Search Results (3,546)

Since the initial use of biological ion channels to detect single-stranded genomic base pair differences, label-free and highly sensitive resistive pulse sensing (RPS) with nanopores has made remarkable progress in single-molecule analysis. By monitoring transient ionic current disruptions caused by molecules translocating through a nanopore, this technology offers detailed insights into the structure, charge, and dynamics of the analytes. In this work, the RPS platforms based on biological, solid-state, and other sensing pores, detailing their latest research progress and applications, are reviewed. Their core capability is the high-precision characterization of tiny particles, ions, and nucleotides, which are widely used in biomedicine, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. However, current RPS methods involve bottlenecks, including limited sensitivity (weak signals from sub-nanometer targets with low SNR), complex sample interference (high false positives from ionic strength, etc.), and field consistency (solid-state channel drift, short-lived bio-pores failing POCT needs). To overcome this, bio-solid-state fusion channels, in-well reactors, deep learning models, and transfer learning provide various options. Evolving into an intelligent sensing ecosystem, RPS is expected to become a universal platform linking basic research, precision medicine, and on-site rapid detection. Full article

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate gene expression and are involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including carcinogenesis. In bladder cancer (BCa), dysregulation of NR signaling pathways has been linked to tumor initiation, progression, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. Recent evidence highlights the intricate crosstalk between NRs and microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non-coding RNAs that posttranscriptionally modulate gene expression. This review provides an integrated overview of the molecular interactions between key NRs and miRNAs in BCa. We investigated how miRNAs regulate NR expression and function and, conversely, how NRs influence miRNA biogenesis, thereby forming regulatory feedback loops that shape tumor behavior. Specific miRNA–NR interactions affecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance are discussed in detail. Additionally, we highlight therapeutic strategies targeting NR–miRNA networks, including selective NR modulators, miRNA mimics and inhibitors, as well as RNA-based combinatorial approaches focusing on their utility as diagnostic biomarkers and personalized treatment targets. Understanding the molecular complexity of NR–miRNA regulation in BCa may open new avenues for improving therapeutic outcomes and advancing precision oncology in urological cancers. Full article

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries. Risk factors for EC include metabolic alterations (obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance), hormonal imbalance, age at menopause, reproductive factors, and inherited conditions, such as Lynch syndrome. For the inherited forms, several genes had been implicated in EC occurrence and development, such as POLE, MLH1, TP53, PTEN, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, CTNNB1, ARID1A, PPP2R1A, and FBXW7, all mutated at high frequency in EC patients. However, gene function impairment is not necessarily caused by mutations in the coding sequence of these and other genes. Gene function alteration may also occur through post-transcriptional control of messenger RNA translation, frequently caused by microRNA action, but transcriptional impairment also has a profound impact. Here, we review how chromatin modifications change the expression of genes whose impaired function is directly related to EC etiopathogenesis. Chromatin modification plays a central role in EC. The modification of chromatin structure alters the accessibility of genes to transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thus altering the intracellular protein amount. Thus, DNA structural alterations may impair gene function as profoundly as mutations in the coding sequences. Hence, its central importance is in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of EC patients, with the caveat that chromatin alteration is often difficult to identify and needs investigations that are specific and not broadly used in common clinical practice. The different phases of the healthy endometrium menstrual cycle are characterized by differential gene expression, which, in turn, is also regulated through epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and non-coding RNA action. From a medicolegal and policy-making perspective, the implications of using epigenetics in cancer care are briefly explored as well. Epigenetics in endometrial cancer is not only a topic of biomedical interest but also a crossroads between science, ethics, law, and public health, requiring integrated approaches and careful regulation. Full article

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and radiation therapy is a central component of its management. However, intrinsic or acquired resistance to radiation significantly compromises therapeutic efficacy. This systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate molecular mechanisms and interventions that influence radiation sensitivity in breast cancer models. A comprehensive PubMed search was conducted using the terms “breast cancer” and “radiation resistance” for studies published between 2002 and 2024. Seventy-nine eligible studies were included. The most frequently investigated mechanisms included the dysregulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways, enhanced DNA damage repair via non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and the overexpression of cancer stem cell markers such as CD44⁺/CD24⁻/low and ALDH1. Several studies highlighted the role of non-coding RNAs, particularly the lncRNA DUXAP8 and microRNAs such as miR-21, miR-144, miR-33a, and miR-634, in modulating radiation response. Components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune regulators, also contributed to radiation resistance. By synthesizing current evidence, this review provides a consolidated resource to guide future mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. This review highlights promising molecular targets and emerging strategies to enhance radiosensitivity and offers a foundation for translational research aimed at improving outcomes in radiation-refractory breast cancer. Full article

Replicative or stress-induced senescence disrupts the functioning of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) required for tissue renewal and regeneration. Aged MSCs demonstrate reduced proliferation, impaired differentiation, and aberrant secretory activity, defined as “senescence-associated secretory phenotype” (SASP). SASP is characterized by elevated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and specific extracellular vesicles (SASP-EVs), which affect the cellular microenvironment and promote tissue dysfunction. However, molecular mechanisms responsible for senescent phenotype propagation remain largely obscure. Earlier, we demonstrated suppression of adipogenic differentiation and insulin sensitivity of young MSCs by SASP-EVs. In this study, we elucidated potential mechanisms underlying SASP-EVs’ effects on MSCs. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that insulin signaling components are the most probable targets of SASP-EVs microRNA cargo. We demonstrated that SASP-EVs downregulated intracellular AGO1 levels, but surprisingly, PTEN levels were upregulated. Specifically, the increase in PTEN content was provided by its nuclear fraction. We have found that the intracellular PTEN distribution in young MSCs treated by SASP-EVs was similar to senescent MSCs. Furthermore, PTEN upregulation was accompanied by increased PTENP1 expression—a molecular sponge for PTEN-targeting microRNAs. Our findings indicate that nuclear PTEN could be a hallmark of senescent MSCs, and SASP-EVs propagate the senescent phenotype in young MSCs by promoting PTEN nuclear localization. Full article

Epoxy resins are widely used as protective coatings in civil infrastructure, yet sulfate-rich environments accelerate their deterioration. This study evaluates the effectiveness of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in enhancing the sulfate resistance of epoxy resins. Neat and MWCNT-reinforced epoxy specimens (0.25 wt.% and 0.5 wt.%) were fabricated, heat cured at 100 °C and exposed to a solution of sulfuric acid and sodium chloride maintaining a pH of less than 3 for 0, 30, and 60 days. Analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), revealed distinct degradation patterns: the neat epoxy exhibited puncture damage and extensive salt deposition, while the MWCNT-reinforced specimens showed crack propagation mitigated by nanotube bridging. Heat curing introduced micro-voids that exacerbated sulfate ingress. The salt deposition surged to 200 times for the MWCNT-reinforced specimens compared to the neat ones, whereas crack width was higher in the MWCNT reinforced specimen compared to their neat counterparts, given that crack-bridging was observed. These findings highlight the potential of MWCNTs to improve epoxy durability in sulfate-prone environments, though the optimization of curing conditions and dispersion methods is critical. Full article

Tungsten and tungsten alloys are widely used in important industrial fields due to their high density, hardness, melting point, and corrosion resistance. However, machining often leaves processing marks on their surface, significantly affecting the surface quality of precision components in industrial applications. Electrolytic polishing offers high efficiency, low workpiece wear, and simple processing. In this study, an electrolytic polishing method is adopted and a novel trisodium phosphate–sodium hydroxide electrolytic polishing electrolyte is developed to study the effects of temperature, voltage, polishing time, and solution composition on the surface roughness of a tungsten–nickel–iron alloy. The optimal voltage, temperature, and polishing time are determined to be 15 V, 55 °C, and 35 s, respectively, when the concentrations of trisodium phosphate and sodium hydroxide are 100 g·L⁻¹ and 6 g·L⁻¹. In addition, glycerol is introduced into the electrolyte as an additive. The calculated LUMO value of glycerol is −5.90 eV and the HOMO value is 0.40 eV. Moreover, electron enrichment in the hydroxyl region of glycerol can form an adsorption layer on the surface of the tungsten alloy, inhibit the formation of micro-pits, balance ion diffusion, and thus promote the formation of a smooth surface. At 100 mL·L⁻¹ of glycerol, the roughness of the tungsten–nickel–iron alloy decreases significantly from 1.134 μm to 0.582 μm. The electrochemical polishing mechanism of the tungsten alloy in a trisodium phosphate electrolyte is further investigated and explained according to viscous film theory. This study demonstrates that the trisodium phosphate–sodium hydroxide–glycerol electrolyte is suitable for electropolishing tungsten–nickel–iron alloys. Overall, the results support the application of tungsten–nickel–iron alloy in the electronics, medical, and atomic energy industries. Full article

Micro- and Nanoplastic (MNP) pollution is an emerging challenge globally, posing a significant threat to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. This review critically examines the sources, exposure routes, and impact of plastics, with particular focus on implications for the livestock sector. MNPs enter animals’ bodies primarily through ingestion of contaminated feed and water, inhalation, and dermal exposure, subsequently accumulating in various organs, disrupting physiological functions. Notably, MNPs facilitate the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), exacerbating the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In agricultural environments, sources such as organic fertilizers, wastewater irrigation systems, surface runoff, and littering contribute to soil contamination, adversely affecting plant growth and soil health, which in turn compromises feed quality and ultimately animals’ productivity. This review synthesizes current evidence demonstrating how MNP exposure impairs animal production, reproduction, and survival, and highlights the interconnected risks to food safety and ecosystem health. The findings call for the urgent need for comprehensive research under controlled conditions to underscore the fine details regarding mechanisms of MNP toxicity and to inform effective mitigation strategies. Addressing MNP pollution is crucial for safeguarding animal health, ensuring sustainable livestock production, and promoting environmental sustainability and integrity. Full article

In order to investigate the influence of graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt on the low-temperature cracking resistance of drainage asphalt mixtures, graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt mixtures were prepared using graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt for drainage asphalt mixtures, and compared with SBS-modified asphalt and rubber powder-modified asphalt, and the low-temperature cracking resistance of graphene/rubber powder compound modification asphalt mixtures was investigated through the Marshall Stability Test, Semi-circular Bending Test (SCB), and Freeze–Thaw Split Test. Research was carried out. At the same time, a scanning electric microscope (SEM) was adopted to analyze the micro-mechanism of the graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt mixtures under the microscopic condition. The findings showed that graphene dispersed the aggregation of rubber powder effectively in the microscopic state and improved the stability of the composite modified asphalt. The addition of graphene improved the fracture energy of rubber powder composite modified asphalt by 15.68% under the condition of −15 °C to 0 °C, which effectively slowed down the decrease of fracture energy; at −15 °C and −10 °C, the largest stresses were improved by 7.50% and 26.71%, respectively, compared to the drainage asphalt mixtures prepared as rubber powder-modified asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt. After a freeze–thaw cycle, the maximum stress decrease of graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt was 21.51% and 10.37% at −15 °C and 0 °C, respectively. When compared to rubber powder-modified asphalt, graphene/rubber powder compound modified asphalt significantly improved the low-intensity cracking resistance of drainage asphalt mixtures at low temperatures, slowed down the decrease of the maximum stress, and its low-temperature cracking resistance was more stable. Full article

Resistance exercise can enhance or preserve muscle mass and/or strength. Modifying factors are secreted following resistance exercise. Biomarkers like cytokines and extracellular vesicles, especially small extracellular vesicles, are released into the circulation and play an important role in cell-to-cell and inter-tissue communications. There is increasing evidence that physical activity itself promotes the release of extracellular vesicles into the bloodstream, suggesting the importance of vesicles in mediating systemic adaptations following exercise. Extracellular vesicles contain proteins, nucleic acids like miRNAs, and other molecules targeting different cell types and tissues of distant organs. Therefore, extracellular vesicles and encapsulated miRNAs are fine tuners of protein synthesis and are important in the adaptation after resistance training. However, there is a lack of strong data supporting the precise mechanisms of these processes. In this literature review, we collected publications related to miRNA and extracellular vesicle profile changes induced by resistance exercise. To the best of our knowledge, the changes in human extracellular vesicle and microRNA profiles following resistance exercise have not been reviewed yet. We aimed to assess the shortcomings and difficulties characterizing this research area, to summarize the existing results to date, and to propose possible solutions that could help standardize the implementation of future investigations. Full article

Superhydrophobic coatings possess distinct wettability characteristics and hold significant potential in metal corrosion protection and underwater drag reduction. However, their practical application is often hindered by poor durability arising from the fragility of their micro/nanostructured surface roughness. In this study, a durable superhydrophobic coating featuring a hierarchical, hydrangea-like micro/nanostructure was successfully fabricated on an aluminum alloy substrate via a simple one-step cold-spraying technique. The coating consisted of hydrangea-shaped SiO₂ nanoparticles modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrimethoxysilane (PFDT) to produce multiscale roughness, while epoxy resin (EP) served as the binding matrix to enhance mechanical integrity. The hydrangea-like SiO₂ nanostructures were characterized by solid cores and wrinkled, petal-like outgrowths. This unique morphology not only increased the surface roughness but also provided more active sites for air entrapment, thereby enhancing the coating’s overall performance. The h-SiO₂@PFDT-EP composite coating exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity, with a WCA of 170.1° ± 0.8° and a SA of 2.7° ± 0.5°. Durability was evaluated through sandpaper abrasion, tape peeling, acid and alkali immersion, artificial weathering, and salt spray tests. The results demonstrated that the coating retained stable superhydrophobic performance under various environmental stresses. Compared with bare 6061 aluminum and EP coatings, its corrosion current density was reduced by four and three orders of magnitude, respectively. Furthermore, the coating achieved a maximum drag-reduction rate of 31.01% within a velocity range of 1.31–7.86 m/s. The coating also displayed excellent self-cleaning properties. Owing to its outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, and drag-reducing capability, this one-step fabricated superhydrophobic coating showed great promise for applications in marine engineering and defense. Full article

Double-suction centrifugal pumps are extensively employed in industrial applications owing to their high efficiency, low vibration, superior cavitation resistance, and operational durability. This study analyzes how impeller oblique cutting angles (0°, 6°, 9°, 12°) affect a double-suction pump at a fixed 4% trimming ratio and constant average post-trim diameter. Numerical simulations and tests reveal that under low-flow (0.7Q_d) and design-flow conditions, the flat-cut (0°) minimizes reflux ratio and maximizes efficiency by aligning blade outlet flow with the mainstream. Increasing oblique cutting angles disrupts this alignment, elevating reflux and reducing efficiency. Conversely, at high flow (1.3Q_d), the 12° bevel optimizes outlet flow, achieving peak efficiency. Pressure pulsation at the volute tongue (P11) peaks at the blade-passing frequency, with amplitudes significantly higher for 9°/12° bevels than for 0°/6°. The flat-cut suppresses wake vortices and static–rotor interaction, but oblique cutting angle choice critically influences shaft-frequency pulsation. Entropy analysis identifies the volute as the primary loss source. Larger oblique cutting angles intensify wall effects, increasing total entropy; pump chamber losses rise most sharply due to worsened outlet velocity non-uniformity and turbulent dissipation. The flat-cut yields minimal entropy at Q_d. These findings provide a basis for tailoring impeller trimming to specific operational requirements. Furthermore, the systematic analysis provides critical guidance for impeller trimming strategies in other double-suction pumps and pumps as turbines in micro hydropower plants. Full article

The superhydrophobic coatings for outdoor use need to be exposed to sunlight for a long time; therefore, their UV-aging resistances are crucial in practical applications. In this study, the primary product of titanium dioxide (P-TiO₂) was used as the raw material. Nano-silica (SiO₂) was coated onto the surface of P-TiO₂ by the acid precipitation method to prepare P-TiO₂-SiO₂ composite particles. Then, they were modified and sprayed simply to obtain a superhydrophobic P-TiO₂-SiO₂/HDTMS coating. The results indicated that amorphous nano-SiO₂ was coated on the P-TiO₂ surface, forming a micro–nano binary structure, which was the essential structure to form superhydrophobic coatings. Additionally, the UV-aging property of P-TiO₂ was significantly enhanced after being coated with SiO₂. After continuous UV irradiation for 30 days, the color difference (ΔE*) and yellowing index (Δb*) values of the coating prepared with P-TiO₂-SiO₂ increased from 0 to 0.75 and 0.23, respectively. In contrast, the ΔE* and Δb* of the coating prepared with P-TiO₂ increased from 0 to 1.68 and 0.74, respectively. It was clear that the yellowing degree of the P-TiO₂-SiO₂ coating was lower than that of P-TiO₂, and its UV-aging resistance was significantly improved. After modification with HDTMS, the P-TiO₂-SiO₂ coating formed a superhydrophobic P-TiO₂-SiO₂/HDTMS coating. The water contact angle (WCA) and water slide angle (WSA) on the surface of the coating were 154.9° and 1.3°, respectively. Furthermore, the coating demonstrated excellent UV-aging resistance. After continuous UV irradiation for 45 days, the WCA on the coating surface remained above 150°. Under the same conditions, the WCAs of the P-TiO₂/HDTMS coating decreased from more than 150° to 15.3°. This indicated that the retention of surface hydrophobicity of the P-TiO₂-SiO₂/HDTMS coating was longer than that of P-TiO₂/HDTMS, and the P-TiO₂-SiO₂/HDTMS coating’s UV-aging resistance was greater. The superhydrophobic P-TiO₂-SiO₂/HDTMS self-cleaning coating reported in this study exhibited outstanding UV-aging resistance, and it had the potential for long-term outdoor use. Full article

To investigate the impermeability of foam concrete in various challenging environments, this study evaluates its water resistance by measuring the water contact angle and water absorption. Polyurethane (PU) was used to fabricate polyurethane foam concrete (PFC), enabling a monolithic hydrophobic modification to improve the permeation performance of foam concrete. The study also examines the effects of carbonation and freeze–thaw environments on the permeation resistance of PFC. Graphene oxide (GO), KH-550, and a composite hydrophobic coating (G/S) consisting of GO and KH-550 were employed to enhance the permeation resistance of PFC through surface hydrophobic modification. The functionality of the G/S composite hydrophobic coating was confirmed using energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results showed the following: (1) The water contact angle of PFC increased by 20.2° compared to that of ordinary foam concrete, indicating that PU-based hydrophobic modification can significantly improve its impermeability. (2) After carbonation, a micro–nano composite structure resembling the surface of a lotus leaf developed on the surface of PFC, further enhancing its impermeability. However, freeze–thaw cycles led to the formation and widening of microcracks in the PFC, which compromised its hydrophobic properties. (3) Surface hydrophobic modifications using GO, KH-550, and the G/S composite coating improved the anti-permeability properties of PFC, with the G/S composite showing the most significant enhancement. (4) GO filled the tiny voids and pores on the surface of the PFC, thereby improving its anti-permeability properties. KH-550 replaced water on the surface of PFC and encapsulated surface particles, orienting its R-groups outward to enhance hydrophobicity. The G/S composite emulsion coating formed a hydrophobic silane layer inside the concrete, which enhanced water resistance by blocking water penetration, reducing microscopic pores in the hydrophobic layer, and improving impermeability characteristics. Full article

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which leads to alveolar bone destruction and systemic inflammation. Emerging evidence suggests that probiotics may mitigate periodontal pathology. To systematically evaluate the alleviative effects and mechanisms of different forms of probiotics, including live bacteria and postbiotics, on periodontitis, we first screened and identified Ligilactobacillus salivarius CCFM1332 (L. salivarius CCFM1332) through in vitro antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity assays. Subsequently, we investigated its therapeutic potential in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. The results demonstrated that both live L. salivarius CCFM1332 (PL) and its postbiotics (PP) significantly reduced the gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD) in rats, while suppressing oral colonization of P. gingivalis. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels were differentially modulated: the PL group exhibited reductions in interleukin-17A (IL-17A), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by 39.31% (p < 0.01), 17.26% (p < 0.05), and 14.74% (p < 0.05), respectively, whereas the PP group showed decreases of 34.79% (p < 0.05), 29.85% (p < 0.01), and 19.74% (p < 0.05). Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis demonstrated that compared to the periodontitis model group (PM), the PL group significantly reduced alveolar bone loss (ABL) by 30.1% (p < 0.05) and increased bone volume fraction (BV/TV) by 49.5% (p < 0.01). In contrast, while the PP group similarly decreased ABL by 32.7% (p < 0.05), it resulted in a 40.4% improvement in BV/TV (p > 0.05). Histological assessments via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining confirmed that both the PL group and the PP group alleviated structural damage to alveolar bone-supporting tissues and reduced osteoclast-positive cell counts. This study suggests that live L. salivarius CCFM1332 and its postbiotics reduce alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss in rats through antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pathways, thereby alleviating periodontal inflammation in rats. Full article