Search Results (40,729)

To explore the emerging role of natural ligands, specifically coumarin and curcumin, and their coordination with the transition metals ruthenium (Ru) and iridium (Ir) as photosensitizers (PSs) in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. This highlights the integration of natural compounds and transition metals to overcome limitations in photophysical properties, hypoxia tolerance, and clinical translation. Regarding PDT oncology, this examines an immunological effect on Ru/Ir complexes and natural ligand–metal hybrids. They induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calreticulin exposure, extracellular ATP release, and HMGB1 secretion. These damage-associated molecular patterns act as “danger signals” to recruit dendritic cells, prime CD8⁺ cytotoxic T-cells, and establish systemic antitumor immunity. This study compares natural ligand–metal complexes with conventional Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes and clinical PSs to assess their translational potential as immune-activating agents in PDT oncology, as well as focusing on the integration of nanotechnology with natural ligand–metal complexes to enhance delivery, biocompatibility, and clinical translation. A narrative review was conducted of the literature published between 2010 and 2025 across multiple electronic databases, including WanFang Data, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and CNKI, without language restrictions. Studies focusing on coumarin, curcumin, Ru(II), Ir(III), and PDT were analyzed. Extracted data included chemical structures, absorption and emission spectra, singlet oxygen yields, biological activities, and therapeutic outcomes. Comparative evaluation was performed between free natural ligands, their Ru(II)/Ir(III) complexes, and nanodelivery systems to assess efficacy, biocompatibility, and translational potential. Coumarin and curcumin exhibited intrinsic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties but were limited by short absorption/emission ranges, poor photostability, and low singlet oxygen yields, restricting preclinical application. Coordination with Ru(II) and Ir(III) significantly enhanced intersystem crossing, extended absorption into the near-infrared region, and improved singlet oxygen quantum yields (Φ_Δ up to ~0.78). These complexes demonstrated potent photocytotoxicity under normoxia and hypoxia, achieving IC₅₀ values in the nanomolar range, which indicated organelle-specific targeting (mitochondria, lysosomes, ER), induced ICD, and synergized with checkpoint blockade. Nanocarrier encapsulation further improved solubility and tumor selectivity, and reduced systemic toxicity. Coumarin- and curcumin-based Ru/Ir complexes represent promising next-generation or immune-activating PDT agents by combining natural pharmacological activity with superior photophysical performance. The ability to generate reactive oxygen species under hypoxia and achieve multimodal therapeutic effects positions them as strong candidates for clinical translation. Clinical approval of natural ligand–Ru/Ir complexes depends on rigorous safety, pharmacokinetic, and nanodelivery validation, but these complexes clearly extend PDT beyond local cytotoxicity toward durable immune protection. Future research should prioritize ligand engineering, nanotechnology integration, and translational models to bridge preclinical promise with safe and effective clinical applications. Full article

Flammulina velutipes roots, abundant edible mushroom by-products, have potential for value-added utilization. This study evaluated the effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus (Lab. bulgaricus) fermentation on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, flavor characteristics, sensory characteristics, and metabolite profiles of F. velutipes roots. Fermentation significantly increased soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from 1.537 to 1.722 g/100 g and DPPH radical scavenging activity from 27.88% to 59.92% in Lpb. plantarum-treated samples. GC-IMS analysis showed that fermentation increased several flavor-active aldehydes, esters, alcohols, organic acids, and ketones, thereby improving aroma complexity. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics revealed that amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, organic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid-related pathways were closely associated with flavor formation and antioxidant enhancement. Both Lpb. Plantarum and Lab. bulgaricus fermentation enhanced the accumulation of organic acids, sugar alcohols, and aromatic precursors, supporting improved antioxidant activity. Notably, Lpb. plantarum elicited broader metabolic shifts involving hydroxy fatty acids, esters, while Lab. bulgaricus more strongly promoted organic acid and aromatic metabolite accumulation, contributing to a more acidic and malty flavor profile. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis further confirmed that fermentation enhanced aroma and palatability, while increasing sourness and reducing bitterness and astringency. These results suggest that starter-culture-dependent lactic acid bacteria fermentation is an effective strategy for improving the functional and sensory characteristics of F. velutipes root by-products. Full article

This study investigates the effect of high-temperature hydrogen exposure on the structure and properties of Cr₂O₃/Al₂O₃-based detonation coatings deposited on AISI 316L stainless steel. Bilayer and gradient coatings were exposed to hydrogen at 1000 °C for 3, 4, and 5 h and subsequently characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), surface profilometry, and thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS). One independent specimen was examined for each combination of coating architecture and hydrogen exposure duration. Therefore, the present study was designed as an exploratory comparative investigation rather than a statistically powered study. The principal α-Al₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ phases remained detectable after all exposure durations, indicating preservation of the main oxide phases. SEM/EDS analysis revealed microcracks, local defects, and heterogeneous surface regions, with more pronounced localized damage in the bilayer coatings. The Ra values of the bilayer coatings were 1.385, 0.833, and 1.207 μm after 3, 4, and 5 h, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for the gradient coatings were 1.049, 1.337, and 1.049 μm. The minimum Ra of 0.833 μm after 4 h in the bilayer coating coincided with SEM/EDS evidence suggesting local coating damage and possible thinning. TDS showed the most intense hydrogen desorption for the gradient coating after 3 h. Overall, the observed results suggest that coating architecture influences surface evolution and hydrogen-retention behavior under the investigated high-temperature hydrogen exposure conditions. Full article

Although neonicotinoids (NEOs) insecticides have been extensively detected in environmental matrices, their electron ionization (EI) fragmentation patterns have never been systematically elucidated. Because of the poor thermal stability of NEOs, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is rarely used in analysis of NEOs. This work investigated eight representative NEOs by GC-MS using multiple isotopically labeled standards, including ²H and ¹³C labeled standards to clarify fragmentation routes and establish robust structural assignment criteria. We found two main factors affecting EI fragmentation patterns. (1) The pharmacophore controlled the backbone cleavage pathway. Specifically, nitroguanidines underwent transketolation with loss of N₂O, while cyanoamidines fragment via α-cleavage. (2) The heterocycle moiety determined the diagnostic fragment ion. A heterocyclic group with chloropyridine gave the diagnostic fragment ion of m/z 126, and a chlorothiazole moiety gave the diagnostic fragment ion of m/z 132. The lack of m/z 126 and m/z 132 ions in the case of dinotefuran (DNT), which contained neither of these two moieties, indirectly suggested the rules. This set of rules effectively bridged the gap in EI mass spectral interpretation, providing a basis for ion transition selection and fragment assignment during GC-MS method development. Moreover, it could provide supportive mass-spectrometric clues for potential application in the structural elucidation of related compounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burnout is an important occupational health concern among orthopedic and traumatology physicians. This study aimed to evaluate the individual dimensions of burnout and identify their demographic and occupational correlates among orthopedic and traumatology physicians practicing in Türkiye. Methods: This cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey distributed through the Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology electronic mailing group between October 2024 and June 2026. Burnout was assessed using the Turkish adaptation of the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory, comprising the Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA) subscales. Unadjusted group comparisons, Spearman correlation analyses, and separate multivariable linear regression models with HC3 heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors were performed. Results: A total of 320 complete questionnaires were analyzed. The mean EE, DP, and PA scores were 20.17 ± 6.83, 7.40 ± 3.58, and 20.37 ± 4.19, respectively. The subscale scores were analyzed as continuous dimensions rather than classified using low-, moderate-, or high-burnout thresholds. In unadjusted comparisons, residents had higher EE and DP scores and lower PA scores than specialists. After adjustment, resident status remained associated with higher DP (B = 2.14, p = 0.010) and lower PA (B = −1.92, p = 0.018). Seeing more than 120 patients per day was associated with higher EE (B = 4.22, p = 0.023) and DP (B = 2.49, p = 0.018), while working more than 100 h per week was associated with higher EE (B = 4.47, p = 0.009). Individual predictor effect sizes and the explanatory power of the models were generally modest. Conclusions: Daily patient volume, weekly working hours, and professional status showed distinct associations with the individual dimensions of burnout. These findings suggest that workload organization and support for resident physicians warrant consideration. However, because of the cross-sectional design and voluntary non-probability sampling, the findings should not be interpreted as causal or nationally representative. Full article

Adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are essential for lifelong hematopoiesis, skeletal homeostasis, immune competence, and tissue regeneration. The use of electronic cigarettes (E-cigs) among women of reproductive age continues to rise, raising concerns about potential adverse developmental effects; however, the long-term consequences of maternal E-cig vaping on offspring BM stem cell function and hematopoietic homeostasis remain incompletely understood. Here, using a rat model of maternal E-cig exposure (containing nicotine) during gestation, combined with longitudinal in vivo analyses and complementary ex vivo studies of human cells, we show that prenatal E-cig exposure is associated with persistent alterations in offspring BM stem cell function and lineage commitment. Gestational E-cig exposure was associated with expansion of the CD11b/c⁺ myeloid-enriched compartment, increased CD90⁺ stromal cells, and impaired osteogenic differentiation in rat offspring. Complementary experiments using primary human cells showed that nicotine exposure was associated with reduced T-cell proliferation and impaired cytotoxic activity in a proof-of-principle co-culture assay. Mechanistically, transcriptomic profiling followed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses identified alterations in molecular programs associated with KLF4–Notch1 signaling, mitochondrial biogenesis, inflammation, and stem cell regulation in the BM of E-cig-exposed rat offspring. Changes in CCL11, FTO, and RUNX2 were additionally associated with an inflammatory and aging-related molecular phenotype that persisted from early life into adulthood, although these findings do not establish a causal CCL11–FTO–RUNX2 signaling axis or direct cellular senescence. Collectively, our study provides a phenotypic and mechanistic framework for understanding how maternal E-cig exposure may influence long-term offspring hematopoietic, skeletal, and immune health while highlighting the need for further studies to establish causal molecular mechanisms and determine their relevance to maternal E-cig use in humans. Full article

Background: In-office dental bleaching is a common aesthetic procedure, and different application methods may influence laboratory and clinical outcomes. Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of applicator brush use compared with conventional application without a brush during in-office hydrogen peroxide bleaching. Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023491451). Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and OpenGrey for studies published until April 2026. Clinical and in vitro studies comparing bleaching gel application with and without an applicator brush were included. Outcomes included hydrogen peroxide concentration in the pulp chamber, bleaching gel consumption, color change, and tooth sensitivity. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for the randomized clinical trial and the Sarkis-Onofre tool for in vitro studies. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan, and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Of 10,260 records identified, four studies met the eligibility criteria, including one randomized clinical trial and three in vitro studies. Quantitative synthesis was based exclusively on the three in vitro studies. The randomized clinical trial showed low risk of bias, whereas the in vitro studies presented methodological limitations. Meta-analyses showed no statistically significant differences between applicator brush and conventional application methods for hydrogen peroxide concentration in the pulp chamber or bleaching gel consumption, although pooled estimates showed a tendency toward lower values with applicator brush use. No significant differences were observed in color change outcomes assessed by ΔEab, ΔE00, or ΔWID (p > 0.05). Heterogeneity ranged from 0% to 99%, and the certainty of evidence for all outcomes was rated as very low. Conclusions: Based on predominantly laboratory evidence of very low certainty, applicator brush use may be associated with lower hydrogen peroxide concentration in the pulp chamber and reduced bleaching gel consumption; however, these findings should be interpreted cautiously, and the clinical relevance of this application method remains uncertain. Full article

Developing cost-effective photocatalysts with high activity remains a key challenge in photocatalysis. In this study, a low-cost nickel phosphide (Ni₂P) cocatalyst was combined with MIL-53(Fe) to fabricate Ni₂P/MIL-53(Fe) nanocomposites via a simple hydrothermal method. The as-prepared composites were systematically characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, UV-vis DRS, PL, and EIS to evaluate their structural, morphological, optical, and electrochemical properties. The introduction of Ni₂P significantly promoted the separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs on the MIL-53(Fe) surface, thereby enabling valence band holes (h⁺) to participate in alcohol oxidation, as confirmed by photoelectrochemical analysis. Under optimized conditions, the Ni₂P/MIL-53(Fe) nanocomposite achieved a significant photocatalytic alcohol conversion rate of 74%, which is 7.4-fold and 2.5-fold higher than those of pristine Ni₂P and MIL-53(Fe), respectively. Furthermore, mechanistic studies revealed that valence band holes are primarily responsible for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols. Full article

5052 aluminum alloy has been widely used in aerospace, shipbuilding, automotive, and electronic industries due to its low density, high specific strength, and excellent corrosion resistance. Understanding its laser-induced damage behavior under combined continuous-wave (CW) and nanosecond (ns) pulse laser irradiation is essential for optimizing combined laser processing. In this study, the damage behaviors induced by individual CW laser, individual ns pulse laser, and combined pulse laser were systematically investigated using high-speed imaging, infrared thermography, and three-dimensional surface characterization. The results show that the combined pulse laser significantly enhances both damage depth and material removal efficiency compared with single laser irradiation. Although the peak surface temperature remains nearly unchanged under different processing conditions, the crater morphology and penetration depth vary substantially. High-speed imaging reveals that plasma evolution and molten metal ejection dominate the material removal process. Variations in processing parameters significantly modify molten pool dynamics and plasma behavior. In particular, enhanced plasma shielding or excessive energy dissipation reduces the effective laser energy coupling, leading to decreased material removal efficiency. The synergistic interaction among molten pool evolution, plasma expansion, and molten metal ejection governs the final damage morphology. This study provides new insights into the dynamic interaction mechanisms between combined pulse laser and aluminum alloys, offering guidance for parameter optimization in high-precision laser micromachining. Full article

Direct ink writing (DIW) is a promising additive manufacturing technique for flexible electronics; however, lateral spreading of conventional silver inks often limits printing resolution and geometric fidelity. To address this limitation, an in situ UV-assisted DIW strategy using photocurable silver inks was developed for the fabrication of high-resolution conductive features. The effects of Ag loading, TPO photoinitiator concentration, and dispersant type on the rheological behavior, photocuring response, and stability of the inks were systematically investigated. Excessive TPO concentrations were found to induce rheological instability, whereas an optimized formulation enabled a stable photocuring response. Among the dispersants investigated, AH100 provided the most favorable balance between ink flowability and controlled substrate wetting, thereby suppressing excessive lateral spreading. During printing, in situ UV irradiation rapidly promoted crosslinking of the resin matrix, increasing the structural rigidity of the deposited filament and restricting capillary-driven spreading. Using the optimized printing conditions and a photocurable silver ink with a Ag powder-to-photosensitive resin mass ratio of 4:1, the post-sintering line width was reduced from 269.8 to 72.57 μm, corresponding to a reduction of approximately 73%. After sintering at 800 °C, the printed tracks exhibited an electrical conductivity on the order of 10⁷ S/m, demonstrating that the substantial improvement in printing resolution was achieved without significantly compromising electrical performance. This in situ UV-assisted DIW strategy therefore provides an effective route for fabricating fine conductive features with improved dimensional fidelity and competitive electrical performance, showing promise for high-resolution flexible electronics and sensor applications. Full article

It is essential to design electrode structures which simultaneously ensure mechanical strength and facilitate rapid sodium-ion transport to enable practical and large-scale sodium-ion battery (SIB) applications. In this study, we report a novel anode material featuring a cross-linked architecture composed of MoS₂ reinforced internally by catalytically derived CoS₂@C-supported carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and externally by commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This dual-reinforced configuration effectively prevents MoS₂ layer aggregation, enhances structural integrity, and establishes continuous conductive frameworks for efficient electron transmission. Additionally, it offers ample ion-diffusion pathways and mechanical resilience to buffer volume changes during cycling. Density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the modified MoS₂ structure exhibits a significantly reduced sodium-ion diffusion barrier, contributing to enhanced charge-discharge kinetics. The CoS₂@C/CNTs@MoS₂@MWCNTs electrode achieves remarkable cycling stability, retaining 395 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ for 2000 cycles. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) along with kinetic analyses confirm a pseudocapacitance-dominated storage mechanism. Furthermore, full coin-type cells assembled with Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ cathodes demonstrate excellent cycling performance, demonstrating the practical potential of this design strategy for advanced SIBs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lifestyle modification is central to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), yet comparable health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) data for patients and family members are limited. This study compared two independent samples and examined psychosocial correlates. Methods: Two convenience samples recruited at one tertiary hospital were analyzed: 305 adults with NAFLD/MASLD and 299 adult family members of affected patients. A self-administered electronic questionnaire comprised the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), the Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices scale, autonomous-motivation items from the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and sociodemographic items. Group comparisons used parametric and non-parametric tests. HPL correlates were examined using complete-case regression, HC3 inference, and rank-based sensitivity analysis. Cross-sectional indirect-association decompositions used 5000 bootstrap resamples. Results: HPLP-II scores were 102.2 ± 17.5 in patients and 104.2 ± 17.4 in family members (p = 0.171; Mann–Whitney p = 0.166); the adjusted patient-minus-family difference was −1.14 (HC3 95% CI −3.89 to 1.60; p = 0.413). Physical activity was the lowest-scoring dimension. Self-efficacy was the most robust correlate in both samples; social support was associated in the primary models but weakened under rank transformation in family members. Group-by-correlate interactions were not significant. Exploratory indirect associations through self-efficacy were 0.355 (95% bootstrap CI 0.234–0.512) in patients and 0.163 (0.071–0.287) in family members; reverse-order models were also non-zero. Conclusions: The independent unmatched samples reported similar moderate, physically inactive lifestyles. The results identify associations, not shared-household effects or causal mechanisms; objectively characterized, dyad-matched longitudinal studies are needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Real-world antidepressant use for depressive disorder varies across clinical settings. This study aimed to characterize prescribing pathways and evaluate the comparative safety of frequently prescribed antidepressants in a large multicenter cohort with newly diagnosed depressive disorder. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter observational study using electronic health record data standardized to the OMOP Common Data Model (1999–2026) in adults initiating antidepressants. Prescribing patterns among 13,381 patients were visualized using sunburst plots and Sankey diagrams. Comparative safety, escitalopram vs. sertraline and trazodone, was evaluated across 18 hospitals (n = 44,542) for nine clinical safety outcomes using propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards models and empirically calibrated random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, particularly escitalopram (21.4%, n = 2868), were the preferred antidepressant. Common adjunctive medications included trazodone (14.6%, n = 794) and quetiapine (14.0%, n = 761), though utilization varied across hospitals. No clear differences were detected for most safety outcomes between cohorts. However, empirically calibrated QTc prolongation risk was significantly increased with sertraline relative to escitalopram (HR 1.75, 95% CI 1.10–2.78), a signal requiring further confirmation. Conclusions: This study demonstrates substantial institutional variation exists in real-world antidepressant treatment pathways and combination strategies. While comparative safety profiles were broadly comparable across evaluated outcomes, the isolated QTc prolongation signal for sertraline warrants targeted external confirmation. Furthermore, trazodone and escitalopram cohorts should not be regarded as clinically interchangeable first-line options, supporting individualized, evidence-based antidepressant selection in routine clinical practice. Full article

To address cathode passivation, performance deterioration, and toxic stress during the removal of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in biocathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs), this study constructed nanomaterial-hybridized biocathodes to improve electricity generation and Cr(VI) removal in MFCs. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), nano-iron sulfide (nano-FeS), and rGO/nano-FeS were separately hybridized with biocathodes to systematically investigate the effects of different hybridized biocathodes on the performance of MFCs for Cr(VI)-containing wastewater treatment. The results showed that the FeS group exhibited the best Cr(VI) removal capability, with a maximum removal kinetic constant of 0.184 h⁻¹, which was 3.60 times that of the Control group, and showed the smallest performance decline after three consecutive cycles. Mechanistic analysis indicated that nano-FeS promoted the transformation of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) and Cr(0) through its strong adsorption and reducing capacities; it also enhanced biofilm cell activity and the protein/polysaccharide ratio in extracellular polymeric substances; furthermore, it shaped a multi-taxon-dominated microbial community capable of Cr(VI) tolerance and reduction and enhanced the associated metabolic functions, thereby improving resistance to Cr(VI) stress and effectively alleviating cathode passivation. In contrast, rGO tended to enhance biocathode conductivity and electricity generation in MFCs, with the rGO + FeS group achieving the highest power density output of 51.54 ± 3.62 mW/m², which was 1.22 times that of the Control group, as well as the smallest decline in power density after three consecutive cycles. Overall, nanomaterial hybridization reshaped interfacial electron transfer and microbial stress resistance in biocathodes, enabling efficient Cr(VI) removal and stable electricity generation, and providing a new strategy to construct long-term stable bioelectrochemical systems for heavy metal-containing wastewater treatment. Full article

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the in vitro effects of LED-based photobiomodulation on fibroblasts and osteoblasts, with particular focus on cellular processes involved in soft- and hard-tissue regeneration. Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted on 3 April 2026 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and WorldCat according to PRISMA guidelines. The analyzed outcomes included cell viability, proliferation, migration, collagen synthesis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial activity, and selected regeneration-related processes. A total of 745 records were initially identified, and 32 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: The biological effects of LED-PBM depended strongly on irradiation parameters, including wavelength, fluence, irradiance, exposure time, treatment schedule, and the initial condition of the cells. Most included studies focused on fibroblast models. Red and near-infrared light showed the most consistent beneficial effects, particularly by supporting fibroblast viability, proliferation, migration, mitochondrial activity, ATP production, collagen-related responses, and oxidative stress modulation. In osteoblast-related models, LED irradiation showed potential to influence cell number, metabolic activity, maturation markers, and mineralization-related outcomes; however, the number of studies was limited. Blue light demonstrated dose-dependent effects, with higher fluences reducing fibroblast metabolic activity, proliferation, or viability. Green light improved fibroblast proliferation and migration in one model but was associated with increased cell death in osteoblast-like cells. Conclusion: LED-PBM may positively modulate cellular processes involved in soft- and hard-tissue regeneration in vitro. However, the observed effects are strongly parameter-dependent, and further standardized studies are required to define optimal irradiation protocols and validate their potential clinical relevance. Full article