Search Results (5,016)

Diabetes mellitus is a serious public health problem, mainly due to the difficulty in healing chronic wounds, which present an inflammatory response for long periods of time and are more vulnerable to infections. Hydrogels are a promising therapeutic solution due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to allow controlled release of therapeutic agents. The addition of bioactive glasses doped with therapeutic ions to hydrogels can also provide specific biological responses to the system and thus improve tissue regeneration. In this study, a hydrogel based on carboxymethylcellulose and polyethylene glycol with different degrees of crosslinking and enriched with 10% by weight of CeO₂-doped Bioglass 45S5 was developed. Structural, morphological, mechanical, and biological characterizations were performed on bioactive glass, hydrogels, and hydrogels enriched with bioactive glass. Structural analyses confirmed the preservation of the typical amorphous structure of Bioglass 45S5, even after the incorporation of 5% molar CeO₂, as well as the effectiveness of the polymer matrix crosslinking process. Structural analyses demonstrated the preservation of the typical amorphous structure of Bioglass 45S5, even after the incorporation of 5 mol% CeO₂, as well as the effectiveness of the polymer matrix cross-linking process. The hydrogels exhibited distinct behaviours in terms of water absorption and degradation, showing that the sample with the lowest concentration of crosslinkers and bioactive glass allowed for a higher expansion rate and a higher degradation rate. The hydrogel with 10 wt% BG did not compromise cell viability and showed structural integrity after being subjected to cyclic flexible deformations, indicating its safety and suitability for use in tissue engineering. Full article

This study aims to monitor mask performance in operando using all-printed humidity sensor arrays based on BiFeO₃/BiOCl heterostructures. Two screen-printed 19-sensor arrays are fixed directly atop the mask, in order to analyze moisture levels in exhaled breath and extract performance indicators. This approach allows for an examination of the humidity saturation and absorption over time during operation. Accumulation of moisture within the mask can affect its performance, and factors like breath humidity, mask material, and ambient conditions influence this. Results show that the measured data follows an exponential decay, achieving correlation factors of over 0.9 for all tests. We also detect breathing differences through feature extraction, investigating the respiration rates and signal amplitudes for both normal and deep breathing. Furthermore, we animated the airflow in the mask in both 2D and 3D, allowing for the eventual detection of leaks for ill-fitting masks. This study introduces an innovative approach for the assessment of mask fit and longevity, contributing to improving mask efficacy and public health outcomes. Full article

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) often achieves high device efficiencies in organic light-emitting diodes. Here we develop TADF dyes, 1-H and 1-Me, based on an N,N-diphenylaminophenyl–phenylene–quinoxaline donor–π–acceptor system, which contains an unsubstituted 1,4-phenylene and a 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene π-spacer, respectively. In UV–vis absorption spectra in toluene at room temperature, 1-H showed a relatively intense shoulder band at 400 nm, whereas 1-Me had a weak, blue-shifted shoulder at 386 nm, indicating 1-Me adopts a more twisted π-conjugation system. On the other hand, the photoluminescence (PL) wavelength of 1-Me (λ_PL; 558 nm) under the same conditions was slightly red-shifted in comparison with that of 1-H (λ_PL; 552 nm), due to larger structural relaxation of 1-Me. From PL lifetime measurements, both the dyes showed TADF in 10 wt%-doped poly(methyl methacrylate) film, and their PL quantum yields were moderate (Φ_PL; ca. 0.5 at 300 K). As for the photokinetics, 1-Me exhibited larger rate constants for intersystem crossing and reverse intersystem crossing than 1-H due to the small excited-state singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔE_ST) of 1-Me. Furthermore, theoretical calculations indicated the triplet state of 1-Me is destabilized by localization of the spin density, resulting in the reduced ΔE_ST to facilitate TADF. Full article

Although the dynamic response of orthotropic materials under uniaxial impact loading has been extensively studied, their behavior under multiaxial stress states, which more accurately represent real-world blast and impact scenarios, has received limited attention. To address this gap, this study employed a self-developed biaxial impact testing apparatus to systematically investigate the dynamic mechanical behavior of beech wood, a typical orthotropic material, under three biaxial loading configurations: radial-tangential, radial-longitudinal, and tangential-longitudinal. By combining theoretical derivation with experimental data, it systematically examines stress wave propagation characteristics, strain rate effects, and anisotropy evolution under different loading paths. The results reveal that beech wood exhibits significantly distinct dynamic responses along different material orientations, with a consistent strength hierarchy: longitudinal > radial > tangential. Biaxial loading notably enhances the equivalent stress–strain response and alters the deformation mechanisms and energy absorption behavior. Furthermore, lateral confinement and multiaxial stress coupling are identified as critical factors influencing the dynamic performance. This study provides the first systematic revelation of the strain rate strengthening mechanisms and wave propagation characteristics of orthotropic materials from the perspective of multiaxial dynamic loading, thereby offering theoretical and experimental foundations for developing advanced dynamic constitutive models suitable for complex impact conditions. These findings provide important guidance for the design and evaluation of lightweight impact-resistant structures in fields such as aerospace and protective engineering. Full article

Low temperatures have a significant impact on the growth, development, and productivity of cucumber plants. The potential of near-infrared spectroscopy and the aquaphotomics approach for investigating chilling stress was studied in Voreas F1 and Gergana cultivars. Changes in the spectral patterns of cucumber plants were compared with physiological and metabolic data. Voreas plants were unable to survive seven days of low-temperature stress due to a drastic increase in electrolyte leakage and a decrease in the net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Gergana plants survived chilling by preserving cell membrane integrity and photosynthesis efficiency. During chilling treatment, the content of most metabolites in both cultivars was reduced compared to the controls, yet it was much more pronounced in Voreas. We observed an increased accumulation of cinnamic acid on the seventh day only in the Gergana cultivar. A MicroNIR spectrometer was used for in vivo spectral measurements of cotyledons and the first two leaves. Differences in absorption spectra were observed among control, stressed, and recovered plants, across different days of stress, and between the studied cultivars. The most significant differences were in the 1300–1600 nm range, much smaller for Gergana than Voreas. Aquagrams of the two cultivars also reveal differences in their responses to low temperatures and changes in water molecular structure in the leaves. The errors of prediction for the days of chilling by using PLS models were from 0.96 to 1.14 days for independent validation, depending on the spectral data of different leaves used. Near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics can be used as additional tools for early detection of stress and investigation of low-temperature tolerance in cucumber cultivars. Full article

This work investigated the electrical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of ferrofluids containing Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and their composites with chitosan (30–100 cP and 100–300 cP), relevant to magnetic hyperthermia. The nanoparticles were synthesized by coprecipitation and characterized using impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning microscopy with X-ray microanalysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and calorimetry. The study showed that the chitosan coating altered the textural properties of Fe₃O₄, reducing the specific surface area from 76.3 m²/g to 68.9–72.5 m²/g. The zeta potential and particle size showed strong pH dependence. Impedance measurements showed that the conductivity of ferrofluids was frequency- and temperature-dependent, with both metallic and dielectric conductivity observed. The complex dielectric permittivity exhibited Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interface polarization. Calorimetry revealed that specific absorption rate (SAR) ranged from 11.4 to 23.4 W/g, depending on the chitosan concentration and type, while the chitosan coating reduced SAR by 12–40%. These results confirm that the electrical and dielectric parameters of ferrofluids significantly influence their thermal capabilities, which is important for optimizing magnetic hyperthermia therapy when energy dissipation is considered in bio-heat models. Full article

Cnidium monnieri is a valuable functional plant with significant potential for green pest control. However, its large-scale application is limited by its low and uneven seed germination in fields. To determine the factors that affect the germination of C. monnieri seeds, we examined its seed viability, germination percentage and germination speed index (GSI) after seed-coat treatments, water permeability, and the types and activity of endogenous inhibitory substances in C. monnieri seeds. The results indicated that the seed viability of C. monnieri is 95%, but the germination percentage was relatively low (12.60%). Seed coat removal significantly enhanced both the germination percentage and the GSI, but had no significant effect on water absorption rate. Moreover, ethyl acetate extracts completely inhibited the seed germination of the control non-dormant Brassica rapa subsp. rapa, while diethyl ether extracts showed moderate suppression, and petroleum ether extracts exhibited the weakest effect. And the three endogenous inhibitory substances, i.e., dibutyl phthalate, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol significantly reduced the seed germination, seedling height and root length of B. rapa, indicating their high inhibitory efficiency on seed germination. Our study demonstrates that the mechanical barrier of the seed coat and the presence of potent endogenous germination inhibitory substances are the key factors influencing the germination of C. monnieri seeds. These findings provide a theoretical basis for promoting seed germination of C. monnieri, which enhance its application value as functional plant for green pest control. Full article

Sargassum horneri is a highly productive macroalgal species capable of assimilating dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and converting CO₂ into carbohydrates, making it a promising solution for carbon capture and biomass enhancement. Owing to its wide distribution and natural abundance, the utilization of S. horneri may help mitigate rising oceanic CO₂ concentrations. This study evaluated the combined effects of inorganic carbon availability (2000, 4000, and 8000 μM NaHCO₃) and irradiance (100, 150, and 200 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) on photosynthetic performance and growth across short-term (24 h) and long-term (4-week) experimental trials. Carbon enrichment and light intensity interacted to significantly influence growth and carbon assimilation. The highest growth rate (35.83 ± 3.95%) was observed under 8000 μM DIC (0.75 g L⁻¹) at 200 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, corresponding to an optimal mean growth condition of 19 ± 0.04% (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that elevated inorganic carbon enhances photosynthetic efficiency by supplying sufficient substrate for carbon fixation, thereby supporting the feasibility of Sargassum horneri as a viable species for CO₂ absorption and carbon capture applications. Full article

Combining leaf gas exchange with chlorophyll fluorescence, this study quantified the effects of soil water content (SWC) on mesophyll conductance (g_m) and biochemical parameters in 8-year-old pear trees across three soil textures [clay (CS), sandy (SS), loam (LS)], each subjected to three irrigation levels (100%FI, 75%FI, 50%FI). Results showed that SWC differed significantly, with CS > LS > SS, and that the difference in SWC in loam soil was the most obvious among different irrigation levels. The leaf water content (LWC) of SS was higher than that of LS and CS, and SS_50%FI showed 7.53% and 13.30% greater LWC compared to LS_50%FI and CS_50%FI, respectively. Specific leaf area (SLA) peaked at CS_75%FI and SS_100%FI. Soil texture and irrigation level had significant interactive effects on g_m, the product of light absorption coefficient and light energy partitioning ratio (α·β), leaf apparent CO₂ compensation point, dark respiration rate under light, and photosynthetic biochemical parameters. Differences in the values of α·β among the nine treatments were significant and the maximum values in the three soil textures were 0.660 (LS_75%FI), 0.366 (SS_100%FI) and 0.462 (CS_50%FI), respectively. The most sensitive treatment of g_m, responding to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), was SS_100%FI and the maximal g_m under saturated PAR reached 0.271 molCO₂·m⁻²·s⁻¹, increasing 2.2-fold and 8.8-fold compared to that of SS_75%FI and SS_50%FI, respectively. An underestimation of 26.4% to an overestimation of 30.3% for g_m and an underestimation of 28.8% to an overestimation of 15.5% were observed for biochemical parameters if the empirical value (0.425) of α·β was adopted. Our findings indicated that the maximum leaf g_m could be obtained at 75%FI for loam soil, 100% FI for sandy soil, and 50% FI for clay soil, respectively. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains one of the most significant public health problems, and its incidence rate is steadily increasing worldwide despite scientific and technological progress in the field of medicine. The focus of research in this area is gradually shifting from classic risk factors—such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetic predisposition—toward additional, potentially modifiable contributors such as micronutrient imbalances; among them are disturbances in zinc homeostasis that may influence glucose metabolism and oxidative stress. Objective: This systematic review with narrative synthesis aims to examine the bidirectional relationship between zinc status and T2DM and to evaluate whether zinc screening and personalized nutritional support could contribute to comprehensive metabolic management. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database and the Cochrane library for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Studies assessing zinc status or supplementation in relation to the risk, progression, or management of T2DM were included. Data were synthesized narratively, focusing on clinical and mechanistic evidence. Results: Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence indicates that zinc imbalance (both deficiency and excess) is associated with T2DM risk and outcomes. Zinc deficiency may impair insulin synthesis and signaling, promote oxidative stress and inflammation, while excessive zinc intake may induce metabolic disturbances. T2DM itself may lead to reduced zinc status via altered absorption and increased excretion. While some studies suggest modest improvements in glycemic or lipid parameters following zinc supplementation, findings remain inconsistent and context-dependent. The prevalence of suboptimal zinc status in certain populations supports the rationale for targeted screening rather than routine supplementation. Conclusions: Zinc is mechanistically involved in insulin synthesis, antioxidant defense, and inflammation control, but current clinical evidence does not justify its use as a therapeutic agent in T2DM. Instead, assessment of zinc status and individualized correction of deficiency may represent a component of personalized nutritional support, particularly for patients with long disease duration, poor dietary quality, or genetic predispositions affecting zinc metabolism. Full article

The nonlinear optical absorption of tetraphenylporphyrin ($H_{2}TPP$) and dithiaporphyrin ($DSP$) and their diacids ($H_{4}TP{P}^{2+}$ and $H_{2}DS{P}^{2+}$) via pulse trains was studied. The subpulse widths of pulse trains were set as 30 ps and 5 ns according to experimental work. The dynamical absorption of pulse trains was studied by solving a paraxial field equation together with rate equations. The Crank–Nicholson numerical method was employed in numerical computation. In the weak energy region, neutral complexes $H_{2}TPP$ and $DSP$ show lower energy transmittances than their diacids $H_{4}TP{P}^{2+}$ and $H_{2}DS{P}^{2+}$. And $DSP$ with S-atoms shows the lowest transmittance. In the strong energy region, the energy transmittances of diacid complexes declines sharply. Thus $H_{4}TP{P}^{2+}$ shows the lowest transmittance among all complexes. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a widely used green oxidant, yet its conventional industrial production via the anthraquinone process is energy-intensive and environmentally unfriendly. Photocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) presents a sustainable alternative for H₂O₂ synthesis, but its practical application is limited by inefficient light absorption, low charge separation efficiency, and sluggish reaction kinetics. In this work, we developed a metal-free carbon-based photocatalyst (QCDs) acquired by modifying quercetin with carbon dots (CDs) for efficient photogeneration of H₂O₂. The optimized QCDs achieved a H₂O₂ production rate of 1116.32 μmol·h⁻¹·g⁻¹, which is 40.3% higher than that of pristine quercetin. Comprehensive analysis with transient potential scanning (TPS), transient photovoltage (TPV), and photocurrent transient (TPC) measurements reveal that the photocatalytic ORR follows a two-step single-electron pathway. It is worth noting that CDs not only promote the generation and transfer of photogenerated electrons but also boost oxygen adsorption. Our work demonstrates the synergy of integrating biomass-derived materials with nanostructural engineering and optimizing the system with data-driven approaches for enhanced photocatalysis. Full article

This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a compact dual-band implantable antenna (Rx) operating at 1.32 GHz and 2.58 GHz for biomedical applications. The proposed antenna is designed to receive power and data from an external transmitting (Tx) antenna operating at 1.32 GHz. The measured impedance bandwidths of the Rx antenna are 190 MHz (1.23–1.42 GHz) and 230 MHz (2.47–2.70 GHz), covering both the power transfer and data communication bands. The wireless power transfer efficiency, represented by the transmission coefficient ($S_{21}$), is observed to be −40 dB at a spacing of 40 mm, where the Rx is located in the far-field region of the Tx. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) analysis is performed to ensure electromagnetic safety compliance, and the results are within the acceptable exposure limits. The proposed antenna achieves a realized gain of −25 dB at 1.32 GHz and −25.8 dB at 2.58 GHz, demonstrating suitable performance for low-power implantable medical device communication and power transfer systems. The proposed design offers a promising solution for reliable biotelemetry and wireless power transfer in implantable biomedical systems. Full article

An epoxy resin can be crosslinked with an imidazole-based ionic liquid (IL), whose excess, provided its high melting temperature, can potentially form a dispersed phase to store thermal energy and produce a phase-change material (PCM). This work investigates the crosslinking of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) at its mass fractions of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 60%. The effect of [EMIM]Cl on the viscosity, curing rate, and curing degree was studied, and the thermophysical properties and morphology of the resulting crosslinked epoxy polymer were investigated. During the curing, [EMIM]Cl changes its role from a crosslinking agent (an initiator of homopolymerization) and a diluent of the epoxy resin to a plasticizer of the cured epoxy polymer and a dispersed phase-change agent. An increase in the [EMIM]Cl content accelerates the curing firstly because of the growth in the number of reaction centers, and then the curing slows down because of the action of the IL as a diluent, which reduces the concentration of reacting substances. In addition, a rise in the proportion of [EMIM]Cl led to the predominance of the initiation over the chain growth, causing the formation of short non-crosslinked molecules. The IL content of 5% allowed for curing the epoxy resin and elevating the stiffness of the crosslinked product by almost 7 times compared to tetraethylenetriamine as a usual aliphatic amine hardener (6.95 GPa versus 1.1 GPa). The [EMIM]Cl content of 20–40% resulted in a thermoplastic epoxy polymer capable of flowing and molding at elevated temperatures. The formation of IL emulsion in the epoxy matrix occurred at 60% [EMIM]Cl, but its hygroscopicity and absorption of water from surrounding air reduced the crystallinity of dispersed [EMIM]Cl, not allowing for an effective phase-change material to be obtained. Full article

Objectives: This study investigated the potential beneficial effects of a probiotic candidate, Clostridium cochlearium 2316, in modulating physiological and metabolic markers in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO). Methods: C57BL/6 DIO mice were assigned to three groups (ad libitum): standard low-fat control (LF, 10% fat), high-fat diet (HF, 60% fat), and high-fat diet supplemented with approximately one billion CFU/day of CC2316 via daily oral gavage for 16 weeks. Results: After 16 weeks, the CC group exhibited 17.3% lower body weight gain (p < 0.001) and significant fat mass decrease (p < 0.0001) compared to HF mice. Serum biochemistry showed that CC2316 supplementation resulted in a 27.7% reduction in fasting blood glucose (p < 0.05), a 58.4% reduction in fasting insulin (p < 0.01), and an 89.4% improvement in HOMA-IR score (p < 0.05). Furthermore, serum total cholesterol level decreased dramatically by 40.2% in the CC group (p < 0.001). Despite a higher caloric absorption rate (p < 0.001), CC mice demonstrated a significant beneficial shift in energy expenditure, characterized by an increased basal metabolic rate (p < 0.05), higher energy expenditure (p < 0.05), and an elevated respiratory quotient (RER) (p < 0.05), alongside increased physical activity (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This investigation strongly suggests that CC2316 supplementation mitigates the adverse effects of HFD-induced obesity by modulating whole-body energy metabolism, positioning it as a potential aid to lower risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. The precise mechanisms linking the gut microbiome to altered energy substrate utilization are discussed and suggested for further investigation. Full article