Search Results (164)

PM_2.5 is a major air pollutant characterized by complex sources and strong spatiotemporal heterogeneity. However, accurately quantifying the relative contributions of different factors remains difficult due to the lack of long-term datasets and the strong correlations between meteorological factors and emissions. To address this problem, the study utilizes the China long-term particulate matter (CLPM) dataset developed in previous research to investigate the dominant drivers and regional disparities of PM_2.5 concentration variations from 1980 to 2022. The analysis employs Gaussian Convolution (GC) to model pollutant diffusion, Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression to address multicollinearity, and the Lindeman-Merenda-Gold (LMG) method to quantify the relative contributions of each driver. The results reveal that as the convolution scale increased from 0.25° to 10°, dominant PM_2.5 sources shifted from local anthropogenic emissions to regional biomass burning and large-scale dust transport, highlighting the scale-dependent transition of pollution drivers. Furthermore, PM_2.5 concentrations are predominantly explained by emissions, which account for over 60% of the total variance and exceed 80% in eastern China, while meteorological factors are associated with 12–26%. Among these, total precipitation and downward surface solar radiation have the strongest influences on pollutants. It is important to note that these results reflect the statistical explanatory power of emissions and meteorological variables within the regression model. Overall, this research provides a method for separating the statistical influences of emissions and meteorological factors, offering methods for multi-scale explanatory power of PM_2.5 and other atmospheric pollutants. Full article

Glutathione (GSH), often referred to as the “master antioxidant,” plays a vital role in protecting cells against oxidative stress. This human pilot study aimed to evaluate the oral absorption and safety profile of a novel formulation of micellar glutathione (LipoMicel^®, LMG) compared with two commonly used dietary supplement forms: standard glutathione (STD) and liposomal glutathione (Setria^® Glutathione, LSG). In the first phase, a randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted in healthy adults (n = 14) to assess whole-blood GSH following single oral doses using baseline-adjusted pharmacokinetic parameters (incremental AUC_0–24 [iAUC_0–24], C_max, T_max) and a targeted panel of glutathione-related metabolites. In the second phase, a 30-day, single-arm follow-up assessed the safety and tolerability of the most bioavailable formulation (LMG) in the same participants. Compared with STD (500 mg), LMG (300 mg) produced significantly higher baseline-adjusted systemic GSH exposure and peak response (iAUC_0–24: 1287.5 ± 179.0 vs. 517.8 ± 180.0 µg·mL·h; p = 0.0064; ΔC_max: 103.9 ± 11.8 vs. 42.8 ± 11.5 µg/mL; p = 0.0003), corresponding to ~2.49-fold higher incremental exposure and ~2.43-fold higher peak response at the administered doses. When dose-normalized to a 300 mg equivalent, the incremental exposure (iAUC) and C_max were up to 4-fold higher for LMG than STD. In the targeted metabolite panel, most analytes showed no formulation-dependent differences; however, dose-normalized methionine exposure was significantly higher with LMG than STD (iAUC: 149.9 ± 30.8 vs. 32.7 ± 28.3 µg·mL·h; p = 0.0151; ~4.58-fold). No significant differences were observed in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) exposure, while the GSH/GSSG ratio was higher following LMG versus STD (p = 0.001). No significant changes in clinical safety markers (e.g., ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine) were observed following 30 days of daily LMG administration at 600 mg/d. The novel micellar glutathione formulation demonstrated enhanced oral bioavailability compared with a standard glutathione preparation and was well tolerated over 30 days in healthy adults. These findings present LipoMicel^® as a promising approach for oral glutathione delivery and warrant further investigation into its long-term physiological and clinical effects. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under trial ID NCT06345950 on 3 April 2024. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and represent a significant health concern worldwide. The most common cause of these infections is the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), an opportunistic commensal of the human gut that can shift to pathogenicity, leading to a wide variety of diseases. The increasing ability of E. coli to develop resistance to various classes of antibiotics underscores the urgent need for alternative approaches to clear up infections caused by this species. In this study, we analyzed the possible beneficial role of Heyndrickxia coagulans (H. coagulans) strain LMG S-24828 in an in vitro model of T24 urothelial cells infection by ESBL-producing E. coli. Our results showed that H. coagulans LMG S-24828 was able to: (i) reduce E. coli growth; (ii) impair E. coli adhesion to T24 urothelial cells; and (iii) modulate cytokine production by T24 urothelial cells per se and after E. coli infection. Collectively, these findings indicate a beneficial effect of H. coagulans strain LMG S-24828 against an ESBL–E. coli isolate in an in vitro model of T24 urothelial cell infection. Full article

Quantum metrology uses the principles of quantum mechanics to improve the accuracy of parameter estimation so that it can surpass the classical limit. However, noise and the challenge of preparing multipartite entangled states hinder practical applications. In this work, we use the Lipkin-Meshkov-Glick model as the experimental platform and the quantum parameter estimation package QuanEstimation as a tool to improve the quantum parameter estimation in many-body systems by using Hamiltonian control optimization. We apply auto-GRAPE, PSO, and DE algorithm to optimize the time-dependent control field. Our results show that the optimal control strategy can significantly enhance the quantum Fisher information and reduce the quantum Cramér-Rao bound even under environmental noise. These findings provide a way to achieve the parameter estimation limit in a noisy environment and promote the development of practical quantum metrology applications. Full article

High and variable moisture in wood logs limits their use in continuous carbonization reactors. Artificial drying emerges as a solution to homogenize the moisture of the raw material, optimizing the process, increasing yield, and improving the quality of charcoal. This study aimed to develop an experimental fixed-bed drying system for logs, evaluating the effects of cutting layout (40 cm, 20 cm, and split), diameter class (>12 cm, 12.1–14 cm, 14.1–16 cm, and 16.1–18 cm), and residence time (30, 60, and 90 min) at 300 °C. Split logs showed higher heating and drying rates, positively impacting efficiency. However, split and 20 cm logs subjected to 90 min of drying underwent combustion, indicating operational limits for these layouts under the tested conditions. The heartwood and sapwood regions of split logs heated more rapidly, resulting in higher drying rates and moisture loss, directly affecting drying efficiency. Split logs dried for 60 min showed the best drying efficiency and greatest moisture reduction, making this the most recommended treatment. This study not only demonstrates the technical feasibility of artificial drying of logs for continuous carbonization but also establishes fundamental guidelines for the development of more efficient, safe and sustainable industrial technologies in the charcoal production sector. Full article

Background: Many literature studies have reported the beneficial effects of probiotics on human health, but few articles have evaluated their “real effects” on the modulation of microbiota after their use. Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) is one of the most studied probiotics with the best effects on gut microbiota. Aims: The primary aim of our study was the evaluation of the intestinal colonization by L. reuteri-LMG P 27481 and its effects on the modification of the gut bacterial flora. The secondary aim was the evaluation of side effects through the validated Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS). Patients and Methods: This is an interventional, open-label study conducted on 20 healthy adults (10 men and 10 women M/F; mean age 34 ±15 years) who received a probiotic Reuterin^® LMG (L. reuteri LMG P 27481) for 28 consecutive days in drops at a concentration of 1 × 10⁹ (five drops per day). Microbiota analysis was performed at enrollment (T0), at the end of probiotic supplementation (T1) and after a 14-day follow-up period (T2). Results: In our study we observed interesting quantitative and functional variations as regards the Firmicutes/Bacterioidetes ratio, intestinal permeability, and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). This probiotic was safe and was able to improve patients’ symptoms. Conclusions: The intake of L. reuteri LMG-P 27481 in healthy subjects showed transitory variations in some functional and metabolic gut functions, especially an improvement in the barrier effect and intestinal permeability, y and an increase in SCFA. Future studies should include target populations to have a greater range for modulation of the gut microbiota. Full article

The clade Gluconacetobacter comprises eleven species originating from various sources such as rhizosphere soil, pink sugarcane mealybug, and vinegar. During sampling of organic vinegars, we isolated strain Hr-1-5, which exhibits high 16S rRNA gene sequence identities (≤98.6%) and low 16S-23S rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence identities (≤92.1%) with Gluconacetobacter species. Further genome analysis confirmed that strain Hr-1-5 is a distinct species, supported by an average nucleotide identity (ANIb) of ≤90.6% and an in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of ≤46% compared with other recognized Gluconacetobacter species. Strain Hr-1-5 darkens the growth medium to a deep brown after 4–5 days of submerged cultivation and similarly colors agar medium after 5–6 days. In silico genome analysis suggests that the strain synthesizes pyomelanin. Phenotypically, it is distinguished from its closest Gluconacetobacter relatives by its ability to produce 5-keto-D-gluconic acid, but not 2-keto-D-gluconic acid, and by its capacity to grow on D-ribose, among other traits. These findings support the classification of strain Hr-1-5 as a novel species, for which we propose the name Gluconacetobacter brunescens sp. nov. Hr-1-5^T (=ZIM B1168^T = LMG 33629^T). Strain Hr-1-5 is of biotechnological interest for its pigment production and enables the in situ production of colored cellulose in a co-culture with a cellulose-producing acetic acid bacterium. Full article

Turbidity is a crucial indicator for evaluating water quality. This study obtained the long-term spatial distribution of water turbidity across Northeast China from 1985 to 2023. A combination of the geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR) model, the Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (LMG) method, and statistical data analysis methods were employed to quantify the spatiotemporal impacts of driving factors on turbidity changes. The stepwise regression model was able to credibly estimate turbidity, achieving a low RMSE of 18.432 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Temporal variations in turbidity showed that 69.90% of lakes exhibited a decreasing trend. Spatial variations revealed that lakes with significantly increased turbidity were predominantly concentrated in the Songnen and Sanjiang Plains, whereas lakes with lower turbidity were situated in the Eastern Mountains regions and Liaohe Plain. Temporal changes were closely associated with socioeconomic development and anthropogenic interventions implemented by governments on the aquatic environment. Vegetation coverage, precipitation, and elevation demonstrated significant contributions (exceeding 16.39%) to turbidity variations in the Lesser Khingan and Eastern Mountains regions, where natural factors played a more dominant role. In contrast, cropland area, wind speed, and impervious surface area showed higher contribution rates of above 14.00% in the Songnen, Sanjiang, and Liaohe Plains, where anthropogenic factors were dominant. These findings provide valuable insights for informed decision-making in water environmental management in Northeast China and facilitate the aquatic ecosystem sustainability under human activities and climate change. Full article

Nowadays, fiber optic cables are a strategic issue because of their importance in telecommunications. Due to the densification of optic cables and the reduction in polymeric layer thickness, the flammability of the external sheath has to be improved. Three novel flame-retardant compositions using phosphate low-melting glasses (LMGs) as aluminum trihydrate (ATH) synergist were assessed in a polyethylene–ethylene vinyl acetate (PE-EVA) matrix. It was highlighted that LMG at a 10 wt% content reduced the peak and mean value of heat release rate (HRR), respectively, to 142 and 90 kW/m² corresponding to 52% and 42% reduction compared to ATH only. Potassium phosphate LMG was shown to perform better than sodium or zinc phosphate LMG. The improvement was assigned to the formation of an expanded mineral layer at the surface of the material during combustion that acts as a thermal shield slowing down the pyrolysis rate. The structural analysis revealed that the presence of alkaline cations in glasses led to short phosphate chains that resulted in low softening point and low-viscosity liquid. It was evidenced that under heat exposure the melted glass is likely to flow between the dehydrating ATH particles, creating a cohesive layer that expands. Additionally, interactions between ATH and LMG were also evidenced. The new crystalline species may also play a role in the cohesion of the layer. Full article

α-L-fucosidases (EC 3.2.1.51) are of particular interest due to their ability to cleave terminal α-L-fucose residues from glycoconjugates, a property associated with numerous biological and therapeutic effects. They have also been investigated for their potential use in glycan remodeling, disease biomarker analysis, and particularly as therapeutic agents in the context of fucosidosis, a rare lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a deficiency in α-L-fucosidase activity. However, limitations in enzyme availability, stability, and substrate specificity highlight the need for novel and more efficient enzyme sources. Bifidobacterium castoris (B. castor is) is a newly identified species first discovered in the beaver gut microbiota in 2019. Phylogenetic studies have revealed its advanced metabolic capacity, and genomic analyses have demonstrated its extensive carbohydrate metabolism potential. This research article focuses on the recombinant production and biochemical characterization of a novel α-L-fucosidase from B. castoris LMG (Laboratorium voor Microbiologie Gent) 30937, predicted to belong to glycoside hydrolase family 29 (GH29) according to Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) annotation. Under optimized reaction conditions the recombinant α-L-fucosidase exhibited a specific activity of 0.264 U/mg to pNP-Fuc (4-Nitrophenyl-α-L-fucopyranoside). The results indicate that the enzyme is active in the pH range of 3.0–8.0 and temperatures of 24–42 °C, but its optimum conditions are the slightly acidic pH of 5.5 and the elevated temperature of 42 °C. This profile suggests that the enzyme is adapted to acidic intestinal-like environments. This novel enzyme expands the GH29 α-L-fucosidase repertoire and offers a promising new candidate for future biotechnological applications. Full article

This work reports a one-step, green synthesis of silver-micro cellulose nanocomposite (Ag@Ce NCs) using Azadirachta indica A. Juss leaf extract to load micro-cellulose isolated from peanut shells with silver nanoparticles, followed by comprehensive physicochemical characterization (FTIR, TEM, EDX-SEM, zeta potential, and XRD). The composite has pH_PZC ≈ 5.0 and was tested for simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and safranin O (SO) under batch conditions across various pH levels, doses, contact times, initial concentrations, ionic strengths, and temperatures. The high removal efficiencies observed at pH 10 for MB and 6.0 for SO. The adsorption reached the maximum at 45 min before partially declining, indicating reversible binding on saturated surfaces. Isotherm study favored the Langmuir model, with similar affinities (K_L ≈ 0.106, and 0.110 L/mg) and monolayer capacities of 17.99 mg/g for MB and 14.90 mg/g for SO, suggesting non-selective competition on uniform sites. Kinetic data fitted the pseudo-second-order model, while thermodynamic analysis indicated mainly exothermic and physisorption interactions. Higher ionic strength reduced removal efficiency (at 1.0 M NaCl, %RE ≈ 33–48%), highlighting salt sensitivity typical of electrostatic attraction. The adsorbent maintained about 90% of its initial performance after five adsorption–desorption cycles in 0.1 M H₂SO₄, indicating excellent reusability. Overall, Ag@Ce NCs provide an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and reuseable platform for treating binary mixtures of cationic dyes. Full article

Folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period is a well-established strategy to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). However, emerging uncertainties surrounding optimal dosage, alternative folate forms, duration of use, and the role of genetic variability have sparked scientific and policy debates. In Brazil, these challenges are amplified by unique contextual factors, including the routine distribution of high-dose folic acid (5000 µg) through the public health system, social vulnerability, low adherence, and limited population-specific evidence for the country’s highly admixed population. This narrative review critically examined the scientific evidence and public health policies surrounding folic acid supplementation, with a focus on Brazil. We examined historical developments, international recommendations, and emerging controversies, including the emerging influence of misinformation. Despite the worldwide progress in NTD prevention, both local and global challenges persist, including delayed initiation, inconsistent adherence, and uncertainty regarding alternative supplementation regimens. Addressing these demands requires the development of context-specific guidelines, alongside coordinated strategies in provider training, public education, monitoring, and research investments to ensure effective, safe, and equitable folic acid supplementation. Full article

Atmospheric pollution constitutes one of the key environmental challenges hindering Atmospheric pollution is a key environmental challenge constraining the sustainable development of Gansu Province’s land-based Belt and Road corridor and its regional ecological barrier function. The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of aerosol optical depth (AOD) profoundly impacts regional environmental quality. Based on MODIS AOD, NCEP reanalysis, and emission data, this study employed trend analysis (Mann–Kendall test) and attribution analysis (multiple linear regression combined with LMG and Spearman correlation) to investigate the spatiotemporal evolution of AOD over Gansu Province during 2009–2019 and its meteorological and emission drivers. Key findings include the following: (1) AOD exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity, with high values concentrated in the Hexi Corridor and central regions; monthly variation showed a unimodal pattern (peak value of 0.293 in April); and AOD generally declined slowly province-wide during 2009–2019 (52.8% of the area showed significant decreases). (2) Following the implementation of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013 (2014–2019), AOD trends stabilized or declined in 99.8% of the area, indicating significant improvement. (3) Meteorological influences displayed distinct regional-seasonal specificity—the Hexi Corridor (arid zone) was characterized by strong negative correlations with relative humidity (RH2) and wind speed (WS) year-round, and positive correlations with temperature (T2) in spring but negative in summer in the north; the Hedong region (industrial zone) featured strong positive correlations with planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) in summer (r > 0.6) and with T2 in spring/summer; and the Gannan Plateau (alpine zone) showed positive WS correlations in spring and weak positive RH2 correlations in spring/autumn, highlighting the decisive regulatory role of underlying surface properties. (4) Emission factors (PM_2.5, ${\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-}$, ${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$, ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$, OM, and BC) dominated (>50% relative contribution) in 80% of seasonal scenarios, prevailing in most regions (Hexi: 71–95% year-round; Hedong: 68–80% year-round; and Gannan: 69–72% in spring/summer). Key components included BC (contributing > 30% in 11 seasons, e.g., 52.5% in Hedong summer), ${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$ + ${\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+}$ (>57% in Hexi summer/autumn), and OM (20.3% in Gannan summer, 19.0% province-wide spring). Meteorological factors were the primary driver exclusively in Gannan winter (82%, T2-dominated) and province-wide summer (67%, RH2 + WS-dominated). In conclusion, Gansu’s AOD evolution is co-driven by emission factors (dominant province-wide) and meteorological factors (regionally and seasonally specific). Post-2013 environmental policies effectively promoted regional air quality improvement, providing a scientific basis for differentiated aerosol pollution control in arid, industrial, and alpine zones. Full article

Pyridine is a recalcitrant organic compound present in industrial wastewater that causes severe effects on the environment and the health of living beings, as it is considered a toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic agent. Therefore, this research explored the efficacy of a zinc oxide catalyst, doped with platinum nanoparticles and supported alumina through the precipitation method, for the photocatalytic degradation of pyridine using a fluidized bed reactor. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to analyze the effect of the pH (4–10), the pyridine concentration (20–300 ppm), and the amount of catalyst (20–100 g). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization results confirmed the hexagonal structure of the zinc oxide and the successful incorporation of platinum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a nano-bar morphology upon catalyst doping, favoring the photocatalytic activity. Pyridine removal of 57.7% was achieved under the following conditions: a pH of 4, 160 ppm of pyridine, and 100 g of catalyst. The process followed a pseudo-first-order model, obtaining the reaction constant k₁ = 1.943 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹ and the adsorption constant k₂ = 1.527 × 10⁻³ L/mg. The results showed high efficiency and stability of the catalyst in the fluidized bed reactor for pyridine degradation, especially under acidic conditions, representing a promising technological alternative for treating industrial wastewater contaminated with N-heterocycles such as pyridine. Full article

This study described and analyzed the results of cardiorespiratory polygraphic studies in infants under three months who were hospitalized and monitored due to suspected apneas. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Patients aged <3 months hospitalized from 2011 to 2023 were included. All were referred for suspected apneas, and cardiorespiratory polygraphies (PG) were conducted simultaneous to non-invasive monitoring. Demographic, PG, and diagnostic variables were recorded. PG values were obtained and compared between diagnostic groups. Association was evaluated according to diagnosis, prematurity, presence, and alteration type with Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Fisher tests. Association between quantitative variables was assessed with Spearman’s rho and the presence of alteration with binomial logistic regression. Analysis was performed with Jamovi v.2.3, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: A total of 155 studies were included. Median age was 41.0 days (IQR 22.0–59.0), median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR 32.0–42.0), and 52.3% were premature. Diagnosis: brief resolved unexplained events (BRUE) (58.1%), apnea of prematurity (27.1%), hypotonic syndrome (7.1%), laryngomalacia (LGM) (3.9%), and craniofacial alterations (CFA) (3.9%). Altered results in 21.9% polygraphies: 44.1% with AHI ≧ 5/h and 20.6% with SpO₂ ≦ 90% in >5% of the record. CFA and LGM patients had a higher risk of an altered polygraph than those with apnea of prematurity (OR 21.3/8.5) and BRUE (OR 35.9/14.3), respectively. Conclusions: Infants under three months of age referred for apnea showed often abnormal polygraphic indices, showing significant differences between diagnostic groups. Performance of sleep studies in these groups was feasible and allowed to confirm the presence of apneas and their level of severity. Particular attention should be considered in children with CFA and LMG, since their risk is significantly higher. Age-specific apnea patterns seem to be of interest, as this may possibly lead to future consequences. Full article