Search Results (322)

Background/Objectives: Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is used to detect and prevent neurological injury during extramedullary spinal cord tumor (EMSCT) resection, but its diagnostic accuracy lacks systematic validation with recent evidence. This meta-analysis evaluates the performance of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs), transcranial motor evoked potentials (TcMEPs), and multimodal (SSEP + TcMEP) IONM in predicting deficits during EMSCT resections. Methods: Following PRISMA-DTA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid (inception to April 2025) for studies on IONM in EMSCT surgeries (PROSPERO: CRD420251047345). Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and reversibility metrics were calculated using bivariate models, with quality assessed via QUADAS-2. Z-test and Bayesian meta-analysis were used for comparisons. Results: Across 20 studies (2672 patients), multimodal IONM showed a log DOR of 4.310 (95% CI: 3.581–5.039) and an AUC of 94.2%, TcMEP monitoring showed a log DOR of 4.367 (95% CI: 3.765–5.127) and an AUC of 92%, while SSEP monitoring showed a log DOR of 3.463 (95% CI: 2.702–4.224) and an AUC of 82%. All modalities demonstrated high specificity (>95%), indicating low false-positive rates. Bayesian analysis revealed >90% probability that TcMEP-based approaches were superior to SSEPs. Reversible TcMEP changes were associated with an 11% (95% CI: 4–24%) postoperative deficit rate, compared to 35% (95% CI: 12–67%) for SSEPs. Conclusions: These findings caution against relying solely on SSEPs and support the use of multimodal IONM strategies, which enhance early detection of impending neurological injury, enable timely surgical interventions, and help prevent permanent neurological damage in EMSCT resections. Although TcMEP and multimodal monitoring showed similar diagnostic accuracy, we continue to recommend multimodal approaches as the current standard of care, pending prospective studies to determine if TcMEP alone can reliably replace multimodal monitoring. Full article

Cyanidioschyzon merolae, an extremophilic unicellular red alga thriving in acidic hot springs at temperatures of 40–56 °C and pH 0.5–4.0, faces extreme oxidative stress conditions. This study presents a comprehensive genomic analysis of the carotenoid and vitamin E biosynthetic pathways, which are essential for antioxidant defense in this organism. Through comparative genomics using Arabidopsis thaliana sequences as queries, we identified and characterized genes encoding key enzymes involved in their metabolism. Our analysis reveals that C. merolae exclusively utilizes the methylerythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis and lacks a complete mevalonate (MVA) pathway. We identified eleven genes involved in terpenoid metabolism and seven genes specifically for carotenoid biosynthesis. Pigment analysis confirmed a streamlined carotenoid profile consisting solely of β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin, lacking the entire β,ε-branch and part of the β,β-branch. The complete tocopherol biosynthetic pathway produces exclusively α-tocopherol. The absence of the β,ε-carotenoid branch and the exclusive production of α-tocopherol demonstrate metabolic streamlining while maintaining antioxidant efficacy. These findings provide molecular blueprints for biotechnological applications, enabling targeted strategies to enhance antioxidant production through pathway optimization and metabolic engineering, while offering insights into developing stress-tolerant organisms and enhancing nutritional content in crops. Full article

Summer–autumn green tea (SAGT) is a high-yield green tea often compromised by pronounced bitterness, astringency and a weak aroma, which severely limit its consumer acceptability and economic value. To enhance its quality, this study employed solid-state fermentation with Eurotium cristatum, the core probiotic fungus in Fu brick tea (FBT), to investigate its effects on the physicochemical, sensory, and volatile profiles of SAGT. The findings showed that after fermentation, the tea leaves developed a golden-yellow color, and the tea infusion turned brown. Moreover, the contents of flavonoids, tea polyphenols, soluble sugars, catechins, and free amino acids showed decreases of 3%, 33%, 38%, 41%, and 48%, respectively, when compared to SAGT. At the same time, the astringency and bitterness levels of the infusions significantly diminished (p < 0.05) post-fermentation, and the 8-day fermented tea sample was the most preferred by the sensory panel. During fermentation, E-nose, GC-MS, and GC-IMS analyses revealed a substantial transformation of the volatile profile, with a total of 104 and 129 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified using GC-MS and GC-IMS techniques, respectively. The ROAV analysis highlighted 22 aroma-active compounds, particularly linalool and methyl salicylate, whose values increased significantly (p < 0.05), reaching values of 19,561.95 and 109.56, respectively, making them key contributors to the prominent floral and minty fragrance in the fermented tea. Additionally, PLS-DA analysis revealed 22 and 33 differential VOCs in the GC-MS and GC-IMS methods, respectively, with the majority stemming from the PAL and MEP metabolic pathways. This study provides theoretical insights aimed at enhancing the flavor quality of SAGT. Full article

Background: Long COVID can lead to a considerable economic burden because of ongoing care for persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, or cognitive dysfunction. However, systematic research quantifying healthcare expenditures associated with long COVID remains limited. Objective: This study estimated the excess total, payer, and out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures associated with long COVID among adults in the United States (US). Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis on adults ≥18 years using 2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data (N = 17,119; representing approximately 254 million adults). Economic burden was measured with (1) total, (2) payer, and (3) out-of-pocket expenditures by individuals and their families. Generalized linear models (GLMs) with gamma distribution and log link were utilized to estimate excess expenditures associated with long COVID after adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, social determinants of health, health status, and lifestyle factors. Results: Overall, 7.0% of the population reported long COVID. Adults with long COVID exhibited higher total (USD 11,305 vs. USD 7162) and payer (USD 9983 vs. USD 6097) expenditures compared to those with no COVID. In a fully adjusted analysis, long COVID was associated with an excess of USD 4098 in total healthcare expenditures and USD 3705 in payer expenditures. We did not observe significant differences in out-of-pocket expenditures between those with long COVID and no COVID. Conclusions: Adults with long COVID had 1.5 times higher total healthcare costs compared to those without COVID. This study highlights the need for comprehensive strategies and policies to reduce the economic burden associated with long COVID. Full article

Echinacea polysaccharide (EPP) is one of the main active ingredients of Echinacea purpurea and has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing activities. The study investigated the effects of supplementing the diet with different doses of EPP on immunosuppressed broilers. A total of 180 one-day-old healthy broilers were randomly assigned to six groups, each with six replicates of five birds. C (control) and CTX (cyclophosphamide) groups received basal diet, while LLEP, LEP, MEP, and HEP groups were supplemented with 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg EPP. On day 7, group C was injected with saline for three consecutive days, whereas the remaining groups received cyclophosphamide (CTX, 80 mg/kg) to induce immunosuppression. Intestine, liver, and serum samples were collected on days 14 and 28 for analysis. The results showed that all EPP-supplemented groups exhibited improved growth performance compared to the CTX group, and the immune organ index increased. Specifically, the MEP group showed an improvement in jejunal morphology, and the LLEP and LEP groups improved ileal morphology. The EPP-added groups had improved ileal morphology The EPP-added group exhibited improved jejunal and ileal intestinal barriers, i.e., Occludin, Claudin1, Claudin2 and MUC2 at different time periods, as well as immune-related markers, at different time points. Furthermore, the MEP and HEP groups showed upregulated Nrf2 gene expressions in the jejunum and ileaum. EPP supplementation reduced MDA contents in serum, liver, and small intestine. The LLEP group effectively increased GSH-Px in serum and liver, while the MEP group effectively increased T-AOC in serum, liver, and small intestine. Meanwhile, compared to the CTX group, the MEP group showed increased ALB levels and all groups supplemented with EPP showed elevated TP levels. In conclusion, EPP ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in broilers, with the optimal effect observed at a supplementation level of 400 mg/kg (MEP group). Full article

This work thoroughly investigated the compound 4-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydrobenzo[g]chromene-2,5,10-trione (DMDCT) using molecular docking, quantum chemical analysis, and vibrational spectroscopy methodology. The medicinal chemistry group has been particularly interested in chromene and benzochromene derivatives due to their wide range of pharmacological actions, including anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and neuroprotective capabilities. In this connection, DMDCT has been explored to evaluate its biological, electrical, and structural properties. DFT using the B3LYP functional and 6–31G basis was established to conduct theoretical computations with the Gaussian 09 program. The findings from these computations provide insight into the following topics: NBO interactions, optimal molecular geometry, Mulliken charge distribution, frontier molecular orbitals, and MEP. Second-order perturbation theory has been used to assess stabilization energies arising from donor–acceptor interactions. Furthermore, general features such as chemical hardness, softness, and electronegativity were studied. The results suggest that DMDCT has stable electronic configurations and biologically relevant active sites. This integrated experimental and theoretical study supports the potential of DMDCT as a practical scaffold for future therapeutic applications and contributes valuable information regarding its vibrational and electronic behavior. Full article

Antenatal depression affects 10–20% of pregnant women, with notable adverse outcomes for the neonates. Limited studies have indicated a potential link between exposure to phthalate metabolites and depression. The association between phthalate metabolites and depression in pregnant women is unknown. We sought to evaluate the association of exposure to phthalate metabolites with depression severity score in US pregnant women. This cross-sectional study used data collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2005–2018 on pregnant adults who completed urinary profiles that examined 12 common phthalate metabolites. Linear and quantile sum regressions were used to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9) and concentrations of phthalate metabolites. A total of 208 women were included in the analysis. These women’s mean (SD) age was 27.42 (5.78) years. We found that all the phthalates were associated with PHQ-9 scores except for mono (carboxyoctyl) and mono-isononyl phthalate. Similar results were observed with the association of high levels of phthalates with mild, moderate, and severe depression (PHQ-9 >4 vs. ≤4). All the phthalate metabolites remained significantly associated with depression scores in the adjusted analysis. Among all considered phthalate metabolites, a combination of MCNP, MBP, MiBP, MnBP, and MEHP contributed to the strongest association with higher depression scores. The relative importance was similar for MCNP (weight = 0.32) and MBP (weight = 0.31), followed by MiBP (weight = 0.12), MnBP (weight = 0.08), MEHP (0.07), and MEP (weight = 0.04) for depression scores. Our findings suggest that pregnant women with high exposure to phthalates are more likely to have higher depressive symptom scores. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer progression is characterized by the suppression of apoptosis, activation of metastatic processes, and dysregulation of cell proliferation. The proper functioning of these mechanisms relies on critical signaling pathways, including Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B/mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Although curcumin and resveratrol exhibit anticancer properties and affect these pathways, their pharmacokinetic limitations, including poor bioavailability and low solubility, restrict their clinical application. The aim of our study was to evaluate the synergistic anticancer potential of curcumin and resveratrol through hybrid molecules rationally designed from these compounds to mitigate their pharmacokinetic limitations. Furthermore, we analyzed the multi-target anticancer effects of these hybrids on the AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), MAPK, and STAT3 pathways using in silico molecular modeling approaches. Methods: Three hybrid molecules, including a long-chain (ELRC-LC) and a short-chain (ELRC-SC) hybrid, an ester-linked hybrid, and an ether-linked hybrid (EtLRC), were designed using the Avogadro software (v1.2.0), and their geometry optimization was carried out using Density Functional Theory (DFT). The electronic properties of the structures were characterized through Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO), Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analyses. The binding energies of the hybrid molecules, curcumin, resveratrol, their analogs, and the reference inhibitor were calculated against the AKT1, MAPK, and STAT3 receptors using molecular docking. The stabilities of the best-fitting complexes were evaluated through 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and their binding free energies were estimated using the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method. Results: DFT analyses demonstrated stable electronic characteristics for the hybrids. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the hybrids exhibited stronger binding compared to curcumin and resveratrol. The binding energy of −11.4 kcal/mol obtained for the ELRC-LC hybrid against AKT1 was particularly remarkable. Analysis of 100 ns MD simulations confirmed the conformational stability of the hybrids. Conclusions: Hybrid molecules have been shown to exert multi-target mechanisms of action on the AKT1, MAPK, and STAT3 pathways, and to represent potential anticancer candidates capable of overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations. Our in silico-based study provides data that will guide future in vitro and in vivo studies. These rationally designed hybrid molecules, owing to their receptor affinity, may serve as de novo hybrid inhibitors. Full article

Salt stress is a major abiotic factor limiting wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) growth. As a high-value medicinal and edible crop, wolfberry relies on its carotenoid content, a critical determinant of fruit quality and nutritional value. To elucidate the expression regulatory mechanisms of key genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway under salt stress, this study systematically identified 17 structural genes within the L. barbarum carotenoid pathway using genomic and transcriptomic approaches. Comprehensive analyses were conducted on gene structure, chromosomal distribution, conserved domains, and cis-acting elements. The results revealed that these genes were clustered on chromosomes Chr08 and Chr10 and exhibit strong collinearity with tomato (18 syntenic pairs). Their promoters were enriched with light-responsive (G-box) and stress-responsive (ABRE, DRE) elements. Tissue-specific expression analysis demonstrated high expression in mid-to-late fruit developmental stages (LbaPSY1, LbaPDS) and in photoprotective genes (LbaZEP, LbaVDE) in leaves. Under 300 mM NaCl stress treatment, the genes exhibited a staged response: Early stage (1–3 h): upstream MEP pathway genes (LbaDXS, LbaGGPS) were rapidly induced to supply precursors. Mid-stage (6–12 h): midstream genes (LbaPSY, LbaPDS, LbaZDS) were continuously upregulated, promoting lycopene synthesis and preferentially activating the β-branch (LbaLCYB). Late stage (12–24 h): downstream xanthophyll cycle genes (LbaBCH, LbaZEP, LbaVDE) were significantly enhanced, facilitating the accumulation of antioxidant compounds like violaxanthin and neoxanthin. This coordinated regulation formed a synergistic “precursor supply–antioxidant product” network. This study revealed the phased and coordinated regulatory network of carotenoid biosynthesis genes under salt stress in L. barbarum. It also provided potential target genes for the new cultivar selection with enhanced salt tolerance and nutritional quality. Full article

Objective: To investigate the relationship between respiratory function, functionality, and mortality in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and to determine which respiratory parameters show the strongest correlation with functionality and mortality. Methods: The study was conducted in Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Brazil, between January 2018 and December 2023. This was a retrospective cohort, following individuals with ALS who were evaluated at the University Laboratory. Results: A total of 74 ALS patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 55.7 ± 13.5 years. Most were male (66.2%) and predominantly presented with spinal-onset ALS (51.3%). Respiratory variables (except peak expiratory flow (PEF)) showed a weak but significant inverse correlation with mortality (FVC% predicted (r_pb = −0.260; p < 0.001), SNIP (r_pb = −0.235; p = 0.001), MEP (r_pb = −0.207; p = 0.007), MIP (r_pb = −0.198; p = 0.009), and PEF% predicted (r_pb = −0.156; p = 0.013)). When analyzing their correlation with ALSFRS-R, all variables showed a significant positive correlation (ranging from weak to moderate) with functionality. A reduction of one unit in the respiratory variables PEF% of predicted, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) increased the risk of death by an average of 300% (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 2.05–4.35), 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03), and 1% (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.00–1.02), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that direct measurements of respiratory function and muscle strength, particularly PEF and SNIP, may serve as more useful markers to guide early interventions such as non-invasive ventilation, thereby improving quality of life and potentially prolonging survival. Full article

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a common degenerative condition of the elbow, often managed conservatively. However, a subset of patients who had recalcitrant symptoms and repeated corticosteroid injections may develop subtle lateral elbow instability, particularly involving the radial collateral ligament (RCL). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of RCL repair combined with open ECRB debridement in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis and mild instability. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 92 patients who underwent surgery for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis between 2016 and 2022. Twelve patients with imaging and intraoperative findings of mild lateral instability underwent open RCL repair with or without LUCL augmentation (unstable group). The remaining 80 patients without instability underwent arthroscopic ECRB release and drilling (stable group). Pre- and postoperative outcomes were assessed using VAS, MEPS, DASH, and range of motion. Comparative analyses were performed between the two groups. Results: All unstable patients had a history of repeated steroid injections (mean 3.4) for 18 months. Postoperatively, pain scores (VAS) improved from 6.8 to 1.4, MEPS increased from 53 to 91, and DASH decreased from 47.1 to 13.8. No major complications or recurrent instability were observed at one-year follow-up. Subgroup analysis revealed that older age, previous surgery, and a greater number of injections were significantly associated with instability. Conclusions: RCL repair combined with ECRB debridement yields favorable clinical outcomes in patients with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis and mild instability, especially those who had a history of repeated corticosteroid injections. Proper evaluation and surgical repair of underlying ligament pathology may improve outcomes in this subset of patients. Favorable clinical outcomes were defined as improvements compared to preoperative baseline scores. These outcomes were compared to preoperative scores and exceeded MCID thresholds where applicable. Full article

Background: Preoperative stress is a multifactorial phenomenon shaped by physiological, psychological, and social influences, with a substantial impact on postoperative recovery. This study aimed to quantify preoperative stress levels, identify associated factors, and rank their predictive importance. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 197 patients scheduled for general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, or otorhinolaryngology procedures between December 2024 and June 2025 at Suceava County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Stress levels were assessed using the Brief Measure of Emotional Preoperative Stress (B-MEPS), translated and culturally adapted into Romanian. Statistical analyses included nonparametric tests, generalized linear modeling, and Random Forest regression. Results: The mean B-MEPS score was 21.42 ± 6.04 (range: 11–34), indicating a moderate level of preoperative stress. Higher stress scores were significantly associated with female sex (p < 0.001), lower educational attainment (p = 0.003), divorced marital status (p = 0.007), a history of cancer (p = 0.002), and the type of surgical intervention (p = 0.003). Random Forest analysis identified the type of surgery, educational level, and sex as the strongest predictors. Conclusions: Preoperative stress is chiefly influenced by the type of surgical procedure, educational level, and sex, with potential synergistic effects among these factors. Early identification of high-risk patients enables targeted, personalized interventions to mitigate anxiety and improve perioperative outcomes. Further research should include formal validation of the Romanian version of B-MEPS and the integration of additional psychosocial variables. Full article

A new Schiff base, (E)-2-(((1,10-phenanthrolin-5-yl)imino)methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (Fen-IHB), was designed to incorporate an intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) between the phenolic OH and the azomethine nitrogen with the goal of modulating its physicochemical and biological properties. Fen-IHB was synthesized by condensation of 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and exhaustively characterized by HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, 1D/2D NMR (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT-45, HH-COSY, CH-COSY, D₂O exchange), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry in anhydrous CH₃CN revealed a single irreversible cathodic peak at −1.43 V (vs. Ag/Ag⁺), which is consistent with the intramolecular reductive coupling of the azomethine moiety. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, including MEP mapping, Fukui functions, dual descriptor analysis, and Fukui potentials with dual descriptor potential, identified the exocyclic azomethine carbon as the principal nucleophilic site and the phenolic ring (hydroxyl oxygen and adjacent carbons) as the main electrophilic region. Noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis further confirmed the strength and geometry of the intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB). In vitro antimicrobial assays indicated that Fen-IHB was inactive against Gram-negative facultative anaerobes (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Typhi, Escherichia coli) and strictly anaerobic Gram-positive species (Clostridioides difficile, Roseburia inulinivorans, Blautia coccoides), as any growth inhibition was indistinguishable from the DMSO control. Conversely, Fen-IHB displayed measurable activity against Gram-positive aerobes and aerotolerant anaerobes, including Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Overall, these comprehensive characterization results confirm the distinctive chemical and electronic properties of Fen-IHB, underlining the crucial role of the intramolecular hydrogen bond and electronic descriptors in defining its reactivity profile and selective biological activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Central sensitization (CS) is identified as a cause of pain in various musculoskeletal diseases, and breathing pattern disorders (BPDs) are reported to be correlated with chronic pain. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between CS and BPDs through regression analysis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed according to the strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Forty participants with moderate to extreme CS (central sensitization inventory for Koreans; CSI-K ≥ 40) were enrolled, and their respiratory motion (manual assessment of respiratory motion; MARM), respiratory function (self-evaluation of breathing questionnaire; SEBQ), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure; MIP, maximal expiratory pressure; MEP), pain intensity (numeric pain rating scale; NPRS), pain cognition (Korean version of pain catastrophizing scale; K-PCS), muscle tone and stiffness were measured. Results: Among participants with moderate to extreme CS, 82.5% showed BPDs and 42.5% reported severe pain intensity. Regression analysis revealed significant relationships between respiratory and pain variables. K-PCS demonstrated significant negative relationships with MARM area (β = −0.437, R² = 0.191) and positive relationships with SEBQ (β = 0.528, R² = 0.279). In the subgroup with BPDs, strong regression relationships were found between MARM area and NPRS usual pain (β = −0.486, R² = 0.237) and K-PCS (β = −0.605, R² = 0.366). Multiple regression analysis showed that MARM area and SEBQ together explained 41.2% of variance in pain catastrophizing. The comprehensive muscle stiffness prediction model using CSI-K, K-PCS, and muscle tone showed remarkably high explanatory power (R² = 0.978). Conclusions: In individuals with moderate to extreme CS, respiratory dysfunction was prevalent and significantly predictable through regression models with pain intensity and pain cognition. These quantitative regression relationships between breathing mechanics, pain measures, and muscle properties provide clinical prediction tools and suggest the importance of assessing breathing patterns in CS management. Full article

Parabens—specifically methylparaben (MeP), ethylparaben (EtP), propylparaben (PrP), and butylparaben (BuP)—are widely used substances in everyday life, particularly as preservatives in pharmaceutical and food products. However, these compounds are not effectively removed by conventional water and wastewater treatment processes, potentially causing disruptions to human homeostasis and the endocrine system. This study conducted a transport and dimensional analysis through simulation of the adsorption process for these parabens, using zinc chloride-activated carbon derived from spent coffee grounds (ACZnCl₂) as the adsorbent, implemented via Aspen Properties^® and Aspen Adsorption^®. Simulations were performed for two inlet concentrations (50 mg/L and 100 mg/L) and two adsorption column heights (3 m and 4 m), considering a volumetric flow rate representative of a medium-sized city with approximately 100,000 inhabitants. The results showed that both density and surface tension of the parabens varied linearly with increasing temperature, and viscosity exhibited a marked reduction above 30 °C. Among the tested conditions, the configuration with 50 mg∙L⁻¹ inlet concentration and a 4 m column height demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity and better performance under adsorption–desorption equilibrium. These findings indicate that the implementation of adsorption beds on an industrial scale in water and wastewater treatment systems is both environmentally and socially viable. Full article