Search Results (140)

In civil engineering, with the increasing demand for structural reinforcement and renovation projects, polymer-rich anchoring adhesives have attracted much attention due to their performance advantage of having high strength and have become a key factor in ensuring the safety and durability of buildings. In this study, polymer-rich anchoring adhesives underwent three artificial aging treatments (alkali medium, hygrothermal, and water bath) to evaluate their aging performance. Alkali treatment reduced bending strength by up to 70% (sample 5#) within 500 h before stabilizing, while hygrothermal and water-curing treatments caused reductions of 16–51% and 15–77%, respectively, depending on adhesive composition. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis revealed significant loss factor decreases (e.g., epoxy adhesives dropped from >1.0 to stable lower values after 500 h aging), indicating increased rigidity. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed chemical degradation, including ester group breakage in vinyl ester resins (peak shifts at 1700 cm⁻¹ and 1100 cm⁻¹) and molecular chain scission in unsaturated polyesters. The three test methods consistently demonstrated that 500 h of aging sufficiently captured performance trends, with alkali exposure causing the most severe degradation in sensitive formulations (e.g., samples 5# and 6#). These results can be used to establish quantitative benchmarks for adhesive durability assessment in structural applications. Full article

Natural surfaces, such as lotus leaves, springtail cuticles, and pitcher plant peristomes, exhibit extraordinary wetting behaviors due to their unique surface topographies and chemical compositions. These natural architectures have inspired the development of wettability models and the production of artificial surfaces with tailored wettability for advanced applications. Electrodeposited metallic coatings can imitate the wettability behaviors of natural surfaces, showing superhydrophobic, superoleophobic, or slippery characteristics. Such coatings can significantly enhance corrosion resistance by minimizing water–metal contact and promoting self-cleaning effects. This review presents various strategies for fabricating corrosion-resistant metallic coatings, including different electrodeposition techniques in aqueous or non-aqueous baths, followed by post-treatment procedures and surface functionalization methods. However, despite the promising protective properties demonstrated under controlled laboratory conditions, long-term studies under natural exposure conditions are still lacking, which limits the full assessment of the durability and effectiveness of non-wettable electroplated deposits in practical applications. Full article

Routine aquaculture practices such as capture, transportation, and handling can disrupt the relationship between commensal and opportunistic bacteria in the fish skin microbiome. Anesthetic baths are a common welfare practice in aquaculture to reduce stress during handling. However, to date, no studies assessed the effect of anesthetics on bacterial communities in fish skin mucus. This study is the first to evaluate the influence of benzocaine, a widely used anesthetic, on the skin mucus bacterial microbiome of Atlantic salmon reared in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Using Illumina high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we found that bacterial richness and diversity were significantly reduced in skin mucus samples from fish with anesthesia (ANE) when compared with those without anesthesia (CTR). The predominant bacterial classes in both groups were Gammaproteobacteria (54.1–62.6%) and Betaproteobacteria (22.6–22.9%). However, significant dissimilarities in beta diversity were observed between the bacterial community structure of salmon skin mucus samples from ANE and CTR. These findings demonstrate that benzocaine exposure alters skin mucus microbiome of Atlantic salmon potentially leading to dysbiosis. This study also provides baseline information on the bacterial communities of Atlantic salmon skin mucus microbiome in an RAS. As no temporal resampling was performed, the duration and persistence of these changes remain unknown and warrant further investigation. Full article

Indomethacin, ibuprofen, and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. Previous studies in airway smooth muscle demonstrated that chronic exposure to testosterone (TES, 40 nM) enhances the relaxation induced by salbutamol and theophylline due to K⁺ channel increment, without modifying cyclooxygenase expression. This study examines how indomethacin, ibuprofen, and ASA affect K⁺ currents and the relaxation response to these bronchodilators. In organ baths, tracheas from young male guinea pigs chronically (48 h) treated with 40 nM TES showed increased relaxation to salbutamol and theophylline, which was completely abolished by indomethacin. Patch-clamp recordings revealed that TES increased salbutamol- and theophylline-induced K⁺ currents, and only indomethacin fully inhibited this potentiation; ibuprofen and ASA had partial effects. The involved currents included voltage-dependent K⁺ (K_V) and high-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels. Our results demonstrate that indomethacin exerts a dual action, inhibiting K⁺ channel activity and PG synthesis, unlike ibuprofen and ASA. This dual mechanism explains its stronger inhibitory effect on TES-enhanced ASM relaxation. These findings suggest that indomethacin may counteract the protective effects of TES, which promotes anti-inflammatory and smooth muscle-relaxing states. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution when prescribing indomethacin to young males with asthma, as the protective role of TES may diminish, potentially resulting in an exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Full article

Background: The durability of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin nanoceramics in the oral environment is influenced by aging factors such as thermocycling and ultraviolet (UV) exposure. This study investigates the impact of these aging processes on surface characteristics and repair bond strength. Methods: CAD/CAM resin nanoceramic samples were divided into the following five groups: control (non-aged), 1-year and 5-year thermocycling, and 1-year and 5-year UV aging (n = 12). For the thermocycling procedure, the parameters employed were a temperature range of 5–55 °C with dwell times of 20 s per bath and 10,000 and 50,000 cycles; for the ultraviolet aging process, the parameters were established at a wavelength of 340 nm, an intensity of 0.55 W/m², and durations of 300 h and 1500 h. Surface roughness, microhardness, and repair bond strength were analyzed through profilometry, Vickers microhardness testing, and shear bond strength assessment, respectively. SEM, AFM, and XRD analyses were performed for structural evaluation. Results: Both thermocycling and UV aging significantly increased surface roughness (p < 0.001) while reducing microhardness and repair bond strength (p < 0.001). UV aging had a more pronounced effect, particularly after five years, leading to the highest surface roughness (Ra: 61.77 μm; Rz: 271.57 μm) and lowest microhardness properties (63.13). EDAX analysis indicated matrix degradation and an increase in inorganic filler exposure. Conclusions: Aging significantly affects the surface characteristics of CAD/CAM resin nanoceramics, with UV aging exhibiting the most detrimental impact. These findings highlight the necessity of considering long-term material stability in dentistry. Full article

We prepared antimony metal films via electrodeposition, followed by the synthesis of Sb₂S₃ films through a chemical vapor phase reaction. Finally, an Sb₂O₃ film was deposited onto the Sb₂S₃ film using a chemical bath method, successfully constructing a heterojunction photocathode of Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃; the synthesized Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃ heterojunction is classified as a Type I heterostructure. The resulting Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃ heterojunction exhibited a photocurrent density of −0.056 mA cm⁻² at −0.15 V (vs. RHE), which is 1.40 times higher than that of Sb₂S₃ alone under simulated solar illumination. Additionally, the Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃ heterojunction demonstrated a lower carrier recombination rate and a faster charge transfer rate compared to Sb₂S₃, as evidenced by photoluminescence and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. For these reasons, the Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃ heterojunction obtained a hydrogen precipitation rate of 0.163mL cm⁻² h⁻¹, which is twice the hydrogen precipitation rate of Sb₂S₃, under the condition of 60 min of light exposure. The significant enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance is attributed to the formation of the Sb₂S₃/Sb₂O₃ heterojunction, which improves both carrier separation and charge transfer efficiency. This heterojunction strategy holds promising potential for visible light-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the surface micromorphology of bioactive glass-modified resin composite materials after storage in simulated body fluid for different periods of time and ultrasonic cleaning. Materials and methods: A resin composite material (Heliomolar Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent) was modified by incorporating 10 or 20 wt% of bioactive glass 45S5. The unmodified conventional composite (0 wt% bioactive glass) served as the control. Surface morphology of light-cured composite specimens was examined by profilometry both before and after storage in simulated body fluid (SBF; pH = 7.4, t = 37 °C) for 0, 3, 7, or 30 days, and surface roughness (Ra) was recorded. After storage, ultrasonic cleaning (UC) of the specimens was performed for 10 min in an ultrasonic bath filled with deionized water, and the profilometric measurements were subsequently repeated. In addition, the surfaces of specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Directly after specimen preparation, the Ra values of the composites modified with bioactive glass were similar to those of the conventional composite (0 wt% bioactive glass). A longer immersion in SBF and higher added concentrations of bioactive glass led to an increase in surface roughness. SEM examination revealed that precipitates were formed on the surfaces of specimens containing bioactive glass after exposure to SBF for at least 7 days. The density of these precipitates increased with exposure time and added bioactive glass content. After subsequent ultrasonic cleaning, a significant Ra reduction was observed for specimens containing 10 and 20 wt% bioactive glass and stored for 30 days (p < 0.001). For the resin composite material doped with 20 wt% bioactive glass particles, UC revealed a significant Ra reduction at all time points. Conclusion: The increase in the surface roughness of bioactive glass-modified composites after storage in SBF might be partly attributed to precipitate formation on their surfaces. After ultrasonic cleaning, surface roughness was still increased, indicating poorer surface quality compared to conventional composite. Full article

Ensuring the durability of concrete pavements against chloride ingress is critical, yet the relationship between electrical resistivity and chloride penetration remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effectiveness of entrained air and fly ash in mitigating chloride ingress using an electrical resistivity model and surface resistivity tests. Concrete samples with varying entrained air contents (0% to 10%) and Class C or Class F fly ash underwent three-year ponding tests in temperature-controlled indoor water baths and outdoor CaCl₂-NaCl brine solutions. The results indicate that lower entrained air contents led to a more rapid increase in resistivity, with concrete mixes incorporating Class C fly ash exhibiting 1.5 times greater resistivity gains than those with Class F fly ash. Surface resistivity tests revealed that reaction factors were 67% higher in specimens with 3.5% entrained air compared to 10.0%, while decreasing by 57% and 41% in concrete mixes containing Class F and Class C fly ash, respectively, across all chloride concentrations. Using back-calculated environmental factors, corrosion initiation potential in concrete pavements was projected for exposure periods of up to 50 years. These findings provide insights for optimizing entrained air and fly ash formulations to enhance pavement performance and durability. Full article

Background: Synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids have emerged as significant public health concerns, particularly in pediatric populations. Marketed under deceptive names such as “bath salts” and “K2/Spice”, these substances pose unique challenges due to their accessibility, potency, and unpredictable effects. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the toxicological effects of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids in pediatric patients, emphasizing clinical presentations, management challenges, and public health implications. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published between January 2010 and September 2024. The selected articles focus on neuropsychiatric, systemic, and management outcomes associated with these substances in individuals aged 0–18 years. Results: Five studies demonstrate that synthetic cathinones frequently cause seizures, sympathomimetic toxidrome (tachycardia, hypertension), and neuropsychiatric effects like paranoia and catatonia. Seven studies show synthetic cannabinoids induce psychosis, respiratory depression requiring ventilation in 12% of cases, and cardiovascular complications like myocardial ischemia. One study highlighted severe outcomes in pediatric accidental exposures, emphasizing the unpredictable and life-threatening effects of these substances, often exacerbated by co-ingestion with alcohol or THC. Conclusions: Pediatric exposure to synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids results in severe and unpredictable toxicological effects, necessitating tailored clinical management strategies and enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Public health measures, including stringent regulatory controls, targeted education initiatives, and robust surveillance systems, are critical to mitigating these risks. A multidisciplinary approach is essential to safeguard vulnerable pediatric populations from the escalating dangers posed by synthetic drugs, and future research must address the long-term impacts and mechanisms of toxicity. Full article

Coated metallic stents are the next generation of metallic stents with improved surface properties. To evaluate the degradation behavior of stents in vitro, different in vitro degradation models can be applied: (i) static immersion test: degradation under static fluid condition, (ii) fluid dynamic test: degradation under flowing fluid, and (iii) electrochemical corrosion test: degradation under the influence of electric potential. During these experimental procedures, stents interact with the simulated blood plasma, and degradation products are formed in the form of depositions on the stent surface, likewise in vivo experiments. These deposited crystals act as a hindrance to the application of important characterization techniques (e.g., mass loss measurement for the calculation of corrosion rate and examining the adhesion of the coating to metallic stents after fluid dynamic exposure). Therefore, to better characterize the coatings, the removal of these depositions is significant. In this work, we investigate the influence of in vitro test conditions in fluid dynamic biostability tests on the biostability of titanium oxynitride (TiO_XN_Y) coated stainless steel stents by adapting various fluid dynamic experimental parameters. The experimental conditions are based on modification in the components of fluid dynamic setup (e.g., tubings), simulated body fluid (SBF), with and without Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ ions, and the cleaning procedure (use of water, acetone, and isopropanol). Four different experiments were conducted under various experimental parameter sets. SEM and EDX measurements were used for the identification of degradation products after each experiment. This study highlights the importance of optimized experimental conditions showing negligible depositions when utilizing Puriflex tubing or a comparable artificial vessel, SBF devoid of Ca⁺⁺ and Mg⁺⁺ ions, and performing sample cleaning with distilled water in an ultrasonic bath. The presented conditions were optimized for titanium oxynitride coated samples. A similar approach could be applied to other samples with or without some small variation. Full article

Seawater is a long-standing remedy against a number of skin or rheumatic conditions since ancient times, now popular in many countries, where spa, thalassotherapy and seawater pools have considerably boomed. Exposure to seawater and sunlight is an essential component of thalassotherapy, defined by any controlled interaction with marine environments and their natural elements, even in the absence of skin applications of algae, sands or muds. Seawater pools therefore offer the opportunity of thalassotherapy to patients unable to go the beach or during the winter months. The evidence from various studies seems to converge on combined exposure to solar radiation and seawater as a more effective approach than irradiation alone or bathing in freshwater followed by irradiation to reduce symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases or rheumatic conditions. An unwanted consequence of chlorine-based treatment of seawater is the formation of disinfection-by-products (DBPs) due to reactions of disinfectants with organic matter of anthropogenic origin released by bathers. Whilst chlorination of freshwater predominantly generates chlorinated DBPs, the prevailing species produced by chlorination of seawater pools are brominated DBPs, reportedly more genotoxic. However, despite greater toxicity of brominated DBPs, there is evidence that DBPs concentration in freshwater pools is significantly higher (probably due to the larger number of users) compared to seawater pools. Containing the number of bathers could therefore reduce the risk of exposure to DBPs in both types of pool. The outdoor location of pools can further contribute to reducing the risk of genotoxicity thanks to volatilization, airborne dispersion and photodegradation of some DBPs. Full article

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa <Michx.> Elliot) represents a rich source of dietary polyphenols and other bioactive phytochemicals with pleiotropic beneficial cardiovascular effects. The present study was aimed at evaluating the ex vivo effects of two black chokeberry extracts (BChEs), obtained from either dry (DryAr) or frozen (FrozAr) berries, on oxidative stress and vascular function in mice aortic rings after incubation with angiotensin 2 (Ang 2), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glucose (GLUC) in order to mimic renin–angiotensin system activation, inflammation and hyperglycemia. The identification of phenolic compounds was performed by means of liquid chromatography with a diode array detector coupled with mass spectrometry using the electrospray ionization interface. The BChE obtained from the FrozAr was rich in cyanidin glucoside, rutin and caffeic acid, while the one obtained from the dried berries was rich in rutin, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. Mice aortas were dissected and acutely incubated (12 h) with Ang2 (100 nM), LPS (1 µg/mL) or GLUC (400 mg/dL) in the presence vs. absence of the two BChEs (1, 10, 50, 75, 100, 500 µg/mL). Subsequently, the tissues were used for the assessment of (i) hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide production (using two methods, spectrophotometry and immunofluorescence), (ii) H₂O₂ scavenger effect and (iii) vascular reactivity (using the organ bath/myograph system). After exposure to Ang2, LPS or GLUC, both types of extracts decreased the H₂O₂ and superoxide levels in a concentration-dependent manner starting from either 50 µg/mL or 100 µg/mL. Also, in the highest concentrations (100 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL), both extracts elicited a significant scavenger effect on H₂O₂ (similar to catalase, the classic H₂O₂ scavenger). Moreover, at 100 µg/mL, both extracts were able to significantly improve vascular relaxation in all stimulated aortic rings. In conclusion, in mice aortas, black chokeberry extracts in acute application elicited a concentration-dependent vasculo-protective effect through the reduction of oxidative stress and the alleviation of endothelial dysfunction in ex vivo conditions that mimic cardio-metabolic diseases. Full article

Unlike other microbothriid monogenean infections in elasmobranchs, limited information is available on the biology and treatment of Dermophthirius melanopteri. As parasitic infection with D. melanopteri was found in 21 juvenile blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) at the Lotteworld aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, we aimed to investigate the anatomical features and treatment protocols for D. melanopteri in this study. The parasites were sampled and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, and examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. The treatments included short-term praziquantel baths, freshwater immersion, and long-term trichlorfon baths. Manual removal of parasites was also attempted. Examination and manual removal revealed that, similar to other microbothriids, D. melanopteri attaches to the placoid scale using opisthaptoral secretion in the posterior region. The effectiveness of the treatments varied, with trichlorfon proving the most effective and safe option for complete parasite eradication. Praziquantel facilitated parasite removal by weakening their attachment, suggesting the potential for higher doses and prolonged exposure times for enhanced antiparasitic effects. To our knowledge, this is the first study providing the microscopic details of D. melanopteri infection and its treatment outcomes in captive blacktip reef sharks, thereby providing valuable insights for future research and management. Full article

Mulberry is an important economic crop in China that is widely planted and has important edible and medicinal value. Anthracnose, a critical leaf disease, severely compromises the yield and quality of mulberry trees. However, there are many kinds of pathogens causing mulberry anthracnose and it is difficult to control. This study was undertaken to elucidate the biological characteristics of Colletotrichum fructicola, the pathogen responsible for mulberry leaf spot in Zhejiang Province, and to screen out effective fungicides for its management. The biological characteristics of the pathogen were studied using the cross method and spore counting method, while the sensitivity of the pathogen to seven different fungicides was determined using the growth rate method. The findings indicated that potato dextrose agar (PDA) is the optimal growth medium for the pathogen. The pathogen was capable of growing across a temperature range of 5 to 40 °C, with optimum growth observed at 25 °C. Exposure to a 56 °C water bath for 10 min resulted in the death of the pathogen. It was also found to grow and sporulate within a pH range of 4 to 12, with an optimum pH of 7. Under alternating 12 h light and dark cycles, the colonies grew rapidly and produced abundant spores. Among the fungicides tested, 97% carbendazim WP exhibited the best inhibitory effect, with an EC₅₀ (concentration for 50% of maximal effect) value of 0.0242 μg/mL. This was followed by 35% propiconazole SC, which had an EC₅₀ of 0.4180 μg/mL. The fungicidal effect of 25 g/L fludioxonil SSCC was relatively poor, with an EC₅₀ value of 103.0170 μg/mL. This study clarifies the optimal conditions for the growth and sporulation of the mulberry anthracnose pathogen and identifies fungicides with effective inhibitory properties. These findings will provide valuable guidance for field applications and disease management in controlling mulberry anthracnose. Full article

Background: Mental health disease constitutes 25% of the total burden of disease in Denmark. In the last few years, an increasing tendency for seeking the ocean has arisen, and winter bathing is one of the outdoor activities with a large rise in popularity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore if and how regular winter bathing in blue spaces can affect people’s mental health. Methods: This study employed a qualitative design using fieldwork with semi-structured interviews with four members from three different winter bathing clubs. The empirical data were thematically analyzed followed by theoretical analysis. Results: The results revealed five themes: Social Connectedness; Blue Nature as a Free Space; The Motivation Behind Winter Bathing; It is More Than an Ice-Cold Shock; and Finding Mental Peace in Winter Bathing. The results suggest that winter bathing in blue spaces contributed to improved mental health for the informants. Conclusions: In conclusion, regular winter bathing enhanced the participants’ mental health. A relatively short time in the ice-cold water provided mental peace which transferred to the rest of daily life in general, which emphasizes the mental health-promoting potential of winter bathing. Positive emotions were cultivated through exposure to blue spaces, including inner calm and a sense of safety. Winter bathing also served as a space for social connectedness and community building, facilitated by the club environment in which meaningful social interactions occurred. Full article