Search Results (118,250)

Aiming at the industrial problems of traditional sulfonated drilling fluids in high-temperature drilling of deep oil and gas reservoirs at 180°C, including high-temperature degradation, poor environmental protection, and severe reservoir damage, this paper adopts a function-oriented research idea to construct a set of non-sulfonated water-based drilling fluid systems with excellent comprehensive performance and temperature resistance up to 180 °C. Strict screening criteria for single agents were established, and six core non-sulfonated treatment agents were selected from 18 candidate agents in four categories: viscosifiers, fluid loss reducers, inhibitors, and high-temperature stabilizers. The compounding synergistic effects of cross-category treatment agents were studied, and four core action mechanisms were revealed. The optimal formula was obtained through optimization. Tests show that after hot rolling at 180 °C for 16 h, the system has an apparent viscosity retention rate of ≥81%, a yield point retention rate of ≥76%, and a high-temperature and high-pressure filtration loss of ≤12.8 mL. It can resist 15% salt, 1.0% calcium, and 15% drill cuttings, and maintains stable performance under composite pollution. At 180 °C, the shale linear expansion rate is only 8.6%, and the cuttings rolling recovery rate reaches 92.4%. The core permeability recovery value is ≥90.2%, the biotoxicity EC₅₀ value is 42,600 mg/L, and the 28-day biodegradation rate is 68.3%. This system can replace traditional sulfonated drilling fluids and provide a green and feasible technical solution for safe and efficient drilling in deep high-temperature formations. Full article

The scarcity of resources has constrained the supply of conventional feedstuffs for livestock production. Consequently, mulberry (Morus spp.), known for its high protein content and bioactive compounds, has been developed as a promising alternative feed. However, the optimal water–fertilizer ratio for cultivating feed mulberry and the underlying physiological and agronomic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this, a two-year field experiment (2023–2024) was conducted to investigate the effects of water–fertilizer coupling on feed mulberry yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and soil quality. This experiment employed a split-plot design with three irrigation levels (I1 = 45, I2 = 90, and I3 = 135 mm) and four fertilizer rates (F1 = 0, F2 = 150, F3 = 225, and F4 = 300 kg·ha⁻¹). The results demonstrated the following: (1) The variation trends in SWC were consistent with those of soil available N, P, and K contents. Under water–fertilizer coupling, the total water consumption peaked in the I3F3 treatment, with values of 639.9 mm and 703.5 mm in the two years, respectively. (2) The I3F3 treatment produced both the highest yield (37.19 and 41.66 t·ha⁻¹) and the highest leaf N, P, and K contents among all treatments. (3) Water and fertilizer use efficiencies exhibited parabolic trends in response to increasing irrigation and fertilizer inputs. The highest agronomic nitrogen efficiency (AEN) was observed in I2F2. (4) The AMOS 26 model further revealed that soil nutrient content had the strongest direct positive effect on yield (standardized coefficient = 0.68), followed by total water consumption (0.33). And irrigation significantly enhanced soil nutrient availability (standardized coefficient = 0.29). In summary, the I3F3 combination achieved the highest yield and water use efficiency, whereas the I2F2 treatment exhibited the highest AEN. This trade-off suggests that the optimal strategy depends on management objectives (yield maximization vs. resource conservation) in the North China Plain. Full article

The review evaluates current clinical and epidemiological evidence regarding the use of plant-derived compounds in pediatric practice. Data from randomized controlled trials indicate symptomatic efficacy of selected agents—particularly in acute respiratory infections—alongside generally favorable safety profiles when standardized preparations are used. Emerging research also explores applications in neurodevelopmental disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and dermatology, and as supportive therapy in pediatric oncology. However, variability in product quality, limited pediatric-specific trials, potential toxicity, and regulatory inconsistencies remain significant challenges. The integration of phytotherapy into pediatric care therefore requires rigorous study design, careful safety monitoring, and clear quality standards to ensure an evidence-based risk–benefit balance. Full article

Lichen planus pigmentosus inversus (LIPPI) is a rare variant within the spectrum of lichenoid dermatoses, characterized by sharply demarcated hyperpigmented lesions predominantly affecting intertriginous areas. Its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood, but immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by exogenous factors have been proposed. We report the case of an 80-year-old Caucasian female who developed extensive, reticulated brownish-grey hyperpigmentation involving multiple flexural sites shortly after the fifth intra-articular injection of the homeopathic combination preparation Zeel comp. N for knee pain. Histopathological examination showed a markedly atrophic epidermis with compact orthokeratosis, focal hypergranulosis, basal vacuolar/interface change, pigment incontinence, and a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate; these findings were compatible with LIPPI. The temporal association with repeated intra-articular administration of botanical and sulfur-containing compounds suggests a possible trigger; however, causality remains speculative. Prick and patch testing with the injection solution were negative, no rechallenge was performed, and pharmacovigilance assessment by the Naranjo algorithm supported only a possible adverse drug reaction. Several constituents, including Toxicodendron derivatives, Arnica montana and Solanum dulcamara, are recognized sensitizers capable of inducing delayed-type immune responses. Importantly, allergic contact sensitization and lichenoid interface dermatitis are distinct processes; in the present case, sensitization or systemic immune stimulation is considered only as a potential upstream trigger of a lichenoid reaction pattern. Similar lichenoid eruptions, including LIPPI, have been reported after systemic immune stimulation such as COVID-19 vaccination or targeted therapies. Differential diagnoses, particularly ashy dermatosis, were considered less likely because of the inverse/flexural distribution and clinico-pathological evidence of lichenoid interface dermatitis with epidermal atrophy. Treatment with systemic corticosteroids, acitretin, and topical tacrolimus improved pruritus, whereas hyperpigmentation persisted. This case highlights a possible temporal association between intra-articular administration of biologically active compounds and LIPPI, while emphasizing the need for cautious interpretation, pharmacovigilance data, and further reports. Full article

Canarii Fructus (Canarium album) is a rich source of polyphenols with significant potential for functional food applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the composition, extraction technologies, biological activities, and utilization prospects of Canarii Fructus polyphenols (CFPs). More than 30 polyphenolic compounds have been identified, with gallic acid and ellagic acid as the major constituents, accounting for approximately 38.8% and 14.3% of the total phenolics, respectively. The fruit contains about 300 mg/100 g fresh weight of phenolic compounds. Emerging extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and ultrasound–microwave-assisted extraction (UMAE), have improved extraction efficiency, with UMAE achieving yields of up to 6.33% within 4.4 min. Unlike previous studies focusing primarily on phytochemical characterization or pharmacological activities, this review provides a comprehensive food-oriented perspective by integrating chemical diversity, extraction strategies, molecular mechanisms, bioavailability challenges, and functional food applications of CFPs. CFPs exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-aging, hepatoprotective, and metabolic regulatory activities through pathways including Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, and AMPK. Representative bioactivities include α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 9.914 × 10⁻³ μg/mL) and regulation of lipid metabolism via AMPK activation. Particular attention is given to emerging approaches, including green extraction technologies, nanodelivery systems, and AI-assisted target discovery. Current limitations related to low bioavailability, unclear structure–activity relationships, and insufficient in vivo evidence are also discussed. Overall, CFPs represent a promising natural resource for the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Full article

Aquaponics is an integrated and resource-efficient production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics in a closed-loop environment with reduced water consumption and nutrient losses. The present study evaluated the nutritional composition, mineral profile, microbiological quality, and antioxidant-related phytochemical characteristics of red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.) cultivated in a recirculating aquaponic system under controlled environmental conditions. Leaf biomass was analyzed for proximate composition, macro- and micronutrient content, total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, betalains, chlorophyll pigments, and antioxidant activity using standard analytical and spectrophotometric methods. The results demonstrated high crude protein content and substantial accumulation of essential minerals, particularly calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The analyzed biomass also exhibited elevated levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, betalains, and chlorophyll pigments associated with considerable antioxidant potential. The pigment profile suggested good physiological adaptation of plants to aquaponic cultivation conditions. In addition, microbiological analysis confirmed acceptable hygienic quality and safety of the harvested plant material. Overall, the findings indicate that red amaranth can be successfully cultivated in aquaponic systems while maintaining high nutritional value and functional food potential. The study highlights aquaponic cultivation as a sustainable approach to producing nutrient-dense leafy vegetables within environmentally responsible agricultural systems. Full article

Ectopic olfactory receptors (ORs) are G protein-coupled chemosensors expressed outside the olfactory epithelium, where they may couple local chemical inputs to cell-specific signaling. The oral cavity is continuously exposed to food-derived compounds, microbial metabolites, volatile organic compounds, and inflammation-associated metabolites, yet the molecular roles of oral ORs remain incompletely defined. This review critically synthesizes current evidence for OR expression and signaling in oral tissues and associated cell populations, with emphasis on ligand–receptor–signaling relationships and disease relevance. Functional OR signaling has been demonstrated in mammalian taste cells, while emerging transcriptomic studies in oral mucosa and transcriptomic/localization studies in the periodontal ligament indicate OR-related programs during tissue-specific or repair-associated states. Candidate metabolic axes, including short-chain fatty acids and lactate linked to OR51E1/OR51E2/Olfr78-related pathways in non-oral models, provide testable mechanistic hypotheses for microbiome–host communication in periodontitis and oral cancer; however, direct causal validation in oral disease models remains limited. We propose an evidence-tiered framework integrating spatial expression mapping, metabolomics-guided deorphanization, receptor perturbation, and longitudinal oral-fluid profiling. Oral ORs should currently be regarded as candidate molecular modulators and components of multimodal biomarker strategies rather than validated standalone diagnostic or therapeutic targets. Full article

This review covers literature published up to June 2026. Detecting various water pollutants quickly and reliably remains a challenge. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes, particularly when fabricated as nanostructured thin films such as nanocones or nanowalls, offer a wide electrochemical window, low background current, and excellent chemical stability, making them promising tools for electrochemical sensing. However, unmodified BDD electrodes face an inherent trade-off among conductivity, active site density, and interfacial stability, a phenomenon termed herein the “sensitivity-selectivity-stability triangle bottleneck”, which severely limits practical performance. In this review, we demonstrate how multi-scale structural regulation can circumvent this bottleneck. Specifically, a triple strategy comprising boron doping, surface modification, and post-annealing treatment is proposed and evaluated. First, the effect of boron doping level on conductivity and active site density is discussed. Second, two common surface modification approaches are examined: carbon nanomaterials (which increase surface area and form conductive networks) and metal nanoparticles (which enhance catalytic activity and interfacial charge transfer). Third, post-annealing is highlighted as a key synergistic step that locks the modified layer and stabilizes the interface. Together, these three components form an integrated framework. To provide concrete guidance, the performance of each strategy is compared for representative water pollutants, including heavy metal ions, phenolic compounds, and emerging contaminants such as antibiotics and pesticides, with emphasis on sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. Representative detection limits achieved include 0.01 μg/L for Pb²⁺, 5 nM for acetaminophen, and 0.32 fM for PCB-77, demonstrating the effectiveness of the triple structural regulation strategy. Finally, in line with the theme of this Nanomaterials Special Issue on nanostructured thin films, current challenges in structural regulation are summarized, and future directions, including multi-parameter optimization, AI-assisted high-throughput screening, and real-world testing, are outlined. The goal is to offer practical structure-performance guidelines for designing BDD-based electrochemical sensors that are both high-performing and durable. Full article

Agentic artificial intelligence (AAI) and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) are increasingly embedded in organisational business intelligence (BI) and business process management (BPM). Unlike conventional AI, these systems set sub-goals, plan multi-step workflows, and retrieve and store information under limited human supervision. This article argues that such autonomy not only transmits human cognitive bias into organisational decisions but also amplifies that bias under identifiable conditions. We develop the Bias Amplification Model (BAM), a three-layer account of how bias enters and escalates. In the injection layer, human biases enter through goal framing, prompt design, and data scoping. In the propagation layer, the agent compounds these biases across autonomous execution steps. In the crystallisation layer, RAG memory encodes biassed outputs as retrievable organisational knowledge that later cycles treat as evidence. A feedback loop links the three layers, converting episodic human bias into structural organisational bias. We state seven propositions, specify amplifying and mitigating conditions, and ground the model in a PRISMA-guided synthesis of 47 studies. A controlled, replicated experiment with an autonomous agent in a supplier-selection pipeline provides initial empirical support for injection, propagation, the mitigating effect of a single governance checkpoint, and bias transmission across a task boundary via retrieved memory. The framework reframes AI-driven process optimisation as a possible source of silent decline in decision quality. Full article

Citrus fruits are a significant source of flavonoids. Of all the citrus fruits, Citrus paradisi (grapefruit) presents the highest concentration of the flavonoid naringin, a compound offering a variety of human health benefits and applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Commonly, when a citrus fruit is consumed, the peel and seeds are discarded, resulting in approximately 50% waste, making the potential use of citrus waste in order to reduce environmental impact a research priority. The present study used fresh grapefruit albedo to extract naringin via eco-friendly methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), which were compared against the conventional reflux extraction procedure. Furthermore, the presence of naringin was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, while naringin content was determined via HPLC-DAD analysis. The results obtained show that the pink grapefruit variety was the optimal source for extracting the flavonoid of interest, producing the highest content (3.41 g/kg), followed by the red (2.47 g/kg) and white (1.70 g/kg) varieties. The UAE method was observed to reduce the extraction time significantly, to only 10 min, which is up to 30-and -fold times less than the extraction times obtained using conventional (5 h) and MAE (40 min) methods, respectively. These results prove the usefulness of UAE as a simple, fast, efficient, and eco-friendly method for extracting naringin from fresh grapefruit albedo, via the use of a green solvent such as ethanol. In addition, the present study is the first to conduct a comparative analysis of naringin content in the three main grapefruit varieties grown in Mexico. Full article

Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a dose-limiting complication in cancer chemotherapy with restricted preventive measures. Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) is known to exhibit effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however its potential in renoprotective mechanisms remains poorly understood. The present study utilized a cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model to evaluate the renoprotective potential of CT (Carthamus tinctorius) extract. Integrated multi-omics along with in silico and in vivo approaches were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. The results initially demonstrated a rich phytochemical profile of CT extract characterized by abundant polysaccharides and flavonoids, with Hydroxysafflor Yellow A as a dominant bioactive constituent. In a cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model, CT extract noticeably ameliorated the abnormalities of renal injury, as suggested by improved histopathology, reduced serum creatinine and BUN levels, and regulation of redox homeostasis. Metabolically, CT extract partially reversed AKI-associated disturbances by affecting 21 key metabolites, likely associated with histidine and alanine-aspartate-glutamate biosynthesis, and modulating amino acid and energy metabolism pathways. Concurrently, CT extract improved gut microbial homeostasis, increasing microbial diversity, normalizing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, suppressing pathogens, and enriching beneficial Ligilactobacillus. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified AKT1, RELA, MAPK, and TP53 as central targets of core compounds (rutin and kaempferol derivatives), apparently targeting the PI3K-AKT and RELA (NF-kappaB) hubs. These results suggested that the renoprotective effects of CT extract are associated with transcriptional upregulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway-related genes, increased expression of antioxidant genes (Ho-1, Sod1), and reduced expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (RelA, Cdk2) in the cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to improve the biological profile of oleanolic acid (OA) through structural modification at the C-17 carboxyl group and the C-3 hydroxyl group, with a focus on the design of short-chain alkyl esters and 3-O-furoyl hybrids. Methods: Two series of OA derivatives were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods, including ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and MS. In silico structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis, ADMETox profiling, and molecular docking to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase domain were performed as predictive and hypothesis-generating tools. Anticancer activity was evaluated in vitro using the MTT assay against human cancer cell lines, including HeLa, MCF-7, A-549, SKBR-3, PC-3 and SKOV-3, as well as non-malignant human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Antioxidant properties were assessed using cell-free CUPRAC and DPPH assays. Results: The C-17 esterification markedly enhanced cytotoxic potency compared to the parent OA, while the introduction of the 3-O-furoyl moiety further improved antiproliferative activity in several derivatives. Selected compounds showed low-micromolar IC₅₀ values and moderate selectivity toward cancer cells. Molecular docking suggested favorable accommodation of selected derivatives within the EGFR ATP-binding pocket, mainly through hydrophobic and π-related interactions; however, these results do not confirm direct EGFR binding and require experimental validation. The CUPRAC and DPPH assays provided preliminary insight into chemical redox behavior but should not be directly extrapolated to intracellular antioxidant or pro-oxidant activity. Predicted ADMETox profiles indicated moderate permeability and relatively low predicted risk for selected toxicity endpoints, while also highlighting high lipophilicity, poor aqueous solubility and potential metabolic liabilities. Conclusions: Overall, the results identify several OA derivatives as promising anticancer lead compounds for further optimization and mechanistic investigation. Full article

Water composition is a key factor influencing brewing performance and beer quality due to its impact on mash chemistry, fermentation kinetics, and fermentation-derived metabolites. This study evaluated the effect of four Albanian spring waters (Bogova, Germenji, Selita, and Lajthiza), each with distinct mineral compositions, on the fermentation behaviour and physicochemical characteristics of Pale Ale beer produced under standardised brewing conditions. All beers were brewed using the same malt formulation, hopping regime, yeast strain, and fermentation parameters, with water source as the sole experimental variable. The produced worts showed only moderate differences in pH, colour, extract, free amino nitrogen (FAN), bitterness, and density, whereas alcoholic fermentation proceeded efficiently in all treatments and was completed within seven days. Final alcohol contents ranged from 5.56 to 5.70% v/v, confirming comparable fermentation performance among treatments. More pronounced differences were observed in acidity-related parameters and fermentation-derived compounds. Volatile acidity ranged from 0.19 to 0.93 g/L, with the highest values in beers produced with Selita and Lajthiza waters. Glycerol concentrations varied from 0.88 to 1.24 g/L, with Germenji beer showing the highest value, whereas acetaldehyde ranged from 3.16 to 6.04 mg/L, with the lowest concentration in Germenji beer. Pearson correlation analysis and exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) identified associations between water mineralisation and selected physicochemical and fermentation-derived beer parameters. Calcium, magnesium, conductivity, and hardness were positively associated with glycerol concentration, whereas bicarbonate concentration was associated with beer pH and acidity-related parameters. The first two principal components explained 87.7% of the total variance. Overall, the results indicate that Albanian spring waters are suitable for Pale Ale production and show that differences in water mineral composition were associated with variations in the physicochemical and fermentation-derived characteristics of the final beers. These findings highlight that brewing water should not be regarded as a neutral processing medium but rather as an important technological factor associated with differences in the physicochemical characteristics of beer, while supporting the valorisation of Albanian spring waters for geographically distinctive craft brewing applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tripterygium glycosides (TG) are used to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, but their clinical application is limited by toxicity and the lack of process-responsive quality markers. This study examined whether roasting and dealkalization remodel the TG metabolite profile and alter the post-dose serum profile of circulating prototype constituents. Methods: Self-prepared TG, roasted TG (RTG), roasted–dealkalized TG (RDTG), and five marketed products were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Seven representative compounds were quantified by validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Rat serum after oral administration was analyzed to compare circulating prototype constituents. Results: We characterized 243 constituents in material samples and 63 circulating prototype constituents in serum. Roasting primarily reshapes the profiles of diterpenoids and triterpenoids. Celastrol was not detected in the RTG and RDTG material samples, nor in the corresponding single-time-point serum profiles under the current analytical conditions. In contrast, wilforlide A exhibited an increase in material samples. Dealkalization preferentially reduced alkaloid-related constituents, including wilforine in material samples and tripterygiumine T in serum. Conclusions: Integrated material profiling, targeted quantification, and serum prototype analysis identified candidate process-responsive markers for processed TG preparations. Because the serum study was based on relative signal intensities rather than full pharmacokinetics, these markers require further pharmacokinetic and toxicological validation. Full article

Sustainable agricultural development in natural heritage sites poses a challenge, requiring food security without compromising the conservation of ecosystems and their outstanding universal values (OUV). The Galapagos Islands, recognized as a Natural World Heritage, have problems of scarce water and arable land, compounded by anthropogenic pressures such as high population and tourism growth and dependence on food imports. The objective of this research is to evaluate the environmental impacts of implementing agricultural greenhouses in the Galapagos by applying a traditional environmental matrix alongside a UNESCO World Heritage approach, integrated with a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis, to formulate strategies for strengthening local agriculture without compromising ecosystems. This study employed a semi-quantitative methodological approach, integrating three key aspects: (i) a baseline of agricultural information and water availability on the islands; (ii) an integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approach to greenhouse implementation; and (iii) sustainable agricultural development and environmental impact mitigation strategies. The results of the traditional EIA and the UNESCO approach through the OUV showed negative impacts classified as insignificant to moderately significant. For the evaluated design, these impacts can be managed through the active participation of academia, the community, and government entities. However, their scalability depends on a more in-depth analysis of the potential long-term risks associated with the availability of natural resources, microplastic pollution, and the use of agrochemicals. Among the proposed strategies, the importance of monitoring water and soil quality and of agricultural and environmental education campaigns in the community was highlighted. This study presents agricultural greenhouses as well-known alternatives for food self-sufficiency, adapted to the realities of the island territory and the objectives of ecosystem conservation. The proposed methodological approach can be applied in protected areas to promote conservation and sustainable agricultural production. Full article