Search Results (2,863)

Oil analysis is one of the main means to obtain the working status of important friction pairs in ship and Marine engineering equipment at present. Analyzing the wear mechanism by analyzing the particle size, morphology, properties and other characteristics of metal abrasive particles in the oil is an important basis for achieving health monitoring and scientific maintenance of ship and Marine engineering equipment. Classifying the abrasive particles in the oil according to their particle size is an important step in sample pretreatment. This paper proposes a two-stage sorting microfluidic chip for wear debris based on magnetophoresis. By setting up external permanent magnets in a stepwise manner in the primary and secondary sorting areas, gradient magnetic fields of different magnitudes were formed. The effects of different sample flow rates, sheath fluid flow rates and sheath flow ratios on the pre-focusing before sorting and the sorting effect were studied. The primary sorting of ferromagnetic metal wear particles larger than 50 µm and the secondary sorting of those smaller than 50 µm have been achieved. The primary sorting can serve as an early warning for abnormal equipment wear, while the secondary sorting can provide data support for the scientific formulation of maintenance plans based on equipment requirements. This work provides a new idea and method for the rapid determination of lubricating oil contamination in engineering equipment. Full article

Mechanical pretreatment techniques are essential for overcoming lignocellulosic biomass recalcitrance in emerging biorefineries. This review critically synthesizes advances from 2020 to 2025 across fundamental mechanisms, hybrid technologies, energy efficiency, Life Cycle Assessment, and industrial scalability. The analysis reveals that effective pretreatment targets supramolecular modification—defect generation in cellulose crystallites and the creation of reactive sites—beyond simple particle size reduction. Impact–shear regimes prove most effective for fibrous materials. Hybrid approaches are examined: mechanocatalysis enables solvent-free depolymerization, while mechanoenzymatic technologies achieve hydrolysis without bulk water, though enzyme denaturation under mechanical stress remains unresolved. Energy consumption is the primary upscaling barrier, with Life Cycle Assessment identifying electricity use as the dominant environmental hotspot and emphasizing burden per unit of final product as the critical metric. Technology Readiness Level assessment provides a strategic framework: continuous extruders and mills are industrially mature for bulk applications, while high-intensity batch devices are suited for high-value coproducts. A research agenda prioritizing mechanistic understanding, hybrid process engineering, feedstock diversification, and embedded sustainability assessment is proposed. Full article

Amid growing concerns about climate change and its potential impacts on food security and malnutrition, there is a need for climate-smart crops to help mitigate these challenges. African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) are considered climate-smart neglected or underutilised species (NUS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These legumes are rich in nutrients, comprising fats, carbohydrates, and protein, as well as essential micronutrients. However, their use is constrained by the presence of antinutritive factors (ANFs) such as oxalates, tannins, and phytates, which reduces mineral bioaccessibility and protein digestibility. Fermentation provides a cost-effective means of effectively reducing these antinutrients, thereby making these crops more mainstream due to their enhanced bioavailability and bioactivity. This review summarises the impact of diverse microbes and fermentation techniques on the bioavailability of essential nutrients in Bambara groundnut and African yam bean. The importance of pre-treatment steps such as soaking, germination, dehulling, and thermal treatment will also be discussed. By synthesising recent studies, the review explores the mechanisms by which fermentation degrades the ANFs, enhances nutrient bioavailability and improves protein digestibility from these crops. This review explores the pivotal roles of fermenting microbes, such as species of Lactobacillus and Bacillus, during the process of biotransformation. Full article

High-temperature carburization (HTC, 950–1050 °C) has emerged as a pivotal low-carbon, energy-efficient manufacturing technology for gear steels, accelerating carbon diffusion for reducing processing cycles by over 60% while achieving significant energy savings and emission reductions. However, the inherent contradiction between HTC efficiency and microstructural stability, specifically austenite grain coarsening, severely degrades mechanical properties (e.g., strength, toughness, fatigue resistance) and limits widespread application. This review systematically synthesizes recent advances in austenite grain size regulation during HTC of gear steels, focusing on the core scientific framework of “grain coarsening mechanism—regulation strategy—performance enhancement”. It elaborates on thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of austenite grain growth, ripening behavior of microalloying precipitates (Nb(C,N), Ti(C,N), AlN, etc.), and their synergistic grain-refining effects. Comprehensive coverage of regulatory strategies (microalloying design, pretreatment technologies, process optimization, and integrated regulation) and characterization techniques is provided, along with a quantitative correlation between grain size, microstructure, and surface performance (wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and fatigue life). Numerical simulation and predictive models (empirical, theoretical, multiphysics coupling, machine learning-based) are critically analyzed, and current challenges (temperature-grain stability trade-off, multifactor synergy understanding, industrial scalability) and future research directions (advanced microalloying systems, intelligent process optimization, cross-scale modeling, green technology integration) are proposed. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance and technical support for optimizing the HTC performance of gear steels, catering to the demands of high-power-density transmission systems in automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery industries. Full article

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Advances in molecular profiling have transformed the therapeutic landscape, enabling biomarker-driven treatment strategies based on alterations in RAS, BRAF V600E, HER2 amplification, and mismatch repair status. Among these, dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), BRAF, and HER2 signaling pathways represents a central driver of tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Targeted agents directed against these pathways—including the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody panitumumab, the selective BRAF inhibitor encorafenib, and the HER2-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor tucatinib—have substantially expanded treatment options for molecularly defined subgroups of patients with mCRC. Anti-EGFR therapy remains a cornerstone of treatment for patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type, left-sided tumors. Panitumumab combined with chemotherapy has demonstrated significant improvements in response rates and overall survival compared with anti-angiogenic-based regimens in randomized clinical trials. For tumors harboring BRAF V600E mutations, which are associated with poor prognosis, combination strategies incorporating encorafenib with EGFR blockade have shown clinically meaningful survival benefits and represent an important therapeutic advance. In HER2-amplified colorectal cancer, HER2-targeted therapies have emerged as an effective treatment strategy. Trastuzumab-based combinations and HER2-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as tucatinib have demonstrated durable responses and favorable safety profiles in heavily pretreated patients. This review summarizes current evidence from pivotal phase II and III clinical trials, translational studies, and real-world data evaluating EGFR-, BRAF-, and HER2-directed therapies in colorectal cancer. Particular emphasis is placed on biomarker-guided patient selection, mechanisms of resistance, and emerging combination strategies that continue to refine precision oncology approaches in mCRC. Full article

Microwave pretreatment of native soybeans in the preparation of yuba remains underexplored, and the impact of this treatment on the resulting yuba quality is still unclear. In this study, soybeans were subjected to microwave pretreatment for 30–120 s before conventional soaking. CLSM revealed soybean microstructural changes, including cell-wall degradation and improved dispersion of proteins and lipids. FTIR and SDS-PAGE results of yuba indicated that hydrogen bond cleavage and the formation of new cross-links reduced protein coiling and polar group exposure, while stabilizing aliphatic chains, ultimately yielding a stronger and more compact yuba network structure. Mechanical and rehydration results further indicated that microwave treatment positively affected yuba quality. The 90 s pretreatment was identified as the optimal condition, exhibiting the highest elongation at break (126.36% increase) and rehydration capacity, along with improved color attributes, including higher lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values. These changes are likely attributable to disulfide-mediated protein reorganization, which creates greater spatial availability and thereby facilitates lipid incorporation. This study elucidates how microwave pretreatment drives the reorganization of soybean protein and lipid components, thereby influencing their distribution during film formation and providing a foundation for the tailored design of yuba with targeted mechanical properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin D (VD), through the interaction with its receptor (VDR), plays essential roles in the skin. VDR-mediated signaling prevents cancer development and improves prognosis, making it an appealing target for therapy. However, VD cutaneous synthesis begins with solar exposure, which is the first etiological factor for cutaneous cancer and increases oxidative stress (OS). This complicates the dermatologist’s perspective when advising photoprotective strategies while aiming to consider the benefits of VD signaling. In this context, and in the absence of cutaneous data to date, this research aims to address VDR dynamics in skin cells and tissue subjected to OS. It also explores the potential of a natural photoprotectant with antioxidant properties (a specific combination of Polypodium leucotomos and Aspalathus linearis extracts) in preventing VDR depletion. Methods: HaCaT cell cultures and skin explants were used as experimental models. OS was induced by treatments with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The proteins of interest (VDR and Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2)) were analyzed by immunostaining. Cell viability, nuclear counterstaining, and Haematoxylin/Eosin staining were used as cyto/histochemical controls. Results: In both experimental models, we observed the reduction of VDR under OS. Pre-treatments with the botanical ingredient preserved VDR levels from that decline, probably through a mechanism involving NRF2. Conclusions: Cutaneous VDR levels are altered under oxidative stress, and certain photoprotectants could preserve them. This opens the door to preserving the benefits of VDR signaling while preventing solar radiation damage, bringing a new viewpoint for designing future strategies in skin cancer prevention and treatment. Full article

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) disrupts intestinal barrier integrity, induces inflammation, and alters gut microbial balance, leading to diarrhea and growth impairment. Probiotics are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics for managing enteric infections, yet the functional properties and underlying mechanisms of feline-derived strains remain unclear. This study evaluated the protective effects of Ligilactobacillus (L.) agilis ZY25 and L. salivarius ZY35, isolated from healthy cats, against EPEC-induced intestinal injury in C57BL/6 mice, with a focus on barrier function, immune modulation, and microbial homeostasis. In this 21-day experiment, 48 mice were assigned to six groups (n = 8/group): control, EPEC model (MOD), chlortetracycline treatment (CTC), probiotic treatment (PRO-T; post-infection only), probiotic pre-treatment (PRO-P; pre-infection only), and continuous probiotic supplementation (PRO; pre- and post-infection). EPEC challenge (0.2 mL; 1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) was performed daily during experimental days 8–14. EPEC challenge resulted in weight loss (p < 0.05), increased (p < 0.05) diarrhea incidence, elevated (p < 0.05) serum D-lactate, diamine oxidase, and lipopolysaccharide levels, impaired intestinal morphology, immune imbalance, and microbial dysbiosis. Probiotic administration alleviated these alterations, as evidenced by restored intestinal morphology, reduced serum markers of barrier permeability (D-lactate, DAO, LPS), enhanced systemic immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM), a balanced cytokine profile (increased IL-4, IL-10; decreased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, CRP), and modulation of the gut microbiota (enrichment of beneficial taxa such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and suppression of pro-inflammatory Desulfovibrio). The continuous supplementation regimen (PRO) produced the most consistent improvements among the three intervention strategies tested. These findings suggest that feline-derived probiotics mitigate EPEC-induced intestinal dysfunction, accompanied by improved barrier-related indices, immune rebalancing, and microbial stabilization, thereby providing proof-of-concept evidence for their further evaluation in feline gastrointestinal health. Full article

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. A major pathological progression of MI is the excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in oxidative stress and damage to the ischemic heart. Because damage to the myocardium is irreversible, the development of new therapeutic agents that can decrease the degree of ischemic damage following MI is crucial. The traditional Chinese medicine formulation, Qishen Yiqi dropping pills (QSYQ), has been clinically used in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases; however, the precise mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain unelucidated. Methods: In this study, we established murine models of MI via coronary artery ligation to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of QSYQ following MI. Results: The administration of QSYQ significantly improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and attenuated ventricular remodeling in mice that underwent MI. Moreover, MI-induced oxidative stress and downregulated levels of antioxidant enzymes were prevented in mice administered QSYQ via upregulating the SIRT3/FOXO3a signaling pathway. Importantly, pretreatment with a selective SIRT3 inhibitor 3-TYP abolished the cardioprotective effects of QSYQ. Conclusions: Our findings elucidate the role and mechanism of QSYQ in protecting against oxidative damage and restoring redox homeostasis following myocardial infarction. This study provides support for the therapeutic potential of QSYQ in the clinical treatment of myocardial ischemic diseases. Full article

Background: The discovery of electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarkers of direct transmitter–receptor interactions in studies of neurotransmitter mechanisms underlying brain function remains relevant. Recently, EEG “signatures” of monoaminergic systems have been demonstrated using the “time-frequency clustering” approach. In the current study, the glutamic and cholinergic systems were under similar analysis with additional emphasis on their potential interaction. Methods: In non-anesthetized freely moving rats, we studied the EEG effects of agonists for glutamate receptors, injected into the cerebral lateral ventricles, and their modification after pretreatment with corresponding antagonists. The same protocol was used for acetylcholine receptors, activating and blocking substances that penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after subcutaneous injections. A clustering of significant time-dependent changes in tiny frequency subranges of the EEG spectra was performed. Results: After injections of agonists for glutamate receptors, two clusters with enhanced and suppressed activities around 2/4 and 10 Hz, respectively, were observed in the EEG spectra. These effects were reduced by pretreatment with corresponding receptor blockers. A cholinomimetic, physostigmine, decreased EEG activity around 2 and 10 Hz and increased near 5 and 22 Hz. Scopolamine, blocking muscarinic cholinoreceptors, weakened the effects of physostigmine. Intracerebral pretreatment with NMDA and AMPA receptor blockers differently modified the effects of physostigmine. The results demonstrate the EEG biomarkers of glutamatergic and cholinergic systems, as well as the specificity of interactions between them at the intracerebral level. Conclusions: The developed EEG time-frequency clustering is a potentially useful approach for the clinical evaluation of glutamatergic/cholinergic pathology and its correction by corresponding substances penetrating the BBB. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is triggered by genetic predisposition and chronic inflammation, with aberrant activation of the innate immune complex NLRP3 inflammasome playing a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of a hot water extract from the brown alga Endarachne binghamiae (EB-WE) on the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, with a focus on its antioxidant properties, in various inflammation models. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), NLRP3 inflammasome activation was induced using LPS and ATP, and EB-WE pretreatment (100, 200 µg/mL) significantly reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis further confirmed that EB-WE suppressed the formation of the NLRP3-ASC/caspase-1 complex. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-IBD efficacy of EB-WE was assessed using a DSS-induced mouse model, in which colonic inflammation and NLRP3-mediated responses were prominent. Oral administration of EB-WE (2 or 5 mg/day) markedly ameliorated clinical symptoms, such as weight loss, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, and significantly reduced the disease activity index (DAI). EB-WE also decreased serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules in colon tissue at both the gene and protein levels. In both BMDMs and the IBD mouse model, we further analyzed the upstream regulatory pathway involving NOX2-iNOS. EB-WE efficiently inhibited the activation of the NOX-iNOS axis and NF-κB phosphorylation, thereby alleviating inflammasome activation associated with DSS-induced oxidative stress and neutrophil/macrophage infiltration. Collectively, these results demonstrate that EB-WE effectively suppresses the formation and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by modulating the NOX-iNOS axis and the NF-κB pathway via antioxidant mechanisms. These findings suggest that EB-WE holds promise as a novel marine-derived natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Full article

Traditional calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) typically exhibits low specific surface area and reactivity, significantly limiting its efficacy in industrial gas–solid reactions such as flue gas desulfurization and thermochemical energy storage. To address these limitations, this study proposes a two-stage synthesis strategy designed to enhance the surface properties and chemical activity of Ca(OH)₂. The process involves the preparation of high-activity calcium oxide (CaO), followed by controlled hydration using diethylene glycol (DEG). Drawing on established mechanisms from cement chemistry, wherein potassium ions (K⁺) catalyze the decomposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), limestone particles (10–20 mm) were pre-soaked in a 0.1 mol/L potassium nitrate (KNO₃) solution for 48 h prior to calcination. Characterization via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Blaine Air Permeability Method analysis revealed that this pretreatment accelerated decomposition kinetics by inducing surface defects, yielding CaO with a maximum reactivity of 435.7 mL. Subsequent hydration at 80 °C with 70 wt% DEG effectively suppressed particle agglomeration and promoted the formation of thin platelet structures. The resulting Ca(OH)₂ achieved a utilization efficiency of 98.5% and a specific surface area of 43.24 m²/g, demonstrating a robust technical route for fabricating high-performance calcium-based sorbents for environmental and energy applications. Full article

Organic coatings are used as one of the most effective strategies for the corrosion protection of metals. Nowadays, due to environmental regulations, the use of water-based coatings has become essential compared to solvent-based ones. However, their application to magnesium alloys remains largely unexplored due to their high reactivity with water. In the present work, a phosphate-functionalized waterborne binder is applied to AZ31B magnesium alloy. The surface has been modified by four different pre-treatments, respectively: (i) mechanical grinding, (ii) pickling, (iii) conventional conversion treatment, and (iv) a novel conversion treatment based on layered double hydroxides (LDH). The most promising pre-treatments are selected to explore their synergy with a biobased waterborne binder, containing CeO₂ nanoparticles as a corrosion inhibitor. The morphology and composition of the different systems are studied, prior to and after corrosion tests in NaCl solution, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in NaCl solution have revealed not only that LDH performs better than the conventional conversion treatment but also the synergy between LDH pre-treatment and CeO₂ nanoparticles when two organic layers are used. Full article

Oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells has been increasingly recognized as a key factor in various intestinal disorders. Gastrodia elata polysaccharide-2 (GEP-2), a water-soluble polysaccharide known for its antioxidant properties, has shown potential against intestinal injury. However, its effects on intestinal epithelial cells and the molecular mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. In this study, we established a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress model using human colonic epithelial cells (NCM460) to evaluate the protective effects of GEP-2. We assessed cell viability, antioxidant enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The results demonstrated that GEP-2 pretreatment significantly improved the viability of NCM460 cells subjected to H₂O₂ damage. Additionally, it could enhance the antioxidant defense, reduce the levels of ROS, malondialdehyde (MDA), and maintain the MMP. Transcriptomic analysis identified 169 differentially expressed genes upregulated in the glutathione metabolism. JAK-STAT pathway and downregulated in inflammation. Furthermore, it was shown that GEP-2 treatment activated the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-mediated antioxidant response and promoted the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Therefore, GEP-2 exerts multi-targeted cell protection by coordinating the Nrf2/NQO1 antioxidant axis and the JAK/STAT survival signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel antioxidants. Full article

This study investigated the impact of the pretreatment of pea plants (Pisum sativum L. Ran 1) for five days by three times higher light intensity (360 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) than the intensity for their cultivation (120 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) on the photosynthetic apparatus’s ability to withstand moderately high temperatures. Photosystem II (PSII) performance was assessed by pulse amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometry—evaluation of F_v/F_m, Chl fluorescence decrease ratio—R_Fd, excitation pressure on PSII (1 − qP), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) analysis, and PsbA (D1) abundance. The redox state of P700 was used to examine photosystem I (PSI), and the redox kinetics of P700 was evaluated as an estimate of cyclic electron flow (CEF). The energy distribution and interaction between the two photosystems were assessed by 77 K chlorophyll fluorescence. Diphenylhexatriene (DPH) fluorescence polarization and PsbS accumulation were followed to estimate alterations in thylakoid membrane characteristics. Our data show that pea plants pretreated with a higher level of light intensity showed higher resistance to temperature increase, maintaining R_Fd values similar to control plants, and the effect of high temperature on PSII excitation pressure (1 − qP) was mitigated. A significant difference between the two groups of plants was observed in terms of quantum yields in both types of non-photochemical quenching, with light pretreated plants showing no change in the energy partitioning ratio while the exposure of non-high light pretreated plants to elevated temperatures led to a more significant increase in quantum yield of constitutive non-photochemical quenching. When plants were exposed to higher temperature, the accumulation of PsbS, induced by high light treatment, was accelerated, and stabilization of thylakoid membrane also occurred. A complex mechanism behind the enhanced tolerance to higher temperature includes the reorganization of membrane pigment–protein complexes, which is regulated by the buildup of PsbS and the accompanying redistribution of excitation energy. Full article