Search Results (13,215)

The DNA methyltransferases inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5AzC), clinically used to treat hematopoietic malignancies, can elevate genomic mutational burden, raising safety concerns. To define the epigenetic specificity and mutagenic consequences of 5AzC, we performed multi-omics analyses in Neurospora crassa. Our data showed that 5AzC caused a non-selective, genome-wide reduction in both 5-methylcytosine (5mC; ~50% decrease) and the heterochromatin mark H3K9me3 (~65% decrease), indicating broad off-target demethylation that may transiently benefit therapy yet compromise genome stability. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a ~290-fold increase in mutation rate under 5AzC, with a pronounced C->G transversion bias, a spectrum typically associated with higher functional burden. Strikingly, 5AzC-induced mutations were enriched in H3K9me3-marked domains, particularly pericentromeric regions characterized by low 5mC but high H3K9me3. Genetic analyses showed that the loss of DNA methyltransferase DIM-2 reduced 5AzC-induced mutations by ~64%, while individual or combined knockout of the histone methyltransferase DIM-5 with DIM-2 led to an 85% reduction. Thus, mutagenesis was markedly amplified by DIM-2 and DIM-5, with DIM-2 activity dependent on DIM-5. Collectively, DIM-2 and DIM-5 accounted for nearly all A/T-site and ~80% of G/C-site mutations. These results reveal that 5AzC drives genome-wide loss of 5mC and H3K9me3, with mutagenesis preferentially targeting H3K9me3-enriched regions via DIM-2 and DIM-5. This work clarifies a mechanistic basis for 5AzC-associated genomic risk and highlights strategies for next-generation epigenetic therapies that preserve heterochromatin integrity while minimizing mutational load. Full article

The development of sustainable encapsulation materials with tunable thermomechanical properties remains a critical challenge for photovoltaic reliability. Currently, the mainstream encapsulant for polycrystalline silicon solar cells is crosslinked EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), which complicates the end-of-life recycling and reuse of modules. There is an urgent need to develop a novel encapsulant that combines excellent barrier properties with thermoplastic recyclability. Herein, we report a novel series of thermally decomposable CO₂-based thermoplastic polyurethane (PPC-TE) films engineered through the rational design of soft and hard segments. Utilizing polycarbonate diol (PPCDL) and polyether glycol (PEG) as soft segments, we systematically tailor material properties by modulating PEG-to-PPCDL ratios (5–20 wt%) and PEG molecular weights (1000–4000 g/mol). The optimized PPC-TE films exhibit excellent transmittance (>90%), adjustable glass transition temperature (T_g: 35.1 °C~11.6 °C), and remarkable mechanical adaptability (51~92 HA). The PPC-TE films exhibit water vapor permeability (WVP) as low as 14.8 g·mm·m⁻²·day⁻¹ and oxygen permeability (OP) of 4.13 cc·mm·m⁻² day⁻¹ at 15 wt% PEG content, surpassing commercial ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) encapsulants. Notably, these films demonstrate fully thermal decomposition above 350 °C, facilitating eco-friendly photovoltaic device recycling. Superior adhesion to glass substrates is evidenced by peel strengths up to 37 N/cm (PPC-TE2000-20) and the shrinkage rate is as low as 3%. This work contributes to improving the long-term stability of solar cells and has the potential for large-scale production. Full article

Magnesium alloys are promising materials for orthopedic applications due to their biodegradability and mechanical properties compatible with bone. However, their rapid degradation in physiological environments limits clinical use. In this study, WE43B magnesium alloy was coated with a PEO layer followed by a P(L/G/TMC) polymer applied via ultrasonic spraying. The influence of polymer layer number (10, 20, 30) on coating properties was systematically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed an approximately fourfold reduction in porosity after polymer deposition, with progressive pore filling at higher layer numbers, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) mapping indicated uniform polymer coverage. Compared to PEO alone, polymer-modified samples exhibited an approximately 7-fold increase in water contact angle, a ~50% reduction in surface roughness, and improved adhesion. Degradation-related analyses, including ion release, post-immersion SEM, and scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), indicated that increasing polymer thickness effectively limited degradation processes. Ion release decreased by ~40–50% for the 30-layer coating compared to PEO, with the most pronounced reduction observed between the uncoated PEO and polymer-modified samples. These results demonstrate that the number of polymer layers plays a key role in controlling the barrier properties and stability of hybrid PEO/polymer coatings under simulated physiological conditions. Full article

Throughout this study, the short-term stability of methanol extracts was evaluated in cases of 15 distinctive, antioxidant-rich plant materials over 3, 7, and 14 days under refrigeration (4 °C), dark room-temperature, and light-exposed room-temperature conditions. A great variability in the matrix-dependent stability of the antioxidants, as well as the pronounced impact of the implied storage conditions on their plausible degradation, was revealed and featured. Initial total polyphenol content (TPC) ranged from 50.50 ± 0.44 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g DW (rosemary) to only 0.02 ± 0.006 mg GAE/g DW (amaranth). After 14 days, pigment-rich vegetable extracts (basil, beetroot powder, spinach powder, dried onion, tomato powder, and yarrow tail) lost 86.2–89.2% of TPC and 80–99% of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity across all conditions, even under refrigeration. In contrast, for Lamiaceae species, markedly higher levels of the referred parameters were to be observed after 14-day-long storage. Decrease in TPC values was found to be 43.7% (rosemary), 50.6% (thyme), and 42.9% (oregano), respectively, while DPPH values were reduced by only 17–29%. Turmeric and walnut flour showed intermediate stability. Refrigeration consistently minimized the degradation of antioxidants (e.g., rosemary’s decrease in DPPH was only 20.3% at 4 °C vs. >70% under ambient conditions), while light exposure significantly accelerated losses of antioxidants in nearly all samples. Methanol extracts of many dietary plants, particularly pigment-rich ones, exhibit rapid and pronounced changes during short-term storage. Comparison with values obtained immediately after extraction shows that even brief storage can lead to substantial deviations. Although the current sampling intervals do not capture changes within the first hours, the results clearly indicate the need to minimize delays and standardize analytical timing to avoid underestimating phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, these findings demonstrate that measured antioxidant properties are not solely inherent to the plant material but are strongly influenced by the extract matrix and methodological conditions. Consequently, antioxidant data should be regarded as matrix- and protocol-dependent, with important implications for their interpretation, comparability, and reproducibility across studies. Full article

Chlorothalonil is a widely used fungicide in agriculture, but its excessive application can lead to environmental contamination. This study investigated the biodegradation potential of Proteus terrae ZQ02 in free and immobilized forms. Under optimal conditions (37 °C, pH 7), free cells degraded 97.2–98.7% of chlorothalonil (50 mg/L) within seven days. Bacterial microcapsules were prepared using 3% sodium alginate, 2% calcium chloride, and 60 g/L wet biomass, with encapsulation times ranging from 6 to 12 h. The microcapsules displayed uniform size, high mechanical strength, porous structure, and excellent mass transfer, ensuring stable degradation activity. Encapsulated cells demonstrate enhanced tolerance to variations in pH, temperature, and salinity compared to free cells. In soil, microcapsules reduced chlorothalonil half-lives to 1.33–5.45 days for concentrations of 10–30 mg/L, achieving 92–96% degradation over 14–35 days. In tomato-planted soils, encapsulated and free cells degraded 96.3% and 81.6% of residues, respectively, after 28 days, significantly exceeding the control. These findings highlight that immobilization improves the stability, reusability, and efficiency of P. terrae ZQ02, making it a promising strategy for sustainable chlorothalonil biodegradation. The study demonstrates the potential of combining microbial strains with carrier materials for effective pesticide remediation and environmental protection, providing a foundation for large-scale applications in contaminated agroecosystems. Full article

With the constant development of new polymer chemistry technologies, it is necessary to find modern synthetic pathways for the synthesis of polymers bearing numerous applicable characteristics, in an easy, efficient and environmentally friendly way. One such possibility is to present the use of metathesis type reactions and more specifically ring-opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP), which provides the opportunity to produce linear unsaturated functionalised polymeric chains in a ‘living’ yet controlled manner with the use of ruthenium-based carbene (Ru=CHR) Grubbs’ catalysts (initiators: G1, G2, G3). In order to achieve satisfying results and obtain full conversion of the monomers, sterically hindered molecules are preferred, because the process of opening the ring results in simultaneous release of the energy that propagates the whole process. The incorporation of silicon-based substituents (such as silyl ethers) into the norbornene matrix can provide higher thermal stability of polymers, leading to the creation of flame-retardant materials. Other applications include gas separation membranes or biomedicine, upon further modification. This paper focusses on the development and optimisation of the synthetic method of previously not reported exo-norbornene silyl ethers along with their metathesis polymerisation to achieve linear unsaturated polymers with high isolation yields. Full article

Large steel frame support structures may encounter multiple-hazard coupling effects, such as earthquakes and wind loads, during their service period, and their combined damage effects are often significantly greater than those under single-hazard conditions. This study focuses on a single case example of large steel frame support structures, adopts a one-way CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-to-structure loading analysis method to quantify the distribution of wind drag coefficients influenced under shielding effects, and reveals the response amplification and transition behavior under earthquake–wind load coupling effects through a systematic parametric analysis. The results demonstrate that within the simulated wind speed range (10–30 m/s), the drag coefficient of the structure is insensitive to the Reynolds number. The drag coefficient of the first row of members remains stable at approximately 1.25, whereas those of the second and subsequent rows are concentrated in the 0.6–0.8 range and decrease progressively along the wind direction. This pattern challenges the conventional design assumption of using a unified drag coefficient. Based on the analyzed cases, under earthquake–wind coupling effects, the structural amplitude amplification effect demonstrates significant load-dominant transition characteristics—when the earthquake acceleration is low (0.05 g), the wind load-induced amplitude amplification effect is pronounced, reaching 206.3%. As the earthquake intensity increases, the amplification effect stabilizes at approximately 9%. This study identifies structural drag coefficients for considering shielding effects, reveals the coupling mechanism between earthquakes and wind loads, and provides theoretical support for the multihazard performance-based design of temporary large-scale spatial structures. It should be noted that the findings and the proposed load-dominance transition characteristics are primarily applicable to temporary large-scale spatial frame structures operating within a service wind speed range of 10 to 30 m/s. Full article

The global demand for food has been increasing, presenting new challenges in meeting this demand. To address this growing need, the use of coating technology through nanoemulsions shows great potential. The use of thyme essential oil stabilized by chitosan nanoparticles offers a promising and sustainable approach for the development of edible coatings. Chitosan was extracted from shrimp shell waste and used to produce nanoparticles via the ionotropic gelation method, using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a crosslinking agent. To prepare the nanoemulsions, thyme essential oil was used as the dispersed phase, combined with an aqueous phase containing chitosan nanoparticles and Tween 80 as the emulsifier. Two techniques were employed to produce nanoemulsions: high-pressure homogenization and ultrasonication. Nanoemulsion formulations with different concentrations were prepared and characterized in terms of droplet size (Z-Average) and stability using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The average droplet sizes obtained were above 100 nanometers for samples produced via high-pressure homogenization and below 100 nanometers for those prepared using ultrasonication. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that both the method (p = 0.002) and the oil phase concentration (p < 0.001) had statistically significant effects on droplet size. Regression analysis showed that oil concentrations below 2.0 g (w/w) increased droplet size, while concentrations above 4.0 g (w/w) significantly reduced it (p < 0.05). However, physical stability tests conducted at 5 °C for 30 days showed consistent values across both formulations, with only minor fluctuations, suggesting overall good stability. Full article

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms capable of removing nutrients from eutrophic waters and producing biomass. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremediation performance of three microalgae and one cyanobacterium native to Lake Xochimilco and to assess their potential for biofuel production (biodiesel and biogas) from biomass generated. In photobioreactors, ammonium (96.61–97.06%), nitrate (82.4–100%), and phosphate (83.95–89.71%) were effectively removed from the lake water. The specific growth rates ranged from 0.041 to 0.144 d⁻¹ and biomass productivities from 0.016 to 0.049 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, with high biomass yield on the substrate. The estimated CO₂ fixation rates ranged from 0.024 to 0.092 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹. Chlorella sp. achieved the highest yield of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) with 91.24% of the extracted lipids. Overall, saturated FAMEs were predominant in the biodiesel; however, the presence of monounsaturated FAMEs such as methyl palmitoleate and methyl oleate enhances their fluidity and oxidative stability. Synechocystis sp. and Chlorella sp. produced the most biogas using biomass after lipid extraction, at 429.5 L kg⁻¹ VS and 404.9 L kg⁻¹ VS, respectively, with over 60% biomethane. These strains represent a sustainable and promising possibility for water bioremediation and generating biofuels. Full article

The phytochemical variability in Cannabis sativa L. chemovars represents an underexplored factor in environmentally sustainable nanomaterial production. In this study, three distinct chemovars, (i) High-Δ⁹-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (89% THC), (ii) Balanced (60% Cannabidiol (CBD)), and (iii) High-CBD (89% CBD), were comparatively evaluated to determine their suitability for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Ethanolic inflorescence extracts were used to recover bioactive secondary metabolites; among them, the High-CBD extract exhibited the highest total phenolic (3.34 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (29.49 mg quercetine equivalent/g) contents, together with superior antioxidant capacity (53.16% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) inhibition), indicating enhanced redox potential for nanoparticle formation. The terpene profile of High-CBD showed a dominance of myrcene (21.4%), contributing to the stabilization of the system. Using the High-CBD extract, predominantly spherical nanoparticles of 5 ± 0.9 nm were synthesized and confirmed by UV–vis, EDS, and TEM. The biogenic AgNPs demonstrated significant dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.0 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and 4.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the critical role of chemovar-dependent phytochemical composition and support a phytochemistry-guided approach for developing silver nanoparticles with potential biomedical applications. Full article

Yogurt represents a traditional fermented dairy product characteristic of the Balkan Peninsula and is widely consumed in the Republic of Bulgaria. The aim of the present study was to develop omega-3-enriched yogurt. Four yogurts were produced: one control sample and three experimental variants enriched with chia oil (0.63%), cod liver oil (1.55%), and algal oil (1.10%). Coriander essential oil (0.038%) was added to each oil formulation. The products were monitored on days 1 and 14 of storage. The oils were pre-encapsulated in alginate beads to limit oxidative processes and preserve sensory properties. Yogurt samples were evaluated for oxidative stability, fatty acid composition, microbiological parameters, physicochemical properties, textural and sensory characteristics. Titratable acidity, pH, water-holding capacity, antioxidant activity, and microbiological parameters were not significantly affected by the incorporation of encapsulated oils. In contrast, significant differences were observed in texture and sensory attributes among the enriched variants. The chia oil sample exhibited the highest oxidative stability, followed by the algal oil yogurt, whereas the lowest stability was observed in the cod liver oil variant; however, all products remained within acceptable oxidation limits up to day 14. Approximately 350 g, 260 g, and 120 g of yogurt enriched with chia, cod liver, and algal oil, respectively, were required to meet the recommended daily omega-3 intake. The developed products demonstrated potential as dairy foods enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, with improved nutritional value. Full article

A sustainable polymer-based filtration control system was developed for high-temperature, high-density water-based drilling fluids. The system’s rheological stability, filtration performance, and filter cake properties were evaluated under varying conditions of temperature, salinity, and density. The drilling fluid density ranged from 1.80 to 2.20 g/cm³, the temperature from 25 to 150 °C, and the NaCl mass fraction w(NaCl) = 5–20%. The results indicated that increasing fluid density resulted in a progressive increase in apparent and plastic viscosities (from 42.6/28.4 mPa·s to 65.1/47.9 mPa·s), while the yield point remained relatively stable (14.2–17.2 Pa), suggesting that high solid loading enhanced viscous dissipation without inducing structural stiffening. Filtration loss increased moderately with temperature (6.8–12.3 mL at 25–150 °C) and salinity (6.8–10.7 mL at w(NaCl) = 5–20%), whereas it decreased significantly with increasing density (13.1–9.4 mL at 1.80–2.20 g/cm³), °C, indicating a density-dominated filtration regime. At 120 °C, w(NaCl) = 12%, and 2.00 g/cm³, the developed system achieved a low filtration loss of 8.4 mL, outperforming three representative conventional filtration-control systems, including starch-based, sulfonated asphalt-based, and polymer-based technologies. Filter cake analysis revealed that increasing density facilitated the packing of multi-scale solids, reducing filter cake thickness from 1.62 mm to 0.98 mm and permeability from 1.34 × 10⁻¹⁵–4.05 × 10⁻¹⁶ m², while significantly improving resistance to erosion and compression. These findings demonstrate that the combination of interfacial stabilization and filter cake densification offers a robust and controllable filtration solution for high-temperature, high-density drilling environments, presenting a promising approach for drilling fluid systems in challenging conditions. Full article

This study addresses the imperative need to extend the shelf life of the cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a highly perishable yet nutritionally valuable fruit, through the development and optimization of active edible coatings (ECs). The synergy between cassava starch (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and lemon verbena essential oil (Aloysia citrodora), both bioactive components, was investigated for the formulation of protective coatings. A 2² factorial design explored the impact of cassava starch concentrations (8% and 10% w/v) and lemon verbena essential oil (LVEO) (1% and 3% v/v) on the sensory acceptability of coated cape gooseberries. Through binomial logistic regression analysis, it was determined that the formulation with 10% cassava starch and 3% LVEO (T4) exhibited significantly superior sensory acceptability, optimizing the perception of color, odor, flavor, texture, and overall appearance. This optimized formulation (T4) demonstrated a significant improvement in extending the shelf life of cape gooseberries up to 27 days at 10 °C, which is comparable to or exceeds values reported in previous studies on starch–based coatings in similar fruits (e.g., 15–21 days depending on formulation and storage conditions). This performance also exceeded the storage periods observed at 6 °C (6 days) and 8 °C (20 days). Physicochemical analyses revealed remarkable stability of pH and titratable acidity, as well as effective control of moisture loss and the maturity index, even at higher temperatures. Crucially, T4 exhibited superior antimicrobial activity, with a significant reduction in molds, yeasts, and total aerobes, particularly at 10 °C, suggesting an optimal synergistic interaction between the coating and the LVEO under slightly warmer storage conditions. These findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable preservation strategies of cape gooseberries, offering a sustainable solution that reconciles efficient shelf-life extension with consumer acceptability and optimizes storage conditions, with significant implications for reducing food waste and enhancing the global marketability of this fruit. Full article

Monolithic ceramic catalysts are a key technology for the industrial treatment of coal mine ventilation air methane (VAM). The preparation of straight-channel NiO/CeO₂ monolithic ceramic catalysts via phase inversion addresses critical bottlenecks for industrial VAM abatement. However, high-temperature sintering leads to irreversible NiO agglomeration and coarsening, severely reducing catalytic activity. In this study, an in situ reduction–oxidation reconstruction method is developed to regenerate sinter-degraded NiO. The reconstructed catalyst increases methane conversion from below 70% after sintering to over 95% at 550 °C and achieves full conversion at 600 °C. The catalyst maintains near 100% conversion during 400 h of continuous operation at 600 °C and shows no performance degradation over 15 thermal cycles. Moreover, the reconstructed catalyst exhibits excellent steam tolerance with fully reversible deactivation. The reconstructed catalyst presents a refined porous structure with BET surface area rising from 4.5 to 11.4 m² g⁻¹, an elevated Ni³⁺/Ni²⁺ ratio (1.47 to 1.97), a higher surface adsorbed oxygen proportion (36.8% to 48.7%) and significantly strengthened NiO-CeO₂ interfacial interaction. This work provides a facile and efficient in situ regeneration strategy, greatly enhancing the VAM oxidation activity and stability of sinter-degraded monolithic ceramic catalysts. Full article

Controlling the microstructure of electroless nickel coatings is crucial for optimizing the interfacial properties of carbon fibers. However, a systematic understanding of how dispersants can effectively leverage the refining effect of nanoparticles in composite plating systems remains lacking. This paper proposes the use of a composite dispersant, comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium methylene bis-naphthalene sulfonate (NNO) at a 1:1 mass ratio, for nano-Al₂O₃ to achieve microstructure refinement of nickel coatings on carbon fiber surfaces. The results demonstrate that the composite dispersant modifies the surface state and dispersion stability of Al₂O₃ particles through synergistic adsorption, thereby regulating the nucleation and growth behavior of the Ni-P alloy. At an optimal composite dispersant concentration of 3 g/L, the coating exhibits the most compact structure, with Ni-P particle size refined to approximately 181 nm. The coating consists of two phases: crystalline Ni₃P and amorphous Ni-P. The dual adsorption effect of the dispersant—inhibiting Al₂O₃ agglomeration while improving the surface wettability of carbon fibers—is key to enhancing the refinement efficiency. Conversely, excessive dispersant addition leads to deteriorated coating quality. This study provides experimental evidence for understanding the multiphase interfacial interaction mechanism involving organic additives, nanoparticles, and metal deposition, and offers a novel strategy for controlling the surface functionalization of carbon fibers. Full article