Search Results (5,950)

This study reports an investigation of the synergistic extraction of dysprosium (Dy(III)) from aqueous media using a low-concentration, binary carrier mixture of Cyanex 272 and D2EHPA within an emulsion liquid membrane (ELM). Within the tested formulations, the one containing 0.42% (w/w) Cyanex 272 and 0.28% (w/w) D2EHPA yielded the best results. The impact of process factors that maximize recovery efficiency and minimize emulsion breakdown was also examined. A Span 80 loading of 0.75% (w/w) achieved 97.5% extraction with minimal breakage (less than 2.1%). An external phase pH of 5.8 achieves an optimal balance of high-throughput Dy(III) recovery and membrane stability; 0.2 N HNO₃ as the stripping phase strikes the optimal balance, providing strong initial uptake with minimal emulsion degradation. As the initial Dy(III) loading increases, extraction efficiency decreases. Increasing the temperature from 15 to 45 °C accelerates mass transfer, achieving near-complete extraction in under 15 min. However, above 45 °C, emulsion breakage spikes, causing a collapse in efficiency. Similarly, increasing NaCl levels suppresses Dy(III) uptake and promotes coalescence. This reduces recovery from seawater to just over 70%. Nevertheless, the balanced mineral content of Zamzam water preserves emulsion integrity and enables 100% extraction. The activation energy was found to be 26.16 kJ/mol, suggesting that mass transfer, rather than the chemical reaction at the interface, controls the process. The results of this study highlight the synergistic efficiency advantage of the ELM system at lower carrier concentrations, even in complex water sources. Full article

Choosing the most sustainable and ecologically stable soil tillage techniques requires dependence on long-term field trials, which are essential for successful interventions and evidence-based decision-making. This research evaluated several factors, including soil biological activity (CO₂ emission), soil chemical properties (pH (KCl), soil organic matter (SOM)), plant growth physiological indicators (Leaf Area Index (LAI), Soil and Plant Analysis Development (SPAD)), crop yield, and grain quality (Zeleny index, protein %, oil %, and gluten % content), under six soil cultivation methods that represent varying degrees of soil disturbance in a long-term (23 years) tillage experiment. Conventional tillage (ploughing (P)) and conservational tillage techniques (loosening (L), deep cultivation (DC), shallow cultivation (SC), disking (D), and no-till (NT)) were examined for three years (2022, 2023, and 2024) in a winter barley–soybean–winter wheat cropping system. Results indicate that tillage intensity has a differential influence on soil biological parameters, with minor variations in SPAD values across treatments. The findings show significant variations in CO₂ emissions, LAI values, and grain quality in certain years, likely due to the influence of P and L tillage treatments. The novelty of this study lies in determining that, although the short-term effects of soil tillage on crop physiological parameters and grain yield may be minimal under fluctuating climatic conditions, long-term tillage practices significantly influence existing disparities, underscoring the necessity for site-specific and climate-resilient tillage strategies in sustainable crop production. Full article

One characteristic of tumor cells is the increased anaerobic metabolism through glycolysis leading to an acidic environment of the tumor. This acidity is linked to tumor progression, invasion and metastasis, besides stimulated survival pathways in the malignant cells. The aim of our analysis is to investigate the role of systemic acid–base parameters such as the pH, bicarbonate, baseexcess and lactate in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, alterations in electrolytes and hemoglobin were investigated regarding their impact on overall survival. Data of 937 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who underwent anatomic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) resection, was collected in a prospectively maintained database and analyzed. To minimize confounding effects and due to the retrospective study design, we decided to use data from the first arterial blood gas analysis during surgery and the most recent lab results prior to surgery. We found significant correlations between low systemic bicarbonate (<20 mEq/L) and overall survival (p = 0.006). Hyponatremia (<135 mmol/L) correlated with lower 5-year overall survival (p = 0.004) and decreased disease-free survival (p = 0.017). Hypochloremia (<98 mmol/L) was linked to reduced overall survival (p = 0.003) and hypocalcemia (<1.15 mmol/L) with worse disease-free survival (p = 0.015). Hemoglobin under 12 g/dL for women and 13 g/dL for men was associated with poorer outcomes (p < 0.001). Other acid–base parameters such as the pH (p = 0.563), baseexcess (BE) (p = 0.290) and lactate (p = 0.527) did not show significant differences in overall or disease-free (pH: p = 0.130; BE: p = 0.148; lactate: p = 0.418) survival. Systemic bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, chloride and hemoglobin levels were found as prognostic markers and possible therapeutic targets to improve overall survival. Further investigations are necessary to develop therapeutic strategies. Full article

Objectives: To prepare porous scaffolds combining hydrogel and hydroxycarbonateapatite, enriched with a promising therapeutic agent, gold nanoparticles, to improve bone regeneration. The fabrication procedure is conducted under mild conditions, without toxic or aggressive chemicals, at physiological pH, and low temperatures; Methods: Gold nanoparticles (15–20 nm), were obtained by the Turkevith method. The scaffolds were fabricated by the GELPOR3D method, which has demonstrated its ability to integrate thermal labile molecules, during the scaffold fabrication process. The role of these nanoparticles in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization processes in vitro has been studied using osteoprogenitor MC3T3-E1 cells; Results: The scaffold fabrication conditions, combined with the surface functionalization of the gold nanoparticles with poly(ethylene glycol), ensure their uniform distribution throughout the scaffold and facilitate their gradual release over 48 h in a physiological medium. A significant increase in the mean cell area and a significant decrease in the circularity index during the early stages of osteoblast differentiation are observed. These pieces of evidence suggest that adequate cell spreading could lead to enhanced proliferation and matrix deposition activity; Conclusions: Scaffolds containing these gold nanoparticles exhibited a marked improvement in adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization of preosteoblasts (MC3T3 cells) at the concentrations studied. The functionalization of the nanoparticles, along with the shaping procedure employed, is critical for their homogeneous dispersion throughout the scaffold and their progressive release. The findings confirm the crucial role of gold nanoparticles in the early stages of osteoblast differentiation, which is essential for the transition from premature osteoblasts to mature osteoblasts. Full article

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is more prevalent in women, but men with MDD may experience higher suicide risk and a different symptom profile. This study investigates the subjective impact of MDD on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in males and females. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a representative sample from six Italian regions. MDD diagnoses were determined through semi-structured clinical interviews, and HR-QoL was assessed using the SF-12 questionnaire. Mania, hypomania, and subthreshold hypomanic symptoms were evaluated using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). Results: Women had a higher prevalence of MDD (6.2%) than men (3.5%). However, men with MDD showed significantly lower HR-QoL scores compared to non-depressed males, with a greater difference than that observed in women. No significant sex differences emerged in psychiatric comorbidities, but men showed a trend toward higher MDQ positivity, possibly indicating a different depressive phenotype. Conclusions: Although less frequently diagnosed in men, MDD appears to have a stronger perceived impact on quality of life in males. This finding may reflect under-recognized symptoms such as irritability, hyperactivity, and social rhythm dysregulation. Gender-sensitive screening and intervention strategies are essential to improve early detection and reduce the untreated burden of depression in men, ultimately supporting more equitable mental health outcomes. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of different doses of the herbicide fluroxypyr on soil microbial communities under controlled laboratory conditions. Specific enzymatic activities ((dehydrogenase (DA), urease (UA), catalase (CA), phosphatase (PA)) and quantitative variations in bacterial and fungal populations were measured regarding key physico-chemical soil parameters (temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture, organic matter, ammonium, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphate content). The effects of the herbicide on the targeted parameters were dose- and time-dependent. Fluroxypyr induced a clear decrease in DA, CA, and PA during the first 14 days after administration, while UA showed a decrease in the first 7 days, followed by a slight increase starting on day 14, closely related to the applied dose. Microbial populations decreased in direct relation to the fluroxypyr dose. Organic matter content exhibited a positive correlation with DA, UA, CA, as well as with microbial populations. In addition, three natural compounds structurally similar to fluroxypyr were identified via 3D virtual screening, demonstrating potential herbicidal activity. Fluroxypyr can alter soil metabolic activity and disrupt microbial communities, thereby affecting soil fertility. Used as a reference in 3D screening, fluroxypyr helped identify three natural compounds with potential herbicidal activity as safer alternatives to synthetic herbicides. Full article

Despite global commitments to universal health coverage, persons with disabilities (PwD) continue to face significant barriers in accessing appropriate healthcare, including diagnostics, treatments and preventive healthcare, with lower participation in cancer screening and vaccination programs. These disparities are driven by diverse, intersecting obstacles (structural, financial, communicative, and social) that vary by disability type and context. Inclusive approaches, co-designed with PwD and supported by standardized assessment tools, are urgently needed to address persistent inequities in healthcare access and outcomes. Full article

Strawberry is a popular fruit with great commercial value. It is meaningful to study how to improve strawberry yield and quality in a sustainable way. In this research, the potential impacts of replacing chemical fertilizer (CF) with sheep manure organic fertilizer (SMOF) on strawberry rhizospheric bacteria, soil physicochemical properties, strawberry fruit yield, and nutritional quality were studied through a strawberry field experiment with 16 years of different fertilizer applications. This study showed that, compared with chemical fertilizer, SMOF effectively improved soil physicochemical properties and increased the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, the absolute abundance of phosphorus-related functional genes pqqC and phoD and bacteria diversity, and enhanced synergistic action among strawberry rhizospheric bacteria. The yield, and the contents of total soluble solids, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and vitamin C, and sugar/acid ratio of strawberry fruit in SMOF treatment were significantly higher than in CF treatment by 40%, 21%, 15%, 46%, 23%, and 41%, respectively (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that strawberry fruit yield and nutritional quality were positive with soil pH, bacterial diversity, soil enzyme activity, and nutrient content, and negative with soil density. The results showed that long-term SMOF could efficiently improve strawberry performance and rhizospheric health. Full article

In rural Ghana, limited access to affordable, clean cooking fuels drives the need for decentralised waste-to-energy solutions. Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) offers a viable route for transforming organic residues into renewable energy, with the added benefit of improved process stability resulting from substrate synergy. This study aims to evaluate the technical feasibility and stabilisation challenges of AcoD, using locally available fruit waste and beet molasses at a secondary school in Bedabour (Ghana). Biological methane potential (BMP) assays of different co-digestion mixtures were conducted at two inoculum-to-substrate (I/S) ratios (2 and 4), identifying the highest yield (441.54 ± 45.98 NmL CH₄/g VS) for a mixture of 75% fruit waste and 25% molasses at an I/S ratio of 4. Later, this mixture was tested in a 6 L semi-continuous AcoD reactor. Due to the high biodegradability of the substrates, volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation led to acidification and process instability. Three low-cost mitigation strategies were evaluated: (i) carbonate addition using eggshell-derived sources, (ii) biochar supplementation to enhance buffering capacity, and (iii) the integration of a bioelectrochemical system (BES) into the AcoD recirculation loop. The BES was intended to support VFA removal and enhance methane recovery. Although they temporarily improved the biogas production, none of the strategies ensured long-term pH stability of the AcoD process. The results underscore the synergistic potential of AcoD to enhance methane yields but also reveal critical stability limitations under high-organic-loading conditions in low-buffering rural contexts. Future implementation studies should integrate substrates with higher alkalinity or adjusted organic loading rates to ensure sustained performance. These findings provide field-adapted insights for scaling-up AcoD as a viable renewable energy solution in resource-constrained settings. Full article

Dental enamel discoloration, extrinsic staining, and periodontal biofilms remain persistent challenges in oral health. This study explores the in vitro, dual-functional potential of Magnolia figo flower extract (FMO), a sesquiterpene-rich botanical active phytochemical ingredient (API), for aesthetic and antimicrobial oral applications. FTIR identified characteristic terpenoid and long-chain fatty acid functional groups, including β-elemene, γ-elemene, and caryophyllene oxide. Whitening efficacy on coffee-stained bovine enamel was quantified using CIELAB colorimetry. The 0.5% FMO treatment achieved ΔE* = 8.49, which was within the clinical perceptibility threshold and the optimal biocompatibility balance. SEM confirmed no demineralization on the enamel surface after immersion in 3.0% FMO for 12 h. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated inhibition of Porphyromonas gingivalis, with MIC and MBC values of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively. Biofilm formation was reduced by over 50% at a 0.148% concentration. Cytocompatibility assays using HGF-1 cells with various concentrations of FMO showed reduced cell viability at higher concentrations. When exposed for 5 min (simulating daily oral care) or 2 h, 0.5% FMO exhibited greater biocompatibility with L929 cells compared to toothpaste and peroxide-based agents. These findings suggest that FMO may serve as a natural candidate for dual-function oral care; however, further in vivo and clinical investigations are needed to validate its potential use within oral care treatments. Full article

This paper introduces a general AI text review framework for the automated analysis of textual reviews using advanced natural language processing techniques. The framework uniquely integrates sentiment analysis, topic modeling, and abstractive summarization within a modular architecture. It leverages transformer-based models (e.g., DistilBERT and FASTopic), vector databases, and caching mechanisms to ensure scalability and real-time performance. To validate the general approach, we developed a domain-specific implementation, VisitorLens AI, which performs advanced textual analysis for Google Maps reviews of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor Fortress. We demonstrated that the designed system generates structured and actionable insights for both tourists and local authorities, and increases institutional capacity to evaluate UNESCO criteria compliance. Finally, we performed both quantitative and expert evaluations, demonstrating the high performance of our framework across NLP tasks. The outputs confirm the framework’s generalizability, robustness, and practical value across domains. Full article

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-based hydrogels, owing to their sustainability, biocompatibility, and versatile mechanical properties, are promising for biomedical applications. This review analyzes the recent advances and biomedical applications of CNF hydrogels. CNF hydrogels can be prepared via physical and chemical crosslinking. Physical crosslinking involves surface charge density control, pH manipulation, and flow-based processing to generate stable networks, whereas chemical crosslinking employs agents such as epichlorohydrin and citric acid to form permanent covalent bonds. These approaches enable precise control over hydrogel properties, including mechanical strength, porosity, and stimuli responsiveness. CNF hydrogels are particularly promising in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. CNFs as drug delivery vehicles offer enhanced bioavailability and drug loading capacity owing to their open pore structure and large surface area. Recent developments in stimuli-responsive and injectable CNF hydrogels have enabled controlled drug release and improved targeting capabilities. Moreover, CNF hydrogels serve as effective scaffolds for cell growth and tissue regeneration, with applications in cartilage engineering and wound healing. Integrating CNF hydrogels with 3D bioprinting technology has generated complex tissue structures. However, several challenges remain, including the need for the standardization of toxicology assessments, optimization of large-scale production processes, and development of sophisticated control mechanisms for drug delivery. Future research should advance manufacturing technologies, improve long-term stability, and develop standardized testing protocols for regulatory compliance. Full article

In this study, the catalytic air oxidation method was used to selectively form sodium antimonate from an antimony residue Na₂S-NaOH leaching solution of a high arsenic copper anode slime. In the first stage, the leaching process with Na₂S and NaOH media resulted in more than 98% leaching of antimony. The synergistic oxidation method was used to selectively separate antimony in the second stage. In this study, the oxidation rate of antimony was greater than 98% at the NaOH concentration of 50 g·L⁻¹ and a combined oxidation concentration of 0.75 g·L⁻¹ catechol + 0.75 g·L⁻¹ KMnO₄, under the air flow rates of 1.415 m³·min⁻¹ at 75 °C for 8 h. The pH of the crude sodium antimonate product was adjusted; subsequently, it was redissolved and precipitated to prepare refined sodium antimonate that meets the secondary product standard of China’s non-ferrous metal industry, which recommends an antimony recovery rate of >95.60%. After neutralisation, the liquid contains [As] < 0.10 g·L⁻¹, [Sb] = 0.16–0.38 g·L⁻¹, which can be reused in the composite leaching process. The apparent activation energy (Ea) of the catalytic oxidation reaction was 6.47 kJ·mol⁻¹; the results suggested that the reaction process was diffusion controlled. $-\frac{d\left[Sb\right]}{dt}=8.86\times {10}^{-5}\times e^{\frac{-778.44}{T}}\times {\left[Sb\right]}^{0.4906}\times {\left[NaOH\right]}^{1.190}$. Full article

Mismanagement of rural wastewater can lead to environmental contamination with the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Fungi with bioremediating potential constitute a sustainable alternative to decontaminate such wastewater before its reuse. This study evaluated the ability of Aspergillus oryzae pellets to remove 2,4-D from natural and sterile rural wastewater (i.e., with/without native microbiota). The pellets were produced by incubating conidial solutions of A. oryzae strains RCA2, RCA4, RCA5, and RCA10 in synthetic wastewater for 21 days at 25 °C. The wastewater samples were characterized physicochemically and microbiologically upon arrival at the laboratory. Afterwards, they were supplemented with 1, 2.5, or 5 mmol L⁻¹ of 2,4-D and inoculated with the pellets. Physicochemical characterization was repeated throughout the experiment. Herbicide removal and the presence of 2,4-D degradation intermediate, 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), were assessed through high-pressure liquid chromatography with UV/Vis detection (HPLC-UV) and mass spectrometry. At the beginning of the assay, the macro- and micronutrient content in the samples were suitable to sustain fungal growth. By the end, pH had increased and sodium and nitrate levels decreased in comparison with the control. RCA2, RCA4, and RCA10 removed over 80% of 2,4-D after 7 days of incubation, at the three herbicide concentrations tested. Moreover, wet fungal biomass had increased by the end of the assay. These findings demonstrate that RCA2, RCA4, and RCA10 can grow, form pellets, and remove 2,4-D in natural rural wastewater, which makes them potential candidates for bioremediation strategies aimed at improving the quality of water set to be reused. Full article

The use of external triggers in microalgae cultivation has emerged as a promising approach to enhance biomass production and biochemical composition. For instance, magnetic fields (MFs) have had their potential to modulate cellular metabolism and physiological responses explored. This study investigated the effects of MF exposure on Dunaliella salina and evaluated its impact on biomass production, pigment synthesis and biochemical composition. The highest biomass concentration (0.59 g L⁻¹) was observed under continuous exposure to 60 mT (MF60-24 h); it represented a 51% increase in comparison with the control. A gradual rise in pH, which reached 10.83, was observed during cultivation. MF exposure also enhanced chlorophyll-a (118%) and carotenoid (95%) concentrations; thus, it improved photosynthetic efficiency and potential oxidative stress responses. The biochemical composition revealed a shift in metabolic pathways after prolonged MF exposure (24 h d⁻¹), decreasing carbohydrate content by 7%, while increasing lipid accumulation by 7%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated structural modifications on the cell surface induced by the MF. Therefore, MF applications improve D. salina cultivation and enhance biomass composition for biotechnological applications. Full article