Search Results (1,608)

Background/Objectives: Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent, is recognized for its efficacy in treating various malignancies. However, its clinical application is critically limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, predominantly induced by oxidative stress and compromised antioxidant defenses. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive intervention that utilizes low-intensity light, has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality in regenerative medicine, demonstrating benefits such as enhanced tissue repair, reduced inflammation, and protection against oxidative damage. This investigation sought to evaluate the cardioprotective effects of PBM preconditioning in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ventricular cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-vCMs) subjected to DOX-induced toxicity. Methods: Human iPSC-vCMs were allocated into three experimental groups: control cells (untreated), DOX-treated cells (exposed to 2 μM DOX for 24 h), and PBM+DOX-treated cells (preconditioned with PBM, utilizing 660 nm ±10 nm LED light at an intensity of 10 mW/cm² for 500 s, delivering an energy dose of 5 J/cm², followed by DOX exposure). Cell viability assessments were conducted in conjunction with evaluations of oxidative stress markers, including antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, transcriptional profiling of 40 genes implicated in cardiac dysfunction was performed using TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), complemented by analyses of protein expression for markers of cardiac stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Results: Exposure to DOX markedly reduced the viability of hiPSC-vCMs. The cells exhibited significant alterations in the expression of 32 out of 40 genes (80%) after DOX exposure, reflecting the upregulation of markers associated with apoptosis, inflammation, and adverse cardiac remodeling. PBM preconditioning partially restored the cell viability, modulating the expression of 20 genes (50%), effectively counteracting a substantial proportion of the dysregulation induced by DOX. Notably, PBM enhanced the expression of genes responsible for antioxidant defense, augmented antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced oxidative stress indicators such as MDA levels. Additional benefits included downregulating stress-related mRNA markers (HSP1A1 and TNC) and apoptotic markers (BAX and TP53). PBM also demonstrated gene reprogramming effects in ventricular cells, encompassing regulatory changes in NPPA, NPPB, and MYH6. PBM reduced the protein expression levels of IL-6, TNF, and apoptotic markers in alignment with their corresponding mRNA expression profiles. Notably, PBM preconditioning showed a diminished expression of BNP, emphasizing its positive impact on mitigating cardiac stress. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that PBM preconditioning is an effective strategy for reducing DOX-induced chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity by enhancing cell viability and modulating signaling pathways associated with oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory and hypertrophic markers. Full article

Background/Objectives: Basil essential oil exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Considering the health benefits of basil essential oil (BEO) and the favorable properties of alkyl polyglucoside emulsifiers, novel Montanov™-68-based O/W creams containing BEO were developed and characterized. Additionally, the influence of the emulsifier content on the cream’s properties was evaluated. Methods: The physicochemical properties were evaluated by organoleptic examination, physical stability test, and pH and electrical conductivity measurement. The mechanical properties were investigated by rheological, textural, and consistency analyses. In addition, a sensory evaluation protocol was applied. Results: The cream formulations containing 5% and 7% Montanov™ 68 demonstrated physical stability, with no evidence of phase separation during the observation period or following accelerated aging. The pH values remained within the acceptable range for topical use, and a gradual decrease in electrical conductivity over time was observed. The rheological analyses confirmed the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior with thixotropic flow characteristics. The textural analyses demonstrated that the higher emulsifier content led to increased firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and index of viscosity. The sensory analysis revealed differences between the alkyl polyglucoside (APG)-based cream formulations only in terms of the elasticity and stickiness. Conclusions: Although the rheological analyses suggested the better spreadability of the formulation with 5% emulsifier, this was not confirmed by the sensory analysis. However, the APG-based formulations performed significantly better than the synthetic surfactant-based formulation in terms of the absorption, stickiness, and greasiness (during and after application). These results are encouraging for the further evaluation of APG-based creams containing basil essential oil for topical application. Full article

White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as oxidative debris (OD)—via alkaline treatment of graphene oxide (GO) using KOH solutions ranging from 0.04 M to 1.78 M. The resulting OD, isolated from the supernatant after acid precipitation, exhibits strong and tunable photoluminescence (PL) across the visible spectrum. Emission peaks shift from blue (~440 nm) to green (~500 nm) and yellow (~565 nm) as a function of treatment conditions, with excitation wavelengths between 300 and 390 nm. Optical, morphological. and compositional analyses were performed using UV-Vis, AFM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of highly oxidized aromatic domains. The blue-emitting (S2) and green/yellow-emitting (R2) fractions were successfully separated and characterized, demonstrating potential color tuning by adjusting KOH concentration and treatment time. This study highlights the feasibility of reusing GO-derived byproducts as sustainable phosphor alternatives in wLEDs, reducing reliance on CRMs and aligning with green chemistry principles. Full article

Earth fill dams are susceptible to internal erosion and instability when founded over cavity-prone formations such as gypsum or karstic limestone. Subsurface voids can significantly compromise dam performance, particularly under seismic loading, by altering seepage paths, raising pore pressures, and inducing structural deformation. This study examines the influence of cavity presence, location, shape, and size on the behavior of zoned earth dams. A 1:25 scale physical model was tested on a uniaxial shake table under varying seismic intensities, and seepage behavior was observed under steady-state conditions. Numerical simulations using SEEP/W and QUAKE/W in GeoStudio complemented the experimental work. Results revealed that upstream and double-cavity configurations caused the greatest deformation, including crest displacements of up to 0.030 m and upstream subsidence of ~7 cm under 0.47 g shaking. Pore pressures increased markedly near cavities, with peaks exceeding 2.7 kPa. Irregularly shaped and larger cavities further amplified these effects and led to dynamic factors of safety falling below 0.6. In contrast, downstream cavities produced minimal impact. The excellent agreement between experimental and numerical results validates the modeling approach. Overall, the findings highlight that cavity geometry and location are critical determinants of dam safety under both static and seismic conditions. Full article

Multi-channel LED drivers are crucial for high-power lighting applications. Maintaining a constant average forward current is essential for stable LED luminous intensity, necessitating drivers capable of consistent current delivery across wide operating ranges. Meanwhile, achieving precise current sharing among channels without incurring high costs and system complexity is a significant challenge. Leveraging the constant-current characteristics of the LCL-T network, this paper presents a multi-channel DC/DC LED driver comprising a full-bridge inverter, a transformer, and a passive resonant rectifier. The driver generates a high-frequency AC bus with series-connected diode rectifiers, a structure that guarantees excellent current sharing among all output channels using only a single control loop. Fully considering the impact of higher harmonics, this paper derives an exact solution for the output current. A step-by-step parameter design methodology ensures soft switching and enhanced switch utilization. Finally, experimental verification was conducted using a prototype with five channels and 200 W, confirming the correctness and accuracy of the theoretical analysis. The experimental results showed that within a wide input voltage range of 380 V to 420 V, the driver was able to provide a stable current of 700 mA to each channel, and the system could achieve a peak efficiency of up to 94.4%. Full article

Combustion processes in compression ignition engines lead to the inevitable generation of nitrogen oxides, which cannot be limited to the currently desired levels just by optimising the in-cylinder processes. Therefore, simulation-based engine development needs to include all engine-related aspects which contribute to tailpipe emissions. Among them, the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) aftertreatment-related processes, such as urea–water solution injection, urea decomposition, mixing, NOx catalytic reduction, and deposits’ formation, are the most challenging, and require as much attention as the processes taking place inside the cylinder. Over the last decade, the urea-SCR aftertreatment systems have evolved from underfloor designs to close-coupled (to the engine) architecture, characterised by the short mixing length. Therefore, they need to be tailor-made for each application. This study presents the CFD-based development of a multi-platform SCR system with a short mixing length for mobile non-road applications, compliant with Stage V NRE-v/c-5 emission standard. It combines multiphase dispersed flow, including wall wetting and urea decomposition kinetic reaction modelling to account for the critical aspects of the SCR system operation. The baseline system’s design was characterised by the severe deposit formation near the mixer’s outlet, which was attributed to the intensive cooling in the mounting area. Moreover, as the simulations suggested, the spray was not appropriately mixed with the surrounding gas in its primary zone. The proposed measures to reduce the wall film formation needed to account for the multi-platform application (ranging from 56 to 130 kW) and large-scale production capability. The performed simulations led to the system design, providing excellent UWS–exhaust gas mixing without a solid deposit formation. The developed system was designed to be manufactured and implemented in large-scale series production. Full article

Light quality and biostimulants regulate alkaloid biosynthesis and promote plant growth, but their combined effects on vindoline (VDL) and catharanthine (CAT) production in Catharanthus roseus remain underexplored. This study investigated the impact of different LED spectra and an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-based biostimulant (BS) on VDL and CAT production in indoor-grown C. roseus. After a 60-day pretreatment under white LEDs, plants were exposed to eight treatments: white (W, control), red (R), blue (B), and red-blue (RB) light, and their combinations with BS. Samples were collected before treatments (T0) and 92 days after pretreatment (T1). No mycorrhizal development was observed. VDL was detected in both roots and leaves, with higher levels in roots. R produced significantly higher mean concentrations of both VDL and CAT than W. BS significantly increased mean concentrations and total yields of both alkaloids than the untreated condition. The combination of R and BS produced the highest mean concentrations and total yields of VDL and CAT. In particular, it resulted in a significantly higher mean concentration and total yield of VDL compared to sole W. Total yields increased from T0 to T1, primarily due to a substantial rise in root yield. In conclusion, combining R and BS proved to be the most effective strategy to enhance VDL and CAT production by maximizing their total yields, which also increased over time due to greater root contribution. This underscores the importance of combining targeted treatments with harvesting at specific stages to optimize alkaloid production under controlled conditions. Full article

To collect the energy generated by rotational motion in the natural environment, a piezoelectric electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (HEH) based on a planetary gear system is proposed. The harvester combines piezoelectric and electromagnetic effects and is mainly used for collecting low-frequency rotational energy. The HEH has a compact structure and contains four sets of piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) and electromagnetic energy harvesters (EMHs) inside. The working principle of the energy harvester is analyzed, its theoretical model is established, and a simulation analysis is conducted. To verify the effectiveness of the design, an experimental device is constructed. The results indicate that the HEH can generate an average output power of 250 mW under eight magnets and an external excitation frequency of 7 Hz. In actual power supply testing, the HEH can light up 60 LEDs and provide stable power supply for the temperature–humidity meter. Full article

In this study, chromium ferrite (FeCr; CrFe₂O₄) nanoparticles supported on activated carbon (AC), obtained from agricultural olive mill solid waste, were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal process. The structural, morphological, optical, and chemical properties of the FeCr/AC composite were characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, DRS, BET, and FTIR techniques. The FeCr/AC composite was applied as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in an aqueous solution under 25 W visible-light LED irradiation. Critical operational factors, such as FeCr/AC dosage, pH, MB concentration, and H₂O₂ levels, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, 97.56% of MB was removed within 120 min of visible-light exposure, following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The composite also exhibited high efficiency in degrading methyl orange dye (95%) and tetracycline antibiotic (88%) within 180 min, with corresponding first-order rate constants of 0.0225 min⁻¹ and 0.0115 min⁻¹, respectively. This study highlights the potential of FeCr/AC for treating water contaminated with dyes and pharmaceuticals, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for water purification. Full article

Polysaccharides isolated from Radix Cyathula officinalis Kuan (RCP) are key bioactive components with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their efficacy varies according to their geographic origin and processing methods. However, the systemic anti-aging mechanisms and antioxidant efficacy of RCP have not yet been comprehensively characterized. This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of RCP in vitro and in vivo using a Caenorhabditis elegans heat stress model, comparing rRCP (RCP from raw samples) and wRCP (RCP from wine-processed samples) from key production areas. Among these, the RCP collected from the Zhonggang region exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. Both rRCP and wRCP enhanced worms’ oxidative stress resistance, reduced their ROS levels, increased their antioxidant enzyme activities, prolonged their lifespan, and improved their reproductive capacity under thermal stress. Notably, the wRCP exhibited more pronounced benefits. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that RCP altered the gut microbiota’s composition by increasing its microbial diversity, enriching beneficial bacteria like Bacillus, and decreasing potential pathogens such as Escherichia and Citricoccus. The treatment also led to an increased abundance of Firmicutes and a slight reduction in Bacteroidetes. Collectively, these findings suggest that RCP, particularly wRCP, holds promise as a therapeutic agent for combating oxidative stress and promoting longevity, in part by modulating the gut microbiome. Full article

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) hold significant potential for decentralized energy harvesting; however, their dependence on rotational mechanical energy often limits their ability to harness ubiquitous horizontal motion in real-world applications. Here, a single horizontal linear-to-rotational triboelectric nanogenerator (SHLR-TENG) is presented, designed to efficiently convert linear motion into rotational energy using a robust gear system, enabling a high voltage and reliable full cycle of alternating current (AC). The device features a radially patterned disk with triboelectric layers composed of polyimide. The SHLR-TENG achieves a peak-to-peak voltage of 1420 V, a short-circuit current of 117 µA, and an average power output of 41.5 mW, with a surface charge density of 110 µC/m². Moreover, it demonstrates a power density per unit volume of 371.2 W·m⁻³·Hz⁻¹. The device retains 80% efficiency after 1.5 million cycles, demonstrating substantial durability under mechanical stress. These properties enable the SHLR-TENG to directly power commercial LEDs and low-power circuits without the need for energy storage. This study presents an innovative approach to sustainable energy generation by integrating horizontal motion harvesting with rotational energy conversion. The compact and scalable design of the SHLR-TENG, coupled with its resilience to humidity (20–90% RH) and temperature fluctuations (10–70 °C), positions it as a promising next-generation energy source for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and autonomous systems. Full article

The unique structures and properties of natural organisms provide abundant inspiration for surface modification research in materials science. In this paper, the tribological advantages of radial ribs found on shell surfaces were combined with laser cladding to address challenges in material surface strengthening. Laser cladding technology was used to fabricate bionic units on the surface of 20CrMnTi steel. The alloy powder consisted of a Ni-based alloy with added WC particles. The influence of laser power (1.0 kW–3.0 kW) on the dimensions, microstructure, hardness, surface roughness, and tribological properties of the bionic units was investigated to enhance the tribological performance of the Ni60/WC bionic unit. The microstructure, phase composition, hardness, and tribological behavior of the bionic units were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a microhardness tester, and a wear tester. Experimental results show that the dimensions of the bionic units increased with laser power. However, beyond a certain threshold, the growth rate of the width and height gradually slowed due to heat conduction and edge cooling effects. The microstructure primarily consisted of equiaxed and dendritic crystals, with grain refinement observed at higher laser powers. The addition of WC resulted in average hardness values of 791 HV_0.2, 819 HV_0.2, 835 HV_0.2, and 848 HV_0.2 across the samples. This enhancement in hardness was attributed to dispersion strengthening and grain refinement. Increasing the laser power also reduced the surface roughness of the bionic units, though excessively high laser power led to a roughness increase. The presence of WC altered the wear mechanism of the bionic units. Compared to the wear observed in the N60 sample, the wear amount of the WC-containing samples decreased by 73.7%, 142.1%, 157.5%, and 263.1%, respectively. Hard WC particles played a decisive role in enhancing tribological performance of the bionic unit. Full article

With the growing use of high-intensity LED units in orthodontics, the effect of ultra-fast curing protocols on polymerization efficiency remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of conventional and rapid high-intensity light curing protocols on the degree of conversion (DC) of orthodontic adhesive systems. Three commercially available materials were tested under two conditions, without bracket interference (control group, CG) and with a metal bracket present during curing (metal bracket group, MBG). Two light-curing protocols were employed: conventional curing, using two consecutive 10 s exposures at 1100 mW/cm², and rapid curing, with two consecutive 3 s exposures at 2900 mW/cm². The DC was assessed via Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at short-term intervals (2, 6, and 10 min) and after 24 h. The results showed that rapid high-intensity curing yielded significantly lower DC values at both the short term and 24 h period compared to the conventional protocol. Short-term DC values ranged from 44.4% to 64.4% for conventional curing and from 43.0% to 60.0% for rapid curing. At 24 h, DC values increased for all materials, reaching 54.4–82.8% in the conventional group and 49.7–81.4% in the rapid curing group. The largest difference in DC values between curing protocols was observed in the MBG, with reductions of up to 5.9% (short-term) and 4.7% (24 h). The 24 h DC values were mostly material-dependent, while external factors (curing protocol and the presence of a bracket) had more impact on the short-term DC values. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach to sustainable soil and crop management by evaluating the individual and combined effects of cow manure (CM), rice husk biochar (RHB), and potassium humate (KH)—three underutilized, low-cost organic amendments derived from agricultural byproducts. Uniquely, it investigates how these amendments simultaneously affect soil physical and chemical properties, plant growth, and the accumulation of bioactive compounds in sunflower sprouts, thereby linking soil health to crop nutritional quality. The application of 2% w/w KH alone resulted in the greatest increases in macroaggregation (+0.51), soil pH (from 6.8 to 8.6), and electrical conductivity (+298%). The combination of 1% w/w CM and 2% KH led to the highest increases in soil organic carbon (OC, +62.9%) and soil respiration (+56.4%). Nitrate and available phosphorus (P) peaked with 3% w/w RHB + 2% KH (+120%) and 1% w/w CM + 0.5% KH (+35.5%), respectively. For plant traits, 0.5% w/w KH increased the total leaf area by 61.9%, while 1% w/w CM enhanced shoot and root biomass by 60.8% and 79.0%, respectively. In contrast, 2% w/w KH reduced chlorophyll content (−43.6%). Regarding bioactive compounds, the highest total phenolic content (TPC) was observed with 1% w/w KH (+21.9%), while the strongest DPPH antioxidant activity was found under 1% w/w CM + 1% w/w KH (+72.6%). A correlation analysis revealed that biomass production and secondary metabolite accumulation are shaped by trade-offs arising from resource allocation under stress or nutrient limitations. Potassium, P, soil microbial respiration, and OC emerged as key integrators connecting soil structure, fertility, and plant metabolic responses. Overall, the combination of 1% w/w CM with 0.5–1% w/w KH proved to be the most effective strategy under the tested conditions. Full article

Understanding the mechanical behavior of frozen clay subgrade soils was essential for ensuring the safe and stable operation of transportation lines. However, the influence of remolding water content w on this behavior remained unclear. To address this gap, this study examined the effect of w through monotonic triaxial testing. Three typical remolding water contents (w = 19%, 27.5% and 35%) and three confining pressures (σ₃ = 200 kPa, 700 kPa and 1200 kPa) were considered. Results showed that the mechanical behavior of frozen clay soils displayed a clear dependence on w, which was controlled by microstructural evolution. As w increased, the shear strength q_max, resilient modulus E₀ and cohesion c increased, which resulted from the progressive development of ice bonding within the shear plane. A threshold w value was found at w_opt = 27.5%, marking a structural transition and separating the variations of q_max, E₀ and c into two regimes. When w ≤ 27.5%, the soil fabric was controlled by clay aggregates. As w increased, the growth in ice cementation was confined within these aggregates, leading to limited increase in q_max, E₀ and c. However, as w exceeded 27.5%, the soil fabric transitioned into a homogeneous matrix of dispersed clay particles. In this case, increasing w greatly promoted the development of an interconnected ice cementation network, thus significantly facilitating the increase in q_max, E₀ and c. The friction angle φ decreased with w increasing, primarily due to the lubrication effect caused by the growing ice. In addition, the enhanced lubrication effect in the clay particle-dominated fabric (w > 27.5%) resulted in a larger reduction rate of φ. Regarding Poisson’s ratio v and dilation angle ψ, the w increase led to growth in both parameters. This phenomenon could be explained by the increased involvement of solid ice into the soil structure. Full article