Plasma Treatment of Metal Surfaces for Enhanced Bonding Strength of Metal-Polymer Hybrid Structures.

The adhesion between metals and polymers plays a pivotal role in numerous industrial applications, especially within the automotive and aerospace sectors, where there is a growing demand for materials that are both lightweight and durable. This study introduces an innovative technique to improve the adhesion between a metal and a polymer in hybrid structures through the synergistic use of anodization and plasma treatment. By forming a nanoporous oxide layer on aluminum surfaces, anodization enhances the interface for polymer binding.

DNA Methylation Profile in Buffy Coat Identifies Methylation Differences Between Cirrhosis with and Without Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background/objectives: Cirrhosis is the precursor to most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the mechanisms leading to the transition from cirrhosis to HCC and identifying key biomarkers is crucial to developing effective screening strategies and reducing HCC-related mortality. DNA methylation is associated with gene inactivation and plays an important role in physiological and pathological processes; however, its role in cirrhosis progression to HCC is unknown.

Size-controlled assembly of phase separated protein condensates with interfacial protein cages.

Phase separation of specific proteins into liquid-like condensates is a key mechanism for forming membrane-less organelles, which organize diverse cellular processes in space and time. These protein condensates hold immense potential as biomaterials capable of containing specific sets of biomolecules with high densities and dynamic liquid properties. Despite their appeal, methods to manipulate protein condensate materials remain largely unexplored.

Aetiology of chronic liver disease is a valuable factor for stratifying adverse outcomes of acute decompensation: prospective observational study.

Background/aims: Acute decompensation (AD) is defined as the development of complications related to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction that affect the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) or liver cirrhosis (LC). Variations exist in patient demographics and prognostic outcomes of AD based on the aetiology of CLD, encompassing LC. However, limited research has been conducted to analyse these discrepancies across aetiologies.

Retrospective observational study of the association between changes in physical activity and frailty in middle-aged and older adults: evidence from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006-2022).

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in physical activity and frailty among middle-aged and older adults in Korea, using panel data from the 2006-2022 Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA).

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Setting: For this longitudinal panel study, data were sourced from the KLoSA dataset.