Exploring 2-mercapto-N-arylacetamide analogs as promising anti-melanogenic agents: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Based on the hypothesis that the 2-mercaptoacetamide moiety chelates the copper ions of tyrosinase, 2-mercapto-N-arylacetamide (2-MAA) analogs were designed and synthesized as potential tyrosinase inhibitors. Four 2-MAA analogs showed low IC50 values ranging from 0.95 to 2.0 µM against mushroom tyrosinase, which was 12-26 times lower than that of kojic acid (IC50 value = 24.3 µM). However, according to a copper ion chelation experiment performed, the 2-MAA analogs did not participate in chelation with copper ions. To identify the mode of inhibition of the 2-MAA analogs, kinetic studies were performed, and the results were supported by docking results. In addition, docking simulation results suggested that the 2-MAA analogs strongly inhibited tyrosinase activity because of the hydrogen bonding of the amide NH group and the hydrophobic interaction of the aryl ring instead of chelation with copper ions. In experiments using B16F10 cells, 2-MAA analogs were shown to inhibit melanin production by inhibiting cellular tyrosinase activity. Western blotting showed that in addition to directly inhibiting tyrosinase activity, analog 7 also has an anti-melanogenic effect by inhibiting the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase. The 2-MAA analogs showed no appreciable cytotoxicity against HaCaT and B16F10 cells, making them suitable for dermal applications. In a depigmentation experiment using zebrafish embryos, analogs 1 and 2 showed more potent depigmentation effects than kojic acid even at 1000 times lower concentration than that of kojic acid. These results suggest that the 2-MAA analogs are promising anti-melanogenic agents that can inhibit most tyrosinases in various species.

Novel umami-enhancing peptides of beef M. Semimembranosus hydrolysates and interactions with the T1R1/T1R3 taste receptor.

The taste mechanisms of beef umami and umami-enhancing peptides are not well understood. Therefore, novel umami and umami-enhancing peptides from beef M. semimembranosus hydrolysates were explored. Beef hydrolysates treated with Flavourzyme® showed an overall strong umami intensity compared to those treated with Alcalase®, papain, or Protamex®. The peptides were isolated via consecutive separation processes, and 31 potential umami peptides were identified. Molecular docking results showed that WGSEPIRIQ and TERGYSF had considerably low docking energies with the T1R1/T1R3 taste receptor through potential key binding sites for hydrogen bonding, including Ser48, Gly49, and Gln278 in T1R1, and Ser67, Asn68, and Arg247 in the T1R3 subunit. The taste of the identified peptides dissolved in ultrapure water was dominated by sourness. Instead, they demonstrated an umami-enhancing effect in the presence of monosodium glutamate. These results broaden our understanding of the taste mechanisms of beef umami-enhancing peptides and their potential applications as flavoring agents.

Association of smoking cessation with dynapenia among older lifetime smokers in Korea.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle strength is known to play an important role in the health of older adults. The health burden of cigarette smoking among older adults remains significant. We investigated the association between smoking cessation and dynapenia among older lifetime smokers in Korea. METHODS: This study is a secondary dataset analysis of cross-sectional data from theKorea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016- 2019. We included 1450 participants aged 65-79 years, excluding those who had never smoked. Dynapenia was defined as grip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between smoking cessation and dynapenia. RESULTS: Compared with current smokers, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of dynapenia in former smokers was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.44-0.99). The AORs for smoking cessation periods of ≤10 years, 10-20 years, 20-30 years, and >30 years were 0.67 (95% CI: 0.39-1.16), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.36-1.03), 0.65 (95% CI: 0.37-1.14), and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.25-1.06), respectively. The AOR for dynapenia significantly decreased with the years since smoking cessation (p for trend=0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that smoking cessation can reduce the likelihood of dynapenia among older lifetime smokers, with a decreasing likelihood trend associated with longer cessation periods.

Acute and prolonged effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GF424-derived SOD on antioxidant defense in healthy individuals challenged with intense aerobic exercise.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a vital role in cellular functions but can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to degenerative diseases when produced in excess. Maintaining redox balance is essential and can be achieved through innate defense mechanisms or external antioxidants. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme that mitigates intracellular oxidative stress by converting harmful free radicals into hydrogen peroxide, which is subsequently neutralized by catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Previous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant capabilities of SOD derived from Bacillus amyloquefaciens GF424 (BA-SOD) in murine models exposed to either irradiation or SOD1 gene deletion. In this study, a randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the antioxidative benefits of BA-SOD in healthy individuals undergoing acute aerobic exercise (AAE). Eighty participants were randomly assigned to receive either BA-SOD or a placebo for 8 weeks. Antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione levels were measured before, immediately after, and 30 min post-exercise. A single dose of BA-SOD significantly reduced ROS levels induced by AAE, primarily by enhancing SOD activity in erythrocytes and activating glutathione peroxidase. Continuous BA-SOD administration was associated with a sustained increase in catalase activity and elevated levels of reduced glutathione (GSH). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that a single BA-SOD dose facilitated GSH oxidation, as evidenced by decreased levels of serine, glutamine, and glycine, and increased pyroglutamate levels. Additionally, repeated dosing led to increased expression of genes encoding isocitrate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme, which are involved in NADPH synthesis, as well as nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase and NAD kinase, which are essential for NADP availability-critical for converting oxidized glutathione (GSSG) back to GSH. These molecular insights align with clinical observations, suggesting that both acute and long-term BA-SOD supplementation may effectively enhance antioxidant defenses and maintain redox balance under oxidative stress conditions.

Evaluating the feasibility of repeat sentinel lymph node biopsy in ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence: Technical considerations and oncologic outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) remains a concern despite standard treatments. Advances in early detection have shifted surgical paradigms towards less invasive approaches. While repeat sentinel lymph node biopsy (rSLNB) emerges as a viable option according to the 2023 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, its efficacy remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess lymphatic drainage patterns in IBTR and evaluate the feasibility of rSLNB, along with analyzing oncologic outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis involving 78 patients with IBTR who had prior breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and adjuvant whole breast irradiation (WBI) at Samsung Medical Center was conducted. Data on patient characteristics, lymphatic mapping techniques, and oncologic outcomes were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 78 patients with IBTR, 82.1 % underwent successful rSLNB, predominantly detecting lymphatic drainage to the ipsilateral axilla (80.8 %). The initial tumor location correlated significantly with failed lymphatic mapping (p = 0.019). A third event occurred in 28.8 % of invasive IBTR cases, notably associated with postmenopausal status, higher T stages, and HR(-)/HER2(-) subtype (p < 0.001). The risk of a third event increased by over 50 % within a 2-year interval post-IBTR. CONCLUSION: rSLNB in patients with IBTR, particularly for tumors initially located outside the upper-outer quadrant, demonstrated technical feasibility. The combined use of blue dye with lymphoscintigraphy may enhance rSLNB success rates. Active surveillance, especially for triple negative IBTR cases, may be important due to their aggressive nature and rapid progression potential within a short interval post-IBTR.

The role of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in advanced rectal cancer: a review of current evidence and outcomes.

Metastatic lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPNs) in rectal cancer significantly impact the prognosis and treatment strategies. Western practices emphasize neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), whereas Eastern approaches often rely on LPN dissection (LPND). This review examines the evolving role of LPND in the context of modern treatments, including total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), and the impact of CRT on the management of clinically suspicious LPNs. We comprehensively reviewed the key literature comparing the outcomes of LPND versus preoperative CRT for rectal cancer, focusing on recent advancements and ongoing debates. Key studies, including the JCOG0212 trial and recent multicenter trials, were analyzed to assess the efficacy of LPND, particularly in conjunction with preoperative CRT or TNT. Current evidence indicates that LPND can reduce local recurrence rates compared to total mesorectal excision alone in patients not receiving radiation therapy. However, the benefit of LPND in the context of neoadjuvant CRT is influenced by the size and pretreatment characteristics of LPNs. While CRT can effectively control smaller metastatic LPNs, larger or clinically suspicious LPNs may require LPND for optimal outcomes. Advances in surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted LPND, offer potential benefits but also present challenges and complications. The role of TNT in controlling metastatic LPNs and improving patient outcomes is emerging but remains underexplored. The decision to perform LPND should be individualized based on patient-specific factors, including LPN size, response to neoadjuvant treatment, and surgeon expertise. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols and further evaluating the role of TNT in managing metastatic LPNs.

Transcatheter ventilation with a modified Rapid-O2 oxygen insufflation device.

Background: The Rapid-O2 oxygen insufflation device® (Rapid-O2) was designed primarily for rescue oxygenation in cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate (CICO) events; thus, hypercapnia is inevitable. Rapid-O2 was modified to enhance ventilation using the Venturi effect during expiration. Methods: To determine the most effective combination of inner catheters (20 G, 18 G, 16 G, 14 G, and 2-mm inner diameter [ID] transtracheal catheter [TTC]) and insufflation catheters (16 G, 14 G, and 2-mm ID TTC) for achieving optimum ventilation, insufflating and expiratory flows were measured at an oxygen flow rate of 15 L/min. The insufflating and expiratory pressures were measured at 6-15 L/min. The flows and pressures were measured using a gas flow analyzer. The insufflating and expiratory times were measured using a trachea-lung model to obtain minute volumes. To assess the improvement by modifying the Rapid-O2, minute volumes were measured using the Rapid-O2. Results: The most appropriate inner catheter was 18 G. The insufflating pressures ranged from 97 (2-mm ID TTC) to 377 cmH2O (16 G) at 15 L/min. During expiration, similar negative pressures of 50 cmH2O were measured in the insufflation catheters at 15 L/min. At lung compliance of 100 ml/cmH2O, the minute volumes through a 2-mm ID and 14 G insufflation catheters were 7.0 and 5.37 L/min, respectively, at 15 L/min. The minute volumes were significantly greater in modified Rapid-O2. Conclusions: Modified Rapid-O2 provided sufficient minute volumes in adults using a 14 G or 2-mm ID insufflation catheter at 15 L/min, demonstrating its potential for ventilation in CICO events.

Exploration of Compounds with 2-Phenylbenzo[d]oxazole Scaffold as Potential Skin-Lightening Agents through Inhibition of Melanin Biosynthesis and Tyrosinase Activity.

Inspired by the potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity of phenolic compounds with a 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole scaffold, we explored phenolic compounds 1-15 with 2-phenylbenzo[d]oxazole, which is isosterically related to 2-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole, as novel tyrosinase inhibitors. Among these, compounds 3, 8, and 13, featuring a resorcinol structure, exhibited significantly stronger mushroom tyrosinase inhibition than kojic acid, with compound 3 showing a nanomolar IC50 value of 0.51 µM. These results suggest that resorcinol plays an important role in tyrosinase inhibition. Kinetic studies using Lineweaver-Burk plots demonstrated the inhibition mechanisms of compounds 3, 8, and 13, while docking simulation results indicated that the resorcinol structure contributed to tyrosinase binding through hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, these compounds effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin production in B16F10 cells and inhibited B16F10 tyrosinase activity in situ in a concentration-dependent manner. As these compounds showed no cytotoxicity to epidermal cells, melanocytes, or keratinocytes, they are appropriate for skin applications. Compounds 8 and 13 demonstrated substantially higher depigmentation effects on zebrafish larvae than kojic acid, even at 800- and 400-times lower concentrations than kojic acid, respectively. These findings suggest that 2-phenylbenzo[d]oxazole is a promising candidate for tyrosinase inhibition.

Visualization of the infratemporal fossa: enhancing anatomical learning through three-dimensional modeling.

The infratemporal fossa and pterygopalatine fossa are critical pathways for blood vessels and nerves leading to the orbit, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. Anatomical observation of these areas is challenging for learners due to their complex connections with surrounding structures and their deep location within the body. Since it is not easy to understand this area in three dimensions with only textbook images, there is a need to produce three-dimensional (3D) content. Most existing 3D data have reconstructed the digital imaging and communication in medicine files from computed tomography images with high accuracy; however, the surrounding structures often obstruct the view. For this reason, this project utilized Cinema4D (R18; Maxon) software to refine the modeled bones and to create 3D models of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves that accurately represent their anatomical shapes and pathways. To facilitate easier access for learners via PC, the content was converted into PDF format. This enables the educational materials to be more easily viewed and the main structures more clearly observed using a computer-based viewer.

Combination model for freshness prediction of pork using VIS/NIR hyperspectral imaging with chemometrics.

Objective: This study aimed to develop an enhanced model for predicting pork freshness by integrating hyperspectral imaging and chemometric analysis. Methods: A total of 30 Longissimus thoracis samples from three sows were stored under vacuum conditions at 4 ± 2℃ for 27 days to acquire data. The freshness prediction model for pork loin employed partial least squares regression (PLSR) with Monte Carlo data augmentation. Total bacterial count (TBC) and volatile basic nitrogen (VBN), which exhibited increases correlating with metabolite changes during storage, were designated as freshness indicators. Metabolic contents of the sample were quantified using NMR. Results: A total of 64 metabolites were identified, with 34 and 35 showing high correlations with TBC and VBN, respectively. Lysine and malate for TBC (R2 = 0.886) and methionine and niacinamide for VBN (R2 = 0.909) were identified as the main metabolites in each indicator by Model 1. Model 2 predicted main metabolites using HSI spectral data. Model 3, which predicted freshness indicators with HSI spectral data, demonstrated high prediction coefficients; TBC R2p = 0.7220 and VBN R2p = 0.8392. Furthermore, the combination model (Model 4), utilizing HSI spectral data and predicted metabolites from Model 2 to predict freshness indicators, improved the prediction coefficients compared to Model 3; TBC R2p = 0.7583 and VBN R2p = 0.8441. Conclusion: Combining HSI spectral data with metabolites correlated to the meat freshness may elucidate why certain HSI spectra indicate meat freshness and prove to be more effective in predicting the freshness state of pork loin compared to using only HSI spectral data.

Use of Advanced Energy Devices and Fiberoptic Retractors in Single-Incision Breast-Conserving Surgery for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: The use of advanced energy devices for mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection can reduce perioperative blood loss, seroma formation, and drainage duration/volume. Retraction using fiberoptic retractors can help visualize deep and narrow surgical fields. We aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes between single-incision breast-conserving surgery (SIBCS) and conventional breast-conserving surgery (CBCS) with axillary staging using advanced energy devices and conventional equipment, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 244 patients who underwent BCS with axillary surgery between March 2018 and September 2019 at Severance Hospital. The patients were grouped based on the device used to aid in axillary staging: CBCS group (n=117) used conventional electrocautery; and SIBCS group (n=127) used advanced energy devices and fiberoptic retractors. The two groups were compared for postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 55.9 and 53.1 years in the CBCS and SIBCS groups, respectively. Incision size was significantly smaller in the SIBCS group than in the CBCS group (6.3±2.1 cm vs. 7.5±2.5 cm, p=0.044). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of operating time (126.0±40.0 min vs. 127.0±63.0 min, p=0.828), operative blood loss (11.0±31.0 mL vs. 7.0±18.0 mL, p=0.100), drainage duration (7.0±3.0 d vs. 8.0±4.0 d, p=0.288), and complications (1.70% vs. 2.36%, p=0.523). CONCLUSION: Using advanced energy devices for SIBCS with axillary staging reduced incision size and provided better cosmetic outcomes compared to those using the conventional method. Advanced energy devices may offer better surgical outcomes in patients who undergo BCS with axillary staging.

Comparison of EPIC Versus HIPEC in the Treatment of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases and Appendix Tumors Using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting.

BACKGROUND: The selection of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) or early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (EPIC) for peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer or appendiceal neoplasms following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) depends on the surgeon's discretion. This study was designed to compare postoperative and oncologic outcomes of HIPEC and EPIC using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). METHODS: This study included 175 patients who received HIPEC or EPIC following CRS at a single tertiary university hospital between December 1999 and December 2020. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis was performed to control for pretreatment characteristics between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with postoperative and survival outcomes. RESULTS: After IPTW, no significant differences in baseline demographics and tumor characteristics were observed between the two groups. The HIPEC group had a significantly longer operation time than the EPIC group. The EPIC group showed a significantly higher postoperative mortality rate than the HIPEC group. Operation time (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.02; p < 0.001), bowel anastomosis (OR 7.25; 95% CI 1.16-45.2; p = 0.034), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR 7.62; 95% CI 1.85-31.4; p = 0.005), and EPIC (OR 8.76; 95% CI 2.16-35.5; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for major surgical complications. No association was observed between intraperitoneal chemotherapy type and major hematologic toxicity, overall survival, progression-free survival, or peritoneal progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: EPIC was a risk factor for major surgical complications. Survival outcomes were similar between the two types of intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

IL-6 Inhibitory Compounds from the Aerial Parts of Piper attenuatum and Their Anticancer Activities on Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

Piper attenuatum Buch-Ham, a perennial woody vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, is traditionally used in Southeast Asia for treating various ailments such as malaria, headache, and hepatitis. This study described the isolation and identification of three new compounds, piperamides I-III (1-3), which belong to the maleimide-type alkaloid skeletons, along with fifteen known compounds (4-18) from the methanol extract of the aerial parts of P. attnuatum. Their chemical structures were elucidated using spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, ESI-Q-TOF-MS, and 1D/2D NMR). All the isolates were evaluated for their ability to inhibit IL-6 activity in the human embryonic kidney-Blue™ IL-6 cell line and their cytotoxic activity against ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3/SKOV3-TR) and chemotherapy-resistant variants (cisplatin-resistant A2780/paclitaxel-resistant SKOV3). The compounds 3, 4, 11, 12, 17, and 18 exhibited IL-6 inhibition comparable to that of the positive control bazedoxifene. Notably, compound 12 displayed the most potent anticancer effect against all the tested cancer cell lines. These findings highlight the importance of researching the diverse activities of both known and newly discovered natural products to fully unlock their potential therapeutic benefits.

Investigation of different cold adaptation abilities in Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium strains using extracellular metabolomic approach.

This study explored the extracellular metabolomic responses of three different Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) strains-ATCC 13311 (STy1), NCCP 16964 (STy4), and NCCP 16958 (STy8)-cultured at refrigeration temperatures. The objective was to identify the survival mechanisms of S. Typhimurium under cold stress by analyzing variations in their metabolomic profiles. Qualitative and quantitative assessments identified significant metabolite alterations on day 6, marking a critical inflection point. Key metabolites such as trehalose, proline, glycerol, and tryptophan were notably upregulated in response to cold stress. Through multivariate analyses, the strains were distinguished using three metabolites-4-aminobutyrate, ethanol, and uridine-as potential biomarkers, underscoring distinct metabolic responses to refrigeration. Specifically, STy1 exhibited unique adaptive capabilities through enhanced metabolism of betaine and 4-aminobutyrate. These findings highlight the variability in adaptive strategies among S. Typhimurium strains, suggesting that certain strains may possess more robust metabolic pathways for enhancing survival in refrigerated conditions.

Electronic Skin: Opportunities and Challenges in Convergence with Machine Learning.

Recent advancements in soft electronic skin (e-skin) have led to the development of human-like devices that reproduce the skin's functions and physical attributes. These devices are being explored for applications in robotic prostheses as well as for collecting biopotentials for disease diagnosis and treatment, as exemplified by biomedical e-skins. More recently, machine learning (ML) has been utilized to enhance device control accuracy and data processing efficiency. The convergence of e-skin technologies with ML is promoting their translation into clinical practice, especially in healthcare. This review highlights the latest developments in ML-reinforced e-skin devices for robotic prostheses and biomedical instrumentations. We first describe technological breakthroughs in state-of-the-art e-skin devices, emphasizing technologies that achieve skin-like properties. We then introduce ML methods adopted for control optimization and pattern recognition, followed by practical applications that converge the two technologies. Lastly, we briefly discuss the challenges this interdisciplinary research encounters in its clinical and industrial transition.

Optimizing tenderness of M. Semitendinosus steak for elderly people with the combination of ficin and sous-vide cooking.

This study aimed to evaluate the sous-vide cooking and ficin treatment effects on the tenderness of beef steak and optimize it for the elderly using response surface methodology (RSM). The M. semitendinosus (ST) from Chikso cattle was shaped into 5 × 5 × 2.54 cm pieces. Ficin solution was injected into the ST steak at 10% of the meat weight, and sous-vide cooked in a water bath at 65 °C for 6 or 12 h. As ficin concentration increased, L*- and a*-value, shear force, and hardness decreased, while soluble peptides increased (P < 0.05). As cooking time increased, cooking loss and collagen solubility of the steak increased (P < 0.05). An interaction effect between ficin and sous-vide cooking was found in L*- and a*-value, shear force, hardness, and soluble peptides (P < 0.05). A model to optimize the hardness for elderly people was established (R2 = 0.7991). Optimization conditions by RSM were 0.86 U/L with 8.87 h (23 N/cm3) for tooth intake (grade 1), 16.31 U/L with 13.24 h (3 N/cm3) for gums intake (grade 2), according to KS H 4897 and Universal Design Foods concept for the elderly. These optimized conditions enable the production of customized products tailored to the oral conditions of elderly people.

Impact of product packaging messages on consumer perceptions and choice: The role of health claims and bonus pack promotions.

This study used mixed methods to explore the impact of front-of-package health claims and bonus pack messages on consumer evaluations. First, a comprehensive audit of cereal box packages at the world's largest retailer examined how these messages are presented in practice. It was found that negative claims are more frequent and positive claims are less frequent on products with a bonus pack message compared to those without. A subsequent experiment investigated how combinations of health claims and bonus pack messages influence consumer evaluations. It also found that health claims significantly influenced consumer preferences, while bonus pack messages diminished perceptions of food healthiness but increased perceived value. Pairing positive health claims with bonus pack messages, such as "Family Size," improved perceptions of healthiness. Moreover, positive health claims made products seem of lower value, whereas negative health claims did not affect perceived value. Health claims negatively affected value perceptions, even when paired with bonus pack messages like "Large Size." However, the negative effect of health claims on tastiness perceptions was mitigated with "Large Size". The study underscores the complexity of consumer decision-making, and offer insights for food marketers, emphasizing the need of a strategic approach in crafting health-related messaging and promotional strategies for product packaging.

Self-Powered Electrical Bandage Based on Body-Coupled Energy Harvesting.

Self-powered electrical bandages (SEBs), integrated with wearable energy harvesters, can provide an effective and autonomous electrical stimulation (ES) solution for rapid and scarless wound healing. A continuously operating, wireless, and applicable-to-comprehensive-wound ES device is essential for the quick restoration of wounds and convenience. This work illustrates a SEB powered by body-coupled energy harvesting. The SEB continuously treats the wound with 60-Hz sinusoidal electrical potential gained from the coupling of the human body and ambient electrical waves. It is demonstrated that enough level of electrical potential can be applied to the wound, further enhanced by strong capacitive coupling arising from the use of high-permittivity poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene):CaCu3Ti4O12 (P(VDF-TrFE):CCTO) nanocomposite. The potential clinical efficacy of the SEB is illustrated by preclinical analysis of human fibroblasts and mouse wound model, thus confirming the successful expedition of wound recovery. This work suggests a new class of wearable devices to provide ES events and its potential for extension to other conventional wound care materials and device technology.

Synthesis of graphitic carbon nitride-based nanocomposites and their mechanical properties in epoxy compositions.

Thermoset epoxy resins are widely used in research and commercial applications. Zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8), graphitic carbon nitride (GCN, g-C3N4), and S-doped graphitic carbon nitride (SCN, S-g-C3N4) composites were synthesized as accelerators and their effects on the physical properties of epoxies were examined. An ultrasound-assisted method was used to prepare ZIF-8/GCN and ZIF-8/SCN nanocomposites while g-C3N4 and S-g-C3N4 were prepared from the calcination of melamine and thiourea, respectively. The surface morphology, and particle size were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The properties of synthesized nanocomposites were measured using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. After the accelerator was added to the epoxy composites, their activation energies were calculated using differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile strength and flexural strength were measured using a universal testing machine and impact strength was measured by using an Izod impact strength tester. The impact strength of ZIF-8/SCN nanocomposites was enhanced by 45.2%. The storage stability of the epoxy compositions with different catalysts was evaluated by measuring the variation of viscosity with time at a constant temperature.