Determination of Idarubicin (IDA) as an anthracycline derivative and extensively used treatment of leukemia was investigated by electrochemical method using carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with NiO/SWCNTs nanocomposite and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMCl). The NiO/SWCNTs nanocomposites and EMCl play an important catalytic role in improving the electron transfer process at surface of CPE to monitoring of IDA. Electrochemical method was used to investigation redox behavior of IDA at surface of the NiO/SWCNTs/EMCl/CPE. The oxidation signal of IDA amplified by modification of CPE by NiO/SWCNTs and EMCl was about 4.3 times and NiO/SWCNTs/EMCl/CPE detected IDA in concentration range of 0.001–160 μM with detection limit of 0.5 nM, respectively. The evaluation of analytical and recovery data confirms the mentioned method was completely validated and successfully employed for the determination of IDA in real samples.

Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring active substance found in vegetables that is known for its potential in preventing and treating cancer. This compound has demonstrated promising effects in inhibiting the growth of various types of cancer, including esophageal, lung, colon, breast, and liver cancer. However, its instability towards pH and heat limits its application in the medical and food industries. To address this challenge, novel drug delivery systems have been developed to improve the stability and efficacy of sulforaphane, making it a more suitable candidate for clinical use in cancer research. In this study, nanocomposite materials were prepared using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and chitosan (CS) as base materials, with polydopamine (PDA) acting as a bridge material. The synthesized composite materials were used as drug carriers for the release of sulforaphane. The results of the study showed that the drug loading increased with an increase in the concentration of sulforaphane, indicating that the nanocomposite materials were effective in delivering and releasing the drug. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between the drug loading and the thickness of the PDA layer. These findings suggest that the use of MWCNTs, CS, and PDA in the development of drug delivery systems can enhance the stability and efficacy of sulforaphane, potentially leading to improved cancer treatment outcomes.

The development of biocomposites using renewable resources is a cost-effective and long-term solution to environmental and resource issues. Hydrogels [Poly Sodium Acrylate (PSA)] were created by variable percentages of crosslinker concentration, and banana–cellulose microfibril (CMF) was used as a filler in this study for better reinforcement. When the concentration of crosslinker is increased, the number of covalent crosslinks increases, limiting the movement of water molecules and lowering the diffusion coefficient, equilibrium water content, the initial rate of swelling, and the theoretical equilibrium swelling ratio. The swelling behaviour of reinforced PSA with high concentrations of CMF was unexpected; the hydrophilic OH groups of CMF increase the diffusion of water molecules from the swelling medium to inside the PSA, allowing for better mechanical behaviour of gels without sacrificing the swelling response. The swelling behaviour and swelling exponent of a hydrogel were determined at various temperatures, pH levels, and physiological fluid models. The swelling exponent's maximum value was discovered to be 0.5, which suggests that the hydrogel's water diffusion was non-Fickian in nature. The swelling ratio was found to rise with rising temperature and to have a lower value than that at room temperature. It was also proven that elevating the pH of the medium from 1 to 7 improved the PSA/CMF hydrogels' swelling response. The swelling behaviour of PSA/CMF hydrogels was also investigated as the concentration of CMF rose from 0.2 to 1%. The equilibrium water content, swelling kinetics, and water transport mechanisms were all investigated. The Flory–Rehner equation was applied to determine crosslinking density, polymer mesh size, and molecular weight between crosslinks.

The challenge of incorporating photothermal conversion function into chitosan (CS) hybrid fibers lies in balancing functionality and mechanical properties. In this study, we successfully prepared a chitosan/graphene oxide/gelatin (CS/GA/GO) hybrid fiber using the wet spinning process, achieving improved mechanical properties and efficient photothermal conversion capabilities. When compared with pure CS fiber with a breaking strength of 1.07 cN/dtex, the breaking strength of the CS/ GA composite fiber increased by 46.73%, while the CS/GA/GO hybrid fiber showed an even greater increase of 85.98%. In addition, the introduction of gelatin (GA) led to secondary scattering of near-infrared light, enhancing the photothermal conversion efficiency. As a result, the CS/GA/GO hybrid fiber exhibited a faster temperature rise rate and higher maximum temperatures (94.3 °C, 103.0 °C, and 111.3 °C) as compared to the CS/GO hybrid fiber. The successful incorporation of GA not only improved the mechanical properties but also enhanced the photothermal performance of the hybrid fiber.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is often used in the preparation of environmentally friendly biodegradable polymer plastics, and how to improve the flame retardant performance of polylactic acid has been concerned by experts and scholars. Here, we provide a new idea, using bamboo activated carbon as the main material, and phytic acid, urea and Zn(NO3)2·6(H2O) as modifiers to produce a new type of carbon flame retardant. It has bamboo activated carbon as carbon source; second, it has P, N elements and metal oxides. The two synergistically play a flame retardant role on polylactic acid. The polylactic acid composite showed good thermal stability, from no grade optimization to V-0 in the UL-94 test, and the limiting oxygen index was also increased from 20.1 to 31.2%. The above tests show that bamboo activated carbon loaded with ZnO has a good flame retardant effect on polylactic acid.

This study aimed to fabricate composites with high thermal conductivity using diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA), incorporating carbon fiber cloth (CFC) and graphene as reinforcing agents. Notably, the dispersion of graphene within the DGEBA matrix was enhanced through surface modification via a silane coupling agent. The effects of CFC and graphene addition on the impact strength, thermal conductivity, and morphology of the composites were examined. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of 6 wt% CFC resulted in a substantial (16-fold) increase in impact strength. Furthermore, the introduction of 6 wt% CFCs along with 20 wt% graphene led to a remarkable enhancement in thermal conductivity to 5.7 W/(m K), which was approximately 22 and 4 times higher than the intrinsic thermal conductivities of pristine DGEBA and the CFC/DGEBA composite, respectively. The increased impact strength is ascribed to the incorporation of CFC and silane-modified graphene. Additionally, the gradual increase in thermal conductivity can be attributed to the enhanced interaction between the acidic silane-modified graphene and the basic epoxy–amine hardener within the system studied.

A combination of a series of epoxy coatings filled with octadecylamine (ODA)-modified graphene oxide (mGO) or commercial exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) was developed to boost the anticorrosion performances of mild steel substrates in acidic and NaCl aqueous solutions. The xGnP and mGO were applied successfully as fillers for the preparation of layer by layer (LBL) xGnP or mGO/epoxy coatings, respectively, which were coated on the clean steel surfaces to form LBLassembled layers. The LBL-assembled xGnP or mGO/epoxy coating-coated steel substrates exhibit excellent anticorrosion performances. The corrosion potentials (Ecorr) of xGnP-1/xGnP-2/3 and mGO-1/mGO-2/3 display at − 193 and − 150 mV, respectively, while Ecorr of the bare steel shows at − 871 mV of immersion in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The most positive Ecorr values are obtained for xGnP-1/2/3 (− 117 mV) and mGO-1/2/3 (− 66 mV), showing the best anticorrosion performances compared to the bare steel (− 404 mV) in 17 wt% HCl solution.

The effects of different plasma agent species ( CF4, N2) over the conductivity of CFX cathode material were identified. Both plasma treatments have surface etching effect, while the CF4 plasma treatment has C–F bond modification effect and the N2 plasma treatment has defluorination effect. The changes of surface chemical species and porosity along the plasma agent were elucidated. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of plasma-treated CFX confirmed the effects of plasma treatments. The charge-transfer resistance of plasma-treated CFX was maximum 60.3% reduced than the pristine CFX. The effects of surface chemical modification coupled with etching along the plasma gas agents were compared and identified with their reaction mechanisms.

The coatings based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are increasingly developed for their applications, among others, in medicine, in particular for implants in implantology, cardiology, and neurology. The present review paper aims at a detailed demonstration of different preparation methods for such coatings, their performance, and relationships between deposition parameters and microstructure and material, mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties. The thermal and electrostatic spraying, electrophoretic and electrocathodic deposition, and laser methods are presented. Characterization of microstructure of coatings, topography, morphology, adhesion of CNTs to a substrate, mechanical behavior, corrosion resistance, wettability, cytotoxicity, bioactivity, and antibacterial protection are reviewed for different deposition methods and parameters. The state-of-the-art in the field of carbon nanotubes shows a considerable number of research performed on CNTs coatings. The different forms of CNTs, deposition methods, parameters, and substrates were applied as process variables. The microstructures and surface homogeneity, chemical and phase compositions, mechanical properties at the micro- and nanoscale such as coating Young`s modulus and hardness, interface adhesion strength and delaminating force, open corrosion potential and corrosion current density, contact angle in wettability assessment, and bioactivity, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial efficiency among biological properties were determined. The summary of so far achievements, strengths and weaknesses, and important future research necessary for clarification of some weak points, development of non-toxic, mechanically and chemically resistant, bioactive, and antibacterial multicomponent coatings based on functionalized CNTs are proposed.

Carbon dots (CDs) are a novel type of fluorescent nanoparticles with a particle size smaller than 10 nm. They possess several advantageous properties, including excellent biocompatibility, light stability, water solubility, and low toxicity. CDs have been widely researched in recent years. As a treasure of ancient Chinese science, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is rich in various active ingredients and has a variety of pharmacodynamic effects, which have been used for thousands of years. TCM-CDs prepared with TCM as carbon source can create some special functions and then may play a greater medicinal value. The purpose of this review was to engage in an in-depth conversation about the use of TCM-CDs in medical therapy and bioimaging. Firstly, this study provides a comprehensive exploration of different synthesis methods for TCM-CDs, comparing their respective advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, the intrinsic pharmacological activity of TCMCDs, encompassing antibacterial, hypoglycemic, hemostatic, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, is mainly discussed, alongside their underlying mechanisms of action. Additionally, investigations into in vitro imaging of diverse cell types and the distribution and uptake of TCM-CDs under in vivo imaging guidance are presented. Finally, the significance of TCM-CD research, key challenges and issues within this field, and future directions for development are summarized and outlined.

This study aims to analyze consumer perceptions of the metaverse platform and luxury fashion brands in relation to consumer lifestyles, thereby providing foundational data for future marketing strategies of fashion brands using the metaverse. A survey on the lifestyle and perceptions of the metaverse, as well as on luxury fashion brands, was conducted among 300 men and women between their 20s and 40s. Statistical analyses included frequency analysis, cross-tabulation, chi-square (χ2) analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, one-way ANOVA, and Duncan’s post-hoc test. Factor analysis of the participants’ lifestyles revealed five distinct types: “Indifferent,” “Social, individual, and leisure-oriented,” “Trend-leading and brand-oriented,” “Appearance and fashion-oriented,” and “Self-improvement-focused and individualistic” types. The analysis of luxury fashion brand perceptions based on lifestyle types showed that the “Trend-leading and brand-oriented” type had higher awareness and preference for brands such as Gucci, Burberry, and Balenciaga, while the “Indifferent” type showed lower levels of awareness and preference. Regarding brand perception related to luxury fashion brand content experiences within the metaverse, Gucci, Burberry, and Balenciaga showed consistent results across all types. Specifically individuals classified under the “Trend-leading and brand-oriented” category exhibited higher awareness and preference for these brands within metaverse experiences, while those categorized as “Indifferent” displayed comparatively lower levels. Therefore, digital marketing strategies targeting consumers under the “Trend-leading and brandoriented” category are expected to be highly effective for luxury fashion brands. This study is poised to contribute to the expansion of the marketing landscape within the metaverse virtual world for fashion.

The n-type Bi2-xSbxTe3 compounds have been of great interest due to its potential to achieve a high thermoelectric performance, comparable to that of p-type Bi2-xSbxTe3. However, a comprehensive understanding on the thermoelectric properties remains lacking. Here, we investigate the thermoelectric transport properties and band characteristics of n-type Bi2-xSbxTe3 (x = 0.1 – 1.1) based on experimental and theoretical considerations. We find that the higher power factor at lower Sb content results from the optimized balance between the density of state effective mass and nondegenerate mobility. Additionally, a higher carrier concentration at lower x suppresses bipolar conduction, thereby reducing thermal conductivity at elevated temperatures. Consequently, the highest zT of ~ 0.5 is observed at 450 K for x = 0.1 and, according to the single parabolic band model, it could be further improved by ~70 % through carrier concentration tuning.

Background: The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), a method of lumbar stabilization training, is an effective neuromuscular intervention for lumbar instability associated with low back pain (LBP). Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 2-week period of the ADIM and tensor fasciae latae-iliotibial band (TFL-ITB) self-stretching on lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity during active prone hip lateral rotation. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with lumbar extension rotation syndrome accompanying shortened TFL-ITB (16 males and 6 females) were recruited for this study. The subjects were instructed how to perform ADIM training or ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching program at home for a 2-week period. A 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system was used to measure the lumbopelvic rotation angle and lumbopelvic rotation movement onset. An independent t-test was used to determine between-group differences for each outcome measure (lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity). Results: The results showed that ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching decreased the lumbopelvic rotation angle, delayed the lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, and elongated the TFL-ITB significantly more than did ADIM training alone. Pain intensity was lower in the ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching group than the ADIM training alone group; however, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching performed for a 2-week period at home may be an effective treatment for modifying lumbopelvic motion and reducing LBP.

The objective of this study was to determine the ultrasonication-assisted extraction conditions that maximize the DPPH radical scavenging activity of extracts obtained from the stems of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz through the application of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Before delving into the analysis of extraction conditions using the RSM model, we conducted efficiency validation of ultrasonication-assisted extraction and executed single-factor experiments for ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature. The data obtained from these single-factor experiments were employed to construct the Box-Behnken Design (BBD). In these results, in the single-factor experiments, it was evident that the parameters for ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature exhibited quadratic trends. The single-factor experiments allowed us to discern the trends for each parameter leading to the maximum antioxidant capacity, and this data was subsequently applied to the BBD. Following the completion of initial experiments, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model was constructed based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD). According to the predictive model developed in this study, it was anticipated that performing ultrasonic-assisted extraction for 85.0412 minutes at an ethanol concentration of 32.573% and an extraction temperature of 51.5608°C will result in a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 79.7146%. The predictive results were statistically verified through a comparative analysis with actual measurements and ANOVA analysis, confirming the statistical significance of the model. The finding of this study underscore the significance of optimizing extraction conditions in the precise quantification of the antioxidant potential for economic advantages in both experimental and industrial contexts.

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) is a free-floating perennial herbaceous plant with rosette leaves and a stem. Although this plant multiplies and has adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, it can be used for biological purification of polluted water and production of valuable substances as a traditional medicine. In this study, we report a protocol to establish an in vitro micropropagation method based on direct shoot organogenesis from stem explants. In media comprising two types of basal medium and different growth regulators, multiple shoot organogenesis was observed on stems. The micropropagation method was most effective on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium with 1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid and 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine supplemented with 30 g/L sucrose, on which all explants produced multiple shoots. The shoots rooted spontaneously on solid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) and SH media without growth regulators (1/2MSO and 1/2SHO). However, roots developed more vigorously in liquid media. Regenerated plants colonized and grew more rapidly in SH basal medium than in MS basal medium and produced 6–8 stolons within 2 weeks on 1/2SHO. In summary, we established a method for micropropagation in vitro through direct organogenesis of water lettuce, which shows the potential of water lettuce as a model aquatic plant for phytochemical and pharmacological research.

Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.

수염풍뎅이(Polyphylla laticollis manchurica)는 과거에는 흔히 발견되었으나, 1970년대 이후 한반도 내 개체수 가 급격히 감소하여 2005년 환경부에 의해 멸종위기 야생생물 Ⅰ급으로 지정되었다. 또한 해당종의 분자생물학적 연구는 멸종위기종이라는 특성으로 인해 제한적으로 진행되었다. 그로 인해 NCBI 등 공공 데이터베이스에서 제공되는 서열정보들 또한 부족한 실정이다. 이 연구는 이러한 한계를 극복하고 수염풍뎅이의 유전적 특성을 규명하기 위해 생물정보학적 기술을 활용하여 전사체 분석을 진행하였다. Illumina HiSeq 2500 플랫폼을 사용하여 53,433,048개의 RNA reads를 얻었으며, Trinity와 TGICL을 이용한 De novo 어셈블리 분석을 통해 18,172개의 unigenes를 생성하였다. 생성된 unigenes는 GO, KOG, KEGG, PANM DB를 활용하여 annotation을 진행하였다. 그 결과, GO 분석에서는 ‘binding and catalytic activities’와 관련된 항목이 높은 발현을 보였으며, KOG 분석의 경우 ‘Cellular Processes and Signals’ 범주가 높은 비율을 나타내었다. KEGG 분석을 통해 2,118개의 unigenes가 metabolic 카테고리에 annotation된 것을 확인하였다. SSR 모티프 분석에서는 AT/AT (42.90%) 모티프, AAT/ATT (13.13%) 모티프 순으로 많이 나타나는 것을 확인하였다. 이 연구를 통해 분석한 결과 들을 이용하여 유전자원 및 종 정보를 실시간 제공 및 정보 공유가 가능하도록 Database 및 web-interface를 구축하 였으며, 이러한 자료들은 국내 멸종위기종인 수염풍뎅이의 고유한 유전적 특성을 발굴 및 확보할 수 있는 기반자 료로써 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

장내 미생물 군집은 소화 과정, 면역 시스템, 질병 발생 등 숙주의 다양한 면에 광범위한 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 주요 장내 미생물 종은 숙주의 생리 기능에 핵심적인 역할을 수행한다고 발표된 바 있다. 곤충의 장내 미생물 군집에 관한 연구가 최근 활발히 이루어지고 있으며, 이들 연구는 주로 장내 미생물 군집과 기생충, 병원체 간의 상호작용, 종간의 신호 전달 네트워크, 먹이의 소화 과정 등을 중심으로 이루어지고 있다. 이러한 연구들은 대부분 Illumina MiSeq을 활용하여 16S rRNA 유전자의 V1부터 V9 영역 중 선택된 특정 부분을 대상으로 짧은 서열 정보를 대상으로 진행되었다. 그러나, 최근에는 PacBio HiFi 기술이 상용화되면서 16S rRNA의 전장 분석이 가능할 수 있게 되었다. 이번 연구는 장수말벌(Vespa mandarinia)의 해부를 통해 gut과 carcass 부분을 분리한 뒤, 각 샘플을 Illumina MiSeq과 PacBio HiFi 기술을 활용하여 미생물 군집 간의 차이점을 확인하기 위하여 수행되었다.

Since Dolichovespula kuami Kim & Yoon was first recorded in Korea in 1996, there has been ongoing debate over its valid specific status. However, through recent analysis of the male genitalia structure and DNA barcode, it has been proven that it is a different species from D. flora Archer, which live in China. D. kuami is an endemic species that mainly lives in forest areas in the central and northern parts of South Korea. It is a hornet species that is relatively rare due to low nest density. Therefore, little is known about their ecological characteristics. However, as numerous wasps of D. kuami were recently collected in the Jilin Province of China, their distribution records have been confirmed to be beyond the Korean Peninsula to China. Therefore, this study aims to record the distribution of D. kuami in China for the first time.