Search Results (8,248)

Background: Calcium phosphate (CaP)-based materials are widely used for bone defect repair, but their clinical utility is often limited by insufficient antibacterial activity and a lack of controlled drug-release capability. To address this gap, the present study investigates whether silver doping can simultaneously enhance the microstructural properties of mesoporous CaP and modulate its capacity to deliver amoxicillin in a controlled manner, thereby combining osteoconductive, antibacterial, and antibiotic-delivery functions in a single platform. Methods: Mesoporous CaP was synthesized via the polymer sacrificial method and doped with silver at two concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 wt%), both with and without amoxicillin loading, to isolate the individual and combined effects of silver and antibiotic incorporation. The resulting formulations were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and BET to establish structure–property relationships linking silver content to physicochemical and microstructural features, while their functional performance was assessed through amoxicillin release in PBS over 672 h and through biocompatibility testing on MG-63 osteosarcoma cells via MTT assay at 48, 72, and 120 h. Results: Silver incorporation was found to improve the microstructural properties of the mesoporous CaP and to progressively reduce cumulative amoxicillin release, from approximately 45% in undoped CaP to about 20% at the highest silver content, indicating that silver doping enables tunable, sustained drug release. This modulation of release was accompanied by a favorable biological profile: at 48 h, most formulations showed only moderate effects on MG-63 viability, with comparable IC₅₀ values across groups, while cytotoxicity declined and cell viability increased with longer incubation, reaching the highest proliferation at 120 h for all silver/amoxicillin-containing formulations. Conclusions: Together, these results demonstrate that silver doping does not compromise, and may enhance, the biocompatibility of mesoporous CaP even as it extends antibiotic release. This combination of tunable drug delivery, improved microstructure, and time-dependent biocompatibility positions silver-doped mesoporous CaP as a promising multifunctional platform for antibiotic delivery in bone regenerative medicine. Full article

Phosphate concentrations in agricultural drainage water frequently exceed those observed in municipal wastewater and, when discharged directly into river systems, pose a significant risk to their ecological status and potential. Developing cost-effective and scalable solutions for phosphate interception at the source is therefore essential for achieving the water quality goals outlined in environmental sustainability frameworks. This study evaluated the phosphate removal capacity of calcium hydroxide-modified metakaolin-based reactive materials as a sustainable approach to limiting agricultural nutrient loads entering river ecosystems. Two synthesis methods were compared: a fusion method and a low-temperature method. The resulting materials—metakaolin (M), low-temperature synthesized metakaolin (MLT), and Ca(OH)₂-modified low-temperature metakaolin (CaMLT)—were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), textural property analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Phosphate removal performance was evaluated in batch experiments under varying reactive material dosages (2.5–10.0 g·L⁻¹), initial phosphate concentrations (1.0–7.0 mg·L⁻¹), and contact times (1–144 h). The CaMLT material achieved the highest phosphate removal efficiency of 56% at a phosphate concentration of 1.0 mg·L⁻¹, a dose of 10.0 g·L⁻¹, and a contact time of 144 h. At higher phosphate concentrations (3.0 and 7.0 mg·L⁻¹), removal efficiencies decreased to 23% and 21%, respectively, under the same experimental conditions. The results were benchmarked against data reported in the literature. The findings indicate that low-temperature synthesized metakaolin modified with calcium hydroxide demonstrates potential as a reactive material for phosphate capture in agricultural drainage systems, offering a promising pathway toward more sustainable water resource management and freshwater ecosystem protection. Full article

Salvia guaranitica A.St.-Hil. Ex Benth. (Lamiaceae) is native from South America, traditionally used for releasing tension and treating gastrointestinal cramps. It was evaluated for the presence of flavonoids and isoflavones in the extract, and the hypothesis of being cardioprotective under ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), antidiarrheal, antispasmodic and anxyolitic in respective models. For phytochemistry, GC-MS and HPLC-DAD methodologies were used. Cardiac performance after subchronic oral administration of S. guaranitica tincture (S.g-T, 0.95 mg extract/mL) was evaluated in rat isolated perfused hearts exposed to I/R, and mechanisms were characterized. Antispasmodic effects of S.g-T were evaluated on contractile concentration–response curves (CRCs) of carbachol (CCh) and calcium (Ca²⁺) in rat isolated intestinal tissue. In vivo tests of ricin-oil diarrhea models, open-field (OFT), novel-suppressed feeding (NFT) and tail suspension (TST) tests were performed on mice. Phenolic acids, genistin, luteolin, kaempferol and quercetin glycosides, genins, loliolide, dodecane, farnesene, phytol and isochiapin B were identified. Post-ischemic cardiac recovery was improved by S.g.-T, associated to activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and β-estrogenic receptor. S.g.-T also induced antispasmodic effects, as a non-competitive inhibitor of the CCh-CRC and Ca²⁺-CRC in the intestine. In vivo, S.g.-T showed antidiarrheal activity (95 mg extract/kg) and anxiolytic-like effects (0.95–9.5 mg extract/kg) without sedation or antidepressant-like effects. Therefore, S. guaranitica leaves have potential therapeutic cardioprotective, antidiarrheal, antispasmodic and anxiolytic effects. Full article

The Shangri-La area lies within the Yunnan-Tibet geothermal belt, characterized by intense tectonic activity and abundant geothermal resource potential. However, existing studies have largely focused on individual hot springs, and a regional scale understanding of geothermal geology and fluid circulation mechanisms remains lacking. This study systematically elucidates the geological setting, hydrogeological characteristics, circulation mechanisms, and resource potential of the geothermal systems by integrating hydrogeological surveys with hydro chemical and isotopic analyses. The results indicate that the Zhongxiao Fault Zone and its associated secondary structures are the primary controllers of geothermal water distribution, serving as both thermal conduits and hydrogeological boundaries. The primary heat source is attributed to the natural geothermal gradient, supplemented by additional contributions from magmatic activity. The geothermal waters are classified as Na-HCO₃ or Ca-HCO₃ types and are notably rich in fluoride. The mean values of δD and δ¹⁸O for geothermal water were −127.86‰ and −15.53‰, respectively, exhibiting isotopic depletion compared with non-thermal water. The geothermal water samples plot near both the Global and Local Meteoric Water Lines while exhibiting a distinct mean ¹⁸O shift of +1.24‰, indicating that the systems are recharged by atmospheric precipitation and have subsequently undergone intense water–rock interaction. Analysis using the Na-K-Mg triangle diagram reveals that most geothermal water samples are immature waters. Thus, the quartz geothermometer provides more reliable estimates of reservoir temperatures. Calculations yield reservoir temperatures ranging from 70 °C to 123 °C, characterizing the system as a medium-to-low temperature resource. With an annual exploitable energy of 5.9 × 10¹⁴ J and high fluoride content, these resources can offer substantial potential for clean energy and balneotherapy. Full article

The proposed work assesses the potential of Paulownia leaf-derived materials as sustainable adsorbents for the efficient removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. Raw Paulownia leaf biomass (PL), biochar obtained by pyrolysis at 400 °C (BC), and (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)-functionalized oxidized biochar (APTES-OBC) were prepared. Their physicochemical properties were characterized using SEM/EDS and FTIR, and their Pb(II) adsorption performances were comprehensively investigated through pH-dependent, adsorbent dosage, kinetic, isotherm, thermodynamic, and ion-exchange studies and compared. The obtained results showed that APTES functionalization significantly improved Pb(II) adsorption performance, with adsorption capacities following the order APTES-OBC (291.86 mg/g) > BC (121.82 mg/g) > PL (104.29 mg/g). The Sips isotherm best described Pb(II) adsorption on the carbonized adsorbents, indicating heterogeneous adsorption, whereas the Redlich-Peterson isotherm model showed the best agreement with Pb(II) adsorption on the PL. The adsorption kinetics were most accurately represented by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemisorption-related interactions played a dominant role during Pb(II) uptake. Diffusion studies revealed a three-stage adsorption mechanism. Ion-exchange experiments confirmed the release of Ca²⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺ ions, indicating that ion exchange contributes to the Pb(II) adsorption mechanism. However, the lower release of these ions from APTES-OBC, despite its superior adsorption capacity, indicates that Pb(II) removal is predominantly governed by surface complexation and coordination with amino-functionalized silane groups following APTES functionalization. Overall, the findings highlight a sustainable approach for the valorization of Paulownia leaf waste into efficient and environmentally safe adsorbents for heavy metal elimination from water systems. Full article

The nutritional composition of Elaeagnus angustifolia fruits from the Alxa Region, China, remains poorly understood. To address this gap, E. angustifolia fruits were collected from four sites (Tonggunaoer, Barunbieli, Chaertan, Jilantai) in the Alxa Region, Inner Mongolia. Morphological traits, basic nutrients (protein, fat, soluble sugar, titratable acid, crude fiber), mineral elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn), and bioactive compounds (tannin, total flavonoids) were analyzed using standard methods. Significant geographic variation was observed. Chaertan fruits were the smallest (0.42 g), while Jilantai had the highest protein (7.49%). Barunbieli had the highest Ca (1721.20 μg/g), Fe (36.31 μg/g), and Zn (4.38 μg/g). Correlation analysis revealed a trade-off between organic nutrients and mineral elements (particularly Mg, Ca, Mn, and Cu) in larger fruits, and principal component analysis (PCA) explained 72.59% of the total variance. These preliminary findings provide a basis for germplasm conservation and functional food development of E. angustifolia. Full article

Efficient rooting is essential for the propagation of grape rootstocks. This study aimed to identify an effective rooting formulation for hardwood cuttings and to investigate its underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. Seven grape rootstocks were treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) combined with melatonin (MLT) or citric acid (CA), with IBA plus naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and water serving as controls. Rooting performance was comprehensively evaluated using morphological traits, physiological characteristics, endogenous hormone contents, and transcriptome analysis. Among all treatments, 400 mg/L IBA combined with 1.2 mM MLT exhibited the best rooting performance. This treatment significantly enhanced root activity, soluble sugar, and soluble protein contents. It also increased IAA and GA₃ levels and improved the IAA/ABA and GA₃/ABA ratios compared with the controls. Transcriptome analysis of ‘110R’ revealed that MLT-responsive genes were mainly enriched in plant–pathogen interaction, hormone signal transduction, and MAPK signaling pathways. Transcription factor families including MYB, ERF, and NAC were identified as potential regulators. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that IBA–MLT combined application promotes rooting by regulating physiological metabolism, hormone balance, and gene expression, providing a theoretical basis for improving grape propagation efficiency. Full article

Ciprofloxacin (CPX) has been associated with neuropsychiatric adverse effects; however, its contribution to depression-like behaviors and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain insufficiently characterized. Previous studies have indicated that cinnamic acid (CA) may exert protective actions in the nervous system by modulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Nevertheless, its effectiveness in preventing CPX-induced neurobehavioral impairments remains largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate whether CA attenuates CPX-induced depression-like behaviors through modulation of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study included 60 male Swiss albino mice distributed among six experimental groups (n = 10). Animals were assigned to receive a vehicle, CPX administered at 80 mg/kg, CPX combined with CA at doses of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, or CPX together with FLX (20 mg/kg) throughout the 14-day treatment period. Behavioral alterations were assessed using social interaction, forced swimming, tail suspension, and sucrose preference paradigms. In addition, hippocampal and prefrontal cortex tissues were examined for oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, and CAT), pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), and neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and GABA) using ELISA-based assays. CPX administration induced significant depression-like behaviors, evidenced by reduced social interaction, increased immobility, and anhedonia (p < 0.05). These behavioral alterations were associated with increased lipid peroxidation, impaired antioxidant defense, elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and decreased monoaminergic and GABAergic neurotransmission in both HIP and PFC regions. CA treatment significantly improved CPX-induced behavioral and neurochemical alterations. Among the tested doses, the 100 mg/kg regimen produced the most consistent response, accompanied by reduced neuroinflammatory activity and restoration of neurotransmitter levels, particularly in the hippocampus. In conclusion, CA mitigated CPX-induced behavioral deficits and neurochemical alterations, an effect that may be attributed to its regulatory influence on oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory processes, and neurotransmitter balance within the HIP–PFC pathway. Collectively, the findings indicate that CA may have therapeutic relevance in reducing the neuropsychiatric consequences associated with CPX exposure. Full article

To reveal the influence of pulsed current density on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr rare-earth magnesium alloy wires, extruded Mg-10Gd-3.4Y-1.3Zn-0.4Zr alloy wire was selected as the research material. By regulating the current density in the range of 12–20 A/mm², the effects on temperature rise behavior, microstructural evolution, and mechanical properties were systematically investigated. The results show that as the current density increases from 12 A/mm² to 20 A/mm², the measured surface peak temperature rises from 207 °C to 497 °C, and the mechanical properties among the electropulsing-treated samples exhibit a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Among these treated samples, the optimal combination of strength and ductility is achieved at a current density of 15 A/mm², at which the tensile strength and elongation reach 312.2 MPa and 13.6%, respectively. Microstructural analysis indicates that appropriate pulsed electrical parameters promote the dissolution, fragmentation, and homogenized dispersion of block-shaped long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases, thereby optimizing the internal strain state and facilitating the activation of non-basal <c+a> slip. However, when the current density increases to 20 A/mm², excessive thermal input leads to grain coarsening and a network-like W-phase precipitation, indicating that excessive energy input can lead to microstructural instability and mechanical degradation. Full article

The dewatering of cyanobacteria-laden sludge remains a challenge. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) mainly consist of polysaccharides and proteins, which form a stable gel network with water through hydrogen bonding and other interactions. To address this bottleneck, a low-voltage (5 V) electrochlorination system was constructed, employing a Ti/IrO₂/RuO₂ electrode as the anode, iron as the cathode, and calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl₂·2H₂O) as the electrolyte. The results showed that the active chlorine generated during electrolysis degraded the highly water-retentive loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS), converting them into low-viscosity, easily removable soluble EPS (S-EPS). Moreover, the total contents of polysaccharides and proteins in EPS decreased. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that in the EPS of the algal sludge, the relative proportion of humic-like substances increased, while that of protein-like products decreased. At a CaCl₂·2H₂O dosage of 1 g/L, the dewatering performance of the algal sludge was significantly improved: the capillary suction time (CST) of the algal suspension decreased from 10.30 ± 0.1 s to 4.1 ± 0.05 s, the proportion of bound water decreased from 43.5% to 9.8%, and the cake solids content increased to 9.48%. The residual water quality of this process was also favorable, with total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations stabilized at 0.166 ± 0.040 mg/L and 9.0 ± 1.1 mg/L, respectively. Therefore, this study provides an efficient, low-energy electrochemical pretreatment strategy to overcome the dewatering bottleneck in cyanobacteria-laden sludge, thereby reducing the treatment load and cost of downstream mechanical dewatering. Full article

Rice protein peptides, abundant byproducts of rice processing, represent a sustainable source for developing novel nutritional delivery systems. To address the low bioavailability of traditional calcium supplements, this study aimed to fabricate a high-performance calcium-chelating complex (RPP-Ca) and elucidate its functional mechanism. The synthesis process was systematically optimized, yielding a maximum calcium-binding capacity of 93.98 ± 1.99 mg/g under optimal conditions (pH 10, 70 °C, 50 min reaction time, peptide-to-calcium mass ratio of 2:1). Physicochemical characterization utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed successful chelation, revealing significant microstructural reorganization and enhanced thermal stability compared to native peptides. Functional validation via in vitro Caco-2 cell models and in vivo calcium-deficient mouse models demonstrated that RPP-Ca significantly promotes intestinal calcium absorption and osteogenesis. Mechanistically, these effects were mediated through the activation of the TRPV6-Calbindin9k signaling axis. These findings underscore the potential of industrial rice protein peptides as an effective and bioavailable calcium fortification ingredient, providing a theoretical basis for the high-value utilization of rice byproducts in functional foods. Full article

Hydroponic and soilless systems are increasingly adopted as low-cost, sustainable solutions for global food production, yet they remain highly susceptible to contamination by potential toxic elements (PTEs), particularly arsenic. While biochar is widely recognized as an effective amendment for mitigating PTE contamination in soil-based systems, its ability to alleviate PTE stress in hydroponic environments has been largely overlooked. The gap reveals a critical and underexplored frontier in controlled-environment agriculture, where extending biochar-based mitigation strategies could yield substantial benefits. Here, we evaluated whether Acacia auriculiformis wood biochar could alleviate arsenic (As) toxicity in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) grown in a continuous-flow hydroponic system. Using a completely randomized factorial design (arsenic species × dose × biochar) with three independent replicates per treatment, we tested biochar under 0.2 and 0.8 mg/L of As(III) and As(V). Arsenic significantly (p < 0.05) reduced lettuce growth, with As(III) being more toxic than As(V). Biochar significantly (p < 0.05) improved morphological traits (2.4–103%), cell membrane stability (5.5–12%), photosynthetic pigments (3–73%), and stress indicators proline (8–11%) and malondialdehyde (8–14%). Arsenic accumulated mainly in roots (1.7–2.63 mg/kg) and shoots (0.76–1.36 mg/kg), but biochar reduced accumulation by 28–47% in roots and 33–48% in shoots. Additionally, biochar enhanced nutrient uptake (K, P, Ca, Mg, B, Zn, Cu, S, Mn) at both arsenic levels. Overall, the results indicate that Acacia biochar can substantially reduce arsenic toxicity and improve plant physiological responses in continuous-flow hydroponics, highlighting its promise as a viable and scalable mitigation tool for safeguarding soilless food production systems against PTE contamination. Full article

Atriplex halimus is a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes. This study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and anti-arthritic activities of the A. halimus aqueous extract (AHA). Anti-arthritic effects were investigated in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritic rats treated with AHA (150 or 300 mg/kg) for 21 days. AHA significantly reduced paw swelling and arthritis severity and improved body weight, while a non-significant reduction in spleen enlargement was observed. Hematological and biochemical parameters were restored toward normal values, indicating anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects. The extract also reduced oxidative stress by decreasing nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increasing glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity. Histopathological examination confirmed reduced inflammatory infiltration and protection against bone damage. Phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, consistent with its antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and o-phenanthroline assays. AHA also showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting bovine serum albumin denaturation. The extract induced a moderate concentration-dependent reduction in HeLa cell viability without cytotoxicity toward HaCaT cells. Comet assay results demonstrated DNA damage in HeLa cells at higher concentrations, while AHA significantly suppressed zymosan-induced IL-1β gene expression. These findings indicate that AHA is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. Full article

Groundwater resources in semi-arid regions are increasingly threatened by agricultural intensification, irrigation expansion, and climate variability. This study investigates the influence of irrigation practices on groundwater recharge and quality degradation in the semi-arid Regueb Basin, Central Tunisia, using an integrated framework combining hydrochemical analysis, irrigation water quality indices, GIS-based spatial modeling, and explainable machine learning (XAI). Thirty groundwater samples were analyzed for major physicochemical parameters and irrigation suitability indicators, including Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (%Na), and Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). Hydrochemical facies are dominated by Ca–Mg–Cl, Na–Cl, and Ca–Mg–SO₄ water types, reflecting the combined effects of evaporite dissolution, water–rock interaction, evaporation, and irrigation return flow. Groundwater salinity is generally high, with EC values ranging from 1490 to 8710 µS/cm, while nitrate concentrations frequently exceed the World Health Organization guideline value of 50 mg/L in intensively cultivated zones, indicating significant anthropogenic contamination linked to fertilizer leaching and irrigation practices. GIS-based recharge assessment indicates that irrigation return flow may represent an important component of effective recharge in cultivated areas under semi-arid conditions while simultaneously contributing to salinization and nutrient accumulation within the aquifer system. However, quantitative partitioning of recharge sources requires further investigation using tracer-based approaches and numerical modeling. More than 40% of groundwater samples were classified as unsuitable for irrigation because of elevated salinity and sodicity hazards. To explore the relationships among irrigation water quality indicators, several machine-learning algorithms were evaluated for IWQI estimation and interpretation. Linear Regression achieved the highest performance for IWQI estimation (R² = 0.9839), reflecting the strong internal relationships among irrigation water quality indicators. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis identified Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) as the most influential parameter controlling irrigation water quality. The results highlight the dual role of irrigation as both a recharge-enhancing mechanism and a driver of groundwater degradation. This study provides an integrated hydrochemical–GIS–XAI framework for identifying vulnerable zones and supporting sustainable groundwater management strategies in semi-arid agricultural regions. Full article

Fermented vegetable beverages are increasingly considered functional foods, yet the effect of fermentation and plant-based fortification on their mineral profile remains insufficiently described. This study aimed to evaluate the mineral composition of beetroot ferments enriched with parsley leaves, considering the technological form of the additive and fermentation time. Beetroot ferments were prepared without parsley addition (control) and with chopped or blended parsley leaves, and analyzed after 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of fermentation. The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were determined using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) after microwave-assisted digestion, and their contribution to dietary reference values was calculated. The results showed that potassium was the dominant macroelement, with the highest content observed in the sample with chopped parsley after 72 h. Parsley addition increased the levels of selected minerals, particularly Ca, Mg, and Mn, while Fe showed variable changes depending on fermentation time and parsley leaf form. Zinc showed the greatest variability during fermentation, while copper remained at relatively low levels. The findings indicate that parsley leaves can improve the mineral profile of beetroot ferments, and that fermentation time and additive fragmentation are important factors shaping their nutritional value. Full article