Search Results (7,615)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide, with limited therapeutic outcomes due to systemic toxicity and suboptimal efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin (DOX). In this study, we formulated and standardized DOX-loaded chitosan/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (DLCNs) via a nanoprecipitation method and evaluated their therapeutic potential in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced Wistar rat model of HCC. Physicochemical analyses confirmed nanoscale size, favorable zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified polymer–drug interactions. Biochemical analysis revealed that DLCNs significantly normalized elevated liver function markers (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), restored serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) to near-control levels, and reduced lipid peroxidation compared with free DOX and DEN controls. Antioxidant profiling demonstrated marked recovery of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), indicating restoration of hepatic redox balance. Histopathological evaluation further corroborated these findings, showing recovery of hepatic lobular architecture and reduction in necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in DLCN-treated Wistar Albino rats, while free DOX groups exhibited hepatocellular damage. Overall, the results demonstrate that encapsulating DOX in a chitosan/PLGA nanocarrier improves therapeutic efficacy, mitigates hepatotoxicity, and enhances antioxidant defense, establishing DLCNs as a favorable candidate for HCC. Full article

Palladium catalysts modified with chitosan (CS) and supported on MgO, SiO₂, TiO₂, and Al₂O₃ were prepared by a precipitation method and evaluated in the low-temperature hydrogenation of 2-propen-1-ol. Chitosan was first deposited onto the oxide supports by adjusting the suspension pH to 7.5, followed by immobilization of palladium via reductive deposition using NaBH₄. For comparison, analogous non-modified catalysts were synthesized. Physicochemical characterization (TGA, XPS, HAADF-STEM, SEM, viscosimetry, and elemental analysis) confirmed successful incorporation of Pd (1 wt.%) and CS (10 wt.%). HAADF-STEM revealed that Pd particle size and aggregation strongly depended on the support nature, with the most uniform distribution observed for Al₂O₃-supported catalysts. Chitosan modification reduced Pd nanoparticle size from 4–11 to 3–4 nm and improved dispersion. XPS showed a pronounced increase in the fraction of oxidized Pd species for the Al₂O₃- and TiO₂-supported catalysts, whereas only minor changes were observed for the SiO₂-based system. For unmodified catalysts, the nature of the oxide support strongly influenced their performance, resulting in a wide variation in catalytic activity (TOF = 1650–13,100 h⁻¹) and selectivity toward propanol (65–75%). Chitosan modification resulted in a support-dependent convergence of catalytic activity (TOF = 3130–8840 h⁻¹) and selectivity (76–81%). Stability tests were performed for Pd–CS(10%)/MgO and Pd–CS(10%)/Al₂O₃, which showed stable performance over 20 cycles without significant loss in catalytic activity. Overall, chitosan modification significantly influences Pd dispersion, oxidation state, and catalytic performance, with effects strongly dependent on the oxide support. Full article

A series of co-doped LiNbO₃:Mg:Er crystals were grown in a single technological cycle and under the same technological conditions by Czochralski. In each subsequent step of the growth cycle, the content of Mg and Er dopants decreased. The initial concentration of dopants in the melt was [Mg] = 4.0 mol% and [Er] = 0.78 mol%. The melt was obtained from a homogeneously doped batch. The batch included the Nb₂O₅:Mg:Er precursor synthesized by the liquid-phase method. The physicochemical features of crystallization were studied. The optical properties of the crystals were investigated using laser conoscopy and photoinduced light scattering. Macro- and microdefect structures were studied by optical microscopy. Quantitative phase analysis was performed for single-crystal samples. The defect structures of powdered LiNbO₃:Mg:Er samples were determined by refining XRD patterns by Rietveld. The optical quality of doubly doped crystals corresponds to that of singly doped LiNbO₃:Er crystals. Mg significantly reduces the transparency of LiNbO₃:Mg:Er crystals in the ultraviolet and violet spectral ranges. The optimal dopant concentration in the melt was [Er] = 0.63 mol% and [Mg] = 3.0 mol%, and [Er] = 0.47 mol% and [Mg] = 3.07 mol% in crystal. The optical properties of LiNbO₃:Mg:Er crystals make them promising active nonlinear optical materials for generating and converting laser radiation. Full article

This study reports the physicochemical characterization and structure–property relationships of rigid sheep wool/phenolic novolac panels developed as bio-based thermal insulation for building envelopes. Mixed Polish sheep wool was washed, mechanically opened, and formed into nonwoven mats, then impregnated with either neat or flame-retardant novolac resin to obtain lightweight boards with a fiber content of about 50 wt%. Elemental analysis, ICP-OES, FTIR spectroscopy, and laser and electron microscopy were used to evaluate the fiber composition, keratin structure, morphology, and fiber–matrix interfaces. Mechanical performance under three-point bending and shear, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and transient hot-probe thermal-conductivity measurements were applied to link microstructure with functional behavior. Novolac impregnation transformed the compliant wool mat into self-supporting panels, increasing the flexural modulus to the 0.8–1.4 GPa range and flexural strength to approximately 48–52 MPa, while the shear modulus and work to failure rose by more than an order of magnitude relative to the loose wool reference. Thermal conductivity remained in a typical range for natural-fiber insulations (λ = 0.061 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ for the wool mat and 0.071–0.074 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹ for the composites), although higher than that of expanded polystyrene. DSC and TGA confirmed that wool fibers remain thermally stable up to about 200–220 °C, that the novolac resin cures around 140 °C, with typical phenolic reaction enthalpies, and that both formulations generate high char residues of roughly 60–80 wt% at 600 °C under nitrogen, evidencing a strong charring propensity rather than directly quantifying fire resistance. Overall, the results position sheep wool/novolac panels between conventional bio-based insulation and structural composites and highlight their potential as sustainable, circular insulation materials for energy-efficient building envelopes. Full article

Tomato is susceptible to various fungal pathogens, including Alternaria alternata and Curvularia spicifera, which can cause extensive post-harvest losses. Chemical fungicides have limited effectiveness in controlling post-harvest fungal pathogens and pose risk to human health and the environment. Therefore, this study assessed indigenous isolates of three species of Trichoderma (Tr1: T. longibrachiatum; Tr2: T. harzianum; and Tr3: T. asperellum) as biocontrol agents against two fungal pathogens in vitro and in vivo and determined their physicochemical analysis and plant-growth-promoting traits. The three species of Trichoderma exhibited catalase production in vitro, while T. longibrachiatum and T. asperellum showed the highest potential for plant-growth promotion by producing indole-3-acetic acid and phosphate solubilization but not nitrogen-fixing capability. T. harzianum showed lower potential in these traits. Mycelial growth was found to be maximum (5.77–12.27 cm) at 30 °C and a pH of 7–9, but inhibition (2.60–5.13 cm) was recorded at the highest temperature (45 °C) and pH (11). In vivo, studies on tomato fruits indicated that T. longibrachiatum and T. asperellum significantly (p < 0.05) reduced lesion diameters of A. alternata by 53.60% and 48.71%, respectively, and C. spicifera by 55.58% and 56.19%, respectively, relative to the infected control. Besides their antifungal efficacy, the three species of Trichoderma enhanced tomato seedling growth, particularly at 1/10 filtrate dilution, and improved fruit quality parameters by increasing firmness and nitrate content, while reducing oxidative stress. Physicochemical analysis indicated that Trichoderma-treated fruits had better firmness, pH, and nitrate value coupled with a reduction in oxidative stress (reduced malondialdehyde content) compared to pathogen-infected controls. The indigenous isolates of the three species of Trichoderma provided high efficacy as biocontrol agents of the two fungal pathogens that cause post-harvest losses of tomato, suggesting that biological control can replace synthetic chemicals in preserving tomato under storage conditions and contribute to agricultural sustainability. Full article

This study investigates the development of a functional hummus enriched with black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) and evaluates its physicochemical properties and oxidative stability during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Additionally, the applicability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive analytical tool for hummus quality assessment was examined. Hummus samples were prepared by partially replacing olive oil with black cumin seed oil at levels of 4, 6, 8, and 12% (v/v). Chemical composition, peroxide value, and water activity were monitored over time, while multivariate statistical methods (Principal Component Analysis and Partial Least Squares Regression) were used to correlate NIR spectral data with reference measurements. The results showed that the incorporation of black cumin seed oil did not significantly affect the overall macronutrient composition but altered the fatty acid profile by increasing the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oxidative changes were observed during storage, with peroxide values increasing after day 7, while samples with higher levels of black cumin seed oil exhibited improved oxidative stability in later stages. Water activity remained constant across all formulations. NIR spectroscopy demonstrated high predictive accuracy for fat, protein, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber content (R² > 0.99), while lower performance was observed for water activity and dry matter. The findings confirm the potential of NIR spectroscopy for rapid quality monitoring of functional plant-based spreads. This study highlights the feasibility of developing a functional hummus enriched with black cumin seed oil and supports the application of NIR spectroscopy as an efficient tool for monitoring compositional and oxidative changes during storage. Full article

This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a facial serum containing Cannabis extract, a prebiotic blend of glycerin, lactitol, and xylitol, as well as heat-treated Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL19, a non-viable probiotic-derived ingredient (postbiotic) that preserves beneficial structural components and biological activity. Additionally, alternative preservatives were tested to replace conventional ones, aligning with environmentally and consumer-friendly cosmetic trends. The formulation underwent stability testing, physicochemical analysis, and microbiological control, including a challenge test to assess preservative efficacy. The efficacy of the formulation was investigated through a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study involving sixteen healthy female volunteers aged 24–53 years. Participants were instructed to apply the active serum to one side of the face and the placebo preparation to the opposite side twice daily for a period of 30 days. Study endpoints were evaluated through clinical measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, elasticity, and skin surface topography, together with participant-reported outcome questionnaires. Results demonstrated that the formulation possessed suitable physicochemical properties and microbiological stability. The serum was well tolerated and improved skin hydration. Participants reported enhanced esthetic appearance and perceived efficacy. These findings support the potential of combining innovative active ingredients with alternative preservatives in skin-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article

With the increasing levels of toxic heavy metals such as Pb(II) and Cd(II), their discharge poses serious threats to environmental safety and human health, necessitating efficient remediation technologies. Biochar has emerged as a promising eco-friendly adsorbent; however, its adsorption performance is constrained by interactions among material properties, environmental conditions, and ion specificity. Conventional machine learning (ML) models are typically built on single-metal-ion datasets, limiting their ability to leverage shared information across related adsorption scenarios. To address this limitation, this study proposes a descriptor-based ML framework for Pb(II)–Cd(II) adsorption prediction, in which ion-related physicochemical descriptors, such as electronegativity and hydrated ionic radius, are incorporated in place of discrete ion labels to enable ion-specific modeling. An Optuna-optimized CatBoost model achieved high predictive accuracy (R² = 0.952, RMSE = 9.80) and demonstrated improved performance on both Pb and Cd subsets compared with single-ion models. SHAP analysis reveals the model is consistent with known adsorption-related factors. Uncertainty quantification was incorporated to constrain predictions and enhance robustness. Ultimately, this study provides a robust data-driven baseline for heavy metal adsorption modeling, offering mechanistic insights into biochar–metal interactions and demonstrating a physicochemical descriptor approach that supports future extensions to broader multi-ion systems. Full article

Horse meat is a high-quality protein source. A total of 50 two-year-old male horses with similar body weights (300 ± 50 kg) were used: 30 for regional comparison (10 each from Bulgan province region of Mongolia (BPM), Tuv province region of Mongolia (TPM), and Inner Mongolia region of China (IMC)) and an additional 20 from the IMC region for muscle-site analysis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying regional and muscle-site differences in the meat quality of Mongolian horses, with particular emphasis on tenderness, this study analyzed chemical composition, minerals, fatty acids, and transcriptomes. Results showed that Mongolian horses from the Inner Mongolia region of China (IMC) had the highest contents of Se, C17:1, C18:2n6c, C18:3n3, ∑PUFA, PUFA/SFA, ∑n-3PUFA, ∑n-6PUFA (p < 0.05), and Fe (p < 0.01), and the lowest levels of C15:0 (p < 0.01) and C16:0 (p < 0.05). The Mongolian horses from the Tuv province region of Mongolia (TPM) had the highest Ca content (p < 0.05). The Mongolian horses from the Bulgan province region of Mongolia (BPM) had the highest ∑SFA (p < 0.01). The forelimb (FL) had the highest a*_45min, b*_45min (p < 0.01), Fe, Zn, and C17:1 (p < 0.05), and the lowest shear force and drip loss (p < 0.01). The HD had the highest pH_45min and cooking loss (p < 0.01). The hindlimb (HD) increased the L*_45min compared with the FL (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic analysis identified 513 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between FL and HD, including SLC16A7, GPAM, FABP3, and TNNC1. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and PPAR signaling pathway. In summary, this study demonstrated that among Mongolian horses from three different regions, IMC horses exhibited superior meat quality and flavor characteristics, and the FL of IMC horses showed significantly better meat quality than other anatomical sites. Transcriptomic analysis identified a set of candidate genes related to meat quality and lipid metabolism, including SLC16A7, GPAM, FABP3, and TNNC1, providing a scientific basis for further understanding of muscle-specific molecular mechanisms in Mongolian horses. Furthermore, the observed differences in physicochemical and nutritional properties across regions and muscle sites established a systematic foundation for quality grading, targeted nutritional utilization, and processing optimization of Mongolian horse meat. Full article

In view of the importance of texture and colour characteristics for consumer acceptance of fermented dairy products, this study aimed to evaluate the associations between selected whey proteins, fat-soluble vitamins, and instrumental quality traits of organic plain yoghurts. Physicochemical analyses included acidity, total protein, fat, whey proteins (β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme), and fat-soluble compounds (vitamins A, D₃, and E, and β-carotene). Selected instrumental texture and colour attributes were also determined. Whey protein fractions were associated mainly with texture characteristics, whereas lipophilic vitamins and β-carotene were more closely related to colour attributes. Total protein content was positively associated with firmness (r = 0.510, p ≤ 0.05), while β-lactoglobulin was related to apparent viscosity (r = 0.705, p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, vitamin A, vitamin D₃, β-carotene, and fat content were negatively associated with lightness and whiteness, but positively related to yellowness and chroma. Lactoferrin and lysozyme showed stronger relationships with selected secondary texture attributes, particularly gumminess and cohesiveness. Multiple regression analysis indicated that firmness and apparent viscosity were only moderately explained by the selected compositional predictors, whereas colour attributes were more strongly associated with fat-fraction components. The remaining variability likely reflected additional microstructural and processing-related effects. Although the results should be interpreted as associations rather than direct causal relationships, the findings support the concept of protein-driven texture and fat-driven colour development in plain yoghurts and improve understanding of the relationships between bioactive milk components and instrumental plain yoghurt quality. Full article

Microplastic pollution is a problem of global concern, but its effects on forest soils are largely overlooked. This study is based on a laboratory experiment where the effects of soil-added polyethylene microplastic particles (MP-) of two sizes (60 μm and 140 μm) (Cospheric LLC, USA) were measured to examine their effects on three types of temperate forest: dry pine forest, beech-dominated forest, and ash-dominated riparian forest that differ greatly in several physicochemical and biological soil properties. The addition of MP- did not significantly alter the respiration rate of any of the forest soils studied (p = 0.6303), as shown by ANOVA. Soil microbial biomass, as measured by the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) method, decreased under 60 µm MP treatment but not under 140 µm MP treatment (p = 0.0094). MP- did affect microbial community structure, especially increasing the proportion of bacteria in the community under 60 µm MP treatment (p = 0.0023). MP- affected the PLFA pattern, as shown by PERMANOVA analysis along with NMDS ordination; the effect was similar in the three studied forest types. As shown by SIMPER analysis, there was a relative decrease in fatty acid 16:1ω7 and a simultaneous increase in 16:0 and 18:0 under both MP treatments. This may potentially serve as an indication of MP pollution in temperate forest soils. Our results suggest that forest soil bacteria, as a group, may benefit from MPs at the expense of fungi, which provides a new perspective on how soil microorganisms interact under globally common MP pollution. Full article

As a significant branch of nanotechnology, carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have garnered extensive attention for their broad application potential in agriculture, attributed to their unique structural and physicochemical properties. They are considered one of the important tools for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Among them, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), owing to their excellent mechanical properties, electrical characteristics, and high specific surface area, have recently attracted considerable interest in plant growth regulation and the development of agricultural inputs. This article systematically reviews the research progress of CNMs, especially CNTs, in agriculture. Firstly, it outlines the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of different types of CNMs. Subsequently, from a plant physiological perspective, it focuses on analyzing their mechanisms of action in nutrient uptake, photosynthesis regulation, and antioxidant defense. Based on this, it summarizes the application progress of CNMs in plant growth promotion, nano-pesticide and fertilizer delivery, and precision agriculture sensing. Furthermore, this article emphasizes the dose-dependent biphasic effect (hormesis) of CNMs on plants: at relatively low, system-specific doses, they can promote growth and enhance stress resistance, whereas at higher or supra-optimal doses, they may induce oxidative stress, cellular damage, and photosynthesis inhibition. However, significant variations in responses exist depending on the material type, physicochemical properties, and plant species, and a unified understanding of the underlying mechanisms has not yet been established. Finally, this article discusses green synthesis strategies for CNMs and their potential ecological risks and points out that future research should focus on key issues such as precise dose regulation, long-term environmental behavior, and multi-scale mechanism analysis. This review aims to provide a systematic reference for understanding CNM–plant interactions and their safe application in agriculture. Full article

This study assessed the long-term energy self-sufficiency and operational dynamics of a full-scale wastewater treatment plant over the period 2015–2023, with particular emphasis on biogas-driven energy recovery and time-dependent process interactions. The relationship between biogas production and electricity and heat generation was evaluated alongside the influence of different sludge streams on system performance using cross-correlation analysis. The results demonstrated a high level of energy recovery, with biogas-derived electricity covering, on average, 60% of the plant’s demand and reaching a maximum of 74% annually. A very strong correlation was observed between annual biogas production and electricity generation (r = 0.94), confirming the direct energetic coupling of both processes. Monthly analyses further indicated strong consistency between biogas yield and both electricity and heat production (r = 0.55–0.91 and r = 0.86, respectively). Cross-correlation analysis identified Thickened Waste Activated Sludge and Primary Sludge as important process drivers, with statistically significant delayed effects at 10–20 days. In contrast, recirculation-related streams exhibited negligible influence on system dynamics. Statistical analysis revealed that most heavy metals, including Cd, Cr, Ni, and Hg, exhibited high variability (Coefficient Variability > 40%), which can directly impact the stability of methane production. These results indicate that wastewater treatment plants’ energy performance is governed by delayed process responses linked to sludge residence time, highlighting the need for predictive models incorporating at least two weeks of historical operational data. In addition, physicochemical analysis of sewage sludge confirmed generally stable nutrient content, despite variability in biological parameters and heavy metal concentrations. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating long-term operational datasets with time-lag analysis provides valuable insights for optimizing energy recovery and supporting circular economy strategies in wastewater treatment plants. Full article

Cocoa accounts for 5.20% of Peru’s cultivated land and is growing at a rate of 8.80% per year; however, yields remain low due to deficiencies in crop management. Therefore, this study used a multiple linear regression (MLR) model to evaluate effects of an organic agroforestry system (OAF) and conventional monocultures (CMs) on soil and production in high-yielding T. cacao plantations in the Upper Huallaga Valley, Peru. Four plantations were evaluated: organic agroforestry (Pa) and conventional monoculture (LE, Sa, and Sh). Soil physicochemical variables and cocoa production were assessed. The MLR analysis revealed that in OAF systems with mature trees, there will be slight losses of clay and silt fractions; the latter can be offset by high planting density. The OAF system showed a significant positive effect on pH. However, the CM system showed significant decreases in pH, CEC, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺. The interaction between OAF and CM optimized production, increasing the weight of dry beans. Planting density is associated with improvements in pH and bases, as well as fruit index and the weight of dry beans. MLR modeling suggests that integrating OAF systems with conventional management practices in high-density plantations offers valuable alternatives for the design of local agricultural policies and producer support programs, by identifying the factors that link management systems to soil quality and sustainable cocoa productivity in this valley. Full article

This paper examines a resource-saving technology for ferrosilicon smelting using industrial waste, specifically aluminum slag and aspiration dust from ferroalloy production. A technological approach is proposed based on the preliminary pelletization of finely dispersed aluminum slag to improve the physicochemical properties of the charge materials and ensure their efficient use in the metallurgical process. Pellets were produced by granulation in a disk granulator using a lignosulfonate binder, followed by drying and high-temperature firing in the temperature range of 600–800 °C. Microstructural and energy-dispersive analysis revealed the formation of a stable aluminosilicate matrix, represented predominantly by mullite-like phases, ferrosilicate inclusions, and calcium–magnesium silicates. The formation of these phases contributes to the strengthening of the pellet structure and the formation of intergranular bonds during heat treatment. Experimental ferrosilicon smelting was conducted in a laboratory ore-thermal electric arc furnace. The results demonstrated a stable electrothermal smelting regime, satisfactory charge layer gas permeability, and effective reduction processes. The resulting alloy corresponds to FS-45 ferrosilicon grade with a silicon content of approximately 48%. It was established that aluminum slag-based pellets actively participate in the formation of an aluminosilicate slag system of the SiO₂-Al₂O₃-CaO-MgO type, ensuring favorable slag physicochemical properties and efficient separation of the metallic and slag phases. The proposed approach enables the incorporation of industrial waste into metallurgical production, reducing the environmental impact, and increasing the resource efficiency of silicon ferroalloy production processes. Full article