Search Results (15,410)

This study was conducted to explore how varying the concentration of nano-La₂O₃ particles in the plating bath influences the morphology, constitution, and corrosion resistance of Ni-B composite coatings deposited on N80 carbon steel via electroless plating. The novelty of this work lies in the systematic investigation on the co-deposition behavior and grain refinement mechanism of nano-La₂O₃ in electroless Ni-B system, which has been rarely reported in previous studies. The microstructure and chemical composition of the coatings were characterized through a combination of SEM, EDS, XPS and XRD analyses. SEM confirmed that a dense Ni-B/La₂O₃ composite coating was formed, with a uniform thickness of approximately 10 μm, and the nano-La₂O₃ particles were evenly distributed. XPS analysis verified the presence of B, C, O, Ni and La, while XRD analysis revealed a refinement in crystalline size due to the addition of the nanoparticles. The corrosion resistance enhancement mechanism is attributed to the triple synergistic effect: nano-La₂O₃ pins grain boundaries and refines Ni-B grains to the minimum average size of 12.943 nm at the optimal concentration of 8 g·L⁻¹; the refined grain structure promotes the formation of a continuous and dense Ni(OH)₂ passive film; the uniformly dispersed nanoparticles act as physical barriers to block the penetration of corrosive media. Electrochemical measurements demonstrated that this coating exhibited outstanding anti-corrosion performance, as confirmed by a remarkably positive corrosion potential (E_corr = −0.37189 V) and a minimal corrosion current density (I_corr = 3.7524 μA/cm²). The results conclusively show that nano-La₂O₃ reinforcement effectively enhances the corrosion protection performance of electroless Ni-B alloy coatings. Full article

Improving the cultivated land use eco-efficiency (CLUE) is crucial to achieving sustainable land use and the green transformation of agriculture. This study is based on the data from 353 prefecture-level cities in China from 2013 to 2021. The slacks-based measurement (SBM)-undesirable model, the social network analysis (SNA), and the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) are adopted to measure and analyze the spatial patterns, network characteristics, and multiple driving pathways of inefficiency in the cultivated land use eco-efficiency in prefecture-level administrative units. Results show the following: (1) From 2013 to 2021, CLUE in the study areas shows spatial heterogeneity, with most efficiency values at a moderate level and showing a fluctuating downward trend over time. (2) The nine major agricultural regions have formed a complex association network, with the overall network connectivity being weak but efficiency relatively high. The hierarchical structure is gradually flattening, and inter-regional cooperation is increasing. (3) There are significant differences in influence, control, and accessibility within individual networks, and the collaborative network is developing into a “multi-core-hierarchical” structure. (4) The formation of inefficiency involves multiple concurrent mechanisms. Four typical inefficiency paths were identified, with significant heterogeneity across different agricultural regions. In the future, differentiated land use and ecological protection policies should be implemented based on the spatial network characteristics and inefficiency driving pathways of each agricultural region to promote the coordinated improvement of CLUE. Full article

Background: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health problem in Latin America and an emerging concern worldwide. Current chemotherapies show limited efficacy during chronic infection, and no licensed vaccine is currently available. We previously developed the chimeric antigen N-Tc52/TSKb20 as a vaccine candidate against T. cruzi infection. In a murine model, this vaccine induced robust antigen-specific immune response associated with protection shortly after vaccination. Objectives: Here, we investigated the long-term persistence and effector functions of the immune responses elicited by this vaccine candidate. Methods: Both female and male C57BL/6 mice were immunized with three doses of N-Tc52/TSKb20 formulated with QuilA adjuvant. Serum samples collected 170 days post-immunization were analyzed for antigen-specific antibodies by ELISA and for trypanolytic activity against cell-derived trypomastigotes using an in vitro functional assay. Cellular immune responses were evaluated by measuring cytokine production, T cell activation, and memory T cell responses following in vitro re-stimulation with the vaccine antigen or T. cruzi antigens. Results: N-Tc52/TSKb20 vaccination induced a sustained antigen-specific humoral response, characterized by long-lasting IgG2c antibodies and functional activity persisting for up to 170 days post-immunization. In parallel, vaccination promoted long-term activation of antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cells and production of TNF-α and IFN-γ upon antigen re-encounter. A sex-dependent tendency was observed for IL-10, with increased production in vaccinated female mice. Moreover, vaccinated animals exhibited increased frequencies of central and effector memory CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in response to T. cruzi antigens, with a predominant contribution of CD8⁺ T cells, indicating the establishment of parasite-specific T cell memory. Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate that vaccination with N-Tc52/TSKb20 induces a long-lasting Th1-biased immune response characterized by trypanolytic antibodies, functional and durable T cell responses, and parasite-specific memory T cells. This immunological profile supports the potential of N-Tc52/TSKb20 as a promising vaccine candidate for Chagas disease and highlights its capacity to elicit immune mechanisms that have been associated with protection against T. cruzi infection. Full article

Automatic gesture and movement recognition techniques are mainly used with adults for various purposes in public, clinical, and laboratory settings. Growing interest in this field has led to the increasing application of these methods in child behavioural analysis to serve different societal and educational functions. However, manual human annotation of behaviours remains the predominant method, and only a limited number of studies have explored the use of automatic recognition for children. This review aims to evaluate the rapidly developing techniques of automatic gesture and movement recognition that focus on child behaviour analysis across different settings and for different purposes. More specifically, it analyzes their purposes, target groups, settings, accuracy, and limitations, as well as the ethical issues and data privacy frameworks that should be considered in child-centred AI. Using a systematic review approach following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examines research published between 2021 and 2025 in four databases: Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore. From a total of 27 included studies, the findings reveal that automatic gesture and movement recognition is being applied across multiple fields, with consideration of children’s developmental needs. However, a critical gap in technical reporting was identified: fewer than half of the included studies (44%) provided accuracy metrics or clinical validity. Furthermore, evidence of robust ethical safeguards remains limited. To support children’s well-being, future studies must bridge the lab-to-field gap, prioritize natural research settings and enforce ethical and data protection measures. Full article

Purpose: To investigate whether the season in which photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with mitomycin C (MMC) is performed influences postoperative corneal transparency considering seasonal variations in ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 eyes of 50 patients who underwent MMC-assisted PRK for myopic refractive error. Patients were divided into two groups based on the season of surgery: winter (November–April, low UV exposure) and summer (May–October, high UV exposure). All patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively. Corneal transparency was objectively assessed using Scheimpflug-based corneal densitometry obtained with the Pentacam system, focusing on the central (0–2 mm) and paracentral (2–6 mm) zones. Postoperative densitometry values were compared between seasonal groups. Results: Corneal densitometry values showed a significant reduction postoperatively compared with preoperative measurements in both central and paracentral zones. When comparing seasonal groups, no statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative densitometry values between eyes operated on during summer and winter months. No clinically detectable corneal haze was observed in any patient throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions: Surgical season did not significantly influence postoperative corneal densitometry or clinically detectable haze formation after MMC-assisted PRK for low-to-moderate myopia, suggesting that deferral during high-UV months may not be necessary with standard postoperative UV protection. Full article

The Amazon coastal zone exhibits remarkable habitat diversity and species richness, with nutrient-rich estuaries playing a crucial role in local food webs and supporting fish and other aquatic organisms. To examine the distribution of fish larvae and juveniles in the Taperaçu Estuary and their relationship with environmental variables, monthly sampling was conducted at two fixed stations in 2008. Samples were collected during flood and ebb spring tides using 500 μm mesh nets. In situ measurements of salinity, temperature, and dissolved oxygen were recorded, while pH and turbidity were determined in the laboratory. Abiotic variables did not differ significantly between tides, but salinity and dissolved oxygen were higher during the dry season. A total of 5175 individuals were identified, representing 17 families and 37 species. The ichthyoplankton community was dominated by Rhinosardinia amazonica, Anchovia clupeoides, Stellifer stellifer, and Microgobius meeki. Stations 1 and 2 showed differing abundance ranges, with higher values at station 1 during the rainy season. Preflexion stages were abundant at both stations, indicating the estuary’s importance as a nursery and development area for several fish species. Multivariate analyses revealed spatial and seasonal structuring of larval assemblages along the estuarine gradient, driven primarily by salinity, temperature, and turbidity. Our results emphasize the role of upper estuary sectors of eastern Amazonia as areas of spawning, larval development, and subsequent juvenile settlement, contributing to the dispersal of fish species throughout the estuary and adjacent coastal environments. The present findings also reinforce the ecological value of the studied Extractive Reserve and other protected areas along the Amazon littoral as essential habitats for larval refuge and development. The need for continued monitoring and preservation of these protected zones is evident. Full article

Background: Macrophage pyroptosis contributes substantially to sepsis-induced lung injury, yet effective therapeutic strategies remain limited. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and the underlying mechanisms in this context. Methods:In vivo, CLP mice were treated with meloxicam (20 mg/kg). In vitro, LPS-primed macrophages were stimulated with ATP or nigericin in the presence or absence of meloxicam. Levels of pyroptosis-associated proteins (cleaved Caspase-1, mature IL-1β, GSDMD-NT), NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, and the CBP/TXNIP/p38 signaling axis were assessed by Western blot. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and intracellular ROS were measured. Overexpression of COX-2, TXNIP, and CBP was also performed. Results: Meloxicam significantly improved survival, reduced lung injury, and suppressed pyroptosis-associated proteins in CLP mice. In vitro, meloxicam dose-dependently enhanced macrophage viability and reduced LDH, IL-1β, and IL-18 release. The protective effects of meloxicam were mediated by inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome priming and assembly, disruption of NLRP3-ASC-pro-Caspase-1 complex formation, and suppression of ASC oligomerization. Meloxicam also inhibited the CBP/TXNIP/p38 axis, an effect reversed by TXNIP or CBP overexpression. Furthermore, meloxicam restored ΔΨm and reduced ROS accumulation; these effects were abrogated by the ROS inducer imiquimod. Importantly, the anti-pyroptotic effects of meloxicam were independent of COX-2 inhibition. Conclusions: These findings expand the pharmacological profile of meloxicam and support its repurposing as a therapeutic agent for sepsis-associated lung injury. Full article

The desert bottomland of Northern Shaanxi, China, features an ecologically fragile environment with a pronounced mismatch between abundant coal resources and scarce water resources. Large-scale coal mining often impairs the water-resisting capacity of overlying strata, leading to shallow groundwater depletion, surface drought, and vegetation degradation. This study focuses on determining the height of the water-conducting fractured zone (WCFZ) and assessing shallow groundwater loss in such ecologically sensitive mining areas. Through analysis of measured WCFZ heights, the empirical formulas currently specified in national codes are found to be inapplicable to the study area. A multi-factor nonlinear prediction model, better suited to local conditions, is therefore established using multiple nonlinear regressions. Taking the Jinjitan Coal Mine as a case study, a 3D hydrogeological conceptual model is developed using FEFLOW to simulate phreatic water responses to mining activities. The results indicate a maximum phreatic water drawdown of 3–4 m, with post-mining burial depths predominantly ranging from 5 to 8 m, reaching a warning level that requires attention and mitigation. This study provides a valuable reference for water hazard prevention and ecological protection in desert bottomland regions. Full article

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central event in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. The roles of specific mitochondrial complex subunits, such as NDUFA4 and NDUFB3, in cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury remain poorly defined. This study aims to investigate the dynamic expressions and functional impact of NDUFA4 and NDUFB3 in ischemic stroke. Methods: A transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in male C57BL/6J mice. Label-free quantitative proteomics and Western blotting were employed to analyze protein expression in the ischemic penumbra. Highly differentiated PC12 cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) or glutamate excitotoxicity to mimic ischemic injury in vitro. The functional consequences of NDUFB3 knockdown and overexpression were assessed by measuring ATP levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis. The involvement of the JNK-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway was also examined. Results: Proteomic analysis revealed a significant upregulation of NDUFA4 and NDUFB3 in the ischemic penumbra of MCAO mice, as verified by western blot. In highly differentiated PC12 cells, both OGD/R and glutamate exposure induced a time-dependent increase in these proteins in mitochondrial fractions. Functional studies demonstrated that NDUFB3 knockdown significantly rescued OGD/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, as indicated by restored ATP production, reduced ROS generation, and stabilized ΔΨm. Furthermore, NDUFB3 silencing attenuated apoptosis by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and decreasing BAX levels. Conversely, overexpression of NDUFB3 alone was sufficient to induce mitochondrial abnormalities, including loss of ΔΨm and elevated oxidative stress in highly differentiated PC12 cells. Conclusions: Ischemic injury triggers the upregulation of mitochondrial complex subunits NDUFA4 and NDUFB3. While this may initially act as a compensatory response, our findings identify NDUFB3 as a critical mediator of ischemic stroke pathology, whose overexpression drives mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. In contrast, the suppression of NDUFB3 provides protection against ischemic injury. Therefore, NDUFB3 may be a potential candidate therapeutic target for reducing mitochondrial damage in ischemic stroke, but this role requires further validation in additional experimental and translational models. Full article

Background: Coronary bifurcation lesions represent one of the most technically demanding scenarios in coronary artery disease (CAD), associated with higher procedural complexity, restenosis, and periprocedural complications. Recent advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) have markedly improved its ability to visualize complex coronary anatomy, assess plaque morphology, and guide revascularization. Objectives: This review summarizes (1) technological advances in CCTA over the last decade, (2) its role in evaluating bifurcation stenosis, (3) assessment of plaque morphology and distribution, (4) quantification of bifurcation geometry, and (5) emerging evidence supporting its application in revascularization planning and guidance. Findings: Modern wide-detector and dual-source CT systems, iterative and deep-learning reconstruction algorithms, and photon-counting CT (PCCT) have significantly improved temporal and spatial resolution, reduced blooming artifacts, and lowered radiation dose. CCTA now reliably quantifies bifurcation stenosis and plaque distribution, characterizes high-risk plaque features, and accurately measures bifurcation angles. The integration of CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) and artificial intelligence (AI)-based plaque quantification further strengthens its diagnostic and prognostic performance. CCTA-derived bifurcation scores and 3D modelling support procedural strategy selection, stent sizing, and side-branch (SB) protection. Conclusions: CCTA has evolved into a comprehensive tool for non-invasive diagnosis, physiological assessment, and pre-procedural planning of bifurcation disease. With the advent of PCCT and AI-enhanced quantitative tools, CCTA is poised to become a central component of revascularization decision-making in complex coronary bifurcations. Full article

To address the plant protection challenges of high canopy closure and poor droplet penetration in high-density maize, this study systematically elucidated the synergistic regulatory mechanisms of UAV operational parameters and reduced nano-pesticide application. Integrating laboratory microscopic characterization with a two-phase field experiment, this study evaluated spray volume, droplet size, and pesticide dosage as core variables. Phase I quantified the effects of physical spray parameters on droplet deposition and penetration characteristics, while Phase II comprehensively revealed the field control efficacy under multi-factor synergy. Results showed that 22.5 L/ha achieved the optimal balance; it increased deposition density by 109.0% compared to 15.0 L/ha (p < 0.05) while maintaining comparable efficacy to 30.0 L/ha without sacrificing operational efficiency. The 200 μm droplets demonstrated superior penetration, increasing lower-layer coverage by 33.9% compared to 300 μm (p < 0.05), and overcoming the evaporation limitations of 100 μm (which showed no significant efficacy improvement despite higher density, p > 0.05). Microscopic measurements confirmed that nano-pesticides exhibited excellent wetting dynamics, reducing the final contact angle on hydrophobic maize leaves to as low as 28.24° (achieving a maximum dynamic reduction rate of 54.48%), significantly enhancing interfacial adhesion. This mechanism compensated for low-volume spraying limitations, allowing a 30% dosage reduction to maintain a robust field efficacy of 90.6%, whereas a 50% reduction significantly compromised efficacy (<72.5%). Ultimately, this study established “22.5 L/ha + 200 μm + 30% reduction” as the optimal operational parameter combination, providing a solid theoretical foundation and crucial technological support for precision plant protection and “pesticide reduction with efficiency enhancement” in high-density maize cultivation. Full article

The development of digital photogrammetry techniques has revolutionized the study of marine ecosystems, enabling the generation of high-precision three-dimensional models from conventional imagery. Structure from Motion (SfM) algorithms have become effective tools for mapping and monitoring underwater habitats, offering a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. This study presents a pilot methodological validation of SfM-based underwater photogrammetry for the non-invasive morphometric monitoring of vulnerable benthic species, using Pinna rudis. The research focused on refining photogrammetric methodologies for marine conservation, addressing technical challenges such as variations in light conditions, water turbidity, and image acquisition complexity. The study area, the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, is a pristine marine environment in the western Mediterranean, hosting diverse benthic communities, including an abundant Pinna rudis population. Data acquisition comprises sampling by scuba diving techniques at depths ranging from 26 to 31 m, performed during the July 2022 field campaign within a permanent demographic plot established in 2013 and the methodology applied involved generating three-dimensional models using SfM, allowing for direct measurements of the seabed and extraction of morphometric parameters of sessile species. The characterization of the Pinna rudis aggregation was based on specimen density and size structure, determined using maximum shell width. The 3D model of the pilot plot covers 86.1 m², hosting 31 individuals. Morphometric measurements derived from SfM-based 3D models were validated against in situ diver measurements of maximum shell width. The results showed that the average maximum width obtained from 3D models (15.19 ± 3.23 cm) was consistent with in situ measurements (15.35 ± 3.48 cm). The mean difference between methods was −0.16 ± 0.82 cm, indicating a negligible systematic bias. The mean absolute error was 0.65 cm, corresponding to an average relative error of 4.34%, and a strong linear relationship was observed between both methods (r = 0.97). These results confirm that underwater photogrammetry is a reliable and non-invasive tool for monitoring vulnerable benthic species, providing high-resolution spatial and morphometric data to support conservation strategies in marine protected areas and allowing the collection of additional data compared to in situ surveys. Full article

With the global advancement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals, the importance of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies has become increasingly prominent. As a critical component of CCUS systems, gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation has emerged as a research hotspot due to its efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, there are invariably corrosion problems when it comes to gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation. These issues pose a significant threat to both the safety and economic viability of pipeline operations. Therefore, it is of importance to investigate gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation. In this work, based on recent domestic and international research achievements, research progress in the field of gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation is systematically reviewed. First, the corrosion mechanisms and corrosion characteristics during gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation are studied, and the synergistic mechanisms by which key parameters such as impurities, temperature, pressure, flow velocity, and water content jointly influence pipeline wall corrosion behavior are elucidated. Then, corrosion products in CO₂ transportation pipelines are analyzed, and protective measures applicable to gaseous CO₂ pipeline systems are synthesized. Finally, future research goals are proposed to promote research on gaseous CO₂ corrosion during pipeline transportation: the impact of interactions among multiple impurities on corrosion behavior should be clarified; the inhibitory effects of the dynamic evolution of product films on mass transfer processes should be considered in corrosion rate calculation models; and more economical and efficient anti-corrosion technologies should be developed to meet diverse operational requirements. This work can provide guidance for the corrosion protection of gaseous CO₂ pipeline transportation. Full article

Carbon/inorganic hybrid composites have evolved from filler-reinforced materials into design platforms for coupled electromagnetic, thermal, sensing, environmental, protective and energy-related functions. Their distinctive value lies in the possibility of combining a conductive, polarizable or porous carbon phase with an inorganic phase that contributes dielectric, magnetic, catalytic, ionic, thermally conductive or barrier behavior. This review examines carbon/inorganic hybrid multifunctional composites from the viewpoint of structure–property relationships, with emphasis on interfacial design, percolation, anisotropy, hierarchical architecture, processing and metrology. Selected graphitic composite studies are discussed as case studies for broadband dielectric spectroscopy, microwave shielding, high-frequency contact metrology, thermal diffusivity analysis and impedance-monitored graphene filters; these case studies are integrated with the broader international literature on CNT and graphene polymer composites, MXene films and foams, graphene/metal oxide photocatalysts, boron nitride/carbon thermal networks, biochar–graphene adsorbents, smart coatings, sensors, supercapacitors and water remediation systems. The central argument is that credible multifunctionality requires more than measuring several properties on the same material. It requires simultaneous or service-relevant co-optimization under constraints of thickness, density, processability, aging, humidity, corrosive media, regeneration, toxicity, economic feasibility and scalable fabrication. The review concludes with design rules and reporting recommendations intended to help move the field from impressive property demonstrations toward application-ready hybrid material systems. Full article

Nineteen monoterpene indole alkaloids, including twelve new ones, were successfully isolated and identified from the stems and leaves of Uncaria hirsuta (Havil.). The planar structures were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), high-resolution mass (HRMS), and ultraviolet (UV) analyses. The absolute configurations of new compounds were determined using electron circular dichroism calculations in conjunction with NMR calculations. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro. In further biological evaluation, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effects on HT22 neuronal cells. Six compounds demonstrated significant protective activity. Their intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using the DCFH-DA fluorescent probe, which markedly attenuated glutamate-induced ROS accumulation. The results not only enrich the knowledge on the structural diversity of monoterpene indole alkaloids but also offer substantial evidence for further pharmacological exploration. Full article