Search Results (1,848)

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demands innovative non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies. Dual-modal photoresponse therapy integrating photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) effects offers a promising rapid antibacterial approach, yet designing single-material systems with synergistic enhancement remains challenging. This study aims to develop uniform Cu-based metal–organic framework micrometer cubes (Cu-BN) for efficient PDT/PTT synergy. Methods: Cu-BN cubes were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using Cu(NO₃)₂ and 2-amino-p-benzoic acid. The material’s dual-mode responsiveness to visible light (420 nm) and near-infrared light (808 nm) was characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, photothermal profiling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was quantified via colony counting under dual-light irradiation. Results: Under synergistic 420 + 808 nm irradiation for 15 min, Cu-BN (200 μg/mL) achieved rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant E. coli (99.94%) and S. aureus (99.83%). The material reached 58.6 °C under dual-light exposure, significantly exceeding single-light performance. Photodynamic analysis confirmed a 78.7% singlet oxygen (¹O₂) conversion rate. This enhancement stems from PTT-induced membrane permeabilization accelerating ROS diffusion, while PDT-generated ROS sensitized bacteria to thermal damage. Conclusions: This integrated design enables spatiotemporal PDT/PTT synergy within a single Cu-BN system, establishing a new paradigm for rapid-acting, broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobials. The work provides critical insights for developing light-responsive biomaterials against drug-resistant infections. Full article

Outdoor air pollution poses a major global health risk, yet monitoring remains insufficient, especially in regions with limited infrastructure. Solar-powered monitors could allow for increased coverage in regions lacking robust connectivity. However, reliable sample collection can be challenging with these systems due to extreme temperatures and insufficient solar energy. Proper planning can help overcome these challenges. Air Sampler Solar and Thermal Optimization for Reliable Monitoring (Air-STORM) is an open-source tool that uses meteorological and solar radiation data to identify temperature and solar charging risks for air pollution monitors based on the target deployment area. The model was validated experimentally, and its utility was demonstrated through illustrative case studies. Air-STORM simulations can be customized for specific locations, seasons, and monitor configurations. This capability enables the early detection of potential sampling risks and provides opportunities to optimize monitor design, proactively mitigate temperature and power failures, and increase the likelihood of successful sample collection. Ultimately, improving sampling success will help increase the availability of high-quality outdoor air pollution data necessary to reduce global air pollution exposure. Full article

The aim of this work is to analyse the effectiveness of the medical use of the Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA) in microsurgical treatment of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors (IMSCTs), with a focus on the thermo-mechanical effects on neighbouring tissues to assess any potential damage. Indeed, CUSA emerges as an innovative solution, minimally invasive tumor excision technique, enabling controlled and focused operations. This study employs a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the vibratory and thermal interactions occurring during CUSA application. A computational model of a vertebral column segment affected by an IMSCT was developed and analysed using ANSYS 2024 software. The simulations examined strain distribution, heat generation, and temperature propagation within the biological tissues. The FEA results demonstrate that the vibratory-induced strain remains highly localised to the application site, and thermal effects, though measurable, do not exceed the critical safety threshold of 46 °C established in the literature. These findings suggest that CUSA can be safely used within defined operational parameters, provided that energy settings and exposure times are carefully managed to mitigate excessive thermal accumulation. These conclusions contribute to the understanding of the thermo-mechanical interactions in ultrasonic tumour resection and aim to assist medical professionals in optimising surgical protocols. Full article

Elodea nuttallii is a significant submerged macrophyte utilized in shrimp and crab aquaculture, yet it exhibits low thermotolerance. This study investigated the physiological responses and transcriptomic characteristics of E. nuttallii under high-temperature stress (HTS). The results indicated that HTS significantly reduced the absolute growth rate (AGR) and photosynthetic efficiency of E. nuttallii while concurrently elevating antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and concentrations of osmotic adjustment compounds. Furthermore, the apical segments of E. nuttallii demonstrated greater sensitivity to HTS compared to the middle segments. Under exposure to 35 °C and 40 °C, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA content, and osmotic adjustment compound levels were significantly higher in the apical segments than in the middle segments. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 7526 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the apical segments at 35 °C, a number substantially exceeding that observed in the middle segments. Enrichment analysis of DEGs revealed significant upregulation of key metabolic regulators under HTS, including carbohydrate metabolism genes (HXK, FRK) and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis enzymes (4CL, COMT). This transcriptional reprogramming demonstrates E. nuttallii’s adaptive strategy of modulating carbon allocation and phenolic compound synthesis to mitigate thermal damage. Our findings not only elucidate novel thermotolerance mechanisms in aquatic plants but also provide candidate genetic targets (HXK, 4CL) for molecular breeding of heat-resilient cultivars through transcriptomic screening. Full article

Non-autoclave-cured wet layup composites are used extensively in applications ranging from civil and marine infrastructure to offshore components and in transmission power systems. In many of these applications the composites can be exposed to elevated temperatures for extended periods of time. While residual tensile characteristics have been used traditionally to assess the integrity of the composite after a thermal event/exposure, it is emphasized that fiber-dominated characteristics such as longitudinal tensile strength are not affected as much as those associated with shear. This paper reports on the investigation of shear related characteristics through off-axis and short-beam shear testing after exposure to temperatures between 66 °C and 260 °C for periods of time up to 72 h. It is shown that the use of shear test results in conjunction with tensile tests enables better assessment of the competing effects of postcure, which results in an increase in performance, and thermal degradation, which causes drops in performance. Off-axis-to-tensile strength and short-beam shear strength-to-tensile strength ratios are used to determine zones of influence and mechanisms. It is shown that temperatures up to 149 °C can lead to advantageous postcure related increases in performance whereas temperatures above 232 °C can lead to significant deterioration at time periods as low as 4 h. The use of shear tests is shown to provide data critical to performance integrity showing trends otherwise obscured by just the use of longitudinal tensile tests. A phenomenological model developed based on effects of the competing mechanisms and grouping based on phenomenon dominance and temperature regimes is shown to model data well providing a useful context for deign thresholds and determination of remaining structural integrity. Full article

This study investigates the thermal stability and microstructural evolution of the solid electrolyte medium used in DLyte^® dry electropolishing and dry anodizing processes. Samples were thermally aged between 30 °C and 45 °C to simulate Joule heating during industrial operation. Visual and SEM analyses revealed shape deformation and microcrack formation at temperatures above 40 °C, potentially reducing particle packing efficiency and electrolyte performance. Particle size distribution shifted from bimodal to trimodal upon aging, with an overall size reduction of up to 39.5% due to dehydration effects, impacting ionic transport properties. Weight-loss measurements indicated a diffusion-limited dehydration mechanism, stabilizing at 15–16% mass loss. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed water removal while maintaining the essential sulfonic acid groups responsible for ionic conductivity. In dry anodizing tests on titanium, aged electrolytes enhanced process efficiency, producing TiO₂ films with improved optical properties—color and brightness—while preserving thickness and uniformity (~70 nm). The results highlight the need to carefully control thermal exposure to maintain electrolyte integrity and ensure consistent process performance. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower limb defects often present significant reconstructive challenges due to limited soft tissue availability and exposure of critical structures. Perforator-based flaps offer reliable solutions, with minimal donor site morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infrared thermography (IRT) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of perforator-based flaps, assessing its accuracy in identifying perforators, predicting complications, and optimizing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps between 2022 and 2024. Perforator mapping was performed concurrently with IRT and Doppler ultrasonography (D-US), with intraoperative confirmation. Flap design variables and systemic parameters were recorded. Postoperative monitoring employed thermal imaging on days 1 and 7. Outcomes were correlated with thermal, anatomical, and systemic factors using statistical analyses, including t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: IRT showed high sensitivity (97.4%) and positive predictive value (96.8%) for perforator detection. A total of nine minor complications occurred, predominantly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or elevated glycemia (p = 0.05). Larger flap-to-defect ratios (A/C and B/C) correlated with increased complications in propeller flaps, while smaller ratios posed risks for V-Y and Keystone flaps. Thermal analysis indicated significantly lower flap temperatures and greater temperature gradients in flaps with complications by postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05). CRP levels correlated with glycemia and white blood cell counts, highlighting systemic inflammation’s impact on outcomes. Conclusions: IRT proves to be a reliable, non-invasive method for perforator localization and flap monitoring, enhancing surgical planning and early complication detection. Combined with D-US, it improves perforator selection and perfusion assessment. Thermographic parameters, systemic factors, and flap design metrics collectively predict flap viability. Integration of IRT into surgical workflows offers a cost-effective tool for optimizing reconstructive outcomes in lower limb surgery. Full article

One of the advantages of the EPR spectroscopy method in assessing structural defects caused by irradiation is the fact that using this method it is possible to determine not only the concentration dependences of the defect structure but to also establish their type, which is not possible with methods such as X-ray diffraction or scanning electron microscopy. Based on the data obtained, the role of variation in the ratio of components in Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics on the processes of softening under high-dose irradiation with protons simulating the accumulation of hydrogen in the damaged layer, as well as the concentration of structural defects in the form of oxygen vacancies and radiolysis products on the processes of high-temperature degradation of ceramics, was determined. It was found that the main changes in the defect structure during the prolonged thermal exposure of irradiated samples are associated with the accumulation of oxygen vacancies, the density of which was estimated by the change in the intensity of singlet lithium, characterizing the presence of E-centers. At the same time, it was found that the formation of interphase boundaries in the structure of Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics leads to the inhibition of high-temperature degradation processes in the case of post-radiation thermal exposure for a long time. Also, during the conducted studies, the role of thermal effects on the structural damage accumulation rate in Li₄SiO₄–Li₂TiO₃ ceramics was determined in the case when irradiation is carried out at different temperatures. During the experiments, it was determined that the main contribution of thermal action in the process of proton irradiation at a fluence of 5 × 10¹⁷ proton/cm² is an increase in the concentration of radiolysis products, described by changes in the intensities of spectral maxima, characterized by the presence of defects such as ≡Si–O, SiO₄³⁻ and Ti³⁺ defects. Full article

Carassius auratus exhibits significant physiological and behavioral alterations under the combined stress of temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) fluctuations, which are common challenges in aquaculture. In this investigation, we employed controlled thermal and DO gradients to characterize the multidimensional response profile of this species. The key findings revealed that thermal elevation profoundly influenced blood glucose and cortisol concentrations. Notably, exposure to hyperoxic conditions markedly attenuated stress responses relative to hypoxia at equivalent temperatures: cortisol levels were significantly suppressed (reductions of 60.11%, 118.06%, and 34.72%), while blood glucose levels exhibited concurrent increases (16.42%, 26.43%, and 26.34%). Distinctive behavioral patterns, including floating head behavior, surface swimming behavior, and rollover behavior, were identified as indicative behaviors of thermal–oxygen stress. Molecular analysis demonstrated the upregulated expression of stress-associated genes (HSP70, HSP90, HIF-1α, and Prdx3), which correlated temporally with elevated cortisol and glucose concentrations and the manifestation of stress behaviors. Furthermore, a muscle texture assessment indicated that increased DO availability mitigated the textural deterioration induced by heat stress. Collectively, this work establishes an authentic biomarker framework, providing crucial threshold parameters essential for the development of intelligent, real-time environmental monitoring and dynamic regulation systems to enhance climate-resilient aquaculture management. Full article

Global warming and anthropogenic climate change are projected to expand the geographic distribution and population abundance of ectothermic species and exacerbate the biological invasion of exotic species. DNA methylation, as a reversible epigenetic modification, could provide a putative link between the phenotypic plasticity of invasive species and environmental temperature variations. We assessed and interpreted the epigenetic mechanisms of invasive and indigenous species’ differential tolerance to thermal stress through the invasive species Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) and the indigenous species Bemisia tabaci AsiaII3. We examine their thermal tolerance following exposure to heat and cold stress. We found that MED exhibits higher thermal resistance than AsiaII3 under heat stress. The fluorescence-labeled methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (F-MSAP) results proved that the increased thermal tolerance in MED is closely related to DNA methylation changes, other than genetic variation. Furthermore, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) suggested that increased expression of Dnmt3 regulates the higher thermal tolerance of female MED adults. A mechanism is revealed whereby DNA methylation enhances thermal tolerance in invasive species. Our results show that the Dnmt-mediated regulation mechanism is particularly significant for understanding invasive species’ successful invasion and rapid adaptation under global warming, providing new potential targets for controlling invasive species worldwide. Full article

This study assessed the effectiveness of stress-based cognitive-behavioral training compared to standard training in firefighters, emphasizing their ability to distribute extinguishing water and cool environments evenly during enclosure fires. Experiments took place at the Zbiroh training facility with two firefighter teams (Team A with stress-based training and Team B with standard training) under realistic conditions. Using 58 thermocouples and 4 radiometers, temperature distribution and radiant heat flux were measured to evaluate water distribution efficiency and cooling performance during interventions. Team A consistently achieved temperature reductions of approximately 320 °C in the upper layers and 250–400 °C in the middle layers, maintaining stable conditions, whereas Team B only achieved partial cooling, with upper-layer temperatures remaining at 750–800 °C. Additionally, Team A recorded lower radiant heat flux densities (e.g., 20.74 kW/m² at 0°) compared to Team B (21.81 kW/m²), indicating more effective water application and adaptability. The findings confirm that stress-based training enhances firefighters’ operational readiness and their ability to distribute water effectively during interventions. This skill is essential for safer and effective management of indoor fires under extreme conditions. This study supports the inclusion of stress-based and scenario-based training in firefighter education to enhance safety and operational performance. Full article

Background: Pain is a complex phenomenon characterized by unpleasant experiences with profound heterogeneity influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 50.2 million U.S. adults (20.5%) experience pain on most days, with the annual cost of prescription medication for pain reaching approximately USD 17.8 billion. Theranostic pain nanomedicine therefore emerges as an attractive analgesic strategy with the potential for increased efficacy, reduced side-effects, and treatment personalization. Theranostic nanomedicine combines drug delivery and diagnostic features, allowing for real-time monitoring of analgesic efficacy in vivo using molecular imaging. However, clinical translation of these nanomedicines are challenging due to complex manufacturing methodologies, lack of standardized quality control, and potentially high costs. Quality by Design (QbD) can navigate these challenges and lead to the development of an optimal pain nanomedicine. Our lab previously reported a macrophage-targeted perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion (PFC NE) that demonstrated analgesic efficacy across multiple rodent pain models in both sexes. Here, we report PFC-free, biphasic nanoemulsions formulated with a biocompatible and non-immunogenic plant-based coconut oil loaded with a COX-2 inhibitor and a clinical-grade, indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye for parenteral theranostic analgesic nanomedicine. Methods: Critical process parameters and material attributes were identified through the FMECA (Failure, Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) method and optimized using a 3 × 2 full-factorial design of experiments. We investigated the impact of the oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) with three different surfactant systems on the colloidal properties of NE. Small-scale (100 mL) batches were manufactured using sonication and microfluidization, and the final formulation was scaled up to 500 mL with microfluidization. The colloidal stability of NE was assessed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and drug quantification was conducted through reverse-phase HPLC. An in vitro drug release study was conducted using the dialysis bag method, accompanied by HPLC quantification. The formulation was further evaluated for cell viability, cellular uptake, and COX-2 inhibition in the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Results: Nanoemulsion droplet size increased with a higher oil-to-surfactant ratio (w/w) but was no significant impact by the type of surfactant system used. Thermal cycling and serum stability studies confirmed NE colloidal stability upon exposure to high and low temperatures and biological fluids. We also demonstrated the necessity of a solubilizer for long-term fluorescence stability of ICG. The nanoemulsion showed no cellular toxicity and effectively inhibited PGE2 in activated macrophages. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first instance of a celecoxib-loaded theranostic platform developed using a plant-derived hydrocarbon oil, applying the QbD approach that demonstrated COX-2 inhibition. Full article

Natural carbonate stones such as limestones and marbles are widely used in heritage and contemporary architecture, yet their durability is increasingly threatened by wildfire-related thermal stress. Since water transport plays a key role in stone deterioration, understanding how high temperatures affect hydric behavior is critical for conservation. This study investigates thirteen Portuguese carbonate lithotypes (including marbles, limestones, a travertine, and a breccia) exposed to temperatures of 300 °C and 600 °C. Capillary absorption and open porosity were measured, alongside Leeb hardness (HL) and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), to evaluate their predictive capacity for post-fire moisture behavior. Results show that thermal exposure increases porosity and capillary uptake while reducing mechanical cohesion. Strong correlations between UPV and hydric parameters across temperature ranges highlight its reliability as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. HL performed well in compact stones but was less consistent in porous or heterogeneous lithologies. The findings support the use of NDT tests, like UPV and HL, for rapid post-fire assessments and emphasize the need for lithology-specific conservation strategies. Full article

Occupational heat stress represents an increasing challenge to safety and operational performance in underground mining, where elevated temperatures, humidity, and limited ventilation are common. This study proposes an integrated framework to analyze the systemic impact of heat stress on human reliability in mining operations. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify empirical studies addressing thermal exposure, extracting key operational functions for modeling. These functions were structured using the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) to reveal interdependencies and performance variability. Human reliability was evaluated using Fuzzy CREAM, which quantified the degree of contextual control associated with each function. Finally, we applied the Gaussian Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize functions based on thermal impact, contextual reliability, and systemic connectivity. The results showed that functions involving subjective or complex judgment, such as assessing thermal stress or identifying psychophysiological indicators, exhibited lower reliability and higher vulnerability. In contrast, monitoring and control functions based on standardized procedures were more stable and resilient. This combined approach identified critical points of systemic fragility and offers a robust decision-support tool for prioritizing thermal risk mitigation. The findings contribute to advancing the scientific understanding of heat stress impacts in mining and support the development of targeted interventions to enhance human performance and safety in extreme environments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acrylamide is a probably carcinogenic to humans that naturally forms during the thermal processing of foods. An individual’s lifestyle—especially dietary habits and physical activity—may influence the severity of acrylamide’s adverse health effects. This study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ dietary and exercise behaviors and their dietary acrylamide exposure and associated health risks. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 370 high school students in Türkiye. Data were collected using the Nutrition Exercise Behavior Scale (NEBS) and a retrospective 24-h dietary recall questionnaire. Acrylamide exposure was calculated based on food intake to estimate carcinogenic (CR) and non-corcinogenic (target hazard quotient: THQ) health risks and analyzed in relation to NEBS scores. Results: Findings indicated that while adolescents are beginning to adopt healthy eating and exercise habits, these behaviors are not yet consistent. Emotional eating and unhealthy food choices still occur. Higher acrylamide exposure and risk values were observed in boys and underweight individuals. This can be explained mainly by the fact that boys consume more of certain foods—especially bread, which contains relatively higher levels of acrylamide—than girls do, and that underweight individuals have lower body weights despite consuming similar amounts of food as other groups. Bread products emerged as the primary source of daily acrylamide intake. Positive correlations were found between NEBS total and subscale scores and acrylamide exposure and health risk values. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant association between adolescents’ health behaviors and acrylamide exposure. These results underscore potential public health concerns regarding acrylamide intake during adolescence and emphasize the need for targeted nutritional interventions to reduce risk and promote sustainable healthy behaviors. Full article