Search Results (70)

Cimicifuga racemosa extracts, particularly the ethanolic extract Ze 450, are widely used to alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and excessive sweating. While their clinical efficacy is well established, the effects of these interventions on systemic energy metabolism remain unclear. This pilot study investigated the impact of Ze 450 on body composition, metabolic markers, and voluntary physical activity in non-ovariectomized female Wistar rats. Animals (N = 36) received Ze 450 at either 30 mg/kg or 130 mg/kg body weight, with or without access to voluntary wheel running over four weeks. Neither treatment influenced body weight gain or final body weight, indicating normal growth across all groups. Post-mortem analyses included visceral fat mass, serum cholesterol, and leptin levels. Both Ze 450 and running reduced visceral fat mass, adipocyte size, and circulating leptin levels, suggesting that they share overlapping mechanisms. Serum cholesterol was significantly lowered by running but remained unaffected by Ze 450, while liver weight and alanine aminotransferase activity were unchanged, confirming hepatic safety. Collectively, Ze 450 improved key metabolic parameters related to adiposity and appetite without affecting hepatic integrity, highlighting its potential as a safe, non-hormonal metabolic modulator complementary to physical activity. Full article

Intense training loads alter the skin microbiome and defence mechanisms in athletes, yet adaptation profiles remain insufficiently characterised. This study evaluated the relationships between skin bacterial microbiome structure, antimicrobial activity, dermcidin levels, and acne severity in male professional hockey players compared with amateur athletes and non-athletes. One hundred men (18–57 years) were examined and allocated to six subgroups by exercise intensity and acne status. Microbiota composition was assessed by culture-based methods and MALDI-TOF identification, antimicrobial activity measured spectrophotometrically, dermcidin quantified by ELISA, and sweat proteome characterised by HPLC-MS. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Micrococcus luteus predominated in all groups. Exercise intensity, rather than acne, was the main determinant of total bacterial colonisation, which increased approximately tenfold from non-athletes to professional hockey players. In non-athletes, higher antimicrobial activity correlated with greater acne severity, whereas in professionals this relationship was absent and dermcidin levels showed an inverse association with acne severity. Proteomic analysis identified 17 polypeptides; dermcidin and prolactin-inducible protein were dominant in all groups, and calprotectin (S100-A8/A9) was detected exclusively in healthy professionals. Full article

To investigate age-related differences in preferred air speed in warm conditions, experiments were conducted in a climate-controlled chamber. 24 young and 24 elderly participants were tested in windless and preferred wind conditions. A resting metabolic rate (RMR) prediction model based on body composition was proposed to examine the effects of individual differences on preferred air speed. Results showed that the elderly exhibited lower RMR than the young, but their mean preferred air speed was 1.3 m/s, significantly higher than that of the young (0.9 m/s), corresponding to their higher mean skin temperatures. Preferred airflow effectively reduced thermal sensation and perceived sweating, thereby improving thermal comfort and airflow acceptance. During airflow exposure, mean skin temperature decreased, while LF/HF index of heart rate variability and skin conductance level increased, indicating enhanced sympathetic activity. These findings suggest that reduced sweat gland function and evaporative heat dissipation cause the elderly to require higher air speeds to achieve thermal neutrality. Their reduced thermal sensitivity further highlights the need for more precise environmental control. RMR exerted a more pronounced influence on the preferred air speed among the elderly, underscoring its significance in designing thermally adaptive environments for aging populations. Full article

Pollinators play a crucial role in global biodiversity, providing essential ecosystem services such as crop pollination. However, their abundance and diversity have been gradually decreasing in recent years. Despite increasing interest in sustainable agriculture, information on vegetable crops that attract insect pollinators remains limited. We hypothesize that variation in floral traits among vegetable crop cultivars, especially nectar volume, nectar sugar concentration, and pollen characteristics, significantly influences visitation patterns and species composition. To test this, we evaluated multiple cultivars of six vegetable crops (cowpea, sweet potato, eggplant, green bean, mustard, and chickpea) over two years, focusing on five key pollinator groups (honey bees, bumble bees, carpenter bees, sweat bees, and wasps). Cowpea and sweet potato consistently attracted the most pollinators, whereas chickpea attracted the fewest. In 2022, nectar volume was highest in sweet potato (16.45 ± 0.37 µL) and lowest in chickpea (1.18 ± 0.75 µL). Similarly, in 2023, sweet potato recorded the highest nectar volume (8.33 ± 2.95 µL), and chickpea the lowest (0.02 ± 0.01 µL). However, chickpea (31.00 ± 1.58 °Bx) and mustard (30.10 ± 1.12 °Bx) recorded the highest nectar sugar concentration in both years, and chickpea and eggplant produced significantly more pollen grains. A significant positive correlation was observed between nectar volume and pollinator abundance. Comprehensively, this two-year study demonstrates the complex relationship between floral traits and pollinator preferences. These findings offer growers practical guidance on selecting vegetable intercrops that attract specific pollinators, thereby enhancing pollination services, supporting biodiversity, and improving the yield of pollinator-dependent crops. Full article

Monitoring electrodermal activity (EDA) and sweat rate (SR) and volume hold promise for yielding neurological health insights about individuals. A combination of standard EDA monitoring with the quantitative analysis of perspired sweat volume, rate, and composition represents a promising advancement for improving the understanding and reliability of EDA signals. In this picture, exploiting printed electronics to face challenges related to bulky gold-standard setups and to achieve integration in fully wearable devices represents one of the most interesting approaches addressed by recent research. In this review, we present an overview of the principal techniques, materials, and measurement methods reported for fabricating EDA and sweat monitoring electrodes. We highlight the increasing effect of printing technologies as a key enabler for scalable, low-cost, and customizable fabrication of flexible sensors suited for on-skin applications. These approaches not only support mass production but also enhance adaptability and comfort in wearable formats. Overall, the review emphasizes how printed technologies significantly improve physiological signal quality and open new opportunities for continuous, non-invasive, and personalized health monitoring. Full article

Polymer gel-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as versatile platforms for self-powered sensing due to their inherent softness, stretchability, and tunable conductivity. This review comprehensively explores the roles of polymer gels in TENG architecture, including their function as triboelectric layers, electrodes, and conductive matrices. We analyze four operational modes—vertical contact-separation, lateral-sliding, single-electrode, and freestanding configurations—alongside key performance metrics. Recent studies have reported output voltages of up to 545 V, short-circuit currents of 48.7 μA, and power densities exceeding 120 mW/m², demonstrating the high efficiency of gel-based TENGs. Gel materials are classified by network structure (single-, double-, and multi-network), matrix composition (hydrogels, aerogels, and ionic gels), and dielectric medium. Strategies to enhance conductivity using ionic salts, conductive polymers, and nanomaterials are discussed in relation to triboelectric output and sensing sensitivity. Morphological features such as surface roughness, porosity, and micro/nano-patterning are examined for their impact on charge generation. Application-focused sections detail the integration of gel-based TENGs in health monitoring (e.g., sweat, glucose, respiratory, and tremor sensing), environmental sensing (e.g., humidity, fire, marine, and gas detection), and tactile interfaces (e.g., e-skin and wearable electronics). Finally, we address current challenges, including mechanical durability, dehydration, and system integration, and outline future directions involving self-healing gels, hybrid architectures, and AI-assisted sensing. This review expands the subject area by synthesizing recent advances and offering a strategic roadmap for developing intelligent, sustainable, and multifunctional TENG-based sensing technologies. Full article

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus necessitates the development of advanced glucose-monitoring systems that are non-invasive, reliable, and capable of real-time analysis. Wearable electrochemical biosensors have emerged as promising tools for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), particularly through sweat-based platforms. This review highlights recent advancements in enzymatic and non-enzymatic wearable biosensors, with a specific focus on the pivotal role of nanomaterials in enhancing sensor performance. In enzymatic sensors, nanomaterials serve as high-surface-area supports for glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilization and facilitate direct electron transfer (DET), thereby improving sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization. Meanwhile, non-enzymatic sensors leverage metal and metal oxide nanostructures as catalytic sites to mimic enzymatic activity, offering improved stability and durability. Both categories benefit from the integration of carbon-based materials, metal nanoparticles, conductive polymers, and hybrid composites, enabling the development of flexible, skin-compatible biosensing systems with wireless communication capabilities. The review critically evaluates sensor performance parameters, including sensitivity, limit of detection, and linear range. Finally, current limitations and future perspectives are discussed. These include the development of multifunctional sensors, closed-loop therapeutic systems, and strategies for enhancing the stability and cost-efficiency of biosensors for broader clinical adoption. Full article

Deodorants and antiperspirants available on the market are designed to reduce the discomfort associated with sweating. This study examined the types of active substances contained in deodorants and antiperspirants from international cosmetic brands available in Poland (part of the EU market) and the frequency of their use. Product compositions were analysed based on INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) product labels. The investigation included the following 170 cosmetic products: 50 spray deodorants (from 50 different brands); 50 roll-on deodorants (from 50 brands); 20 stick deodorants (from 20 brands); 40 roll-on antiperspirants (from 40 brands); and 10 stick antiperspirants (from 10 brands). The most popular active components were Triethyl Citrate (51/120 formulations; 42.5%), followed by Alcohol (25.8%), Ethylhexylglycerin (25.0%), Caprylyl Glycol (12.5%), and Potassium Alum (10.0%). Antiperspirant products were dominated by aluminium-based compounds, with the most frequently used being the following aluminium-based salts: Aluminium Chlorohydrate (67.5%), Aluminium Sesquichlorohydrate (25.0%), and Aluminium Chloride (12.5%). In contrast, aluminium–zirconium complexes, such as Aluminum Zirconium Tri-, Penta-, and Octachlorohydrex Gly, were rarely used by cosmetic manufacturers. Additionally, composition complexity, i.e., the number of deodorizing and anti-sweating ingredients per single formulation, was examined for roll-on deodorants, stick deodorants, and roll-on antiperspirants. All tested antiperspirants and most deodorants contained fragrance-imparting ingredients; the most popular were Parfum/Fragrance, Limonene, Linalool, Citronellol, Citral, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, and Geraniol. Full article

Cortisol, a steroid hormone, is closely associated with human mental stress. The rapid, real-time, and continuous detection of cortisol using wearable devices offers a promising approach for individual mental health. These devices must exhibit high sensitivity and long-term stability to ensure reliable performance. This study developed a wearable electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology for real-time and dynamic monitoring of cortisol in sweat. A flexible gold (Au) electrode with interfacial hydrophilic treatment was employed to construct a highly stable electrode. The integration of a silk fibroin/polyvinylidene fluoride (SF/PVDF) composite membrane facilitates directional sweat transport, while liquid metal bonding enhances electrode flexibility and mechanical anti-delamination capability. The sensor exhibits an ultrawide detection range (0.1 pM to 5 μM), high selectivity (over 100-fold against interferents such as glucose and lactic acid), and long-term stability (less than 3.76% signal attenuation over 120 cycles). Additionally, a gradient modulus design was implemented to mitigate mechanical deformation interference under wearable conditions. As a flexible wearable device for cortisol monitoring in human sweat, the sensor’s response closely aligns with the diurnal cortisol rhythm, offering a highly sensitive and interference-resistant wearable solution for mental health monitoring and advancing personalized dynamic assessment of stress-related disorders. Full article

This study aimed to investigate diet quality in a population of male competitive athletes by comparing their total energy and macro- and micronutrients intake assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to current nutritional recommendations for this specific population. An additional goal was to assess athletes’ sodium-to-potassium (Na-to-K) ratio. This cross-sectional study involved 31 healthy competitive male athletes. Subjects’ body mass index, body composition, arterial blood pressure, as well as red blood count (RBC) and serum lipid profile measurements showed that all subjects were lean and normotensive and had normal RBC and serum lipid levels. All subjects completed a cross-culturally adapted, translated, and validated EPIC–Norfolk FFQ. The total energy intake reported in the FFQ was below the recommended values; however, 71% of subjects were classified as low energy reporters (LERs). Energy intake from proteins was within and from carbohydrates was below the recommended interval, while the total energy intake from fats (and also saturated fatty acids) exceeded the recommendations. Suboptimal intakes of vitamin D and folate were observed, indicating the necessity for monitoring (and supplementing) in this population. High Na intake, which despite adequate K intake resulted in a higher Na-to-K ratio, highlighted concerns over excessive salt consumption, but also accentuated the need for monitoring sodium (and potassium) intake in competitive athletes with consideration for sweat-related losses. Full article

Recent advancements in smart textiles have facilitated their extensive application in wearable health monitoring, particularly in brain activity measurement. This study introduces a flexible and washable fabric dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrode designed for brain activity measurement. The fabric dry electrode is constructed from electrically conductive polyester fabric with a resistivity of 0.09 Ω·cm, achieved by applying a PEDOT: PSS/PVA conductive paste coating on the textile substrate. A comparative analysis of the tensile properties between the conductive and untreated polyester fabric was conducted. The SEM images demonstrated that the PEDOT: PSS/PVA conductive polymer composite resulted in a uniform coating on the fabric surface. When enveloped in elastic foam, the fabric dry electrode maintained a low and stable electrode–skin contact impedance during prolonged EEG monitoring. Additionally, the short circuit noise level of the fabric dry electrode exhibited superior performance compared to both Ag/AgCl wet and finger dry electrode. The EEG signals acquired from the fabric dry electrode were comparable to those recorded by the Ag/AgCl wet electrode. Moreover, the fabric electrode effectively captured clear and reliable EEG signals, even after undergoing 10 washing cycles. The fabric dry electrode indicates good sweat resistance and biocompatibility during prolonged monitoring. Full article

In recent years, W-Cu composite systems have become very interesting subjects due to good electrical and thermal conductivity, high-temperature strength, certain plasticity, and excellent radiation resistance. W-Cu composites are a very important class of materials in applications like PFM (plasma facing materials), functional graded materials (FGM), electronic packaging materials, high-voltage electrical contacts, sweating materials, shaped charge liners, electromagnetic gun-rail materials, kinetic energy penetrators, and radiation shielding/protection. There is no possibility of forming a crystalline structure between these two materials. However, due to the unique properties these materials possess, they can be used by preparing them as a composite. Generally, W-Cu composites are prepared via the conventional powder metallurgy routes, i.e., sintering, hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, isostatic cold pressing, sintering and infiltration, and microwave sintering. However, these processes have certain limitations, like the inability to produce bulk material, they are expensive, and their adoptability is limited. Here, in this review, we will discuss in detail the fabrication routes of additive manufacturing, and its current progress, challenges, trends, and associated properties obtained. We will also explain the challenges for the additive manufacturing of the composite. We will also compare W-Cu composites to other materials that can challenge them in terms of specific applications or service conditions. The solidification mechanism will be explained for W-Cu composites in additive manufacturing. Finally, we will conclude the progress of additive manufacturing of W-Cu composites to date and suggest future recommendations based on the current challenges in additive manufacturing. Full article

The demand for non-invasive, real-time health monitoring has driven advancements in wearable sensors for tracking biomarkers in sweat. Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) in sweat serve as indicators of metabolic function, muscle fatigue, and kidney health. Although current ion-selective all-solid-state printed sensors based on nanocomposites typically exhibit good sensitivity (~50 mV/log [NH₄⁺]), low detection limits (LOD ranging from 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁷ M), and wide linearity ranges (from 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻¹ M), few have reported the stability test results necessary for their integration into commercial products for future practical applications. This study presents a highly stable, wearable electrochemical sensor based on a composite of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for monitoring NH₄⁺ in sweat. The synergistic properties of Ni-based MOFs and rGO enhance the sensor’s electrochemical performance by improving charge transfer rates and expanding the electroactive surface area. The MOF/rGO sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, with a Nernstian response of 59.2 ± 1.5 mV/log [NH₄⁺], an LOD of 10^−6.37 M, and a linearity range of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻¹ M. Additionally, the hydrophobic nature of the MOF/rGO composite prevents water layer formation at the sensing interface, thereby enhancing long-term stability, while its high double-layer capacitance minimizes potential drift (7.2 µV/s (i = ±1 nA)) in short-term measurements. Extensive testing verified the sensor’s exceptional stability, maintaining consistent performance and stable responses across varying NH₄⁺ concentrations over 7 days under ambient conditions. On-body tests further confirmed the sensor’s suitability for the continuous monitoring of NH₄⁺ levels during physical activities. Further investigations are required to fully elucidate the impact of interference from other sweat components (such as K⁺, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, etc.) and the influence of environmental factors (including the subject’s physical activity, posture, etc.). With a clearer understanding of these factors, the sensor has the potential to emerge as a promising tool for wearable health monitoring applications. Full article

Metabolomics investigates final and intermediate metabolic products in cells. Assessment of the human metabolome relies principally on the analysis of blood, urine, saliva, sweat, and feces. Tissue biopsy is employed less frequently. Understanding the metabolite composition of biosamples from athletes can significantly improve our knowledge of molecular processes associated with the efficiency of training and recovery. Such knowledge may also lead to new management opportunities. Successful execution of metabolomic studies requires simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analyses of numerous small biomolecules in samples under test. Unlike genomics and proteomics, which do not allow for direct assessment of enzymatic activity, metabolomics focuses on biochemical phenotypes, providing unique information about health and physiological features. Crucial factors in ensuring the efficacy of metabolomic analysis are the meticulous selection and pre-treatment of samples. Full article

The estimation of the time of death represents a highly complex and challenging task within the field of forensic medicine and science. It is essential to approach this matter with the utmost respect for human rights while acknowledging the inherent limitations of the current methods, which require continuous refinement and expansion. Forensic science recognizes the necessity to improve existing techniques and develop new, more accurate, and non-invasive procedures, such as physicochemical approaches, to enhance the precision and reliability of time of death determinations. This article proposes a novel, non-invasive method for estimating the time of death using a spectroscopic analysis of tryptophan. The initial phase of the study concerns the presentation of the spectroscopic properties of tryptophan at varying pH levels, with consideration given to the pH fluctuations that occur during the decomposition of cadavers. The findings confirm the stability of the spectroscopic properties at different environmental pH levels. Subsequently, preliminary trials were conducted on 15 healthy human volunteers, which demonstrated that tryptophan concentrations in fingerprint samples were within the detection limits using molecular spectroscopy techniques. The final objective was to ascertain whether the composition of the substance present on the skin surface of a deceased individual up to 48 h postmortem is comparable to that of the sweat–fatty substance in living individuals. This was confirmed by the absorption and emission spectral profiles, which showed overlapping patterns with those obtained from living volunteers. The most significant outcome at this stage was the demonstration of a considerable increase in emission intensity in the spectra for samples obtained approximately 48 h after death in comparison to that obtained from a sample taken approximately 24 h after death. This indicates a rise in the concentration of tryptophan on the skin surface as the postmortem interval (PMI) increases, which could serve as a basis for developing a tool to estimate the time of death. Full article