搜索结果：composites

In this study, we present a comprehensive set of experimental data aimed at uncovering the mechanisms and regularities governing the deformation behavior of composites reinforced with continuous carbon fibers (CF) based on thermoplastic polymers. This work describes data extraction techniques that can later be used to optimize the mechanical properties of such structures using neural network models. This paper examines the thermoplastic polymer polysulfone (PSU) of the Ultrason S 2010 brand, which was used as the matrix material for the composites, while high-strength Toray T700SC fibers were used as the reinforcing fibers. Composite samples in the form of rods with a diameter of 1 mm were obtained by impregnating the fibers with a solution of polysulfone in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, followed by solvent removal. The collected dataset contains more than 600 tensile test results, including load-strain diagrams for different test conditions, data on the failure mechanisms of the specimens, and SEM images of the specimen microstructure in cross and longitudinal sections. This dataset will be useful for ML model development.

In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solutions were doped with kraft lignin to prepare composites with enhanced barrier properties. Bulk kraft lignin was converted into nanoparticles (KLNPs) through a self-assembly approach, aiming to increase the availability of phenolic hydroxyl groups responsible for antioxidant activity. The PVA-lignin solutions were processed via casting and electrospinning, rendering materials based on the same chemical system but with different additive loadings and structural features. Due to processing limitations, the maximum KLNPs weight contribution in casted films was restricted to 1.5 wt%, whereas through electrospinning we have incorporated up to 3.0 wt% without compromising mechanical integrity of the resulting material. Casted films were homogeneous and transparent materials with improved UV-shielding and water barrier performance compared to neat PVA. In contrast, the electrospun membranes formed by PVA nanofibers with 519 nm average diameter rendered opaque and high porous materials within PVA fiber network, exhibiting increased surface wettability. The antioxidant performance of the blends, evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, increased with lignin nanosizing and concentration, with electrospun membranes showing a 10% higher scavenging efficiency than casted films. Finally, the performance of the materials in food preservation was tested in pork meat samples under accelerated degradation conditions. Decoupled analysis of barrier and active properties demonstrated a behavior highly dependent on the manufacture process and the lignin concentration. While casted films reduced lipid oxidation by a 71% mainly through barrier properties, the overall malondialdehyde (MDA) inhibition capacity of electrospun membranes was 56% with the main activity attributed to the lignin content.

This study presents the fabrication and optimization of poly(lactic acid)/gelatin (PLA/Gel) composite nanofibrous scaffolds simultaneously reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) and silica (SiO₂) nanoparticles using a dual-nozzle electrospinning approach. Separate PLA/SiO₂ and Gel/HA solutions were electrospun simultaneously, but each from one distinct syringe to enable independent control of processing parameters. Compositional and processing parameters were systematically optimized using the Taguchi design method, a novel approach for this type of hybrid scaffold. Morphological analysis showed that fiber diameter could be tuned by adjusting formulation parameters, with average diameters ranging from approximately ~200 nm to ~1000 nm under stable electrospinning conditions. Uniform, bead-free nanofibers were obtained at balanced compositions, whereas higher nanoparticle loadings led to greater diameter variability and bead formation. Surface wettability was tunable, with contact angles ranging from 130° to 28°, depending on composition. Thermal analyses revealed that both nanoparticle content and polymer blend ratio significantly influenced degradation and crystallization behavior. The optimized scaffold, consisting of a 50/50 Gel/PLA with 2 wt% HA and 2.5 wt% SiO₂, exhibited uniform, bead-free morphology, favorable hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties suitable for bone tissue engineering (tensile strength 3.5 MPa; Young's modulus 180 MPa). In vitro evaluations demonstrated enhanced cell viability, proliferation, mineralization, and osteogenic differentiation, particularly in HA/SiO₂-reinforced structures. Overall, these findings underscore the effectiveness of dual-nozzle electrospinning combined with Taguchi optimization for tailoring PLA/Gel nanofibers structure and performance in advanced bone tissue engineering applications.

Dengue fever is a major mosquito-borne viral infection with rising global prevalence in tropical and subtropical regions. Pregnant women represent a particularly vulnerable population due to altered immune and physiological responses. While dengue is endemic in Southeast Asia, population-based data on maternal outcomes in East Asian populations with advanced healthcare systems like Taiwan are scarce. A nationwide retrospective descriptive, non-comparative study identified 264 pregnant women with dengue (2012-2018) via the Taiwan NHIRD. Outcomes were analyzed descriptively; comparisons with national statistics are illustrative rather than formal risk estimates. The median maternal age was 32 years. The most common maternal intervention was Cesarean delivery (68.6%), while ICU admission occurred in 9.1%. For neonatal outcomes, a composite of preterm delivery or incubator care (aggregated due to coding limitations) occurred in 34.9%. Notably, the rate of low birth weight (9.5%) remained comparable to national baselines despite high intervention rates. High rates of obstetric intervention despite preserved biological outcomes may reflect defensive clinical practices and diagnostic uncertainty during epidemics. Refined guidelines are needed to balance safety and avoid unnecessary surgery.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are increasingly evaluated for cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure (HF), due to their weight-reducing and anti-inflammatory effects. Individual trials in HF have reported heterogeneous results, which appear to differ by HF subtype. No prior quantitative synthesis has systematically compared GLP-1 RA effects in heart failure with preserved (HFpEF) versus reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) across a wide range of clinically relevant outcomes. This meta-analysis addresses this gap by evaluating subtype-specific efficacy across clinical, functional, biochemical, and hemodynamic domains to guide therapy and inform future research. Eight randomized controlled trials enrolling 11,234 patients were included following a systematic search of major databases per PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROB 2.0 tool. Data were pooled using random-effects models with Hartung-Knapp adjustment. Sensitivity analyses assessed robustness and certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE. In HFpEF, GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced HF worsening events (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.89; I² = 9.9%, high-certainty) and improved NT-proBNP (ratio 0.85), six-minute walk distance (+17.6 m), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score (+7.4 points), and systolic blood pressure (-3.6 mmHg). The composite of HF worsening events or cardiovascular death was also reduced (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.90). In HFrEF, no benefit was observed for HF worsening events (HR 1.23, 95% CI 0.89-1.69; I² = 0%, moderate-certainty) or secondary outcomes. Gastrointestinal adverse events were the most frequent cause of drug discontinuation (RR 3.12, 95% CI 1.28-7.63). In conclusion, GLP-1 RAs improve clinical, functional, and biomarker outcomes in HFpEF but not in HFrEF, highlighting subtype-specific efficacy. Gastrointestinal intolerance remains a key limitation, emphasizing the need for careful patient selection to optimize adherence. PROSPERO Registration: CRD420251138529.

Euphorbia milii Des Moul is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicinal and is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally, its sap has been used in folk medicine to treat various conditions such as skin inflammations, pain, and boils. To date, it remains a commonly used herbal medicine in clinical practice. This paper systematically reviews the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of E. milii to assess its therapeutic potential and guide future studies. A comprehensive literature search was performed based on multiple s databases, including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang. Additionally, taxonomic databases such as Flora of China and Plants of the World Online (POWO) were consulted to verify the plant's nomenclature and distribution. To date, 85 compounds have been identified from E. milii, comprising 74 diterpenoids, 6 triterpenoids, 2 steroids, 2 flavonoids, and 1 macrocyclic lactone. These phytochemicals exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-gout, molluscicide, and anti-parasitic effects. Given its long history of traditional use, rich phytochemical composition, and diverse pharmacological activities, E. milii can be considered an important botanical resource for applications not only in traditional medicine but also in modern ecological and potential pharmacological contexts. However, in vivo and clinical studies remain limited. Future research should emphasize pharmacokinetic profiling to strengthen the basis for clinical applications and new drug development.

The binding of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) to hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels regulates cardiac pacemaking but key aspects of the mechanism of ligand-dependent regulation remain unresolved. Here, we examine the role of the lipid environment by reconstituting purified human HCN channels into lipid nanodiscs and measuring successive cAMP binding to single HCN channels using nanophotonic waveguides. Regardless of nanodisc size or lipid composition, cAMP molecules bind cooperatively to HCN channels in lipid bilayers, unlike channels solubilized in detergents. The affinity of the first ligand remains unchanged across conditions, indicating that the bilayer selectively alters higher-order ligation states. Cryo-EM structures of apo- and holo-HCN channels reveal additional lipid densities that are weak or absent in detergent-solubilized preparations. Together, these findings show that the lipid bilayer is both necessary and sufficient to induce cooperative ligand binding in HCN channels, thereby enhancing their sensitivity to gating stimuli.

Bacterial genomes frequently harbor extrachromosomal replicons (ERs) that promote genome plasticity and adaptation, ranging from small plasmids to chromosome-scale replicons. In a few model organisms, including Vibrio cholerae and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, large ERs are coordinated with chromosome replication and cell-cycle organization by specific molecular mechanisms. Whether this applies broadly across bacteria remains unknown. Here, we analyzed more than 40,000 complete bacterial genomes to update the distribution of ERs across bacterial taxa. Their GC content converged toward that of the chromosome with increasing ER size, revealing a size-dependent trend toward chromosomal composition. Such large ERs were found as conserved genomic features in many distinct genera, consistent with independent acquisition and long-term maintenance. We selected representative strains from these lineages, spanning five taxonomic classes across three bacterial phyla, to investigate replication dynamics and spatial organization. Marker frequency analysis showed that these large ERs are maintained at the same copy number as the chromosome and often complete replication synchronously. Chromosome conformation capture further revealed frequent ER-chromosome contacts, including origin-origin interactions and extended contacts along replicated arms. Together, this exploratory study lays the groundwork for uncovering new mechanisms coordinating large-ER maintenance with the bacterial chromosome.

PANoptosis is an emerging programmed cell death (PCD) pathway that integrates the key features of pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis, and is coordinately regulated by a multi-protein complex known as the PANoptosome. This pathway plays a significant role in various neurological disorders, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, spinal cord injury, glioma, and other neuroinflammatory diseases. By synthesizing the latest bioinformatics and substantial experimental evidence, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the PANoptosome's composition and its dynamic regulatory networks, and further dissect the immunoregulatory functions of PANoptosis. Distinct from previous descriptive summaries, we propose a refined framework focusing on the spatiotemporal and cell-type-specific dynamics of PANoptosis, specifically highlighting the functional transition from acute neuronal stress (VDAC1-mediated) to chronic glial-mediated inflammation (TAK1-dependent). Furthermore, we evaluate the methodological standards for detection and discuss the translational feasibility and safety of targeting this pathway. By outlining these prospective research avenues, this work underscores the critical value of PANoptosis in clinical translation and provides an updated conceptual roadmap for future therapeutic strategies in neurological diseases.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) have proven to be effective as potential drug delivery systems. The presence of carboxylate groups on their surface facilitates the development of multifunctional NPs enhancing therapeutic efficacy through synergetic effects. Our study describes the preparation of PLGA NPs using oil-in-water polymeric nano-emulsions, generated via a phase inversion composition low-energy emulsification method. Rosmarinic acid (RA), a phytochemical with neuroprotective effects, and an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) were selected respectively as a phytochemical to be entrapped and as a ligand to decorate the surface of PLGA nanoparticles respectively, aiming to enhance ASO delivery to neuronal cells. Physicochemical characterization confirmed that RA and ASO incorporation preserved colloidal stability, with no adverse effect on particle size, surface charge, or morphology. In vitro-controlled release experiments showed a cumulative RA release of ca. 12% over 24 h governed by a semi-Fickian diffusion mechanism after adjusting to different equation models. Importantly, RA entrapment displayed measurable radical scavenging capacity, leading to a EC50 of 76 ± 0.9 μg·mL-1. Cell culture experiments confirmed biocompatibility in both a non-cancer cell line (HEK293) and neuroblastoma cell model (SH-SY5Y). Uptake studies revealed efficient internalization of PLGA NPs by SH-SY5Y cells and primary murine neurons, promoting gene silencing of luciferase expression (53.7 ± 7.9%). Together, these results show a modular PLGA nanoplatform that enables the simultaneous incorporation of an antioxidant payload and a covalently grafted antisense oligonucleotide, allowing independent assessment of redox modulation and gene silencing in neuronal models.

Lipofuscin is an autofluorescent material that accrues in brain tissues with age and in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), a neurodegenerative disease with pediatric onset. The distribution, composition, and organellar origin of lipofuscin have remained unclear despite its widespread presence in aged tissues and involvement in neurodegeneration. Here, we elucidate lipofuscin composition in mouse and human brain and assemble a reference neuroanatomical atlas of lipofuscin accumulation with age and NCL (Type 1; CLN1) progression across 425 fine brain regions. We identify a primary role of the lysosomal-mitochondrial axis in the formation of lipofuscin pathology via multimodal mass spectrometry, ultrastructural analyses, and assays of cellular and enzymatic metabolism. We find the protein and lipid composition of lipofuscin in the aged and CLN1 brain to be remarkably similar. Dissection of implicated molecular pathways reveals protein S-acylation and unsaturated lipid homeostasis as central processes involved in lipofuscin deposition during aging and CLN1. Notably, > 95% of lipofuscin resident proteins can be S-acylated and many are substrates of the enzyme PPT1, validating a seminal hypothesis that CLN1 lipofuscin contains these lipid-modified proteins. Further, we discover deficient de-S-acylation is correlated with lipofuscin load in healthy aging, as the specific de-S-acylation enzyme activity of PPT1 is found to decline with advancing age. Finally, we identify lipid metabolite biomarkers of lipofuscin, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, bis(monoacylglycerol)phosphate (BMP), and oxidized phosphatidylethanolamine (OxPE) lipid species. Overall, we provide a comprehensive redefinition of lipofuscin neuropathology and a resource for studying aging, lysosomal storage disorders, and neurodegeneration.

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) relies on alloy feedstock powders that may come into contact with the workers' skin during handling, yet skin-relevant data on metal release and biological reactivity remain limited. Here, we assessed the cutaneous bioactivity of the fine particle fraction of four gas-atomized Fe-based AM powders (316L stainless steel, Fe-powder A, and tooling steels B and C). Powders were sieved to <10 &#x3bc;m and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after incubation in artificial sweat (ASW). Metal biodissolution was quantified in ASW and keratinocyte culture medium using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cellular responses were evaluated in HaCaT keratinocytes using Cell Painting-based phenomics and multiplex cytokine/chemokine profiling and in an ex vivo full-thickness human skin explant model, including superficial barrier disruption, IL-8/CXCL8 quantification, and histological assessment. ASW exposure induced marked shifts in the outermost surface composition across powders, indicating sweat-driven surface transformation. Biodissolution was low and medium-dependent, with Fe dominating the release in ASW, and with an overall metal release remaining limited in cell culture medium. In HaCaT cells, MCP-1/CCL2, IL-6, and IL-8/CXCL8 were quantifiable but showed no significant changes following powder exposure. Cell Painting revealed subtle, shared phenotypic signatures, primarily involving mitochondrial-associated features, without evidence of broad cellular stress. In the ex vivo skin model, AM powders did not increase IL-8/CXCL8 secretion, the particles remained localized to the skin surface without detectable penetration, and coexposure with Staphylococcus epidermidis did not enhance bacterial colonization or induce inflammation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that applies a human skin explant model to evaluate dermal responses to metal AM powders. Overall, the tested AM powders showed low short-term cutaneous reactivity under skin-relevant conditions, providing human-relevant evidence to inform occupational risk assessment in AM environments.

Human biomonitoring (HBM) is crucial for evaluating exposure to diet-related contaminants, whose effects may pose substantial health risks. Saliva is recognized as a promising non-invasive biological matrix due to its ease of collection and potential to reflect external and systemic exposure. However, suitability for monitoring dietary hazardous compounds remains uncertain. To assess the potential of saliva as a biomonitoring matrix for diet-related contaminants, identify compounds with robust diet-related associations, and highlight knowledge gaps. A systematic literature review was conducted to screen over 500 diet-related contaminants analyzed in saliva. Detailed information was extracted only for contaminants quantitatively measured in saliva, including concentration ranges, sample sizes, and analytical methods. Evidence of correlations with systemic concentrations, exposure pathways, and individual or lifestyle factors was compiled into a FAIR database to provide an integrated evaluation of saliva's biomonitoring potential. Only a limited subset of contaminant groups, including nitrite/nitrate, heavy metals, bisphenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), biogenic amines, pesticides, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), perchlorate, microplastics (MPs), parabens and phthalates, have been quantitatively measured in saliva. Compounds such as nitrate, arsenic, AGEs, pesticides and perchlorate demonstrate moderate to strong correlations between salivary and systemic levels, supporting saliva's potential to estimate exposure. Conversely, substances like PAHs, MPs, phthalates and parabens generally show weak or no correlation, reflecting recent or localised exposures rather than cumulative burden. Salivary composition is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including diet, oral microbiota, physiology, and sampling conditions, resulting in high interindividual variability. Despite challenges, low salivary concentrations and lack of standardized collection protocols, saliva offers advantages for biomonitoring vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. Harmonized collection procedures, validated sensitive methods, predictive models accounting for variability and exposure context, could establish saliva as a reliable complementary or alternative matrix for assessing human exposure to dietary and environmental contaminants. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 104 studies, covering over 500 diet-related contaminants measured in saliva, and compiles them into a FAIR database, providing the most comprehensive resource to date for saliva-based biomonitoring. Compounds such as nitrate, arsenic, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), pesticides, and perchlorate show meaningful correlations with systemic levels, supporting saliva's potential as a non-invasive matrix for assessing human exposure. To fully realize saliva's potential, standardized collection protocols, validated analytical methods, and predictive models that account for interindividual variability and exposure context are urgently needed, enabling more accurate and ethical monitoring of vulnerable populations.

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by prolonged subclinical progression, molecular heterogeneity, and late clinical presentation, resulting in diagnosis predominantly at advanced stages. Current screening approaches lack sufficient sensitivity and scalability, underscoring the need for risk-adapted early detection strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a shift from reactive diagnosis toward proactive, precision-oriented screening. This review synthesizes recent advances in AI for the early screening and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. We focus on how AI enables population-level and high-risk prediction, augments diagnostic assessment in patients with suspicious clinical, imaging, or molecular findings, and supports precision stratification through multimodal integration of radiologic imaging, circulating biomarkers, and longitudinal electronic health records (EHRs). Advances span three domains. In imaging, deep learning models-including convolutional neural networks, transformer architectures, and self-configuring segmentation frameworks-improve pancreas segmentation, lesion detection, and classification, with several systems demonstrating radiologist-level performance in retrospective multicenter studies. In biomarker discovery, machine learning approaches such as LASSO, random forest, and XGBoost facilitate high-dimensional feature selection from transcriptomic, metabolomic, and exosomal data, enabling composite diagnostic signatures beyond CA19-9. In longitudinal EHR analysis, temporal deep learning models identify latent disease trajectories and predict pancreatic cancer risk months to years before clinical diagnosis. Despite these advances, most models remain retrospectively validated and face limitations related to data heterogeneity, interpretability, and cross-population generalizability. AI strengthens early detection through multimodal integration, risk-adapted stratification, and data-driven clinical support aligned with precision medicine. Its near-term value lies in augmenting detection among high-risk populations rather than enabling universal screening or autonomous diagnosis. Prospective multicenter validation and improved model transparency are critical for translation into routine practice.

Current treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) mainly focuses on the modification of systemic risk factors, such as hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Despite significant efforts and expanse, achieving early and proper diagnosis of ASCVD to improve clinical outcomes remains challenging, and vascular-targeted therapies or genetic editing, while ideal, are still limited. The development of nanomedicine-based mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated the potential of nanotechnology to target previously inaccessible molecules. Precision therapies by nanomedicine targeting specific tissues/molecules hold potential for new treatment paradigms by precisely modulating disease-causing molecular pathways within diseased tissues, including dysfunctional vasculature. By leveraging insights into the pathogenic contributors of atherogenesis, researchers have optimized nanoplatforms' composition, synthesis strategies, and surface design to enhance therapeutic efficacy and enable early diagnosis. Herein, we present an updated overview of therapeutic and diagnostic strategies using nanomedicine for ASCVD, and explore future research directions and innovative approaches for nanomedicine-driven theranostics in cardiovascular care.

Skin aging in midlife women is influenced by intrinsic aging processes, hormonal transitions, and systemic factors that affect skin structure, hydration, and elasticity. Increasing interest has emerged in oral interventions targeting the gut-skin axis as a complementary strategy to topical skincare. However, clinical evidence linking postbiotic supplementation to objective changes in skin appearance remains limited. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 34 healthy women aged 40-55 years were assigned to receive either an oral postbiotic supplement (VMK223, 500 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Objective skin appearance parameters, including pore appearance, melanin levels, acne severity, wrinkle depth, hydration, and elasticity, were assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12 using a standardized, noninvasive skin analysis device. A composite skin quality score integrating pores, melanin, acne, and wrinkles was developed as an exploratory outcome. Overall, 29 participants completed the study (VMK223: n = 16; placebo: n = 13). Compared with placebo, VMK223 supplementation was associated with significantly greater improvements across multiple skin parameters over time. At week 12, the VMK223 group showed greater reductions in wrinkle depth (28.0% versus 4.4%, p < 0.001), pore appearance (22.0% versus 8.2%, p < 0.001), acne severity (15.9% versus 7.0%, p < 0.01), and melanin levels (11.5% versus 0.9%, p < 0.05), alongside greater increases in skin hydration (28.3% versus 11.0%, p < 0.001), and elasticity (26.8% versus 5.8%, p < 0.001). The composite skin quality score improved by 20.9% in the VMK223 group compared with 5.6% in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Improvements were progressive and most pronounced after 8-12 weeks. Oral postbiotic supplementation for 12 weeks was associated with significant improvements in multiple objective skin appearance parameters in healthy women aged 40-55 years. These findings support the potential role of postbiotics as a systemic, adjunctive approach for improving visible skin quality. Further studies incorporating biological markers are warranted to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Infographic available for this article. NCT04267731.

The development of stable and highly sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors is essential primarily to treat diabetes. In this work, Ag-doped CuO nanorods electrode were prepared using hydrothermal technique and used for non-enzymatic glucose detection. The structural, morphological, and chemical composition characteristics of the pristine and Ag-doped electrode were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM) with high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) elemental mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming successful formation of nanorods and incorporation of Ag in CuO. Electrochemical glucose sensing performance of doped and undoped CuO nanorods was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In comparison to the pristine CuO nanorods, the electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation is found to be enhanced after incorporation of Ag into the CuO lattice effectively. Ag-doped CuO exhibits a sensitivity of 2520 &#xb5;Acm-2 mM-1 in the linear range of 5 &#xb5;M to 900 &#xb5;M with a detection limit of 2.5 &#xb5;M. The sensor also shows good reproducibility, stability, and selectivity against common interfering species.

Bilious vomiting in infants is recognized as a sign of potential surgical pathology, and these infants often require retrieval from the peripheral hospital to a surgical center for specialist investigation. We set out to show the frequency of surgical pathology, time-critical pathology, and cardiorespiratory deterioration during retrieval among infants with bilious vomiting. In addition, we aimed to show whether there is an association between the need for cardiorespiratory support at the time of referral and time-critical pathology or cardiorespiratory deterioration during the retrieval. We completed a retrospective observational study of 104 infants younger than 44 weeks' corrected gestational age retrieved for bilious vomiting or aspirates over a 103-month period identified from the electronic retrieval record database of an Australian retrieval service. Of the infants included in the study, 21 (20.19%) had a surgical pathology, 6 (5.77%) had a time-critical pathology, and 10 (9.62%) experienced a cardiorespiratory deterioration during the retrieval. Infants receiving cardiorespiratory support at the time of referral were more likely to have a time-critical pathology (risk difference [RD], 24.45%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.23-60.07; risk ratio [RR], 6.93; 95% CI, 1.52-31.5) and more likely to experience a cardiorespiratory deterioration (RD, 50.95%; 95% CI, 18.17-78.19; RR, 9.24; 95% CI, 3.38-25.27). Our findings can help the retrieval service plan their response to referrals for infants with bilious vomiting. Awareness of the frequency of time-critical pathology and of deterioration during retrieval and the increased risk of both among those requiring cardiorespiratory support at the time of referral could inform the timing of response and team composition.

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) has caused severe pollution due to its high concentration of water-soluble contaminants, posing a major obstacle to the sustainable development. To address the low utilization of EMR and its associated pollution, mullite-enhanced anorthite ceramics were successfully prepared at temperatures below 1200&#xa0;&#xb0;C by using EMR and calcined kaolin (CK). Different EMR/CK ratios, sintering temperatures, and holding times were investigated. The optimal bending strength of 65.09&#xa0;MPa was obtained at 1160&#xa0;&#xb0;C for 60&#xa0;min with EMR/CK ratio of 1:1. The enhanced mechanical strength originates from the altered crack propagation path caused by in-situ synthesis of mullite microcrystals. Phase composition, microstructure, and thermal analysis revealed that CaO reacts with &#x3b1;-SiO2 to form wollastonite and gehlenite, ultimately synthesizing anorthite above 1100&#xa0;&#xb0;C. The spinel-like intermediate during the mullite formation provides most of aluminum source and part of silicon source for anorthite synthesis. This study offers a sustainable solution for solid waste co-disposal and heavy metal pollution control.