Search Results (9,115)

This research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of Cu-based polyoxometalate (Cu-POM) as an effective catalyst for the degradation of organic dyes, specifically Congo Red (CR) and Phenol Red (PR). The main goals are to synthesize Cu-POM using a controlled self-assembly technique, characterize its optical and structural characteristics using FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, and estimate its photocatalytic activity when exposed to UV light. The outcomes confirm the successful formation of Cu-POM with well-defined nanostructures and a crystalline polyoxometalate framework. The determined optical bandgap of 3.65 eV indicates its strong UV-light responsiveness. The photocatalytic degradation experiments demonstrated high removal efficiencies of 58.1% for CR and 64.6% for PR under UV irradiation, corresponding kinetic rate constants of 0.00484 min⁻¹ and 0.00579 min⁻¹, respectively. The superior photocatalytic activity is attributed to the efficient charge carrier separation and high surface area of Cu-POM. These findings highlight the potential of Cu-POM as a promising heterogeneous photocatalyst for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article

Improving the quality of oil-contaminated soils remains a critical challenge, and bioaugmentation using allochthonous bacteria offers promising perspectives. This study proposes a framework for exogenous bioaugmentation using a bacterial consortium, composed of strains from diverse climates, immobilized in alginate beads and combined with calcium peroxide as an oxygen-releasing compound. Two conditions were tested: freshly prepared beads (BA) and lyophilized beads (LA). Their performance was compared to natural attenuation (NA) and to landfarming coupled with bioaugmentation using a free autochthonous consortium. Hydrocarbon degradation was assessed through total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and alkane depletion (GC-MS), microbial community dynamics (amplicon sequencing), and abundance of the alkB gene (qPCR). In three months, the BA treatment achieved a 44% TPH reduction, outperforming LA (34%) and NA (10% less than BA). However, LA induced a marked increase in alkB gene copies and microbial biomass at the end of the experiment, suggesting greater long-term potential. Dominant genera varied across treatments: Rhodococcus in NA, Gordonia in BA, and Pseudomonas in LA. In parallel, the autochthonous consortium achieved up to 80% oil degradation. This study demonstrates the viability of lyophilized microbial consortia in scalable, ready-to-use formulations and provides an operational methodology for exogenous bioaugmentation as a tool for the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Full article

In this work, zeolite LTA (Linde Type A) was synthesised from natural clay as a novel adsorbent for copper and lead ions removal from water effluents. The applied process allowed the reuse of kaolin, as natural clay, for the production of zeolite LTA through a stepwise process, which involved the formation of metakaolin. The results of characterisation showed the formation of crystalline cubic crystals of zeolite with a mean dimension of 2–3 microns, indicating the successful nucleation and development of the LTA zeolite phase. Batch adsorption studies were carried out to study the removal ability of zeolite LTA by testing Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions. Effects of contact time, pH, and adsorbent dosage were investigated. At pH > 5, the removal efficiency for both metals exceeded 95%. As the zeolite dosage increases from 2 to 10 g/L, the removal effectiveness for both metals markedly enhances (>95% at 10 g/L for lead ions and >90% at 10 g/L for copper ions). The adsorbent showed a higher adsorption capacity in removing lead compared to copper (Q_m = 81.5 mg/g for Pb²⁺ and 67.5 mg/g for Cu²⁺). The adsorption process was well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while the Langmuir isotherm adequately depicted the equilibrium behavior. Notably, the kinetics revealed distinct contributions from chemisorption and physisorption, with the AOAS model effectively quantifying their respective roles in metal ion removal. The findings revealed that prepared zeolite LTA acts as an efficient adsorbent to remove heavy metals. Full article

Background and Objectives: Laryngeal cancer imposes a disproportionate burden on speech, airway protection and long-term quality of life. Contemporary population-based data for Central and Eastern Europe remain scarce, and the post-pandemic trajectory is uncertain. Materials and Methods: We performed a nationwide, retrospective ecological time-series study using Romanian mortality registers and hospital-discharge files for 2017–2023. Crude and age-standardised mortality rates (ASMRs) were calculated, county-level indirect standardisation and spatial autocorrelation assessed and joinpoint regression quantified temporal trends. Forecasts to 2040 combined Holt–Winters/ARIMA models with Elliott-wave heuristics anchored to Fibonacci retracements. Results: In 2023, 798 laryngeal cancer deaths yielded a crude mortality of 3.65/100,000 (95% CI 3.41–3.91). Male mortality (7.07/100,000) exceeded female mortality 18-fold. Rural residents experienced a higher rate than urban counterparts (4.26 vs. 3.04/100,000), a difference unchanged after indirect age standardisation. National ASMR fell by 3.7% annually (p < 0.01), yet five counties formed a high-risk corridor (standardised mortality ratios 1.59–1.82); Moran’s I = 0.27 (p < 0.01) indicated significant spatial clustering. Pandemic-era surgical throughput collapsed by 48%, generating a backlog projected to persist beyond 2030. Ensemble forecasting anticipates a doubling of discharges and mortality between 2034 and 2037 unless smoking prevalence falls by ≥30% and radon exposure is curtailed. Conclusions: Although overall laryngeal cancer mortality in Romania is declining, the pace lags behind Western Europe and is threatened by geographic inequities and pandemic-related care delays. Aggressive tobacco control, radon-remediation policies and expansion of surgical and radiotherapeutic capacity are required to avert a forecasted surge in the next decade. Full article

Despite the immense potential in environmental remediation, the translation of magnetic nanomaterials (MNMs) from laboratory innovations to practical, field-scale applications remains hindered by significant technical and environmental challenges. This is particularly evident in soil environments—which are inherently more complex than aquatic systems and have received comparatively less research attention. Beginning with an outline of the fundamental properties that make iron-based MNMs effective as adsorbents and catalysts for heavy metals and organic pollutants, this review systematically examines their core contaminant removal mechanisms. These include adsorption, catalytic degradation (e.g., via Fenton-like reactions), and magnetic recovery. However, the practical implementation of MNMs is constrained by several key limitations, such as particle agglomeration, oxidative instability, and reduced efficacy in multi-pollutant systems. More critically, major uncertainties persist regarding their long-term environmental fate and biocompatibility. In light of these challenges, we propose that future efforts should prioritize the rational design of stable, selective, and intelligent MNMs through advanced surface engineering and interdisciplinary collaboration. Full article

Phytoremediation has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy for mitigating contamination in soil and water systems, utilizing plants and their associated microbial consortia to uptake, degrade, or immobilize pollutants. This review synthesizes findings from over 100 peer-reviewed publications and case studies to identify key parameters influencing phytoremediation efficiency, including contaminant bioavailability, chemical speciation, concentration levels (ranging from trace to >100 mg/L), plant species suitability, hydraulic retention time, and temperature ranges (10–35 °C). Despite its proven potential, the absence of standardized design frameworks limits consistent implementation and cross-site performance comparability. To address this, the study proposes a conceptual system design framework supported by measurable performance metrics—such as pollutant removal efficiency (often >70% for heavy metals) and biomass uptake capacity. The review further examines regulatory and policy gaps that hinder the technology’s integration into national remediation strategies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It underscores the need for technical guidelines, regulatory benchmarks, and protocols for post-treatment biomass management to enable safe, effective, and scalable deployment. By advocating a multi-stakeholder, evidence-based approach, the study aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and environmental governance, positioning phytoremediation as a viable tool for pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and alignment with global sustainability targets. Full article

Background: Speech and Language Impairment (SLI) significantly affects children’s communication skills, limiting their social and academic development. Case Information: This single-case study evaluates the effects of a personalized intervention in a 9-year-old child diagnosed with SLI, integrating linguistic and cognitive strategies to remediate core deficits typically observed in children with SLI. Two main objectives were established: (1) to assess the child’s psycholinguistic competencies and cognitive processes and (2) to analyze the impact of the intervention on skills such as phonology, semantics, syntax, executive functions, and emotional well-being. The longitudinal and personalized design included pre- and post-intervention assessments conducted over two and a half years using tools such as the ITPA and Peabody Vocabulary Test. The intervention sessions were structured into linguistic and cognitive activities, with a frequency of two weekly language sessions and one cognitive functions session. Statistical analysis included ANOVA to evaluate significant changes. Conclusions: The results showed significant improvements in linguistic areas such as auditory comprehension (from 3–5 to 10 years) and verbal expression (from 5–10 to 9–6), as well as in cognitive aspects such as visuomotor sequential memory and visual comprehension, which exceeded the expected values for the child’s age. However, skills such as grammatical integration and auditory association did not show significant progress. This demonstrates that personalized and multidisciplinary interventions can considerably improve linguistic and cognitive abilities in children with SLI, although some areas require more specific approaches. The findings highlight implications for designing tailored intervention strategies, emphasizing the need for further research with larger samples and control groups to generalize the results. This case reaffirms the importance of comprehensive approaches in the treatment of SLI to maximize the academic and social development of affected children. Full article

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a complex and multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, impacting quality of life. Therapy is mainly based on relieving symptoms with specific drugs, whereas herbal and complementary remedies have gained attention in recent years. This review examines the current knowledge on herbal remedies in IBS management. Several herbal treatments, particularly peppermint oil and Iberogast, have demonstrated efficacy in randomized controlled trials. Preclinical studies have revealed promising anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects for herbs, e.g., curcumin, fennel oil, and cannabis derivatives. However, many studies suffer from some limitations, e.g., small sample sizes, short study durations, or methodological weaknesses. There is a lack of large-scale, long-term randomized controlled trials for most herbal remedies, and heterogeneity in study designs makes direct comparisons challenging. Moreover, limited evidence exists regarding herb–drug interactions and long-term safety profiles. Despite these limitations, certain herbal remedies may offer a valuable complementary approach for some IBS patients when used under medical supervision. Future research should focus on larger, well-designed clinical trials to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and long-term safety, as well as elucidate specific mechanisms of action and identify patient subgroups that may benefit most from specific herbal treatments. Full article

Chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs) are some of the most widely distributed organic pollutants in underground environments and have high biological toxicity. This research aims to prepare an effective adsorbent comprising biochar and magnetite (MBC) to remove CAH pollution from soil. Optimization of the preparation and adsorption performance of MBC was investigated. The results of the adsorption experiment, combined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, show that the best raw material and pyrolysis temperature were coconut shell and 500 °C respectively. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern characterizations, as well as the adsorption results, demonstrated the successful synthesis and enhancement effect of MBC for CAHs. The adsorption of CAHs on Fe₃O₄-loaded biochar was improved by 34.40–222.25% during pyrolysis at 500–900 °C. Additionally, MBC with a 10% Fe₃O₄ content had the best effect on three types of CAHs at low concentrations. A comparative pore analysis of MBC with different doses of Fe₃O₄ was carried out to reveal the relationship between the pore characteristics and adsorption properties. Furthermore, competitive adsorption experiments demonstrated that 4 wt% MBC addition significantly reduced the soil-bound TCE by 48.6%. Overall, these results indicated that MBC was an effective adsorbent for CAH removal from the polluted underground environment. Full article

Multi-view data, captured from various perspectives, is crucial for training view-invariant human action recognition models, yet its acquisition is hindered by spatio-temporal constraints and high costs. This study aims to develop the Pose Scene EveryWhere (PSEW) framework, which automatically generates temporally consistent, multi-view 3D human action data from a single monocular video. The proposed framework first predicts 3D human parameters from each video frame using a deep learning-based Human Mesh Recovery (HMR) model. Subsequently, it applies tracking, linear interpolation, and Kalman filtering to refine temporal consistency and produce naturalistic motion. The refined human meshes are then reconstructed into a virtual 3D scene by estimating a stable floor plane for alignment, and finally, novel-view videos are rendered using user-defined virtual cameras. As a result, the framework successfully generated multi-view data with realistic, jitter-free motion from a single video input. To assess fidelity to the original motion, we used Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Per Joint Position Error (MPJPE) as metrics, achieving low average errors in both 2D (RMSE: 0.172; MPJPE: 0.202) and 3D (RMSE: 0.145; MPJPE: 0.206) space. PSEW provides an efficient, scalable, and low-cost solution that overcomes the limitations of traditional data collection methods, offering a remedy for the scarcity of training data for action recognition models. Full article

Through atomic-scale characterization of a single cobalt atom anchored in a pyridinic N₃ vacancy of graphene (Co-N₃-gra), this study computationally explores three interconnected functionalities mediated by cobalt’s electronic configuration. Quantum-confined molecular prototypes extend prior bulk models, achieving a competitive catalytic activity for CO oxidation via Langmuir–Hinshelwood pathways with a 0.85 eV barrier. These molecular prototypes’ discrete energy states facilitate single-electron transistor operation, enabling sensitive detection of NO, NO₂, SO₂, and CO₂ through adsorption-induced conductance modulation. When applied to lithium–sulfur batteries using periodic Co-N₃-gra, cobalt sites enhance polysulfide conversion kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect, with the Li₂S₂→Li₂S step identified as the rate-limiting process. Density functional simulations provide atomic-scale physicochemical characterization of Co-N₃-gra, revealing how defect engineering in 2D materials modulates electronic structures for multifunctional applications. Full article

Chitosan, a naturally abundant and biodegradable biopolymer derived from chitin found in crustacean shells, has emerged as a promising material for addressing environmental challenges. Its reactive amino and hydroxyl groups enable diverse interaction mechanisms. This makes it effective for removing heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants from water. However, the limitations of native chitosan, such as poor solubility and mechanical strength, necessitate strategic modifications. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in chitosan derivatives and composites. It focuses on modern modification strategies, such as chemical, physical, and composite formation, that enhance stability, selectivity, and efficiency. It explores the design principles of high-performance composites. It also details the multifaceted mechanisms of pollutant removal, including adsorption, catalysis, membrane filtration, and flocculation. Critical practical challenges are critically assessed. These include scalability, regeneration, lifecycle sustainability, and real-world implementation. Furthermore, emerging trends are highlighted. These integrate circular economy principles, seafood waste valorization, and digital optimization through the use of artificial intelligence. By consolidating current knowledge, this review aims to bridge the gap between laboratory innovations and large-scale environmental applications. It guides the development of intelligent, scalable, and ecologically responsible solutions based on this remarkable biopolymer. Full article

The secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can efficiently stimulate regeneration and therefore is a tempting remedy for “cell-free cellular therapy”. However, the usage of primary MSC cultures as secretome producers for translation studies has obvious obstacles, including the rapid aging of MSC cultures, the need for a large number of verified donors, and donor-to-donor variability of secretome content. MSCs immortalization makes it possible to overcome those limitations and to obtain secretome-producing cultures with a prolonged lifetime. However, the efficacy and safety of such secretomes are critical issues that limit their usage as therapeutic agents. In this study, we tested in large detail how the immortalization of MSC cultures affects the content, biological activity and safety of their secretome. MSCs immortalization via the overexpression of human TERT gene does not significantly alter the qualitative and quantitative composition of their secretome or its activity according to the results of proteomic analysis, ELISA, qPCR and functional tests in vitro. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the secretome of immortalized MSCs does not contain detectable amounts of telomerase and does not possess any transforming activity. Altogether, our data suggest that immortalized MSC cultures may become a reliable source for obtaining standardized active secretome in large-scale quantities for clinical use. Full article

Fe–porphyrin/g-C₃N₄ composites have emerged as promising visible-light photocatalysts, but their performance remains limited by inefficient charge separation and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield. Here, iron–tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (Fe–TCPP) was coupled with g-C₃N₄ nanotubes (CNNTs) via a facile self-assembly strategy, creating a morphology-coordinated system. Comprehensive characterization (XRD, FTIR, SEM/TEM, BET, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance, PL, XPS, and EPR) confirmed the structural integrity, electronic coupling, and ROS generation capability of the composites. Fe–TCPP incorporation narrowed the bandgap from 2.78 to 2.56 eV, prolonged the average carrier lifetime from 6.3 to 7.5 ns, and significantly enhanced the generation of •OH and ¹O₂. The optimized 1 wt% Fe–TCPP@CNNTs achieved complete Rhodamine B degradation within 30 min under visible light, with the highest two-stage apparent rate constants (k₁ = 0.0964 min⁻¹, k₂ = 0.328 min⁻¹). In addition, the hybrids retained over 90% activity after six consecutive runs, confirming their stability and recyclability. The synergistic effect of Fe–N coordination and nanotubular architecture thus promotes light harvesting, charge separation, and ROS utilization, offering a promising design principle for high-performance photocatalysts in environmental remediation. Full article