Search Results (4,321)

Epilepsy is associated with impaired reproductive function and testicular pathologies. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a nonpharmacological metabolic intervention with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study investigated the protective effects of IF on testicular damage in a genetic absence epilepsy rat model (GAERS), focusing on histomorphology, oxidative stress parameters, and hormonal profiles. Testicular tissues from Wistar control (WC), Wistar + IF (WIF), GAERS control (GC), and GAERS + IF (GIF) groups (total n = 20; 5 rats per group) were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Periodic Acid–Schiff staining. Apoptosis and spermatogenic cell integrity were assessed using caspase-3, P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI), and Deleted in Azoospermia-Like (DAZL) immunohistochemistry. Johnsen’s score, seminiferous tubule diameter, and epithelial thickness were quantified. Oxidative stress markers, including catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione, myeloperoxidase, and superoxide dismutase, were measured using spectrophotometric methods, and serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were determined using ELISA kits. The GC group showed significantly reduced Johnsen scores, tubular diameters, and epithelial thickness, along with disrupted basement membrane integrity and increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity. IF significantly improved histological parameters, restored basement membrane integrity, reduced apoptosis, and increased PIWI and DAZL expression in the GIF group. IF also ameliorated oxidative stress and elevated reproductive hormone levels, indicating positive modulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. In conclusion, IF reduces oxidative stress and preserves seminiferous tubules and hormonal function in genetic absence epilepsy, highlighting its potential as a supportive nonpharmacological approach to protect male reproductive health. Full article

This study presents a predictive manufacturing framework for customizing the biomechanical response of a 3D printed ergonomic armrest based on relaxed Voronoi metamaterials. A double curved armrest geometry was combined with parametric lattice generation, stereolithography printing in BioMed Elastic 50A resin, uniaxial compression testing of cylindrical lattice specimens, and homogenized finite element simulations using a CT derived forearm model under 15, 30, and 45 N loading. The results showed that both cell size and ligament thickness strongly affected compressive behavior, with smaller cells and thicker ligaments producing higher stiffness and earlier densification. Among the uniform configurations selected for simulation, the E-9-1.5 lattice provided the most balanced response, maintaining contact pressure below about 70 kPa up to 45 N, whereas the stiffer E-7-1.5 configuration exceeded 160 kPa and the E-7-1 configuration surpassed 100 kPa at higher load. Based on these findings, a functionally graded Voronoi concept was developed to combine a more compliant central zone with a stiffer peripheral support region while preserving conformity to the complex armrest boundary. Overall, the results show that relaxed Voronoi lattices offer a computationally efficient route toward anatomically conforming and mechanically tunable cushioning interfaces. Full article

Since their discovery in 2009, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated rapid progress. Ambient-processed, carbon-based PSCs utilizing a pre-heating step offer a cost-effective fabrication route. Nevertheless, the role of the compact titanium dioxide (TiO₂-c) layer in ambient conditions has remained under-explored and inconsistently reported in the literature. This study then investigated the impact of TiO₂-c layer thickness, ranging from 70 nm to 155 nm, on the performance of PSCs fabricated entirely in ambient air with high relative humidity (RH > 70%). The layers were deposited via the sol-gel spin-coating method. Experimental results then revealed that the thinnest layer (70 nm) yielded the lowest average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.05% due to diminished J_sc and V_oc values. The optimized TiO₂-c thickness was also identified at 95 nm, achieving an average PCE of 2.95% and a peak efficiency of 4.5%. Structural analysis via XRD confirmed the presence of both anatase and brookite phases. Notably, increasing the thickness from 70 nm to 155 nm resulted in a slight reduction in the anatase peak and a corresponding increase in the brookite peak. The superior performance at 95 nm could be attributed to a balanced crystal intensity between these two phases. Furthermore, TiO₂-c thickness was found to correlate with larger aggregate formation, better uniform shape grains, and reduced surface roughness, significantly influencing the morphology of the subsequent mesoporous TiO₂-m layer. These findings then provided critical insights into how thickness variation in the TiO₂-c layer could influence the performance of ambient-processed carbon-based PSCs. Full article

Metal anodes offer substantially higher specific and volumetric capacities than conventional anode materials such as graphite in lithium-ion batteries or hard carbon in sodium-ion batteries. However, the integration of metal anodes into solid-state batteries poses significant challenges, particularly with respect to processing, interfacial stability, and cell assembly. Anode-free solid-state batteries (AFSSBs) address these challenges by eliminating the pre-installed metal anode, instead forming the metal in situ during the initial charging (formation) step. In anode-free solid-state batteries, the quality of the interfacial contact is particularly critical, as insufficient contact can lead to locally increased current densities. Consequently, the initial metal plating during the formation step plays a decisive role in determining the homogeneity and stability of the anode interface. Furthermore, conventional battery-grade copper foils (~10 µm) are considerably thicker than required for the targeted C-rates and are difficult to use as stand-alone anode-free current collectors, thereby hindering the industrial production of anode-free solid-state batteries. In this publication, we demonstrate the application of atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) to fabricate thin copper current collectors directly on the ceramic solid electrolytes LAGP (lithium aluminium germanium phosphate) and BASE (beta-alumina solid electrolyte) with superior interface contact. No mechanical damage or diffusion of copper into the solid electrolyte nor formation of secondary phases at the interfaces were observed in SEM or EDS despite the elevated process temperature. LAGP with a thickness as low as 300 µm was successfully coated and subsequently used for plating/stripping experiments. Finally, dense sodium metal was plated at the copper-substrate interface of a 1.4 mm thick BASE sample. Full article

Articular cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair, and effective strategies for its regeneration remain a major clinical challenge. Full-thickness cartilage defects extending to the subchondral bone induce an enhanced inflammatory response and impair spontaneous healing. This study aimed to evaluate the regenerative potential of autologous chondrocyte transplantation using an insoluble polyethersulfone (PES) scaffold in a rabbit model of grade III articular cartilage lesions. Chondrocytes were isolated and expanded in vitro and subsequently seeded onto PES membranes. Sixty-two rabbit knees with defects extending to the subchondral bone were divided into three groups: group I received chondrocyte-seeded PES scaffolds (n = 25), group II received cell-free PES scaffolds (n = 25), and group III served as an untreated control (n = 12). Cartilage regeneration was evaluated macroscopically and histologically over 52 weeks. In addition, the chondrogenic differentiation potential of cells cultured on PES scaffolds was assessed. This study extends our previous investigations of PES scaffolds in grade IV cartilage defects to a clinically relevant grade III lesion model, enabling evaluation of regenerative outcomes at an earlier stage of cartilage degeneration. The results demonstrated superior tissue regeneration in defects treated with chondrocyte-seeded PES scaffolds compared to both control groups. These findings indicate that synthetic PES scaffolds support cartilage repair and represent a promising biomaterial for the development of cell-based therapies in articular cartilage regeneration. Full article

Background/Objectives: The corneal endothelium maintains corneal transparency through its barrier function and active pumping mechanism that regulates stromal hydration. Limited regenerative capacity makes these cells vulnerable to progressive cell loss. Although local ocular factors are well known, recent data suggest that numerous systemic diseases may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and reduce endothelial reserve before the onset of clinically apparent corneal pathology. The purpose of this narrative review is to synthesize current evidence on the impact of systemic diseases on corneal endothelial health and to highlight the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases for articles published between January 2000 and December 2025. Observational studies, case series, and review articles that evaluated structural or functional changes in the corneal endothelium in association with systemic diseases were included. Results: Reviewed literature shows that several categories of systemic diseases are associated with signs of corneal endothelial stress. These changes include decreased endothelial cell density, increased cell size variability, reduced hexagonality, and, in some cases, increased central corneal thickness. Metabolic, cardiovascular, renal, autoimmune, and hypoxic conditions, as well as extracellular matrix disorders and aging, show consistent associations with these changes. Conclusions: Systemic diseases can compromise corneal endothelial integrity and reduce functional reserve even in the absence of clinically evident corneal pathology. Recognition of these associations underscores the importance of evaluating the patient’s systemic context, including a detailed medical history and corneal endothelial analysis, particularly before intraocular surgery. Full article

Background: Graft-versus-host disease is the most common complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While ocular graft-versus-host disease typically manifests as dry eye syndrome and anterior segment involvement, posterior segment complications are rare. Previously reported posterior segment complications in graft-versus-host disease have been limited to acute presentations with significant functional visual impairment. Methods: A 41-year-old man developed progressive retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer loss four years after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia. The patient had established chronic graft-versus-host disease with cutaneous involvement and ocular surface disease. Results: Despite preserved visual acuity and visual fields, and only subtle functional involvement on visual evoked potentials, optical coherence tomography revealed significant reduction in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and ganglion cell layer. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no optic nerve or brain abnormalities. Conclusions: This case describes an uncommon presentation of chronic, subclinical posterior segment involvement in chronic GVHD and suggests that optical coherence tomography may detect progressive structural retinal changes in the absence of clinically evident visual impairment, supporting its potential role in longitudinal monitoring. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dryness and itching. Steroids are the most common therapeutic agents, may induce skin atrophy, and damage the skin barrier. Therefore, we need to find a safer alternative option. Liquiritin (LQ), a flavonoid compound extracted from licorice rhizomes, possesses anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of LQ on AD, focusing on its potential skin barrier-protective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this research, we prepared liquiritin carbomer gel (LQ-CG) and assessed its treatment effects on mice with AD triggered by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). It effectively attenuated AD progression by ameliorating skin lesions, decreasing epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration, downregulating inflammatory cytokine levels, and restoring the expression of claudin-1, loricrin, and occludin. It also inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and showed no significant toxicity to major organs in mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate that LQ-CG can effectively alleviate atopic symptoms by repairing the skin barrier and inhibiting inflammatory responses without causing significant changes in organ indices Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique of the retina. The thickness of the ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) obtained from an OCT image is a valuable biomarker for monitoring MS. Since the functional shape (F-shape)-based technique has proven to be an effective platform for detecting glaucoma using OCT images, in this paper, we develop an F-shape-based framework to distinguish MS subjects from healthy ones using the thickness of GCIPL. The thickness of the GCIPL layers in the macula region of OCT images in a selected region of interest (ROI) for a set of healthy and MS subjects is represented as F-shape objects, which are registered to a common template using atlas registration. The residual F-shapes, defined as the difference between the F-shape of this common template and the individual registered F-shapes, are used to train an support vector machine (SVM) classifier and subsequently to detect MS. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) are used to evaluate and compare the classification performance of the proposed F-shape-based scheme and those of sectoral-based schemes. The proposed F-shape-based scheme is shown to significantly outperform the sectoral-based schemes. The superior performance of the proposed F-shape-based scheme can be attributed to the use of (i) a highly dense mesh formed on the ROI in the macula region, (ii) atlas registration that puts the F-shapes of all the subjects on a common platform, and (iii) residual thicknesses as input features for the classification. Full article

Thermal management plays a critical role in maintaining the safety and reliability of lithium-ion batteries by limiting excessive temperature rise and reducing non-uniform temperature distribution within battery packs. This study proposes a geometry-driven multi-objective optimization framework for a serpentine liquid-cooling channel to enhance the thermal behavior of a battery module under fixed operating conditions. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for a 40-cell battery module, and Latin hypercube sampling was employed to generate training data for Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) surrogate models. Three geometric design variables, namely, channel thickness (t_c), wall thickness (t_w), and contact surface angle (θ), were considered, while the maximum battery temperature (T_max) and the maximum temperature difference within the battery pack (ΔT_max) were selected as optimization objectives. Sensitivity analysis showed that wall thickness was the dominant parameter, contributing 65.41% and 64.77% to the variations in T_max and ΔT_max, respectively, followed by channel thickness, whereas the influence of the contact surface angle was comparatively limited. The trained GPR models were then coupled with the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to identify the optimal channel geometry. The optimal design was obtained at t_c = 2.95 mm, t_w = 0.949 mm, and θ = 60°. CFD validation confirmed that the optimized design reduced T_max from 307.639 K to 306.653 K, corresponding to a temperature drop of 0.986 K, while ΔT_max decreased from 8.752 K to 7.887 K, representing a reduction of 9.88%. Although the reduction in T_max is modest, the improvement in temperature uniformity is meaningful, which benefits cell consistency and long-term reliability. These results demonstrate that geometric optimization of cooling channels can provide an effective and energy-efficient approach to improving thermal uniformity in lithium-ion battery systems. Full article

Chronic wounds are ulcers unable to heal due to vascular insufficiency, diabetes, or obesity. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies owing to their pro-healing and angiogenic properties. Compared with autologous approaches, allogeneic ASC therapies offer the opportunity for off-the-shelf use, enabling immediate availability, standardized qualification, and consistent potency. Gelatin sponges have been shown to reprogram ASCs toward a highly angiogenic phenotype. However, because this activation also modulates some immune-related genes, including MHC, its impact on immunogenicity is unknown and could be critical for allogeneic applications. This study evaluated whether ASCs embedded in a gelatin sponge could be used in an allogeneic setting for ischemic wound repair. To mimic clinical allogeneic conditions, a controlled MHC mismatch was introduced in a rat ischemic wound model: donor ASCs carrying RT1^n or RT1^l haplotypes were implanted into outbred RT1^a recipients. Embedding ASCs within the gelatin sponge upregulated MHC class I but not class II expression, without inducing systemic or local alloreactivity. Serum acute-phase proteins remained unchanged, and no CD3⁺ T-cell infiltration was detected. Histology confirmed efficacy on ischemic wounds, with increased granulation tissue thickness, red blood cell infiltration, and enhanced vessel density versus controls. Allogeneic ASCs activated by a gelatin scaffold promote wound revascularization without eliciting immune rejection, supporting their development as standardized, off-the-shelf therapies for chronic ischemic wounds. Full article

Lysine carboxymethyl cysteinate (LCC) has been identified as a glutathione (GSH) precursor for the use of cosmetic products, providing a defense against oxidative stress by elevating GSH levels, and mitigating UVB-induced pigmentation and barrier disruption. In this study, the protective efficacy of LCC on epidermal barrier integrity under UVB irradiation was systematically evaluated and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. Results from the UVB-exposed 3D living skin equivalent model (LSE) indicated that LCC effectively restored UVB-induced reductions in epidermal living cell thickness by 9.67%. In addition, LCC markedly increased the expression of key biomarkers related to cornified envelope (CE) formation and skin hydration, including transglutaminase 1, involucrin, loricrin and aquaporin 3 by 104.80%, 121.67%, 218.63% and 388.39%, respectively, compared with the UVB group. Transcriptomics analysis in human primary keratinocytes further revealed that LCC regulated multiple biological functions, including glutathione synthesis pathway, oxidation response, inflammatory process, and notably autophagy. After confirming LCC’s potential in boosting autophagy-associated gene expression (p-value < 0.05) and autophagy activity (p-value < 0.01) in keratinocytes, functional validation in the same model confirmed that LCC counteracted UVB-induced suppression of genes involved in barrier formation, particularly those associated with CE development and autophagy, while these protective effects were abolished by chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. Findings from the UVB-exposed LSE model further substantiated this mechanism. Collectively, these results demonstrate that LCC safeguards the epidermis from UVB-induced cornification abnormalities through the activation of autophagy. Full article

The global transition towards sustainable food systems has intensified the search for alternative protein sources that can meet human nutritional demands with reduced environmental impacts. Although microalgae are rich in protein, their applications in food remain limited due to thick cell walls and intense green color. The aim of this study is to modify Chlorella vulgaris by high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and decolorization to improve its processability for extrusion-based 3D printing. Microalgal biomass was pretreated by HPH at different pressures (10,000, 15,000, 20,000 psi) for one to three passes, followed by pigment removal using ethanol of different concentrations (70, 85, 100%). Microscopic imaging shows that HPH effectively disrupted microalgal cell walls and caused cell disintegration, resulting in increased foaming stability (22–28%) but lower solubility (up to 24%), with other functional properties largely preserved. Ethanol treatments markedly decolored microalgae and increased their water-holding capacity (10–45%) and solubility (6–11%). The formulation of HPH-treated decolorized microalgae with soy protein isolate and xanthan gum increased the viscosity (66–179%) and elasticity (78–235%) of printing inks. The resulting 3D prints show higher hardness (47–128%), springiness (up to 155%) and chewiness (47–408%). The information obtained from this study provides guidance for modifying the functional and rheological properties of microalgae and contributes to advancing the formulation and manufacturing of microalgae-based foods. Full article

In this study, commercial Ospray-2507 super-duplex stainless steel powder was investigated for the first time as a potential metal support material for solid oxide cells. Initially, metal supports were fabricated and processed in air using various sintering profiles, followed by comprehensive mechanical, structural and electrochemical characterization. The optimal sintering condition was identified as 900 °C for 5 h. Subsequently, sintering under a H₂ atmosphere was explored, and its effects on the microstructural and functional properties of the metal supports were systematically to assessed to evaluate the influence of the sintering atmosphere on material performance. Although X-ray diffraction patterns showed no phase changes between the two sintering atmospheres, notable improvements were observed in mechanical, electrochemical, and microstructural properties under H₂ sintering. XPS spectra reveal that both air- and hydrogen-treated surfaces remain rich in chromium (Cr) and Manganese (Mn), which together dominate the surface and consequently attenuate the signal from the underlying iron. The thickness of the Cr- and Mn-based oxide layer decreases when sintering MS in H₂ atmosphere. Specifically, mechanical strength, as measured by three-point bending tests, increased by a factor of 12.5, and hardness rose from 500.3 to 523.5 HV. Furthermore, electrical conductivity also improved significantly, exhibiting an approximately 2.3–2.4 fold increase under H₂-sintered conditions. Full article

Brassica rapa is widely cultivated in alpine and cold mountainous regions due to its strong cold tolerance. However, lodging severely limits its yield and quality. This study integrated agronomic traits, stem microstructure, and transcriptomic profiles to explore the mechanism of lodging resistance by comparing a resistant cultivar (Ganyou 3064, GY) and a susceptible cultivar (Tianyou 2022, TY) across four developmental stages (full flowering, final flowering, podding, and maturity). At the four growth stages, the stem breaking strength of GY was 1.71, 1.93, 1.88, and 1.88 times that of TY, respectively. Compared with TY, the gravity center height of GY was decreased by 25.04%, 16.6%, 11.18%, and 8.98% at these four stages, respectively. Similarly, the lodging index of GY was decreased by 65.94%, 55.08%, 56.06%, and 55.63% compared with TY, respectively. Biochemical and anatomical analyses revealed that compared with TY, the lignin content of GY increased by 1.93%, 2.7%, 3.05%, and 3.42% at the four stages, while the cellulose content increased by 92.75%, 45.32%, 44.4%, and 49.92%, respectively. Meanwhile, the epidermal thickness, cortical thickness, vascular bundle length, vascular bundle area, and vascular bundle density of GY were also significantly increased. Transcriptomic and KEGG pathway analyses revealed a predictive defense mechanism of GY. At the final flowering stage, GY showed pre-activation of hormone and MAPK signal transduction, as well as phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; it shifted to energy supply and sustained cell wall reinforcement at the podding stage. In addition, upregulated genes in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (such as PAL3, CCoAOMT, and CAD9) indicated that enhanced stem lignification is a key molecular determinant of lodging resistance. In summary, GY enhances its lodging resistance through coordinated morphological and transcriptional regulation. This study is the first to integrate the lodging characteristics of Brassica rapa, offering valuable candidate genes and phenotypic markers for molecular breeding. Full article