Search Results (350)

This study presents an environmentally sustainable finishing approach for hemp fabrics by combining soy protein isolate (SPI) pretreatment with an in situ infrared (IR)-assisted synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). IR heating was employed to reduce energy consumption while promoting efficient nanoparticle formation compared to conventional thermal processing, while SPI acted as a bio-based stabilizer to enable uniform ZnO NP distribution on the fabric surface. Transmission electron microscopy revealed predominantly spherical to polyhedral ZnO NPs with minimal agglomeration, and X-ray diffraction confirmed their characteristic wurtzite crystalline structure. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping further verified the homogeneous deposition of ZnO NPs on hemp fibers. The treated fabrics exhibited multifunctional performance, showing significantly enhanced ultraviolet (UV) protection with a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50+ compared with untreated hemp. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed by the AATCC TM147 test, while a quantitative AATCC TM100 assessment demonstrated an excellent antibacterial efficiency of 99.99% bacterial reduction against S. aureus. Additionally, the incorporation of 2 wt% SPI significantly improved fabric hydrophilicity and wettability. Overall, this work demonstrates a green and effective strategy for producing antibacterial and UV-protective hemp textiles. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and oxidative stress-driven neuronal damage. Catalase, a key antioxidant enzyme, plays a vital role in decomposing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen, thereby protecting neurons from reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated toxicity. In AD, the catalase function is compromised due to reduced enzymatic activity and aggregation, which not only diminishes its protective role but also contributes to amyloid plaque formation through catalase-Aβ co-oligomers. Hence, therapeutic strategies aimed at simultaneously preventing catalase aggregation and enhancing its enzymatic function are of great interest. In this study, we screened twelve naturally occurring metabolites for their ability to modulate catalase aggregation and activity. Among these, dimethylglycine (DMG) emerged as the most potent candidate. DMG significantly inhibited thermally induced aggregation of catalase and markedly enhanced its enzymatic activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Biophysical analyses revealed that DMG stabilizes catalase by promoting its native folded conformation, as evidenced by increased melting temperature (T_m), higher Gibbs free energy of unfolding (ΔG°), and reduced exposure of hydrophobic residues. TEM imaging and Thioflavin T assays further confirmed that DMG prevented amyloid-like fibril formation. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations indicated that DMG binds to an allosteric site on catalase, providing a structural basis for its dual role in stabilization and activation. These findings highlight DMG as a promising therapeutic molecule for restoring catalase function and mitigating oxidative stress in AD. By maintaining catalase stability and activity, DMG offers potential for slowing AD progression. Full article

Depression is a common, debilitating, and potentially life-threatening mental disorder affecting individuals across all age groups and populations. It represents one of the major challenges of contemporary medicine. It is estimated that more than 300 million people worldwide are affected, and patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit a significantly increased risk of suicide, underscoring the urgent need for effective and long-lasting therapeutic strategies. Growing evidence indicates that the pathophysiology of depression involves a complex interplay of genetic vulnerability, chronic stress, dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired synaptic plasticity, collectively contributing to symptom heterogeneity and treatment resistance. In this review, we synthesize data derived from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases concerning pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies, with particular emphasis on their cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. We present currently used classes of antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), discussing their limitations in the context of contemporary pathophysiological models of depression. We then focus on emerging therapies targeting the glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic systems, including ketamine, esketamine, (R)-ketamine, the dextromethorphan–bupropion combination (DMX–BUP), neurosteroids (zuranolone, brexanolone), as well as selective serotonin receptor modulators (gepirone ER) and dopaminergic modulators (cariprazine). The review is complemented by a discussion of non-pharmacological neuromodulatory approaches, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and photobiomodulation. Rather than providing another summary of clinical response indicators, this article integrates the molecular underpinnings of novel antidepressant agents and neuromodulation techniques with current concepts of depression pathophysiology, highlighting their relevance for the development of precise, mechanistically targeted, and multimodal treatment strategies. Full article

A novel Z-scheme Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized with the ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (DBHP) reflected wonderful separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and photogenerated holes owing to the efficient direct Z-scheme heterojunction structure characteristic. The lattice parameter and the bandgap energy of the Dy₂TmSbO₇ were 10.52419 Å and 2.58 eV, simultaneously, the lattice parameter and the bandgap energy of the BiHoO₃ were 5.42365 Å and 2.25 eV, additionally, the bandgap energy of the DBHP was 2.32 eV. Above results indicated that DBHP, Dy₂TmSbO₇ or BiHoO₃ possessed an excellent ability for absorbing visible light energy, therefore, DBHP, Dy₂TmSbO₇ or BiHoO₃ owned superior photocatalytic activity for degrading the sulphamethoxypyridazine (SMP) under visible light irradiation. The removal rate of the SMP after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 99.47% for degrading the SMP during the photocatalytic degradation (PADA) process, correspondingly, the removal rate of the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 98.02% for degrading the SMP during the PADA process. The removal rate of the SMP after visible light irradiation of 135 min with the DBHP was 1.15 times, 1.29 times or 2.60 times that with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or nitrogen-doped TiO₂ (N-T). Therefore, the DBHP displayed higher photocatalytic activity for degrading the SMP under visible light irradiation compared with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or N-T. Specifically, the mineralization rate for removing the TOC concentration during the PADA process of the SMP with the DBHP was 1.18 times, 1.32 times or 2.79 times that with Dy₂TmSbO₇, BiHoO₃ or N-T. In addition, the stability and reusability of the DBHP were systematically evaluated, confirming that the DBHP owned potential applicability for degrading the antibiotic pollutant, which derived from the practical industrial wastewater. Trapping radicals experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance measurement experiments were conducted for identifying the reactive radicals, such as the hydroxyl radicals (•OH), the superoxide anions (•O₂⁻) and the photogenerated holes (h⁺), which were generated with the DBHP for degrading the SMP during the PADA process under visible light irradiation, as a result, the •O₂⁻ possessed the maximal oxidative capability compared with the •OH or the h⁺. Above results indicated the degradation mechanism and the degradation pathways which were related to the SMP. In conclusion, this study makes a significant contribution for the development of the efficient Z-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts and provides a key opinion to the development of the sustainable remediation method with the view of mitigating the antibiotic pollution. Full article

This article presents a conceptual perspective proposing that hypoxia acts as a unifying regulator of plasma membrane phosphohydrolases. We propose that oxygen sensing at the cell surface integrates adenosine and phosphate metabolism to sustain tumour adaptation. Within the oxygen- and nutrient-deprived tumour microenvironment, inorganic phosphate (Pi) and adenosine function as metabolic substrates and signalling mediators that promote cell proliferation, survival, and immune evasion. Stabilisation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) enhances the expression and catalytic activity of specific phosphohydrolases, notably the ectonucleotidases CD39 (NTPDase1) and CD73 (ecto-5′-nucleotidase), which drive adenosine accumulation and immunosuppression. Conversely, the activity of transmembrane prostatic acid phosphatase (TM-PAP), responsible for hydrolysing phosphate esters such as p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) and AMP, is inhibited under hypoxia through oxidative and kinase-dependent mechanisms. Collectively, these mechanisms characterise the plasma membrane as a dynamic metabolic interface, where oxygen sensing coordinates adenosine and phosphate turnover, thereby promoting tumour adaptation across hypoxic environments. We propose that hypoxia orchestrates a dual regulatory loop connecting adenosine accumulation and phosphate turnover at the tumour cell surface, providing a conceptual basis for future mechanistic studies. Full article

Polyphenols, as natural compounds abundant in plant-derived foods, have been recognised for their human health benefits. This study evaluates the multifunctional properties of Biombalance^TM (BB), a grape seed extract rich in oligomeric procyanidins, in various in vitro and in vivo models. BB was studied to assess (i) its antimicrobial effects in different bacterial species; (ii) its protective effects against oxidative and inflammatory stress in Caco-2 cells; and (iii) its effects in mice, which were fed a standard diet with or without BB at two different doses (BB1X and BB2X) to understand the impacts of BB on microbiota and gut homeostasis. BB selectively inhibited several bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Helicobacter pylori, and Blautia coccoides. In addition, BB protected Caco-2 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative damage and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress. In vivo, BB supplementation upregulated the expression of antioxidant and homeostasis genes in the colon, ileum, and liver, accompanied by dose-dependent changes in the gut microbiota composition. Functional predictions indicated favourable modulation of microbial metabolic pathways, including those involved in antioxidant capacity and glutamate degradation. Furthermore, BB positively influenced key gut–brain axis mediators, including GLP-1, the GLP-1 receptor, and NPY. These findings highlight the potential of Biombalance^TM to support health and gut–brain communication and to protect against oxidative and inflammatory stress in the gut. Full article

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease with a higher prevalence in women. While puberty appears to act as a trigger for MS, menopause has no clear effects on disease progression. Many studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a potential antioxidant treatment for MS, but the sexual hormones have been identified as a potential factor affecting TMS response by affecting cortical excitability and possibly clinical outcomes. Methods: The aim of this study was to test the effect of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormonal supplementation as adjuvants to TMS treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental model of MS. The effects of the three hormones were also tested as replacement therapy in ovariectomized rats treated with TMS. Clinical signs of the disease, as well as disease-induced oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses of the glutathione system, were evaluated. Results: TMS alone, without supplements or replacement therapies, is effective against oxidative stress caused by EAE. Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy is useful to enhance the role of TMS in ovariectomized rats, activating antioxidant defenses and improving clinical signs of the disease. Conclusions: TMS is effective in the treatment of MS, but its role could be enhanced, using hormone replacement therapy with estrogens and/or progesterone. Full article

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the effects of two high-resistance training (RT) protocols combined with curcumin supplementation on antioxidant capacity, systemic inflammation, bone and muscle health, and body composition. Methods: Eighty-one apparently healthy older adults [(68.2 ± 4.6 years (57% women); BMI 26.4 ± 4.8 kg/m²; minimally active according to IPAQ] were randomly allocated to accentuated eccentric (Aecc), maximal strength (Max), or a non-training control (C). Additionally, participants received either a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Cur) or a placebo (Pla), resulting in six study groups: Aecc-Cur, Aecc-Pla, Max-Cur, Max-Pla, C-Cur, and C-Pla. Participants underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments of oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone health parameters, whole-body composition, and muscle function. Aecc and Max performed six familiarization sessions and a 16-week intervention. Participants in the curcumin groups received 500 mg/day of a bio-optimized curcumin formulation (Cursol^TM; 2 × 250 mg capsules per day, corresponding to 10.50 mg/day of curcumin) throughout the intervention. Data were analyzed using three-way repeated-measures ANOVA/ANCOVA with time (pre–post) as the within-subject factor and training group and supplementation as between-subject factors, with Least Significant Difference post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Hedges’ g, ηp²) reported, and the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Aecc was the most effective in improving antioxidant capacity (glutathione; F = 25.57, p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.262) and bone biomarkers (serum-procollagen type I N-propeptide—P1NP, p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.504; serum beta C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen—β-CTX—p = 0.022, ηp² = 0.074, and their ratio—P1NP/β-CTX—p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.605). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) decreased more in Aecc (p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.584) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in Max (p ≤ 0.001, ηp² = 0.471). Both groups similarly improved body composition and muscle function. Bone mineral density was generally unchanged. Overall, curcumin supplementation enhanced the benefits of high-RT programs (further glutathione increase in Aecc [Hedge’s g: 0.49]; IL-6 decrease in both modalities [Hedge’s g: 0.48–1.27]; decrease in TNF-α in controls [Hedge’s g: 0.47]; better outcomes in P1NP/β-CTX in all groups [Hedge’s g: 0.46–1.46]; among others). Conclusions: Aecc is recommended for supporting antioxidant capacity and bone health, while the choice between Aecc and Max may depend on the individual’s inflammatory profile. Curcumin supplementation further amplifies the benefits of both RT protocols across most outcome variables. Full article

In this study, a novel photocatalytic nanomaterial BiTmFeSbO₇ was successfully synthesized for the first time by using the solvothermal method. On account of the effective Z-scheme mechanism, the BiTmFeSbO₇/BiTmO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (BTBTHP) could effectively separate the photoinduced electrons and the photoinduced holes, concurrently, the high oxidation potential and reduction potential of the BiTmFeSbO₇ and the BiTmO₃ were retained. Additionally, a Z-scheme BTBTHP was synthesized by using an ultrasound-assisted solvothermal approach. As a result, the BTBTHP exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance during the degradation process of the sulfathiazole (STZ). The morphological features, composition distribution, photochemistry properties and photoelectric properties of the prepared samples were investigated by using the comprehensive characterization techniques. Under the condition of visible light irradiation, the BTBTHP demonstrated an excellent removal efficiency of 99.50% for degrading the STZ. Contrastive analysis results indicated that the removal efficiency of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was substantially higher than that by using the BiTmFeSbO₇, the BiTmO₃, and the N-doped TiO₂. The removal rate of the STZ by using the BTBTHP was 1.14 times that by using the BiTmFeSbO₇, 1.28 times that by using the BiTmO₃, and 2.71 times that by using the N-doped TiO₂. Moreover, the stability and the reusability of the BTBTHP were verified through five successive photocatalytic cyclic degradation experiments, indicating that the BTBTHP owned potential for the practical application. The active species which was produced by the BTBTHP were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O₂⁻), and photoinduced holes (h⁺) by capturing radicals experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance testing experiments. Therefore, the degradation mechanism and the pathway of the STZ could be more comprehensively elucidated. In summary, this study lays a solid foundation for the development and further research of high efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts and offers novel insights into sustainable remediation strategies for the STZ pollution. Full article

Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnets (TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) are utilised in high-temperature rotor applications due to their stable magnetic properties at elevated temperatures of 200–350 °C. However, Sm and Co are critical elements, and the reliance on virgin material supply chains must be reduced. Hydrogen decrepitation (HD) could facilitate magnet-to-magnet recycling of scrap material, but the milling characteristics of the powders generated by HD requires investigation. Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnets were exposed to 18 bar and 2 bar hydrogen pressure at 100 °C for 72 h and then knife-milled, roller ball-milled, and planetary ball-milled for varying milling times utilising a variety of surfactants. The particle size and morphology of the powders were investigated, and sintered magnets manufactured from chosen powders were characterised in terms of composition, density, microstructure, and magnetic properties. Knife milling for two minutes showed major particle size reductions of 70 and 82% in D50 for 18 bar and 2 bar samples respectively. Roller ball milling trials showed that a cyclohexane and oleic acid mixture was the most effective at reducing particle size, reducing D10, 50, and 90 by 92, 91, and 80% respectively. Knife milling HD powder for two minutes and then planetary ball milling this powder in a cyclohexane and 1 wt.% oleic acid mixture generated a particle size distribution of 1.3–6.8 µm. This powder formed a sintered compact with a density 0.08 g/cm³ lower than the as-received material. Sm losses due to oxidation and sublimation in addition to carbon impurities from surfactant usage caused the precipitation of an α-Fe/Co phase and formed ZrC phases respectively. Sm-hydride additions of 2–3 wt.% mitigated the formation of the α-Fe/Co phase, but ZrC phases remained and likely prevented cell structure formation and inhibited domain wall pinning in recycled magnets. Full article

Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with prognosis influenced by heterogeneous biological and neuroanatomical factors. In the past decade, numerous possible biomarkers—molecular, imaging, and electrophysiological—have been investigated to improve outcome prediction and guide rehabilitation strategies and main objectives. Among them, neurofilament light chain (NFL), a cytoskeletal protein released during neuroaxonal injury, has become an effective marker of the severity of the neurological condition and the integrity of the neurons. Additional circulating biomarkers, including thioredoxin, netrin-1, omentin-1, bilirubin, and others, have been linked to oxidative stress, angiogenesis, neuroprotection, and regenerative processes. Meanwhile, innovations in electrophysiology (EEG and TMS-based predictions) and neuroimaging (diffusion tensor imaging, corticospinal tract lesion load, and functional connectivity) add some additional perspectives on the possibility for brain recovery. This work is a narrative synthesizing evidence from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between 2015 and 2025, including both clinical and experimental studies addressing stroke biomarkers and outcome prediction. The review outlines a framework for the integration of multimodal biomarkers to support precision medicine and individualized rehabilitation in stroke. Full article

Despite significant interest in their functional properties, the mechanical behavior of high-entropy oxides (HEOs) is not well studied, particularly at elevated temperatures. Bulk (Co,Cu,Mg,Ni,Zn)O (transition metal (TM)-HEO) samples were deformed under compression at applied stresses and temperatures ranging from 5 to 31 MPa and 600 to 850 °C, respectively. All of the deformation conditions result in creep stress exponents of n < 3, indicating that TM-HEO exhibits superplastic deformation. A transition from structural to solution-precipitation-based superplasticity is observed during deformation above 650 °C. Additionally, TM-HEO exhibits shear-thickening behavior when deformed at stresses above 9 MPa. The formation and behavior of a Cu-rich tenorite secondary phase during deformation is identified as a key factor underpinning the deformation mechanisms. The microstructure and phase state of TM-HEO before deformation also influenced the behavior, with finer grain sizes and increasing concentrations of Cu-rich tenorite, resulting in the increased prevalence of solution-precipitation deformation. While complex, the results of this study indicate that TM-HEO deforms through known superplastic deformation mechanisms. Superplasticity is a highly efficient manufacturing method and could prove to be a valuable strategy for forming HEO ceramics into complex geometries. Full article

Composites based on the AlSi12 aluminum alloy reinforced with Saffil^TM fibers (Composite I) and with both Saffil^TM fibers and nickel-coated graphite flakes (Composite II) were developed using the squeeze casting method in the fabrication process. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the employed reinforcements on the mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the obtained materials. To achieve this, investigations were conducted, including SEM analysis, flexural strength testing, Brinell hardness testing, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Corrosion measurements were performed in a 3.5% NaCl solution at room temperature. Mechanical investigations revealed a significant increase in flexural strength and hardness for Composite I compared to the plain matrix alloy. In contrast, Composite II’s flexural strength was reduced by the weakening effect of graphite flakes. Performance under bending improved by 46% for Composite I and 25% for Composite II compared to the AlSi12. The corrosion resistance of the tested materials followed the order AlSi12 > Composite I > Composite II. The LSV and EIS results indicate that the explanation for this may be differences in the properties of the protective oxide/hydroxide layer. Furthermore, SEM images showed a weak bond between nickel and graphite. Full article

Previous studies have demonstrated that high-yielding dairy cows experience endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the liver during early lactation. To date, most insights into the role of ER stress in metabolism and disease pathophysiology have been derived from rodent and human models. In dairy cattle, however, the specific impact of ER stress on metabolic pathways and its contribution to disease development remain insufficiently characterized. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the molecular effects of ER stress using a bovine liver cell model (BFH12 cells). ER stress was induced by incubation with Tunicamycin (TM) and Thapsigargin (TG). Molecular responses to ER stress were assessed via a whole-genome array analysis and PCR targeting genes involved in selected metabolic pathways. Incubation with both ER stress inducers resulted in a marked upregulation of genes associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR) within a 4 to 24-h time frame, indicative of the production of robust ER stress in these cells. Unexpectedly, treatment with TM led to a downregulation of numerous genes involved in lipid biosynthesis, including those related to lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis. Furthermore, incubation with TM and TG induced upregulation of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation and was accompanied by a reduction in intracellular triglyceride concentrations. Genes associated with inflammatory responses were upregulated by both TM and TG, whereas genes encoding antioxidant enzymes were downregulated. Genes involved in ketogenesis did not exhibit a consistent pattern of regulation. Overall, several effects of ER stress previously described in rodent models could not be replicated in this bovine liver cell system. Extrapolating these findings to dairy cows suggests that while ER stress may contribute to hepatic inflammation, it is unlikely to play a significant role in the development of hepatic lipidosis or ketosis. Full article

This study presents the fabrication and chemical modification of titanium meshes produced by nanosecond laser drilling, tailored for advanced photocatalytic and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. Titanium meshes were fabricated via pulsed laser ablation (TM_1) and subsequently modified either by deposition of silver nanoparticles through irradiation (TM_2) and sonication (TM_3) or by surface oxidation using hydrogen peroxide (TM_4). Morphological and compositional analyses revealed that these modifications lead to distinct Ag nanoparticle morphologies and significant increases in surface oxygen content, notably enhancing photocatalytic performance. Photocatalytic tests demonstrated that the TM_4 mesh achieved the highest degradation rate of methylene blue, underscoring the critical role of surface oxygen enrichment. In contrast, TM_2 and TM_3 exhibit strong potential as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates due to the well-distributed plasmonic silver nanostructures that enhance local electromagnetic fields. Their three-dimensional porous architecture facilitates high surface area and efficient analyte adsorption (MB), further improving SERS sensitivity. These findings establish nanosecond laser-processed titanium meshes, particularly those that are chemically modified, as promising, scalable materials for efficient water purification and effective SERS substrates for molecular sensing. Full article