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10 pages, 4269 KiB  
Communication
Characterization of Self-Cured Silicone Oils for Encapsulation of Ultraviolet-C Light-Emitting Diodes
by Xing Qiu, Qianhang Yu, Yuanjie Cheng, Jeffery C. C. Lo and Shi-wei Ricky Lee
Polymers 2025, 17(2), 250; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020250 - 20 Jan 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
The effectiveness of ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes (UVC LEDs) is currently limited by the lack of suitable encapsulation materials, restricting their use in sterilization, communication, and in vivo cancer tumor inhibition. This study evaluates various silicone oils for UVC LED encapsulation. A material aging [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes (UVC LEDs) is currently limited by the lack of suitable encapsulation materials, restricting their use in sterilization, communication, and in vivo cancer tumor inhibition. This study evaluates various silicone oils for UVC LED encapsulation. A material aging experiment was conducted on CF1040 (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane), HF2020 (methyl hydro polysiloxanes), and MF2020-1000 (polydimethylsiloxane) under UVC radiation for 1000 h. The analysis assessed transmittance changes and chemical composition alterations throughout the aging process. Notably, HF2020 showed an increase in transmittance before 500 h, indicating a curing process attributed to the photolysis of Si-H, leading to the formation of Si-O-Si. Further testing on 265 nm UVC LEDs, both with and without HF2020 encapsulation, showed that the encapsulated LEDs exhibited a remarkable maximum increase of 27% in radiant power compared to their unencapsulated counterparts. Additionally, these encapsulated LEDs sustained higher radiant power levels during the first 200 h of operation. Notably, its potential application in photodynamic therapy is significant; by activating photosensitizers with higher UVC exposure, it facilitates the rapid production of reactive oxygen species, leading to effective cancer cell destruction within a short timeframe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
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14 pages, 5642 KiB  
Article
Investigating and Evaluating Novel Fly Ash-Based Proppant Compressive Strength Under Various Environmental Conditions
by Raz Haydar and Sherif Fakher
Materials 2025, 18(2), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020399 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
As hydraulic fracturing becomes increasingly prevalent in the oil and gas industry, there is a growing need to develop more cost-effective and sustainable technologies, particularly concerning the materials used. Proppants play a vital role in hydraulic fracturing by ensuring that fractures remain conductive [...] Read more.
As hydraulic fracturing becomes increasingly prevalent in the oil and gas industry, there is a growing need to develop more cost-effective and sustainable technologies, particularly concerning the materials used. Proppants play a vital role in hydraulic fracturing by ensuring that fractures remain conductive and can withstand the pressure exerted by the surrounding strata. One key parameter for evaluating proppants is their compressive strength, especially under harsh environmental conditions. High-strength proppants, such as those made from ceramics or bauxite, are typically expensive due to the materials and complex manufacturing processes involved. In contrast, fly ash, a byproduct of coal-fired power plants, offers a more affordable and environmentally sustainable alternative for proppant production. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a fly ash-based proppant, exposed to harsh conditions including high temperature and pressure, as well as acidic, alkaline, saline, and crude oil environments. The fly ash was activated using an alkaline solution, which served as a chemical binder for the proppant. After exposure to these conditions, the compressive strength of the fly ash-based proppants was compared to control samples. The results showed that the proppants’ compressive strength was largely unaffected by the harsh environments, particularly for the B20W25 mix design. However, while the fly ash-based proppants performed well under stress, their compressive strength was still lower than that of conventional proppants used in the industry. The B20W25 sample demonstrated a compressive strength of 1181.19 psi (8.1 MPa), which, although resilient, remains below industry standards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Advances in Sustainable Materials and Products)
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20 pages, 6034 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Potential of Clove Oil in Mitigating Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Mechanisms
by Inas M. Elgharib, Fatma M. Abdelhamid, Gehad E. Elshopakey, Hatem Sembawa, Talat A. Albukhari, Waheed A. Filimban, Rehab M. Bagadood, Mohamed E. El-Boshy and Engy F. Risha
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18010094 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Hazardous heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), are widely distributed in the environment and cause oxidative stress in various animal and human organs. Clove oil (CLO), a common aromatic spice, has been used as a traditional medication as it has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and [...] Read more.
Hazardous heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), are widely distributed in the environment and cause oxidative stress in various animal and human organs. Clove oil (CLO), a common aromatic spice, has been used as a traditional medication as it has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of clove oil (CLO) against hepatorenal toxicity induced by cadmium (Cd). Methods: Twenty rats were equally divided into four groups: a control group, a Cd group treated with 15 mg/kg b.wt CdCl2, a CLO group administered 200 mg/kg b.wt CLO, and a Cd+CLO group. All groups were orally treated for 4 weeks. Results: Cadmium (Cd) exposure caused anemia and hepatorenal damage, as evidenced by increased serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin (including its direct and indirect fractions), and elevated activities of liver enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However, total protein and albumin levels decreased. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the levels of glutathione, glutathione transferase, and catalase in the liver antioxidant profiles. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde levels increased. Cadmium toxicity caused elevated expression of liver apoptosis markers, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3, and inflammation. CLO ameliorated the oxidative effects of Cd through decreasing urea (27.4%), creatinine (41.6%), liver enzymes, and hepatic apoptotic markers while increasing levels of total protein, albumin, and hepatic values of SOD (60.37%), CAT (64.49%), GSH (50.41%), and GST (9.16%). Conclusions: Hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as the antioxidant system, improved following clove oil treatment, leading to a reduction in hepatorenal damage. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that CLO protects rats from inflammation, apoptosis, and hepatorenal oxidative damage caused by Cd poisoning. Comprehensive translational research is required to validate CLO’s efficacy and safety of use in humans. Future studies should focus on elucidating the precise molecular mechanisms, optimal dosing strategies, and potential synergistic effects of CLO with other therapeutic agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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21 pages, 6806 KiB  
Article
Increasing the Wear Resistance of Stamping Tools for Coordinate Punching of Sheet Steel Using CrAlSiN and DLC:Si Coatings
by Sergey N. Grigoriev, Marina A. Volosova, Ilya A. Korotkov, Vladimir D. Gurin, Artem P. Mitrofanov, Sergey V. Fedorov and Anna A. Okunkova
Technologies 2025, 13(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies13010030 - 12 Jan 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
The punching of holes or recesses on computer numerical control coordinate presses occurs in sheets at high speeds (up to 1200 strokes/min) with an accuracy of ~0.05 mm. One of the most effective approaches to the wear rate reduction of stamping tools is [...] Read more.
The punching of holes or recesses on computer numerical control coordinate presses occurs in sheets at high speeds (up to 1200 strokes/min) with an accuracy of ~0.05 mm. One of the most effective approaches to the wear rate reduction of stamping tools is the use of solid lubricants, such as wear-resistant coatings, where the bulk properties of the tool are combined with high microhardness and lubricating ability to eliminate waste disposal and remove oil contaminants from liquid lubricants. This work describes the efficiency of complex CrAlSiN/DLC:Si coatings deposited using a hybrid unit combining physical vapor deposition and plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition technologies to increase the wear resistance of a punch tool made of X165CrMoV12 die steel during coordinate punching of 4.0 mm thick 41Cr4 carbon structural steel sheets. The antifriction layer of DLC:Si allows for minimizing the wear under thermal exposure of 200 °C. The wear criterion of the lateral surface was 250 μm. The tribological tests allow us to consider the CrAlSiN/DLC:Si coatings as effective in increasing the wear resistance of stamping tools (21,000 strokes for the uncoated tool and 48,000 strokes for the coated one) when solving a wide range of technological problems in sheet stamping of structural steels. Full article
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26 pages, 7553 KiB  
Article
Chemical Composition, In Vivo, and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies of the Effect of Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Essential Oil on Ochratoxin A-Induced Acute Neurotoxicity
by Mostapha Brahmi, Djallal Eddine H. Adli, Imane Kaoudj, Faisal K. Alkholifi, Wafaa Arabi, Soumia Sohbi, Kaddour Ziani, Khaled Kahloula, Miloud Slimani and Sherouk Hussein Sweilam
Plants 2025, 14(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14010130 - 4 Jan 2025
Viewed by 566
Abstract
The aim of our research was to understand the impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on various physiological and behavioral aspects in adult Wistar rats, and to evaluate the efficacy of a Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EOC) treatment in restoring the damage caused [...] Read more.
The aim of our research was to understand the impact of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure on various physiological and behavioral aspects in adult Wistar rats, and to evaluate the efficacy of a Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (EOC) treatment in restoring the damage caused by this toxin. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, a yield of 12.70% was obtained for EOC, and the GC-MS characterization of this essential oil revealed that its principal major components are eugenol (80.95%), eugenyl acetate (10.48%), β-caryophyllene (7.21%), and α-humulene (0.87%). Acute OTA intoxication was induced by an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of 289 µg/kg/b.w. every 48 h for 12 doses, resulting in significant reductions in the body and brain weights of exposed rats when compared with controls. The neurobehavioral analysis using several behavioral testing techniques, such as the forced swimming, the dark/light test, the Morris water maze, and the open field test, clearly revealed that OTA exposure causes neurobehavioral disorders, including decreased locomotor activity, a reduced willingness to explore the environment, reflecting a state of stress, anxiety and depression, as well as impaired memory and learning. In addition, OTA intoxication has been associated with metabolic disturbances such as hyperglycemia and hypercortisolemia. However, treatment with EOC mitigated these adverse effects by improving body and brain weights and restoring neurobehavioral function. The in silico analysis revealed significant affinities between clove oils and two tested esterase enzymes (ACh and BuChE) that were more than or similar to the four neurotransmitters “dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamic acid” and the co-crystallized ligands NAG, MES, and GZ5. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of EOC in combating the toxic effects of OTA and pave the way for future research into the mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of poison-induced diseases. Full article
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15 pages, 2373 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Thymoquinone Content and Antioxidant Properties of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seed Oil During Storage at Different Thermal Treatments
by Grażyna Neunert, Wiktoria Kamińska and Joanna Nowak-Karnowska
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010377 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) and black cumin seed oil (BCSO) exhibit various pharmacological activities, most of which are attributed to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ). TQ, however, is characterized by low stability at elevated temperatures and instability in aqueous environments. [...] Read more.
Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) and black cumin seed oil (BCSO) exhibit various pharmacological activities, most of which are attributed to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ). TQ, however, is characterized by low stability at elevated temperatures and instability in aqueous environments. In this study, the spectroscopic properties of TQ were used to monitor changes in TQ content in BCSO subjected to thermal exposure. Simultaneously, the influence of the presence of TQ on the antioxidant properties of this oil was determined. The used spectrofluorimetric and chromatographic method quantified the presence of TQ. The antiradical properties of the oil in different stages of thermal oxidation degradation were determined by the DPPH method. The measured antiradical activity of the oil, depending on the exposure conditions used, revealed the difference correlated with the content of the TQ. However, the presence in BCSO of other bioactive components, like phenols, had a more significant influence on its total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, our study, for the first time, focused on the rise in TQ content in the oil during thermal storage, indicating a new method to enhance the TQ content in BCSO. Full article
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13 pages, 4212 KiB  
Article
Evaluating the Impact of Oil Refinery on Landscape Values Perception and Mental Health: A Case Study of Tehran
by Mahdi Gheitasi, David Serrano Giné and Yolanda Pérez Albert
Land 2025, 14(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14010064 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 480
Abstract
In today’s society, stress is recognized as a major contributor to illness. It can be reduced through exercise, which lowers stress hormones, and exposure to daylight, which regulates hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. Furthermore, the design and perception of the environment can [...] Read more.
In today’s society, stress is recognized as a major contributor to illness. It can be reduced through exercise, which lowers stress hormones, and exposure to daylight, which regulates hormones such as cortisol and melatonin. Furthermore, the design and perception of the environment can indicate danger or safety, influencing stress levels and mental health. This study examines the Tehran Oil Refinery’s impact on local residents’ perceptions of landscape values and mental health. Oil refineries, which use compounds derived from natural gas or crude oil, pose both short- and long-term environmental and health risks. Using a Geographic Information System for Public Participation (PPGIS), the study investigates how the industrial landscape surrounding the Tehran Oil Refinery influences residents’ emotional responses and stress levels. The study collects sociodemographic data, self-perceived health data, and landscape valuations before and after photography interventions. The findings indicate a complex relationship between the refinery’s presence and perceptions of landscape values. Manipulated photographs used in the study show how visual elements can influence emotional responses, highlighting a direct link between stress and environmental perception. This case study adds to larger discussions about the effects of industrialization on public mental health and the environment, emphasizing the importance of incorporating public perception into urban planning in order to achieve sustainable development. Full article
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24 pages, 19809 KiB  
Article
Remote Monitoring of the Impact of Oil Spills on Vegetation in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
by Abdullahi A. Kuta, Stephen Grebby and Doreen S. Boyd
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15010338 - 1 Jan 2025
Viewed by 883
Abstract
The widespread oil extraction in the Niger Delta and the impacts on different types of vegetation are poorly understood due to lack of ground access. This study aims to determine the impact of oil spills on vegetation in the Niger Delta using a [...] Read more.
The widespread oil extraction in the Niger Delta and the impacts on different types of vegetation are poorly understood due to lack of ground access. This study aims to determine the impact of oil spills on vegetation in the Niger Delta using a Landsat satellite-derived normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). The impact of oil spill volume and time after an oil spill on the health of different types of vegetation were evaluated, and the time series of the changes in NDVI were analysed to determine the medium- and long-term responses of vegetation to oil spill exposure, using a combination of linear regression and paired t-tests. With regards to the relationship between spill volume and NDVI, a moderate correlation (R2 = 0.5018) was observed for spill volumes in the range of 401–1000 barrels for sparse vegetation, for volumes greater than 1000 barrels for dense vegetation (R2 = 0.4356), whilst no correlation was found for mangrove vegetation at any range of spill volume. Similarly, the results of the paired t-test confirmed a significant difference (p-value < 0.05) between the change in NDVI values for spill sites and non-spill sites for all vegetation types, with the sparse vegetation being the most affected of the three types. However, the impact of the oil spill on vegetation over a period is not statistically significant. The outcomes of this study provide insights into how different types of vegetation in the Niger Delta respond to oil spills, which could ultimately help in designing an oil spill clean-up program to reduce the impact on the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)
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16 pages, 333 KiB  
Article
Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Zearalenone in the Zhejiang Province, China
by Zijie Lu, Ronghua Zhang, Pinggu Wu, Dong Zhao, Jiang Chen, Xiaodong Pan, Jikai Wang, Hexiang Zhang, Xiaojuan Qi, Qin Weng, Shufeng Ye and Biao Zhou
Toxins 2025, 17(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17010009 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 542
Abstract
This study aims to examine the hazards of zearalenone (ZEN) to humans and assess the risk of dietary exposure to ZEN, particularly in relation to precocious puberty in children from the Zhejiang Province. The test results from five types of food from the [...] Read more.
This study aims to examine the hazards of zearalenone (ZEN) to humans and assess the risk of dietary exposure to ZEN, particularly in relation to precocious puberty in children from the Zhejiang Province. The test results from five types of food from the Zhejiang Province show that corn oil has the highest detection rate of 87.82%. The levels of ZEN do not exceed the existing safety standards in any sample investigated in this study. According to the data from the Food Consumption Survey of Zhejiang Province residents, rice is the primary source of ZEN exposure, accounting for 55.85% of total exposure among all age groups. Based on the 50th exposure percentile, it would take 6.25 years of rice consumption to reach 1 year of safe ZEN exposure. Overall, the majority of the residents in the Zhejiang Province have a low risk of exposure to ZEN. In an extreme case (based on the 95th exposure percentile), the total ZEN exposure from the studied foods with respect to children aged ≤6 years and 7–12 years is 0.38 μg/kg b.w. and 0.26 μg/kg b.w., respectively—both exceeding the safety limit of 0.25 μg/kg b.w. set by the European Food Safety Authority, indicating a potential risk of exposure. Precocious puberty assessments show that ZEN exposure levels in children in the Zhejiang Province are significantly lower than those associated with precocious puberty; thus, precocious puberty is unlikely to occur in this area. Given ZEN’s estrogenic effect, it is necessary to monitor the level of ZEN in different food items, revise the relevant standards as needed, and focus on exposure to ZEN in younger age groups. Full article
16 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Thyme Essential Oil as a Potential Tool Against Common and Re-Emerging Foodborne Pathogens: Biocidal Effect on Bacterial Membrane Permeability
by Martina Di Rosario, Leonardo Continisio, Giuseppe Mantova, Francesca Carraturo, Elena Scaglione, Daniela Sateriale, Giuseppina Forgione, Chiara Pagliuca, Caterina Pagliarulo, Roberta Colicchio, Mariateresa Vitiello and Paola Salvatore
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010037 - 27 Dec 2024
Viewed by 503
Abstract
Over the past decade, foodborne diseases have become a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people globally. Major pathogens like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus contaminate food and cause several infections. This study investigates the potential [...] Read more.
Over the past decade, foodborne diseases have become a significant public health concern, affecting millions of people globally. Major pathogens like Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus contaminate food and cause several infections. This study investigates the potential of thyme essential oil (Thy-EO) as a natural antimicrobial agent against most common and re-emerging foodborne bacteria, including S. enterica, Yersinia enterocolitica, and L. monocytogenes. Preliminary tests provided qualitative evidence of Thy-EO’s efficacy by evaluating its antibacterial activity through direct contact and vapor phase exposure. Then, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were defined to quantitatively evaluate the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of Thy-EO, revealing a strong inhibitory effect against S. enterica, Y. enterocolitica and L. monocytogenes. Additionally, Thy-EO exerted rapid bactericidal kinetics characterized by the disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity over time. Results highlight Thy-EO’s potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent, demonstrating that treatment with Thy-EO significantly and irreversibly affects the growth of the tested foodborne pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance)
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12 pages, 6373 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Oil Paint Coating Based on Wood Under the Combined Effect of UV Light and Heat
by Shaojun Zuo, Tongtong Li, Tong Chen, Jianing Li and Xinyou Liu
Forests 2025, 16(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16010022 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 436
Abstract
This study examined the degradation of oil paint coatings on wood under UV light and heat, focusing on three drying oils: tung oil (TO), linseed oil (LO), and walnut oil (WO). Model coatings were prepared with malachite pigment on rubber wood, then exposed [...] Read more.
This study examined the degradation of oil paint coatings on wood under UV light and heat, focusing on three drying oils: tung oil (TO), linseed oil (LO), and walnut oil (WO). Model coatings were prepared with malachite pigment on rubber wood, then exposed to 240 h of UV light at temperatures of 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C. The results showed that tung oil (TO) was the most prone to degradation. After exposure to 60 °C, the lightness (L value) of TO decreased from 51.44 to 50.98, while LO and WO maintained higher lightness. The color differences (ΔE) for TO, LO, and WO were 3.08, 3.26, and 2.87, respectively. Gloss measurements revealed that TO had the lowest initial gloss (3.87 GU), while WO had the highest gloss value. After UV exposure, all three coatings showed a decrease in gloss to varying degrees. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed oxidative degradation in TO, characterized by increased hydroxyl and carbonyl bands, while LO and WO exhibited better chemical stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the surface of TO was the roughest, while the WO surface was the smoothest. After UV exposure, the surface of TO became significantly rougher, while the WO coating showed almost no changes, maintaining better structural integrity. The results suggest that LO and WO are more resilient to UV light and thermal stress, making them more suitable for protecting wooden products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phenomenon of Wood Colour)
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16 pages, 11348 KiB  
Article
Thermal Degradation Study of Hydrogel Nanocomposites Based on Polyacrylamide and Nanosilica Used for Conformance Control and Water Shutoff
by Aleksey Telin, Farit Safarov, Ravil Yakubov, Ekaterina Gusarova, Artem Pavlik, Lyubov Lenchenkova and Vladimir Dokichev
Gels 2024, 10(12), 846; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10120846 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 493
Abstract
The application of nanocomposites based on polyacrylamide hydrogels as well as silica nanoparticles in various tasks related to the petroleum industry has been rapidly developing in the last 10–15 years. Analysis of the literature has shown that the introduction of nanoparticles into hydrogels [...] Read more.
The application of nanocomposites based on polyacrylamide hydrogels as well as silica nanoparticles in various tasks related to the petroleum industry has been rapidly developing in the last 10–15 years. Analysis of the literature has shown that the introduction of nanoparticles into hydrogels significantly increases their structural and mechanical characteristics and improves their thermal stability. Nanocomposites based on hydrogels are used in different technological processes of oil production: for conformance control, water shutoff in production wells, and well killing with loss circulation control. In all these processes, hydrogels crosslinked with different crosslinkers are used, with the addition of different amounts of nanoparticles. The highest nanoparticle content, from 5 to 9 wt%, was observed in hydrogels for well killing. This is explained by the fact that the volumes of injection of block packs are counted only in tens of cubic meters, and for the sake of trouble-free workover, it is very important to preserve the structural and mechanical properties of block packs during the entire repair of the well. For water shutoff, the volumes of nanocomposite injection, depending on the well design, are from 50 to 150 m3. For conformance control, it is required to inject from one to several thousand cubic meters of hydrogel with nanoparticles. Naturally, for such operations, service companies try to select compositions with the minimum required nanoparticle content, which would ensure injection efficiency but at the same time would not lose economic attractiveness. The aim of the present work is to develop formulations of nanocomposites with increased structural and mechanical characteristics based on hydrogels made of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide crosslinked with resorcinol and paraform, with the addition of commercially available nanosilica, as well as to study their thermal degradation, which is necessary to predict the lifetime of gel shields in reservoir conditions. Hydrogels with additives of pyrogenic (HCSIL200, HCSIL300, RX380) and hydrated (white carbon black grades: ‘BS-50’, ‘BS-120 NU’, ‘BS-120 U’) nanosilica have been studied. The best samples in terms of their structural and mechanical properties have been established: nanocomposites with HCSIL200, HCSIL300, and BS-120 NU. The addition of hydrophilic nanosilica HCSIL200 in the amount of 0.4 wt% to a hydrogel consisting of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (1%), resorcinol (0.04%), and paraform (0.09%) increased its elastic modulus by almost two times and its USS by almost three times. The thermal degradation of hydrogels was studied at 140 °C, and the experimental time was converted to the exposure time at 80 °C using Van’t Hoff’s rule. It was found that the nanocomposite with HCSIL200 retains its properties at a satisfactory level for 19 months. Filtration studies on water-saturated fractured reservoir models showed that the residual resistance factor and selectivity of the effect of nanocomposites with HCSIL200 on fractures are very high (226.4 and 91.6 for fracture with an opening of 0.05 cm and 11.0 for porous medium with a permeability of 332.3 mD). The selectivity of the isolating action on fractured intervals of the porous formation was noted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical and Gels for Oil Drilling and Enhanced Recovery)
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19 pages, 6147 KiB  
Article
Vitamin E Improves Cellular and Structural Bone Histomorphometry in an Alcohol-Induced Osteoporosis Rat Model
by Norazlina Mohamed, Seham Salem Ahmed Abukhadir, Syed Alhafiz Syed Hashim, Nur Sabariah Adnan, Muhamad Arizi Aziz and Norliza Muhammad
Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(12), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17121730 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Background: Alcohol-induced osteoporosis is a significant health concern, impairing bone formation and enhancing resorption, thereby weakening skeletal integrity. This study examines the effects of palm vitamin E on bone histomorphometry in a male rat model of alcohol-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Three-month-old Sprague–Dawley [...] Read more.
Background: Alcohol-induced osteoporosis is a significant health concern, impairing bone formation and enhancing resorption, thereby weakening skeletal integrity. This study examines the effects of palm vitamin E on bone histomorphometry in a male rat model of alcohol-induced osteoporosis. Methods: Three-month-old Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into seven groups, with one baseline control group (BC) and six experimental groups undergoing a two-phase treatment. In the first month, the control group received normal saline, while experimental groups received intraperitoneal alcohol (3 g/kg) three times weekly. For the subsequent two months, alcohol treatment continued in one group (A), while others received olive oil (C), saline (AN), alpha-tocopherol (AA), or palm vitamin E (AE) orally. Results: Femur histomorphometric analysis post-sacrifice showed that alcohol exposure significantly decreased osteoblastic activity and impaired bone microarchitecture, evidenced by reduced Ob.S/BS, OS/BS, OV/BV, Tb.Th, BV/TV, and Tb.N, alongside increased Oc.S/BS, ES/BS, and Tb.Sp. Both alpha-tocopherol and palm vitamin E improved bone parameters, with palm vitamin E showing superior efficacy except in OV/BV. Conclusions: These findings suggest that palm vitamin E may offer a therapeutic benefit for mitigating alcohol-induced bone damage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Pharmacological Management of Bone and Muscle Disorders)
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13 pages, 1576 KiB  
Article
Increased Adhesiveness of Blood Cells Induced by Mercury Chloride: Protective Effect of Hydroxytyrosol
by Pasquale Perrone, Raquel Ortega-Luna, Caterina Manna, Ángeles Álvarez-Ribelles and Victor Collado-Diaz
Antioxidants 2024, 13(12), 1576; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13121576 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 510
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant that can harm human health, ultimately leading to endothelial dysfunction. Hg toxicity is partially mediated by the exposure of the cell membrane’s surface of erythrocytes (RBCs) to phosphatidylserine (PS). In the context of these challenges, [...] Read more.
Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant that can harm human health, ultimately leading to endothelial dysfunction. Hg toxicity is partially mediated by the exposure of the cell membrane’s surface of erythrocytes (RBCs) to phosphatidylserine (PS). In the context of these challenges, hydroxytyrosol, a phenolic compound of olive oil, has the ability to mitigate the toxic effects of Hg. This study aims to analyze the effect of Hg on the adhesion of RBCs and polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) to the vascular endothelium and the potential protective effect of hydroxytyrosol, as these interactions are crucial in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). RBCs, PMNs, and human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with increasing concentrations of HgCl2 and, in some cases, with hydroxytyrosol, and their adhesion to HUVECs and the expression of adhesion molecules were subsequently analyzed. Our results demonstrate that HgCl2 significantly increases the adhesion of both RBCs (2.72 ± 0.48 S.E.M., p-value < 0.02) and PMNs (11.19 ± 1.96 S.E.M., p-value < 0.05) to HUVECs and that their adhesiveness is significantly reduced following treatment with hydroxytyrosol (RBCs, 1.2 ± 1.18 S.E.M., p-value < 0.02 and PMNs, 4.04 ± 1.35 S.E.M., p-value < 0.06). Interestingly, HgCl2 does not alter the expression of adhesion molecules on either HUVECs or RBCs, suggesting that reduced exposure to PS is a key factor in hydroxytyrosol protection against HgCl2-induced RBC adhesion to the endothelium. On the other hand, HgCl2 induces increased expression of several PMN adhesion molecules (CD11b 215.4 ± 30.83 S.E.M. p-value < 0.01), while hydroxytyrosol inhibits their expression (e.g., CD11b 149 ± 14.35 S.E.M., p-value < 0.03), which would seem to be the mechanism by which hydroxytyrosol restricts PMN–endothelium interactions. These results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms through which hydroxytyrosol mitigates the harmful effects of Hg on cardiovascular health, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent that can reduce the cardiovascular risk related to heavy metal exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxidative Stress in Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells)
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20 pages, 3022 KiB  
Article
Sociodemographic and Population Exposure to Upstream Oil and Gas Operations in Canada
by Martin Lavoie, David Risk and Daniel Rainham
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121692 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 3245
Abstract
Canada, as one of the largest oil and gas producer in the world, is responsible for large emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. At low levels, methane is not a direct threat to human health; however, human health is affected by exposure [...] Read more.
Canada, as one of the largest oil and gas producer in the world, is responsible for large emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. At low levels, methane is not a direct threat to human health; however, human health is affected by exposure to pollutants co-emitted with methane. The objectives of this research were to estimate and map pollutants emitted by the oil and gas industry, to assess the demographic of the population exposed to oil and gas activities, and to characterize the impact of well density on cardiovascular- and respiratory-related outcomes with a focus on Alberta. We estimated that ~13% and 3% people in Alberta reside, respectively, within 1.5 km of an active well and 1.5 km of a flare. Our analysis suggests that racial and socioeconomic disparities exist in residential proximity to active wells, with people of Aboriginal identity and people with less education being more exposed to active wells than the general population. We found increased odds of cardiovascular-related (1.13–1.29 for low active well density) and respiratory-related (1.07–1.19 for low active well density) outcomes with exposure to wells. Close to 100 countries produce oil and gas, making this a global issue. There is an important need for additional studies from other producing jurisdictions outside the United States. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Health)
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