A novel polymer composite from polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride for high performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).

In this study, we report the successful fabrication of a novel antibacterial triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) using a polymer composite film based on polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMG). The composite materials, with optimised ingredient ratios, consist of PHMG, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinking agent (PHMG-GA-PVA). Utilising 3D printing, these composite materials were directly deposited on the conductive substrates and used as positive TENG electrodes.

Characterization of Serum Cytokine Patterns in Frequent-Exacerbation Asthma: Implications for Phenotyping and Management.

(1) Background: Asthma exacerbations represent significant clinical events, however, the underlying inflammatory mechanisms and cytokine profiles in patients with frequent exacerbations remain incompletely understood; (2) Methods: In this prospective, cross-sectional study of 120 stable asthma patients, we compared the serum concentrations of eight key cytokines (IL-4, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IFN-α, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) between two groups: 60 patients with frequent exacerbations (≥ 2 events per year) and 60 matched controls with few exacerbations (1 event per year); (3) Results: Patients with frequent exacerbations showed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-4 and IL-13 ( < 0.05), along with an increased prevalence of allergic history and comorbidities (chronic rhinosinusitis, GERD, OSA; all < 0.05).

Quality attributes, antioxidant activity and color profile of orange-fleshed sweet potato grown in Vietnam.

This study analyzed the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities and estimated potential renal acid load (PRAL) score of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) grown in Vietnam. In addition, important functional groups of carotenoid compounds in OFSP were identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); carotenoid pigments were detected and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that, OFSP had outstanding physicochemical characteristics, containing many nutrients, bioactive substances, minerals and fiber.

Awake prone positioning effectiveness in moderate to severe COVID-19 a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Awake prone positioning (APP) may be beneficial in patients with respiratory failure who are not receiving mechanical ventilation. Randomized controlled trials of APP have been performed during peak COVID-19 periods in unvaccinated populations, with limited data on compliance or patient acceptability. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of APP in a lower-middle income country in an open-label randomized controlled trial using a dedicated APP implementation team and wearable continuous-monitoring devices.