Smartphone-based non-invasive detection of salivary uric acid based on the fluorescence quenching of gleditsia sinensis carbon dots.

A smartphone-based non-invasive method was developed for salivary uric acid detection using Gleditsia Sinensis carbon dots (GS-CDs). The GS-CDs synthesized by the one-pot hydrothermal method emitted blue fluorescence at a maximum excitation wavelength of 350 nm and had good fluorescence stability in the presence of different ions, while showing selectivity to uric acid solution. The ability of uric acid (UA) to quench the fluorescent substances present in the GS-CDs, was confirmed through HPLC-FLD and LC-MS, FTIR and XPS.

Exploring the potential mechanisms of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction in treating elderly bronchial asthma through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.

Modern medical practice has confirmed the efficacy of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Decoction (MHFZXXD) in treating elderly bronchial asthma, but its specific mechanisms of action remain to be clarified. Therefore, this study utilizes network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques, and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the key active components, core target genes, and potential mechanisms of MHFZXXD in the treatment of elderly bronchial asthma. Active components and related targets of MHFZXXD were identified through the retrieval and screening of the TCMSP, Swiss Targets Prediction, and Uniprot databases.

Potential Anti-Gouty Arthritis of Citronella Essential Oil and Nutmeg Essential Oil through Reducing Oxidative Stress and Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Activation-Induced NLRP3 Activity.

Citronella and Nutmeg are two common spices used for seasoning and medicinal purposes, both of which have significant economic value. This study aimed to investigate whether Citronella essential oil and Nutmeg essential oil (NEO) can ameliorate monosodium urate (MSU)-induced gouty arthritis in rats and the potential mechanisms. The results showed that CEO and NEO reduced swelling and redness at joint sites, inhibited neutrophil infiltration, and limited proinflammatory mediator secretion in mice with MSU-induced gouty arthritis.

A Bionic Walking Wheel for Enhanced Trafficability in Paddy Fields with Muddy Soil.

To improve wheel trafficability in soft and muddy soils such as paddy fields, a bionic walking wheel is designed based on the structural morphology and movement mode of the feet of waders living in marshes and mudflats, similar to the muddy soil of paddy fields. The bionic walking wheel adopts the arrangement of double-row wheel legs and staggered arrays to imitate the walking posture of waders. The two legs move alternately, cooperate with each other, and improve the smoothness of movement.

Enhanced mechanical and functional properties of chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/alizarin composite film by incorporating cinnamon essential oil and tea polyphenols.

In this study, cinnamon essential oil and tea polyphenols were added to chitosan/ polyvinyl alcohol/ hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/ alizarin composite films to enhance their mechanical and functional properties. Their addition to the composite films enhanced their antibacterial and antioxidant properties and significantly improved its elongation at break (p < 0.05).

Encapsulation Efficiency and Functional Stability of Cinnamon Essential Oil in Modified -cyclodextrins: In Vitro and In Silico Evidence.

Essential oils (EOs) have good natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; however, their volatility, intense aroma, poor aqueous solubility, and chemical instability limit their applications in the food industry. The encapsulation of EOs in -cyclodextrins (-CDs) is a widely accepted strategy for enhancing EO applications. The complexation of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) with five types of -CDs, containing different substituent groups (-CD with primary hydroxyl, Mal--CD with maltosyl, CM--CD with carboxymethyl, HP--CD with hydroxypropyl, and DM--CD with methyl), inclusion process behaviors, volatile components, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the solid complexes were studied.

Effect of pH Buffer and Carbon Metabolism on the Yield and Mechanical Properties of Bacterial Cellulose Produced by ATCC 53582.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is widely used in the food industry for products such as nata de coco. The mechanical properties of BC hydrogels, including stiffness and viscoelasticity, are determined by the hydrated fibril network. Generally, bacteria produce gluconic acids in a glucose medium, which may affect the pH, structure and mechanical properties of BC.

Physical and oxidative stability of chicken oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by chicken protein hydrolysates.

The emulsifying and antioxidant properties of chicken protein hydrolysates for the physical and oxidative stabilization of chicken oil-in-water emulsion were investigated. The chicken protein pepsin hydrolysates obtained at reaction temperature of 33℃, 1.8% enzyme addition, liquid-solid ratio of 5:1, and reaction time of 4h, showed the DPPH radical scavenging rate of 92.

A Quadruped Micro-Robot Based on Piezoelectric Driving.

Inspired by a way of rowing, a new piezoelectric driving quadruped micro-robot operating in bending-bending hybrid vibration modes was proposed and tested in this work. The robot consisted of a steel base, four steel connecting pins and four similar driving legs, and all legs were bonded by four piezoelectric ceramic plates. The driving principle is discussed, which is based on the hybrid of first order vertical bending and first order horizontal bending vibrations.

Optimization and Analysis of a U-Shaped Linear Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Motor Using Longitudinal Transducers.

A novel U-shaped piezoelectric ultrasonic motor that mainly focused on miniaturization and high power density was proposed, fabricated, and tested in this work. The longitudinal vibrations of the transducers were excited to form the elliptical movements on the driving feet. Finite element method (FEM) was used for design and analysis.