Search Results (743)

Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is mainly triggered by the abnormal activation of pancreatic enzymes. Obesity acts as an independent risk factor for SAP; however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, SAP models were established in mice with normal and high-fat diets. Subsequently, this study examined ferroptosis and inflammatory markers in pancreas and epididymal adipose tissues. To mimic obesity-related SAP in adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitic acid (PA) were introduced, and alterations in ferroptosis and inflammation were assessed. To elucidate the regulatory role of cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) in ferroptosis, liproxstatin-1 (Lip-1) and sulfosuccinimidyl oleate sodium (SSO) were utilized for in-depth analysis in the pancreas, epididymal adipose tissues, and ATMs. Our findings suggest that obesity aggravates ferroptosis in pancreas tissue, epididymal adipose tissues, and ATMs during SAP, as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation, elevated Fe²⁺ levels, and alterations in ferroptosis markers, while these alterations were regained by Lip-1. Notably, CD36 levels were significantly increased in pancreatic tissue, epididymal adipose tissue, and ATMs, indicating that CD36 promotes ferroptosis and induces inflammation. SSO treatment alleviated changes in ferroptosis markers and reduced inflammation. Western blot results showed that CD36 promoted ferroptosis through the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) axis in pancreatic tissue, while a similar regulatory role was mediated by the ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)/GPX4 axis and ATMs. These findings demonstrate that CD36 induces inflammation by facilitating ferroptosis in pancreas tissue, epididymal adipose tissue, and ATMs in obesity-related SAP. The inhibition of CD36 could provide novel viewpoints for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related SAP. Full article

Accurate prediction of tunneling-induced settlements in shallow tunnels in weak soil is challenging, as advanced constitutive models, such as the small-strain hardening soil model (SS-HSM) require several input parameters. In this study, a case study was used as a benchmark to investigate the sensitivity of the SS-HSM parameters. An automated framework was developed, and 100 finite-element (FE) models were generated, representing realistic input ranges and inter-parameter relationships. The resulting distribution of predicted surface settlements resembled observed outcomes, exhibiting a tightly clustered majority of small displacements (less than 20 mm) alongside a minority of widely scattered large displacements. Subsequently, machine-learning (ML) techniques were applied to enhance data interpretation and assess predictive capability. Regression models were used to predict final surface settlements based on partial excavation stages, highlighting the potential for improved decision-making during staged excavation projects. The regression models achieved only moderate accuracy, reflecting the challenges of precise displacement prediction. In contrast, binary classification models effectively distinguished between small displacements and large displacements. Arguably, classification models offer a more attainable approach that better aligns with geotechnical engineering practice, where identifying favorable and adverse geotechnical conditions is more critical than precise predictions. Full article

Metals in the Pearl River Estuary are of great importance due to the dense population and rapid industrialization, but they have not been systematically studied. This study investigates the spatial distribution and environmental impacts on dissolved and particulate metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Tl, Pb) in the Pearl River Estuary by integrating statistical methods and spatial analysis techniques. The areas with high concentrations of particulate metals are mainly located north of the Humen Bridge. Some metals also show higher concentrations near the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge or around Macau. Overall, the spatial distribution patterns of metals such as Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Tl, and Zn show clustering features. Oxygen content, salinity, and temperature significantly influence most particulate metals. The areas with high concentrations of dissolved metals are mainly located north of the Humen Bridge or in waters closer to the sea. Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mo, and Tl show a clustered distribution. Dissolved Fe, Ni, and Mo are significantly influenced by environmental factors, except for water depth. This study fills the research gap on dissolved and particulate metals in the Pearl River Estuary, providing essential data to support metal pollution management in the region. Full article

Evaluation of 12 commercially available products of Cannabis sativa L. was performed to find similarities and differences in their composition. The contents of metallic elements determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) made it possible to order microelements as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu. As for the contents of macroelements, the pattern was Ca > K > Mg > Na. Analyses of hemp samples were also performed via assays of their phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The antioxidant activity was determined based on the Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Cupric-Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and ABTS Radical-Scavenging Activity. We concluded from the application of cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) that several hemp samples (for example, the sample from Italy) were well-separated from the others due to their different chemical composition. In conclusion, the results achieved with the statistical methods are helpful in interpreting the results obtained for hemp samples and reveal characteristic tendencies among the investigated samples due to their contents of metals, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid concentrations, and antioxidant properties. Full article

In this study, we investigated the structural effect of composite solid electrolytes of Al-doped LLZO and PVDF-HFP (0D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP and 1D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP) on electrochemical (EC) performance and fire safety through a systematic evaluation and comparative tests. The unique structure and advantageous features of composite solid electrolytes (1D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP) were highlighted by comparing controls (PVDF-HFP and 0D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP) with physicochemical and electrochemical analyses and fire safety tests The structure and morphology of Al-doped LLZO/PVDF-HFP composites were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their chemical functionalities and free ion clusters were examined with Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The 1D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP composite with a 1D structured Al-LLZO filler network in the PVDF-HFP matrix could effectively regulate the crystallinity of PVDF-HFP and facilitated lithium salt dissociation, resulting in a high lithium-ion transference number and ionic conductivity. As a result, the 1D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP composite electrolyte with an optimized structure and low Al-LLZO content (~5.1 wt%) exhibited enhanced ionic conductivity ($\mathsf{\sigma }$: 1.40 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) with low interfacial resistance, broadened EC stability (voltage window: 4.75 V vs. Li/Li⁺), and a high lithium-ion transference number (0.75) superior to that of 0D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP. In electrochemical characterizations, the 1D_Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP-based EC cell demonstrated enhanced performance in a lithium symmetric cell (>2000 h) and full cell (LiFePO₄|electrolyte|Li) of a reversible capacity of 102.7 mAh/g at 2C with a capacity retention of 85.7% over 200 cycles, better than that of a 0D_ Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP-based EC cell. In flammability tests, Al-LLZO@PVDF-HFP demonstrated enhanced fire safety (nonflammability) compared with that of a PVDF-HFP-based electrolyte regardless of the composite structure, suggesting the importance of inorganic filler rather than their structural morphology in the composite. Full article

Human cysteine desulfurase (NFS1) participates in numerous critical cellular processes, including iron–sulfur (Fe-S) cluster biosynthesis and tRNA thiolation. NFS1 overexpression has been observed in a variety of cancers, and thus it has been considered a promising anti-tumor therapeutic target. To date, however, no inhibitors targeting NFS1 have been identified. Here, we report the identification of the first potent small-molecule inhibitor (Compound 53, PubChem CID 136847320) of NFS1 through a combination of virtual screening and biological validation. Compound 53 exhibited good selectivity against two other pyridoxal phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes. Treatment with Compound 53 inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer (A549) cells (IC₅₀ = 16.3 ± 1.92 μM) and caused an increase in cellular iron levels due to the disruption of Fe-S cluster biogenesis. Furthermore, Compound 53, in combination with 2-AAPA, an inhibitor of glutathione reductase (GR) that elevates cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, further suppressed the proliferation of A549 cells by triggering ferroptotic cell death. Additionally, the key residues involved in the binding of the inhibitor to the active center of NFS1 were identified through a combination of molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis. Taken together, we describe the identification of the first selective small-molecule inhibitor of human NFS1. Full article

The solution microstructure during the ferric sulfate-assisted precipitation of calcium fluoride was systematically investigated using molecular dynamics simulations and DFT methods. The microscopic behavior of various ions in a calcium fluoride box in the presence of ferric sulfate was simulated using MD. The corresponding hydrated cluster structures were extracted from the MD trajectory; then, the structure was optimized and the frequency was calculated at the B3LYP/6–311++G(d, p) level. The results show that no hydrated clusters had imaginary frequencies. Based on the topology, interaction region indicator, and surface electrostatic potential and binding energy analysis of the hydrated clusters, it was revealed that ferric ions are easily hydrolyzed to form hydrated clusters of ferric hydroxide at higher pH levels. The most stable of these structures is [Fe(OH)₃·(H₂O)₂], which has the lowest binding energy. During the ferric sulfate coagulation process, calcium fluoride clusters and ferric hydroxide clusters could form binuclear clusters through electrostatic interaction. The two metal centers in the binuclear cluster, Ca and Fe, are connected by hydroxide ions. Full article

Accurate DNA replication is essential for the maintenance of genome stability and the generation of healthy offspring. When DNA replication is challenged, signals accumulate at blocked replication forks that elicit a multifaceted cellular response, orchestrating DNA replication, DNA repair and cell cycle progression. This replication stress response promotes the recovery of DNA replication, maintaining chromosome integrity and preventing mutations. Defects in this response are linked to heightened genetic instability, which contributes to tumorigenesis and genetic disorders. Iron–sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are emerging as important cofactors in supporting the response to replication stress. These clusters are assembled and delivered to target proteins that function in the cytosol and nucleus via the conserved cytosolic Fe-S cluster assembly (CIA) machinery and the CIA targeting complex. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the structure and function of the CIA machinery in yeast and mammals, emphasizing the critical role of Fe-S clusters in the replication stress response. Full article

Materials with high electron transfer performance remain a key focus in photocatalytic research, as they can effectively promote the separation of photogenerated carriers and enhance the utilization efficiency of photogenerated electrons. To enhance the effective utilization of photogenerated electrons, the MSIG material was prepared by incorporating the iodine clusters and magnetic Fe₃O₄ into the as-synthesized crumpled graphene oxide (CGO) to construct Möbius-like electronic transmission pathways. The introduction of magnetic groups optimized the spin orientation of electrons, facilitating directional electron transport and thereby enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency of the material. Experimental results reveal that, in visible light-driven hydrogen production reactions, the eosin Y (EY)-sensitized Pt-Fe₃O₄-MSIG catalyst exhibits outstanding catalytic performance, with a hydrogen production rate of 1.48 mL/h, which is 15 times higher than that of the Pt-Fe₃O₄ catalyst. Photoelectrochemical analyses show a significant increase in the catalyst’s fluorescence lifetime, attributed to the Möbius strip-like electron transport channels within the material. Theoretical calculations further support this by demonstrating that the bandgap widening of the CGO reduces the recombination probability of photogenerated carriers, thereby improving their average lifetime. This study offers a novel approach for the design of visible-light-driven photocatalytic materials. Full article

Surface and interface engineering play a crucial role in enhancing the CO₂ methanation performance of heterogeneous catalysts. In this study, we present NiO-TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with oxygen vacancy-rich Fe₃O₄ clusters, significantly improving CO₂ methanation performance. The as-prepared catalyst (referred to as NiO@Fe₃O₄) achieves an impressive CH₄ selectivity of 91.2% and a methane production yield of 6400.50 μmol/g at 573 K, an approximately 83% increase compared to unmodified NiO nanoparticles (3154.2 μmol/g). The results of physical characterizations and gas chromatography confirm that the outstanding activity and selectivity of the NiO@Fe₃O₄ catalyst arise from the synergistic interaction between its surface-active sites. Notably, the high concentration of oxygen vacancies within Fe₃O₄ enhances CO₂ activation, while adjacent NiO sites efficiently promote H₂ dissociation. These findings provide valuable insights into the rational design of heterogeneous catalysts, highlighting the advantages of Fe₃O₄ as an efficient promoter over conventional metal oxides for catalytic applications. Additionally, we envision that the obtained results will help to design transition metal-based industry viable catalysts for a diverse range of applications. Full article

This study investigated the effect of the recycling process on the microstructure, hardness, and precipitation kinetics of strengthening phases in the 2017A aluminum alloy. Light microscopy (LM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses revealed that the as-cast microstructure of the recycled 2017A alloy contained intermetallic phases, including θ-Al₂Cu, β-Mg₂Si, Al₇Cu₂Fe, Q-Al₄Cu₂Mg₈Si₇, and α-Al₁₅(FeMn)₃(SiCu)₂, and was comparable to that of the primary alloy, confirming its potential for high-performance applications. During solution heat treatment, most of the primary intermetallic precipitates, such as Al₂Cu, Mg₂Si, and Q-Al₄Cu₂Mg₈Si₇, dissolved into the solid Al matrix. DSC analysis of the solution-treated alloy established the precipitation sequence as follows: α-ss → GP/GPB zones → θ″ → θ′/Q′ → θ-Al₂Cu/Q-Al₄Cu₂Mg₈Si₇. The combined results from XRD, LM, TEM, and DSC confirmed that both θ and Q phases contributed to strengthening, with θ″ and θ′ phases playing a dominant role. Brinell hardness measurements during natural and artificial aging revealed that hardness increased with aging time, reaching a maximum value of 150.5 HB after ~22 h of artificial aging at 175 °C. The precipitation kinetics of the recycled 2017A alloy was studied via DSC measurements over a temperature range of ~25 to 550 °C, at heating rates of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 °C/min. The peak temperatures of clusters, GP zones, and hardening phases (θ′, θ″, θ, and Q) were analyzed to calculate the activation energy using mathematical models (Kissinger, Ozawa, and Boswell). The obtained values of activation energies of discontinuous precipitation were comparable across methods, with values for the θ″ phase of 89.94 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Kissinger), 98.7 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Ozawa), and 94.33 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Boswell), while for the θ′ phase, they were 72.5 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Kissinger), 81.9 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Ozawa), and 77.2 kJ·mol⁻¹ (Boswell). These findings highlighted the feasibility of using recycled 2017A aluminum alloy for structural applications requiring high strength and durability. Full article

Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great potential in stabilizing foam for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). However, conventional NPs are difficult to recover and may contaminate produced oil, increasing operational costs. In contrast, superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ NPs can be efficiently recovered using external magnetic fields, offering a sustainable solution for foam stabilization. In this study, Fe₃O₄ NPs were coated with SiO₂ using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and further modified with dodecyltrimethoxysilane to enhance their hydrophobicity. The modification effects were characterized, and the optimal foam-stabilizing Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ NPs were found to have a contact angle of 77.01°. The foam system formed with α-olefin sulfonate (0.2 wt%) as the foaming agent and the optimal modified NPs exhibited a drainage half-life of 452 s. After foam-stabilization experiments, the NPs were recovered and reused, with the results indicating that three recovery cycles were optimal. Finally, visual microscopic displacement experiments demonstrated that the foam stabilized by modified NPs effectively mobilized clustered, membranous, and dead-end residual oil, increasing the recovery rate by 17.01% compared with unmodified NPs. This study identifies key areas for future investigation into the application of magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery. Full article

Extensive research has already been conducted on sapphires, yet there remains a notable absence of methods available to identify the provenance of pink-purple sapphires, particularly those originating from Vietnam and Madagascar. This study examined pink-purple sapphires from Vietnam and Madagascar by conducting basic gemological tests, microscopic observations, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy, and LA ICP MS, while also drawing comparisons with pink-red corundum from other locations. In appearance, the Vietnamese samples have a foggy appearance and orange iridescence, while the Madagascan samples show a relatively strong purple hue. The color origin analysis reveals that the absorption peaks of the ultraviolet spectrum caused by Cr³⁺ in the yellow-green and blue-purple regions account for the pink color of the Vietnamese and Madagascan samples. The lower UV wavelength position of the two main peaks in the Madagascan samples, as compared to the Vietnamese ones, indicates that Fe³⁺ d–d transitions, as well as transitions between Fe²⁺—Ti⁴⁺ and Fe³⁺—Ti³⁺ ions, enhance blue light transmission and cause the samples to tend towards a purple hue. Regarding inclusions, the Vietnamese samples are characterized by white and blue bands, cloudy inclusions, and extensive yellow-orange staining, whereby the cloudy inclusions give them their special appearance, and their calcite and apatite inclusions indicate that they come from marble-type deposits. The presence of many small-grained zircon formations, especially clusters, in the Madagascan samples indicates that they come from alkaline basalt. Chemical analysis confirmed the origin of the samples from the two locations. Compared with the pink-red corundum of the same marble type (Myanmar and Yunnan, China), the Vietnamese samples have lower V, Mg, and Ga contents and a higher Fe content. Compared with the pink-red corundum of the high-iron type (Thailand, Cambodia, and Tanzania), the Madagascan samples have lower Fe and higher Ga contents overall. This study possesses considerable significance in tracing and identifying the origin of pink-purple sapphires. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in selected varieties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. Arka Shyama and Crimson Sweet) and muskmelon (Cucumis melo var. Cantaloupe and Kajri) grown near riverbanks in the Yamuna and Ganga River basins of Northern India. For this purpose, samples of melon fruits were collected from ten sampling sites from May to June 2024 and analyzed using ICP-OES. The results showed that the levels of PTEs varied significantly across the sampling sites, with muskmelons exhibiting slightly higher concentrations compared to watermelons. Specifically, the concentration (mg/kg dry weight) ranges for the watermelon varieties were Cd (0.05–0.20), Cr (0.40–1.10), Cu (1.50–4.90), Pb (0.01–0.11), As (0.01–0.08), Fe (80.00–120.00), Mn (9.00–15.80), and Zn (5.00–18.00). For muskmelons, the ranges were Cd (0.05–0.23), Cr (0.40–1.00), Cu (2.40–4.80), Pb (0.01–0.08), As (0.02–0.08), Fe (80.00–120.00 g), Mn (9.00–15.00), and Zn (8.00–18.00). In particular, the variability coefficients (CV%) indicated differential contamination in Crimson Sweet. On the other hand, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) tools facilitated the identification of sites of significant contamination and their respective interactions. The health risk studies using the health risk index (HRI), dietary intake modeling (DIM), and the target hazard quotient (THQ) also revealed no significant health risk of eight PTEs in melon fruits. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the biomonitoring of PTE contamination in widely consumed summer fruits of Northern India and the subsequent health risk assessment. Full article

This study explores the chemical composition of different macrophyte species and infers their potential in extracting nutrients and some heavy metals from water as well as the use of macrophytes’ biomass as natural fertilizers. It used a dataset obtained from a previous study composed of 445 samples of chemical concentrations in the dried biomass of 16 macrophyte species collected from the Santana Reservoir in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Correlation tests, analysis of variance, and factor analysis of mixed data were performed to infer correspondences between the macrophyte species. The results showed that the macrophyte species can be grouped into three different clusters with significantly different profiles of chemical element concentrations (N, P, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, S, B, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺) in their biomass (factorial map from PCA). Most marginal macrophytes have a lower concentration of chemical elements (ANOVA p-value < 0.05). Submerged and floating macrophyte species presented a higher concentration of metallic and non-metallic chemical elements in their biomass (ANOVA p-value < 0.05), revealing their potential in phytoremediation and the removal of toxic compounds (such as heavy metal molecules) from water. A cluster of macrophyte species also exhibited high concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients (ANOVA p-value < 0.05), indicating their potential for use as soil fertilizers. These results reveal that the plant’s location in the reservoir (marginal, floating, or submerged) is a relevant feature associated with macrophytes’ ability to remove chemical components from the water. The obtained results can contribute to planning the management of macrophyte species in large water reservoirs. Full article