Search Results (437)

Steroidal compounds lie at the crossroads of inflammation and cancer, where modulation of common signaling pathways creates opportunities for dual-action therapeutic intervention. Accumulating evidence indicates that their anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities are frequently interconnected, reflecting shared molecular mechanisms that regulate immune signaling, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. This review provides a critical and comparative analysis of major classes of bioactive steroids—including furanosteroids, neo-steroids, aromatic steroids, α,β-epoxy steroids, peroxy steroids, cyanosteroids, nitro- and epithio steroids, halogenated steroids (fluorinated, chlorinated, brominated, iodinated), and steroid phosphate esters—with emphasis on their dual anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. More than one thousand steroidal metabolites derived from plants, fungi, marine organisms, bacteria, and synthetic sources are surveyed. While the majority exhibit either anti-inflammatory or antineoplastic activity alone, only a limited subset displays potent activity in both domains. Comparative evaluation highlights the structural features that favor dual functionality, including epoxide, peroxide, nitrile, nitro, halogen, and phosphate ester moieties, as well as rearranged or heteroatom-enriched steroidal frameworks. Where available, biological data from in vitro and in vivo assays (IC₅₀ values, enzyme inhibition, cytokine modulation, and antiproliferative effects) are summarized and critically compared. Special attention is given to rare natural metabolites—such as polyhalogenated marine steroids, phosphorylated sterols, and heteroatom-containing derivatives—as well as synthetic analogues designed to enhance cytotoxic or immunomodulatory efficacy. Mechanistically, steroids exhibiting dual activity commonly modulate convergent signaling pathways, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, redox homeostasis, and apoptosis regulation. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of structurally optimized steroids as multifunctional therapeutic agents and provide a framework for the rational design of next-generation anti-inflammatory and anticancer drugs. Full article

Ultra-high voltage (UHV) power transmission has become a prerequisite for the development of clean energy. However, arcs generated by UHV circuit breakers can easily lead to safety incidents, and developing arc-extinguishing gases with low global warming potential (GWP) presents certain challenges. It is a fact that fluorolefins, as a class of fluorinated compounds with low GWP, show high application potential in replacing traditional arc-extinguishing agents. In this study, all six conjugated perfluorinated compounds, including C₆F₆ and C₆F_8, were calculated within the density functional theory (DFT) framework at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. The dipole moments, HOMO/LUMO energy gaps, and the inherent aromaticity of annular molecules under external electric fields of these fluorinated molecules are investigated accordingly. By analyzing these results, it is found that the influence of the conjugated structure on the stability of arc-extinguishing gases under high-voltage conditions was partially elucidated, providing useful insights for the subsequent development of environmentally friendly and high-performance arc-extinguishing gases. Full article

Hybrid fluorinated copolymers containing POSS moieties along with fluorinated homopolymers were synthesized via organocatalyzed atom transfer radical (co)polymerization (O-ATRP) of fluoroalkyl methacrylate (FMA) and a POSS-based monomer (IBSS) using perylene as a photocatalyst. Linear and four- and eight-armed star-shaped (co)polymers in a wide range of molecular weights with M_n(SEC) up to 53,100 g/mol for poly(FMA), 22,700 g/mol for poly(IBSS) and 87,300 g/mol for poly(FMA-co-IBSS) were successfully prepared. During polymerization, C–F activation was found to induce chain transfer and branching reactions, contributing to structural diversity. A mechanism for chain transfer to the polymer resulting in branching was proposed, applying density functional theory (DFT). Films based on the obtained (co)polymers showed tunable morphology, high thermal stability (up to 306 °C) and hydrophobicity, with water contact angles reaching 98°. Full article

Plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) is used to grow high-quality aluminum fluoride (AlF₃) antireflective coatings via a safe, HF-free route using trimethylaluminum and SF₆ plasma. In situ diagnostics reveal a reaction pathway mediated by a hydrogen-terminated fluorinated surface (s-FH). By systematically varying the plasma pulse duration, a critical process window is identified that balances efficient ligand removal against ion-induced structural damage. Within this optimized window, the films achieve ultra-low impurity levels and an atomically smooth morphology, increasing the optical transmittance of glass to (97.6 ± 0.5)%. This study establishes a clear link between fundamental plasma kinetics and functional optical performance, providing a robust, non-corrosive strategy for the rational design of metal–fluoride PEALD coatings. Full article

Natural fibers are increasingly used as sustainable, lightweight, and low-cost alternatives to glass fibers in polymer composites. However, their inherent hydrophilicity and surface polarity limit compatibility with non-polar polymer matrices. Both gas/solid and plasma fluorination modify only the surface of lignocellulosic materials. Mild conditions are mild, with reactivity governed by fluorine concentration, temperature, and material composition. Surface energy is typically assessed through contact-angle measurements and surface analytical techniques that quantify changes in hydrophobicity and chemical functionalities. In wood, fluorination proceeds preferentially in lignin-rich regions, making lignin a key component controlling reactivity and the spatial distribution of fluorinated groups. Natural fibers follow the same logic as for flax, which is a representative example of lignin content. Applications of fluorinated bio-based materials include improved moisture resistance, enhanced compatibility in composites, and functional surfaces with tailored wetting properties. Scalability depends on safety, cost, and process control, especially for direct fluorination. Durability of the treatment varies with depth of modification, and environmental considerations include the potential release of fluorinated species during use or disposal. Full article

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things, self-powered sensing technology has become a crucial solution for scenarios where an external power supply is inconvenient or unavailable, such as wild monitoring and flexible wearables. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)—an excellent self-powered sensor, particularly in the single-electrode mode—demonstrates broad application prospects due to its simple structure and ease of integration. However, a comprehensive understanding of the electron transfer behavior of TENGs for performance optimization remains insufficient. Here, we investigate such behaviors from three key aspects—the polymer functional groups, the configurations of TENGs, and corona polarization. It is found that polymer functional groups critically determine electron transfer ability, with fluorinated polymers exhibiting superior performance across all configurations. Moreover, the configuration significantly influences electron transfer efficiency, where the sliding configuration vastly outperforms contact–separation configurations. Furthermore, the effect of corona polarization is highly configuration-dependent, improving performance in contact–separation configurations while generally reducing it in sliding configuration. These findings provide valuable theoretical guidance and practical strategies for optimizing the design and selecting appropriate materials and configurations of TENG-based self-powered sensors. They also pave the way for a new generation of highly efficient, miniaturized, and adaptive self-powered systems. Full article

Thermal [2+2] cycloaddition (22CA) reactions of perfluorobicyclo[2.2.0]hex-1(4)-ene (PFBHE) and bicyclo[2.2.0]hex-1(4)-ene (BHE) with ethylene, benzene and styrene were investigated through the Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT) at the UM06-2X/6-311G(d,p) level in benzene. Scrutiny of the DFT-based reactivity indices indicates that the presence of the eight fluorines in PFBHE notably expands the electrophilic nature of this species, participating in polar reactions. These 22CAs proceed through a stepwise mechanism, while the non-polar 22CA reaction of BHE with ethylene requires high energy around 26.6 kcal·mol⁻¹, the polar 22CA reaction of PFBHE with styrene requires a low activation energy of 13.2 kcal·mol⁻¹. The polar 22CA reaction of PFBHE with benzene presents the highest activation energy, 28.3 kcal·mol⁻¹, because of the loss of its aromatic character. Scrutiny of the electron localization function (ELF) at the TSs associated with the first step points that the creation of the C1–C3 bond set about, while that at the TSs associated with the ring-closure means that the creation of the C2–C4 bond has not started yet. At the end, a Relative Interacting Atomic Energy (RIAE) study of these thermal 22CA processes shows that while at the non-polar TS1a-I both interacting frameworks are electronically destabilized, at the polar TS1a-IV, the hefty global electron density transfer (GEDT) goes ahead towards PFBHE, causing a strong electronic stabilization of this framework, markedly reducing the RIAE activation energy. Full article

Background: In ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) syndrome, locating the responsible lesion is often challenging. Case Presentation: A 68-year-old woman was transferred to Nara Medical University hospital for a detailed investigation of her ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Because of hypercortisolism-induced immunosuppression, she subsequently developed severe Nocardia pneumonia and was forced to temporarily depend on noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Intravenous antifungal agents and antibiotics were administered, resulting in significant symptomatic improvement. Metyrapone was administered to suppress excessive cortisol. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary revealed a 4 mm sized poorly enhanced area, and microadenoma was suspected. Although cavernous venous sampling was indispensable prior to trans-spheroidal surgery (TSS), this examination could not be performed because of the presence of deep vein thrombosis. TSS was performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, but hypercortisolism did not improve. Moreover, immunohistochemical findings of the specimen revealed nonfunctional pituitary tumor. Methods: We re-evaluated the responsible lesion causing ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) revealed weak and abnormal FDG uptake in the right pericardium, but the possibility of nonspecific uptake could not be ruled out. However, gallium-68 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N′,N′′,N′′′-tetraacetic-acid-D-Phe¹-Tyr³-octreotide (⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC)-PET demonstrated the same degree of abnormal uptake; therefore, a functional pulmonary tumor was strongly suspected. Results: Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was performed, and histopathological findings of the specimen revealed a neuroendocrine tumor with positive ACTH staining. After VATS, ACTH and cortisol levels were normalized. Conclusions: Here, we report a case of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome caused by a lung neuroendocrine tumor, in which ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET was helpful in detecting the functional tumors. Full article

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are considered a prospective alternative to silicon-based solar cells due to their lower production cost and simpler fabrication process than conventional solar cells. DSSCs’ adjustable optical properties enable them to function effectively under diverse illumination conditions, making them ideal for powering small electronic devices in indoor environments. In DSSCs, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are incorporated into titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photoanodes due to their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which enhances scattering and absorbing incident light and creates a strong electromagnetic field near the surface. There are diverse manufacturing methods for DSSCs, while the screen printing method is preferred because the area of the TiO₂ film can be easily customized to effectively reduce human error and make the film highly stable. In this study, eight different stacked DSSC film structures were fabricated by adding AgNPs to TiO₂ films. The TiO₂ paste with a concentration of 3 mwt% (percentage by mass) of AgNPs performed best in this study. The photovoltaic performance was evaluated using power conversion efficiency (PCE), and the results showed that the AgNP-doped film on the surface of the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass significantly improved the photovoltaic performance. The three layers of TiO₂ doped with AgNPs achieved the highest PCE. PCE was increased since the TiO₂ film containing AgNPs became thicker and closer to the FTO substrate. The PCE of DSSCs was compared using pure TiO₂ NPs and the AgNP-doped TiO₂ photoanode. The efficiency increased from 5.67% to a maximum of 6.13%. This enhanced efficiency, driven by LSPR and improved electron transport, confirms the viability of screen-printed, plasmon-enhanced photoanodes for high-efficiency DSSCs. Full article

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane and Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (PEMFCs/DMFCs) are vital clean energy technologies, yet their adoption is hindered by limitations in industry-standard PFSA membranes. PFSA degrades above 80 °C, suffers substantial methanol crossover, and contains environmentally persistent PFAS, which raises significant environmental and cost concerns due to its persistence and bioaccumulation, driving a global imperative for sustainable, fluorine-free alternatives. In response to these challenges, the PCAM Lab has dedicated extensive research efforts to developing advanced PEMs. A primary focus is non-fluorinated alternatives (NFPs), including sulfonated Polysulfone (sPSU) and Sulfonated polyether ether ketone (sPEEK), which have emerged as a compelling, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to the PFSA benchmark. Beyond NFPs’ intrinsic advantages, the lab’s implementation of nanocomposite strategies, involving the incorporation of various functional nanofillers, has proven transformative. This report provides a comprehensive, critical analysis of the state of the art in PEM research, contextualizing the specific contributions of the Physical Chemistry Applied Materials (PCAM) Lab within the broader global scientific dialog. While the PCAM Lab has made notable strides in utilizing Sulfonated Polysulfone (sPSU) and nanocomposite strategies, a true assessment of the field requires integrating these findings with the seminal works of leading international research groups. By synthesizing data on sulfonated polyphenylenes, advanced graphene architectures, and industrial manufacturing constraints, this analysis illuminates the divergent pathways currently being explored to overcome the “Nafion Dilemma”. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is an enzyme implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a potential therapeutic target. LRRK2 PET radioligands could therefore function as imaging biomarkers for PD and as tools to measure enzyme occupancy of novel therapeutic candidates. This study aimed at developing novel radioligands for imaging using positron emission tomography (PET). Specific objectives were to synthesize fluorine-18-labeled pyrrolopyridine 1 ([¹⁸F]1), pyrrolo-pyrimidine 2 ([¹⁸F]2), as well as carbon-11-labeled pyrrolo-pyrimidine 3 ([¹¹C]3), and examine their binding specificity, using in vitro autoradiography (ARG) and in vivo positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in non-human primates (NHPs). Methods: Radiolabeling was achieved either by classical one-step fluorine-18 nucleophilic substitution reaction or by methylation using carbon-11 methane. [¹⁸F]1 and [¹⁸F]2 were tested in NHP and human whole-hemisphere ARG experiments. PET imaging was performed in cynomolgus monkeys. Radiometabolites were measured in monkey plasma using gradient HPLC. Results: The results demonstrated successful radiolabeling of all three ligands. In ARG studies, both [¹⁸F]1 and [¹⁸F]2 displayed binding in brain slices from NHP and human samples. The binding of [¹⁸F]1 was blocked by cold Compound 1 and structurally distinct Compound 3, but not by the structurally distinct LRRK2 inhibitor PFE-360. On the other hand, the binding of [¹⁸F]2 was blocked by PFE-360 in certain regions of the brain, indicating some level of specific binding to LRRK2. All three ligands showed relevant brain uptake (>3%ID), with highest uptake being observed for [¹⁸F]1, particularly in the thalamus. In contrast, brain uptake of [¹⁸F]2 and [¹¹C]3 was evenly distributed across all brain regions. No blocking effect of [¹⁸F]1 was observed after pretreatment with the structurally distinct LRRK2 inhibitors PFE-360 (0.5 mg/kg, iv) and GEN-7915 (40 mg/kg). Conclusions: PET imaging indicated a low in vivo specific binding of the radioligands in the cynomolgus monkey brain, suggesting that the radioligands are not suitable for LRRK2 imaging in vivo with PET. This study emphasizes the challenges in the development of PET radioligands for imaging LRRK2 and the need for additional work to achieve this goal. Full article

Developing durable hydrophobic and oleophobic textiles using simple and environmentally responsible techniques remains a challenge. This study aimed to determine how the structure of organosilicon silanes—specifically the type of functional group (fluorinated alkyl, long alkyl, or benzyl group) and the presence of an ester linker formed via the thiol–Michael addition—affects the wetting behaviour of cotton fabrics. Five silanes were synthesized and applied using a mild pad–dry–cure silanization process. The modified fabrics were evaluated through water and oil contact angle (WCA, OCA) measurements, water absorption tests, droplet-stability analysis, and washing-durability assessment. All treated samples exhibited hydrophobicity, while the silane containing a C6 perfluoroalkyl chain provided both hydrophobic and oleophobic performance. This fabric showed a WCA of 152° and an OCA of 126° (hexadecane), which remained essentially unchanged after 10 washing cycles (153° and 126°, respectively). Water absorption decreased by 91%, and droplets remained stable for at least 30 min. SEM, and SEM-EDS confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the silane coating. These results demonstrate that short-chain fluorinated silanes and long-chain alkyl silanes can form durable low-surface-energy layers on cotton using a straightforward and efficient process, offering a promising route for high-performance functional textiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Unlike post-mortem histopathology, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and positron emission tomography (PET) enable longitudinal assessment of structural, functional, and metabolic alterations in preclinical myocardial infarction models. This study aims to describe the temporal evolution of infarct size and systolic function by CMR and glucose consumption via PET, explore their differences in non-reperfused and reperfusion infarction models, and assess their capacity to predict histology-derived infarct size and systolic function at chronic phase CMR. Methods: Two murine models of myocardial infarction were generated using permanent (non-reperfused, n = 8) or transient (reperfused, n = 9) coronary occlusion. CMR and fluorine-18 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose PET imaging were performed at baseline and at 1, 7, and 21 days post-infarction to quantify infarct size, systolic function, and myocardial glucose metabolism. Infarct size was also assessed using Masson’s trichrome staining. Results: At 24 h post-infarction, CMR-derived infarction together with significant reduction in systolic function and glucose metabolism were already noted in both models. At 21-day CMR, however, reperfused mice showed lower infarct size and more preserved systolic function compared to their non-reperfused counterparts, while no differences in glucose metabolism were reported. Infarct size and systolic function at 1-day CMR and the number of segments with reduced glucose consumption at 1-day PET independently predicted histology-derived infarct size and long-term systolic function. Conclusions: Combined PET/CMR imaging enables non-invasive, sequential evaluation of infarct size, systolic function, and glucose metabolism in experimental myocardial infarction. This multimodality approach is well suited for assessing the efficacy of emerging therapies in preclinical research. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) involve multiple per- and polyfluorinated compounds that are widely used globally. Legacy PFAS, including PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, were manufactured before 2000 in various industrialized nations, then gradually phased out in accordance with the Stockholm Convention. Due to the substantial accumulation of these legacy PFAS compounds, their concentrations in drinking water are regulated in some countries. This review first summarizes the historical background of PFAS, followed by a description of their chemical properties. The clinical manifestations of legacy PFAS in humans, such as dyslipidemia, attenuated immune function, and chronic kidney disorders, are also summarized. Emerging PFAS involve Gen-X and F-53B as well as numerous newly developed chemicals with their associated precursors/metabolites, including volatile PFAS. Research on these emerging PFAS compounds in the environment continues to grow, building a substantial body of evidence about their effects. The chemical structure of emerging PFAS shows a wide variety: they could contain ether, ester, sulfoneamide, and other halogen atoms rather than fluorine. Volatile PFAS involve the fluorotelomer 6:2 FTOH and other short-chain PFAS compounds, which are best measured by GC-MS. This review also briefly summarizes the assay for total oxidizable precursors of PFAS, an LC-MS-based assay for an emerging assay that will be used for a quantitative estimation of total PFAS, including emerging PFAS. Full article

High-fluoride hot springs serve as a natural laboratory for investigating microbial adaptation and variations in community structure under extreme environments. This study utilized water chemistry analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the correlation between high-fluoride hot springs and microbial community structure and diversity. The results show that the five hot springs exhibited an average F⁻ content of 15.04 mg/L, with weakly alkaline pH, high total dissolved solids, and Na⁺ as the dominant cation. The hydrochemical type was classified as HCO₃⋅SO₄-Na, consistent with the chemical characteristics of high-fluorine water. Microbial abundance and diversity were significantly reduced in the hot springs as compared to the surface water and groundwater samples. The dominant phyla in the study area included Pseudomonadota, Cyanobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Actinomycetota. The genus-level composition varied significantly across samples, with no dominant genus observed universally. The specific genera present in different samples exhibit unique functional attributes, such as Tepidimonas, Rhodobacter, Hyphomonas, Parvibaculum, Polynucleobacter and Limnohabitans. Cluster analysis confirmed that dissimilarity coefficients highlight the significant influence of microbial abundance on inter-sample differences among hot springs. Redundancy analysis of the top 11 phyla by abundance in water samples revealed that the presence of F⁻ exerts inhibitory effects on microbial growth. Full article