Search Results (9,099)

Monitoring sediment concentration in water bodies is crucial for assessing water quality, ecosystems, and environmental health. However, physical sampling and sensor-based approaches are labor-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale, continuous monitoring. This study employs machine learning models to estimate suspended sediment concentration using images captured in natural light, named RGB, and near-infrared (NIR) conditions. A controlled dataset of approximately 1300 images with SSC values ranging from 1000 mg/L to 150,000 mg/L was developed, incorporating temperature, time of image capture, and solar irradiance as additional features. Random forest regression and gradient boosting regression were trained on mean RGB values, red reflectance, time of captured, and temperature for natural light images, achieving up to 72.96% accuracy within a 30% relative error. In contrast, NIR images leveraged gray-level co-occurrence matrix texture features and temperature, reaching 83.08% accuracy. Comparative analysis showed that ensemble models outperformed deep learning models like Convolutional Neural Networks and Multi-Layer Perceptrons, which struggled with high-dimensional feature extraction. These findings suggest that using machine learning models and RGB and NIR imagery offers a scalable, non-invasive, and cost-effective way of sediment monitoring in support of water quality assessment and environmental management. 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

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

Plasma-activated water (PAW), enriched with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), presents oxidative and antimicrobial characteristics with potential in cosmetic applications. This study examined the effects of two PAW formulations—nitrate-rich (PAW-N) and peroxide-rich (PAW-P)—on human hair types classified as straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), and coily/kinky (Type 4). The impact of PAW on hair structure and chemistry was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and physicochemical analyses of the liquids (pH, ORP, conductivity, and TDS). PAW-N, with high nitrate content (~500 mg/L), low pH (2.15), and elevated conductivity (6244 µS/cm), induced significant damage to porous hair types, including disulfide bond cleavage, protein oxidation, and lipid degradation, as indicated by FTIR and EDS data. SEM confirmed severe cuticle disruption. In contrast, PAW-P, containing >25 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide and exhibiting milder acidity and lower ionic strength, caused more localized and controlled oxidation with minimal morphological damage. Straight hair showed greater resistance to both treatments, while coily and wavy hair were more susceptible, particularly to PAW-N. These findings suggest that the formulation and ionic profile of PAW should be matched to hair porosity for safe oxidative treatments, supporting the use of PAW-P as a gentler alternative in hair care technologies. Full article

Barium chloride (BaCl₂), a known environmental pollutant, induces organ-specific oxidative stress through disruption of redox homeostasis. This study evaluated the protective effects and safety profile of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and ascorbic acid (ASC) against BaCl₂-induced oxidative damage in the liver and brain of mice using a two-phase experimental protocol. Animals received either SCC (40 mg/kg), ASC (160 mg/kg), or their combination for 14 days prior to BaCl₂ exposure (150 mg/L in drinking water for 7 days), allowing evaluation of both preventive and therapeutic effects. Toxicological and behavioral assessments confirmed the absence of systemic toxicity or neurobehavioral alterations following supplementation. Body weight, liver and kidney indices, and biochemical markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine) remained within physiological ranges, and no anxiogenic or locomotor effects were observed. In the brain, BaCl₂ exposure significantly increased SOD (+49%), CAT (+66%), GPx (+24%), and GSH (+26%) compared to controls, reflecting a robust compensatory antioxidant response. Although lipid peroxidation (MDA) showed a non-significant increase, SCC, ASC, and their combination reduced MDA levels by 42%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. These treatments normalized antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH, indicating an effective neuroprotective effect. In contrast, the liver exhibited a different oxidative profile. BaCl₂ exposure increased MDA levels by 80% and GSH by 34%, with no activation of SOD, CAT, or GPx. Histological analysis revealed extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory infiltration. SCC significantly reduced hepatic MDA by 39% and preserved tissue architecture, while ASC alone or combined with SCC exacerbated inflammation and depleted hepatic GSH by 71% and 78%, respectively, relative to BaCl₂-exposed controls. Collectively, these results highlight a differential, organ-specific response to BaCl₂-induced oxidative stress and the therapeutic potential of SCC and ASC. SCC emerged as a safer and more effective agent, particularly in hepatic protection, while both antioxidants demonstrated neuroprotective effects when used individually or in combination. Full article

Background: There is an urgent need for novel treatment options for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Methenamine is an interesting urinary antiseptic with a very low propensity to induce antimicrobial resistance. Methods: We assessed the MICs of methenamine-hippurate for 18 N. gonorrhoeae isolates. We then assessed the in vivo efficacy of methenamine-hippurate against N. gonorrhoeae using the Galleria mellonella infection model. Results: We found that all the gonococcal isolates had a methenamine-hippurate MIC of 300 mg/L. This MIC was not higher in isolates with higher ceftriaxone MICs. No toxicity of methenamine at the doses tested was found, and doses as low as 200 mg/kg were effective in the G. mellonella model. Conclusions: Further studies in mice and humans are required to assess if methenamine-hippurate could be used to treat gonococcal urethritis alone or in combination with other agents such as ceftriaxone. Full article

Aronia melanocarpa (black chokeberry) is a medicinally valuable small fruit species, yet its commercial propagation remains limited by low rooting and genotype-specific responses. This study developed an efficient, callus-free micropropagation and rooting protocol using a Shrub Plant Medium (SPM) supplemented with 5 mg/L BAP in large 660 mL jars, which yielded up to 27 shoots per explant. Optimal rooting (100%) was achieved with 0.5 mg/L NAA + 0.25 mg/L IBA in half-strength SPM. In the second phase, supervised machine learning models, including Random Forest (RF), XGBoost, Gaussian Process (GP), and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), were employed to predict morphogenic traits based on culture conditions. XGBoost and RF outperformed other models, achieving R² values exceeding 0.95 for key variables such as shoot number and root length. These results demonstrate that data-driven modeling can enhance protocol precision and reduce experimental workload in plant tissue culture. The study also highlights the potential for combining physiological understanding with artificial intelligence to streamline future in vitro applications in woody species. Full article

In this study, a highly cadmium (II)-resistant bacterium strain, C10-4, identified as Bacillus altitudinis, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Baiyangdian Lake, China. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cd(II) for strain C10-4 was 1600 mg/L. Factors such as the contact time, pH, Cd(II) concentration, and biomass dosage affected the adsorption of Cd(II) by strain C10-4. The adsorption process fit well to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, based on the Cd(II) adsorption data obtained from the cells of strain C10-4. This suggests that Cd(II) is adsorbed by strain C10-4 cells via a single-layer homogeneous chemical adsorption process. According to the Langmuir model, the maximum biosorption capacity was 3.31 mg/g for fresh-strain C10-4 biomass. Cd(II) was shown to adhere to the bacterial cell wall through SEM-EDS analysis. FTIR spectroscopy further indicated that the main functional sites for the binding of Cd(II) ions on the cell surface of strain C10-4 were functional groups such as N-H, -OH, -CH-, C=O, C-O, P=O, sulfate, and phosphate. After the inoculation of strain C10-4 into Cd(II)-contaminated soils, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.01) in the exchangeable fraction of Cd and an increase (p < 0.01) in the sum of the reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions of Cd. The results show that Bacillus altitudinis C10-4 has good potential for use in the remediation of Cd(II)-contaminated soils. Full article

Background: Anaemia in adolescents can be influenced by parasitic infections, systemic inflammation, and nutritional status. Objective: To determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP), nutritional status, and infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, Giardia lamblia, or Trichuris trichiura are associated with anaemia in adolescent athletes from Tacna compared to non-athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 250 male football players aged 13–18 years and 150 age-matched non-athletes. Haemoglobin, haematocrit, ferritin, serum iron, CRP, and parasitic status were measured; mean comparisons and logistic regression were applied. Results: Anaemia was more prevalent among athletes than non-athletes (30% vs. 18%; p < 0.001). Infected athletes showed lower haemoglobin (11.9 ± 1.1 g/dL) and higher CRP (5.0 ± 1.9 mg/L) levels compared to non-infected athletes (13.8 ± 1.0 g/dL and 2.2 ± 1.1 mg/L; p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified CRP as an independent predictor of anaemia (adjusted OR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.08–1.38; p < 0.001), while parasitic infections showed no direct association after adjustment. Underweight status was associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia (36%). Conclusions: Systemic inflammation emerged as the main factor associated with anaemia in this population, with parasitic infections contributing indirectly by increasing inflammation. Periodic deworming, iron supplementation, and CRP monitoring are recommended to reduce the burden of anaemia in adolescent athletes from endemic regions. Full article

Objectives: To assess the role of a real-time therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided expert clinical pharmacological advice (ECPA) program of isavuconazole in preventing under- or overexposure with the intent of improving efficacy and safety outcomes in the critically ill patients. Methods: This retrospective study included critical patients receiving intravenous isavuconazole for prophylaxis or treatment of invasive fungal infections (IFI) and undergoing at least one TDM-guided ECPA in the period 1 March 2021–31 March 2025. Desired isavuconazole exposure was defined as trough concentrations (C_min) of 1.0–5.1 mg/L. Efficacy outcome was assessed by means of bronchoalveolar (BAL) galactomannan (GM) index, breakthrough IFI, and 30-day mortality rate, whereas safety was assessed by means of hepatic test disturbances (HTD). Univariate analysis was carried out for assessing potential variables associated with isavuconazole under- or overexposure and for comparing features of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients vs. non-SOT patients. Proportions of isavuconazole C_min underexposure, desired exposure, and overexposure were assessed at different timepoints from starting therapy. Trends over time of HTD in relation to isavuconazole exposure were assessed separately in patients having HTD or not at baseline. Results: Overall, 32 critical patients were included. A total of 166 TDM-guided ECPAs were provided. Median (IQR) average isavuconazole C_min was 3.5 mg/L (2.1–4.6 mg/L). Proportions of ECPAs with isavuconazole C_min under- and overexposure were 4.2% (7/166) and 16.3% (27/166), respectively. Patients experiencing underexposure had higher body mass index (30.1 vs. 25.5 kg/m²; p < 0.001). Trends of isavuconazole C_min under- and overexposure changed over time, significantly decreasing the former (10.5% <7 days vs. 4.3% 7–28 days vs. 0.0% >28 days; p < 0.001) and increasing the latter (5.3% <7 days vs. 12.8% 7–28 days vs. 29.3% >28 days; p < 0.001). HTD occurred in 15/32 patients, most of whom (10/15) were affected just at baseline. Patients with transient or persistent overexposure trended toward a higher risk of HTD compared to those without (33.3% vs. 8.3%; p = 0.11). Conclusions: A real-time TDM-guided approach could be a valuable tool for optimizing isavuconazole exposure, especially whenever dealing with obese patients or with prolonged treatment. Full article

The current work is established with the object of modifying the source of Fenton system and substituting iron source as a catalyst with magnetite/potato peels composite material (POT400-M) to be an innovative solar photocatalyst. The structural and morphological characteristics of the material are assessed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique is applied to treat oil spills that pollute seawater. The effectiveness of the operating parameters is studied, and numerical optimization is applied to optimize the most influential parameters on the system, including POT400-M catalyst (47 mg/L) and hydrogen peroxide reagent (372 mg/L) at pH 5.0, to maximize oil removal, reaching 93%. Also, the aqueous solution and wastewater temperature on the oxidation reaction is evaluated and the reaction exhibited an exothermic nature. Kinetic modeling is evaluated, and the reaction is found to follow the second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic examination of the data exhibits negative enthalpy (∆H′) values, confirming that the reaction is exothermic, and the system is verified to be able to perform at the minimal activation energy barrier (−51.34 kJ/mol). 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: Intravenous vancomycin remains a key agent in the treatment of complex orthopedic infections, particularly those involving methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). However, its use is associated with significant risks, most notably nephrotoxicity. Despite guideline recommendations, standardized dosing and monitoring protocols are often absent in orthopedic settings, leading to inconsistent therapeutic drug exposure and preventable adverse events. This study evaluated the clinical impact of implementing a structured standard operating procedure (SOP) for intravenous vancomycin therapy in orthopedic inpatients. Methods: We conducted a single-center, pre-post cohort study at a university orthopedic department. The intervention consisted of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for intravenous vancomycin therapy, which mandated weight-based loading doses, renal function-adjusted maintenance dosing, trough level monitoring, and defined dose adjustments. Patients treated before SOP implementation (n = 58) formed the control group; those treated under the SOP (n = 56) were prospectively included. The primary outcome was the incidence of vancomycin-associated acute kidney injury (VA-AKI) defined by KDIGO Stage 1 criteria. Secondary outcomes included therapeutic trough level attainment and infusion-related or ototoxic adverse events. Results: All patients in the post-SOP group received a loading dose (100% vs. 31% pre-SOP, p < 0.001). The range of measured vancomycin trough levels narrowed substantially after SOP implementation (7.1–36.2 mg/L vs. 4.0–80.0 mg/L). The proportion of patients reaching therapeutic trough levels increased, although this was not statistically significant. Most notably, VA-AKI occurred in 17.2% of patients in the control group, but in none of the patients after SOP implementation (0%, p = 0.0013). No cases of ototoxicity were observed in either group. Infusion-related reactions decreased after the implementation of the SOP, though not significantly. Conclusions: The introduction of a structured vancomycin protocol significantly reduced adverse drug events and improved dosing control in orthopedic inpatients. Incorporating such protocols into routine practice represents a feasible and effective strategy to strengthen antibiotic stewardship and clinical quality in surgical disciplines. Full article

Probiotics have been widely explored for their potential in managing hyperuricemia. However, their isolation and identification are fundamental prerequisites for practical application. In this study, 254 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from Chinese sauerkraut and screened for probiotic potential based on genomic and phenotypic characteristics, as well as nucleoside-degrading activity relevant to decrease serum urate. Among them, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) F42 exhibited the highest bile salt tolerance (survivor rate: 19.46 ± 4.33%), strong adhesion to Caco-2 cells (1.89 ± 0.12%), effective nucleoside degradation (inosine: 5.46 ± 0.67 mg∙L⁻¹∙min⁻¹; guanosine: 3.84 ± 0.11 mg∙L⁻¹∙min⁻¹), and notable anti-listeria activity (inhibition zone: 6.9 ± 0.3 mm). Based on its functional profile, L. plantarum F42 was selected as a promising probiotic candidate for further investigation of its urate-lowering effects. This work provides a new insight into anti-hyperuricemia probiotic selection based on in vitro nucleoside-degrading activity. Full article

The removal of antibiotics from aqueous media along with their recovery is still an open research topic, due to their practical and economical importance. Adsorption allows these two objectives to be achieved, provided that the adsorbent used is chemically and mechanically stable and has a low preparation cost. In this study, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fibers, obtained by mechanically processing PET waste, were used for the adsorption of rifampicin (RIF) and rifaximin (RIX) antibiotics from aqueous media. The experimental adsorption capacity of PET fibers for the two antibiotics (RIF and RIX) was determined at different pH values (2.0–6.5), adsorbent dose (0.4–20.0 g/L), contact time (5–1440 min), initial antibiotic concentration (4.0–67.0 mg/L), and temperature (10, 22, and 50 °C); the experimental values of these parameters were analyzed using a neuro-evolutive technique (ANE) combining sequential deep learning (DL) models with a differential evolution algorithm. The obtained optimal ANN-DL algorithm was then used to obtain the optimal models for the adsorption of RIF and RIX on PET fibers, which should adequately describe the adsorption dynamics for both antibiotics. The adsorption processes are spontaneous and endothermic (ΔG < 0, ΔH > 0) and are described by the Langmuir model (R² > 0.97) and the pseudo-second order kinetic model (R² > 0.99). The retention of RIF and RIX on the surface of PET fibers occurs through physicochemical interactions, and the FTIR spectra and microscopic images support this hypothesis. The presence of inorganic anions in the aqueous solution leads to an increase in the adsorption capacities of RIF (max. 7.6 mg/g) and RIX (max. 3.6 mg/g) on PET fibers, which is mainly due to the ordering of water molecules in the solution. The experimental results presented in this study allowed for the development of the adsorption mechanism of RIF and RIX on PET fibers, highlighting the potential practical applications of these adsorption processes. Full article