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21 pages, 623 KB  
Article
Pre-Engraftment Syndrome After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma: An Association with Prior PD-1 Inhibitor Exposure
by Dávid Tóthfalusi, Gréta Melani Csatlós, Boglárka Dobó, Fanni Borics, László Imre Pinczés, Árpád Illés and Zsófia Miltényi
Medicina 2026, 62(4), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62040738 (registering DOI) - 12 Apr 2026
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL), and an increasing proportion of patients receive programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors prior to transplantation. Engraftment syndrome (ES) is [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) remains the standard of care for relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (R/R HL), and an increasing proportion of patients receive programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors prior to transplantation. Engraftment syndrome (ES) is a noninfectious inflammatory complication classically associated with neutrophil recovery; however, early peri-transplant inflammatory manifestations remain poorly characterized and may mimic infectious complications. We aimed to evaluate peri-transplant inflammatory events after ASCT, with particular emphasis on ES-compatible manifestations occurring before neutrophil engraftment and their association with prior PD-1 inhibitor exposure. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 64 consecutive adult patients with HL undergoing ASCT between 2018 and 2025 were analyzed. ES was defined according to Spitzer and Maiolino criteria. Inflammatory manifestations fulfilling these criteria but occurring prior to neutrophil recovery were classified as pre-engraftment syndrome (pre-ES). Clinically significant events were defined by the requirement for systemic corticosteroid therapy. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared using non-parametric statistical analyses. Results: No cases fulfilled the Spitzer criteria for classical ES, while three patients (4.7%) met the Maiolino criteria, none requiring corticosteroid therapy. Using the broader Maiolino definition, pre-ES was observed in 34 patients (53.1%) when the conventional engraftment time window was disregarded; however, only three patients required systemic corticosteroid therapy. Importantly, all three cases also fulfilled the Spitzer criteria outside the conventional time window, whereas the remaining Maiolino-defined pre-ES cases were self-limiting. All steroid-requiring pre-ES cases occurred exclusively in PD-1-exposed patients, and prior PD-1 therapy was significantly associated with severe pre-ES (p = 0.0007), although this finding is based on a very small number of events. These patients also demonstrated significantly higher early C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Conclusions: While classical ES after ASCT was uncommon, clinically significant pre-ES occurred exclusively in PD-1-exposed patients. These early inflammatory events may represent a distinct phenotype and require prompt recognition and timely corticosteroid therapy after exclusion of infection. Prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and refine risk stratification and monitoring strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hematology and Immunology)
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26 pages, 3128 KB  
Review
Nanorobotic Approaches Against Multidrug-Resistant Infections: Design, Principle, Mechanistic Innovation, Translational Challenges and Biomedical Applications
by Umair Sayad, Shafiq Ur Rahman, Atif Ali Khan Khalil, Abid Ullah, Shafi Ullah and Sultan Mehtap Büyüker
Molecules 2026, 31(8), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31081268 (registering DOI) - 12 Apr 2026
Abstract
The efficacy of traditional antimicrobial treatments has been largely compromised due to the high occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, therefore underlining the limitations of existing drug delivery mechanisms. Pathogens resist pharmacological treatment via different mechanisms, including efflux pump overexpression, biofilm formation, and enzymatic [...] Read more.
The efficacy of traditional antimicrobial treatments has been largely compromised due to the high occurrence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, therefore underlining the limitations of existing drug delivery mechanisms. Pathogens resist pharmacological treatment via different mechanisms, including efflux pump overexpression, biofilm formation, and enzymatic destruction. The application of nanorobotics or controllable nanoscale devices has gained considerable attention for overcoming shortcomings while connecting biomedical engineering, materials science, and microbiology. Despite advancements in nanomedicine, there is still no suitable nanorobotic system applicable against MDR pathogens. Previous studies highlighted device categories and materials but did not explain the detailed nanorobotic mobility, sensing, and programmability to counteract biological resistance. This review combines cross-disciplinary discoveries to design a mechanistic and translational model for nanorobotics effective in controlling infectious diseases while focusing on the advancements in nanorobotic technologies over the past six years (2020–2025), with emphasis on translational readiness, biosafety issues, scalability, regulation, and their mechanistic ability to overwhelm MDR complications. Databases from different publishers, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to select studies focusing on the potential of emerging nanorobotic therapeutic technologies, such as magnetic microrobots, catalytic nanoswimmers, and DNA origami nanodevices, and their application to bacterial biofilms and antibiotic drug delivery. Evidence from the literature shows that magnetically driven microrobots, catalytic nanoswimmers, and DNA origami structures can actively destroy biofilms, enhance antibiotic penetration, and perform site-specific antimicrobial administration. Nevertheless, most of these innovations remain in the preclinical or prototype stage, hindered by biosafety issues, immunological reactivity, poor routing precision, energy source optimization, and a lack of regulatory and ethical frameworks, which are major challenges for clinical translation. Full article
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19 pages, 1090 KB  
Article
A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study of Probable Sarcopenia in Hemodialysis Patients
by Juan Rodríguez-Mansilla, Jaime Becerra Fernández, María Victoria Martín Hidalgo-Barquero, María Jiménez-Palomares, Blanca González-Sánchez and Elisa María Garrido-Ardila
Life 2026, 16(4), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040649 (registering DOI) - 12 Apr 2026
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is defined as a progressive pathology that affects more than 10% of the world’s population, affecting waste filtration capacity. Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. [...] Read more.
Chronic kidney disease is defined as a progressive pathology that affects more than 10% of the world’s population, affecting waste filtration capacity. Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. It is associated with inflammation, malnutrition and reduced quality of life. Hemodialysis is the fundamental treatment for people with chronic kidney disease, as it is key to the elimination of toxins from the body. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of probable sarcopenia in patients with chronic kidney disease in the Dialysis Unit of Extremadura (Spain). Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study in which 33 patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis were selected as participants in the assessment of functional capacity and physical fitness. The procedure was performed prior to the dialysis session. Socio-demographic, clinical and physical variables were assessed. The assessment of probable sarcopenia was carried out using manual grip strength test (dynamometry), physical performance (4-meter walk test) and phase angle (PhA) (single frequency 50 Hz bioimpedance). The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to determine the severity of chronic disease and its impact, and analytical variables such as albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Index (NLI), Lymphocyte–Platelet Index (LPI) and total protein (TP), among others, were also included. Results: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 93.9% according to the criteria for muscle strength and physical performance (EWGSOP2). PhA showed statistically significant differences between the groups with and without sarcopenia (p = 0.039), suggesting its usefulness as a nutritional marker. No statistically significant differences were found between sarcopenia and age, albumin, Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Index or C-reactive protein (p > 0.05). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of probable sarcopenia, associated with decreased handgrip strength and gait speed in patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis. In addition, PhA stands out as an influential factor in the development of sarcopenia. Full article
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16 pages, 1071 KB  
Article
Elucidating the Degradation of Naphthalene in Fenton-like Processes Coupled with Various Sulfur-Iron Materials: Performance and Mechanisms
by Guilu Zeng, Chi Zhang, Shuguang Lyu and Xia Ma
Water 2026, 18(8), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18080918 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026
Abstract
In this work, three sulfur-iron materials (sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI), ferrous sulfide (FeS), and pyrite (FeS2)) were employed to enhance the Fenton process for naphthalene (NAP) degradation. The enhancement performance and mechanisms of S-nZVI, FeS, and FeS2 were investigated [...] Read more.
In this work, three sulfur-iron materials (sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI), ferrous sulfide (FeS), and pyrite (FeS2)) were employed to enhance the Fenton process for naphthalene (NAP) degradation. The enhancement performance and mechanisms of S-nZVI, FeS, and FeS2 were investigated and compared. The results showed that NAP removal was enhanced from 56.4% in the H2O2/Fe(II) system to 88.6%, 83.0%, and 89.1% with the addition of S-nZVI, FeS, and FeS2, respectively. Three sulfur-iron materials could all reduce Fe(III) produced in aqueous solution, regenerate Fe(II), and slow down the precipitation of dissolved iron. In addition, the addition of sulfur-iron materials could promote the generation of hydroxyl radical (HO•), thus intensifying the degradation of NAP. The results of scavenging tests indicated that HO• was the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) for NAP removal, while superoxide radical (O2•) also participated. The effect of complex water matrices on NAP degradation was evaluated, showing that sulfur-iron material-enhanced techniques had a wide pH application range and had great tolerance to inorganic ions and humic acid. Moreover, NAP degradation intermediates and their toxicity were elucidated. Finally, the obvious removal of various pollutants in sulfur-iron material-enhanced systems demonstrated that these technologies could be used to remediate organic-polluted groundwater. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fate and Transport of Contaminants in Soil and Water)
23 pages, 5239 KB  
Article
Effect of Acid-Controlled SBA-15 on Catalytic Performance of CaO/Cr-SBA-15 Dual-Functional Materials
by Daoguang Yu, Wei Gao, Mingdong Li, Yangzhou Guo, Li Xu, Ziying Shi, Miaomiao Hao and Xiaohan Ren
Catalysts 2026, 16(4), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16040343 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026
Abstract
Based on the acid-sensitive characteristics of SBA-15 during synthesis, this study varied the acid types, pH values, and mixed acid ratios during SBA-15 preparation to enhance the performance of CaO/Cr-SBA-15 dual-functional materials (DFMs) in integrated CO2 capture and utilization for oxidative dehydrogenation [...] Read more.
Based on the acid-sensitive characteristics of SBA-15 during synthesis, this study varied the acid types, pH values, and mixed acid ratios during SBA-15 preparation to enhance the performance of CaO/Cr-SBA-15 dual-functional materials (DFMs) in integrated CO2 capture and utilization for oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane (ICCU-ODHE). It was found that the SBA-15 support synthesized in an H2SO4 environment exhibited a high specific surface area and abundant surface silanol groups, which facilitated the dispersion of Cr and increased the proportion of Cr6+ active sites, thereby achieving the highest ethane conversion. In contrast, the moderate surface acidity of the HCl-prepared support facilitated the selective dehydrogenation of ethane over Cr active sites, effectively inhibiting side reactions and maximizing ethylene selectivity. Further investigations into the effects of pH and mixed acids revealed that pH 1 is optimal for SBA-15 preparation. At this value, the support reached its maximum mesoporous ordering and specific surface area, allowing for optimal Cr dispersion. Consequently, the ethane conversion, ethylene selectivity, and DFM yield all reached their peak values. Any deviation from this pH led to degradation of the support structure and reduced Cr dispersion, resulting in a significant decline in catalytic performance. Among the tested materials, the CaO/Cr-SBA-15-Cl-S DFM synthesized with an HCl-H2SO4 mixed acid demonstrated the superior reactivity, achieving an ethylene yield of 33.95%. Long-term cycling tests indicated that the material possesses good stability, with its performance attenuation primarily attributed to coking and adsorbent sintering. Full article
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17 pages, 2975 KB  
Article
Study on Synthesis and Performance of a Hybrid Crosslinked Composite Gel for High-Temperature Lost Circulation Control
by Jiangang Shi, Xuyang Yao, Chaofei Wang, Tao Ren, Kecheng Liu, Huijun Hao, Zhangkun Ren and Jingbin Yang
Gels 2026, 12(4), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040325 (registering DOI) - 11 Apr 2026
Abstract
Conventional chemical gel plugging materials often suffer from poor high-temperature stability and inadequate mechanical properties. To address these issues, this study developed a high-performance composite gel material using a multi-component hybrid crosslinking strategy. The material employs γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as the silica source, which [...] Read more.
Conventional chemical gel plugging materials often suffer from poor high-temperature stability and inadequate mechanical properties. To address these issues, this study developed a high-performance composite gel material using a multi-component hybrid crosslinking strategy. The material employs γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) as the silica source, which hydrolyzes in situ to generate SiO2, thereby enhancing temperature resistance. Laponite nanoplatelets are incorporated as a toughening agent and physical crosslinking points, while a self-synthesized reactive microgel (BWL) serves as the organic crosslinking core. Through copolymerization with monomers such as acrylamide (AM) and methacrylic acid (MAA), a triple-crosslinked network structure is constructed. Compared with conventional gels, the synthesized hybrid crosslinked composite gel maintains a high storage modulus and loss modulus after aging at 140 °C and exhibits excellent tensile and compressive properties. Furthermore, the gel was processed into particle-based lost circulation materials with different particle sizes. High-temperature and high-pressure plugging experiments demonstrate that when using a mixed system of 40–60 mesh, 20–40 mesh, and 10–20 mesh gel particles with a total concentration of 2%, it can effectively seal highly permeable sand beds and fractures with apertures up to 5 mm. This meets the engineering requirements for lost circulation materials with high strength and high stability in deep, high-temperature formations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer Gels for Oil Drilling and Enhanced Recovery)
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21 pages, 2134 KB  
Article
TiO2/CdS Heterojunction as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Degradation of Crystal Violet Dye and Antibacterial Activity
by Shehzad Ahmad, Sumbul Irfan, Summaya Riaz, Naveed Akhtar, Dilaram Khan, Amir Zada, Muhammad Ateeq, Noor S. Shah, Javed Ali Khan and Changseok Han
Water 2026, 18(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18080910 - 10 Apr 2026
Abstract
In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), CdS NPs and TiO2/CdS nanocomposite were synthesized via the sol–gel, hydrothermal and ex situ method, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, UV–vis DRS, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis. XRD analysis confirmed the [...] Read more.
In this study, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), CdS NPs and TiO2/CdS nanocomposite were synthesized via the sol–gel, hydrothermal and ex situ method, respectively. The synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, UV–vis DRS, FTIR, SEM, and EDX analysis. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the as-prepared samples, while the bandgap energy of TiO2 NPs, CdS NPs, and TiO2/CdS nanocomposite were determined to be 2.98, 1.94, and 2.27 eV, respectively. Photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 NPs, CdS NPs, and TiO2/CdS nanocomposite was systematically evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet (CV) dye under visible-light irradiation. Under optimized reaction conditions of [CV concentration] = 20 mg/L, [catalyst dosage] = 0.25 g/L, and pH = 6, TiO2/CdS nanocomposite achieved 86.3% removal of CV within 180 min, outperforming pure TiO2 NPs (16.4%) and CdS NPs (66.9%). The enhanced performance of TiO2/CdS nanocomposite as compared to CdS NPs is attributed to improved charge separation via heterojunction formation, while significantly superior performance over TiO2 demonstrates successful visible-light activation. Further optimization study revealed that maximum removal efficiency of CV (97.1%) was achieved at lower dye concentration (10 mg/L). Photocatalytic degradation of CV followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Moreover, scavenger experiments confirmed hydroxyl radicals (OH) as dominant reactive species. Furthermore, the TiO2/CdS nanocomposite demonstrated good reusability with minimal activity loss after five runs. Additionally, the as-prepared nanocomposites showed significant antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). The present study indicated that TiO2/CdS nanocomposite could be simultaneously used for degradation of organic pollutants as well as for removal of microorganisms while targeting environmental sustainability and water purification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Photocatalysis in Water and Wastewater Treatment)
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30 pages, 3526 KB  
Article
Development of an Assay for C13-Norisoprenoid Analysis in Riesling Wine and Its Application to Simulated Aging by Acidic Hydrolysis Using Response Surface Methodology
by Sebastian Scharf, Lara Preuß, Peter Winterhalter and Recep Gök
Analytica 2026, 7(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/analytica7020029 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 74
Abstract
C13-Norisoprenoids are important contributors to the aroma of Riesling wine. Their quantification is analytically challenging due to their low concentrations, the lack of commercial standards and their pronounced sensitivity to analytical conditions, reflecting their chemical lability, as well as the dynamic [...] Read more.
C13-Norisoprenoids are important contributors to the aroma of Riesling wine. Their quantification is analytically challenging due to their low concentrations, the lack of commercial standards and their pronounced sensitivity to analytical conditions, reflecting their chemical lability, as well as the dynamic nature of the wine matrix, leading to high reactivity and, consequently, remarkable structural diversity. Here, we developed an assay for the analysis of C13-norisoprenoids in wine using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC-MS/MS). After evaluating different fiber materials, a statistical design of experiments (DoE) approach was employed to systematically optimize key HS-SPME parameters, including incubation, extraction and desorption conditions. Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions were established for all targeted C13-norisoprenoids, allowing the assay to provide relative quantification of more than 40 compounds using representative labeled and unlabeled standards to generate linear calibration curves. Following method validation, this approach was applied to a young German Riesling wine to investigate the effect of various acidic hydrolysis conditions on the norisoprenoid profile as well as on specific compounds. A central composite design (CCD) was used to systematically study the impact of pH, temperature, and hydrolysis time. Quantitative data were obtained for 22 C13-norisoprenoids demonstrating that hydrolysis conditions strongly affected the norisoprenoid composition. pH and temperature showed a greater influence than reaction time. Response surface models (RSM) indicated that TDN, Vitispirane and TPB in particular are predominantly formed under strongly acidic and high-temperature conditions, whereas others such as Riesling acetal and actinidols are formed under milder conditions. The results indicate that hydrolysis conditions should be tailored to the specific norisoprenoid under investigation and the research question, particularly when simulating conditions of accelerated wine ageing for analytical purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sample Pretreatment and Extraction)
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21 pages, 17337 KB  
Article
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Acid-Activated Hydrochar Under Different Feedstocks
by Luisa F. Medina-Ganem, Neali Valencia-Espinoza, Eduardo Bautista-Peñuelas, Raul E. Medina-Ganem, Alejandro Vega-Rios, Manuel I. Peña-Cruz, Erick R. Bandala, Alberto Quevedo-Castro, Martin Pacheco-Álvarez and Oscar M. Rodriguez-Narvaez
Processes 2026, 14(8), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14081200 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 100
Abstract
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of agricultural waste is a promising waste management technique. However, the use of different raw materials may produce hydrochars with varying efficiencies, both in yield and application, and environmental impacts, due to differences in composition and required processing conditions. To [...] Read more.
Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of agricultural waste is a promising waste management technique. However, the use of different raw materials may produce hydrochars with varying efficiencies, both in yield and application, and environmental impacts, due to differences in composition and required processing conditions. To understand the influence of biomass type and acid-assisted HTC conditions, this study used sugarcane and agave bagasse to produce functionalized hydrochars and evaluated them for the removal of Reactive Orange 84; an azo dye used in the textile industry. Material characterization was performed using FT-IR, TGA, BET, and XRD analyses. In addition, a life cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate environmental impacts associated with hydrochars produced using H2SO4 at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 M. TGA and XRD results indicate that agave bagasse hydrochars (HBA) retain more crystalline lignocellulosic structures, whereas sugarcane bagasse hydrochars (HBS) exhibit predominantly amorphous structures after HTC. FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of –SO3H functional groups; however, HBA samples showed greater availability of these groups with increasing acid concentration. Adsorption experiments and LCA results demonstrated that the most favorable treatment, in terms of emission reduction and dye removal, was agave bagasse functionalized with 0.5 M H2SO4, achieving 75.7% mass yield and 94.5% dye removal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agro-Food Waste Applying Sustainable Processes)
29 pages, 9237 KB  
Review
Research into Coal Gangue-Based Cementitious Materials: A Review
by Jing Li, Xiuli Han, Xiaolin Sun, Bowen Duan and Tianhang Si
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081485 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 84
Abstract
Coal gangue (CG), a bulk solid waste produced during coal mining, is rich in active components such as silicon and aluminum oxides, making it a high-quality raw material for the production of cementitious materials. Its utilization represents a significant pathway for achieving high-value [...] Read more.
Coal gangue (CG), a bulk solid waste produced during coal mining, is rich in active components such as silicon and aluminum oxides, making it a high-quality raw material for the production of cementitious materials. Its utilization represents a significant pathway for achieving high-value applications of CG and facilitating the low-carbon transformation of the cement industry. Owing to advantages such as low carbon emissions, environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and tunable performance, CG-based cementitious materials have been extensively investigated by researchers worldwide. Studies have focused on various aspects, including cementitious backfill materials, CG solid waste-based cement, geopolymers, concrete, and composite materials derived from CG. This paper systematically reviews the regional distribution, mineral composition, chemical constituents, and reactivity characteristics of CG. It further summarizes recent advances in activation techniques, performance optimization, and engineering applications of CG-based cementitious materials. Current challenges, such as insufficient activation efficiency, ambiguous hydration mechanisms, and limitations in large-scale application, are critically analyzed. Finally, future research directions and development trends are outlined to provide a theoretical foundation for further investigation and industrial implementation of CG-based cementitious materials. Full article
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25 pages, 18904 KB  
Article
Protective Effects of Polysaccharides from Pyropia suborbiculata Against UVB-Induced Photodamage in HaCaT Cells
by Kaiyue Chen, Hongchang Ding, Jiawei Zhong, Qinwen Zhou, Yujia Li, Long Zhang, Quancai Sun, Ye Peng, Wenhui Wu, Xichang Wang and Wanqiang Wu
Foods 2026, 15(8), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15081292 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Porphyra suborbiculata exhibits strong heat tolerance and has considerable commercial potential under rising sea temperatures; however, its bioactive components remain insufficiently explored. In this study, a heat-tolerant new strain of P. suborbiculata (PS-M4), cultivated by the College of Fisheries, was used as the [...] Read more.
Porphyra suborbiculata exhibits strong heat tolerance and has considerable commercial potential under rising sea temperatures; however, its bioactive components remain insufficiently explored. In this study, a heat-tolerant new strain of P. suborbiculata (PS-M4), cultivated by the College of Fisheries, was used as the experimental material. Polysaccharides were extracted using an ultrasound-assisted composite enzymatic method, and extraction conditions were optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, yielding a maximum extraction yield of 12.45 ± 0.09%. Crude polysaccharides were further purified using a purification apparatus, yielding two fractions, designated PSP-I and PSP-II. Preliminary structural characterization showed that PSP-I possessed a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 26.149 kDa, a number-average molecular weight (Mn) of 11.267 kDa, and a polydispersity index of 2.321. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that PSP-I was predominantly composed of galactose. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed typical polysaccharide functional groups, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a porous lamellar morphology. In vitro cell-based assays demonstrated that PSP-I significantly alleviated ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage in HaCaT cells by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, inhibiting apoptosis, and downregulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These results suggest that PSP-I has potential as a functional ingredient for mitigating UVB-induced skin damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)
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27 pages, 2894 KB  
Article
Shengmai San Ameliorates High-Glucose-Induced Calcium Homeostasis Imbalance via Improving Energy Metabolism in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
by Shixi Shang, Qu Zhai, Yuguo Huang, Junsong Yin, Jingju Wang and Xiaolu Shi
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040601 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 148
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Shengmai San (SMS) against high-glucose (HG)-induced injury in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and to elucidate the underlying pharmacological molecular mechanisms. We hypothesize that SMS ameliorates HG-induced calcium homeostasis imbalance in NRVMs by [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aims to investigate the protective effect of Shengmai San (SMS) against high-glucose (HG)-induced injury in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) and to elucidate the underlying pharmacological molecular mechanisms. We hypothesize that SMS ameliorates HG-induced calcium homeostasis imbalance in NRVMs by improving mitochondrial energy metabolism disorder, and this protective effect is associated with the downregulation of oxidized and phosphorylated CaMKII expression to inhibit CaMKII signaling pathway overactivation. Herein, we verify this hypothesis by assessing mitochondrial function, calcium transients, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium handling and CaMKII phosphorylation levels in NRVMs. Methods: First, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry was used to identify the chemical components of SMS to clarify its material basis. Primary NRVMs were then cultured under low-glucose (LG) or HG conditions, with 2% SMS-medicated serum (SMS-MS) as the experimental intervention, and NAC (ROS scavenger) and KN93 (CaMKII inhibitor) as positive controls. Following intervention, we sequentially detected key indicators corresponding to the proposed pathological pathway: intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (oxidative stress), mitochondrial ROS, mitochondrial function indices including oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (energy metabolism), calcium transients and diastolic intracellular free calcium concentration (global calcium homeostasis), sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium leak (calcium handling disorder), and, finally, the phosphorylation, oxidation levels of CaMKII and RyR2 phosphorylation (Ser2814) (p-RyR2) (key regulatory pathway) via Western blot to systematically elucidate the mechanistic link between SMS intervention and HG-induced NRVM injury. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed that high-glucose (HG) induction significantly reduced calcium transient amplitude and prolonged the decay time constant (tau) in NRVMs at 72 h (p < 0.01 vs. LG), with these parameters normalizing by 120 h—an effect indicative of a compensatory adaptive response. The 2%SMS-MS markedly ameliorated HG-induced calcium transient abnormalities at 72 h (p < 0.01 vs. HG). Additionally, 2%SMS-MS significantly enhanced mitochondrial basal oxygen consumption rate, spare respiratory capacity, ATP production, and maximal respiration in HG-exposed NRVMs (p < 0.01 vs. HG). SMS also significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (p < 0.01 vs. HG), mitochondrial ROS levels (p < 0.01 vs. HG), diastolic intracellular free calcium concentration (p < 0.01 vs. HG), and SR calcium leak (p < 0.05 vs. HG). Western blot analysis revealed that 2%SMS-MS intervention effectively downregulated the expression of oxidized CaMKII (Ox-CaMKII) (p < 0.01 vs. HG), phosphorylated CaMKII (p-CaMKII) (p < 0.01 vs. HG), and RyR2 phosphorylation (Ser2814) (p < 0.05 vs. HG), which may be the potential mechanism in maintaining calcium homeostasis in HG-induced NRVMs. Conclusions: This study suggests that SMS enhances mitochondrial energy metabolism and exerts a protective effect against high-glucose-induced calcium homeostasis imbalance in NRVMs, which supports our proposed hypothesis. Its potential mechanism indicates that the protective effects of SMS are associated with its ability to downregulate the expression of oxidized and phosphorylated CaMKII. These findings highlight SMS as a potential therapeutic candidate for alleviating HG-related myocardial injury and provide evidence for its application in the prevention of early diabetic cardiomyopathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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14 pages, 695 KB  
Article
Improving Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation with Dietary Intake of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids-Enriched Chicken Meat: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Tihana Nađ, Martina Kos, Ana Stupin, Ines Drenjančević, Nikolina Kolobarić, Zrinka Mihaljević, Petar Šušnjara, Mia Damašek, Darjan Kardum and Ivana Jukić
Biomedicines 2026, 14(4), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14040852 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Objective: Vascular function serves as an early indicator of cardiovascular (CV) risk. The intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been reported to improve arterial properties and reduce CV risk, but evidence in healthy individuals remains limited. This study investigated the effects [...] Read more.
Objective: Vascular function serves as an early indicator of cardiovascular (CV) risk. The intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been reported to improve arterial properties and reduce CV risk, but evidence in healthy individuals remains limited. This study investigated the effects of consuming n-3 PUFAs-enriched chicken meat on vascular reactivity at both microvascular and macrovascular levels in healthy young adults. Materials and Methods: In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized interventional trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05725486), 39 participants (aged 20–26 years) were assigned to either the Control group (n = 20; approximately 118 mg n-3 PUFAs/day) or the n-3 PUFA group (n = 19; approximately 1500 mg n-3 PUFAs/day) for three weeks. Microvascular reactivity was assessed via post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH), acetylcholine-induced dilation (AChID), local thermal hyperemia (LTH), and sodium nitroprusside-induced (SNPID) responses. Macrovascular reactivity was measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerine-mediated dilation (NTG-MD). Body composition and blood pressure (BP) were recorded before and after the intervention. Results: Both microvascular (PORH, AChID, and LTH) and macrovascular (FMD) endothelium-dependent vasodilation increased in the n-3 PUFAs group following the dietary protocol compared to the Control group. Conversely, the three-week dietary intervention did not influence endothelium-independent dilation in either the microvasculature (SNPID) or macrovasculature (NTG-MD) within the groups compared to baseline, nor were any differences observed between the groups. No significant changes were noted in BP or body composition after either diet. Conclusions: In healthy young adults, consuming the n-3 PUFAs-enriched chicken meat for three weeks improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation in both micro- and macrocirculation, without affecting endothelium-independent responses. These findings suggest that dietary n-3 PUFA intake may provide vascular benefits even in healthy, disease-free individuals at rest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Treatments)
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36 pages, 36653 KB  
Article
Soundscape-Informed Urban Planning and Architecture in Historic Centers: A Multi-Layer Method for Soundscape Characterization Applied to Bilbao Old Town
by Zigor Iturbe-Martin, Alexander Martín-Garín and Amaia Casado-Rezola
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3630; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083630 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Urban soundscape management is a central challenge to the livability and sustainability of cities and requires approaches that complement level indicators with frameworks capable of integrating context, use and experience. In this framework, the present work applies a multilayer methodology to the Old [...] Read more.
Urban soundscape management is a central challenge to the livability and sustainability of cities and requires approaches that complement level indicators with frameworks capable of integrating context, use and experience. In this framework, the present work applies a multilayer methodology to the Old Town of Bilbao, understood as a useful case study to explore the applicability of soundscape reading in historic centers with intense coexistence of commercial, hospitality and catering uses, pedestrian, logistical and cultural uses. The methodology is organized into two phases. The first focuses on the recording and documentation of control points and routes through sound fieldwork, perceptual descriptions and homogeneous systematization of information. From this corpus, a qualified sound map and a first visual characterization of the sound identity are elaborated. The second phase presented in this article, consists of the interpretative synthesis of the corpus through five analytical dimensions and the preparation of fragments and sound sequences conceived for future application through reactivated listening. The results are presented at three levels: (1) a traceable documentary corpus of records, files and synthetic representations; (2) a comparative reading by dimensions that identifies spatial contrasts between interior, exterior and perimeter, as well as relationships between urban form, uses, persistence, masking and salience; and (3) a set of operational audio materials prepared for subsequent comparison with inhabitants and users. In a transversal way, type–token reading distinguishes between the diversity of sounds and dominance by repetition. The article does not yet carry out participatory validation of these materials; its contribution consists of proposing and applying a traceable analytical protocol as a basis for future phases of social contrast and applied discussion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soundscapes in Architecture and Urban Planning)
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31 pages, 5422 KB  
Article
Controlling the Mixing Sequence of the Reactive Compatibilizer SAN-g-Epoxy in PBT/ABS Blends: Enhancing Mechanical and Thermomechanical Performance Through Interfacial Engineering
by Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Eduardo da Silva Barbosa Ferreira, Edson Antonio Dos Santos Filho, Fabiano Santana da Silva, José Vinícius Melo Barreto, Danilo Diniz Siqueira, Renate Maria Ramos Wellen and Edcleide Maria Araújo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(8), 3343; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27083343 - 8 Apr 2026
Viewed by 249
Abstract
Polymer blends constitute a strategy for tailoring the properties of commercial polymers, leading to the development of materials designed for specific applications. In this work, the effect of the mixing sequence of the reactive compatibilizer styrene–acrylonitrile functionalized with epoxy groups (SAN-g-Epoxy) on the [...] Read more.
Polymer blends constitute a strategy for tailoring the properties of commercial polymers, leading to the development of materials designed for specific applications. In this work, the effect of the mixing sequence of the reactive compatibilizer styrene–acrylonitrile functionalized with epoxy groups (SAN-g-Epoxy) on the performance of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) blends was investigated. PBT/ABS blends (60/40 wt%) were prepared by reactive extrusion in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding, incorporating five parts per hundred resin (phr) of SAN-g-Epoxy through different mixing sequences, aiming to understand how the processing order influences interfacial reactions, morphology, and the final properties of the material. The results indicated that SAN-g-Epoxy promotes reactive compatibilization between PBT and ABS, as evidenced by a significant increase in torque and complex viscosity, as well as by an increase in the intensity of the carbonyl band in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the presence of the compatibilizer resulted in a pronounced morphological refinement of the dispersed ABS phase, reducing the average particle size from approximately 4.34 µm to about 0.47–0.54 µm. Among the processing strategies, the route (PBT/SAN-g-Epoxy) + ABS exhibited the best mechanical performance under impact, reaching 206.7 J/m. However, the simultaneous mixing sequence PBT/ABS/SAN-g-Epoxy showed the best balance of properties, with gains of 203% in impact strength, 8.8% in elastic modulus, and 40.1% in heat deflection temperature (HDT) compared to neat PBT. The results indicate that PBT can be improved and tailored for engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Advanced Polymer Materials, 3rd Edition)
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