Search Results (5,319)

This study transformed discarded courgette biomass into biochar (BC) via pyrolysis at 500 °C and employed it as an activator of potassium periodate (PI) for atrazine (ATZ) degradation. Characterization analyses confirmed that the synthesized BC possessed a porous structure, a high carbon content (76.13%), crystalline SiO₂, KCl, and CaCO₃ phases, as well as abundant oxygen-containing functional groups (–OH, C=O, C=C, –COOH), which are favorable for catalytic activation. The point of zero charge of 4.25 indicates that the BC surface carries a suitable charge distribution, promoting effective electrostatic interactions under near-neutral pH conditions. Under optimal operating conditions (neutral pH, [ATZ]_o = 7.3 mg/L, [PI]_o = 2.7 mM, [BC]_o = 0.55 g/L, and 25 ± 0.5 °C), the system achieved 99.35% ATZ removal (first-order kinetic rate constant = 0.0601 min⁻¹) and 64.23% TOC mineralization within 60 min. Quenching tests confirmed iodate radicals and singlet oxygen as the primary species, with hydroxyl and superoxide radicals playing secondary roles. The proposed mechanism suggests that electron transfer from oxygen-containing groups on the BC surface activates PI, leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species that facilitate ATZ degradation via synergistic radical and non-radical pathways. The BC catalyst exhibited strong recyclability, with only ~9% efficiency loss after five cycles. The BC/PI system also demonstrated high removal of tetracycline (79.54%) and bisphenol A (85.6%) within 60 min and complete Congo red dye degradation in just 30 min. Application to real industrial wastewater achieved 72.77% ATZ removal, 53.02% mineralization, and a treatment cost of 1.2173 $/m³, demonstrating the practicality and scalability of the BC/PI system for sustainable advanced wastewater treatment. Full article

Background: Anemia is frequent in critically ill patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and worsens neurological outcomes. Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a cornerstone of management, but storage-related biochemical and structural changes may impair oxygen delivery. This study examined the effect of storage duration on osmotic fragility (OF) and free hemoglobin (fHb) in leukodepleted packed RBCs (pRBCs) as indicators of membrane stability and hemolysis. Methods: Twenty-four leukodepleted pRBC units in SAGM (saline, adenine, glucose, and mannitol) solution were analyzed from Day 3 to Day 42. OF was assessed by Beutler’s method with H50 values derived from logistic models, and fHb was quantified spectrophotometrically. Flow cytometry with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-induced osmotic stress provided complementary OF data. Results: OF increased significantly beyond 28 days, with Week 6 H₅₀ values exceeding those at Weeks 2 and 4 (p < 0.0001). fHb rose progressively with storage: 7.3 ± 4.3 µmol/L (Week 2), 14.6 ± 7.9 (Week 4), and 25.7 ± 12.1 (Week 6) (p < 0.0001). Hemolysis remained below the 0.8% threshold but increased from 0.09% to 0.29% (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: pRBC storage beyond 28 days leads to greater OF and fHb release, reflecting reduced membrane stability. These changes may compromise transfusion efficacy and oxygen delivery in neurocritical care. Full article

This study aims to characterize tissue-specific expression patterns in Hanwoo steers by identifying co-expression modules, functional pathways, and hub genes related to fat and muscle traits using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network analysis (WGCNA). RNA-Seq data were generated from three muscle tissues (longissimus muscle, tenderloin, and rump) and two fat tissues (back fat and abdominal fat) collected from six 30-month-old Hanwoo steers. Quality control of raw sequencing reads was performed using FastQC, and trimmed reads were aligned to the bovine reference genome (ARS-UCD1.3) using HISAT2. We also identified a gene co-expression network via WGCNA using normalized gene expression values. Modules were defined based on topological overlap and correlated with tissue-specific expression patterns. Modules with a significant association (p < 0.05) were used for functional enrichment based on Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathways, as well as Protein–Protein Interaction Network analysis. A total of seven co-expression modules were identified by WGCNA and labeled in distinct colors (yellow, blue, red, brown, turquoise, green, black). Among them, the yellow and blue modules were positively associated with back fat, while the turquoise and green modules showed a negative correlation with abdominal fat. Additionally, the turquoise or green module was positively correlated with longissimus and rump tissues, indicating distinct gene expression patterns between fat and muscle. This study identified key co-expression modules and hub genes associated with muscle and fat metabolism. Notably, ARPC5 (blue module) was involved in lipid metabolism and energy storage, whereas AGPAT5 (turquoise module) was linked to maintaining muscle cell structure and function. These findings reveal biological mechanisms for tissue-specific gene regulation, providing targets for enhancing meat quality in Hanwoo. Full article

This research investigates the biosynthesis optimization of the red pigment prodigiosin produced by Serratia marcescens 11E through submerged fermentation utilizing an alternative cheese whey-based medium, focusing on process parameters and antimicrobial properties. Four types of whey sourced from a local dairy industry were characterized, and the fermentation conditions were optimized using Plackett–Burman and central composite design methodologies, yielding up to 1.43 g/L of prodigiosin under optimal conditions, 25 °C, 200 rpm, pH 7, and 48 h of dark incubation, with whey serving as the sole carbon source. Normalization to biomass yielded 110 mg of prodigiosin per gram of dried cell weight (post-optimization), enabling meaningful comparison with prior studies. Pigment extraction was performed with acidic methanol, and identity was confirmed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antimicrobial activity of the purified pigment was also evaluated. Although cheese whey has significant nutritional value, nearly half of the global production is discarded due to high treatment costs. This study demonstrates that whey can be repurposed as a sustainable and economical fermentation medium for pigment production, which is compatible with dairy plants. This makes it a promising solution to address the underutilization of whey by cheese local producers in Mexico. Prodigiosin has diverse industrial applications, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. These findings highlight the potential for dairy waste valorization in a circular bioeconomy, reducing environmental impacts and promoting the creation of valuable bioproducts. Full article

Phenol red is a widely used, low-cost, label-free colorimetric pH indicator that bridges traditional colorimetric assays with modern quantitative imaging and cell-based screening platforms. Its protonation-dependent absorbance shift (430–560 nm) allows for the real-time monitoring of extracellular acidification, which indirectly reflects cellular metabolism, growth, and respiration. Although phenol red lacks the molecular specificity of genetically encoded or fluorogenic biosensors, it remains useful in systems where pH changes are effective proxies for physiological processes. Existing tissue digestion protocols often overlook key parameters, especially pH control and enzyme cofactor use. This study presents a straightforward, spectrophotometric method to monitor and adjust the pH of low-volume (1 mL) buffered enzymatic dissociation media using phenol red and a plate reader. We titrated dissociation solutions to physiological pH (~7.4) using spectrophotometric pH measurements validated against conventional glass pH probe readings, confirming method reliability. Accurate pH assessment is critical for isolating viable primary cells for downstream applications such as tissue engineering, single-cell omics, and neurophysiological assays. We highlight that papain-based dissociation media supplemented with L-cysteine can be acidic (pH 6.6) if unadjusted, compromising cell viability. This accessible approach enhances reproducibility by promoting pH documentation concerning dissociation conditions that contribute to advancing consistency in biomedical, cellular, neuronal, and tissue engineering research. Full article

Actinomycetes are a representative group of bacteria that inhabit soil; in particular, Streptomyces coelicolor M511 produces actinorhodin and undecylprodiginine. Among them, undecylprodiginine has antibiotic and immunosuppression activity and is a secondary metabolite with high potential applications in biotechnological and pharmaceutical fields. High temperature stress (37 °C) reduced the biosynthesis of undecylprodiginine and induced specific branched chain alkylprodiginine derivatives, compared with the optimal growth temperature (30 °C). Also, the stress stimulated the synthesis of straight-chain FA for enhancing membrane rigidity. The inhibition of undecylprodiginine biosynthesis under high temperature stress seems to be induced by the heat sensitivity of the RedP enzyme, and this inhibition is compensated by FAS FabH. Since FabH, a homologue of RedP, has a broader substrate specificity, it leads to the production of methylundecylprodiginine and methyldodecylprodiginine. The external addition of isoleucine (as well as that of leucine and valine to a far lesser extent) enhances the synthesis of these derivatives since isoleucine catabolism generates precursors used for the biosynthesis of these compounds. These findings reveal temperature-dependent changes in precursor utilization and prodiginine diversity, providing insights into metabolic plasticity and strategies establishing a foundation for secondary metabolite derivatives engineering strategies through precursor supplementation or temperature regulation. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum) is widely used in human diets and medicine, but its safety for dogs remains uncertain. Heinz bodies in red blood cells are indicators of oxidative damage, which may lead to hemolytic anemia. This study evaluated the effects of different forms and concentrations of garlic on canine erythrocytes in vitro. The experiment consisted of two phases: Phase 1 compared fresh, dried, and granulated garlic, while Phase 2 assessed two concentrations of granulated garlic (0.1 and 0.2 g/mL). Blood from healthy dogs was incubated with ethanol extracts of garlic. Hemolysis was measured spectrophotometrically by hemoglobin release, and blood smears were examined for Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes. All garlic preparations caused hemolysis, most strongly granulated garlic at 0.2 g/mL (p < 0.01). Blood smears confirmed red blood cell damage, with more Heinz bodies and eccentrocytes in dried and granulated garlic samples. In conclusion, the form and concentration of garlic strongly influence its hemolytic activity. Processing methods such as drying and granulation may enhance the release of reactive compounds, increasing the risk of oxidative damage to canine red blood cells. Full article

Hamatocaulis vernicosus is a pleurocarpous moss of conservation concern, listed in Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive due to its significant and ongoing decline across Europe. H. vernicosus is also listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the Red List of Romanian Bryophytes. Despite its protected status, the species remains under-recorded in Romania, where many potentially suitable habitats have yet to be surveyed. The ecosystems, classified as Transition mire and quaking bog (NATURA 2000 code: 7140), are wet peatlands with oligo- to mesotrophic conditions and a pH of 5.0–7.5 H. vernicosus is recorded in 58 Romanian locations (10 confirmed by us, 5 new), spanning the Continental and Alpine bioregions. Models showed good performance (AUC 0.79–0.83; TSS 0.54–0.59), with distribution mainly shaped by mean annual temperature and temperature range, and secondarily by precipitation. The species favors cold, stable climates with high seasonal rainfall. Even though the number of localities reported for this species has increased in recent years, this does not indicate an improvement in its conservation status, but rather is an effect of recent recording efforts. To support targeted conservation planning, an ensemble species distribution model was developed in order to predict the suitable habitats of H. vernicosus across Romania. Both climate models project major range losses for the varnished hook-moss: ~30% by 2050 and ~40–60% by 2100, depending on the scenario. Losses are gradual under SSP245 but more abrupt under SSP585, with increased fragmentation, especially between the Eastern and Southern Carpathians. By integrating field observations with predictive climate change modeling, our study brings critical insights applicable to the conservation of H. vernicosus and the unique peatland ecosystems it relies on. Full article

Hybrid PV-TEG systems can harvest both solar electrical and thermoelectric power, but their operating point drifts with irradiance, temperature gradients, partial shading, and load changes—often yielding multi-peak P-V characteristics. Conventional MPPT (e.g., P&O) and fixed-structure integer-order PID struggle to remain fast, stable, and globally optimal in these conditions. To address fast, robust tracking in these conditions, we propose an adaptive fractional-order PID (FOPID) MPPT whose parameters (K_p, K_i, K_d, λ, μ) are auto-tuned by the red-billed blue magpie optimizer (RBBMO). RBBMO is used offline to set the controller’s search ranges and weighting; the adaptive law then refines the gains online from the measured ΔV, ΔI slope error to maximize the hybrid PV-TEG output. The method is validated in MATLAB R2024b/Simulink 2024b, on a boost-converter–interfaced PV-TEG using five testbeds: (i) start-up/search, (ii) stepwise irradiance, (iii) partial shading with multiple local peaks, (iv) load steps, and (v) field-measured irradiance/temperature from Shanxi Province for spring/summer/autumn/winter. Compared with AOS, PSO, MFO, SSA, GHO, RSA, AOA, and P&O, the proposed tracker is consistently the fastest and most energy-efficient: 0.06 s to reach 95% MPP and 0.12 s settling at start-up with 1950 W·s harvested (vs. 1910 W·s AOS, 1880 W·s PSO, 200 W·s P&O). Under stepwise irradiance, it delivers 0.95–0.98 kJ at t = 1 s and under partial shading, 1.95–2.00 kJ, both with ±1% steady ripple. Daily field energies reach 0.88 × 10⁻³, 2.95 × 10⁻³, 2.90 × 10⁻³, 1.55 × 10⁻³ kWh in spring–winter, outperforming the best baselines by 3–10% and P&O by 20–30%. Robustness tests show only 2.74% power derating across 0–40 °C and low variability (Δv^max typically ≤ 1–1.5%), confirming rapid, low-ripple tracking with superior energy yield. Finally, the RBBMO-tuned adaptive FOPID offers a superior efficiency–stability trade-off and robust GMPP tracking across all five cases, with modest computational overhead. Full article

This study aimed to assess the biocompatibility and bioactivity of three different silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] mixtures against human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were treated with one of the following medicaments: 2 nm mixture, 5 nm mixture, 10 nm mixture, Ca(OH)₂ alone, and triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Cell viability was evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit-8 and LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity Kit. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate redox probe. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α>, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mineralization was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining. Data were compared across groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test and within groups using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p < 0.05). Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture demonstrated the highest cell viability and lowest ROS release (p < 0.05), while the 2 nm and 5 nm mixtures resulted in decreased viability and significant morphological distortion of the cells. Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture comparably demonstrated the highest production of anti-inflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 (p < 0.05), the lowest production of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α (p < 0.05), and the highest ALP release and mineralization (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Ca(OH)₂ alone and the 10 nm mixture improved hDPSCs’ viability, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Both illustrated a significantly higher anti-inflammatory response by the residing stem cell population. Full article

Obesity and bariatric surgery are both associated with disrupted iron homeostasis. These alterations may be mediated by newly identified iron metabolism regulators. The aim of this study was to conduct a short-term, detailed analysis of hepcidin, soluble hemojuvelin, ferroportin, and erythroferrone—as well as whole-body composition—before and five months after sleeve gastrectomy. This approach may help elucidate the potential impact of bariatric surgery on iron metabolism and the timing of these changes. The study included 40 obese patients aged 26–64 eligible for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Iron parameters were assessed with immunoenzymatic methods. We found significantly increased iron levels (79 µg/dL vs. 95 µg/dL, p = 0.0016) as well as reduced hepcidin concentrations five months after bariatric surgery (54.46 ng/mL vs. 33.88 ng/mL, p = 0.0177). The change in the reduction in mean body fat (delta MBF) and body fat percentage (delta BPF) was positively associated with delta hepcidin levels with correlation coefficients of R = 0.36 (p = 0.0228) for MBF and R = 0.42 (p = 0.0070) for BPF. Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the reduction in body fat and soluble hemojuvelin (R = 0.31 p = 0.0489 for MBF) (R = 0.45 p = 0.0032 for PBF). No patient showed laboratory signs of iron deficiency. Decreased serum hepcidin levels observed five months after sleeve gastrectomy are associated with improved iron status, as indicated by increased serum iron and red blood cell indices. Positive correlations between body fat reduction and both hepcidin and soluble hemojuvelin levels suggest that the resolution of adipose tissue-related inflammation may contribute to improved iron bioavailability. 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

This study evaluated the effect of two cooking methods on food quality indicators in eight varieties of lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.), a species that in its raw state is characterized by high hardness and elevated levels of antinutritional compounds. After washing and soaking in distilled water (1:4 grain/water ratio, 3 h), two cooking methods were applied: autoclaving at 121 °C (steam cooking) and boiling in an open system at 91 °C, until reaching a defined hardness endpoint. Both cooking techniques significantly reduced grain hardness, from 2975 to 427.26 kgf in variety V3 (Torta IM. 003 red). Protein content increased up to 33.48% in V5 (Torta IM. 006 cream-black), while protein digestibility reached 89% in V1 (Pallar PE. 001), with steam cooking showing superior results. Likewise, non-nutritional components predominant in raw grains were more effectively reduced by steam cooking. The findings highlight varietal differences in response to processing and confirm steam cooking as the most efficient method to enhance nutritional quality and minimize non-nutritional components in P. lunatus. These results provide relevant insights for improving the use of P. lunatus in human nutrition. Full article

Hybrid hydrophobic coatings (HHCs), which combine organic and inorganic materials, have demonstrated superior weathering resistance compared to conventional organic coatings in conserving stone heritage structures. Among the inorganic components of HHCs, nanosilica is especially promising because of its ability to form durable, weathering-resistant and hydrophobic silane-based structures. This overview examined recent studies, advances, and emerging trends about nanosilica-based HHCs from 2020 to 2024 using the “Boolean strategy” and search terms “stone”, “heritage”, “hydrophobic”, and “coating”, capturing 5244 articles. After screening for titles containing “nanosilica” (470 items remained), excluding works related to “consolidants” and “cement” (171 items remained), and requiring quantitative data on formulations, methods, and performance of nanosilica-based HHCs in stone heritage structures, 16 relevant works were identified. China and Italy dominated research works on nanosilica-based HHC development, which was applied to stone heritage structures composed of carbonate materials (e.g., limestone, dolomite, and Palazzolo carbonates) and silica-rich materials (e.g., Qingshi stone, Hedishi stone, and red sandstone). Key evaluation metrics reported by multiple authors to evaluate HHC efficacy included water contact angle (WCA), total color difference (TCD), and solution pH. Moreover, ultraviolet light (UV) durability, thermomechanical stability, biocidal efficiency, and graffiti protection were achieved when nanosilica was combined with other nanomaterials. Integrating emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet-of-things (IoT), and smartphones with colorimeter apps could improve accessibility, real-time monitoring and reliability of HHC testing, while adherence to standardized testing protocols would further enhance comparability and practical application across studies. Overall, this overview provides valuable insights into nanosilica-based HHCs for researchers and restorers/conservators of stone heritage structures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Red cell distribution width, platelet distribution width, and mean platelet volume are hematological indices derived from complete blood counts that have been increasingly investigated as potential cardiovascular biomarkers. This study aimed to assess the association between these indices and the extent of coronary artery disease, quantified by the Gensini score. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 240 patients hospitalized with typical angina who underwent elective coronary angiography at the Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Timișoara (January 2023–April 2024). Patients with hematological disorders, prior revascularization, or severe comorbidities were excluded. CAD severity was assessed by the Gensini score, with patients stratified into a low-score group (<50) and a high-score group (≥50). Laboratory and echocardiographic data were collected. Correlation analyses, ROC curve analysis, and multivariate regression were performed to evaluate predictors of CAD complexity. Results: Among 240 patients (81% male), 161 (67%) were in the high-score group. Compared with the low-score group, these patients had higher RDW (12.43 ± 0.68 vs. 12.70 ± 1.01, 95%CI: −0.52 to −0.02, p = 0.03), MPV (9.20 ± 0.88 vs. 9.45 ± 0.84, 95%CI: −0.48 to −0.02, p = 0.03), serum creatinine (p = 0.01), and potassium (p = 0.02), and lower ejection fraction (p < 0.001). RDW correlated positively with the Gensini score (rho = 0.28, 95%CI: 0.16–0.39, p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified RDW, MPV, and diastolic dysfunction as independent predictors. RDW showed weak discrimination for high Gensini burden (AUC = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.49–0.65, p > 0.05), consistent with a borderline, non-significant result. Conclusions: Elevated RDW and MPV are independently associated with greater coronary lesion burden. These routinely available indices may serve as novel, cost-effective markers for CAD risk stratification, warranting validation in prospective studies. Full article