Search Results (155)

Barium chloride (BaCl₂), a known environmental pollutant, induces organ-specific oxidative stress through disruption of redox homeostasis. This study evaluated the protective effects and safety profile of sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) and ascorbic acid (ASC) against BaCl₂-induced oxidative damage in the liver and brain of mice using a two-phase experimental protocol. Animals received either SCC (40 mg/kg), ASC (160 mg/kg), or their combination for 14 days prior to BaCl₂ exposure (150 mg/L in drinking water for 7 days), allowing evaluation of both preventive and therapeutic effects. Toxicological and behavioral assessments confirmed the absence of systemic toxicity or neurobehavioral alterations following supplementation. Body weight, liver and kidney indices, and biochemical markers (Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALAT), creatinine) remained within physiological ranges, and no anxiogenic or locomotor effects were observed. In the brain, BaCl₂ exposure significantly increased SOD (+49%), CAT (+66%), GPx (+24%), and GSH (+26%) compared to controls, reflecting a robust compensatory antioxidant response. Although lipid peroxidation (MDA) showed a non-significant increase, SCC, ASC, and their combination reduced MDA levels by 42%, 37%, and 55%, respectively. These treatments normalized antioxidant enzyme activities and GSH, indicating an effective neuroprotective effect. In contrast, the liver exhibited a different oxidative profile. BaCl₂ exposure increased MDA levels by 80% and GSH by 34%, with no activation of SOD, CAT, or GPx. Histological analysis revealed extensive hepatocellular necrosis, vacuolization, and inflammatory infiltration. SCC significantly reduced hepatic MDA by 39% and preserved tissue architecture, while ASC alone or combined with SCC exacerbated inflammation and depleted hepatic GSH by 71% and 78%, respectively, relative to BaCl₂-exposed controls. Collectively, these results highlight a differential, organ-specific response to BaCl₂-induced oxidative stress and the therapeutic potential of SCC and ASC. SCC emerged as a safer and more effective agent, particularly in hepatic protection, while both antioxidants demonstrated neuroprotective effects when used individually or in combination. Full article

The depletion of water resources caused by climate change and human activities is a pressing global issue. Lake Ereen is one of the ten natural landmarks of the Gobi-Altai of western Mongolia is included in the list of “important areas for birds” recognized by the international organization Birdlife. However, the construction of the Taishir Hydroelectric Power Station, aimed at supplying electricity to the western provinces of Mongolia, had a detrimental effect on the flow of the Zavkhan River, resulting in a drying-up and pollution of Lake Ereen, which relies on the river as its water source. This study assesses the pollution levels in Ereen Lake and determines the feasibility of its rehabilitation by redirecting the flow of the Zavkhan River. Field studies included the analysis of water quality, sediment contamination, and the composition of flora. The results show that the concentrations of ammonium, chlorine, fluorine, and sulfate in the lake water exceed the permissible levels set by the Mongolian standard. Analyses of elements from sediments revealed elevated levels of arsenic, chromium, and copper, exceeding international sediment quality guidelines and posing risks to biological organisms. Furthermore, several species of diatoms indicative of polluted water were discovered. Lake Ereen is currently in a eutrophic state and, based on a water quality index (WQI) of 49.4, also in a “polluted” state. Mass balance calculations and box model analysis determined the period of pollutant replacement for two restoration options: drying-up and complete removal of contaminated sediments and plants vs. dilution-flushing without direct interventions in the lake. We recommend the latter being the most efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to rehabilitate Lake Ereen. Full article

Papilloscopy, the science of human identification through fingerprints, has seen notable advancements in developing less toxic latent fingerprint developers (LFDs), especially from natural feedstock. Tannins, the second most abundant natural polyphenol, present a potential eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative, with no record of their use as LFDs in the existing literature. This study characterized four types of tannins from black wattle, using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, revealing key functional groups like C=O, C=C, and O–H. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra showed similar behaviors for all tannins, indicating phenolic and benzenoid structures. Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy identified high concentrations of chlorine, sodium, potassium, and sulfur, naturally found in biomass and soil. Finally, elements in significant concentrations, such as sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper, were found through the incineration of the spent bark. On the basis of these findings, the tannin with the highest potential for LFD was selected. Combining this tannin with spent bark ash resulted in a composite whose performance was evaluated using different methods, including depletion studies, tests with various donors, and assessments on different surfaces. The results demonstrated that this combination significantly enhanced the material’s efficiency by integrating organic and inorganic properties, which improved visual contrast and powder adhesion. Full article

The continuing anthropogenic pollution of the Ile River occurs both by transboundary runoff and as a result of discharges of industrial, agricultural, and domestic wastewater on the territory of Kazakhstan. With this amount of pollution, the river’s capacity for self-purification is very limited, and in some cases practically exhausted. Hydrochemical and toxic indicators in the Ile River basin were analyzed based on water sampling from the Chinese–Kazakh border station to 37 km downstream of the hydroelectric power plants (HPPs). Heavy metals were determined by flame AAS methods. The self-purification capacity (SPC) was determined for cadmium by 28–81%, copper 15–66%, zinc 22–37%, and cobalt 5–9% while the nickel self-purification of water did not occur. The SPC was influenced by the Kapshagai reservoir. The identified main regularities of the anthropogenic transformation of water quality and self-purification capacity of the river will help both in solving the problems of river pollution and in the development of necessary measures aimed at the protection of water resources from pollution and depletion. Full article

China is the world’s leading producer of molybdenum–copper concentrates, an industry noted for its high energy demand and considerable environmental burdens. This study applies a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment to the production of molybdenum–copper concentrate in the Lesser Khingan Mountains, utilizing the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint method coupled with Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis. The results indicate that human carcinogenic toxicity represents the greatest environmental risk, followed by marine and freshwater ecotoxicity. Contribution analysis reveals that the grinding stage is the dominant impact driver—particularly due to hexavalent chromium emissions—affecting carcinogenic risk, climate change potential, and fossil resource depletion. Scenario testing demonstrates that upgrading grinding technology, enhancing electricity efficiency, and substituting conventional energy with renewable sources can markedly mitigate these impacts. However, because of implementation barriers, such as high capital costs, retrofit downtime, and uncertainties in the supply chain, a pilot phase is necessary before deployment at full scale. Quantitatively, the production of one tonne of molybdenum–copper concentrate corresponds to 0.05 DALYs of human health damage, 1.11 × 10⁻⁴ species.year of ecological loss, and USD 3488.82 of resource depletion. These results provide constructive references for the sustainable development of the mining industry and contribute to achieving China’s dual carbon targets through energy transformation and low-carbon technological innovation. Full article

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of viticulture in the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin was the primary goal of this research, aiming to examine and quantify the environmental impacts generated by viticulture and winemaking processes. Data for the investigation were collected through tailored questionnaires administered to viticulturists and winemakers affiliated with the Regulatory Council of the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin. These surveys were designed to gather detailed information on the inputs used in both viticulture and winemaking processes, encompassing all stages of production. The results were classified into the following four environmental impact categories: carbon footprint, human toxicity, depletion of fossil energies, and ozone layer depletion. In viticulture, the major contributors to environmental impact included vehicle fuel consumption, pesticide application, and the use of copper sulfate. In the winery phase of production, electricity consumption and glass bottle production were the primary factors with significant environmental implications. These findings provide valuable insights for vineyard and winery managers in favor of implementing more sustainable practices, such as reducing fuel for vehicles and machinery and the use of pesticides in the vineyard phase, and reducing glass bottle usage and electricity consumption in the winery phase. Through this research, they will be able to focus their efforts on the inputs that generate the greatest environmental impacts in order to reduce them. Full article

Heavy metal pollution in landfill soil poses a dual challenge of environmental toxicity and resource depletion. Enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) was systematically evaluated as a sustainable stabilization method for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) under both solution- and soil-phase conditions. Laboratory-scale experiments demonstrated that EICP achieved over 80% removal efficiency for Cd, Pb, and copper (Cu) in solution-phase systems, while soil-phase trials focused on Cd, Pb, and Cr to simulate realistic field conditions. Optimal performance was achieved using a 1:1 molar ratio of soybean-derived urease (1.0 U/mL) to CaCl₂ (0.5 M), with Cd stabilization reaching 91.5%. Vacuum-assisted filtration improved treatment uniformity by 29.2% in clay soils. X-ray diffraction identified crystalline otavite in Cd systems, while Pb and Cu were stabilized via surface adsorption. Sequential extraction confirmed that over 70% of Cd was transformed into carbonate-bound phases. Treated soils met TCLP leaching standards and reuse criteria, maintaining neutral pH (7.2–8.1) and low salinity. Compared to cement-based methods, EICP avoids CO₂ release from calcination and fossil fuel use. Carbon in urea is retained as solid CaCO₃, reducing emissions by 0.3–0.5 t CO₂-eq per ton of soil. These findings support EICP as a scalable, low-carbon alternative for landfill soil remediation. Full article

In recent years, copper pollution has gradually become one of the major problems of soil environmental pollution. Lignin plays an important role in plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. CCoAOMT is a key enzyme in the lignin biosynthesis process. In this study, the CCoAOMT gene family members of Platycodon grandiflorus were identified by bioinformatics methods, and their basic characteristics and potential functions were analyzed. The results showed that five members of the PgCCoAOMT gene family were identified in P. grandiflorus, with protein lengths ranging from 246 to 635 amino acids, and were evenly distributed on four chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the PgCCoAOMT gene family was divided into two subclades, namely Clade1a, Clade1b, Clade1c, Clade1d, and Clade2. The cis-regulatory element analysis of the promoter revealed that the PgCCoAOMT members contained a large number of cis-regulatory elements responsive to stress, and conjecture PgCCoAOMT2, PgCCoAOMT4, and PgCCoAOMT5 were involved in the lignin synthesis. The qRT-PCR results showed that, within 5 days of copper stress treatment, except for the PgCCoAOMT4 gene, the other genes exhibited different expression levels. Furthermore, the expression levels of all five PgCCoAOMT genes increased significantly at 7 days of treatment. With the increase in the number of days of treatment, the content of lignin in the seedings of P. grandiflorus showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing under copper stress. In general, in the copper stress treatment of 1–3 days, the transcriptional inhibition of PgCCoAOMT1 and PgCCoAOMT3 and the increase in lignin content contradicted each other, suggesting that there was post-translational activation or alternative metabolic pathways compensation. Meanwhile, in the 7-day treatment, the coordinated up-regulation of the genes was accompanied by the failure of lignin synthesis, which pointed to the core bottleneck of metabolic precursors depletion and enzyme activity inactivation caused by root damage. Research objective: This study reveals the expression level of the PgCCoAOMT gene in the seedings of P. grandiflorus under copper stress, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the mechanism of P. grandiflorus response to copper stress and for subsequent improvement of root resistance in P. grandiflorus. Full article

In Chile, copper concentrate production through mineral flotation is increasing while production through hydrometallurgical processes is decreasing due to the depletion of oxidized ores. Using the idle capacity of hydrometallurgy plants for acid pretreatment of sulfate ores before the leaching stage is an attractive alternative; however, a deeper understanding of the process and the products of such treatment is required. In this study, the mineral species formed during acid pretreatment are characterized to identify new mineralogical species. Pretreatment was conducted at 50 °C with 210 kg/t H₂SO₄ over 15 days on a copper concentrate mainly composed of enargite (35.93%). The characterization techniques used were X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). XRD identified copper sulfate (CuSO₄) formation and the disappearance of chalcocite/digenite (Cu₂S) and bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), indicating their transformation into sulfates. FESEM showed that enargite particles were oxidized, suggesting they did not form copper sulfates. The XPS results confirmed the presence of copper in species such as sulfides and sulfates. The results indicate that chalcocite and bornite transformed into copper sulfates, while chalcopyrite and enargite were only superficially oxidized. The combination of techniques allowed for a detailed identification of mineral transformations during pretreatment. Full article

The Wubaduolai copper deposit, a newly discovered porphyry-type deposit located in the western section of the Gangdese metallogenic belt, shows great potential for mineralization. Investigating the ore-bearing potentiality of the adakitic granite in this area is crucial for identifying concealed ore bodies and assessing the metallogenic potential. This paper presents the zircon U-Pb dating, Hf isotope analysis, and whole-rock major and trace geochemical analysis of the plutons in the Wubaduolai mining area. The results indicate that the zircon U-Pb concordia age of the monzogranite is 15.7 ± 0.1 Ma, while the granodiorite porphyry has a concordia age of 15.9 ± 0.2 Ma, both corresponding to a Miocene diagenesis. The geochemical data show that both plutons belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, characterized by a relative enrichment of large-ion lithophile elements (K, Rb, Ba, and Sr) and a depletion of high-field-strength elements (Nb, Ta, and Ti). Both plutons are characterized by low Y, low Yb, and high Sr/Y values, displaying the typical geochemical characteristics of adakites. Their mineral composition is similar to that of adakite. The ε_Hf(t) values of the monzogranite and granodiorite porphyry range from −5.34 to −2.3 and −5.2 to −3.43, respectively, with two-stage model ages (T_DM2) of 1246–1441 Ma and 1318–1432 Ma. Based on the regional data and this study, the plutons in the Wubaduolai mining area formed in a post-collision setting following the India–Asia continental collision. The magma source is identified as the partial melting of a thickened, newly formed lower crust. The above characteristics are consistent with the diagenetic and metallogenic ages, magma source, and dynamic backgrounds of the typical regional deposits. Full article

Background/Objectives: In short bowel syndrome adults (SBS), about 50% of patients on parenteral support (PS) are weaned off. However, micronutrient deficiency prevalence has never been studied in weaned patients. We aimed to assess the prevalence of micronutrient depletions and potential risk factors, more than a year after PS weaning. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on our 161 weaned SBS patients between January 2011 and December 2021. Only 42 of them had an assessment of their plasma micronutrient status more than a year after PS weaning. Results: 40/42 patients had at least one micronutrient depletion, with an average of 4.0 ± 1.9 depletions per patient. Depletions in vitamins D, E, selenium, copper, and zinc were the most frequent, present for >50% of patients. In 75% of cases, patients depleted in vitamin B12 and D were already supplemented. Long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and duration on PS was associated with ≥ three depletions (p = 0.02). A daily mean of the total energy infused per week > 20 kcal/kg/day at the time of weaning was associated with more depletions (5.8 ± 1.6 vs. 3.7 ± 1.7 depletions, p = 0.02). Other factors (digestive anatomy, particularly SBS type, or associated chronic disease) were not predictive of depletion. Conclusions: Nearly all patients with SBS have at least one micronutrient depletion after PS withdrawal. This study suggests that a long-term monitoring of micronutrients status is needed for SBS patients weaned off PS. A larger-scale study would be necessary to generalize these results. Full article

In the face of the global depletion of natural resources and increasing demand for sustainable development, processing industrial waste, such as tailings from processing plants, is becoming essential. This study focuses on combined processing technologies, including flotation concentration and concentrate processing, allowing the efficient recovery of valuable components. This study aims to investigate the possibility of thermochemical enrichment and the opening of low-grade copper tailings of processing plants with the transfer of silicon and rhenium in the form of silicate-ions and perrhenate-ions into a solution with the output of a multifactor multiplicative model and obtaining tabular nomograms. Multifactor experiments on the thermochemical enrichment of rough copper concentrates made it possible to construct partial dependences of silicon and rhenium extraction into a solution and to obtain multiplicative Protodyakonov–Malyshev models of these processes and multifactor nomograms over a wide range of temperatures, durations, and alkali-to-concentrate ratios to determine the maximum recovery rates. The developed multifactor models made it possible to establish the optimal intervals of changes in the concentrate sintering parameters, providing high recovery rates (over 85% of silicon and 98% of rhenium) during subsequent water leaching. Optimal sintering conditions (temperature of 350 °C, the duration of 90 min, and the ratio of NaOH to concentrate = 1:2) ensured a recovery of up to 85% of silicon and 98% of rhenium from the concentrate into the solution. This recovery rate reduces the need for primary raw materials and positively affects the production’s environmental performance because it minimizes the amount of industrial waste disposal. Full article

Male infertility is intricately linked to dysregulated cell death pathways, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Ferroptosis, driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation through the Fenton reaction and inactivation of the GPX4/Nrf2/SLC7A11 axis, disrupts spermatogenesis under conditions of oxidative stress, environmental toxin exposure, or metabolic disorders. Similarly, cuproptosis—characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and disulfide stress due to copper overload—exacerbates germ cell apoptosis via FDX1 activation and NADPH depletion. Pyroptosis, mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome and gasdermin D, amplifies testicular inflammation and germ cell loss via IL-1β/IL-18 release, particularly in response to environmental insults. Autophagy maintains testicular homeostasis by clearing damaged organelles and proteins; however, its dysregulation impairs sperm maturation and compromises blood–testis barrier integrity. These pathways intersect through shared regulators; reactive oxygen species and mTOR modulate the autophagy–pyroptosis balance, while Nrf2 and FDX1 bridge ferroptosis–cuproptosis crosstalk. Therapeutic interventions targeting these mechanisms have shown promise in preclinical models. However, challenges persist, including the tissue-specific roles of gasdermin isoforms, off-target effects of pharmacological inhibitors, and transgenerational epigenetic impacts of environmental toxins. This review synthesizes current molecular insights into the cell death pathways implicated in male infertility, emphasizing their interplay and translational potential for restoring spermatogenic function. Full article

This study develops an integrated methodological approach for interpreting used oil analysis results in diesel engines, focusing on optimizing maintenance strategies. The methodology combines a literature review with a quantitative assessment of 156 lubricant analysis reports from a fleet of diesel waste collection trucks operating in Cuenca, Ecuador, a high-altitude city. The framework includes critical limits for key lubricant parameters, correlation analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify dominant degradation mechanisms. The Binary Segmentation (BS) algorithm is also used for Change-Point Detection. The findings indicate four primary degradation pathways: thermal–chemical degradation influenced by sulfur, oxidation, and soot; metallic wear and base depletion, involving iron, chromium, and copper; external contamination linked to silica and copper; and viscosity alteration due to lubricant aging. Significant degradation shifts were identified at approximately 346 and 444 service hours, suggesting critical points for condition-based maintenance interventions. This study highlights the effectiveness of multivariate statistical tools in enhancing the interpretation of used oil analysis and optimizing predictive maintenance strategies. The integration of Change-Point Detection and multivariate analysis provides a robust framework for defining oil change intervals based on lubricant condition rather than fixed time- or mileage-based criteria. This approach offers practical benefits for fleet operations, enabling the reduction in operational costs, enhancing engine reliability, and minimizing the environmental impact of unnecessary lubricant changes. Full article

The Kongco area of Nima in the northern part of the Lhasa terrane has a suite of alkaline granitic porphyry dykes associated with Early Cretaceous granites and accompanied by Cu/Mo mineralization. LA-ICP-MS ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U zircon geochronology performed on the dykes produced an age of 104.15 ± 0.94 Ma (MSWD = 0.98), indicating the Early Cretaceous emplacement of the dykes. The dykes exhibit high silica (SiO₂ = 76.22~77.90 wt.%), high potassium (K₂O = 4.97~6.21 wt.%), high alkalinity (K₂O + Na₂O = 8.07~8.98 wt.%), low calcium (CaO = 0.24~0.83 wt.%), low magnesium (MgO = 0.06~0.20 wt.%), and moderate aluminum content (Al₂O₃ = 11.93~12.45 wt.%). The Rieterman index (σ) ranges from 1.93 to 2.34. A/NK (molar ratio Al₂O₃/(Na₂O + K₂O)) and A/CNK (molar ratio Al₂O₃/(CaO + Na₂O + K₂O)) values of the dykes range from 1.06 to 1.18 and 0.98 to 1.09, respectively. The dykes are relatively enriched in Rb, Th, U, K, Ta, Ce, Nd, Zr, Hf, Sm, Y, Yb, and Lu, and they show a noticeable relative depletion in Ba, Nb, Sr, P, Eu, and Ti, as well as an average differentiation index (DI) of 96.42. The dykes also exhibit high FeO_T/MgO ratios (3.60~10.41), Ga/Al ratios (2.22 × 10⁻⁴~3.01 × 10⁻⁴), Y/Nb ratios (1.75~2.40), and Rb/Nb ratios (8.36~20.76). Additionally, they have high whole-rock Zr saturation temperatures (884~914 °C), a pronounced Eu negative anomaly (δEu = 0.04~0.23), and a rightward-sloping “V-shaped” rare earth element pattern. These characteristics suggest that the granitic porphyry dykes can be classified as A2-type granites formed in a post-collisional tectonic environment and that they are weakly peraluminous, high-potassium, and Calc-alkaline basaltic rocks. Positive ε_Hf(t) values = 0.43~3.63 and a relatively young Hf crustal model age (T_DM2 = 826~1005 Ma, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios = 0.7043~0.7064, and ε_Nd(t) = −8.60~−2.95 all indicate lower crust and mantle mixing. The lower crust and mantle mixing model is also supported by (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 18.627~18.788, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 15.707~15.719, (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)t = 39.038~39.110). Together, the Hf, Sr and Pb isotopic ratios indicate that the Kongco granitic porphyry dykes where derived from juvenile crust formed by the addition of mantle material to the lower crust. From this, we infer that the Kongco granitic porphyry dykes are related to a partial melting of the lower crust induced by subduction slab break-off and asthenospheric upwelling during the collision between the Qiangtang and Lhasa terranes and that they experienced significant fractional crystallization dominated by potassium feldspar and amphibole. These dykes are also accompanied by significant copper mineralization (five samples, copper content 0.2%), suggesting a close relationship between the magmatism associated with these dykes and regional metallogenesis, indicating a high potential for mineral exploration. Full article