Search Results (175)

Efficient and selective separation of gallium (Ga(III)) from alkaline industrial waste streams remains a significant challenge due to the coexistence of chemically similar ions such as Al(III) and V(V). In this study, a novel ion-imprinted chitosan-based adsorbent (CS/(H-CGCS)-Ga-IIP) was synthesized via a hybrid cross-linking strategy using glutaraldehyde and siloxane-modified chitosan. The optimized material exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 106.31 mg·g⁻¹ for Ga(III) at pH 9, with fast adsorption kinetics reaching equilibrium within 60 min. Adsorption behavior followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, and thermodynamic analysis indicated a spontaneous and endothermic process. In simulated Bayer mother liquor systems, the material demonstrated outstanding selectivity and a distribution coefficient ratio k_d-Ga/k_d-Al = 146.9, highlighting its strong discrimination ability toward Ga(III). Mechanistic insights from SEM-EDS, FTIR, and XPS analyses revealed that Ga(III) adsorption occurs via electrostatic interaction, ligand coordination, and structural stabilization by the siloxane network. The material maintained good adsorption performance over three regeneration cycles, indicating potential for reuse. These findings suggest that CS/(H-CGCS)-Ga-IIP is a promising candidate for the sustainable recovery of gallium from complex alkaline waste streams such as Bayer process residues. Full article

This article presents the potential use of a humic agent called ‘Superhumate’, obtained from weathered coal from the Shubarkol deposit in Kazakhstan. The experiment was conducted using model solutions and surface mine water samples from the “Degelen” site at the Semipalatinsk Test Site. The adsorption of heavy metals and toxic elements using the “Superhumate” agent was carried out under dynamic conditions using a chromatographic column. Tests were conducted at a natural pH range of 5–8 (mine waters) and with a model solution at pH 1.7. Assessing the sorption efficiency of this preparation revealed that at pH 1.7, the agent does not adsorb elements such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Under dynamic experimental conditions, using the preparation for mine waters at natural pH levels (pH 5–8), elements such as Be, Sr, Mo, Cd, Cs, Zn, and U were efficiently adsorbed at levels of 60–95%. The sorption efficiency of Pb ions was found to be almost independent of pH. The experimental results obtained with mine water samples indicate that alkaline solutions have the highest sorption efficiency, with pH ≥ 7, which is attributed to the solubility of the agent. Full article

High-frequency (h. f.) harmonic distortion (HD) of advanced SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT)-based power cells (PwCs), featuring optimized metallization interconnections between individual HBTs, was investigated. Single tone input power (P_in) excitations at 1, 2, 5, and 10 GHz frequencies were employed. The output power (P_out) of the fundamental tone and its harmonics were analyzed in both the frequency and time domains. A rapid increase in the third harmonic of P_out was observed at input powers exceeding −8 dBm for a fundamental frequency of 10 GHz in two different PwC technologies. This increase in the third harmonic was analyzed in terms of nonlinear current waveforms, the nonlinearity of the HBT p-n junction diffusion capacitances, substrate current behavior versus P_in, and avalanche multiplication current. To assess the RF power performance of the PwCs, scalar and vectorial load-pull (LP) measurements were conducted and analyzed. Under matched conditions, the SiGe PwCs demonstrated good linearity, particularly at high frequencies. The key power performance of the PwCs was measured and simulated as follows: input power 1 dB compression point (P_{in_1dB}) of −3 dBm, transducer power gain (G_T) of 15 dB, and power added efficiency (PAE) of 50% at 30 GHz. All measured data were corroborated with simulations using the compact model HiCuM L2. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent changes in obstetric practices and population demographics have prompted a re-evaluation of labor patterns. This study aimed to characterize labor patterns in a Greek pregnant population using ultrasound and compare them with established labor curves. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, over a two-year period (December 2022 to June 2024). Transabdominal ultrasound was used to determine the fetal head position and transperineal ultrasound was used to measure angle of progression (AoP) and head–perineum distance (HPD) during labor. Maternal and labor characteristics, including body mass index (BMI), parity, labor duration, and mode of delivery, were recorded. Statistical analysis included mixed linear models to assess the relationship between AoP, HPD, and cervical dilatation. Results: In total, 500 parturients were included in this study. Women entered the active phase of labor approximately 5 h before delivery, with AoP increasing sharply and HPD decreasing rapidly at this point. Cesarean section (CS) cases showed a slower increase in AoP compared to vaginal deliveries (VDs), with CS cases having a mean AoP of 117.9° (95% CI: 111.6–124.2°) at full dilation, compared to 133.4° (95% CI: 130.6–136.2°) in VD. HPD values declined more slowly in CS cases, with a mean HPD of 45.1 mm (95% CI: 40.6–49.6 mm) at full dilation, compared to 36.4 mm (95% CI: 34.3–38.5 mm) in VD. Epidural analgesia was associated with steeper increases in AoP and decreases in HPD in the final 2.5 h before delivery, while oxytocin administration accelerated these changes in the last 3–4 h. The mean time to delivery was 3.19 h (95% CI: 2.80–3.59 h) when AoP reached 125° and 3.92 h when HPD was 40 mm (95% CI: 3.53–4.30 h). BMI in women who gave birth via CS was significantly higher compared to VD (32.03 vs. 29.94 kg/m², p-value: 0.008), and the total duration of labor was shorter in VD compared to CS and operative vaginal delivery (OVD) (8 h vs. 15 h, p-value < 0.001 and 8 h vs. 12 h, p-value < 0.001, respectively). Birthweight was also lower in VD compared to CS (3103.09 g vs. 3267.88 g, p-value: 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides the first ultrasonographic characterization of labor patterns in a Greek population, highlighting the utility of ultrasound in objectively assessing labor progression. Full article

Background: Chitosan (CS) crosslinked with genipin (GNP) provides a mild, non-toxic route to generate nanogels (NGs) with enhanced integrity and colloidal stability. Objectives: To develop and characterise CS-GNP NG as a novel platform for targeted cellular delivery, optimising design through physicochemical characterisation and biocompatibility evaluation. Methods: NGs were synthesised under optimised conditions by adjusting the pH of the CS solution, followed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) to achieve disaggregation. Physicochemical characterisation was carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Rheological studies and SAXS analysis assessed structural properties. Biocompatibility was evaluated via MTT assay, and internalisation was monitored by fluorescence microscopy on mammalian cell lines. Results: NG formation was highly pH-dependent, with optimal configuration at pH 4.5, yielding stable, uniformly sized particles (~200 nm, ζ-potential +29 mV). Kinetic modelling showed a sigmoidal formation pattern, suggesting nucleation, growth, and stabilisation. FTIR confirmed covalent bonding between CS and GNP via primary amide bonds and Schiff bases. Rheology indicated pseudoplastic behaviour, and SAXS revealed a compact network formation. Biocompatibility assays confirmed non-cytotoxicity below 100 µg/mL and efficient cellular uptake. Conclusions: This study presents a rapid, reproducible protocol for generating colloidally stable, biocompatible NGs suitable for drug delivery. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disorder, and conventional oral berberine (BBR) suffers from poor colonic targeting. This study aimed to develop a colon-targeted microparticle system (BBR-ES MPs) based on chitosan (CS) and Eudragit S-100 to enhance BBR delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy in UC. Methods: BBR-CS nanocarriers were prepared via ionotropic gelation and coated with Eudragit S-100 to form pH/enzyme dual-responsive MPs. Colon-targeting performance was validated through in vitro release assays. SPF-grade male KM mice (Ethics Approval No.: JMSU-2021090301) with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC were divided into normal, model, BBR, and BBR-ES MPs groups. Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated by monitoring body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity via ELISA. Gut microbiota diversity was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: BBR-ES MP treatment significantly reduced DAI scores (p < 0.01), restored colon length, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α; p < 0.05), and upregulated anti-inflammatory IL-10. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio, which decreased in the model group, was restored post-treatment, with alpha/beta diversity approaching normal levels. BBR-ES MPs outperformed free BBR at equivalent doses. Conclusion: BBR-ES MPs achieved colon-targeted drug delivery via pH/enzyme dual-responsive mechanisms, effectively alleviating UC inflammation and modulating gut dysbiosis, offering a safe and precise therapeutic strategy for UC management. Full article

Considering the implications for the environment and human health, oil-contaminated soil generated in the petroleum industry requires treatment. Chemical cleaning represents an effective treatment approach for oil-contaminated soil and has attracted considerable attention. In this study, sodium d-gluconate (C₆H₁₁NaO₇), trisodium citrate (C₆H₅Na₃O₇), and L-arginine (C₆H₁₄N₄O₂) were employed as detergents to remove oil from oily sludge. The impacts of sludge (solid) concentration (C_S), types of detergents, temperature (T), and pH value on the deoiling efficiency (D_e) were systematically investigated. The results indicated that at a given detergent concentration (C_DG) and C_S, D_e followed the order C₆H₁₁NaO₇ > C₆H₅Na₃O₇ > C₆H₁₄N₄O₂. When C_S was 3.86 g·L⁻¹ and C_DG was 10.0 g·L⁻¹, sodium d-gluconate achieved a maximum D_e of approximately 85%. Additionally, at a fixed C_S, D_e decreased as the pH value increased, while it increased with increasing temperature. Interestingly, during the deoiling equilibrium, an obvious “solid effect” (or C_S−effect) was observed. The “solid effect” refers to the phenomenon where the oil distribution coefficient (K_D) changes with an increase in C_S. The observed C_S effect was described using the surface component activity (SCA) model. The values of the intrinsic distribution coefficient ($K_D^0$) and C_S−effect constant (γ), which are the model parameters of the SCA model, were derived from three detergent−sludge systems under different temperatures (T) and pH values. The strength of the C_S effect (or γ value) was found to be independent of detergent type and increased as T and pH value increased. This study broadens the application range of the SCA model and contributes to a deeper understanding of the adsorption and desorption behavior of oil droplets at the solid−liquid interface. Full article

Critical speed (CS), the respiratory compensation point (RCP), and the midpoint between gas exchange threshold and maxial oxygen uptake (VO_2max) (i.e., 50%Δ) have been considered indexes able to demarcate the boundary between the heavy and severe exercise domains. However, the agreement between these indexes—and therefore the validity of using them reciprocally—remains to be reported in running. The current study analyzed the agreement between RCP, 50%Δ, and CS. Twelve young runners performed an incremental test to assess VO_2max, RCP, and 50%Δ, with CS estimated by the linear model of time-limited trials at 90, 95, and 110% of the speed corresponding to VO₂max. One-way ANOVA showed no differences when comparing VO₂ and running speed at CS vs. 50%Δ vs. RCP (47.5 ± 4.4 vs. 46.6 ± 4.4 vs. 47.8 ± 4.5 mLO₂∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹; and 13.9 ± 1.3 vs. 13.7 ± 1.3 vs. 14.0 ± 1.4 km∙h⁻¹; p > 0.05 for all comparisons). The bias for 50%Δ vs. CS was −0.82 ± 1.55 mLO₂∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹ and −0.23 ± 0.55 km∙h⁻¹, and for RCP vs. CS, it was 0.36 ± 1.21 mLO₂∙kg⁻¹∙min⁻¹ and 0.05 ± 0.46 km∙h⁻¹. Therefore, the agreement between RCP, 50%Δ, and CS in estimating VO₂ responses and running speed did not preclude their reciprocal similarity in exercise intensity, although the observed individual variability in physiological variables is a constraint on considering these indexes interchangeable. Full article

We performed the microscopic calculation of $\beta$-decay properties for waiting-point nuclei with neutron-closed magic shells. Allowed Gamow–Teller (GT) and first-forbidden (FF) transitions were simulated using a schematic model (SM) for waiting-point N = $50,82$ isotopes in the framework of a proton–neutron quasiparticle random phase approximation ($pn$-QRPA). The Woods–Saxon (WS) potential basis was used in our calculations. The $pn$-QRPA equations of allowed (GT) and (FF) transitions were utilized in both the particle–hole ($ph$) and particle–particle ($pp$) channels in the SM. We solved the secular equations of the GT and FF transitions for eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the corresponding Hamiltonians. A spherical shape was assigned to each waiting-point nucleus in all simulations. Significantly, this study marks the first time that $\beta$-decay analysis has been applied to certain nuclei, including ⁸²Ge₅₀, ⁸³As₅₀, ⁸⁴Se₅₀, ⁸⁵Br₅₀ and ⁸⁷Rb₅₀ with $N=50$ isotones, and ¹³²Sn₈₂, ¹³³Sb₈₂, ¹³⁴Te₈₂, ¹³⁵I₈₂ and ¹³⁷Cs₈₂ with $N=82$ isotones. Since there is no prior theoretical research on these nuclei, this work is a unique addition to the field. We compared our results with the previous calculations and measured data, and our calculations agree with the experimental data and the other theoretical results. Full article

This study investigated the effectiveness of a ligand known as (2-Mercapyo-phenylimino)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one-based ligand, in removing stable/radioactive cesium and cobalt from contaminated wastewater. Several parameters, such as contact duration, temperature, adsorbent quantity, pH of the medium, and concentration of adsorbate, have been investigated as primary active parameters impacting the adsorption process. Regarding the stable isotopes, the concentrations of Co²⁺ and Cs⁺ were measured before and after the treatment processes using the Optical Emissions Spectroscopy with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP-OES) technique. Additionally, kinetic and equilibrium isotherm models were applied to understand the equilibrium data. Both Cs⁺ and Co²⁺ were ideally eliminated after 120 and 60 min, respectively. The optimal pH for Cs⁺ was 6.3, while that for Co²⁺ was 5. The results indicate that the adsorption process is endothermic for Co²⁺ and exothermic for Cs⁺. Three thermodynamic parameters (∆G°, ∆H°, and ∆S°) were calculated. The reported R² values for the Freundlich and Langmuir models showed that the adsorption process for Cs⁺ and Co²⁺ always followed these isotherms, regardless of the temperature used. For Cs⁺, the maximum single-layer capacity (q_max) was 15.10 mg g⁻¹, while for Co²⁺, it was 62.11 mg g⁻¹. When the aqueous medium was spiked with both radioisotopes individually, the elimination of ⁶⁰Co and ¹³⁴Cs achieved maximum values of 99 and 86%, respectively, within 120 min. It can be concluded that the ligand effectively removed cobalt and cesium from wastewater, with higher adsorption for cobalt. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems improve pharmacokinetic aspects, including controlled release and drug targeting, increasing therapeutic efficacy, and reducing toxicity in conventional colon cancer treatment. The superparamagnetism of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) appears to be a potential alternative for magnetothermal therapy, inducing tumor cell death by an external magnetic field. Therefore, this study aimed to develop chitosan (CS) and folate-chitosan (FA-CS)-coated MNP to improve the stability and targeting of the system for quercetin (Q) delivery. Methods: After FA-CS synthesis and 3² factorial design, polymer-functionalized MNPs were produced for quercetin loading, characterized, and evaluated by drug dissolution and cytotoxicity assay. Results: The factorial design indicated the positive influence of CS on MNPs’ Zeta potential, followed by the CS–temperature interaction. Optimized formulations had hydrodynamic diameters of 122.32 ± 8.56 nm, Zeta potentials of +30.78 ± 0.8 mV, and loading efficiencies of 80.45% (MNP-CS-Q) and 54.4% (MNP-FA-CS-Q). The 24 h drug release was controlled in MNP-CS-Q (up to 6.4%) and MNP-FA-CS-Q (up to 7.7%) in a simulated tumor medium, with Fickian diffusion release mechanism correlated to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R > 0.99). The cytotoxicity assay in HCT-116 showed a higher (p < 0.001) dose-dependent antitumor effect of quercetin-loaded MNP compared to free drug, with IC50s of 1.46 (MNP-CS) and 1.30 µg·mL⁻¹ (MNP-FA-CS). Conclusions: Therefore, this study contributes to the development of biomedical nanotechnology and the magnetic debate by highlighting the antitumor potential of quercetin magnetic nanoparticles. The experimental design allows the discussion of critical manufacturing variables and the determination of optimal parameters for the formulations. Full article

Corozo (Bactris guineensis H.E. Moore) is a fruit from the Colombian Caribbean region valued for its thermostable anthocyanins, which are responsible for its characteristic reddish colour. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, structural, and functional properties for an intelligent and biodegradable film design based on a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) matrix incorporating a Corozo extract rich in anthocyanins, with potential applications in food packaging. Anthocyanins were extracted from Corozo fruit and evaluated throughout a central composite design (CCD) for the effects of three variables—extraction time (t), temperature (T), and solvent concentration (CS). A quadratic model (R² = 0.9586) demonstrated that the exocarp (peel) was the most effective source of anthocyanins. The best conditions were a 1:16.66 solid-to-solvent ratio at 50 °C for 75 min, yielding 38.65 mg EC₃G/L. PVOH films were formulated using Corozo anthocyanin extract (CAE), which was characterised for the total anthocyanin content. Characterisation of the films revealed that the incorporation of Corozo-derived phenolic compounds did not cause significant (p < 0.05) changes in structural or water interaction properties compared to those of the control sample. Full article

The human choroid plexus (CP) is the location of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB). Whereas the epithelial cells of the CP mainly contribute to the formation of the BCSFB, the vessels of the CP are built by fenestrated endothelial cells. Still, the CP endothelium can contribute to barrier function. By ectopic expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in primary human CP endothelial cells (HCPEnCs), we recently generated and characterized immortalized HCPEnCs (iHCPEnCs). Here, we compared primary cells of the sixth passage (HCPEnCs p6) with a lower (p20) and a higher passage (p50) of iHCPEnCs by transcriptome analysis. A high concordance of HCPEnCs and both passages of iHCPEnCs was observed, as only small proportions of the transcripts examined were significantly altered. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and assigned to potentially affected biological processes by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Various components of the endothelial barrier-relevant Wnt signaling were detected in HCPEnCs and iHCPEnCs. Functional analysis of HCPEnCs and iHCPEnCs showed equal marginal activation of Wnt signaling, supporting the downregulation of β-catenin (CTNNB) signaling in CP endothelial cells, and a contribution to the barrier function by the CP endothelium was retained until passage 100 (p100) of iHCPEnCs. Overall, our data support the suitability of iHCPEnCs as an in vitro model of the CP endothelium over extended passages. Full article

Coccidiosis in chickens is a parasitic disease caused by Eimeria species, resulting in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. Among these species, Eimeria tenella is considered the most virulent pathogen, with its infection strongly associated with the apoptotic response of host cells. Eimeria tenella modulates host cell apoptosis in a stage-specific manner, suppressing apoptosis in the early phase to promote its intracellular development and triggering apoptosis in later stages to facilitate parasite egress and disease progression. This study established an in vitro infection model using 60 fifteen-day-old chick embryo cecal epithelial cells and infecting the cells with Eimeria tenella sporozoites at a 1:1 ratio of host cells to sporozoites. The aim was to examine the relationship between parasitic infection and the apoptotic response of host cells in the chick embryo cecal epithelial cells infected with E. tenella. The roles of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and cytochrome c in intrinsic apoptosis were examined through the application of cyclosporine A (CsA), N, N, N’, N’-tetramethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine (TMPD), and ascorbate (Asc). TUNEL staining, ELISA, and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate apoptotic rates. CsA, TMPD, and Asc significantly (p < 0.01) decreased cytochrome c release, caspase-9 activation, and apoptotic rates from 24 to 120 h post-E. tenella infection. These findings highlight the significance of cytochrome c-mediated, mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways in parasitized chick embryo cecal epithelial cells. Full article

This study explores the purification, characterization, and application of laccases from Trametes hirsuta CS5 for degrading synthetic dyes as models of emerging contaminants. Purification involved ion exchange chromatography, molecular exclusion, and chromatofocusing, identifying th ree laccase isoforms: ThIa, ThIb, and ThII. Characterization included determining pH and temperature stability, kinetic parameters (K_m, K_cat), and inhibition constants (K_i) for inhibitors like NaN₃, SDS, TGA, EDTA, and DMSO, using 2,6-DMP and guaiacol as substrates. ThII exhibited the highest catalytic efficiency, with the lowest K_m and highest K_cat. Optimal activity was observed at pH 3.5 and 55 °C. Decolorization tests with nine dyes showed that ThII and ThIa were particularly effective against Acid Red 44, Orange II, Indigo Blue, Brilliant Blue R, and Remazol Brilliant Blue R. ThIb displayed higher activity towards Crystal Violet and Acid Green 27. Among substrates, guaiacol showed the highest K_cat, while 2,6-DMP was preferred overall. Inhibitor studies revealed NaN₃ as the most potent inhibitor. These results demonstrate the significant potential of T. hirsuta CS5 laccases, especially ThIa and ThII, as biocatalysts for degrading synthetic dyes and other xenobiotics. Their efficiency and stability under acidic and moderate temperature conditions position them as promising tools for sustainable wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. Full article