Search Results (32,564)

Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is increasingly recognized as a clinically important non-obstructive spirometric phenotype associated with excess all-cause, respiratory, and cardiovascular mortality. PRISm is variably defined across studies and should be distinguished from pre-COPD and restrictive spirometric pattern, particularly in LMIC settings where diagnostic context may differ. Although most evidence has been generated in high-income settings, PRISm may be especially relevant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the phenotype appears to arise within a markedly different exposure environment. Rather than reflecting predominantly the smoking–obesity–metabolic profile commonly described in wealthier populations, PRISm in LMICs may more often emerge from the cumulative effects of tuberculosis, household biomass smoke, ambient particulate air pollution, poverty-related undernutrition, impaired lung growth, and other adverse life-course exposures. These factors may contribute both to low-volume lung-function impairment and to increased cardiovascular risk through shared pathways of chronic low-grade inflammation, immune activation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic dysregulation. In this context, PRISm may represent a measurable interface between environmental and infectious lung injury, social disadvantage, and systemic vascular vulnerability. The emerging literature further suggests that PRISm in LMICs may include distinct leaner, poverty-related, and infection-linked phenotypes that differ from the obesity-associated patterns more often described in high-income cohorts. This perspective has important clinical implications, as PRISm may identify individuals at elevated risk of cardiometabolic comorbidity, heart failure, stroke, and cardiovascular death who may otherwise remain unrecognized within current respiratory care pathways. Although direct causal evidence remains limited, the convergence of epidemiological, mechanistic, and clinical data supports the view that PRISm in LMICs should be considered a meaningful cardiopulmonary risk state rather than a benign spirometric abnormality. Further LMIC-focused longitudinal, mechanistic, and implementation research is needed to refine phenotyping, clarify causal pathways, and inform integrated prevention strategies. Full article

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) faces challenges related to irregular flowering, which compromises crop productivity. Gibberellic acid (GA₃) is a plant growth regulator known for its role in inducing reproductive processes, although its effects on this species are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different GA₃ doses on flowering and vegetative growth in black pepper plants. The experiment was conducted with black pepper seedlings of the Bragantina cultivar in a randomized block design, with four doses of GA₃ (0, 10, 20, and 30 mg L⁻¹) and six replications, using eight-month-old plants grown in pots under full sun. GA₃ applications were performed in two floral induction cycles. Variables related to flowering, chlorophyll a fluorescence, vegetative growth, biomass allocation, and carbohydrate distribution were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance, regression analysis, mean grouping tests, and principal component analysis. The results showed that intermediate doses (10 and 20 mg L⁻¹) significantly stimulated flowering at early developmental stages, whereas the 30 mg L⁻¹ dose enhanced vegetative growth while reducing floral induction. Additionally, GA₃ affected physiological parameters by increasing photosynthetic efficiency and altering carbohydrate balance, with higher accumulation of soluble sugars in leaves and reduced starch content in roots. It is concluded that GA₃ application is a promising strategy to modulate reproductive transition in black pepper, with 10 to 20 mg L⁻¹ doses recommended to promote flowering without compromising plant development. Full article

While valorisation pathways are increasingly promoted as sustainable solutions, their ability to genuinely minimise environmental harm and contribute to long-term material circularity remains uneven. This study systematically identifies and maps existing valorisation routes across the EU and UK, with particular attention to their environmental performance and economic viability through a material value retention lens. A literature review highlights a spectrum of practices—from soil amendment and composting to bioenergy recovery and bio-based construction materials—each offering different sustainability benefits but varying significantly in their capacity to preserve material quality and function. To address the absence of robust comparative approaches, this paper introduces a novel evaluative framework centred on intrinsic material value retention, a key principle in sustainable and circular material systems. Building on established scholarship, the framework provides a structured means of comparing valorisation options based on how effectively they conserve material properties, particularly in terms of the material’s structural and functional values, and enable high-value reuse. Supported by a dedicated classification tool and a set of guiding questions refined through expert interviews, the framework complements existing environmental assessment methods by foregrounding material circularity. In doing so, it supports more integrated, holistic decision-making for the development of a resilient and sustainable circular bioeconomy. This research is intended for academic audiences and may also be of relevance to industry practitioners. Full article

Background: This study proposes a cascade strategy for the comprehensive valorization of Rosa canina L. leaves, considered an underutilized agricultural by-product. Methods: The approach is based on a combination of optimized Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) followed by High-pressure homogenization (HPH) of the residual biomass from both whole and ground leaves. UAE parameters (temperature, process duration, and ethanol concentration) were optimized to maximize the yield of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP). Results: The optimal conditions (55.5 °C, 69.7 min, 40.8% ethanol) yielded extracts with a high TPC (289.55 mg GAE/g) and TFC (177.88 mg CE/g), reducing the processing time by 22% while increasing the TPC yield by 31% compared to the conventional solid–liquid extraction (SLE). It was found that primary extraction from whole leaves is more efficient than extraction from ground leaves, suggesting that the energy-intensive preliminary grinding step could be eliminated. The application of HPH to the residual biomass provided a significant secondary release of bioactive compounds, exceeding high-shear mixing (HSM) by up to 1.5 times for whole leaves. Kinetic analysis showed a higher release of bioactive compounds from whole leaves compared to ground leaves. Conclusions: The proposed UAE + HPH cascade process is a sustainable approach, ensuring rational use of resources and a significant increase in the total yield of antioxidants from Rosa canina L. leaves. Overall, the study may contribute to the circular economy by promoting valorization of agricultural by-products through an energy-efficient, sustainable cascade approach. Full article

To address the limited understanding of interspecific differences in eutrophic-water remediation, six representative wetland plants—Myriophyllum spicatum, Oenanthe javanica, Zizania latifolia, Ipomoea aquatica, Iris pseudacorus, and Typha orientalis—were evaluated in a unified hydroponic system. The removal efficiencies of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) were compared together with plant biomass accumulation and root-associated and fepiphytic microbial community characteristics. The results showed marked interspecific differences in growth and pollutant removal, with the M. spicatum treatment exhibiting the highest overall purification performance, achieving removal rates of 83.3% for NH₄⁺-N, 87.3% for TN, and 78.6% for TP after 42 days. Community-composition analysis suggested that the superior purification performance of M. spicatum was associated with a greater relative abundance of Proteobacteria and putative nitrogen- and phosphorus-cycling bacterial groups. By integrating a plant-free control with a side-by-side comparison of six wetland plants under identical hydroponic conditions, this study establishes a comparative framework linking nutrient removal to plant growth and microbial community assembly. Overall, M. spicatum was identified as the most promising species, providing new insight for wetland-plant selection and eutrophic-water remediation. Full article

Ocean acidification and warming will alter phytoplankton biomass and composition, yet despite numerous studies, there are few consistent responses on which to base predictions. To determine the responses of chlorophyll-a and phytoplankton size and composition to predicted lower pH (−0.33 to −0.5) alone, and also combined with elevated temperature (+2.5–3.5 °C), two mesocosm experiments were carried out in austral spring and autumn in temperate New Zealand coastal waters. Lower pH alone had no effect on chlorophyll-a in either experiment and, as the treatment pH was lower than the pH minimum recorded in a parallel four-year time series, this lack of response in chlorophyll-a was not attributable to prior in situ exposure. Conversely, chlorophyll-a increased under lower pH and warming in both experiments, with the large (>20 µm) phytoplankton size fraction showing opposing responses under nutrient deplete and replete conditions. Diatom biomass also increased in both treatments when nutrient availability was maintained, with a dominant pennate species Cylindrotheca clostridium emerging. The results highlight the value of contextual time series for experimental interpretation, and also the importance of assessing warming and acidification together using regionally representative nutrient concentrations, for prediction of coastal phytoplankton response to climate change. Full article

Long-term simplification of cropping systems and crop protection practices promotes increased weed infestation and may lead to yield decline. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of crop sequence systems and levels of crop protection on weed infestation, weed community diversity, and grain yield of winter wheat under long-term field experiment conditions. The research was conducted in a static field experiment established in 1967 in Bałcyny, Poland. Two cropping systems were analyzed, monoculture and a six-course crop rotation, combined with three levels of protection: no protection, herbicide, and herbicide + fungicide. Weed density, biomass, and species composition were evaluated, as well as diversity indices (Shannon–Wiener and Simpson) and grain yield. Monoculture significantly increased weed density and biomass, promoting the dominance of competitive species such as Apera spica-venti and Centaurea cyanus. In the crop rotation system, lower weed infestation, higher species diversity, and a more even community structure were observed. The application of herbicide effectively reduced weed infestation; however, it led to a decline in species diversity and an increase in the dominance of tolerant species. Grain yield was strongly negatively correlated with the level of weed infestation. The highest yields were obtained in the crop rotation system with full chemical protection, whereas monoculture resulted in a significant yield reduction regardless of the level of protection. These results highlight the key role of crop rotation and integrated crop protection in reducing weed infestation and stabilizing winter wheat yields. Full article

Sapling survival and growth depend on photosynthetic assimilates. Therefore, improving physiological performance during early stages may enhance subsequent performance and nursery production. This study evaluated whether exogenous oxidized glutathione (GSSG), reported to enhance photosynthesis, improves the photosynthetic, physiological, and growth-related traits of Larix gmelinii var. japonica saplings. Sixteen saplings were assigned to four treatments: GSSG, 5-aminolevulinic acid, Hyponex, and a water control. Photosynthetic, nitrogen-related, and growth traits were measured before treatment and at 3, 6, 13, and 31 days after treatment, and biomass was assessed after three months. The GSSG treatment showed no difference in the net CO₂ assimilation rate (A_max) compared with the control, but exhibited a significantly earlier peak at 6 days than the other treatments. This response was supported by the stability of GSSG-treated saplings against photoinhibition (F_v/F_m) and a tendency toward greater resilience to midday light stress (Φ_PSII). Enhanced photosynthetic performance was associated with reduced carbon and nitrogen fluctuations and was accompanied by numerically greater root and stem biomass in the 2024 terminal shoots. Although fertilization effects were generally weak and transient, GSSG elicited notable responses, suggesting that the immediate enhancement of photosynthesis underlies its impact. However, its antioxidant properties under stressful conditions warrant further investigation. Full article

The textile industry consumes a significant quantity of water and produces effluent containing water-soluble dyes and heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn), among others. Heavy metal contamination of water bodies and their impact on aquatic life, as well as on human health, is of prime importance. This review examined the potential of phytoremediation, a low-cost and eco-friendly process for removing contaminants from textile effluent. This review also investigated the impact of heavy metal toxicity on aquatic plants used for biogas production post phytoremediation application. This review evaluated textile effluent characteristics, efficiency evaluation of phytoremediation of textile wastewater, metal uptake mechanisms of aquatic plants, and anaerobic digestion processes with emphasis on Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), Duckweed (Lemna minor), and Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes). The findings indicated that these aquatic plants possess immense potential for removing heavy metals and other impurities by employing phytoextraction and rhizofiltration methods. Their rapid growth rate makes them preferred candidates for anaerobic digestion. However, accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissues inhibits microbial activities during anaerobic digestion, resulting in fluctuations in biogas and methane production. Findings also showed that these aquatic plants are efficient in the removal of heavy metals in water while yielding considerable biomass that can be used to produce bioenergy through anaerobic digestion. However, the sequestration of heavy metals in plant biomass may affect the rate of methane generation efficiency. The findings of this review suggest that phytoremediation has promising potential for the recycling of textile wastewater and, when coupled with biogas production, contributes towards a circular bioeconomy, an approach that integrates closed-loop resource utilization with renewable biological systems to minimize waste. Full article

A mixture of poultry litter (PL) and biochar (BC) was composted over 120 days in a bioreactor. To assess the impact on the stability of organic matter, the bioavailability of heavy metals, and ecotoxicity, the PL+BC biomass was supplemented with 0.5% (w/w) γ-polyglutamic acid (PGA), superphosphate (SPP) and smectite-silica clay (SSC) relative to the dry matter. Incorporating PGA, SPP, and SSC additives into PL+BC increased total carbon content by an average of 6%, compared to PL+BC without additives. The SSC additive proved to be more effective in increasing the humic acid carbon content, raising Cha by an average of 23% relative to PGA and SPP treatments. The incorporation of biochar into PL led to a substantial increase in nonhydrolizing carbon content, while the enrichment of composts with PGA, SPP, or SSC resulted in an escalation in this form of carbon by an average of over 7% compared to PL+BC. The lowest amounts of metals extracted with water and the lowest RAC values were obtained for PL+BC+SPP compost. The additives used stabilized the composts more quickly and reduced their toxicity. The classification of PL compost was designated as class III, whereas composts that incorporated additives were classified as class II toxicity. The study findings substantiated the necessity to incorporate additives during the biological processing of poultry litter. Full article

Rising human-caused nitrogen (N) deposition and increased rainfall variability threaten the capacity of temperate forests to sequester carbon. However, the combined effects of N enrichment and moisture changes on total soil respiration (Rs), including its autotrophic (Ra) and heterotrophic (Rh) components, remain poorly understood, especially in northern China’s warm-temperate forests. To explore this, a factorial field experiment was conducted at the Beijing Yanshan Earth Critical Zone National Research Station in Huairou District, Beijing. The experiment involved N addition (50 kg N ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ as urea [CO(NH₂)₂]) and precipitation manipulation (±50% of ambient throughfall) during the 2024 growing season. Six treatments were implemented: control (CK), nitrogen addition (NA), 50% increased precipitation (W+50%), 50% decreased precipitation (W−50%), nitrogen addition with increased precipitation (NW+50%), and nitrogen addition with decreased precipitation (NW−50%). Under natural rainfall conditions, N addition increased Rs (+11.8%; p < 0.05). However, the effects of N largely depended on water availability: with increased rainfall, N addition significantly boosted Rs, Rh, and Ra by promoting fine root biomass and accelerating litter decomposition; under reduced rainfall, N addition still increased Rs, Rh, and Ra compared to drought alone (NW−50% vs. W−50%), though the extent of stimulation was considerably lower than under elevated precipitation, indicating that water availability influences the strength of N effects on forest soil respiration. Structural equation modelling (SEM; χ²/df = 1.8, RMSEA = 0.040, CFI = 0.97) revealed that water availability was a key mediator of the interaction between N addition and precipitation. These findings enhance understanding of how nitrogen supply and water availability interact in temperate forest soils, though further validation across other forest types and over longer periods remains necessary. Full article

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid and a vital component in food applications. In this study, we investigated a range of physicochemical culture conditions—including pH, temperature, and carbon source—to evaluate biomass and ALA accumulation in Chlorella sp. L166 and its mutant, C-12. The study aimed to identify favorable culture conditions and evaluate the feasibility of using diluted bean curd (tofu) wastewater as a low-cost medium. Under mixotrophic cultivation, ALA content was determined via GC-MS, and the removal efficiencies of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were simultaneously monitored. The results showed that L166 achieved its highest ALA accumulation at pH 6.0 and 23 °C with maltose. C-12 exhibited appropriate ALA accumulation at pH 7.0 and 23 °C with maltose and reached its maximum biomass at pH 8.0 and 25 °C with glucose. After 8 days of cultivation in threefold-diluted tofu wastewater, C-12’s ALA content reached 6.1 mg/g, significantly higher than that observed in BG11 medium. Meanwhile, both strains removed 81.2–83.2% of TN, 35.7–36.0% of TP, and 42.6–43.5% of COD. This study provides preliminary data on the effects of culture conditions on microalgal ALA production, highlighting the potential for future practical applications of C-12. Full article

Hydrodynamic efficiency in wetland systems is governed by the complex interaction between fluid flow and vegetation density. This study quantifies the impact of seasonal emergent vegetation growth on solute transport in a V-shaped flume. Using high-resolution tracer data from high-density (January) and low-density (November) conditions, we characterized hydraulic parameters, longitudinal velocity (v), and dispersion (D), across an upstream conduit (Reach 1) and a downstream retention zone (Reach 2). Results revealed that in January, Reach 2 exhibited massive hydraulic retardation (v ≈ 1.8 cm s⁻¹) and extensive non-Fickian tailing (variance > 30,000 s²), maintaining an idealized retentive state (Pe ≈ 20). Conversely, seasonal biomass reduction in November resulted in lower variance (≈16,500 s²) and drastically increased the risk of extreme advective bypass (Pe > 500). These findings provide critical empirical validation for macro-scale models like the Dynamic Model for Stormwater Treatment Areas (DMSTAs). Specifically, the massive temporal variance observed during the retentive state yielded an empirical Tanks-in-Series value of N ≈ 5.7, directly validating standard DMSTA defaults for dense emergent marshes. Furthermore, the Transient Storage Model (TSM) storage ratio (As/A) offers a quantitative mechanism to penalize modeled void fractions, accounting for vegetative “dead zones.” By integrating these flume-derived metrics, wetland managers can optimize hydraulic designs and improve the prediction of treatment efficiency across seasonal variations. Full article

Drought and nitrogen deposition are major drivers of global change that can influence forest ecosystems and plant–microbe interactions, yet their combined effects on endophytic fungal communities and the roles of dark septate endophytes (DSE) remain unclear. In this study, we examined the diversity of culturable endophytic fungi in leaves and roots of Quercus dentata under different drought and nitrogen deposition treatments and evaluated the functional effects of representative DSE strains on host growth and physiology. A total of 1488 fungal isolates were obtained, revealing distinct organ-specific community patterns. Root-associated communities showed greater compositional stability across treatments, whereas leaf communities were more responsive to environmental variation. Severe drought reduced the dominance of several genera and promoted community restructuring, while nitrogen deposition had contrasting effects on α-diversity in leaves and roots. Beta diversity analyses indicated significant interaction effects between drought and nitrogen addition. Inoculation with four DSE strains produced strain-dependent effects on plant biomass, photosynthesis, water-use efficiency, physiological traits, and nutrient contents. These results indicate that drought and nitrogen deposition jointly influence endophytic fungal communities and that functional differences among DSE strains may affect host responses to combined stress. Full article

Spoilage date palm fruits are produced in large quantities and represent an underutilized agrowaste resource. Their high sugar content and balanced nutrient composition make them promising candidates for microbial bioprocessing. This study explored their potential as a low-cost substrate for Talaromyces atroroseus QA2602 (PZ091940) to simultaneously produce biodiesel grade lipids, natural pigments, and fungal chitosan within an integrated biorefinery approach. Spoiled date fruits were chemically characterized and applied at varying concentrations to cultivate T. atroroseus QA2602 (PZ091940). Thermal and thermo-chemical pretreatments were tested to enhance sugar availability. Lipid accumulation, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) profiles, pigment production, and pigment stability were assessed. Biodiesel quality was estimated from FAME composition. De-oiled fungal biomass wastes were further processed to extract and characterize chitosan, and pigment–chitosan composites were evaluated for antioxidant activity. Optimal lipid and pigment production by T. atroroseus occurred at moderate concentration of spoiled date fruit substrate used in the culture medium, while dilute acid pretreatment of spoiled date fruits at high temperature resulted in the highest reducing sugar release from the substrate, which subsequently enhanced fungal biomass formation. The resulting C16–C18 rich oil displayed fuel properties consistent with high quality biodiesel. Pigments exhibited strong pH and thermal stability, along with potent antioxidant activity. De-oiled biomass produced chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation, and the pigment–chitosan composite showed enhanced antioxidant capacity. Rotted date fruits provide an effective, sustainable feedstock enabling the co-production of biodiesel, pigments, and chitosan by Talaromyces atroroseus QA2602 (PZ091940), supporting their integration into circular bioeconomy frameworks. Full article