Search Results (1,459)

Flavonoids from Pinus koraiensis needle (PN) litterfall were efficiently recovered using an enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction (EAU) method optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions (enzyme dosage 1.7%, ethanol concentration 70%, ultrasonic time 21 min, cellulase–pectinase ratio 1:3, liquid–solid ratio 40:1, enzymatic hydrolysis at 42.5 °C for 1 h, ultrasonic extraction at 50 °C and 150 W) yielded a total flavonoid content (TFC) of 17.08 mg rutin/g, which was significantly higher than that obtained via conventional extraction (CE). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the treatment disrupted the cell wall, promoting flavonoid release. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Triple-TOF/MS) identified 60 flavonoids in the purified extract obtained under the optimal EAU conditions (OT group), including quercitrin, tiliroside, taxifolin, and procyanidin B2. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed higher crystallinity but slightly reduced thermal stability for OT flavonoids. Notably, compared with the purified flavonoids obtained by CE (CK1 group), the OT group achieved a higher TFC and exhibited significantly better in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 71.82 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 28.93 μg/mL) and in vitro carbohydrate-digesting-enzyme-inhibitory activity (α-glucosidase (α-GLU) IC₅₀ = 79.52 μg/mL; α-amylase (α-AMY) IC₅₀ = 793.9 μg/mL), with α-AMY inhibition being approximately 8.2-fold higher. These findings suggest that enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction is an efficient and reliable method for recovering flavonoids from PN and may provide a theoretical reference for the development and utilization of these flavonoids. Full article

Background: Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease, with praziquantel (PZQ) as the only widely used treatment, despite its limitations. Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone, exhibits potent in vitro antischistosomal activity; however, its poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, and chemical instability may limit its in vivo efficacy. Objective: This study investigated whether nanoencapsulation in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) could enable the in vivo antischistosomal activity of PTL. Methods: PTL was isolated from Tanacetum parthenium and incorporated into NLC using hot emulsification followed by ultrasonication. The resulting formulation (NLC-PTL) was physicochemically characterized, and its in vivo antischistosomal efficacy was evaluated in a murine model of Schistosoma mansoni infection. Results: NLC-PTL exhibited nanoscale size, low polydispersity, high encapsulation efficiency, and sustained drug release. In vivo, free PTL showed no significant effect on worm burden, whereas NLC-PTL achieved a marked reduction (77.9%) in adult worms and significantly decreased egg output compared to controls (p < 0.001). Blank NLC had no antiparasitic effect. Conclusions: Nanoencapsulation was associated with in vivo antischistosomal activity of PTL compared to the free compound. These findings suggest that formulation strategies may influence the in vivo performance of lipophilic natural products in schistosomiasis. Full article

This study investigated the effects of ultrasound-assisted marination on NaCl diffusion in pork using multiphysics simulation and evaluated the accuracy of electrical impedance spectroscopy for predicting NaCl content during marination. The results showed that short-term ultrasonic treatment did not significantly enhance moisture diffusion from brine into pork tissue. However, multiphysics simulation demonstrated that ultrasound significantly accelerated NaCl penetration, enabling a reduced brine concentration without compromising the final salt content, as further confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis, which showed higher residual NaCl and mass in treated samples. Electrical impedance properties exhibited systematic changes with increasing ultrasonic marination time, including decreased impedance, increased phase angle, and a reduced Cole–Cole arc radius, reflecting enhanced NaCl diffusion and structural modifications in muscle tissue. A strong linear correlation between impedance parameters and NaCl content was established, and validation results confirmed that impedance spectroscopy can accurately predict NaCl levels during marination. These findings highlight the potential of combining ultrasound-assisted marination with impedance-based techniques for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of salt content in meat processing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) depends on the release of dentin-derived bioactive molecules, which is commonly promoted by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-based dentin conditioning. However, whether adjunctive ozone delivery protocols can modify the measurable release of dentin-derived transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) remains unclear. This study evaluated the effects of two adjunctive ozone application protocols used with chelation on dentin-derived TGF-β1 and IGF-1 release, without directly assessing the in situ activation or functional bioactivity of TGF-β1. Methods: Sixty-four freshly extracted human mandibular premolars were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 16). The experimental protocols were as follows: 17% EDTA alone (Group A), 17% EDTA followed by ozonated distilled water and ozone gas (Group B), ozonated 17% EDTA followed by ozone gas (Group C), and a negative control group. Root segments were standardized. In the experimental groups, all external surfaces were coated with nail varnish, leaving only the intracanal dentin surface exposed. In the negative control group, all surfaces were sealed. After ultrasonic activation, the specimens were incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at 37 °C. PBS samples were collected on day 1 to evaluate early measurable growth factor release and on day 7 to assess short-term changes in detectable growth factor levels. TGF-β1 and IGF-1 levels were measured by ELISA and normalized to internal dentin surface area derived from micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. Results: No detectable growth factor values were observed in the negative control group. For TGF-β1, no significant intergroup difference was observed on day 1, whereas a significant difference was found on day 7 (p = 0.022). On day 7, the ozonated EDTA followed by ozone gas group showed approximately threefold higher surface-area-normalized TGF-β1 values than the EDTA followed by ozonated distilled water and ozone gas group (p = 0.018). TGF-β1 values increased from day 1 to day 7 in Groups A and C, whereas no significant temporal change was observed in Group B. IGF-1 values showed no significant intergroup or intragroup differences. Conclusions: Adjunctive ozone application showed a protocol-dependent effect on dentin-derived growth factor values, mainly for TGF-β1, while IGF-1 remained unaffected. The highest TGF-β1 values were observed when ozonated EDTA was followed by ozone gas. However, these in vitro findings indicate measurable growth factor release and should not be interpreted as direct evidence of TGF-β1 activation or clinical regenerative efficacy. Full article

The emergence of three-dimensional heterogeneous integration (3D HI) has pushed forward the development of chip-to-wafer (C2W) hybrid bonding technology. To mitigate stress concentration during thermal annealing and wafer thinning processes of C2W bonding, a direct ink writing (DIW)-based 3D printing approach was proposed to fill the channel between two adjacent chips on the bonded wafer (i.e., wafer channels). A composite slurry consisting of polyimide (PI) as base material and aluminum nitride (AlN) nanoparticles as fillers was prepared. Through surface chemical modification and ultrasonic treatment, the slurry featured uniform filler dispersion (with particle size less than 1 μm) and adequate viscosity (3327 mPa·s), which fits the 3D printing process. The cured film demonstrated superior thermal stability and mechanical properties compared with pure PI, with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 4.97 ppm/K, which matched that of silicon-based materials and exhibited excellent bonding. This approach provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques for filling wafer channels. Full article

This study comprehensively assesses the effect of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical, nutritional, and rheological properties of mung bean (Vigna radiata) milk. Ultrasonic treatment (24 kHz, 200–300 W, 5–20 min at 25 ± 2 °C) was applied after preliminary aqueous extraction (60–70 °C, 15–20 min) and compared with conventional aqueous extraction (control). Ultrasound significantly increased protein extractability (from 0.11% to 0.15%, p = 0.008) and improved the amino acid profile (8–18% increase without signs of degradation). The content of potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium increased by 6–12% (p < 0.001 for K and P, p = 0.001 for Mg), indicating more efficient release of intracellular components. B-group vitamins remained stable, while fat-soluble vitamins (A, E) were not detected. Total mesophilic microflora was reduced to 1.2 × 10⁴ CFU/mL (p = 0.021), with no pathogenic microflora detected. Rheological measurements confirmed pseudoplastic behavior (n < 1), an increase in viscosity up to 20.0 cP, and the formation of a more homogeneous dispersion. Thus, ultrasonic treatment performed under controlled non-thermal conditions after preliminary aqueous extraction effectively improves the structural, functional, and nutritional quality of mung bean plant-based milk. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) has been suggested as a treatment for tinnitus, but its effect on the condition remains unclear. Ultrasonic Vagus Nerve Stimulation (U-VNS) involves non-invasive stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, potentially providing an alternative to traditional VNS. To pre-emptively address some of the methodological challenges of future trials investigating U-VNS, a highly blindable sham device is needed. This study aimed to (1) investigate the effectiveness of blinding of a U-VNS device and (2) record any adverse effects, including any negative effects on tinnitus loudness, alongside their onset and duration. Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled study, 20 volunteers with chronic tinnitus received two 29 min sessions of true U-VNS followed by sham U-VNS, or vice versa. Sessions were a week apart, and in a randomized order. The effectiveness of blinding and adverse effects, including changes in tinnitus loudness, were measured using self-report questionnaires. Results: James’ Blinding Index revealed that blinding was highly effective in both the real U-VNS condition, BI = 0.79, 95% CI (0.61–0.92), and the sham condition, BI = 0.76, 95% CI (0.60–0.89). Adverse effects were uncommon and mild, primarily consisting of sensations on the skin beneath the transducer. For most participants, tinnitus loudness either decreased or stayed the same in both conditions. Conclusions: A high level of blinding was achieved, suggesting that the ZenBud sham device may be suitable as an effective placebo control in future trials. Adverse effects were uncommon and mild. These findings will help inform the design of future clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of U-VNS. Full article

Coix has gained significant research interest for its medicinal and nutritional value, yet its characteristic bitterness limits food applications. To enhance its utilization in the food industry, this study examined the impact of conventional water immersion, ultrasound-assisted immersion (10, 15, and 20 min) and heat-treated immersion (40, 50, and 60 °C) on the nutritional profile and taste properties of Coix. Germinated Coix showed reduced starch, fat, and phytic acid content, but increased protein, γ-aminobutyric acid (from 38.05 to 58.00–116.90 mg/100 g, p < 0.05), dietary fiber, soluble sugars, total phenolics, and DPPH radical scavenging activity (n = 5). Germination introduced palmitoleic, linolenic, arachidonic, myristic, and arachidic acids to Coix, increasing total amino acids and umami taste activity value from 88.09 to 104.50–141.39 (p < 0.05). The reduced bitterness and astringency of germinated Coix may be associated with lower linoleic acid content and higher levels of palmitoleic acid, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. Ultrasound-assisted immersion for 20 min was identified as the optimal condition for enhancing GABA and amino acid contents while reducing bitterness, thereby broadening the food applications of Coix. Full article

Flexible implantable electrodes require biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and sufficient electrical conductivity for effective neural interfacing. This work examines ultrasonic treatment during poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) impregnation of electrospun poly(D,L)-lactide (PLA) nonwoven scaffolds as a route to improve filler distribution and functional performance. Four sample types were studied: pristine PLA (untreated and sonicated) and PLA–PEDOT:PSS composites prepared with and without ultrasonication. Scanning electron microscopy shows that ultrasonic treatment suppresses the formation of continuous surface films and promotes homogeneous three-dimensional penetration of PEDOT:PSS throughout the fibrous network. As a result, electrical resistivity decreases by a factor of 7.3, from 294.4 to 40.2 Ω·m. Contact-angle measurements reveal markedly enhanced wettability, with sonicated composites exhibiting rapid water uptake (5–13 s), unlike non-sonicated controls. These findings demonstrate that ultrasound-assisted PEDOT:PSS impregnation yields conductive, highly wettable, and structurally stable scaffolds, highlighting their potential for flexible implantable neural electrodes. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of thickened waste-activated sludge (TWAS) is widely applied for sludge stabilization and renewable energy recovery; however, hydrolysis of complex organics often limits fermentation performance. This study evaluated the effects of multiple pretreatment strategies on solubilization, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) during 80 h mesophilic batch fermentation. Pretreatments included hydrothermal treatment (HTP; 70, 90, and 170 °C), ultrasonication (US; 3000, 5000, and 10,000 KJ/kg TS), chemical pretreatment (acidic pH 4 and alkaline pH 10), and biological augmentation using YDRO Process^® (YDRO^®; 5%, 10%, 15% v/v). Across feedstock pretreatments, HTP generated the greatest improvements in solubilization, increasing SCOD by 56–113-fold and producing substantial acetate levels, particularly at 70 °C, alongside substantial phosphorus release. Ultrasonication resulted in moderate solubilization (28–56-fold) and elevated soluble phosphorus and ammonia. Acidic pretreatment maximized soluble phosphorus, but showed limited VFAs production, whereas alkaline pretreatment rapidly increased soluble EPS due to pH-induced cell disruption. Bioaugmentation achieved the highest total COD but yielded comparatively low soluble fractions. Following fermentation, HTP 170 °C consistently outperformed other treatments, maintaining elevated soluble COD and producing the highest acetate concentration. EPS analysis revealed extensive protein and polysaccharide degradation in thermal and bioaugmented systems, indicating active utilization during fermentation. Overall, the results demonstrate that targeted pretreatment strategies significantly enhance organic solubilization, EPS disruption, and VFAs yields, with thermal pretreatment showing the greatest potential to accelerate hydrolysis and acidogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the pre-methanogenic stages of AD and improving the efficiency of sludge treatment and resource recovery. Full article

With the continuous implementation of the national dual carbon target and the refined control of operating costs in civil buildings, the issue of cleaning and regenerating high-consumption air filter materials in civil buildings has become a hot research topic. This study took rGO air filter material as the research object from the perspective of commercial cost optimization and, using water as the cleaning medium, compared and analyzed the changes in filtration efficiency, airflow resistance, comprehensive performance, and full dimension economy during five cycles of regeneration using water cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning methods. The results showed that ultrasonic cleaning can better maintain the microscopic morphology and structural integrity of the rGO filter, exhibiting more stable filtration performance and slower performance attenuation during repeated regeneration. After the first cleaning, the filtration effectiveness following water cleaning was higher than that following ultrasonic cleaning, with filtration efficiencies 1.21%, 0.18%, and 1.11% higher for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0, respectively. After the 2nd to 5th cleaning cycles, the filtration efficiency following ultrasonic cleaning was higher than that following water cleaning, with increases of 3.79%, 2.18%, 2.20%, and 6.49% for PM₁₀; 3.20%, 1.22%, 2.96%, and 3.25% for PM_2.5; and 1.90%, 2.02%, 2.02%, and 6.21% for PM_1.0, respectively. The counting filtration efficiency of the ultrasonic cleaning method is relatively high for particle sizes roughly between 0.35 and 2.5 μm, while the difference between large particles is small. The filtration resistance value of the water cleaning method is higher than that of the ultrasonic cleaning method. The QF of the ultrasonic cleaning is always higher than that of the water cleaning method. After five washes, the QF values of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM_1.0 under the ultrasonic cleaning method were 2.26, 2.04, and 2.37 times higher, respectively, than those under the water washing cleaning method. When the replacement frequency is the same, the cost of using ultrasonic cleaning is lower than that of water cleaning. It can effectively reduce the operating costs and asset replacement costs of the fresh air system and is more suitable for the landing and long-term cost control needs of large-scale civil construction projects. Therefore, it is recommended that ultrasonic cleaning be used to recycle rGO air filter materials. These findings provide reference value for the large-scale use of rGO air filter materials and the creation of low-carbon indoor environments. Full article

Gold, as a critical material with both financial and industrial value, is widely used across numerous fields such as finance, aerospace and medical care. Under the global background of increasing geopolitical risks and the advancement of high-tech industries, the demand for gold continues to grow steadily. The main raw materials for extracting gold are mainly divided into ore and electronic waste. Currently, conventional cyanidation remains the dominant industrial method for gold recovery. However, issues such as pollution and high toxicity of cyanide tailings are driving global efforts to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. Therefore, the development of green and efficient gold extraction technology has become a global research hotspot. This article focuses on cyanide-free leaching technologies, providing a detailed review of their current developments, advantages, and limitations, and proposing future trends in gold extraction. The future development directions of gold extraction include the development of thiosulfate–glycine leaching systems, the combination of multi-technology collaborative processes such as ultrasonic assistance and biological treatment to enhance efficiency, the strengthening of microbial metallurgy technology, and the construction of a resource recycling system for electronic waste. This review provides new insights and development directions for extracting gold for sustainable development. Full article

The growth of the global population has led to increased demand for agricultural products, resulting in greater agricultural waste production. One sustainable response to this challenge is using agricultural waste as raw material in building materials. This study examines the potential for partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete with agricultural waste from typical Mediterranean fruits: sour cherry pits, grape seeds, ground olive pits, and carob seeds. To evaluate the effect of treatment on the behavior of agro-waste aggregates, ground olive pits were used untreated, treated with ash water, or treated with seawater. Carob seed concrete deteriorated during water curing due to seed swelling and tannin-related degradation, revealing its unsuitability without prior stabilization. Partial replacement of natural aggregates with agricultural waste resulted in decreased density, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, while increasing saturated water absorption. Treatment with ash water on ground olive pits improved the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), resulting in 29% increase in compressive strength relative to untreated ground olive pits. Concrete with ash water treated ground olive pits demonstrated the highest practical potential among all tested agro-waste concretes. Full article

People suffering from gout and hyperuricemia have limited consumption of soy products because of their high purine content, even though soybean is a nutrient-rich crop. This study developed a combined purine reduction process: ultrasonic-assisted soaking to promote purine dissolution and isoelectric point precipitation to separate purines with minimal protein loss. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for rapid purine determination was first established (R² > 0.9999, RSD < 0.23%), thereby providing technical support for process optimization. Using soybean powder as the raw material, optimal ultrasonic conditions (58 °C, 250 W, 58 min) were identified, achieving a purine removal rate of 61.15% with a protein recovery of 94.23%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses revealed that ultrasonic treatment altered the microstructure of the soybean powder, thereby facilitating purine dissolution. Low-purine soymilk prepared from the resulting soybean powder exhibited a unique flavor, with enhanced electronic nose response signals of its flavor compounds. This process effectively reduces purine content while preserving soy protein and flavor, offering a feasible technical solution for the development and industrial application of low-purine soy products. However, challenges remain in process scale-up and in optimizing the balance between purine removal and nutrient retention. Full article

The reagent regime is a key means to regulate mineral flotation behavior, with collectors being particularly crucial for enhancing the flotation process. This paper systematically investigates the action mechanisms of hydrocarbon oil components such as n-Nonane, n-Dodecane, n-Tridecane, n-Tetradecane, and n-Pentadecane in coal slime flotation through a combined approach of molecular dynamics simulation and experimental verification. The simulation results show that as the alkane chain length increases, the absolute value of the adsorption energy between the alkane and coal gradually increases (the adsorption energy is negative, indicating that the adsorption process can occur spontaneously), with n-Pentadecane exhibiting the highest adsorption energy. Experimentally, the oil–water mixture achieved optimal dispersity after ultrasonic treatment and standing for 10 min. This dispersity is characterized by the average oil droplet diameter and the most uniform droplet size distribution under the test conditions. The wetting heat test further verified that pentadecane exhibits the strongest interaction with coal slime and the fastest adsorption rate. In flotation tests, n-Tetradecane demonstrated the best actual flotation performance, with a clean coal yield of 70.88%, a combustible recovery of 82.55%, and a flotation perfection index of 50.75%. This study reveals the influence mechanism of alkane chain length on coal slime flotation behavior, providing a theoretical basis for the screening and compounding of efficient collectors. Full article