoregulatory mechanism of CTSP-W2 and establishes a molecular basis for arabinogalactan proteins as potential natural immunomodulators. Full article

Fucoidan (FUC) exhibits immunomodulatory activity; however, its effects on intestinal mucosal immunity through dendritic cell (DC)-mediated regulation remain unclear. In this study, fucoidan was extracted from Saccharina japonica by hot-water extraction and characterized by chemical composition analysis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Bone marrow-derived DCs were used to evaluate the effects of FUC on DC maturation and immune function. An LPS-induced acute enteritis mouse model was used to assess intestinal injury, barrier function, and DC-mediated T/B cell immune responses. Structural analysis confirmed that purified FUC has the sulfated polysaccharide characteristics. FUC promoted DC maturation and enhanced antigen-presenting capacity. In LPS-induced enteritis, FUC reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and improved intestinal barrier integrity by restoring the mRNA expression of tight-junction-related genes. Mechanistically, FUC regulated the excessive activation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, increased TGF-β and IFN-γ expression, modulated Th1/Th17/Treg immune balance, and promoted B cell homing and sIgA secretion. FUC regulates DC-mediated immune responses, repairs intestinal mucosal barrier function, and restores the intestinal immune microenvironment, thereby alleviating LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Full article

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including naproxen, are widely used for the treatment of pain and inflammation; however, their therapeutic application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel amino acid-based naproxen derivative, L-phenylalanine menthol ester naproxenate ([PheOMent][NAP]), develop liposomal formulations containing the obtained compound, and evaluate their physicochemical properties and transdermal delivery potential. The derivative was synthesized via a three-step procedure and characterized using NMR, FT-IR, TG, DSC, and XRD analyses. Compared with naproxen, [PheOMent][NAP] exhibited lower lipophilicity (log P = 1.36 vs. 1.70). Liposomal formulations containing the modified derivative showed high encapsulation efficiency (89.6–90.7%), higher than that observed for naproxen-loaded liposomes (51.7–54.7%). The prepared systems exhibited bimodal particle size distributions, comprising both submicrometre and micrometre vesicle populations depending on the preparation method, as well as negative zeta potential values (−18.17 to −23.72 mV) and pH values ranging from 6.18 to 7.07, demonstrating physicochemical characteristics suitable for topical formulations. In vitro permeation studies using porcine skin demonstrated markedly enhanced transdermal delivery of [PheOMent][NAP]. After 24 h, cumulative permeation exceeded that of naproxen formulations by more than 1.5-fold (416.7 vs. 281.6 μg cm⁻²). These findings indicate that liposomal formulations containing amino acid-modified naproxen derivatives represent a promising strategy for improving transdermal NSAID delivery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Innovative topical delivery systems are needed to improve the stability, loading capacity, and performance of poorly water-soluble bioactive compounds. TransfersomILs, hybrid nanosystems combining transfersomes with ionic liquids (ILs), represent a promising strategy for this purpose. This work assessed the effect of incorporating cholinium-based ILs into transfersomal formulations loaded with hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs)—ferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. Methods: TransfersomILs were prepared by the thin-film hydration method followed by sonication, with or without HCA incorporation. Formulations were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties, storage stability and impact on keratinocyte viability. In vitro release, permeation, and occlusion studies were also performed. Results: IL incorporation significantly improved formulation performance. TransfersomILs showed smaller vesicle sizes and more negative zeta potential values than conventional transfersomes, indicating improved physicochemical characteristics. ILs also increased association efficiency and loading capacity for all HCAs, although the magnitude depended on both the IL and the compound. Release profiles were compound-dependent, reflecting distinct release kinetics due to variable HCA–IL–membrane interactions. Permeation studies showed enhanced HCA flux across both silastic and human epidermal membranes compared with aqueous solutions and/or conventional transfersomes, with [Cho][Gly] generally showing superior performance. All formulations demonstrated acceptable cytocompatibility and occlusive properties. Conclusions: The combination of transfersomes and cholinium-based ILs demonstrated a synergistic effect, highlighting transfersomILs as a versatile platform for improving the topical delivery of HCAs. Full article

Background: Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Thai medicine, reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. However, its topical use is limited by the poor dermal delivery of its active compounds. This study aimed to develop and characterize a topical niosomal delivery system containing O. indicum leaf extract to enhance permeation through Strat-M^® membrane and anti-inflammatory activity. Methods: Extract-loaded niosomes were prepared via thin-film hydration using non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol. The developed niosomes were evaluated for their physicochemical properties, in vitro release and in vitro permeation, stability, and anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Results: The optimal formulation consisted of a phosphate buffer at pH 5.5, Span 60, cholesterol, 0.5% (w/v) extract, and 10% propylene glycol, with the extract added during the hydration step. The optimal formulation showed a high encapsulation efficiency (>70% (total phenolics) and >90% (total flavonoids), a nano-sized particle size of approximately 100–200 nm with a narrow size distribution, and a zeta potential within the acceptable value (≤−30 mV). The successful incorporation of the extract into niosome bilayers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The niosomal formulation demonstrated a significantly more sustained and controlled release of total phenolics and flavonoids, including enhanced permeation of phenolic compounds across the Strat-M^® membrane, compared to the extract solution. Formulations containing 0.3–0.5% extract remained physically stable, maintaining encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and zeta potential under thermal stress conditions. Significantly, niosomes loaded with 0.5% extract exhibited the greatest inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity. Conclusions: These findings are based on in vitro membrane permeation and cell-based assays; further ex vivo or in vivo skin studies are required to confirm topical anti-inflammatory efficacy. Full article

In this study, we evaluated the influence of physicochemical aging on the biological processing and depolymerization performance of polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) by Tenebrio molitor larvae, with the goal of improving insect-based plastic treatment strategies. PE and PLA subjected to a sequential freezing–ultraviolet aging protocol showed modest increases in total larval consumption (approximately 11% for PE and 10% for PLA) compared with pristine materials. Aging also accelerated the processes related to chemical depolymerization, as evidenced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy showing the formation of oxidized functional groups and surface structural deterioration, respectively. Gel permeation chromatography indicated significant reductions in molecular weight. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis was used to evaluate the changes in thermal stability associated with polymer degradation. Gut microbiome analysis revealed that plastic diets and aging collectively shaped microbial structure and compositional shifts, with deterministic ecological processes dominating community assembly. PE diets enriched Proteobacteria, while PLA diets enriched Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota. Notably, aging strengthened microbial cooperation and enriched key genera, such as Spiroplasma sp. and Lactobacillus sp., which are potentially associated with plastic-associated metabolic adaptation. Overall, aging modestly facilitated larval processing and partial depolymerization of both fossil-based and bio-based plastics, as reflected by increased plastic consumption, polymer chain scission, and surface oxidation. It also enhanced the functional robustness of the larval gut microbiome. These findings provide mechanistic insights into insect-mediated plastic processing systems, offering mechanistic guidance for future, combined plastic treatment strategies rather than an immediately scalable stand-alone solution. Full article

Methane aromatization mainly proceeds at 650–750 °C. Simultaneous separation of hydrogen and oxygen can boost conversion efficiency and mitigate catalyst coking, yet most non-electrochemical membrane reactors fail to achieve synchronous hydrogen–oxygen separation within this temperature range. Accordingly, an electrochemical membrane reactor is adopted in this work, and steam is introduced to improve gas separation efficiency. BZCY hollow fiber membranes with mixed proton and oxygen ion conductivity are selected as the research material, and the influences of three distinct steam feeding modes (anode side only, cathode side only, simultaneous feeding on both sides) on H₂ and O₂ permeation and separation are systematically investigated. Experimental results reveal that steam humidification significantly enhances the permeation fluxes of hydrogen and oxygen. Notably, such promotional effect strongly depends on the steam feeding location. At 700 °C and 1.5 V, the hydrogen permeation flux increases to 1.469 mL⋅min⁻¹⋅cm⁻², in sharp contrast to 0.189 mL⋅min⁻¹⋅cm⁻² under dry atmosphere. Meanwhile, the oxygen permeation flux reaches 0.824 mL⋅min⁻¹⋅cm⁻² at 700 °C with steam, which is approximately four times that under dry conditions. This study verifies the intrinsic H₂ and O₂ permeation capability of electrochemical membrane reactors and the remarkable promotion effect originating from steam, facilitating further practical applications of such membrane reactors in methane aromatization. Full article

Nanomedicine-based liposomal delivery systems are gaining increasing attention as advanced therapeutic platforms for managing ocular infections associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biofilm formation. The primary objective of this review is to critically evaluate the potential of liposomal drug delivery systems for improving the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-associated ocular infections by integrating current knowledge on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, biofilm-targeted therapeutic strategies, and advances in liposomal formulations, while also identifying the major limitations, translational challenges, and knowledge gaps in this rapidly evolving field. Traditional ocular antimicrobial treatments are frequently limited by poor drug penetration, short precorneal residence time, low bioavailability, systemic side effects, and inadequate activity against resistant microorganisms and biofilm-embedded pathogens. This review provides a comprehensive overview of different liposomal systems, including conventional, cationic, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified, deformable, and stimulus-responsive liposomes, and discusses their advantages in ophthalmic drug delivery, such as enhanced corneal permeation, prolonged drug retention, controlled release, improved biocompatibility, and reduced ocular toxicity. The review further examines the mechanisms through which liposomes help overcome AMR, including improved epithelial transport, membrane disruption, intracellular drug delivery, efflux pump evasion, and enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. In addition, liposomal approaches targeting ocular biofilms are explored, focusing on improved biofilm penetration and the delivery of anti-biofilm agents such as antibiotics, enzymes, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and antimicrobial peptides. Current evidence from in vitro and in vivo ocular infection models is summarized together with disease-specific applications in keratitis, endophthalmitis, and contact lens-related infections. The article also compares liposomes with other ocular nanocarriers and addresses important considerations related to safety, stability, sterilization, large-scale production, and regulatory translation. In addition to highlighting recent advances, this review critically discusses the current limitations of liposomal formulations, the major barriers to clinical translation, and the key knowledge gaps that should be addressed to facilitate the future development and successful clinical application of these systems. Finally, emerging directions including ligand-targeted and stimulus-responsive liposomes, AI-driven formulation development, personalized nanotherapy, and gene therapy combinations are discussed as promising future strategies for combating resistant ocular infections. Full article

Background/Objectives: The pericellular matrix (PCM), a highly hydrated hyaluronan (HA)-rich extracellular structure surrounding keratinocytes, serves as a critical regulator of cellular protection, mechanobiological signaling, and epidermal microenvironmental homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests that age- and stress-associated degradation of the HA-rich PCM contributes to impaired regenerative capacity and increased cellular vulnerability. Recombinant human hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (rhHAPLN1) has emerged as a promising PCM-stabilizing biomolecule; however, its therapeutic application remains limited by poor skin permeability resulting from the barrier properties of the stratum corneum and the molecular size constraints governing hydrophilic macromolecule delivery. Methods: In the present study, we developed Soluball^®, a dodecylamine-templated mesoporous silica-based carrier system designed to enhance the transdermal delivery of rhHAPLN1. Results: In vitro analyses demonstrated that rhHAPLN1 effectively preserved both the structural integrity and functional hydrodynamic volume of the PCM against hyaluronidase (HAdase)-induced degradation in HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, rhHAPLN1 exhibited no significant cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 1 μg/mL and significantly enhanced keratinocyte proliferation under serum-free conditions. Physicochemical characterization revealed that Soluball^® possessed a relatively uniform particle size distribution (284.6 nm), a high specific surface area (1048 m²/g), and a mesoporous architecture with an average pore diameter of 3.8 nm, supporting efficient loading of hydrophilic biomolecules. Ex vivo permeation studies using human cadaver skin demonstrated that Soluball^®-encapsulated rhHAPLN1 (H-S powder) significantly enhanced cumulative transdermal permeation compared with free rhHAPLN1 (5.54% vs. 0.88%, respectively). To further evaluate platform versatility, water-soluble Vitamin C was employed as a secondary model cargo. Vita-Soluball^® exhibited markedly enhanced permeation across both Strat-M^® artificial membranes and pig epidermis, achieving cumulative permeation values of 119.12 ± 9.38 μg/mL and 150.39 ± 29.20 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings suggest that rhHAPLN1 functions as an effective stabilizer of the HA-rich PCM and that Soluball^® enhances the transdermal delivery of hydrophilic biomolecules. Overall, Soluball^® may represent a promising transdermal delivery platform for hydrophilic biomolecules, although further in vivo validation is warranted. Full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly permeates entrepreneurial ecosystems, understanding how technological literacy relates to entrepreneurial team well-being has become an urgent priority. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examines the relationship between entrepreneurial teams’ AI literacy and team well-being (distinguishing between hedonic and eudaimonic well-being). Furthermore, it investigates the mediating roles of entrepreneurial team efficacy and collective AI anxiety. Data were collected from a survey of 271 entrepreneurial teams across four major economic zones in China. This study relies on team leaders as primary informants to report team-level perceptions. The results show that AI literacy is positively related to team hedonic well-being, but exhibits no significant direct relationship with team eudaimonic well-being. However, AI literacy is indirectly associated with entrepreneurial team well-being through two parallel pathways: entrepreneurial team efficacy and collective AI anxiety. The findings shed light on how technological literacy is linked to team mental health via the dual mechanisms of cognitive resource gain and emotional loss prevention. This study broadens our understanding of well-being at the entrepreneurial team level and offers insights into cultivating literacy, enhancing efficacy, and managing emotions to improve entrepreneurial team well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Illness uncertainty is a pervasive psychosocial experience in chronic conditions that is particularly prominent in pediatric oncology. While existing research has explored its psychological impact, a gap remains in understanding how this uncertainty evolves throughout the disease trajectory and how families collectively negotiate and manage this experience over the long term. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in the hematology ward at a pediatric hospital in Shanghai, China. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured interviews were performed with 32 participants from 12 families of children currently undergoing cancer treatment. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The sample was dominated by leukemia cases, with a small number of lymphoma cases; therefore, the findings are most directly transferable to families of children with hematological malignancies. Results: Illness uncertainty is a dynamic and persistent experience permeating the entire pediatric cancer trajectory. Key sources of uncertainty include diagnostic ambiguity and delays, barriers in physician–patient communication, and profound disruptions to family daily life. In response, families proactively develop multidimensional coping strategies: reframing meaning to accept uncertainty, reorganizing family roles and responsibilities, strengthening internal communication, and mobilizing external support networks. These strategies demonstrate both family resilience and inherent vulnerability under sustained pressure. Conclusions: Illness uncertainty in pediatric cancer transcends medical boundaries and is deeply embedded in family life. Healthcare systems should recognize uncertainty as a core experience throughout the disease process and provide family-centered psychosocial and structural support. Strengthening hospital social work services and fostering synergy between peer networks and community resources are essential to enhancing families’ capacity to manage uncertainty and alleviating their long-term psychosocial burden. Full article

Although CFM is a promising non-thermal stabilization technology for blackberry juice, its industrial application is limited by permeate flux decline during long-term operation, while most previous studies have focused on short processing times. This study evaluated the effect of high-shear homogenization prior to enzymatic depectination on flux decline, product quality, and techno-economic feasibility during CFM. Juice processed by conventional grinding, high-shear homogenization, and enzymatic treatment was filtered through a 0.2-µm ceramic membrane at 150 kPa using feed volumes of 100–400 L. Homogenization reduced particle size and suspended insoluble solids, resulting in higher permeate flux, improved flux stability, and greater productivity. Flux decline analysis showed that high-shear homogenization extended the stable filtration regime and delayed severe fouling, sustaining an average J_px of 65.3 L h⁻¹ m⁻² at VCR ~30 with feed volumes up to 400 L. Product quality was preserved, ensuring microbial reduction while improving anthocyanin and ellagitannin recovery (95% and 80%, respectively) and enhancing blackberry aroma. In addition, HS3+E reduced energy consumption and beverage production cost while achieving a positive NPV and a 21% IRR. Overall, homogenization improved the industrial feasibility of long-term CFM processing of Andean blackberry juice. Full article

Quenched and tempered (Q+T) bolt steels are widely used in key load-bearing structures such as bridges, wind power equipment, pressure vessels and engineering machinery, but they are susceptible to hydrogen-induced cracking under applied stress during service. In this study, a bolt steel was subjected to Q+T heat treatment, including quenching at 850, 900, 950, 1000 and 1050 °C, followed by tempering at 500 °C. Microstructural characterization, hydrogen permeation tests, and slow strain rate tensile tests were conducted to investigate the effects of quenching temperature on microstructural evolution, hydrogen diffusion behavior and resistance to hydrogen-assisted cracking. As the quenching temperature increased from 850 °C to 1050 °C, the prior austenite grains, packets and blocks were gradually coarsened, the fraction of high-angle grain boundaries decreased from 64.7% to 54.2%, and although partial dissolution of primary carbides may occur during austenitizing, the number/area fraction and size of carbides observed in the final tempered martensitic microstructure increased after the subsequent tempering treatment. Meanwhile, the Nb/Ti-rich precipitates changed only slightly, and the dislocation density increased. The effective hydrogen diffusion coefficient, D_eff, increased with increasing quenching temperature, mainly because grain coarsening significantly reduced the high-angle grain boundary area and weakened the hydrogen-trapping effect of grain boundaries. This dominant effect masked the diffusion-retarding effects caused by increased dislocation density and coarser carbides. With increasing quenching temperature, the strength loss ratio increased from 7.3% to 12.0%, and the plasticity loss ratio increased from 10.0% to 13.6%, indicating enhanced hydrogen-assisted cracking susceptibility. The fracture morphology gradually changed from deep dimples to flat dimples and flattened ductile–brittle mixed features, while the crack propagation path became straighter. A higher quenching temperature weakened the blocking effect of grain boundaries on crack propagation and reduced the resistance of the quenched and tempered bolt steel to hydrogen-assisted cracking. Full article