Search Results (6,646)

The utilisation of agrifood waste ashes has the potential to enhance the nutrient content of cereal crops, thereby optimising both yield and grain quality. This study investigated rye grain composition, the fermentation efficiency, and volatile compounds in mashes made from crops fertilised with agrifood waste ashes derived from the combustion of corn cob, wood chips, and biomass with defecation lime. The ashes were applied at 2, 4, and 8 t/ha, separately and as mixtures of corn cob (25%) with wood chips (75%) and corn cob (50%) with biomass and defecation lime (50%). Rye mashes were prepared using the pressureless starch liberation method. The starch content in the majority of the rye grains was comparable to the control sample (57.12 g/100 g). The range of ethanol concentrations observed in the fermented mashes was from 55.55 to 68.12 g/L, which corresponded to fermentation yields of 67.25–76.59% of theoretical. The lowest fermentation yield was exhibited by the mash derived from rye cultivated on soil fertilised with a 50:50 mixture of ashes from corn cob and biomass with defecation lime at 8 t/ha. This mash contained more than double the acetaldehyde concentration and total aldehyde content compared to the other samples. These findings demonstrate the potential of using waste biomass ash as a source of macro- and microelements for rye cultivation, enabling the production of agricultural distillates. To ensure high fermentation efficiency and low aldehyde levels, ash dosage and composition need to be established based on experimental optimisation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency (ID) is a common and prognostically relevant comorbidity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). It contributes to reduced functional status, exercise capacity, and survival. Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improves symptoms, but its effect on cardiac structure and function remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of intravenous FCM on echocardiographic indices of left ventricular (LV), left atrial (LA), and right ventricular (RV) morphology and function in HFrEF patients with ID and determine whether these changes correlate with improvements in exercise capacity. Methods: This sub-analysis of the RESAFE-HF registry (NCT04974021) included 86 HFrEF patients with ID (median age 71.8 years, 83% male). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at baseline and 12 months post-FCM. Parameters assessed included LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV diastolic function grade, LAVi, LA strain, TAPSE, and RV free wall strain (FWS). Peak VO₂ was measured to assess exercise capacity. Results: LVEF improved from 29.3 ± 7.8% to 32.5 ± 10.6% (p < 0.001), LV GLS from −7.89% to −8.62%, and the LV diastolic dysfunction grade improved (p < 0.001). LAVi, peak LA strain, TAPSE, and RV FWS also showed significant improvement. Peak VO₂ increased from 11.3 ± 3.2 to 12.1 ± 4.1 mL/min/kg (p < 0.001). Improvements in LVEF, RV FWS, and LV GLS were independent predictors of VO₂ increase (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.01, respectively), explaining 42% of the variance. Conclusions: FCM therapy improves biventricular and atrial function, with echocardiographic gains correlating with an enhanced exercise capacity in HFrEF patients with ID. Full article

The cosmetics industry has been seeking to develop products with renewable natural ingredients to reduce the use of or even replace synthetic substances. Biosurfactants can help meet this demand. These natural compounds are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic or have low toxicity, offering minimal risk to humans and the environment, which has attracted the interest of an emerging consumer market and, consequently, the cosmetics industry. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from the yeast Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214 cultivated in a mineral medium containing 10% soybean oil and 5% glucose. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72.0 ± 0.1 mN/m to 33.0 ± 0.3 mN/m after eight days of fermentation. The yield was 53.35 ± 0.39 g/L and the critical micelle concentration was 1000 mg/L. The biosurfactant proved to be a good emulsifier of oils used in cosmetic formulations, with emulsification indices ranging from 45.90 ± 1.69% to 68.50 ± 1.10%. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance index demonstrated the wetting capacity of the biosurfactant and its tendency to form oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, with 50.0 ± 0.20% foaming capacity. The biosurfactant did not exhibit cytotoxicity in the MTT assay or irritant potential. Additionally, an antioxidant activity of 58.25 ± 0.32% was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The compound also exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. The characterisation of the biosurfactant using magnetic nuclear resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the biomolecule is a glycolipid with an anionic nature. The results demonstrate that biosurfactant produced in this work has potential as an active biotechnological ingredient for innovative, eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article

Cell culture models are of central importance for the investigation of cellular metabolism, proliferation and stress responses. In this study, the effects of different concentrations of glucose (1 g/L vs. 4.5 g/L) and fetal bovine serum (FBS; 5%, 10%, 15%) on viability, mitochondrial function and autophagy are investigated in four human cell lines: MRC-5, HeLa, Caco-2 and SW-620. Cells were cultured in defined media for 72 h, and viability was assessed by LDH release, mitochondrial membrane potential using Rhodamine 123, ATP content by luminescence and autophagy activity by dual fluorescence staining. The results showed that HeLa and SW-620 cancer cells exhibited increased proliferation and mitochondrial activity under high glucose conditions, while low glucose media resulted in decreased ATP content and increased membrane permeability in HeLa cells. MRC-5 fibroblasts and Caco-2 cells showed greater resilience to nutrient stress, with minimal changes in LDH release and consistent proliferation. Autophagy was activated under all conditions, with a significant increase only in selected cell-medium combinations. These results highlight the importance of medium composition in influencing cellular bioenergetics and stress responses, which has implications for cancer research, metabolic disease modelling and the development of serum-free culture systems for regenerative medicine. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical-hydric properties of a Planosol under an Integrated Crop–Livestock–Forest (ICLF) system in the Agreste region of Paraíba, Brazil, after eight years of implementation, and to compare them with areas under a conventional cropping system and secondary native vegetation. The experiment was conducted at the experimental station located in Alagoinha, in the Agreste mesoregion of the State of Paraíba, Brazil. The experimental design adopted was a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments and four replications (5 × 4 + 2). The treatments consisted of: (1) Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud) + Signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) (GL+SG); (2) Sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth) + Signal grass (SB+SG); (3) Purple Ipê (Handroanthus avellanedae (Lorentz ex Griseb.) Mattos) + SG (I+SG); (4) annual crop + SG (C+SG); and (5) Signal grass (SG). Two additional treatments were included for statistical comparison: a conventional cropping system (CC) and a secondary native vegetation area (NV), both located near the experimental site. The CC treatment showed the lowest bulk density (1.23 g cm⁻³) and the lowest degree of compaction (66.3%) among the evaluated treatments, as well as a total porosity (TP) higher than 75% (0.75 m³ m⁻³). In the soil under the integration system, the lowest bulk density (1.38 g cm⁻³) and the highest total porosity (0.48 m³ m⁻³) were observed in the SG treatment at the 0.0–0.10 m depth. High S-index values (>0.035) and a low relative field capacity (RFc < 0.50) and K_θ indicate high structural quality and low soil water storage capacity. It was concluded that the SG, I+SG, SB+SG, and CC treatments presented the highest values of soil bulk and degree of compaction in the layers below 0.10 m. The I+SG and C+SG treatments showed the lowest hydraulic conductivities and macroaggregation. The SG and C+SG treatments had the lowest available water content and available water capacity across the three analyzed soil layers. Full article

The textile industry’s reliance on synthetic dyes contributes significantly to pollution, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives like biopigments. This study investigates the production and application of the biopigment prodigiosin, which was produced by Pseudomonas putida with a yield of 1.85 g/L. Prodigiosin was prepared under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, resulting in varying protonation states that influenced its affinity for cotton and polyester fibers. Three surfactants (anionic, cationic, non-ionic) were tested, with non-ionic Tween 80 yielding a promising color strength (above 4) and fastness results with neutral prodigiosin at 1.3 g/L. Cotton and polyester demonstrated good washing (color difference up to 14 for cotton, 5 for polyester) and light fastness (up to 15 for cotton, 16 for polyester). Cellulose acetate, used in the conventional printing process as a thickener, produced superior color properties compared to commercial thickeners. Neutral prodigiosin achieved higher color strength, and cotton fabrics displayed halochromic properties, distinguishing them from polyester, which showed excellent fastness. Prodigiosin-printed samples also exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and retained halochromic properties over 10 pH cycles. These findings suggest prodigiosin as a sustainable dye alternative and pH sensor, with potential applications in biomedical materials, such as antimicrobial and pH-responsive wound dressings. Full article

In this work, the biosorption potential of Spirulina sp. as an effective and eco-friendly biosorbent for the removal of Ni(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. Detailed characterization of the biosorbent was carried out, including surface morphology, chemical composition, particle size, zeta potential, crystallinity, zero-point charge, and functional group analysis. Batch tests were performed to determine the kinetic constants and adsorption equilibrium of the studied ions. The adsorption behavior of Spirulina sp. was described using six adsorption isotherms. The best fit was obtained for the Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir isotherms, indicating that monolayer adsorption occurred. The maximum biosorption capacities for Ni(II) and Pb(II) were 20.8 mg·g⁻¹ and 93.5 mg·g⁻¹, respectively, using a biosorbent dose of 10 g·L⁻¹, initial metal concentrations ranging from 50 to 5000 mg·L⁻¹, at pH 6, 20 °C, and a contact time of 120 min. Low values of the mean free energy of adsorption (E) in the Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin model (0.3 and 0.1 kJ·mol⁻¹ for Pb(II) and 0.35 and 0.23 kJ·mol⁻¹ for Ni(II)) indicate the dominance of physical processes in the ion binding mechanism. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions was more effective than that of Ni(II) ions across the entire range of tested concentrations. At low initial concentrations, the removal of Pb(II) reached 94%, while for Ni(II) it was 80%. Full article

In recent years, biofuels and bioenergy derived from algae have gained increasing attention, fueled by the growing demand for renewable energy sources and the urgent need to lower CO₂ emissions. This research examines the generation of bioethanol and biomethane using freshly harvested and sedimented algal biomass. Employing a factorial experimental design, various trials were conducted, with ethanol yield as the primary optimization target. The findings indicated that the sodium hydroxide concentration during pretreatment and the amylase dosage in enzymatic hydrolysis were key parameters influencing the ethanol production efficiency. Under optimized conditions—using 0.3 M NaOH, 25 μL/g starch, and 250 μL/g cellulose—fermentation yielded ethanol concentrations as high as 2.75 ± 0.18 g/L (45.13 ± 2.90%), underscoring the significance of both enzyme loading and alkali treatment. Biomethane potential tests on the residues of fermentation revealed reduced methane yields in comparison with the raw algal feedstock, with a peak value of 198.50 ± 25.57 mL/g volatile solids. The integrated process resulted in a total energy recovery of up to 809.58 kWh per tonne of algal biomass, with biomethane accounting for 87.16% of the total energy output. However, the energy recovered from unprocessed biomass alone was nearly double, indicating a trade-off between sequential valorization steps. A comparison between fresh and dried feedstocks also demonstrated marked differences, largely due to variations in moisture content and biomass composition. Overall, this study highlights the promise of integrated algal biomass utilization as a viable and energy-efficient route for sustainable biofuel production. Full article

Sustainability represents a significant global challenge, requiring a balance between environmental impact and the use of natural resources. White biotechnology, which uses microorganisms and enzymes for environmentally friendly products and processes, offers promising solutions to support a growing population. Within this context, the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica stands out, so we investigated the generation of biomass from two wild strains (ATCC 9773 and NRRL Y-50997) using different carbon sources. Additionally, protein content and amino acid profiles were assessed via standardized analytical methods to evaluate their potential as nutritional yeasts. Both strains demonstrated potential as nutritional yeasts, with biomass productivities of up to 35.5 g/L and 42 g/L, respectively. The protein content was high, with 58.8% for ATCC 9773 and 58.2% for NRRL Y-50997. Furthermore, the strains presented essential amino acid contents of 62.6% and 41.5%, with lysine being the most abundant amino acid. These findings underscore the versatility and productivity of Y. lipolytica, highlighting its potential for sustainable biotechnological applications such as single-cell protein production. Full article

Nanofiltration (NF) is considered a competitive purification method for acidic stream treatments. However, conventional thin-film composite NF membranes degrade under acid exposures, limiting their applications in industrial acid treatment. For example, wet-process phosphoric acid contains impurities of multivalent metal ions, but NF membrane technologies for impurity removal under harsh conditions are still immature. In this work, we develop a novel strategy of acid-resistant nanofiltration membranes based on interfacial polymerization (IP) of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and cyanuric chloride (CC) with the s-triazine ring. The IP process was optimized by orthogonal experiments to obtain positively charged PEI-CC membranes with a molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 337 Da. We further applied it to the approximate industrial phosphoric acid purification condition. In the tests using a mixed solution containing 20 wt% P₂O₅, 2 g/L Fe³⁺, 2 g/L Al³⁺, and 2 g/L Mg²⁺ at 0.7 MPa and 25 °C, the NF membrane achieved 56% rejection of Fe, Al, and Mg and over 97% permeation of phosphorus. In addition, the PEI-CC membrane exhibited excellent acid resistance in the 48 h dynamic acid permeation experiment. The simple fabrication procedure of PEI-CC membrane has excellent acid resistance and great potential for industrial applications. Full article

The aim of this study was to isolate Weizmannia spp. that produce lactic acid from xylose and use an experimental design to optimize the production of the metabolite. After isolation, the experiments were conducted in xylose-yeast extract-peptone medium. The identification of isolates was performed using the 16S rDNA PCR technique, followed by sequencing. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the concentrations of the carbon source (xylose), nitrogen source (yeast extract and peptone), and sodium acetate. Two strains were considered promising for lactic acid production, with W. coagulans BLMI achieving greater lactic acid production under anaerobic conditions (21.93 ± 0.9 g.L⁻¹) and a yield of 69.18 %, while the strain W. ginsengihumi BMI was able to produce 19.79 ± 0.8 g.L⁻¹, with a yield of 70.46 %. CCRD was used with the W. ginsengihumi strain due to the lack of records in the literature on its use for lactic acid production. The carbon and nitrogen sources influenced the response, but the interactions of the variables were nonsignificant (p < 0.05). The response surface analysis indicated that the optimal concentrations of carbon and nitrogen sources were 32.5 and 3.0 g.L⁻¹, respectively, without the need to add sodium acetate to the culture medium, leading to the production of 20.02 ± 0.19 g.L⁻¹, productivity of 0.55 g/L/h after 36 hours of fermentation, and a residual sugar concentration of 12.59 ± 0.51 g.L⁻¹. These results demonstrate the potential of W. ginsengihumi BMI for the production of lactic acid by xylose fermentation since it is carried out at 50 °C, indicating a path for future studies Full article

Background: Reliable platelet (PLT) measurement is crucial for the accurate diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. Several methods exist for automated PLT counting, including the impedance method (PLT-I), as well as optical and fluorescence methods (PLT-F). The impedance method is cost-effective but susceptible to interference from small red blood cells and schistocytes. In contrast, fluorescent assessment offers higher specificity but is more expensive, as it requires additional dyes and detectors. Hybrid platelet counting (PLT-H) combines impedance with measurements from the leukocyte differentiation channel and is available without additional cost. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of hybrid PLT counting in anemic samples. Methods: In this retrospective study, PLT counts from 583 unselected anemic samples were analyzed using two different analyzers: the Sysmex XN3500, equipped with fluorescent PLT-F technology, and the Mindray BC6200, which uses both impedance (PLT-I) and hybrid (PLT-H) technologies. Agreement between PLT-I and PLT-F, as well as between PLT-H and PLT-F, was assessed using Bland–Altman plots. Correlation between the methods was evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The hybrid method demonstrated better accuracy in PLT counting compared to the impedance method. Correlation between PLT-H and PLT-F was excellent, ranging from 0.991 to 0.999. In thrombocytopenic samples (PLT < 50 G/L), the hybrid method also provided more reliable PLT counts than the impedance method, reducing the number of falsely elevated PLT results by nearly fivefold. Conclusions: Hybrid platelet counting yields more accurate results than the impedance method in anemic samples and shows excellent correlation with the fluorescence method. Full article

To address freshwater scarcity and the underutilization of low-saline water in the North China Plain, a field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of alternating sprinkler irrigation using saline and fresh water on soil water–salt dynamics and corn growth. Two salinity levels (3 and 5 g·L⁻¹, representing S1 and S2, respectively) and three irrigation strategies—saline–fresh–saline–fresh (F1), saline–fresh (F2), and mixed saline–fresh (F3)—were tested, resulting in six treatments: S1F1, S1F2, S1F3, S2F1, S2F2, and S2F3. S1F1 significantly improved soil water retention at a 30–50 cm depth and reduced surface electrical conductivity (EC) and Na⁺ concentration (p < 0.05). S1F1 also promoted more uniform Mg²⁺ distribution and limited Ca²⁺ loss. Under high salinity (5 g·L⁻¹), surface salt accumulation and ion concentration (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺) increased, particularly in S2F3. Corn growth under alternating irrigation (F1/F2) outperformed the mixed mode (F3), with S1F1 achieving the highest plant height, leaf area, grain number, and 100-grain weight. The S1F1 yield surpassed others by 0.4–3.0% and maintained a better ion balance. These results suggest that alternating irrigation with low-salinity water (S1F1) effectively regulates root-zone salinity and improves crop productivity, offering a practical strategy for the sustainable use of low-saline water resources. Full article

Construction and demolition byproducts include substantial amounts of wood panel waste (WPW) that pose environmental challenges. They also create opportunities for sustainable resource recovery. This study investigates the potential of WPW-derived biochar as an efficient adsorbent for phenol removal from aqueous solutions. Biochar was produced via pyrolysis at 450 °C and subsequent activation at 750, 850, and 950 °C. The biochar’s physicochemical properties, including surface area, pore volume, and elemental composition, were characterized using advanced methods, including BET analysis, elemental analysis, and adsorption isotherm analysis. Activated biochar demonstrated up to nine times higher adsorption capacity than raw biochar, with a maximum of 171.9 mg/g at 950 °C under optimal conditions: pH of 6 at 25 °C, initial phenol concentration of 200 mg/L, and biochar dosage of 1 g/L of solution for 48 h. Kinetic and isotherm studies revealed that phenol adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model and fit the Langmuir isotherm, indicating chemisorption and monolayer adsorption mechanisms. Leaching tests confirmed the biochar’s environmental safety, with heavy metal concentrations well below regulatory limits. Based on these findings, WPW biochar offers a promising, eco-friendly solution for wastewater treatment in line with circular economy and green chemistry principles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron deficiency without anaemia (IDNA) is common in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and impaired quality of life (QoL). While intravenous (IV) iron replacement is known to benefit anaemic patients, its role in IDNA remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ferric derisomaltose (FDI) on patient-reported QoL outcomes in CKD patients with IDNA. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the double-blind, multicentre Iron and the Heart randomised controlled trial. Fifty-four participants with IDNA (ferritin < 100 µg/L or transferrin saturation < 20% and haemoglobin 110–150 g/L) and CKD stages G3b–G5 were randomised 1:1 to receive either 1000 mg FDI (n = 26) or placebo (n = 28). An additional 10 iron-replete CKD patients served as controls. SF-36v2 QoL surveys were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Results: SF-36v2 scores declined across all domains, but deterioration was consistently milder in the FDI group. Role physical declined by 3% in the FDI group versus 12% with placebo and 4% in controls. Bodily pain improved by 2.8% with FDI but worsened by 1.5% in the placebo group. Mental health improved by 3.4 points with FDI and declined by 2.7 points in the placebo group, creating a 6.1-point separation. While differences did not reach statistical significance, likely due to small sample size, the consistent trends favour FDI. Conclusions: IV iron may attenuate QoL decline in non-dialysis-dependent CKD patients with IDNA. These findings support the need for larger, adequately powered trials to assess patient-centred outcomes in this population. Full article