Search Results (339)

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) has garnered significant research interest owing to its non-toxicity, affordability, and distinct layered structure. Although BiOCl possesses promising photocatalytic potential, its large band gap and rapid photocarrier recombination restrict its practical use. In this work, a natural tourmaline mineral was effectively integrated with BiOCl to form a composite (TBO). Comprehensive characterization and photocatalytic assessments revealed that the intrinsic electric field of tourmaline notably strengthened both the adsorption capacity and the light-driven catalytic efficiency of BiOCl. Under visible-light irradiation, ofloxacin (OFX, 10 ppm) was eliminated by approximately 98% within 60 min. The apparent reaction rate constant (k) of TBO was 0.0407 min⁻¹, which was approximately 184.8 and 2.26 times those of tourmaline alone and pristine BiOCl, respectively. Furthermore, both the visible-light absorption and the separation efficiency of photogenerated electron–hole pairs were significantly enhanced. After evaluating its behavior under various simulated natural environmental conditions, TBO displayed strong potential for practical application. Reactive species trapping and analysis identified singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) as the primary active species in photocatalysis. Moreover, the degradation route of ofloxacin and the toxicity of its intermediates were systematically examined. These findings offer meaningful guidance for improving photocatalytic materials by utilizing naturally occurring minerals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease, with male osteoporosis emerging as a critical global concern due to high morbidity and mortality from fractures. This study investigated the anti-osteoporotic potential of CGAC—a herbal mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Glycine max (L.) Merr., Angelica gigas Nakai, and Cnidium officinale Makino—and its underlying mechanisms in an orchiectomized (ORX) mouse model. Methods: C57BL/6J mice underwent ORX for 8 weeks, followed by CGAC administration (250 and 500 mg/kg) for an additional 8 weeks. Molecular mechanisms were further validated using MG63 osteoblastic and RAW 264.7 osteoclast assays. Results: ORX induced severe osteoporotic phenotypes, including significant reductions in bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular microarchitecture. Notably, at the time point examined, ORX was associated with a suppressed bone remodeling state, reflected by reductions in both TRAP-positive osteoclasts and ALP-positive osteoblasts, together with lower serum BALP, CTX-1, and Gla/Glu-OC ratio. Conversely, CGAC normalized this stagnant state and restored physiological remodeling. This was accompanied by reduced marrow fat accumulation through the AMPK signaling axis, which upregulated Runx2 and downregulated PPAR-γ. In vitro results confirmed that CGAC promoted osteoblast differentiation and mineralization while suppressing RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. These actions suggest that CGAC may be involved in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions: Overall, CGAC is a promising therapeutic candidate for male osteoporosis, offering pharmacological benefits particularly relevant to aging populations. Full article

Canine urolithiasis is a common and highly recurrent urinary tract disease, with struvite and calcium oxalate being the predominant stone types. Stone formation has traditionally been attributed to urinary physicochemical factors, including urine pH, mineral supersaturation, and urinary tract infection. However, these factors alone cannot fully explain the persistent growth and rapid progression of stones in affected dogs. In this study, we provide evidence that innate immune mechanisms, particularly neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), are associated with canine urolith formation. We found that neutrophils, key cells of the innate immune system, release neutrophil extracellular traps composed of DNA and antimicrobial proteins, which are consistently present within urinary stones and their surrounding microenvironments. Common canine urinary pathogens were shown to trigger this response, and these immune-derived structures promoted crystal nucleation, aggregation, and stone growth in experimental systems. Importantly, enzymatic degradation of NETs by DNase I attenuated NET-associated stone growth under in vitro conditions. These findings suggest that canine urinary stones develop not only as a consequence of physicochemical factors, but also in association with inflammation-driven biomineralization processes involving NETs. Recognizing the contribution of innate immunity provides new insight into stone recurrence and may inform future preventive and therapeutic strategies. Full article

A novel catalyst, Tm₂FeSbO₇, was synthesized by employing the solid-phase high-temperature sintering method, and, for the first time, it was utilized to create a Z-type heterojunction with BiYO₃. A direct Z-scheme Tm₂FeSbO₇/BiYO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst (TBHP) was successfully produced by employing the ball-milling technique. X-ray diffraction analysis results indicated that Tm₂FeSbO₇ crystallized in a cubic pyrochlorestructure which owned the Fd-3m space group, with a unit cell parameter of 10.1769 Å, whereas BiYO₃ displayed a fluorite structure in the Fm-3m space group, with a unit cell parameter of 5.4222 Å. The Mossbauer spectrum of Tm₂FeSbO₇ showed that Fe³⁺ ions might locate at octahedral sites. The measured bandgap widths for the TBHP, Tm₂FeSbO_7, and BiYO₃ were 2.14 eV, 2.21 eV, and 2.30 eV, respectively. Multiple experimental results demonstrated that the TBHP exhibited a higher valence band ionization potential, a narrower band gap width, and a higher removal efficiency of the sulfamethoxazole (SMX) compared with the Dy₂TmSbO₇/BiHoO₃ heterojunction photocatalyst. Under visible-light irradiation (VISLI) of 115 min, the TBHP showcased exceptional photocatalytic elimination performance; therefore, the elimination rate of the SMX and the total organic carbon (TOC) mineralization rate reached 99.51% and 98.10%, respectively. In contrast to single-component Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO_3, or conventional nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO₂) catalyst, the TBHP exhibited removal efficiency enhancement for degrading the SMX by 1.17 times, 1.31 times, or 4.06 times. Simultaneously, the matching mineralization rate for removing the TOC density by employing the TBHP was 1.20 times, 1.34 times, or 4.73 times higher than that by employing Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or conventional N-TiO₂. Above experimental results indicated that the mineralization efficiency for removing TOC density by employing the TBHP was higher than that by employing Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or N-TiO₂. Radicals trapping experiments and the electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy results revealed that hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and photoinduced holes were the primary active species during the catalytic elimination course of the SMX by employing the TBHP under VISLI. The results demonstrated that the direct Z-scheme TBHP, which was developed in this study, exhibited the maximal removal efficiency for degrading the SMX in contrast to Tm₂FeSbO₇, BiYO₃, or N-TiO₂. Additionally, the possible elimination routes and elimination mechanisms of the SMX were proposed. Therefore, an important scientific foundation for developing high-performance heterojunction catalysts was established. Full article

Despite extensive pore-scale studies on oil–water displacement, quantitative understanding of the dynamic evolution of residual oil morphology and waterflooding efficiency in geologically heterogeneous sandstones remains limited, particularly under large water-injection multiples. To better understand pore-scale oil–water distribution and its influence on enhanced oil recovery, this study utilized Micro-CT combined with SEM-EDS to examine the 3D pore structure and oil–water phase evolution in a heterogeneous sandstone sample from the Xiayang Formation, Wushi Sag, Zhanjiang. Mineralogical analyses reveal that dolomite cementation and vermicular kaolinite infilling introduce strong pore-scale heterogeneity by selectively reducing pore connectivity and permeability, posing challenges for uniform fluid displacement. A 30% KI solution was used to enhance X-ray attenuation of the aqueous phase, enabling clear discrimination between oil and water. Micro-CT reconstructions reveal a relatively uniform pore network dominated by medium-to-large intergranular pores. As the water-injection multiple increases, water progressively invades larger pores, while residual oil is immobilized by capillary forces within micro-throats, forming isolated clusters. The oil-droplet size distribution broadens from a narrow range (50–100 µm) to a wider one (200–300 µm), indicating interfacial destabilization and droplet coalescence. Quantitative analysis indicates that oil saturation decreases from approximately 90% to 36%, while waterflooding efficiency increases rapidly to ~45% at 1 PV and gradually approaches a plateau of ~60% beyond 500–1000 PV. This waterflooding plateau is attributed to capillary trapping and pore-scale connectivity limitations imposed by mineral-induced heterogeneity, which prevent further mobilization of residual oil despite continued water injection. This study advances pore-scale waterflooding research by combining mineralogical heterogeneity with long-term micro-CT imaging, revealing the pore-scale mechanisms controlling residual oil evolution and ultimate waterflooding limits in realistic sandstone. Full article

Developing novel anabolic agents for bone regeneration remains a clinical priority. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) exhibits tissue-regenerative properties, but its direct cellular effects on bone remodeling remain unclear. This in vitro study investigated PDRN’s effects on osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) and osteoclast (primary bone marrow-derived macrophages) differentiation. We evaluated metabolic activity, gene/protein expression, and specific differentiation markers using MTS, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and functional assays (ALP, Alizarin Red S, TRAP, pit formation). In osteoblasts, PDRN dose-dependently modulated metabolic activity while upregulating the early transcription factor Runx2. PDRN significantly enhanced osteoblast differentiation, evidenced by increased ALP activity, elevated mineralized matrix deposition, and robust upregulation of osteocalcin and Runx2. Conversely, PDRN exhibited no direct effect on osteoclast precursor metabolic activity, differentiation, or resorptive function. These findings support a working hypothesis in which PDRN selectively promotes osteoblast differentiation without directly affecting osteoclastogenesis. While further pharmacological investigations are required to definitively elucidate the specific purinergic receptor mechanisms, our results highlight PDRN as a promising candidate anabolic agent for bone regeneration. Full article

Background: Bone remodeling depends on the dynamic balance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-mediated bone formation. Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) has been reported as an osteoclast-secreted protein that inhibits osteoclast differentiation, but its direct effects on osteoblast differentiation remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether FSTL1 regulates osteoblast differentiation and mesenchymal stem cell migration and characterizes its role in osteoclast-osteoblast cellular cross-talk under in vitro conditions. Methods: Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) and stromal cells (BMSCs) from mice were used to induce osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, respectively. Chemotaxis was assessed by Transwell migration, and osteoblast differentiation was evaluated in BMSC and MC3T3-E1 cells using staining, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and proliferation assays. Results: FSTL1 significantly suppressed osteoclast differentiation and resorptive activity, confirmed by TRAP staining and pit assay, respectively. Expression of osteoclast markers such as NFATc1, TRAP, and DC-STAMP was reduced under FSTL1 treatment. In BMSCs, FSTL1 did not affect proliferation but significantly enhanced chemotaxis. Moreover, FSTL1 promoted osteogenic differentiation and mineralization, as demonstrated by increased ALP activity and Alizarin Red S staining. In MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, FSTL1 increased cell proliferation and mineralization by MTS and Alizarin Red staining. Key osteogenic markers, including Runx2 and osteocalcin, were also upregulated. Conclusions: Osteoclast-derived FSTL1 significantly suppresses osteoclastogenesis and promotes mesenchymal cell chemotaxis and osteogenic differentiation, indicating a role in regulating osteoclast–osteoblast cellular interactions in vitro. Targeting FSTL1 signaling may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis and other disorders of impaired bone remodeling. Full article

By its availability and deposition dust is a key indicator for past climate variability. Due to the location in the main North African dust corridor, the Canary Islands preserve dust deposits in different geoarchives—for instance in valleys dammed by Quaternary volcanism. These basins act as sediment traps for aeolian, volcanic, and slope-derived material, forming alternating pale, carbonate-enriched (PCLs) and reddish, clay-enriched layers (RCLs). However, the extent to which these sequences retain primary dust signals remains uncertain. We examine the interpretability of locally called vega sediments by disentangling input pathways, post-depositional processes, and geomorphological controls. Two sections on Lanzarote (Teguise, Femés) and the section Vallebrón (Fuerteventura) were investigated using grain-size analysis, XRF and XRD measurements, and IRSL dating. The sequences reveal two dust components: high-intensity dust fall events forming PCLs, and persistent finer dust input preserved in RCLs through kaolinite. Many PCLs originated as loess-like deposits subsequently modified by carbonate redistribution, while clay mineral transformations complicate provenance interpretation. Archive clarity varies with geomorphology, from less distinctly layered, patchy carbonate-enriched succession at Vallebrón to continuous cyclic sequences in Teguise. Overall, these basins preserve both episodic dust events and continuous fine-grained input, offering a valuable framework for reconstructing Late Quaternary dust dynamics. Full article

Hepatic osteodystrophy (HOD) is a frequent complication of chronic liver disease, marked by impaired osteogenesis and elevated fracture risk, particularly under sustained alcohol exposure. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which play a crucial role in maintaining bone homeostasis, are dysregulated in alcoholic liver disease. Specifically, decreased BMP2 and increased BMP13 have been linked to impaired osteogenesis and cartilage-like shifts in bone progenitors. A human in vitro system that recapitulates this hepatic BMP imbalance is needed to dissect mechanisms and identify targets. To address this, we established a long-term human three-dimensional liver–bone co-culture model that integrates hepatocytes (HepaRG), hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with bone scaffolds seeded with osteoblast precursors (SCP-1) and osteoclast precursors (THP-1). This study aimed to characterize the effects of chronic 50 mM alcohol exposure on hepatic fibrogenic activation and BMP ligand secretion, and to investigate the associated BMP-responsive signaling involved in bone cell lineage differentiation and functional activity. The results demonstrated alcohol-induced hepatic CYP2E1 activation and fibrogenic remodeling with EMT signatures, as well as a decrease in BMP2 and an increase in BMP13, without affecting BMP9. Liver-derived factors activated both canonical and non-canonical BMP signaling in bone progenitors, reduced osteoblast activity and mineralization, preserved osteoclast TRAP activity, and shifted the lineage toward chondrogenesis (SOX9↑, RUNX2↓). Notably, this BMP profile and skeletal phenotype reflect clinical observations in chronic liver disease, indicating that the model recapitulates key in vivo pathological features. This human liver micro-organoid co-culture reproduces alcohol-induced hepatic BMP dysregulation and downstream bone defects, offering an organoid-centric, microengineered platform for mechanistic studies and BMP-targeted therapeutic screening in HOD. Full article

The Cheng-gang crystalline graphite deposit is a recently discovered medium-to-large-sized deposit within the Tan-Lu Fault Zone (TLFZ), East China. However, the knowledge on this deposit remains limited, resulting in a poor understanding of its genesis. In this study, this deposit is chosen to elucidate the degree of graphite mineralization, the nature and depositional environments of the protoliths, and the carbon source of graphite through geochemical and stable isotope investigations, and mineralogical analysis. The fixed carbon contents in the graphite-ore-bearing layers range from 2% to 3%. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal a high degree of graphitization. Analyses of elemental ratios indicate that the protoliths of metamorphic rocks predominantly consist of felsic rocks derived from the upper crust and deposited in brackish-water and reducing environments (anoxic to dysoxic). Stable carbon isotope analyses show that CH₄ with lighter carbon isotopes released from the decomposition of pristine organic matter was trapped into adjacent inorganic reservoirs and the residual fraction with heavy carbon isotopes evolved to become graphite under metamorphism. Assuming the existence of isotope exchange between carbonate minerals and graphite, the temperature of peak metamorphism is estimated to be 580–860 °C, corresponding to amphibolite–granulite facies during regional metamorphism. The direct mixing of organic fluids and adjacent inorganic reservoirs may have contributed to graphite ore formation and needs to be further explored in future studies. The findings shed light on the genesis of the TLFZ graphite deposits, providing practical implications for local mineral exploration. Full article

It is a challenge in experimental studies today to accurately predict the trapping mechanisms in saline aquifers that influence the long-term CO₂ storage capacities. The inability in current experimental studies to quantify the effects of combined processes of solubility, hysteresis, and mineralization as a means of affecting saline aquifer properties that influence CO₂ trapping mechanisms makes this topic interesting. A systematic framework in CMG-GEM compositional simulation studies is proposed in this article to assess the effects of gradually modelled trapping mechanisms on CO₂ storage performance. Simulation studies are conducted under identical constraints, trapping mechanisms, as well as operational factors in a sequential process that activates (i) solubility, (ii) solubility + hysteresis, and (iii) solubility + hysteresis + mineralization. The findings demonstrate distinct differences in trapping process behaviors as well as simulation stability under various modes: hysteresis effects largely improve immobile reserves as well as decrease plume migration, and, on the other hand, mineralization adds long-term dynamics of capacity increase as well as porosity-permeability alterations, especially in carbonate reservoirs. Through long-term post-injection simulations (up to 1000 years), the findings demonstrate that various trapping processes trigger over distinct time periods—years for immobile reserves, decades for dissolution, and centuries in the case of mineralization. This contribution is able to point out the computational efficiency as well as defective model behavior of concern to various physics levels, providing a practical guide to modelers in making a well-informed decision on what constitutes a minimum set of physics in long-term trustworthy CO₂ storage. Full article

Understanding how supercritical CO₂ and water interact with mineral surfaces is essential for predicting the stability and sealing performance of geological storage formations. Yet, the combined effects of mineral surface chemistry and confined pore geometry on interfacial structure and fluid dynamics remain insufficiently resolved at the molecular scale. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to quantify how methylated SiO₂, hydroxylated SiO₂, and kaolinite regulate CO₂–H₂O interfacial behavior through variations in wettability and electrostatic interactions. The results show a clear hierarchy in water affinity across the three minerals. On methylated SiO₂, the water cluster remains spherical and poorly anchored, with a contact angle of ~140°, consistent with the weakest water–surface Coulomb attractions (only −400 to −1400 kJ/mol). Hydroxylated SiO₂ significantly enhances hydration, forming a cylindrical water layer with a reduced contact angle of ~61.3° and strong surface–water electrostatic binding (~−18,000 to −20,000 kJ/mol). Kaolinite exhibits the highest hydrophilicity, where water forms a continuous bridge between the two walls and the contact angle further decreases to ~24.5°, supported by the strongest mineral–water electrostatic interactions (−23,000 to −25,000 kJ/mol). Meanwhile, CO₂–water attractions remain moderate (typically −2800 to −3500 kJ/mol) but are sufficient to influence CO₂ distribution within the confined domain. These findings collectively reveal that surface functionalization and mineral type govern interfacial morphology, fluid confinement, and electrostatic stabilization in the sequence methylated SiO₂ < hydroxylated SiO₂ < kaolinite. This molecular-level understanding provides mechanistic insight into how mineral wettability controls CO₂ trapping, fluid segregation, and pore-scale sealing behavior in subsurface carbon-storage environments. Full article

The reduction in Yangtze River-derived suspended particulate matter significantly impacts adjacent marine sedimentation. Although traditionally considered the primary sediment source for the Zhejiang-Fujian Mud Belt, environmental magnetic evidence contradicts this, indicating local rivers predominantly supply the muddy tidal flats south of central Zhejiang. This study focuses on analyzing sediment provenance in the central Zhejiang offshore area. Magnetic analysis shows the sediments are characterized by low magnetic mineral concentration and fine grain size, highly similar to the adjacent Jiaojiang River’s riverbed sediment and suspended particulate matter, distinct from the Yangtze. Consistent magnetic characteristics in high-energy flood layers further confirm the Jiaojiang River as the stable main source. The robust chronology, established by ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs dating, revealed significantly accelerated sedimentation after 1980. End-Member Modeling Analysis shows nearshore sediments are dominated by fine-grained components, with their proportion rising in the long term; meanwhile, coarse-grained components plummeted after 1990, indicating a shift toward stable, low-energy deposition. The contradiction between accelerated sedimentation and weakened hydrodynamics likely stems from Jiaojiang River basin human activities, enhancing local fine-grained sediment supply and trapping efficiency. Full article

Iron oxides are crucial for the long-term storage of soil organic carbon (SOC) in paddy soils, making them a key factor in global carbon cycles and important for strategies aimed at combating climate change. This review examines the role of iron oxides in paddy soils, particularly their interaction with SOC, which helps stabilize carbon and contributes to mitigating climate change. These processes of iron oxide phase transformations, wet–dry cycles, and microbial activity help trap carbon in the soil, supporting climate change mitigation efforts. Wet–dry cycles promote mineral dissolution and re-precipitation, forming new reactive surfaces and OC-Fe complexes. Future research should adopt a multi-scale approach to better connect molecular mechanisms with ecosystem-level carbon processes. A deeper understanding of iron oxide behavior in paddy soils will support the development of sustainable soil management practices and improve models for predicting soil carbon sequestration under climate change. Full article

The Qingshan lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) deposit in northwestern Guizhou Province is a structurally controlled, carbonate-hosted system formed from basin-derived hydrothermal processes. Geology, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data reveal a multi-stage hydrothermal circulation after Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP, ~260 Ma) tectono-thermal reactivation within the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhu triangle (SYGT) area. Fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates that ore-forming fluids were derived from deep sources influenced by enhanced crustal heat flow linked with possible thermal input from Indo-Caledonian tectonic activity after ELIP. Ore-stage calcite records mixed carbon derived from marine carbonates with additional inputs from organic matter and deep-sourced fluids, reflecting carbonate dissolution and fluid–rock interaction. Sulfide, together with fluid inclusion temperatures > 120 °C, indicates sulfur derived from evaporitic sulfate reduced by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR); the heavy sulfur signature and partial isotopic disequilibrium among coexisting sulfides reflect dynamic fluid mixing during ore deposition. Lead isotopes indicate metallogenic metals were leached mainly from Devonian–Permian carbonates with subordinate basement input. Ore precipitated by cooling, depressurization, and mixing of metal-rich, H₂S-bearing fluids in structurally confined zones where the carbonate–clastic interface effectively trapped ore-forming fluids, producing high-grade sphalerite–galena mineralization. Collectively, these data support a Huize-type (HZT) carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn genetic model for the Qingshan deposit. Full article