Numerical Modelling of Hybrid Polymer Composite Frame for Selected Construction Parts and Experimental Validation of Mechanical Properties.

This article is a numerical and experimental study of the mechanical properties of different glass, flax and hybrid composites. By utilizing hybrid composites consisting of natural fibers, the aim is to eventually reduce the percentage usage of synthetic or man-made fibers in composites and obtain similar levels of mechanical properties that are offered by composites using synthetic fibers. This in turn would lead to greener composites being utilized.

Ternary Epoxy Nanocomposites with Synergistic Effects: Preparation, Properties Evaluation and Structure Analysis.

The objective of the present work was to prepare hybrid epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. The simultaneous use of two different modifiers in an epoxy resin was motivated by the expected occurrence of synergistic effects on the performance properties of the matrix. Such a hybrid composite can be used in more severe conditions and/or in broader application areas.

Structure and Functional Characteristics of Novel Polyurethane/Ferrite Nanocomposites with Antioxidant Properties and Improved Biocompatibility for Vascular Graft Development.

Novel ferrite/polyurethane nanocomposites were synthesized using the in situ polymerization method after the addition of different spinel nanoferrite particles (copper, zinc, and copper-zinc) and examined as potential coatings for medical devices and implants in vascular tissue engineering. The influence of the nanoferrite type on the structure and functional characteristics of the polyurethane composites was investigated by FTIR, SWAXS, AFM, TGA, DSC, nanoindentation, swelling behavior, water contact angle, and water absorption measurements. Biocompatibility was evaluated by examining the cytotoxicity and adhesion of human endothelial cells and fibroblasts onto prepared composites and performing a protein adsorption test.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Intervention with Medicinal Plants: A Critical and Narrative Review of the Current Literature.

Neuroinflammation is a key factor in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the dysregulation of molecular pathways and activation of the brain's immune system, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory and oxidative molecules. This chronic inflammation is exacerbated by peripheral leukocyte infiltration into the central nervous system. Medicinal plants, with their historical use in traditional medicine, have emerged as promising candidates to mitigate neuroinflammation and offer a sustainable alternative for addressing neurodegenerative conditions in a green healthcare framework.

Diversity and Multiple Infections of in Red Deer and Deer Keds.

Bartonellae are zoonotic pathogens with a broad range of reservoir hosts and vectors. To examine sylvatic reservoirs, tissue samples of red deer (, = 114) and their associated deer keds (, = 50; , = 272) collected in the Czech Republic were tested for the presence of using PCR at four loci (, , , ITS); PCR sensitivity was increased significantly by using primers modified for the detection of wildlife-associated bartonellae. One-third of the deer and 70% of the deer keds were positive; within the tested animal tissues, usually the spleen was positive.

Hemoglobin Variants as Targets for Stabilizing Drugs.

Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transport protein in red blood cells that interacts with multiple ligands, e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide.

Effects of Calcium-Oxide-Modified Biochar on the Anaerobic Digestion of Vacuum Blackwater.

The increasing global population and urbanization have led to significant challenges in waste management, particularly concerning vacuum blackwater (VBW), which is the wastewater generated from vacuum toilets. Traditional treatment methods, such as landfilling and composting, often fall short in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Anaerobic digestion (AD) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering benefits such as biogas production and digestate generation.

Trends in Microbiology 2024.

Microbiology is a key component of modern science, significantly influencing various fields, such as agriculture, medicine, and environmental management, particularly through the One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health [...

Innovative Powder Pre-Treatment Strategies for Enhancing Maraging Steel Performance.

Maraging steel is a high-performance material valued for its exceptional properties, making it ideal for demanding applications such as aerospace, tooling, and automotive industries, where high strength, toughness, and precision are required. These steels can be prepared by powder metallurgy techniques, which offer new processing possibilities. This paper introduces novel thermal powder pre-treatment and its impact on the final mechanical properties.

Influence of Spray Angle on Scratch Resistance of Cold-Sprayed SS316L Deposits.

In this study, we investigated the effect of spray angle on the microstructure, bonding quality, and scratch resistance of cold-sprayed SS316L coatings on SS304 substrates. The coatings were deposited at spray angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° using a high-pressure cold spray system. A comprehensive analysis of the relationship between the spray angle and coating properties was conducted, with a particular focus on fracture toughness and porosity.

Determination of Osmotic Flow in Water Transport in an Illitic Clay.

Experimental studies have shown that osmosis could be one of the mechanisms of water transport in porous materials that act, to a certain extent, as semipermeable membranes. In this paper, an experimental apparatus and the corresponding model to measure and determine the osmotic efficiency, , of bulk porous materials are described. Both the apparatus and model to interpret water transport in samples are modifications of those of Sherwood and Craster.

Preparation and Physical Properties of Quaternary MnFeSiAl Alloy Powders with Heusler and β-Mn Structures.

Manganese-based alloys with the composition MnFeZ (Z = Si, Al) have been extensively investigated in recent years due to their potential applications in spintronics. The MnFeSi alloy, prepared in the form of ingots, powders, or ribbons, exhibits either a cubic full-Heusler (2) structure, an inverse-Heusler (XA) structure, or a combination of both. In contrast, the MnFeAl alloy has so far been synthesized only in the form of ingots, featuring a primitive cubic (β-Mn type) structure.

Four-Dimensional Printing of β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Modified Shape Memory Polymers for Bone Scaffolds in Osteochondral Regeneration.

The use of scaffolds for osteochondral tissue regeneration requires an appropriate selection of materials and manufacturing techniques that provide the basis for supporting both cartilage and bone tissue formation. As scaffolds are designed to replicate a part of the replaced tissue and ensure cell growth and differentiation, implantable materials have to meet various biological requirements, e.g.

Determination of the Critical Voltage for the Observation of Uncoated Wood Samples in Electron Microscopy.

Electron microscopy (EM) is a key tool for studying the microstructure of wood; however, observing uncoated samples poses a challenge due to surface charging. This study aims to identify the critical voltage that allows for the effective observation of uncoated wood samples without significant loading. As part of the experiment, samples of different wood species were tested, including Acacia ( L.

Determination of Mechanical Properties of Blind Rivet Joints Using Numerical Simulations and Experimental Testing.

This study explores the tensile performance of blind rivet joints in galvanized steel sheets, focusing on their behavior under shear and normal load conditions. Blind rivets are frequently used in structural applications due to their ease of installation and ability to be applied from one side, making them highly effective in industries like aerospace and automotive. Two types of DIN 7337-4.

New Species of Empidinae (Diptera) from San Rossore National Park, Italy, with the First Report on Leg Polymorphism in the Genus Meigen and Their DNA Barcoding Evidence.

Altogether three species of Empidinae are described from San Rossore National Park, Italy: () Barták sp. nov., Barták sp.

Thermal Melanism in (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae).

Thermal polymorphism, usually represented by thermal melanism (darker coloration in cooler habitats), is a well-known phenomenon in animals. In Cetoniinae, several species in captivity tend to become darker after several generations of breeding, which is probably caused by a lower temperature than is typical for their native habitats. is a beetle species occurring in Somaliland.

Assessing Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Western Honey Bees in the Czech Republic Using 22 Microsatellite Loci.

To date, no study has been conducted to investigate the diversity in honeybee populations of in the Czech Republic. Between 2022 and 2023, worker bees were collected from colonies distributed throughout the Czech Republic in 77 districts, and their genetic differences were examined using 22 microsatellite loci. The samples were obtained from hives ( = 3647) and through the process of capture on flowers ( = 553).

Exploring How Adipose Tissue, Obesity, and Gender Influence the Immune Response to Vaccines: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

Vaccines represent an essential tool for the prevention of infectious diseases. Upon administration, a complex interaction occurs between the vaccine formulation and the recipient's immune system, ultimately resulting in protection against disease. Significant variability exists in individual and population responses to vaccination, and these differences remain the focus of the ongoing research.

MK-8776 and Olaparib Combination Acts Synergistically in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells, Demonstrating Lack of Adverse Effects on Liver Tissues in Ovarian Cancer PDX Model.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells critically depend on PARP1 and CHK1 activation for survival. Combining the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) olaparib with a CHK1 inhibitor (MK-8776, CHK1i) produced a synergistic effect, reducing cell viability and inducing marked oxidative stress and DNA damage, particularly in the HepG2 cells. This dual treatment significantly increased apoptosis markers, including γH2AX and caspase-3/7 activity.

Autonomous Defense Based on Biogenic Nanoparticle Formation in Daunomycin-Producing .

Daunomycin is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of leukemia, but its toxicity toward healthy dividing cells limits its clinical use and its production by fermentation. Herein, we describe the development of a specialized cultivation medium for daunomycin production, including a shift to oil rather than sugar as the primary carbon source. This achieved an almost threefold increase in daunomycin yields, reaching 5.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Micromachined Acoustic Transducers for Audio-Frequency Range.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) refer to miniaturized mechanical and electro-mechanical elements that are fabricated through microelectronic processes [...

Genomic Rewilding of Domestic Animals: The Role of Hybridization and Selection in Wolfdog Breeds.

: The domestication of the grey wolf () and subsequent creation of modern dog breeds have significantly shaped the genetic landscape of domestic canines. This study investigates the genomic effects of hybridization and breeding management practices in two hybrid wolfdog breeds: the Czechoslovakian Wolfdog (CSW) and the Saarloos Wolfdog (SAW). : We analyzed the genomes of 46 CSWs and 20 SAWs, comparing them to 12 German Shepherds (GSHs) and 20 wolves (WLFs), which served as their ancestral populations approximately 70-90 years ago.

Visceral Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Vascular Complications in a Rat Model with Severe Dyslipidemia: Sex Differences and PAI-1 Tissue Involvement.

We investigated the sex-dependent effects of inflammatory responses in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), as well as hematological status, in relation to cardiovascular disorders associated with prediabetes. Using male and female hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats-a nonobese prediabetic model featuring dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance-we found that HHTg females exhibited more pronounced hypertriglyceridemia than males, while HHTg males had higher non-fasting glucose levels. Additionally, HHTg females had higher platelet counts, larger platelet volumes, and lower antithrombin inhibitory activity.

Cathelicidins: Opportunities and Challenges in Skin Therapeutics and Clinical Translation.

Cathelicidins are a group of cationic, amphipathic peptides that play a vital role in the innate immune response of many vertebrates, including humans. Produced by immune and epithelial cells, they serve as natural defenses against a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In humans, the cathelicidin LL-37 is essential for wound healing, maintaining skin barrier integrity, and combating infections.