Search Results (14,030)

Hourly concentrations of PM_2.5-bound elements were continuously monitored in Windsor, Canada, from April 2021 to April 2023. Health risk assessment methods of the USEPA were utilized to quantify lifetime cumulative cancer risks (CRs) using six PM_2.5-bound elements, and chronic non-cancer hazard quotients (HQs) using 11 elements, for each season, each source factor, and each hour of day. The two-year average PM_2.5 mass concentration was 9.2 μg/m³, slightly exceeding Ontario’s Ambient Air Quality Criteria of 8.8 μg/m³. A discernible diurnal concentration pattern was noted for most elements, peaking during morning rush hours and tapering during the daytime, largely attributed to local human activities and changes in atmospheric mixing heights. Despite this, both the total lifetime cumulative CR (4.1 × 10⁻⁵) and non-cancer total HQ (0.82) from exposure to ambient elements remained below the corresponding USEPA-acceptable levels. The seasonal variation in CRs and HQs was minimal. However, the diurnal variation was strong, with higher risks during morning rush hours (6:00–8:00) when traffic volume peaks, and lower risks during the daytime (12:00–20:00) when atmospheric mixing height is enhanced. Metal processing emerged as the most significant contributor to the total CR (52%) and HQ (60%), followed by coal/heavy oil burning (19% and 16%, respectively), and vehicular exhaust (19% and 12%, respectively). The remaining two source factors accounted for 10% of CR and 12% of HQ. Cd (62%) was the largest contributor to CRs, followed by Cr(VI) (25%), Co (6%), As (5%), Ni (2%), and Pb (<0.1%). Similarly, Cd dominated HQs (73%), followed by Mn (11%), Ni (6.3%), with the remaining eight elements collectively contributing 9.7%. Although levels of CRs and HQs are low, efforts to mitigate ambient Cd emissions from metal processing sources will help reduce exposure and protect the environment and human health, given Cd is the primary contributor to the total CR and HQ during the study period. Full article

This study investigates the reutilization of polylactic acid (PLA) waste generated by 3D printing through its transformation into electrospun membranes with tunable morphological, surface, thermal, and filtration properties. Polymer solutions containing 5–10 wt % recycled PLA were prepared in a dichloromethane/dimethylformamide system and characterized in terms of viscosity and electrical conductivity. Increasing PLA concentration raised solution viscosity (41.87–339.83 mPa·s) and reduced conductivity (7.63–1.63 µS·cm⁻¹), promoting the formation of bead-free fibers with larger diameters (0.221–1.213 µm) and enhanced hydrophobicity (contact angles 112.34–124.38°). FTIR confirmed preservation of the polymer chemical structure after recycling and electrospinning, while DSC revealed reduced crystallinity in the fibrous membranes. Exploratory correlation analysis indicated consistent associations between solution properties, fiber morphology, and wettability. Increasing the number of electrospun layers (1–3) generated denser networks with reduced pore size and improved particle retention. Filtration tests conducted under controlled airflow conditions (85 L min⁻¹, 1 cm s⁻¹ frontal velocity, 50 cm² effective area) showed removal efficiencies above 90% for PM2.5 and PM5, while PM1 capture improved with increasing membrane thickness. Quality factor analysis highlighted the trade-off between filtration efficiency and pressure drop, identifying intermediate multilayer configurations as providing a favorable balance. These findings demonstrate that electrospinning offers an effective strategy for converting recycled PLA into structurally tunable membranes with adjustable filtration performance, supporting sustainable valorization of additive manufacturing waste. Full article

This study investigates the vertical variation and temporal characteristics and indicates the sources of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) within particulate matter fraction PM₁ during light (November–December 2024) and heavy (January–February 2025) haze episodes in Bangkok, Thailand, a topic where data are still limited data regarding Southeast Asian megacities. Continuous measurements were conducted at 30 and 110 m above ground level, together with particle size distribution measurement, micrometeorological observations, and backward air mass trajectory analysis. During the haze periods, the highest particle number concentrations occurred in the 0.3–0.4 µm size range, indicating dominant contributions from combustion-related emissions and secondary aerosol formation. Mean PM₁ mass concentrations during the heavy haze episodes were more than 2.5 times higher than those during light haze. BC concentrations increased substantially during heavy haze, while the BC fraction of PM₁ remained relatively constant (~10%). In contrast, the BrC fraction reached nearly 20%, reflecting an increasing influence of biomass burning emissions associated with regional transport. Combined analyses of BC/BrC relationships, wind-direction dependence, and air mass trajectories demonstrate mixed contributions from local fossil fuel combustion and long-range transport of biomass burning aerosols during severe haze events. Full article

Urban overheating poses major challenges in Mediterranean cities, affecting public health and well-being. This study comparatively evaluates how alternative greening configurations influence urban microclimate and outdoor thermal comfort in a brownfield regeneration site in Imola, Italy, using ENVI-met simulations under a representative extreme summer condition. Eight scenarios with varying vegetation density, structure, and spatial arrangement were modelled on the hottest day of the year, and the Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) was evaluated at representative times. Results show that greening reduces heat stress, though its effectiveness varies over time and across configurations. No meaningful cooling occurred at 5:00 a.m., confirming that vegetation has a limited impact during nocturnal radiative processes. At 9:00 a.m., the medium-density scenario (S2b) achieved the greatest PET reduction (~2 °C), suggesting favorable evapotranspiration conditions under moderate radiation. At 4:00 p.m., the distributed high-density scenario (S3.2b) provided the strongest mitigation (~1.8–2 °C). Distributed layouts outperformed clustered ones, highlighting the non-linear nature of vegetation cooling. Zonal analysis showed the largest cooling in public green areas, followed by parking, building, and path zones, demonstrating the influence of surface type and shading geometry. Greening also produced modest improvements in surrounding neighborhoods (up to 0.8 °C in the morning), although impacts remained localized. Overall, results highlight how vegetation quantity, structure, and spatial distribution influence cooling performance under critical summer conditions, supporting climate-responsive urban regeneration design. These findings contribute to sustainable urban planning by supporting nature-based strategies for climate adaptation and improved environmental quality in regenerating urban districts. Future work should consider seasonal vegetation dynamics and multi-objective design optimization. Full article

(1) Research Highlights: This study provides the first integrated assessment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in the urban forests of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, a city consistently ranked among the most air-polluted cities globally. We examined the adaptive phyto-chemical response of needles to extreme technogenic stress and evaluated their dual potential as biological filters and renewable sources of bioactive compounds. (2) Background and Objectives: Urban forests are critical for mitigating air pollution; however, the biochemical responses of trees in heavily industrialized environments remain poorly understood. Karaganda faces severe atmospheric pollution from mining, metallurgy, and energy sectors, with particulate matter (PM) levels exceeding permissible limits by up to 20-fold. This study aimed to evaluate the state of Pinus sylvestris, a key component of local protective plantations, by studying heavy metal accumulation, anatomical localization of secondary metabolites, and the phytochemical profile and biological activity of needle extracts obtained using different extraction techniques. (3) Materials and Methods: Needles were collected from 15 trees across three sites in Karaganda’s industrial green zones. Heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and voltammetry. Anatomical–histochemical analysis localizes major metabolite classes. Liquid extracts were prepared using four methods, percolation (PER), vortex-assisted (VAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction, and analyzed by GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was tested against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and C. albicans using the disk diffusion method. The antioxidant capacity (water- and fat-soluble) was measured amperometrically. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD test (p < 0.05). Results: Despite extreme ambient pollution, heavy metal concentrations remained below pharmacopoeial limits (Pb < 0.1, Cd < 0.05, As < 0.01, Hg < 0.001 mg/kg), indicating effective biofiltration without toxic accumulation. Histochemistry confirmed the active synthesis of protective phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils in the mesophyll, epidermis, and schizogenic cavities. GC-MS identified 72 compounds in the PER extract, 70 (the VAE), 72 in (MAE), and 46 in (UAE). The PER extract exhibited the highest relative abundance of bioactive terpenoids: α-cadinol (5.24%), α-muurolene (4.32%), and caryo-phyllene (2.20%). UAE extracts exhibited elevated 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (6.90%), indicating degradation. Antimicrobial testing revealed that PER produced the largest inhibition zone against S. aureus (15.0 ± 1.0 mm), significantly exceeding that of the other methods (p < 0.001). PER extract also demonstrated the highest water-soluble antioxidant capacity (3600 ± 0.40 mg quercetin equiv./dm³) and substantial fat-soluble activity (1633 ± 0.23 mg gallic acid equiv./dm³). (4) Conclusions: Pinus sylvestris in Karaganda exhibits remarkable adaptive resilience, maintaining safe heavy metal levels while accumulating a rich repertoire of stress-induced secondary metabolites. Classical percolation optimally preserves this native phytocomplex, yielding extracts with superior antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These findings support a dual-use model wherein urban pine plantations simultaneously serve as living biofilters and renewable sources of standardized bioactive extracts, a concept with direct implications for circular bioeconomy strategies in industrial regions worldwide. This supports the strategic importance of coniferous plantations for bioremediation and sustainable resource use in industrial regions. Full article

Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) is a neotropical species widely recognized for its bioactive essential oils (EOs), which exhibit antifungal, insecticidal, larvicidal, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the influence of circadian rhythms on the chemical composition and yield of P. aduncum EOs cultivated under agroecological conditions in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Fresh leaves were collected every three hours over a 24 h cycle during both dry (July 2023) and rainy (February 2024) seasons. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 20 compounds were identified in the dry season, while 10 were detected in the rainy season. Dillapiole was the predominant constituent in both periods, ranging from 75.78% to 88.27% (dry) and 75.90% to 90.86% (rainy). The highest EO yield was observed at 3:00 p.m. (0.73%) in the dry season and at 12:00 p.m. (0.61%) in the rainy season. Despite seasonal variations in chemical diversity, dillapiole content remained stable, reinforcing its biotechnological potential. The results highlight the importance of optimized harvesting times to maximize EO yield and composition, contributing to the sustainable exploitation of P. aduncum for medicinal and agricultural applications. Full article

Urban air quality is a key component of environmental sustainability and public health in large metropolitan areas. Following the substantial but temporary improvements in air quality observed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, it remains unclear whether structural changes in urban air pollution have persisted in the post-pandemic period. This study analyzes the temporal dynamics of major atmospheric pollutants in Mexico City between 2021 and 2024, including CO, NO₂, NO_x, O₃, PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and SO₂, using hourly data from the Mexico City Atmospheric Monitoring System (SIMAT). Annual and monthly median concentrations were computed to reduce the influence of extreme values and short-term pollution episodes. Station-level monotonic trends were evaluated using the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test, complemented by the use of Sen’s slope estimator to quantify the magnitude and direction of change. Absolute and relative changes between 2021 and 2024 were also analyzed to capture incremental variations not reflected by trend significance tests and performed together with hourly monthly analyses to characterize diurnal and seasonal patterns. Results indicate that no statistically significant monotonic trends were detected for any pollutant across the analyzed stations (p > 0.05), suggesting an overall stabilization of air quality levels during the post-pandemic period. Nevertheless, moderate increases in annual median concentrations were observed at specific locations, particularly for PM₁₀, PM_2.5, NO₂, and NO_x, with relative changes ranging from approximately 5% to 35%. Persistent diurnal and seasonal patterns were identified, closely associated with traffic activity, photochemical processes, and meteorological conditions. These findings suggest that, although no robust long-term trends are evident, incremental increases and stable temporal structures remain relevant from a sustainability perspective. Continued monitoring and targeted air quality management strategies are therefore necessary to support long-term urban environmental sustainability. Full article

The interplay between TP53 alterations and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear regarding mismatch repair (MMR) status, tumor budding (TB), poorly differentiated cluster (PDC), and prognosis. We analyzed 146 resected CRC cases, quantifying p53, Wnt3, and β-CTN indices and assessing MMR by PMS2 and MSH6 immunohistochemistry. p53 overexpression was associated with younger patients, left-sided tumors, nodal metastasis, and advanced stage, whereas wild-type tumors showed more mucinous differentiation. Deficient MMR was enriched among wild-type p53 cases. Principal component analysis identified distinct axes defined by p53, Wnt3, and β-CTN. Despite comparable Wnt3 levels, nuclear β-CTN accumulation was enhanced in tumors with aberrant (overexpression or null) p53 tumors, with increased TB and PDC indices. Low nuclear β-CTN independently predicted recurrence in stage I–III disease and worse overall survival in proficient MMR tumors (HR 3.07 and 2.52; p = 0.03 for both). A composite score integrating p53 binary status (aberrant vs. wild) with Wnt3 and whole β-CTN indices predicted survival beyond stage; each 1-point increase conferred a 2.56- and 1.77-fold higher risk of cancer-specific and overall mortality (p = 0.004 and 0.04). These findings suggest that p53 dysfunction is associated with alterations in Wnt/β-CTN signaling and that integrating signaling markers with staging may improve prognostic assessment in colorectal cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Increasing evidence implies the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the MS pathophysiology; however, data from Mexican populations are lacking. This exploratory study aimed to characterize central and circulating KP metabolites in Mexican patients with MS and to investigate potential genetic variants in KP-related genes. Methods: Serum concentrations of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of KYNA, quinolinic acid (QUIN), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), were determined in treatment-naïve relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and treated PMS patients. Serum levels were compared with those of healthy controls, and CSF findings contrasted with those of non-MS neurological patients and individuals with neurocysticercosis (NCC). Public whole-exome datasets were analyzed for variants in KP-related genes, and target exome sequencing was performed in three Mexican patients with MS. Results: Serum concentrations of KYNA and 3-HK were decreased in MS patients compared with healthy controls. CSF KYNA and QUIN levels did not differ significantly among MS subtypes or the non-MS neurological group, but they were lower than those observed in NCC. IL-4 and IL-6 were detectable in MS CSF samples, supporting the presence of intrathecal inflammation. Genetic and bioinformatic analyses identified variants in genes encoding KP enzymes in both public MS datasets and in Mexican patients with MS. Conclusions: These findings indicate an altered KP metabolism in Mexican MS patients, particularly during the relapse phase, and suggest a possible contribution of genetic variability. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these observations and to determine the functional implications of KP-related genetic variants in MS. Full article

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are ubiquitous contaminants formed during drinking water treatment and are traditionally regulated based on cytotoxic and genotoxic endpoints. However, evidence suggests that DBPs may also act as metabolic disruptors interfering with hepatic metabolic pathways. This study investigates the early metabolic disruption and steatogenic effects of four regulated DBPs, bromoform (BR), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), monochloroacetic acid (MCA), and dichloroacetic acid (DCA), using the human hepatic cell models HepG2 (derived from hepatocellular carcinoma) and HUH7 (derived from hepatoblastoma). Cells were exposed to a broad concentration range (1 pM–100 µM) to capture both sub-cytotoxic and mechanistically informative responses at low, environmentally relevant levels. Effects on lipid and sterol metabolism were assessed through the transcriptional modulation of a panel of nuclear receptors (AHR, PXR, RXR, and LXR) and the sterol regulatory enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) as well as intracellular lipid accumulation; cytotoxicity and oxidative stress endpoints were concurrently evaluated. All DBPs tested induced significant, dose-dependent alterations in nuclear receptor signaling and also promoted lipid accumulation in the low-concentration range and without concurrent cytotoxicity; conversely, oxidative stress responses were limited or absent, and HMGCR emerged as a sensitive target, albeit with different patterns (upregulation by BR and MCA, and downregulation by BDCM and DCA). Relevant substance-specific aspects were also observed for other transcriptional targets, e.g., PXR upregulation was particularly evident for BR and BCDM while DCA downregulated the tested receptors. DBP-induced lipid accumulation was more pronounced in HUH7. Regulated DBPs can elicit early steatogenic and metabolic effects even at concentrations below current regulatory thresholds. The findings highlight that endocrine–metabolic disruption should be considered as a relevant endpoint in DBP risk assessment. Full article

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and long-term disability worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, KOA remains underrepresented in repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) research. While total knee arthroplasty remains the definitive treatment, there is a growing need for non-invasive approaches to reduce symptoms in patients seeking conservative alternatives or awaiting surgery. Methods: Thirty patients with KOA underwent a non-invasive treatment program consisting of eight sessions of double-coil repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) over three weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional ability evaluated by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and joint mobility measured as knee flexion and extension. Clinical relevance was evaluated using the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and subgroup analyses were performed according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Results: Double-coil rPMS was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in all outcomes. MCID responder rates exceeded 80% for VAS and TUG, exceeded 70% for WOMAC, and approached 50% for joint mobility outcomes. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with lower KL grades experienced greater pain reduction, whereas those with higher grades showed greater functional gains. Conclusions: Double-coil rPMS provided preliminary evidence of potential clinical benefit as a non-invasive approach in patients with KOA. Given the single-arm pilot design, the findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in adequately powered randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up. Full article

We assess associations between emergency room (ER) visits, scaled to per 10⁵ population per year, for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), two of the most common respiratory diseases, and zip code-level exposure to criteria air pollutants (CAPs) coming from point sources in New York State (NYS) from 2010 to 2018. Exposure data on point source CAPs were retrieved from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) National Emission Inventory (NEI) database, and ER visits for asthma and COPD were acquired from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS). To account for within-county variability, we used log-linear mixed effects models, adjusted for year, sex, age category, county-level poverty, smoking, PM_2.5, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and CAPs sources within the study period. Results show significant associations between ER visits for asthma and COPD and most of the pollutants in the study, even after adjusting for the effects of poverty and smoking. Although point source emissions comprise a small portion of total air pollution, our findings show that zip code-level point source CAPs, especially the gaseous pollutants, pose a modest but significant contribution to the risk of respiratory disease-related ER visits. Full article

Crop residue open burning is a major source of atmospheric pollutants that degrade regional air quality, enhance climate forcing, and threaten public health through emissions of particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and toxic species. In southern China, satellite-based emission estimates are often underestimated because frequent cloud cover and limited spatiotemporal resolution hinder the detection of agricultural fires. In this study, crop residue open burning emissions in Guangxi province from 2017 to 2023 were quantified using a statistical approach. The open burning proportion (OBP) was updated on an annual basis using the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) 375 m active fire product (VNP14IMG), and recently reported emission factors (EF_S) were adopted to enhance estimation accuracy. Annual emissions of pollutants were then spatially distributed to 0.05° × 0.05° grid cells based on satellite-detected fire counts and land cover information. The results indicated the total emissions of black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitric oxide (NO_X), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particles (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM₁₀), ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄) and non-methane volatile organic compound (NMVOC) in Guangxi province during 2017–2023 were 58.90, 230.48, 37.90, 213.95, 4234.41, 108,775.48, 583.09, 667.70, 46.36, 322.74 and 710.20 Gg, respectively. Sugarcane residue burning was identified as the dominant contributor, accounting for 41.26–64.38% of total emissions, followed by rice (20.66–43.06%), corn (5.11–17.25%), and cassava (4.33–6.45%). Emissions exhibited clear interannual variability, declining from 2017 to 2020 under strict control measures and increasing again from 2021 to 2023 as enforcement weakened. Incorporating annually updated VIIRS-derived OBP_S into the statistical inventory improves the temporal representation and reliability of multi-year emission estimates for agricultural burning. Full article

This paper presents the synthesis, physicochemical characterisation, and analytical applications of chemiluminescent (CL) labels based on acridinium salts (ALs) for biomedical diagnostics. These compounds emit light as a result of oxidative reactions and represent an established class of reagents widely employed in chemiluminescence immunochemical assays (CLIAs) today. A series of structurally differentiated acridinium labels (AL1–AL5) was synthesised applying mostly original synthetic routes and purified to chromatographic purity (>90%, RP-HPLC). The compounds, including a commercial product treated as a reference, were successfully conjugated to anti-human IgG, yielding stable immunochemical reagents suitable for immunoassays with CL detection. The chemiluminescence properties of the obtained labels and their protein conjugates were investigated in aqueous buffers and in the presence of surfactants. The emission profiles exhibited characteristic flash-type kinetics with emission maxima occurring within 0.15–0.25 s after reaction initiation. The presence of surfactants more or less significantly enhanced the emission intensity, with signal increases of up to approx. 2-fold compared to surfactant-free systems. Analytical calibration demonstrated a linear response of signal derived from native labels over at least one order of magnitude of concentration, with detection limits falling in the range of 10⁻⁹–10⁻¹⁰ M, confirming the high sensitivity of the developed compounds. The experimental results were supported by theoretical studies using density functional theory (DFT), which confirmed the energetic feasibility of the CL reaction pathway and identified structural factors influencing activation barriers. Additional semiempirical calculations (PM7) indicated that the dielectric environment and proximity of ionic species can influence the reaction energetics, providing mechanistic support for the experimentally observed effects of surfactants. The results demonstrate that both molecular structure and microenvironment influence CL efficiency and kinetics of the investigated systems. The developed acridinium labels exhibit analytical performance better or comparable to commercial reagents and are fully compatible with standard immunodiagnostic conjugation protocols, confirming their suitability for use in modern chemiluminescent immunoassays. Full article

A monolithic digital Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) featuring 1024 microcells with a 30-micrometer pitch and a 50% fill factor has been designed in a 110-nanometer CMOS image sensor technology. The device under consideration integrates both SPAD sensors and front-end electronics in the same substrate. It can count up to 1024 photons in less than 22 ns, while assigning timestamps to the first and last detected photons with a time resolution of less than 100 ps. A parallel counter structure combined with a fast adder tree provides photon counting in digital form with low latency, whereas a carefully balanced fast NAND tree ensures a fixed-pattern time uncertainty not exceeding 26 ps. The architecture incorporates in-pixel memory for individual cell disabling and configurable thresholding on the timing signal for noise mitigation. In order to optimize the fill factor, a part of the electronics is placed outside the array, while the most sensitive elements of the timing and counting circuits are laid out close to the sensor, in the SPAD array. A serial readout is employed to provide a single output connection per SiPM, thereby simplifying system integration. Full article