Search Results (15,357)

Aluminium plays a key role in developing modern energy technologies, from electrical systems to high-energy materials, providing a combination of functionality, economy, and reliability, but the oxide film on its particles reduces the effective reactivity. This work aims to increase the reactivity of aluminum powder by mechanochemical treatment using modifiers. The materials used were aluminum powder of the ASD brand and graphite of the GL-1 brand. The experiment subjected aluminum powder to mechanochemical treatment (MCT) with different graphite contents. It was shown that MCT significantly increases active aluminum content in the powder due to partial destruction of the oxide film on its surface. In addition, morphological analyses confirm the destruction of the oxide, the graphite coating, and the appearance of lamellar structures measuring 0–58 µm. Thermal analysis shows that the primary exothermic peak shifts from 662.6 °C to 653.9 °C for Al + 10% graphite, and the heat released increases by 27%, which means lower activation energy and more complete oxidation. However, at 20% graphite, the thermal gain decreases, since carbon shields the metal areas. Thus, the optimal content is 10% graphite: at this ratio, the best thermochemical behavior of the powder is achieved. The data obtained indicate that the MCT of aluminum powder with graphite effectively increases its reactivity. The resulting aluminum powders with modified particle surfaces facilitate the development of new technologies for the creation of various high-energy solid propellant systems. For rocket engines, preference is given to solid rocket propellant (SRP), which is a mixture of substances (components) capable of burning in the absence of air, producing a large amount of gaseous working fluid heated to a high temperature, providing thrust. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between resilience, infertility self-efficacy, infertility coping strategies, and fertility quality of life (fertility QoL) in women with infertility. Additionally, it sought to examine the mediating roles of self-efficacy and infertility coping strategies in the relationship between resilience and fertility QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on infertile women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment from December 2021 to March 2022 in reproductive centers in Wuhan, China. A total of 314 participants were recruited using convenience sampling to complete a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), the Infertility Self-efficacy Scale (ISE), the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) Coping Strategy Scale, and the Fertility QoL Scale. Results: Resilience (r = 0.375, p < 0.01), infertility self-efficacy (r = 0.584, p < 0.01), and meaning-based coping strategy (r = 0.191, p < 0.01) were positively correlated with fertility QoL. The other three infertility coping strategies, including active-avoidance coping (r = −0.367, p < 0.01), active-confronting coping (r = −0.143, p < 0.05), and passive-avoidance coping (r = −0.130, p < 0.05), were negatively correlated. The indirect effect of resilience on fertility QoL through three mediators, including infertility self-efficacy (β = 0.467, p < 0.001), active-confronting coping (β = −0.214, p < 0.001), and meaning-based coping (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), was significant (value of total indirect effect = 0.263, 95% CI, 0.188 to 0.350) with an effect of 71.5%. Conclusions: Resilience may be a psychological resource that promotes adaptive coping strategies. This allows women to be more confident in their management of infertility and treatment-related concerns, which promotes a better fertility QoL. Full article

Aluminum powder is the most commonly used metal fuel in the industry of explosives and propellants. The research progress in preparation technology, reactivity and application of nano-aluminum in explosives and propellants is systematically reviewed in this paper. The preparation technology of nano-aluminum powder includes mechanical pulverization technology (such as the ball milling method and ultrasonic ablation method, etc.), evaporation condensation technology (such as the laser induction composite heating method, high-frequency induction method, arc method, pulsed laser ablation method, resistance heating condensation method, gas-phase pyrolysis method, wire explosion pulverization method, etc.), chemical reduction technology (such as the solid-phase reduction method, solution reduction method, etc.) and the ionic liquid electrodeposition method, each of which has its own advantages. Some new preparation methods have emerged, providing important reference value for the large-scale production of high-purity, high-quality nano-aluminum powder. The reactivity differences between nano-aluminum powder and micro-aluminum powder are compared in the thesis. It is clear that the reactivity of nano-aluminum powder is much higher than that of micro-aluminum powder in terms of ignition performance, combustion performance and reaction completeness, and it has a stronger influence on the detonation performance of mixed explosives and the combustion performance of propellants. Nano-aluminum powder is highly prone to oxidation, which seriously affects its application efficiency. In addition, when aluminum powder oxidizes or burns, a surface oxide layer will be formed, which hinders the continued reaction of internal aluminum powder. In addition, nano-aluminum powder may deteriorate the preparation process of explosives or propellants. To improve these shortcomings, appropriate coating or modification treatment is required. The application of nano-aluminum powder in mixed explosives can improve many properties of mixed explosives, such as detonation velocity, detonation heat, peak value of shock wave overpressure, etc. Applying nano-aluminum powder to propellants can significantly increase the burning rate and improve the properties of combustion products. It is pointed out that the high reactivity of nano-aluminum powder makes the preparation and storage of high-purity nano-aluminum powder extremely difficult. It is recommended to increase research on the preparation and storage technology of high-purity nano-aluminum powder. Full article

Background/Objectives: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are seizure-like episodes not caused by abnormal brain activity, often linked to emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and altered interoceptive awareness. Standardized treatments are limited. This study aimed to explore the feasibility and preliminary psychological effects of a group-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) in individuals with PNES. Methods: This single-arm, pre–post pilot study (no control group) enrolled fifteen participants in two cycles of an 8-week MBI delivered either in-person or online. Twelve participants completed pre/post self-report assessments of depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI-Y1), perceived stress (PSS-10), sleep quality (PSQI), dissociation (DES-II), meteoropathy (METEO-Q), mindfulness (FFMQ), and interoceptive awareness (MAIA). Results: The intervention was well tolerated (dropout rate: 20%). Trend-level, non-significant improvements emerged for depressive symptoms (p = 0.092, r = 0.564) and sleep quality (p = 0.078, r = 0.591). A significant reduction was observed in the FFMQ Describing subscale (p = 0.045, r = 0.697). No significant changes were found in anxiety, perceived stress, or interoceptive awareness, although certain MAIA subscales indicated small, non-significant increases. Conclusions: Despite the limited sample size and absence of a control group, these preliminary findings support the feasibility and acceptability of MBIs for PNES, warranting further controlled investigations. Full article

Background: Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of implant failure, with a reported prevalence of 22–45%. Effective removal of bacterial biofilm from the implant surface is critical to non-surgical therapy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different implant surface cleaning methods across various bone defect configurations, considering operator experience. Methods: Thirty-six dental implants were coated to simulate biofilm, mounted in resin blocks with bone defects of varying geometries, and covered with silicone to simulate soft tissue. Three operators with differing levels of experience treated the implant surfaces using four instruments: a titanium curette (TiCu), ultrasonic scaler (US), titanium brush (TiBr), and air abrasion with erythritol (AirPo). Each combination was tested in triplicate. Implants were photographed and analyzed with dedicated software to quantify cleaning efficacy. Results: The expert dentist achieved the highest average cleaning efficacy (36.6%). The most effective tools were the titanium brush (37.2%) and ultrasonic scaler (35.0%), followed by the titanium curette (28.1%) and air-abrasion (22.9%). The first two instruments were the least operator-dependent. Among the defect types, the 60° defect was the easiest to clean. Complete implant surface decontamination was not achieved in any scenario. Conclusions: Ultrasonic scalers and titanium brushes demonstrated the highest and most consistent cleaning efficacy, independent of operator skill level. Sixty-degree defects were the most amenable to cleaning. These findings underscore the need to tailor decontamination approaches based on defect geometry and to consider combining non-surgical methods with adjunctive or surgical interventions, which may ultimately enhance clinical decision-making and improve treatment outcomes. Full article

Cotton production faces sustainability challenges due to the lack of effective sustainable defoliants for mechanical harvesting, which constrains the expansion of organic cotton (currently 0.5% of global production). In this framework, this study evaluated pelargonic acid, a rapidly biodegradable compound, as a sustainable defoliant alternative, comparing it with the synthetic pyraflufen-ethyl and a water placebo. A two-year field trial (2023–2024) in Sicily, southern Italy, tested three application rates per treatment in a randomized complete block design. Parameters assessed included defoliation efficacy, root diameter, boll number per plant, average boll weight, raw yield, lint yield, and seed yield. Results indicated significant “Year × Treatment” interaction effects on all parameters. Pelargonic acid applied at 16 L ha⁻¹ achieved the highest boll number per plant in 2024, significantly exceeding pyraflufen-ethyl at its label-recommended rate, with treatments at 12 L ha⁻¹ also producing larger root diameters than the synthetic defoliant. Pelargonic acid at 18 L ha⁻¹ in 2023 achieved complete defoliation, matching the efficacy of pyraflufen-ethyl, while the lowest pelargonic rate (12 L ha⁻¹) produced >90% leaf drop across both years. These findings position pelargonic acid as a rapidly degradable alternative to synthetic defoliants, directly addressing a key bottleneck in sustainable cotton production. Full article

This study aimed to develop an industrially scalable coating route for enhancing the oxidation resistance of carbon fiber fabrics, a critical requirement for next-generation aerospace and high-temperature composite structures. To achieve this goal, synthesis of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) layers was achieved via a single wet step in which the fabric was impregnated with an ammonia–borane/THF solution and subsequently nitrided for 2 h at 1000–1500 °C in flowing nitrogen. Thermogravimetric analysis coupled with X-ray diffraction revealed that amorphous BN formed below ≈1200 °C and crystallized completely into (002)-textured h-BN (with lattice parameters a ≈ 2.50 Å and c ≈ 6.7 Å) once the dwell temperature reached ≥1300 °C. Complementary XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a near-stoichiometric B:N ≈ 1:1 composition and the elimination of O–H/N–H residues as crystallinity improved. Low-magnification SEM (100×) confirmed the uniform and large-area coverage of the BN layer on the carbon fiber tows, while high-magnification SEM revealed a progressive densification of the coating from discrete nanospheres to a continuous nanosheet barrier on the fibers. Oxidation tests in flowing air shifted the onset of mass loss from 685 °C for uncoated fibers to 828 °C for the coating produced at 1400 °C; concurrently, the peak oxidation rate moved ≈200 °C higher and declined by ~40%. Treatment at 1500 °C conferred no additional benefit, indicating that 1400 °C provides the optimal balance between full crystallinity and limited grain coarsening. The resulting dense h-BN film, aided by an in situ self-healing B₂O₃ glaze above ~800 °C, delayed carbon fiber oxidation by ≈140 °C. Overall, the process offers a cost-effective, large-area alternative to vapor-phase deposition techniques, positioning BN-coated carbon fiber fabrics for robust service in extreme oxidative environments. Full article

Background: High-dose cisplatin (≥200 mg/m² cumulative) remains the standard of care in concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). However, its use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity, including acute kidney disease (AKD). This recently described clinical renal syndrome encompasses functional alterations of the kidney lasting fewer than 3 months post-exposure. Although hydration protocols and antiemetic strategies are routinely applied to avoid reduction in oral liquid intake and to prevent dehydration that could worsen renal function, AKD continues to pose a threat to reach the therapeutic dose, to treatment completion, and long-term outcomes. Recent evidence supports the nephroprotective role of intravenous (IV) magnesium in mitigating cisplatin-induced tubular injury, yet prospective data on its impact in real-world LA-HNSCC settings remain limited. We aimed to prospectively investigate the incidence and characteristics of renal impairment, particularly AKD, in a real-world cohort of LA-HNSCC patients treated with high-dose cisplatin and standardized supportive therapy, including intravenous magnesium. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study including 207 patients with LA- HNSCC undergoing high-dose cisplatin-based CRT (≥200 mg/m² cumulative dose), within a standardized supportive care protocol incorporating IV magnesium. Renal function was assessed over three cycles via serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). AKD was defined and staged according to KDIGO criteria. Clinical and biochemical predictors of AKD were explored. Results: AKD occurred in 5.3% of patients (11/207; 95% CI 2.7–9.3), with eight events between C1→C2, 3 between C2→C3, and 0 thereafter; recovery at the next cycle was 9.1% (1/11). Among them, 57.1% were classified as stage 1. A baseline eGFR < 90 mL/min/1.73 m² was associated with a higher AKD incidence (13.3% vs. 5.4%). Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with AKD in univariate analysis (p = 0.02), whereas no independent predictor emerged in multivariate analysis. Use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors was more frequent among patients who developed AKD (p = 0.04). Renal function declined more steeply in AKD patients, with a median eGFR slope of −0.3917 mL/min/1.73 m²/day vs. −0.0483 mL/min/1.73 m²/day in those without AKD (p = 0.0005), irrespective of CKD stage. Conclusions: In a real-world cohort receiving high-dose cisplatin with structured nephroprotection including IV magnesium, AKD developed in approximately 10% of patients. Lower baseline eGFR, elevated BMI, and RAAS inhibitor use emerged as potential risk factors. These findings reinforce the importance of proactive renal monitoring and suggest a role for magnesium supplementation as an accessible strategy to enhance renal safety in curative-intent CRT. Full article

Background: Degenerative, metabolic and oncologic diseases are scarcely amenable to the complete reconstruction of tissue structure and functionalities using common therapeutic modalities. On the nanoscale, extracellular vesicles (EVs) and nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as attractive candidates in regenerative and personalised medicine. However, EV transfection is hindered by its heterogeneity and low yield, while NPs suffer from cytotoxicity, immunogenicity, and long-term safety issues. Scope of Review: This review synthesises data from over 180 studies as part of a narrative synthesis, critically evaluating the disease-specific utility, mechanistic insights, and translational obstacles. The focus is laid on comparative cytotoxicity profiles, the capacities of hybrid EV–NP systems to circumvent mutual shortcomings, and the increasing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on predictive modelling, as well as toxicity appraisal and manufacturing. Key Insights: EVs have inherent biocompatibility, immune evasive and organotropic signalling functions; NPs present structural flexibility, adjustable physicochemical properties, and industrial scalability. Common molecular pathways for NP toxicity, such as ROS production, MAPK and JAK/STAT activation, autophagy, and apoptosis, are significant biomarkers for regulatory platforms. Nanotechnological and biomimetic nanocarriers incorporate biological tropism with engineering control to enhance therapeutic efficacy, as well as their translational potential. AI approaches can support rational drug design, promote reproducibility across laboratories, and meet safe-by-design requirements. Conclusions: The intersection of EVs, NPs and AI signifies a turning point in regenerative nanomedicine. To advance this field, there is a need for convergence on experimental protocols, the adoption of mechanistic biomarkers, and regulatory alignment to ensure reproducibility and clinical competence. If realised, these endeavours will not only transition nanoscale medicament design from experimental constructs into reliable and patient-specific tools for clinical trials, but we also have the strong expectation that they could revolutionise future treatments of challenging human disorders. Full article

Corn head smut is a disease caused by the fungus Sporisorium reilianum. Chemical treatments and tolerant hybrids are available for control of this disease; however, these can lead to the development of resistant strains, complicating its management. This microorganism produces two extracellular enzymes—aspartyl protease EAP1 and xylanase SRXL1—which may be involved in the host penetration and colonization processes. Plants produce peptides that inhibit enzymes involved in phytopathogenesis, which could serve as tools to control plant pathogens. In this study, enzyme inhibitors were extracted from corn seed flours derived from two hybrids—a white variety (DK-2061) and a purple variety (BOGUI)—with the objective of evaluating their inhibitory effects on the enzymes EAP1 and SRXL1. Interestingly, the identified inhibitors were starches that showed 100% enzymatic inhibition. These compounds were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The purified starches exhibited acetylation (1.52 ± 0.07% for DK-2061 and 1.16 ± 0.04% for BOGUI) as a result of the purification process, due to the use of an acetate regulator; however, they maintained their complete inhibitory activity against the studied enzymes. In contrast, the activity of the purified inhibitors was lost after incubation with α-amylase. Each isolated compound showed uncompetitive inhibition on both enzymatic activities, indicated by a decrease in Km and V_max values, as determined using the Lineweaver-Burk equation. This represents the first report of the inhibitory effects of corn starches on aspartyl protease and xylanase extracted from S. reilianum. Therefore, these compounds could serve as valuable elements in strategies to manage head smut, potentially reducing the reliance on chemical fungicides. Full article

Rectal cancer has become a significant health concern in current years, but there are very effective current neo-adjuvant treatment modalities which can result in the complete disappearance of the disease without surgery, which is often associated with severe post-surgical sequelae. Therefore, a significant effort has been made to identify the subset of patients who can avoid surgery and to investigate the long-term oncologic and functional results associated with the Non-Operative Management of such a disease. Full article

Background: Dementia is a condition that affects the components of cognitive functions that are responsible for processing thought. There is no cure, but both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment helps to slow its progression. Presently, there is an increasing interest in non-pharmacological treatment, including cognitive stimulation, which aims to improve the person’s preserved abilities in order to slow down the progression of the disease while maintaining the current state for as long as possible. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the effects of cognitive stimulation in older people with dementia. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in the Pubmed, OTSeeker, ScienceDirect, Dialnet, and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria were controlled trials, randomised and non-randomised clinical trials, and pilot studies that applied cognitive stimulation to older people with dementia or compared this therapy with another type of non-pharmacological intervention. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Most of the articles showed that the intervention group achieved better cognitive performance than the control group after completing the cognitive stimulation intervention. Four of the studies assessed caregivers and, in two of the them, improvements in the caregiver’s relationship with the person with dementia were achieved and the caregivers also improved their health-related quality of life. Conclusions: According to the results, cognitive stimulation does influence older adults with dementia, especially on cognitive functions. The results also indicate that cognitive stimulation can be beneficial for the caregivers because this therapy has positive effects on their quality of life as related to both their health and their relationship with the person with the disease. However, more research is needed, especially regarding the quality of life of patients with the disease. Full article

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary outcomes of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) model of equine-assisted psychotherapy for active-duty military and veteran trauma survivors. This was a retrospective multi-site observational study. Study participants completed four psychological instruments pre- and post-intervention. These were the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Sheehan Disability Scale. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 was also completed post-intervention. Paired-sample t-tests were conducted to assess for changes in the primary outcome variables pre- and post-intervention. The RAPID qualitative approach was used to analyze the qualitative data and develop subthemes. Subjects were 107 participants at 12 sites. Participants ranged in age from 22 to 78 and were predominately male. Findings revealed that the Eagala model intervention can be implemented for this population across multiple sites. Further, treatment engagement may be better than found with conventional psychotherapy interventions for this population. Pre-to-post-intervention changes in scores on the psychological instruments revealed significant decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, and disability as well as increases in satisfaction with life. Future randomized controlled trails of this intervention are warranted. Full article

Dietary fiber plays an important role in animal nutrition by influencing gut health, feed intake, and metabolism. In swine production, studies suggest that fibers may also affect reproductive traits, but findings remain inconsistent, especially in adult boars. This study evaluated the effects of partially fermentable insoluble fiber (PFIF) on semen quality, behavior, and general health of adult boars. Thirty animals were assigned to a completely randomized design with two treatments: (1) CON: no fiber supplementation, and (2) PFIF: fiber supplementation (35 g/animal/day). Fiber was provided once daily for 120 consecutive days. During the period, semen was collected weekly and analyzed macroscopically and microscopically using the Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. Behavior was recorded weekly, one and three hours after feeding, based on a pre-established ethogram. Feed intake, perineal, and fecal scores were also evaluated. Fiber supplementation did not affect total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, fecal or perineal scores, or behavior. However, improvements were observed in sperm kinematics, with higher straight-line distance (DSL), linearity (LIN), and straightness (STR), as well as a tendency for increased straight-line velocity (VSL) and wobble (WOB). Conversely, a higher incidence of proximal cytoplasmic droplets was recorded in the fiber group, indicating more sperm maturation defects. Supplemented animals also showed reduced feed intake compared with controls, suggesting a satiety effect of the fiber. In conclusion, PFIF supplementation (35 g/animal/day offered once daily) in adult boars produced mixed outcomes, with improved sperm kinematics but increased maturation defects and only minor changes in feeding behavior, indicating a limited and inconsistent physiological response. Full article

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has been increasingly used in dogs for mediastinal tumors and is generally considered a precise and relatively safe treatment, with clinically significant complications reported only rarely. A cranial mediastinal mass was incidentally identified in a 10-year-old Pomeranian dog and cytologically diagnosed as a carcinoma. SBRT was performed using volumetric-modulated arc therapy, with a total dose of 27 Gy delivered in three fractions on alternate days. One day after completing treatment, the dog developed acute dyspnea and anemia. Thoracic radiography revealed mediastinal widening and pleural effusion. Subsequent imaging and hematological assessments suggested intra-tumoral hemorrhage and hematoma formation. The patient was managed conservatively with supportive therapy, resulting in gradual clinical improvement. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a 25% reduction in contrast-enhancing tumor volume, accompanied by a large non-enhancing region presumed to represent hematoma. Despite these changes, the patient remained clinically stable during follow-up. This case represents the first documented report of an acute hemorrhagic complication following SBRT in a veterinary patient, emphasizing the importance of awareness of this rare adverse event during treatment planning and client communication. Full article