Search Results (429)

The Hwange Mining Area, located in the Mid-Zambezi Karoo Basin in northwestern Zimbabwe, is a major centre for coal mining, processing, and thermal power generation. This study evaluates the ecological and public health risks associated with these activities by characterising radionuclide (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K) activity concentrations in coal and surrounding soils using Hyper-Pure Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry. Samples were collected from four locations, as follows: Hwange Colliery Company (underground and open-cast mines), Zambezi Gas open-cast operations, residential areas, and the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) thermal power station. Radionuclide concentrations were measured using Hyper-Pure Germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry. Mean activity concentrations in coal were low at both mining sites (Hwange Colliery: ²²⁶Ra 16 ± 5.3 Bq/kg), ²³²Th 14 ± 5.7 Bq/kg), (⁴⁰K 51 ± 8.8 Bq/kg) and Zambezi Gas (²²⁶Ra 9.80 ± 2.3 Bq/kg), ²³²Th (11 ± 3.3 Bq/kg), ⁴⁰K (43 ± 26 Bq/kg), well below UNSCEAR world coal averages. In contrast, soils from residential areas): ²²⁶Ra (36 ± 15 Bq/kg), ²³²Th (36 ± 12 Bq/kg) and ⁴⁰K (220 ± 80 Bq/kg), and the ZPC power station (²²⁶Ra 47 ± 8.6 Bq/kg, ²³²Th (42 ± 10 Bq/kg), and ⁴⁰K 230 ± 92 Bq/kg, showed markedly elevated concentrations, consistent with the accumulation of coal-combustion by-products such as fly ash. Radiological hazard indices remained within internationally accepted limits at all sites, as follows: radium equivalent (Raeq) ranged from 29 ± 6.7 Bq/kg (Zambezi Gas) to 120 ± 18 Bq/kg (ZPC), well below the 370 Bq/kg safety ceiling, while external and internal hazard indices (H_ex, H_in) remained below unity throughout, peaking at 0.32 and 0.46, respectively, at ZPC. Annual effective dose equivalents (AEDE) ranged from 16 ± 3.8 to 69 ± 10 μSv/year, the latter (ZPC) representing approximately 7% of the ICRP public dose limit of 1 mSv/year. Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values ranged from 5.56 × 10⁻⁵ (Zambezi Gas) to 2.42 × 10⁻⁴ (ZPC), remaining below the global average outdoor reference of 0.29 × 10⁻³ but reaching approximately 83% of this reference at ZPC and 71% in residential areas. These findings indicate that, while coal mining activities in Hwange contribute minimally to environmental radioactivity, coal combustion at the ZPC thermal power station is the dominant driver of elevated radionuclide concentrations and radiological indices in the surrounding environment, with residential soils reflecting the same enrichment pathway. Although no immediate radiological hazard was identified at any location, the comparatively higher indices at ZPC and in nearby residential areas underscore the need for continuous environmental monitoring, strengthened regulatory control, and targeted radiation protection strategies to safeguard workers and nearby communities. Full article

The incorporation of recycled concrete fines (F), limestone (L), and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (S) as Portland cement constituents in accordance with EN 197-6 requires the determination of naturally occurring radionuclides to ensure radiological safety from a radiation protection standpoint. This study carried out a radiological assessment of eight cement types with varying proportions of L, F, and S additions, including anhydrous cements and mortars cured for 2 and 28 days. The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry using HPGe detectors and radiochemical separation. In addition, the ²²²Rn emanation fractions were measured by the accumulation method using an AlphaGuard detector. Finally, annual effective doses were calculated using the RESRAD-BUILD software for a standard dwelling of 35 m² occupied by an adult and an infant. Among the individual materials, S exhibited the highest activity in the uranium decay series (113 ± 24 Bq kg⁻¹ of ²³⁸U), while L and F showed comparably lower values. Cements containing S additions (CEM II/C-M, CEM VI (S-L), and CEM VI (S-F)) were higher than the reference average value for building materials of 50 Bq kg⁻¹, although all mortars remained below this value. Principal component analysis revealed significant correlations between S content, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and ²³²Th. The maximum annual effective dose reached 0.32 mSv for infants (CEM VI (S-L)), with the dose due to ²²²Rn inhalation being predominant. All cements studied are radiologically safe, confirming their suitability for use within the objectives of the circular economy. Full article

Organic fertilization is a key strategy for improving soil structure and fertility in China’s Vertisols, yet the trade-offs among soil quality enhancement, grain yield performance, and nutrient use efficiency under different organic amendment regimes remain insufficiently elucidated. Based on a unique 43-year field fertilization experiment, this study systematically evaluated the effects of long-term chemical fertilization (NPK) alone, low-dose (NPKLS) and high-dose straw incorporation (NPKHS), combined chemical fertilizer with cattle manure (NPKCM), and pig manure (NPKPM) fertilization on soil physical, chemical properties, crop yields and plant nutrient utilization efficiency. The results showed that NPKCM and NPKPM significantly improved soil physical properties by reducing soil bulk density, improving soil pore structure, and enhancing soil water retention capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Although long-term manure application led to slight soil salt accumulation, the rate of accumulation remained substantially lower than that associated with commercial organic fertilizers and did not approach the crop salinity damage threshold, suggesting low ecological risk. Compared with NPK treatment, manure amendment effectively counteracted soil acidification induced by prolonged chemical fertilization, while also significantly increasing soil total phosphorus and available phosphorus content, and elevated the proportion of active phosphorus (PAC). The improved soil phosphorus activation capacity and comprehensive soil quality further contributed to substantial increases in wheat grain yield under NPKCM and NPKPM treatments. Despite these agronomic benefits, the additional nitrogen and phosphorus inputs from manure resulted in soil nutrient surpluses, which considerably reduced nitrogen and phosphorus partial factor productivity as well as agronomic efficiency. In contrast, straw incorporation treatments (NPKLS, NPKHS) sustained stable crop yield without notable declines in nutrient efficiency, positioning them as a greener and more sustainable approach to balancing grain production with resource use efficiency. These findings highlight the need to integrate nutrient credits from manure into fertilization program. Given the 43-year evidence, fertilization strategy should consider not only the nutrients supplied by manure but also the quantities exported through harvested products, with adjustments based on annual soil fertility analyses. Such nutrient budgeting is essential to maximize fertilizer use efficiency, prevent excessive phosphorus accumulation, and maintain balanced soil fertility over time. Full article

Background and Objectives: A considerable proportion of patients with asthma remain inadequately controlled despite treatment with inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting β₂-agonist (ICS/LABA) therapy. Single-inhaler triple therapy comprising an inhaled corticosteroid, a long-acting β₂-agonist, and a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (ICS/LABA/LAMA) has emerged as an effective step-up treatment; however, real-world evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of transitioning from high-dose ICS/LABA therapy to single-inhaler triple therapy on asthma control, lung function, and exacerbation-related outcomes in routine clinical practice. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included adult patients with uncontrolled asthma who were switched from high-dose ICS/LABA therapy to single-inhaler triple therapy at a tertiary referral center. Demographic characteristics, Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, pulmonary function tests, blood eosinophil counts, exacerbation frequency, oral corticosteroid (OCS)-requiring exacerbations, short-acting β₂-agonist (SABA) use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations were compared before and after treatment escalation using paired statistical analyses. Results: Nineteen patients (mean age 58.9 ± 10.4 years; 63.2% female) were included. Following transition to single-inhaler triple therapy, asthma control improved significantly, with mean ACT scores increasing from 14.8 ± 3.2 to 23.4 ± 3.6 (p < 0.001). Mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁₎ increased from 1692.6 ± 722.7 mL to 2020.5 ± 871.5 mL, while predicted FEV₁ improved from 64.2 ± 21.2% to 75.6 ± 21.6% (both p < 0.001). Total annual exacerbation frequency decreased from a median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1–3) to 0 (IQR, 0–1; p = 0.0005), and 78.9% of patients experienced at least one fewer exacerbation. Significant reductions were also observed in OCS-requiring exacerbations, SABA use, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and blood eosinophil counts. Conclusions: In this real-world cohort, transitioning from ICS/LABA therapy to single-inhaler triple therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in asthma control and lung function, together with substantial reductions in exacerbation burden and healthcare utilization. These findings support the effectiveness of single-inhaler triple therapy as a step-up treatment strategy for patients with uncontrolled asthma in routine clinical practice. Full article

Influenza remains a persistent global health threat, accounting for an estimated one billion infections and 350,000–600,000 deaths worldwide annually. Beyond substantial mortality and morbidity, influenza imposes major socio-economic costs through healthcare utilisation and productivity losses, amounting to tens of billions of dollars each year. Current seasonal vaccination strategies are constrained by rapid antigenic evolution, which necessitates frequent vaccine reformulation and contributes to suboptimal vaccine efficacy across seasons. These drawbacks highlight the need for a universal influenza vaccine (UIV) that protects against all seasonal and potential pandemic influenza strains via a single dose. This review evaluates the feasibility of a UIV as an alternative to a seasonal influenza vaccine (SIV) by consolidating evidence from current UIV candidates in preclinical and clinical development across a diverse range of platforms and target epitopes. Preclinical studies and clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and tolerability of multiple candidates, as well as their ability to elicit broadly cross-reactive immune responses. However, several challenges remain regarding the long-term efficacy of these vaccines. In particular, pre-existing host immunity can shape subsequent vaccine responses, with immune imprinting introducing biases toward previously encountered influenza strains, potentially reducing vaccine effectiveness. In addition, the genetic plasticity of influenza viruses, driven by ongoing mutations and genetic reassortment, raises concerns about the ability of a single vaccine formulation to maintain broad and durable protection. Overall, several UIV candidates have shown promising early results. Although ecological and immunological barriers remain, a UIV could become a viable alternative to, or eventual replacement, for SIVs. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate radiation safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported protective practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in radiology and nuclear medicine departments, with particular attention to occupational dose limits, radiation protection principles, dosimetry, and personal protective equipment use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 138 HCWs (25 specialist doctors, 101 technicians, 9 nurses and 3 radiophysicists) in radiology and nuclear medicine departments from May to June 2024. Data were collected using a structured 31-item survey assessing sociodemographic characteristics, perceived radiation exposure risk, knowledge of radiation protection principles and occupational dose limits, dosimeter use, personal protective equipment use, and awareness of institutional radiation safety procedures. The total knowledge score was calculated by summing correct responses to knowledge items (range: 0–10) and analyzed as a continuous outcome using multivariable linear regression with HC3 robust standard error. Because of the small and uneven distribution of some subgroups, item-level subgroup comparisons were interpreted descriptively and cautiously. Results: Although most HCWs reported receiving radiation safety information through formal education or institutional training, important knowledge and self-reported practice gaps remained. While 96.4% perceived themselves to be at high risk of radiation exposure, 61.6% reported not using any PPE in routine practice and 21.0% reported not using a dosimeter. Only 13.8% correctly identified the 5-year average permissible occupational dose, whereas 32.6% correctly identified the annual maximum dose limit. Knowledge of ionizing-radiation methods was higher among postgraduates than undergraduates (100% vs. 27.5%, p < 0.001) and among nuclear medicine staff than radiology staff (100% vs. 37.8%, p < 0.001). Knowledge of all three basic radiation protection methods was also higher among postgraduates than undergraduates (100% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.001). Because some subgroup distributions were small and uneven, these item-level subgroup findings should be interpreted descriptively and with appropriate caution. In multivariable linear regression with HC3 robust standard errors, technicians (B = −3.09, 95% CI = −3.52 to −2.67, p < 0.001) and nurses (B = −3.84, 95% CI = −5.26 to −2.43, p < 0.001) had lower total knowledge scores than specialist doctors. Nuclear medicine was associated with a higher total score than radiology (B = 2.33, 95% CI = 0.81 to 3.85, p = 0.003), whereas >3 years of work experience was associated with a lower score than ≤3 years (B = −1.53, 95% CI = −2.40 to −0.66, p = 0.001). When postgraduate education was evaluated instead of professional role because of collinearity, postgraduate education was associated with a higher total knowledge score. Because of the cross-sectional design, these associations should not be interpreted as causal. The internal consistency of the knowledge subscale was minimally acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.694). Conclusions: Significant gaps and variations were observed in radiation safety knowledge and self-reported practices among HCWs. These patterns differed according to educational level, professional role, departmental affiliation, and experience; however, they should be interpreted in light of the cross-sectional design and the small and uneven distribution of some subgroups. These findings identify potential areas for future institutional quality-improvement efforts, including targeted education programs and review of radiation safety policies, whose effectiveness should be evaluated in future studies. Full article

Background: Radon in drinking water is a potential source of ionizing radiation exposure, yet long-term monitoring data from active tectonic regions remain limited. This study investigated ²²²Rn activity concentrations in drinking-water wells along the Sultandağı Fault (Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye) and assessed age-dependent radiological risks. Methods: ²²²Rn concentrations were measured at two-week intervals in 15 drinking-water wells between June 2021 and June 2022 using a WG-1001 water–gas separation system and an AB-5R radiation monitor. Annual effective dose (AED) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were calculated for infants, children, and adults. Results: ²²²Rn concentrations ranged from 0.05 to 26.64 Bq L⁻¹, with a mean of 6.12 ± 2.79 Bq L⁻¹. Only one well exceeded the USEPA guideline level (11.1 Bq L⁻¹), whereas all measurements remained below the WHO reference level (100 Bq L⁻¹). Seasonal mean concentrations varied between 5.48 ± 2.53 and 7.08 ± 3.32 Bq L⁻¹. Mean AED values were 35.94, 13.17, and 15.63 μSv y⁻¹ for infants, children, and adults, respectively. Corresponding ELCR values were 1.26 × 10⁻⁴, 0.46 × 10⁻⁴, and 0.55 × 10⁻⁴. Conclusions: The results indicate generally low radiological risk from radon in drinking water within the study area, although elevated values were observed in some wells. Higher age-specific dose and risk estimates were obtained for infants. These findings provide long-term data on groundwater ²²²Rn variability in an active fault zone and support regional radiological risk assessment. Full article

Corrosion, salt deposition, and biofouling critically impair flow assurance and mechanical integrity in oil and gas production systems, resulting in escalating operating costs and environmental burdens. This study presents a screening-level multi-criteria decision-making framework grounded in petroleum engineering practice. Unlike conventional MCDA approaches that require extensive laboratory testing for each asset, our model enables the rapid assessment of inhibitor transferability between technologically similar fields using normalized field parameters and actual procurement data. The model integrates a correlation analysis of the key field parameters of temperature, acid gas content, salt concentration, flow velocity, and water cut with a weighted effectiveness coefficient. A dataset of operational records was coupled with factual procurement prices from 2020 to 2025 to simultaneously optimize inhibitor type and dosing. The novelty lies in the multiplicative weighting scheme and the concept of critical deviation thresholds, which allow engineers to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising the 90% protection target. Application of the model presented in this article allows a reduction in annual chemical-related operational expenditures. The proposed methodology provides petroleum engineers with a robust, data-driven screening tool to design cost-effective chemical treatment strategies that maintain corrosion protection and reduce environmental load, thereby advancing oil field chemistry technology and supporting efficient oil and gas field development. Full article

This review provides an updated and comprehensive assessment of the current literature on quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) saponins, with particular emphasis on pharmacological effects. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is an annual plant native to South America. Quinoa seeds are characterized by high nutritional value and are rich in proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, and saponins. Saponins are found in quinoa seeds and impart a bitter taste, which is why they are typically removed before seed consumption. Saponins have been characterized as antinutritional agents, but in recent years they have been investigated for their pharmaceutical applications. Protocols have been developed for the extraction of saponins from seeds, such as conventional solid–liquid extraction (maceration), ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, and pressurized liquid extraction. Ultrasound-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction are considered the most suitable methods for quinoa saponins. Quinoa saponins have shown promise as vaccine adjuvants. Furthermore, they have demonstrated direct anticancer activity, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of breast and colon cancer cells. In general, saponins can induce hemolysis at high concentrations through membrane disruption, primarily via lipid solubilization or pore formation. However, hemolytic activity varies significantly among different saponins and depends on their chemical structure and concentration. In vivo, they have not recorded adverse side effects at doses below 50 mg/kg body weight per day. More than 40 triterpenoid saponins, mainly derived from oleanolic acid, ederagenin, phytolaccagenic acid, and sergianic acid, have been identified in quinoa. Overall, although quinoa saponins have traditionally been considered antinutritional compounds, accumulating evidence indicates that they possess promising pharmacological properties, particularly as anticancer agents. Full article

Successful germination is a critical stage for the establishment and persistence of annual halophytes in Mediterranean saltmarshes, where highly variable salinity creates narrow recruitment windows. Seed heteromorphism is a common feature of annual halophytes and has been proposed to contribute to recruitment under variable environmental conditions. This study investigated how seed morphotype, NaCl concentration and population origin interact to shape germination responses in Salicornia perennans Willd. subsp. perennans. Seeds from three Tuscan coastal populations (Italy) were separated into two naturally occurring morphotypes (large and small) and exposed to four NaCl concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 20 g L⁻¹) in a fully factorial experiment. Seed morphotype emerged as the main determinant of germination performance: large seeds consistently achieved a higher final germination percentage and germination index than small seeds across populations and salinity treatments. Increasing salinity reduced final germination percentage and germination index but had no significant effect on mean germination time or the time required to reach 50% of final germination (T50) among seeds that germinated, which indicates that NaCl acted as a quantitative filter rather than a kinetic brake. Dose–response modeling yielded comparable EC50 estimates among populations for large seeds, where EC50 represents the salinity at which the fitted germination response reaches the midpoint between the lower and upper asymptotes, whereas the maximum germination capacity differed substantially. Unexpectedly, seeds from San Rossore, the site most influenced by freshwater inputs, maintained the highest germination under severe salt stress. Overall, our results identify seed morphotype as the primary determinant of germination success in S. perennans and find that it overrides differences among populations in their response to salinity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lead acrylic shields (LASs) enhance radiation protection, with variation of their usage among different specialties. This prospective multicentric observational study aimed to explore patterns of ocular radiation exposure and LAS usage among interventionalists from different disciplines and to assess behavioral dose changes in a longitudinally monitored subgroup. Methods: From July 2019 to July 2020, ocular doses (protected and unprotected) were measured in 15 interventionalists from four specialties (radiology, neuroradiology, cardiology and vascular surgery) across 2286 procedures using thermoluminescent dosimeters. Procedure type, operator position, total body dose, fluoroscopy time, dose area product, LAS usage and dose exceedances were documented. Ocular doses of five interventionalists, who participated in our previous study, allowed a longitudinal comparison of radiation doses and protective behavior. Results: Cumulative annual unprotected ocular doses ranged from 0 to 59 mSv, with five participants exceeding the annual limit of 20 mSv, whereas protected doses (0 to 18 mSv) remained within the limits. Procedural LAS usage was seen in 89% of radiologists and 82% of vascular surgeons. Participants with 100% LAS usage recorded minimal measurable ocular doses, whereas lower LAS compliance resulted in higher ocular doses. Longitudinal subgroup data analyses showed a decrease in ocular dose per procedure in all five participants, suggesting a potential learning effect, without statistical significance. Conclusions: Unprotected ocular doses exceeded the annual occupational eye lens dose limit in several participants, whereas protected doses remained within recommended limits in all participants. No specialty demonstrated universally lower ocular doses, while consistent LAS use proved highly effective in reducing the dose in all groups. Longitudinal findings suggest that structured dose monitoring and repeated training may support behavioral improvements in radiation protection over time. Full article

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a major greenhouse gas, and terrestrial ecosystems are among the primary sources of its emissions. Biochar is recognized as an effective soil amendment for mitigating N₂O emissions, but its long-term residual effects and microbial mechanisms in subtropical plantations remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the residual effects of Eucalyptus-derived biochar on soil N₂O emissions six years after a single application and explored associations with nitrogen cycle functional genes. A field experiment was conducted in a Eucalyptus plantation in northern Guangxi with biochar applied at six rates (0–6% w/w). Soil N₂O fluxes were measured in the fifth and sixth years (2022–2023); soil chemical parameters, soil enzyme activities, and N₂O-related microbial functional genes (amoA, nirK, nirS and nosZ) abundance were analyzed. Biochar application significantly reduced ammonium nitrogen content but enhanced nitrate nitrogen content. Urease, protease, and sucrase activities increased, while nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, and hydroxylamine reductase activities decreased. Furthermore, quantitative analysis revealed substantial variations in functional gene abundances. The abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA-amoA) exhibited a unimodal response, whereas ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB-amoA) showed a robust dose-dependent accumulation. Notably, annual N₂O emissions were suppressed by up to 35.2%, driven by a 3.4-fold increase in nosZ gene abundance and a significant reduction in the (nirK + nirS)/nosZ ratio. This mitigation was attributed to enhanced N₂O consumption by nosZ-harboring denitrifiers and reduced heterotrophic ammonia oxidation. Overall, these findings highlight the pivotal role of long-term organic amendments in steering nitrogen transformation pathways, providing a theoretical basis for sustainable soil management in subtropical plantations. Full article

Cancers still remain one of the most significant challenges in medicine or pharmacy, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually and imposing a substantial socioeconomic burden worldwide. Although chemotherapy continues to play a central role in the treatment of many tumors, conventional anticancer therapies are frequently associated with poor selectivity, systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles. Paclitaxel (PTX), one of the most widely used antineoplastic agents, demonstrates remarkable clinical efficacy against breast, ovarian, lung, pancreatic, and several other malignancies. Nevertheless, its clinical application remains limited by poor aqueous solubility, non-specific biodistribution, dose-limiting toxicities, and the development of resistance mechanisms. Nanotechnology-based anticancer drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to address these limitations. Among them, polymeric nanosystems have attracted particular attention owing to their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, controlled drug-release capabilities, and potential for tumor-targeted delivery. Natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic polymers are extensively investigated as carriers for PTX, leading to the development of nanoparticles, micelles, nanogels, nanofibers, dendritic systems, and hybrid nanoplatforms. Nanosystems demonstrate enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced systemic toxicity, prolonged circulation times, and improved tumor accumulation in preclinical models. Despite encouraging laboratory results, the clinical translation of polymeric PTX nanocarriers (NCs) remains limited. Numerous barriers, including tumor heterogeneity, variability of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, manufacturing complexity, regulatory challenges, scale-up difficulties, and discrepancies between animal models and human cancers, continue to hinder successful commercialization and widespread clinical adoption. This review critically discusses the current state of polymeric drug delivery systems (DDSs) that contain PTX, as well as the advantages and limitations of synthetic, natural, and semi-synthetic polymers used in DDS technologies. Furthermore, translational challenges and future perspectives of PTX-based DDSs were analyzed. Full article

The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing annually worldwide due to climate change. Combined with the urban heat island effect, elevated heat stress episodes threaten the survival and performance of urban trees, in turn reducing their ecosystem benefits. For this reason, the foliar heat tolerance of 35 Malus genotypes (two species, 32 cultivars, one variety, one hybrid) was evaluated under controlled laboratory assays. Heat injury to foliar tissue was quantified using chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) to assess photosystem II (PSII) damage and an electrolyte leakage index (ELI) to evaluate cellular membrane integrity. A preliminary dose–response experiment using six genotypes exposed to a temperature gradient (40–50 °C) was conducted to establish thermal response curves and derive LT₅₀ values (temperature at 50% decline in Fv/Fm). These analyses confirmed substantial genotypic variation in thermal tolerance and identified 45 °C as an optimal discriminatory temperature for large-scale screening. This temperature was subsequently applied to assess heat injury across all 35 genotypes. Measurements were conducted in May (spring foliage) and August (summer foliage) to evaluate ontogenetic influences. In some instances, only one genotype was available for experimental purposes. Consequently, conclusions regarding genotypic differences in heat tolerance are based on replicated datasets, whereas genotypes represented by single-tree sampling are presented for descriptive purposes only. Heat stress significantly affected Fv/Fm and ELI, with strong genotype and seasonal effects recorded. In most genotypes, foliar damage was greater in spring than in summer. Good correlations between Fv/Fm and ELI confirmed their value as complementary physiological measures of heat tolerance in plants. Of the 35 genotypes evaluated, Malus sargentii, M. ‘Prairifire’, M. baccata ‘Jackii’, M. ‘Royal Fountain Huber’ and M. Donald Wyman were the most heat tolerant. The substantial variation in foliar heat tolerance detected across the 35 genotypes tested demonstrates potential for selecting Malus genotypes with superior foliar heat tolerance and highlights opportunities for identifying heat resilient candidates among other under-utilized urban tree taxa. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer, a multifactorial disease with uncontrolled cell growth, oxidative stress, inflammation, genomic instability, and molecular signaling pathways, is a global health concern, leading to the ~20 million newly diagnosed cases annually. Although conventional therapy has been shown to enhance the survival rates of cancer patients, its clinical efficacy is limited by certain side effects that occur as a result of treatment, thus necessitating the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds for their potential as safer and alternative supportive therapeutic agents. Aloe vera, known as the plant of immortality, comprises phytochemicals, such as anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, emodin, and aloin), polysaccharides (acemannan), flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to the pharmacological effect of the compound. Methods: This review summarizes the anticancer potential of Aloe vera, and the data were retrieved from databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library, during the time period of 2015 to 2025. Results: The literature revealed that Aloe vera and its bioactive compounds have dose-dependent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against hepatocellular, cervical, colorectal, lung, breast, prostate, and hematological cancers, which are significantly mediated by apoptosis and pyroptosis induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis, and the modulation of key signaling pathways, particularly PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-кB, p53, and Wnt/β-catenin. Furthermore, anthraquinones, including Aloe-emodin, demonstrate potent anticancer effects at micro-molar doses, and polysaccharides increase immune reactions and provide tumor immunity. Conclusions: Conclusively, Aloe vera is a promising multi-target natural compound, particularly efficient in the treatment of cancer. However, despite significant therapeutic potential, more research on pharmacokinetics, standard dose, and controlled clinical trials of Aloe vera is required to validate clinical applicability. Full article