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Developed to fulfil the rising societal demand for sustainable constructions, Modular Hybrid Fibre-reinforced polymer-Timber (MHFT) thin-walled sections are lightweight timber-based composite structures manufactured through a modular assembly method. Motivated by prior research on MHFT columns characterized by efficient load-carrying capacity, this paper conducted a thorough investigation into the manufacture and structural performance of MHFT beams. Experimental, analytical and numerical studies were conducted for beams subjected to four-point bending load, with parametric analyses of four distinct beam types to investigate design parameter influence on flexural performance. The experimental study demonstrated the structural efficacy of MHFT beams, as evidenced by increased moment of inertia and enhanced resistance to edge split failures, as compared to previously studied folded HFT beams. MHFT beams also exhibited a comparable strength-to-weight ratio compared to their structural steel counterparts. Both numerical and analytical methods provided acceptable predictions for flexural strength and material failure modes of MHFT beams, with strength predictions varying by less than 22% compared to experimental averages. The numerical method reliably predicted flexural stiffness and load–displacement responses, with discrepancies within 12%. The parametric analyses further revealed that the thickness of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) layers and cross-sectional geometric profile were most strongly influenced beam parameters. Specifically, the use of 3-layer GFRP material resulted in a strength increase of over 17% and a stiffness increase of over 19% compared to 1-layer material, effectively mitigating the occurrence of local buckling and edge split failures. • New modular hybrid FRP–timber (HFT) thin-walled beams are designed and manufactured. • Experimental study reveals the manufacturing and structural efficacy of the beams. • Numerical and analytical analyses provide predictions for the flexural performance. • GFRP material has significant influence on the beam flexural strength and stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve large-scale development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for water wave energy harvesting and powering the colossal sensors widely distributed in the ocean, facile and scalable TENGs with high output are urgently required. Here, an elastic self-recovering hybrid nanogenerator (ES-HNG) is proposed for water wave energy harvesting and marine environmental monitoring. The elastic skeletal support of the ES-HNG is manufactured using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, which is more conducive to the large-scale integration of the ES-HNG. Moreover, the combination of a TENG and an electromagnetic generator (EMG) optimizes the utilization of device space, leading to enhanced energy harvesting efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the TENG achieves a peak power output of 42.68 mW, and the EMG reaches a peak power output of 4.40 mW. Furthermore, various marine environment monitoring sensors, such as a self-powered wireless meteorological monitoring system, a wireless alarm system, and a water quality monitoring pen, have been successfully powered by the sophisticated ES-HNG. This work introduces an ES-HNG for water wave energy harvesting, which demonstrates potential in marine environment monitoring and offers a new solution for the sustainable development of the marine internet of things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid FRP-timber (HFT) thin-walled sections are high-performance and lightweight wood-based composite structures, developed to meet an increasing societal demand for sustainable construction. This paper proposes an improved modular manufacturing method for HFT thin-walled sections, which inherits advantages of existing manufacturing approaches while reducing fabrication effort and significantly improving structural performance. Geometric design and fabrication processes are first demonstrated with the manufacture of structural square hollow sections. Experimental and numerical studies are then presented for stub columns loaded under uniaxial compression, with six column types investigated to demonstrate the influence of FRP and timber material selection on structural performance. The GFRP wrapping material had the most significant influence on section behaviour, with a transition from section buckling to crushing failure, and corresponding improvements in section strength and stiffness, shown with increasing GFRP layers. As compared with previously-studied folded HFT sections, modular HFT sections showed a 69% and 38% increase in strength and strength-to-weight ratio, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot, a traditional Chinese medicine with a history spanning over two millennia, has been extensively used in folk medicine to treat dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding and inflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the essential oil extracted from Artemisia argyi H.Lév. & Vaniot, known as AAEO, exhibits significant anti-tumor properties against liver and lung cancers. There is a scarcity of research on the potential impact of AAEO on pancreatic cancer (PC) cells. In this study, UPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics method was established to evaluate the effect of AAEO on the proliferation of PC cells. The differential compounds included 5-oxoproline, glutamate, γ-glutamylcysteine, glutathione, arachidonic acid, adrenal acid and linoleic acid were detected by metabolomics, enriching in the γ-glutamyl cycle and polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism, which were closely related to ferroptosis. Meanwhile, AAEO dramatically increased the levels of intracellular iron ion via up-regulation of TFR1, augmented reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde in a dose-dependent manner by down-regulation of γ-glutamyl cycle through decreasing expressions of SLC7A11. Additionally, β-caryophyllene oxide, one of the main components of AAEO, could covalently bind to Cys in SW1990 cells to form a conjugate Cpo-Cys, resulting in the inhibition of glutathione synthesis. Importantly, the ferroptosis inhibitor deferoxamine significantly blocked the inhibitory effect of AAEO on SW1990 cells. Meanwhile, β-caryophyllene oxide, dihydro-β-ionone and α-bisabolol had strong binding force with GPX4, SLC7A11 and TFR1, respectively. These findings showed that AAEO induced ferroptosis via regulation of γ-glutamyl cycle by SLC7A11 and iron disorders by TFR1. Our study discovered AAEO as a potential therapeutic approach to induce ferroptosis to prevent or treat PC. [Display omitted] • AAEO induced ferroptosis in SW1990 cells via regulating Fe2+ and gamma-glutamyl cycle regulation. • β-Caryophyllene oxide, dihydro-β-ionone and α-bisabolol were determined as main active ingredients of AAEO. • β-caryophyllene oxide could form a Cpo-Cys to inhibit glutathione synthesis. • β-Caryophyllene oxide, dihydro-β-ionone and α-bisabolol had strong docking force with GPX4, SLC7A11 and TFR1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Material modification and charge pumping synergies for high output TENG. • The as-fabricated TENG can reach an ultra-high charge density of 3.5 mC/m2. • An in-depth and systematic analysis of how synergistic effect works. • Demonstrated various applications of high-performance TENG. On the road to large-scale industrialization of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), higher output is the constant quest. Here, inspired by the ubiquitous synergies in nature, an ultra-high-output TENG is proposed based on the synergistic effect of internal modification of materials along with the external integration of a charge pumping module. The carefully chosen poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF-HFP)) film possesses strong polarization and high permittivity, which leads to excellent triboelectric properties, and can be further enhanced by doping BaTiO 3 (BTO) nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the elaborately designed and optimized charge pumping module endows it with the ability to pump affluent charges. As a consequence, a TENG based on 8 µm P(VDF-HFP)/BTO 1 wt% composite film can achieve an ultra-high total transfer charge density (TTCD) of 3.5 mC/m2 under optimal charge pumping conditions. Compared to the output of the P(VDF-HFP)/BTO-based TENG (0.1 mC/m2) and the output of the P(VDF-HFP)-based TENG under charge pumping (2.6 mC/m2), the output of the P(VDF-HFP)/BTO-based TENG under charge pumping is greater than the sum of the above two devices, which indicates that the proposed synergistic effect for designing an ultra-high-output TENG is remarkable and successful. Moreover, a novel charge transfer pattern based on synergistic effect is proposed, expounding the role inherent modifications of P(VDF-HFP) and external integration of charge pumping modules play. This work presents a concept that is at the forefront of contemporary designs for ultra-high output TENGs, providing insight into the preparation of high-performance TENGs in a state-of-the-art manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Conduct impact tests on CFSTS-CFRP members to study the effect of velocity and CFRP. • In-depth analyze the working mechanism of CFSTS-CFRP members under impact loading. • Clarify the contribution of each part to the impact resistance of CFSTS-CFRP members. • Propose a simplified dynamic flexural capacity model of CFSTS-CFRP members. • Propose a maximum deflection prediction model of CFSTS-CFRP members. Concrete-filled steel tubular simply supported members stiffened with encased I-shaped CFRP (CFSTS-CFRP members) have been developed due to their excellent mechanical performance, promoting promising applications in bridge and building structures. However, these members are susceptible to collision impacts during service, leading to serious accidents. This paper aims to investigate the structural behavior of CFSTS-CFRP members subjected to transverse impact loading, utilizing experimental, numerical, and theoretical studies. Drop hammer impact tests were conducted on three CFSTS-CFRP specimens with varying impact velocities, while a CFST specimen was used as the benchmark. The experimental results demonstrate that all CFSTS-CFRP specimens experienced bending failure. The cooperation between the I-shaped CFRP and CFST members was observed, with the mechanical properties of CFSTS-CFRP specimens being fully utilized. The working mechanism of CFSTS-CFRP members is revealed by numerical simulation results obtained from the FE models of the tested CFSTS-CFRP members, which consist of the analyses of failure mode, inertia force, sectional moment, energy absorption, etc. Furthermore, by investigating the effects of different parameters on the structural response of CFSTS-CFRP members, predicted models for dynamic flexural capacity and maximum deflection are proposed for the purpose of impact design. Additionally, the contribution of the steel tube, concrete, and I-shaped CFRP to the transverse impact resistance of CFSTS-CFRP members is clarified. This clarification provides a scientific basis for determining the respective weight coefficients in subsequent damage assessment research. The findings from the experimental, numerical, and theoretical analyses contribute to the understanding of their mechanical performance and assist in the development of more efficient design approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cur increased the cytotoxicity of Dox in SW620/Ad300 cells. • UPLC/MS-MS based metabolomic was used to explore underlying MDR reversal mechanism. • Up-regulation of polyamine biosynthesis and D-glutamine metabolism were related with MDR. • Cur reduced the biosynthesis of polyamine and D-glutamine metabolism to reverse MDR. • Cur inhibited the ODC expression, thererby decreasing the biosynthesis of polyamine. Doxorubicin (Dox) is commonly used for the treatment of malignant tumors, including colon cancer. However, the development of P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in tumor chemotherapy has seriously reduced the therapeutic efficacy of Dox. Natural product curcumin (Cur) was demonstrated to have a variety of pharmacological effects, such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidation and anti-aging activities. Here, we examined the MDR reversal capability of Cur in drug sensitive-(SW620) and resistant-(SW620/Ad300) colon cancer cells, and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms at the metabolic level. It was found that Cur reversed P-gp-mediated resistance in SW620/Ad300 cells by enhancing the Dox-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Further mechanistic studies indicated that Cur inhibited the ATP-dependent transport activity of P-gp, thereby increasing the intra-celluar accumulation of Dox in drug-resistant cells. Metabolomics analysis based on UPLC-MS/MS showed that the MDR phenomenon in SW620/Ad300 cells was closely correlated with the upregulation of spermine and spermidine synthesis and D-glutamine metabolism. Cur significantly inhibited the biosynthesis of spermine and spermidine by decreasing the expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and suppressed D-glutamine metabolism, which in turn decreased the anti-oxidative stress ability and P-gp transport activity of SW620/Ad300 cells, eventually reversed MDR. These findings indicated the MDR reversal activity and the related mechanism of action of Cur, suggesting that Cur could be a promising MDR reversal agent for cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is unavoidable in daily life. Recently, research has showen that BPA could induce oxidative imbalance, thereby causing reproductive toxicity and liver dysfunction. Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that metformin possesses strong anti-oxidative properties. This study aimed to study the mechanism underlying the hepatic-protective effect of metformin on liver injury induced by BPA in rats via the UPLC-MS/MS metabolomics approach. Forty-two male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 7), namely the saline group (control), the corn oil group (vehicle), the metformin group (Met), the bisphenol A group (BPA), the bisphenol A and metformin group (BPA + Met), and the bisphenol A and diammonium glycyrrhizinate (positive control) group (BPA + DG). Serum was collected for biochemical analysis and metabolomics, and liver tissue was collected for histopathology and metabolomics in each group. We found that metformin could significantly reduce the levels of liver function enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) and ameliorate inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis induced by BPA. On the other hand, metformin could significantly enhance the total antioxidant capacity in BPA rats. Notably, metabolomics data indicated that the principal altered metabolic pathways based on the 26 differential metabolites in liver tissue, and 21 in serum among vehicle, BPA and BPA + Met groups, respectively, including cysteine and methionine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis and purine metabolism. Additionally, metformin significantly increased cystathionine β synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ lyase (CSE), thus reducing serum levels of homocysteine and increasing hepatic levels of cysteine and glutathione in BPA-treated rats. Overall, this study's results provided new insights into the role and mechanism of metformin in BPA-induced liver injury in rats. Unlabelled Image • Protection of metformin on BPA induced liver injury was assessed by metabolomics. • Metformin ameliorated oxidative stress induced by BPA • Changes in cysteine and methionine metabolism were vital for its liver protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]