Saved Queries

by Ezequiel Zamora-Ledezma, Glenda Leonela Loor Aragundi, Willian Stalyn Guamán Marquines, Michael Anibal Macías Pro, José Vicente García Díaz, Henry Antonio Pacheco Gil, Julián Mauricio Botero Londoño, Mónica Andrea Botero Londoño and Camilo Zamora-Ledezma

J. Xenobiot. 2025, 15(4), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/jox15040123 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Nanofertilizers (NFs) and engineered nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in agriculture, yet their environmental safety remains poorly understood. This study evaluated the comparative phytotoxicity of zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and clinoptilolite nanoparticles, three commercial nanofertilizers, and potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇) using Lactuca sativa seeds under adapted OECD-208 protocol conditions. Seeds were exposed to varying concentrations of each xenobiotic material (0.5–3% for NFs; 10–50% for NPs), with systematic assessment of seedling survival, root and hypocotyl length, dry biomass, germination index (GI), and median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values. Nanofertilizers demonstrated significantly greater phytotoxicity than engineered nanoparticles despite lower application concentrations. The toxicity ranking was established as NF1 > NF3 > NF2 > NM2 > NM1 > NM3, with NF1 being most toxic (EC₅₀ = 1.2%). Nanofertilizers caused 45–78% reductions in root length and 30–65% decreases in dry biomass compared with controls. GI values dropped to ≤70% in NF1 and NF3 treatments, indicating concentration-dependent growth inhibition. While nanofertilizers offer agricultural benefits, their elevated phytotoxicity compared with conventional nanoparticles necessitates rigorous pre-application safety assessment. These findings emphasize the critical need for standardized evaluation protocols incorporating both physiological and ecotoxicological endpoints to ensure safe xenobiotic nanomaterial deployment in agricultural systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrative Studies on Environmental Toxicity, Bioaccumulation and Remediation Strategies for Hazardous Substances)

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36 pages, 645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A KPI-Based Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Southern Angola

by Eduardo E. Eliseu, Tânia M. Lima and Pedro D. Gaspar

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 7019; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17157019 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Agricultural production in southern Angola faces challenges due to unsustainable practices, including inefficient use of water, fertilizers, and machinery, resulting in low yields and environmental degradation. Therefore, clear and measurable indicators are needed to guide farmers toward more sustainable practices. The scientific literature insufficiently addresses this issue, leaving a significant gap in the evaluation of key performance indicators (KPIs) that can guide good agricultural practices (GAPs) adapted to the context of southern Angola, with the goal of promoting a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. So, the objective of this study is to identify and assess KPIs capable of supporting the selection of GAPs suitable for maize, potato, and tomato cultivation in the context of southern Angolan agriculture. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted, screening 2720 articles and selecting 14 studies that met defined inclusion criteria. Five KPIs were identified as the most relevant: gross margin, net profit, water use efficiency, nitrogen use efficiency, and machine energy. These indicators were analyzed and standardized to evaluate their contribution to sustainability across different GAPs. Results show that organic fertilizers are the most sustainable option for maize, drip irrigation for potatoes, and crop rotation for tomatoes in southern Angola because of their efficiency in low-resource environments. A clear, simple, and effective representation of the KPIs was developed to be useful in communicating to farmers and policy makers on the selection of the best GAPs in the cultivation of different crops. The study proposes a validated KPI-based methodology for assessing sustainable agricultural practices in developing regions such as southern Angola, aiming to lead to greater self-sufficiency and economic stability in this sector. Full article

20 pages, 968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ten-Year Results of a Single-Center Trial Investigating Heart Rate Control with Ivabradine or Metoprolol Succinate in Patients After Heart Transplantation

by Fabrice F. Darche, Alexandra C. Alt, Rasmus Rivinius, Matthias Helmschrott, Philipp Ehlermann, Norbert Frey and Ann-Kathrin Rahm

J. Cardiovasc. Dev. Dis. 2025, 12(8), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcdd12080297 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Aims: Sinus tachycardia after heart transplantation (HTX) due to cardiac graft denervation is associated with reduced post-transplant survival and requires adequate treatment. We analyzed the long-term effects of heart rate control with ivabradine or metoprolol succinate in HTX recipients. Methods: This observational retrospective single-center study analyzed the ten-year results of 110 patients receiving ivabradine (n = 54) or metoprolol succinate (n = 56) after HTX. Analysis included comparison of demographics, medications, heart rates, blood pressure values, echocardiographic features, cardiac catheterization data, cardiac biomarkers, and post-transplant survival including causes of death. Results: Both groups showed no significant differences concerning demographics or medications (except for ivabradine and metoprolol succinate). At 10-year follow-up, HTX recipients with ivabradine showed a significantly lower heart rate (72.7 ± 8.5 bpm) compared to baseline (88.8 ± 7.6 bpm; p < 0.001) and to metoprolol succinate (80.1 ± 8.1 bpm; p < 0.001), a significantly lower NT-proBNP level (588.4 ± 461.4 pg/mL) compared to baseline (3849.7 ± 1960.0 pg/mL; p < 0.001) and to metoprolol succinate (1229.0 ± 1098.6 pg/mL; p = 0.005), a significantly lower overall mortality (20.4% versus 46.4%; p = 0.004), and mortality due to graft failure (1.9% versus 21.4%; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly decreased risk of death within 10 years after HTX in patients with post-transplant use of ivabradine (HR 0.374, CI 0.182–0.770; p = 0.008). Conclusions: In this single-center trial, patients with ivabradine revealed a significantly more pronounced heart rate reduction, a lower NT-proBNP level, and a superior 10-year survival after HTX. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Current Challenges in Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation)

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18 pages, 309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Adding Hydroxytyrosol to the Diet of Pigs in the Nursery Phase on Growth Performance, Biochemical Markers, and Fatty Acid Profile

by Rafael Domingos Augusto Rofino, Cassio Antonio Ficagna, Taeline Zamboni, Bruna Klein, Enrico A. Altieri, Kevin E. O’Connor, Reeta Davis, Margaret Walsh, Fernando de Castro Tavernari, Marcel Manente Boiago, Aleksandro Schafer da Silva and Diovani Paiano

Animals 2025, 15(15), 2268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15152268 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary hydroxytyrosol (HT) addition on piglets during the nursery phase across two experiments. In the first, 72 weaned male piglets (~26 days old, 7.3 ± 0.5 kg) were assigned to one of four diets containing 0, 5, 10, or 50 mg HT/kg feed. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, histological and behavioral parameters, and meat lipid profiles were assessed. In the second study, the apparent digestibility of diets containing 0, 25, or 50 mg HT/kg feed was evaluated using 15 male piglets (21.5 ± 1.5 kg) through total excreta collection. Results revealed that HT influenced serum glucose and gamma-glutamyl transferase, histological inflammation, and active behaviors. HT modified lipid profiles, reduced capric, lauric, linolenic, arachidonic, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic fatty acid concentrations, and increased the nervonic acid profile. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, energy, and protein increased with HT use up to 50 mg/kg of feed. These findings demonstrate that HT positively impacts piglet efficiency, changing the fatty acid profile with increased nervonic acid, highlighting its potential as a dietary additive for improving nursery pig production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Nutrition)

12 pages, 1862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Si Addition on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of SiC Ceramic Fabricated by Direct LPBF with CVI Technology

by Yipu Wang, Pei Wang, Liqun Li, Jian Zhang, Yulei Zhang, Jin Peng, Xingxing Wang, Nan Kang, Mohamed El Mansori and Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth

Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8585; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158585 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

In this paper, SiC and Si/SiC ceramics were fabricated using direct laser powder bed fusion with chemical vapor infiltration. Their microstructure, mechanical properties and the impacts of silicon addition were analyzed. The incorporation of silicon led to an increase in the relative density of the silicon carbide ceramics from 76.4% to 78.3% and the compression strength increased from 39 ± 13 MPa to 90 ± 8 MPa after laser powder bed fusion with chemical vapor infiltration. The melting and re-solidification of silicon allows the silicon to encapsulate the silicon carbide grains, changing the microstructure and the failure mechanism of the silicon carbide ceramics, resulting in a small amount of silicon residue. In the LPBF-CVI SiC ceramic specimen, the LPBF-formed SiC exhibits a microhardness of 24.2 ± 1.0 GPa. In LPBF-CVI Si/SiC, the spherical dual-phase structure displays a moderately increased hardness (25.9 ± 4.4 GPa), and the CVI-formed SiC exhibits a hardness of 55.3 ± 9.3 GPa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in High-Strength Materials Processing: Machining, Surface Integrity Management, and Operational Properties)

11 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Secondary Traumatic Stress in Interpreters for Refugees: Why Training and Supervision Matter

by Gerhard Hapfelmeier, Lena Walfisch, Luisa Schroers, Stephan Bender and Marco Walg

Psychiatry Int. 2025, 6(3), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint6030091 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Interpreters who translate for refugees are regularly confronted with traumatic content. Listening regularly to and translating potentially traumatizing stories make interpreters vulnerable to secondary traumatization. The current study aimed to investigate secondary traumatic stress (STS) in interpreters working with refugees and to identify potential risk and protective factors. In this cross-sectional study, 64 interpreters from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland participated. STS, compassion satisfaction, burnout, and resilience were assessed using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale, and Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. Sociodemographic data were collected (e.g., experiences with translation in psychotherapy, personal backgrounds of forced displacement, and personal experiences with psychotherapy as a client). Subgroup comparisons were conducted to identify risk factors for STS. A total of 43 participants (67%) showed at least mild STS. STS was significantly associated with burnout. Personal experiences of forced displacement, gender, and working context had no impact on STS. Interpreters with personal experiences of psychotherapy showed a higher level of STS as well as higher resilience than those without personal experiences of psychotherapy. Independent of personal experiences of forced displacement, gender, and working context, interpreters who work with refugees are at high risk of STS. Regular training and supervision for interpreters who work with refugees should thus be offered as standard practice. Full article

10 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Donor–Recipient Race Mismatch Is Associated with Lower Survival After Liver Transplantation for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

by Mark W. Russo, Will Wheless, Wida S. Cherikh, Alice E. Toll, Alexandra T. Lewis and Andrew S. deLemos

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5441; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155441 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Patient survival after liver transplantation is lower in donor–recipient race mismatched patients for indications other than primary sclerosing cholangitis. Objectives: To determine if survival is lower after liver transplantation in donor–recipient race mismatched recipients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Methods: The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database was analyzed for deceased donor adult liver transplant recipients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Graft and patient survival by donor–recipient race were estimated using Kaplan–Meier survival method and compared using the log-rank test. Multivariable analysis was performed using Cox regression. Results: From 2002 to 2018, 5-year patient survival in White (n = 2223) and Black recipients (n = 491), was 89.8% and 87.1%, respectively. Five-year patient survival for the donor–recipient pairs, White–White (n = 1622), Black–Black (n = 110), Black–White (n = 335), and White–Black (n = 314) was 90.8%, 91.1%, 87.1%, and 86.0%, respectively, p = 0.026. In multivariable analysis, 5-year patient mortality was higher in Black recipients of White donors [HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.16, 2.45], compared to White recipients of White donors. Conclusions: Five-year patient mortality after deceased donor liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis is higher in Black recipients who received livers from White donors compared to matched White donors and recipients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine)

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13 pages, 441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pulmonary Involvement in Patients with Positive Myositis Antibodies in Rheumatology: A Retrospective Monocentric Analysis

by Falk Schumacher, Malte Kanbach, Maximilian Zimmermann, Daniel Majorski, Wigbert Schulze, Maximilian Wollsching-Strobel, Doreen Kroppen, Sarah Bettina Stanzel, Wolfram Windisch, Johannes Strunk and Melanie Berger

J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5443; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155443 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary involvement is the most common prognosis-related organ involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Owing to the large number of antibodies, the evidence for lung involvement and rare antibodies is limited. In everyday clinical practice, the interpretation of positive myositis antibodies represents a challenge. Methods: This study is a retrospective monocentric analysis. The data collection regarding positive myositis antibodies and possible pulmonary involvement was carried out from July 2019 to May 2022. Data analysis revealed positive results for one of the following antibodies: EJ, PL7, OJ, PL12, Mi-2α, TIF1γ, MDA5, SAE, NXP2, SRP, Ku, PM-Scl100 and PM-Scl75. In our analysis, patients with IIM, patients with inflammatory rheumatic disease other than IIM and patients without inflammatory rheumatic disease are described. The results of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), pulmonary function tests, echocardiographic examinations and their associated clinical findings are examined. Results: In the entire cohort, 209 patients with positive myositis antibodies were detected. In total, 22 (10.5%) patients had interstitial lung disease (ILD) patterns on HRCT. In the subgroup of patients with IIM, a significantly higher proportion of patients with lung involvement (n = 13, 35.1%) was found than in the group with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) (n = 6, 6.7%) or in the group without IRDs (n = 3, 3.7%). When the antibody groups were considered, the PL12-positive patients had the largest proportion of ILD (42%), followed by the MDA5-positive patients (40%). Conclusions: In patients with IIM, myositis antibodies are highly relevant for assessing the risk of lung involvement. In groups with other IRD or without IRD, antibody detection does not represent this high relevance for lung involvement. A differentiated assessment of the various MSAs or MAAs detected, as well as clinical parameters, allows for further important risk assessment for prognosis-relevant lung involvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Immunology)

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23 pages, 1985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photobiomodulation of 450 nm Blue Light on Human Keratinocytes, Fibroblasts, and Endothelial Cells: An In Vitro and Transcriptomic Study on Cells Involved in Wound Healing and Angiogenesis

by Jingbo Shao, Sophie Clément, Christoph Reissfelder, Patrick Téoule, Norbert Gretz, Feng Guo, Sabina Hajizada, Stefanie Uhlig, Katharina Mößinger, Carolina de la Torre, Carsten Sticht, Vugar Yagublu and Michael Keese

Biomedicines 2025, 13(8), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13081876 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Blue light (BL) irradiation has been shown to induce photobiomodulation (PBM) in cells. Here, we investigate its influence on cell types involved in wound healing. Methods: Cellular responses of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaTs), normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) after light treatment at 450 nm were analyzed by kinetic assays on cell viability, proliferation, ATP quantification, migration assay, and apoptosis assay. Gene expression was evaluated by transcriptome analysis. Results: A biphasic effect was observed on HaCaTs, NHDFs, and HUVECs. Low-fluence (4.5 J/cm²) irradiation stimulated cell viability, proliferation, and migration. mRNA sequencing indicated involvement of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), ErbB, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways. High-fluence (18 J/cm²) irradiation inhibited these cellular activities by downregulating DNA replication, the cell cycle, and mismatch repair pathways. Conclusions: HaCaTs, NHDFs, and HUVECs exhibited a dose-dependent pattern after BL irradiation. These findings broaden the view of PBM following BL irradiation of these three cell types, thereby promoting their potential application in wound healing and angiogenesis. Our data on low-fluence BL at 450 nm indicates clinical potential for a novel modality in wound therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cell Biology and Pathology)

13 pages, 3776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Focused View CT Urography: Towards a Randomized Trial Investigating the Relevance of Incidental Findings in Patients with Hematuria

by Tim E. Sluijter, Christian Roest, Derya Yakar and Thomas C. Kwee

Diseases 2025, 13(8), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases13080242 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Computed tomography urography (CTU) is routinely used to evaluate the upper urinary tract in patients with hematuria. CTU may detect incidental findings outside the urinary tract, but it remains unclear if this adds value. This study aimed to develop a deep learning algorithm that automatically segments and selectively visualizes the urinary tract on CTU. Methods: The urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder) was manually segmented on 2 mm dual-phase CTU slices of 111 subjects. With this dataset, a deep learning-based AI was trained to automatically segment and selectively visualize the urinary tract on CTU scans (including accompanying unenhanced CT scans), which we dub “focused view CTU”. Focused view CTU was technically optimized and tested in 39 subjects with hematuria. Results: The technically optimized focused view CTU algorithm provided complete visualization of 97.4% of kidneys, 80.8% of ureters, and 94.9% of urinary bladders. All urinary tract organs were completely visualized in 66.6% of cases. In these cases (excluding 33.3% of cases with incomplete visualization), focused view CTU intrinsically achieved a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 100.0%, 92.3%, 92.9%, and 100.0% for lesions in the urinary tract compared to unmodified CT, although interrater agreement was moderate (κ = 0.528). All incidental findings were successfully hidden by focused view CTU. Conclusions: Focused view CTU provides adequate urinary tract segmentation in most cases, but further research is needed to optimize the technique (segmentation does not succeed in about one-third of cases). It offers selective urinary tract visualization, potentially aiding in assessing relevance and cost-effectiveness of detecting incidental findings in hematuria patients through a prospective randomized trial. Full article

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19 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Extremophile Bacillus spp. for Biocontrol of Fusarium solani in Phaseolus vulgaris L. Agroecosystems

by Tofick B. Wekesa, Justus M. Onguso, Damaris Barminga and Ndinda Kavesu

Bacteria 2025, 4(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/bacteria4030039 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a critical protein-rich legume supporting food and nutritional security globally. However, Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium solani, remains a major constraint to production, with yield losses reaching up to 84%. While biocontrol strategies have been explored, most microbial agents are sourced from mesophilic environments and show limited effectiveness under abiotic stress. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of extremophilic Bacillus spp. from the hypersaline Lake Bogoria, Kenya, and their biocontrol potential against F. solani. From 30 isolates obtained via serial dilution, 9 exhibited antagonistic activity in vitro, with mycelial inhibition ranging from 1.07-1.93 cm 16S rRNA sequencing revealed taxonomic diversity within the Bacillus genus, including unique extremotolerant strains. Molecular screening identified genes associated with the biosynthesis of antifungal metabolites such as 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, pyrrolnitrin, and hydrogen cyanide. Enzyme assays confirmed substantial production of chitinase (1.33–3160 U/mL) and chitosanase (10.62–28.33 mm), supporting a cell wall-targeted antagonism mechanism. In planta assays with the lead isolate (B7) significantly reduced disease incidence (8–35%) and wilt severity (1–5 affected plants), while enhancing root colonization under pathogen pressure. These findings demonstrate that extremophile-derived Bacillus spp. possess robust antifungal traits and highlight their potential as climate-resilient biocontrol agents for sustainable bean production in arid and semi-arid agroecosystems. Full article

14 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gut Hormones and Postprandial Metabolic Effects of Isomaltulose vs. Saccharose Consumption in People with Metabolic Syndrome

by Jiudan Zhang, Dominik Sonnenburg, Stefan Kabisch, Stephan Theis, Margrit Kemper, Olga Pivovarova-Ramich, Domenico Tricò, Sascha Rohn and Andreas F. H. Pfeiffer

Nutrients 2025, 17(15), 2539; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152539 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Background: Low-glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates like isomaltulose (ISO) are known to enhance incretin release and to improve postprandial glucose control at the following meal (an effect known as second meal effect, or SME), which is particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study aimed to assess the most effective preprandial interval of ISO- or saccharose (SUC) snacks (1 h vs. 3 h preload) to enhance prandial incretin responses to a subsequent meal. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 15 participants with MetS completed four experimental conditions on four non-consecutive days, combining two preload types (ISO or SUC) and two preload timings (Intervention A: 3 h preload; Intervention B: 1 h preload). Specifically, the four conditions were (1) ISO + Intervention A, (2) SUC + Intervention A, (3) ISO + Intervention B, and (4) SUC + Intervention B. The order of conditions was randomized and separated by a 3–7-day washout period to minimize carryover effects. On each study day, participants consumed two mixed meal tests (MMT-1 and MMT-2) with a standardized preload (50 g ISO or SUC) administered either 3 h or 1 h prior to MMT-2. Blood samples were collected over 9 h at 15 predefined time points for analysis of glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and incretin hormones (GLP-1, GIP, and PYY). Results: The unique digestion profile of ISO resulted in a blunted glucose ascent rate (ΔG/Δt: 0.28 vs. 0.53 mmol/L/min for SUC, p < 0.01), paralleled by synonyms PYY elevation over 540 min monitoring, compared with SUC. ISO also led to higher and more sustained GLP-1 and PYY levels, while SUC induced a stronger GIP response. Notably, the timing of ISO consumption significantly influenced PYY secretion, with the 3 h preload showing enhanced PYY responses and a more favorable SME compared to the 1 h preload. Conclusions: ISO, particularly when consumed 3 h before a meal (vs. 1 h), offers significant advantages over SUC by elevating PYY levels, blunting the glucose ascent rate, and sustaining GLP-1 release. This synergy enhances the second meal effect, suggesting ISO’s potential for managing postprandial glycemic excursions in MetS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)

10 pages, 1883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Biofilm Formation Kinetics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on Medical-Grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) and Polyamide 12 (PA12) Polymers

by Susana Carbajal-Ocaña, Kristeel Ximena Franco-Gómez, Valeria Atehortúa-Benítez, Daniela Mendoza-Lozano, Luis Vicente Prado-Cervantes, Luis J. Melgoza-Ramírez, Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez, Mariana E. Elizondo-García and Jorge Membrillo-Hernández

Hygiene 2025, 5(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/hygiene5030032 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Biofilms, structured communities of microorganisms encased in an extracellular matrix, are a major cause of persistent infections, particularly when formed on medical devices. This study investigated the kinetics of biofilm formation by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two clinically significant pathogens, on two medical-grade polymers: polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polyamide 12 (PA12). Using a modified crystal violet staining method and spectrophotometric quantification, we evaluated biofilm development over time on polymer granules and catheter segments composed of these materials. Results revealed that PEEK surfaces supported significantly more biofilm formation than PA12, with peak accumulation observed at 24 h for both pathogens. Conversely, PA12 demonstrated reduced bacterial adhesion and lower biofilm biomass, suggesting surface characteristics less conducive to microbial colonization. Additionally, the study validated a reproducible protocol for assessing biofilm formation, providing a foundation for evaluating anti-biofilm strategies. While the assays were performed under static in vitro conditions, the findings highlight the importance of material selection and early prevention strategies in the design of infection-resistant medical devices. This work contributes to the understanding of how surface properties affect microbial adhesion and underscores the critical need for innovative surface modifications or coatings to mitigate biofilm-related healthcare risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hygiene in Healthcare Facilities)

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25 pages, 2805 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cascade Processing of Agricultural, Forest, and Marine Waste Biomass for Sustainable Production of Food, Feed, Biopolymers, and Bioenergy

by Swarnima Agnihotri, Ellinor B. Heggset, Juliana Aristéia de Lima, Ilona Sárvári Horváth and Mihaela Tanase-Opedal

Energies 2025, 18(15), 4093; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154093 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

An increasing global population, rising energy demands, and the shift toward a circular bioeconomy are driving the need for more resource-efficient waste management. The increase in the world population—now exceeding 8 billion as of 2024—results in an increased need for alternative proteins, both human and feed grade proteins, as well as for biopolymers and bioenergy. As such, agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass represent a valuable feedstock for production of food and feed ingredients, biopolymers, and bioenergy. However, the lack of integrated and efficient valorization strategies for these diverse biomass sources remains a major challenge. This literature review aims to give a systematic approach on the recent research status of agricultural, forest, and marine waste biomass valorization, focusing on cascade processing (a sequential combination of processes such as pretreatment, extraction, and conversion methods). Potential products will be identified that create the most economic value over multiple lifetimes, to maximize resource efficiency. It highlights the challenges associated with cascade processing of waste biomass and proposes technological synergies for waste biomass valorization. Moreover, this review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of waste biomass valorization in the context of sustainable and circular bioeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies for Waste Biomass to Green Energy and Materials)

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15 pages, 3882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Low-Cost Energy Dense Mixed Material MnO₂-Cu₂O Cathodes for Commercially Scalable Aqueous Zinc Batteries

by Gautam G. Yadav, Malesa Sammy, Jungsang Cho, Megan N. Booth, Michael Nyce, Jinchao Huang, Timothy N. Lambert, Damon E. Turney, Xia Wei and Sanjoy Banerjee

Batteries 2025, 11(8), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/batteries11080291 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025

Abstract

Zinc (Zn)-based batteries have attracted significant interest for applications ranging from electric bikes to grid storage because of its advantageous properties like high abundance, non-toxicity and low-cost. Zn offers a high theoretical capacity of two electrons per atom, resulting in 820 mAh/g, making it a promising anode material for the development of highly energy dense batteries. However, the advancement of Zn-based battery systems is hindered by the limited availability of cathode materials that simultaneously offer high theoretical capacity, long-term cycling stability, and affordability. In this work, we present a new mixed material cathode system, comprising of a mixture of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) and copper oxide (Cu₂O) as active materials, that delivers a high theoretical capacity of ~280 mAh/g (MnO₂ + Cu₂O active material) (based on the combined mass of MnO₂ and Cu₂O) and supports stable cycling for >200 cycles at 1C. We further demonstrate the scalability of this novel cathode system by increasing the electrode size and capacity, highlighting its potential for practical and commercial applications. Full article

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