Search Results (40,828)

The design of implant surfaces that support bone integration while limiting bacterial colonization remains a central challenge in biomaterials science and engineering. In this work, zinc-doped biomimetic calcium phosphate (CaP-Zn) coatings were fabricated on Ti6Al4V through surface activation followed by deposition in supersaturated simulated body fluid (SBF). Acid and alkali–calcium treatments produced a porous, calcium-rich interface that enabled the uniform formation of apatite-like CaP layers. Zinc incorporation was achieved without suppressing the formation of CaP phases and led to systematic changes in coating microstructure and surface chemistry. Spectroscopic and structural analyses indicated Zn incorporation within the CaP matrix, consistent with partial Ca²⁺ substitution and its association with poorly crystalline domains. These features promoted controlled ionic release and localized dissolution–reprecipitation behavior. Antibacterial testing against Streptococcus mutans revealed a clear Zn-dependent reduction in bacterial viability, while cytocompatibility remained within acceptable limits at moderate Zn levels. Finally, the coatings combine intrinsic bioactivity with ion-mediated antibacterial functionality, offering a multifunctional surface strategy for advanced titanium-based implants. Full article

Open-pit lignite mining causes significant environmental alterations, particularly through the removal of soil deposits and the creation of external dumps, which necessitate effective reclamation to restore landscape structures. This study evaluates the potential of using multi-temporal remote sensing data to assess the effectiveness of forest reclamation on selected external dumps of the Adamów, Bełchatów, and Turów Lignite Mines in Poland. Using Landsat imagery spanning five decades from 1976 to 2023, the study monitors vegetation development through the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI). Reclaimed forest stands were compared against undisturbed reference forests within a 30 km buffer zone, with recovery defined as achieving 95% of the reference values. The results indicate that most studied sites reached a state of recovery, with success closely linked to the specific reclamation measures implemented and the age of the forest stands. Notably, the Adamów mine, which utilized Bender’s target species method, demonstrated rapid results, achieving high similarity to reference forests early in the analyzed period. In contrast, recovery in Bełchatów and Turów was more gradual, following trajectories influenced by pioneer and biodynamic afforestation methods. Ultimately, the study confirms that remote sensing is a highly efficient tool for monitoring extensive post-mining areas over long periods, providing a general assessment of biological restoration success. Full article

Background/Objectives: Silver’s ability to kill pathogenic bacteria is being widely researched in environment, consumer, and health-related applications. One topic of voluminous research is the antimicrobial properties of silver and silver in wound dressings. This research literature has been reviewed in articles using qualitative analyses, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, bibliometric analyses, and other grounded methods. We present a new strategy for the analysis of the population of articles on the subject based on an ontology of this topic. Methods: A search of the Scopus database for all peer-reviewed articles on silver in wound dressings yielded a population of 4711 relevant ones. The ontology is a logical deconstruction of the problem: “use of silver species on nanosupports deposited on a matrix with antimicrobial effectiveness assayed by methods to promote wound healing of chronic wounds as determined by recovery”. Each bolded term denotes a dimension of the ontology, and each dimension denotes a taxonomy of constituent elements. A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was trained using a manually mapped subset of articles. The CNN was then used to map the population of articles. Results: Out of the 4711 articles, 3079 dealt with silver and wound dressings; the others involved silver, but were not related to wound dressings and were not considered. Overall analysis shows that three classes of silver encompass the entire field: silver nanoparticles (AgNP) (78% of papers), inorganic silver-ion-containing species (7%) and silver associated with organic molecules (15%). AgNP papers have grown exponentially beginning in the early 2000s; there is no clear trend regarding inorganic silver-containing-species papers; whereas with the silver-organics species papers, there has been growth in the past decades, but now the number of publications is stabilizing. Research on the AgNPs has primarily focused on in vitro testing (54%), with very limited animal testing (17%) and human testing (3%). On the other hand, with silver-organics, animal (30%) and human testing (38%) are prominent. Inorganic silver ion species also have been human-tested extensively (43%). Thus, in clinical applications of silver wound dressings, AgNP lags considerably as compared to the other silver species, though academic research in AgNP is robust. Conclusions: From detailed temporal visualizations of the ontological mapping, the antecedents and consequences of silver in wound dressings are presented. This first ontological analysis is a novel way of visualizing an entire research field and the temporal characteristics of the various dimensions of the ontology provide information on the current state of research as well as where the field is headed. Full article

Iron overload significantly contributes to chronic kidney disease progression by triggering oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment via the Fenton reaction. This study investigates the protective role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a3 (ALDH1a3), an enzyme that detoxifies reactive aldehydes, in renal iron overload. C57BL/6N mice were fed a 2.25% ferric citrate diet for 24 weeks to establish a chronic model, followed by treatment with the chelator Dimercaprol (DP). In vitro, TCMK−1 cells were subjected to iron intervention with ALDH1a3 overexpression or inhibition. Chronic iron overload induced significant renal iron deposition, lipid peroxidation (elevated MDA, depleted GSH), and mitochondrial structural damage. ALDH1a3 was endogenously upregulated in renal tubular epithelial cells under iron stress. Overexpressing ALDH1a3 significantly enhanced cell viability, suppressed reactive oxygen species and MDA levels, and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas its inhibition exacerbated cellular damage. Furthermore, DP treatment reduced iron deposition and was associated with increased ALDH1a3 expression. In conclusion, ALDH1a3 acts as a critical endogenous protective factor against iron−induced nephrotoxicity by mitigating oxidative damage and maintaining mitochondrial stability. These findings indicate that ALDH1a3 is a promising potential therapeutic target for the treatment of iron overload−related kidney diseases. Full article

Background: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the most well-known and often published methods for 3D-printed drug delivery systems. In early scientific reports, the active pharmaceutical ingredients were added by soaking, but later, a new milestone was established, after researchers started to manufacture their own filaments by hot-melt extrusion (HME). The number of publications covering this method has multiplied in the last decade, a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers have been tested with versatile active pharmaceutical ingredient components, and various printing parameters and their effects have been investigated. Objectives: In this review, we aim to synthesize how the available quality by design approaches and the scientific results established so far can facilitate the creation of a guideline for appropriate quality production of HME-FDM 3D-printed pharmaceuticals. Methods: Based on PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of relevant publications from 2015 to 2025 was carried out using the PubMed database. Twenty-six articles were included, based on number of monitored parameters and methodological description. Reporting of important quality processes and material parameters was assessed. Results: HME, the FDM, and analytical testing experiences were compared and collected into three tables from the selected publications. In two different sections, the pharmacopeial dosage-form tests and the involvement of process analytical technologies (PAT) were also analyzed. We found that reporting of influential parameters is heterogenous, and lack of robust reporting schemes limits the development of QbD approaches. Conclusions: Regarding the data, trends were synthetized, and a guideline was created which is limited by inconsistent parameter reporting. Full article

To monitor online the operational condition and quality of a desktop fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer, the dynamics of vibro-acoustics must be accurately understood. In this paper, an electromechanical coupling (EMT) framework is established to relate the dynamics of stepper actuation, the transmission chain, and machine motion, deriving a steady-state frequency–velocity mapping for steady or near steady printing segments. The mapping is evaluated by numerical calculation to obtain a theoretical drive frequency for different toolpath directions and commanded printing velocities. Validation is performed on the experiment platform I. Drive-side vibration is measured by an accelerometer mounted on the x-axis beam near the motor end. An acoustic channel is recorded as an auxiliary qualitative cross-check rather than for quantitative error evaluation. For steady printing segments, the dominant frequency in drive-side vibration is compared with the theoretical drive frequency. In the tested steady segments and toolpath directions, the relative error remained below 3%. In a further case study, the G-code is modified to introduce two constant printing velocity segments (40 mm/s and 80 mm/s) within the same continuous record, enabling a direct comparison of dominant frequencies between two steady segments. The results show that, under open-loop stepper drive and within the steady/near steady scope adopted here, a drive-related dominant frequency can be observed stably in the x-axis beam vibration response and matches the theoretical drive frequency. When the commanded constant printing velocity is doubled, the dominant frequency in drive-side vibration in the corresponding steady segment changes by approximately a proportional factor. This study provides a verifiable drive referenced frequency–velocity mapping for steady segments under the tested configuration and a traceable frequency reference for steady segment comparisons within the same print record in subsequent case studies. Full article

High-frequency surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices require piezoelectric thin films combining strong electromechanical coupling, high acoustic velocity, and compatibility with scalable fabrication. Lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) is a promising material, but the growth of high-quality thin films remains challenging because of lithium volatility and process-control issues. In this work, chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) was investigated as an alternative route for the deposition of c-axis-oriented LiNbO₃ thin films on C-plane sapphire at a relatively low growth temperature of 400 °C. Structural characterization confirmed high crystalline quality, with clear (006) and (0012) XRD reflections and a rocking-curve full width at half maximum of 0.04°. To evaluate acoustic performance, a SAW delay line and a one-port resonator were fabricated on 350 nm thick films using e-beam lithography. The devices operated in the 1–3 GHz range and exhibited electromechanical coupling factors of about 0.3% for the Rayleigh mode at 1.7 GHz and 3% for the Sezawa mode at 2.75 GHz. Propagation velocities ranged from 5094 to 8250 m/s, and the Rayleigh-mode resonator quality factor reached about 500. These results demonstrate the feasibility of CBE-grown LiNbO₃ films for SAW device applications. Full article

Titanium-based perovskites have garnered significant attention for photocatalytic applications, particularly in the field of environmental remediation through the degradation of synthetic dyes and pharmaceuticals in aqueous solutions. This review paper aims to explore the synthesis methods, crystal structures, photoactivity, and photocatalytic performance of titanium-based perovskites in degrading synthetic dye and pharmaceutical effluents in water. The unique advantages of titanium-based perovskites as photocatalysts, associated with their high redox potentials and excellent optical and electrical properties, are highlighted. Their limitations in visible light absorption and photocatalytic efficiency due to rapid charge carrier recombination are also discussed. Several strategies to overcome these limitations, such as surface modifications of the photocatalysts, metal and non-metal doping, the introduction of structure defects, the formation of heterojunctions with electron-accepting materials, and the deposition of plasmonic metal nanoparticles are systematically examined. This review also provides an overview of the photocatalytic degradation of dyes and pharmaceuticals as emerging contaminants, utilizing titanium-based perovskites as photocatalysts, to highlight their efficiency and potential for real-word applications. By covering research findings, current knowledge, and future perspectives, this review aims to stimulate advancements in the design and application of titanium-based perovskite photocatalysts. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary phospholipid (PL) source and supplementation level on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted using a basal diet containing 1.76% PL and six experimental diets with an additional 1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5% PL provided by soybean lecithin (SL) or krill oil phospholipids (KOP). Dietary supplementation with 3.0–4.5% SL and 1.5–4.5% KOP significantly improved growth performance, whereas feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in the 3.0–4.5% SL and 3.0% KOP groups (p < 0.05). At equivalent inclusion levels, no significant differences were observed between SL and KOP in growth performance parameters (p > 0.05). PL supplementation also reduced whole-body lipid deposition and enhanced visceral lipase activity in all groups except the 1.5% SL group, while antioxidant capacity was improved in all PL-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). SL had no significant effect on whole-body fatty acid composition (p > 0.05), whereas moderate to high levels of KOP significantly altered the fatty acid profile, characterized by reduced monounsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PL supplementation affected hepatic lipid metabolism, with both PL sources downregulating apoa2-like, while KOP induced stronger hepatic transcriptional responses related to lipid utilization and innate immune signaling than SL (p_adj < 0.05). However, gut microbiota analysis revealed no significant differences in the relative abundances of the dominant phyla or in α- and β-diversity among the control, 3.0% KOP, and 4.5% SL groups (p > 0.05). Overall, dietary PL supplementation promoted growth, improved antioxidant capacity, enhanced lipid metabolism, and reduced lipid deposition in Atlantic salmon fry, with KOP exerting stronger effects than SL on fatty acid composition and hepatic gene expression. Full article

This study focuses on modelling the spatial dependence of airborne particle contamination using Response Surface Methodology (RSM), with consideration of its implications for technical cleanliness and employee health. The analysis is based on two measurement campaigns conducted in an industrial production hall, where particle concentrations were recorded across multiple size fractions using a TROTEC PC220 device. The results demonstrate that RSM effectively captures nonlinear relationships and spatial gradients, enabling the identification of local extrema and contamination hotspots. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant influence of spatial coordinates on particle concentration across all fractions, with finer particles exhibiting stronger spatial dependence, consistent with aerosol behaviour in indoor environments. Quadratic model terms revealed stable hotspot regions persisting even after corrective measures, indicating persistent contamination sources or structural factors. Residual analysis suggested additional unmodeled local sources or transport mechanisms. Based on the integration of RSM and multi-fraction analysis, a mechanistic contamination model (source–transport–receptor framework with deposition processes) is proposed, linking particle behaviour with surface contamination and potential human exposure. The approach enables data-driven, localised contamination control and supports optimisation of technical cleanliness and occupational health conditions. Full article

Deposition of fibrous connective tissue within the extracellular matrix is initially an adaptive and reversible wound-healing process. However, persistent dysregulation of fibrotic signaling pathways induces irreversible cellular dysfunction, tissue degeneration and organ failure. Despite the high mortality rate associated with fibrotic diseases, there are very limited approved anti-fibrotic treatments and there is no therapeutic drug effective enough to completely invert the fibrotic process. Accordingly, new therapeutic agents that will attenuate ongoing fibrosis and, at the same time, promote regeneration of injured tissue are urgently needed. The search for new therapies has been revolutionized by recent advances in stem cell biology. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for the therapy of organ fibrosis because of their differentiation capabilities and immunomodulatory properties. The capacity of MSCs to suppress chronic inflammation and promote tissue repair and regeneration underlies their therapeutic effects in diseases such as liver cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and renal fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the present understanding of fibrotic disease, highlight promising research avenues, including MSC-based treatment options, and discuss the challenges involved with the clinical application of MSCs. Full article

Since the Mesozoic, the Chengdao-Zhuanghai area of the Jiyang Depression in eastern China has undergone multiple tectonic movements, leading to extensive fault development in Mesozoic strata. This study analyzes fault features and evolution using seismic, well logging, and mud logging data to clarify the major characteristics of Mesozoic faults and the impact of their sealing capacity on hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. It quantitatively evaluates sealing capacity using a fuzzy evaluation method based on fault plane effective normal stress, shale gouge ratio, and tightness factor, and discusses hydrocarbon-related impacts using well testing and production data. The results showed that the major faults are secondary and tertiary normal faults, predominantly ramp-flat or listric in cross section, with NW, NNW, NNE (NE), and nearly EW strikes and dips of 50–70°; the Chengbei Fault has the largest throw (2–3.2 km) and the longest extension (45.94 km). These faults transition from reverse to normal during Fangzi Formation deposition. The Chengbei 30 North and 304 Faults exhibit poor sealing capacity (hydrocarbon migration), whereas the Chengbei, Chengbei 20, Chengbei 30 South, and Zhuanghai 104 South Faults exhibit good sealing capacity (trap formation and hydrocarbon entrapment). This study provides guidance for the exploration of hydrocarbon-enriched fault block reservoirs near major faults. Full article

This study investigates the influence of various manganese sources—specifically MnCO₃, Mn₃O₄, and MnO₂—on the performance of lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) synthesized through a combined spray-drying and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) strategy. The synthesis protocol involved the initial formation of a precursor through the co-sintering of manganese, phosphorus, iron, and dopant sources via CVD, followed by secondary spray-drying and carbon thermal reduction with Li₂CO₃ and carbon additives. Morphological analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction indicates that Mn₃O₄-derived LMFP possesses highly spherical secondary structures comprising well-crystallized, uniformly distributed primary particles. Elemental mapping via Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) confirms a homogeneous distribution of stoichiometric elements without localized segregation, alongside the successful lattice integration of dopants. In contrast, the MnCO₃-derived samples exhibited deleterious carbon accumulation on the primary particle surfaces. Consequently, the Mn₃O₄-based LMFP demonstrated superior electrochemical kinetics, delivering a remarkable initial discharge capacity of 148.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 1C, with an exceptional capacity retention of 97.9% after 100 cycles. These findings underscore the critical role of precursor selection in optimizing the interfacial and bulk properties of high-performance LMFP cathodes. Full article

With the growing demand for strategic metals and the gradual depletion of traditional metal ore deposits, coal and coal-bearing strata are regarded as potential sources of rare metals; consequently, research into the characteristics of associated elements in coal-bearing strata has become one of the primary avenues of searching for new alternative resources. To investigate the sedimentary environmental characteristics and controlling factors of the coal-bearing strata along the southern margin of the Junggar Basin, coal seams 9–15 of the Xishanyao Formation in Sulphur Gully (Early Middle Jurassic) were selected as the subject of this study. This study employed analytical techniques including industrial analysis, total sulphur analysis, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the mineralogical and elemental geochemical characteristics of coal samples from Seylangou mining area, specifically from coal seams 9–15 and their overlying and underlying strata. Based on analyses of elemental ratios such as Al₂O₃/TiO₂, Sr/Ba, Rb/Sr, Ni/Co and V/(Ni + V), the source of material during the deposition of this deposit was identified, and the characteristics of the depositional environment, as indicated by palaeosalinity, palaeoclimate and redox conditions, were revealed. The results indicate that the macroscopic coal-rock types of coal seams 9–15 at the Sulphur Gully Coal Mine on the southern margin of the Junggar Basin are predominantly semi-dull to dull, with small amounts of filamentous coal and lustrous coal. The average proportion of the vitrinite group in the coal is 42.75%, the inertinite group is 51.40%, and the liptinite is 2.25%. The average content of inorganic matter in the coal is 3.60%, and the average maximum reflectance of the vitrinite group is 0.651%. The coal represents a transitional stage from low-rank to medium-rank coal, corresponding to a metamorphic stage of Grade I–II. The coal is classified as a bituminous coal with medium total moisture, very low ash, medium-volatile matter, medium-to-high fixed carbon and very low sulphur. The minerals in the coal seam are predominantly kaolinite, calcite and quartz. The major elements in the ceiling of the coal seam are dominated by SiO₂, followed by Al₂O₃; the coal itself is dominated by CaO, SiO₂ and Al₂O₃; and the base plate of the coal seam is dominated by Al₂O₃. The trace elements Cs and Bi are relatively enriched in the coal seam ceiling; Sr is relatively enriched in the coal; whilst Li, Cr and other elements are highly enriched in the coal seam base plate. The source rocks of the coal and the roof consist of deposits of felsic igneous rock (dacite), whilst the source rocks of the floor consist of deposits of intermediate igneous rock (andesite). The depositional environment ranges from marine brackish water at the base to transitional slightly brackish water and then to terrestrial freshwater at the top; the depositional climate was cold and arid, and the depositional environment was oxidising. This study provides valuable insights for further research into the elemental geochemical characteristics, sediment sources and depositional environments of the Xishanyao Formation coal seams in Liuhuangou, Xinjiang. Full article

The Devene fault system, a major strike–slip structure at the boundary between the Balkan Range and the Moesian Platform in NW Bulgaria, remains a subject of debate regarding its Quaternary activity. This study investigates the shallow expression of the fault at two representative sites, Tri Kladentsi and Beli Breg, using high-resolution electrical resistivity profiling to differentiate tectonic deformation from climatically driven landscape evolution. At Tri Kladentsi, resistivity profiles confirm a steeply dipping structural boundary within the Miocene bedrock, juxtaposing limestone against sands. The overlying 25 m thick loess cover, however, remains sub-horizontal and undisturbed. Likewise, at Beli Breg, the complex architecture of stacked channel sequences and tributary deposits at the Ogosta River confluence reveals no identifiable fault displacement. Our results suggest a high degree of morphological mimicry, where asymmetric river valleys produced by selective erosion and differential loess accumulation superficially converge with tectonic signatures. The long-term left-lateral slip rate is estimated at 0.14–0.19 mm/yr based on a 20 km Miocene offset. Nevertheless, the lack of modern surface rupture indicates a deceleration of the fault slip rate and a transition to a buried fault top during the Quaternary. These findings necessitate a re-evaluation of regional seismic hazard assessments, because the absence of continuous surface traces physically constrains the maximum earthquake potential. Full article