Search Results (86)

The diversification of craft beer styles has stimulated interest in innovative yeast-driven strategies to enhance sensory complexity while maintaining process robustness and stylistic integrity. In this context, non-Saccharomyces yeasts represent promising biotechnological tools for modulating fermentation performance and flavor development in brewing systems. This study evaluated the application of Lachancea thermotolerans and Torulaspora delbrueckii in the production of a Porter-style beer using sequential inoculation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All fermentations were conducted in triplicate from a wort with an original gravity of 1042. The final alcohol content ranged from 4.82 to 4.99% (v/v), and apparent attenuation varied between 84.1 and 88.9%, with no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Color (92–94 European Brewery Convention (EBC) and bitterness (~18 International Bitterness Units (IBU) remained within Porter-style parameters across all fermentations. Total acidity ranged from 0.19 to 0.21% (lactic acid equivalents), while volatile acidity was significantly higher in the L. thermotolerans treatment (0.55 g L⁻¹) compared with the control (0.22 g L⁻¹) (p < 0.05). Sequential inoculation influenced early fermentation kinetics and modulated selected sensory attributes. Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (n = 18 panelists) indicated higher aroma intensity and foam quantity in beers produced with L. thermotolerans, whereas T. delbrueckii was associated with moderate increases in foam persistence. The roasted character and overall stylistic perception remained stable across treatments. These findings indicate that sequential inoculation with selected non-Saccharomyces yeasts enables measurable sensory differentiation in dark beer matrices without compromising fermentative performance or stylistic integrity. The results support their controlled integration as technological tools for sensory innovation in Porter-style beers. Full article

Intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is a distinct, inflammation-dominant vasculopathy and a leading cause of global stroke morbidity. Unlike extracranial atherosclerosis (ECAS), which often utilizes compensatory positive remodeling to maintain patency, ICAS is characterized by a unique architecture and a localized antioxidant gap that favor maladaptive negative remodeling. We critically analyze the molecular cascade initiated by the breakdown of the Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) and the Krüppel-like factor 2/4 (KLF2/4) mechanotransduction axis, which triggers endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and establishes a state of chronic inflammation. This environment facilitates the subendothelial lipid retention of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a process exacerbated by the intracranial deficiency of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) and impaired glymphatic clearance. Crucially, we evaluate how these metabolic and mechanical insults drive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypic switching; the transdifferentiation of contractile VSMCs into macrophage-like foam cells accounts for up to 60% of the plaque’s lipid-laden pool and destabilizes the fibrous cap. This vascular failure directly compromises the neurovascular unit (NVU), leading to pericyte dropout and blood–brain barrier breakdown. Beyond environmental stressors, we highlight the ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) variant as a critical genetic determinant of this susceptibility. Shifting the clinical paradigm from simple luminal narrowing toward the identification of the vulnerable plaque, we discuss how High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging (HR-VWI) and microRNA biomarkers can identify unstable lesions. By integrating these molecular and imaging signatures, we propose a precision medicine framework centered on the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the NVU to effectively mitigate the high residual recurrence risk that persists under conventional therapy. Full article

In this study, the contamination of two drinking water catchments in Australia by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) was investigated. PFASs in water and sediment were found at hazardous concentrations in waterways affected by transport accidents 24 and 33 years earlier. The exact cause(s) of the PFAS pollution remains unclear due to large data gaps. Both locations experienced burning fuel tankers suppressed using PFAS foam. PFAS contamination of a Blue Mountains water supply triggered the closure of two drinking water reservoirs 3–5 km downstream of the accident site. PFAS contamination of Central Coast’s Ourimbah Creek was concentrated in two floodplain wetlands adjacent to the accident site. The Ourimbah PFAS-affected wetlands are within 500 m of a drinking water groundwater bore field and 1.2 km from a raw water offtake used as part of Central Coast’s drinking water supply. The Blue Mountains contamination has impaired the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, with perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exceeding aquatic ecosystem protection guidelines by 100 times. The mean PFOSs in stream water near the area of the Blue Mountains road accident were 2.16 µg L⁻¹ and 213.3 µg kg⁻¹ in stream sediment. This research demonstrates how spillages of small quantities of PFASs can cause major harm due to their extreme persistence, and their levels have exceedance of environmental and health guidelines for decades, with major adverse implications for drinking water supplies and conservation areas. Full article

Oily substances (oils, greases, lubricants, etc.) are among the most persistent pollutants for water. They mix with water to form emulsions that contaminate large volumes. Therefore, this project evaluated the use of porous systems (polyurethane foam) modified with polydimethylsiloxane-modified silica (SiO₂/DMS) hybrid ceramics as filtration membranes at the laboratory scale for vegetable oil. The polyurethane foam was modified using sol solutions with various SiO₂/PDMS ratios obtained via the sol–gel method. Tetraethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the silica precursor. Three different polydimethylsiloxane chains were employed as the organic fragment: polydimethylsiloxane hydroxyl terminated (DMS-CH₃), aminopropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (DMS-N), and copolymer polydiphenylsiloxane-polydimethylsiloxane hydroxyl terminated (PDS). The siloxane chain was added at a concentration of 20–40% w/w. The modification of the porous system was determined using different characterization techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, which was used to observe the main functional groups. Optical microscopy and SEM were used to identify the hybrid ceramic deposited into the pore structure of the polyurethane sponge. Contact angle measurements revealed the hydrophobic character of the modified material. The removal capacity was evaluated by using vegetable oil as a representative oily contaminant, with values ranging from 43.42 to 96.78 g of oil per gram of adsorbent. In the case of gasoline, removal capacities between 27 and 54 g were observed. This study demonstrated the influence of hydrophobicity on vegetable oil removal, confirming that higher hydrophobicity leads to greater adsorption capacity. Nevertheless, the use of a viscous contaminant introduced challenges in the extraction process from the PS/SiO₂-DMS system. Despite this limitation, the material maintained adequate removal performance for up to five reuse cycles. On the other hand, the removal capacity depends on the amount of polysiloxane chain in the ceramic, as well as the functional group, exhibiting the following behavior: DMS-N < DMS-CH₃ < PDS. This study demonstrates that hydrophobicity is a key property for enhancing the removal capacity of oily substances. Moreover, the control of intermolecular interactions further strengthens this effect, as evidenced in the PS/SiO₂–PDS system. Full article

Firefighters are exposed to complex combustion products and to contaminants carried on personal protective equipment (PPE). Occupational exposure as a firefighter is classified as carcinogenic. This review summarizes the current evidence on exposure environments, routes of uptake, contamination and secondary exposure from PPE, and the effectiveness and limits of decontamination approaches. Across incident types, smoke composition varies with the fuels and combustion conditions, but fine and ultrafine particles and semi-volatile organic chemicals are common. Biomonitoring confirms uptake after incidents. Self-contained breathing apparatus reduces inhalation exposure during active suppression, yet exposures persist through dermal absorption at ensemble interfaces and post-incident tasks. Protective ensembles can retain soot-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, additive chemicals, and metals; volatiles and particles resuspension in vehicles and stations can extend exposure. Studies show that on-scene preliminary exposure reduction and laundering can lower contaminant burdens on PPE; however, removal remains incomplete and decreases when cleaning is delayed or when gear is aged. Emerging evidence raises additional concern for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from foams and coating materials, with limited data on exposure metrics and removability. The field lacks standardized, realistic contamination platforms and a dose-based definition of clean PPE. Integrated intervention studies linking exposure, secondary exposure pathways, biomarkers, and decontamination methods are needed to set performance-based targets and evaluate emerging hazards. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a category of manufactured compounds that have been widely used in applications such as firefighting foams, clothing, cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging since the 1940s. These chemicals are known to bioaccumulate in many species, including humans, with half-lives numbering years and decades. Many of these chemicals are already known for their acute and chronic adverse effects on human health, and the list of confirmed harmful outcomes has continued to grow quickly. Since PFAS are persistent in the environment and everyday products, the cumulative exposure risk is quite high. Recently, PFAS have come under regulatory scrutiny, with safe exposure limit guidelines being consistently lowered as detection methods continue to improve. The majority of the research cataloging the effects of PFAS on human health have, thus far, been concentrated around the development of reliable detection methods and mitigation strategies. Only recently have efforts shifted towards investigations of how PFAS affect biomolecular function in membranes and proteins. To aid future research on PFAS interactions with biomolecules, this review summarizes the current state of knowledge about PFAS impact on the structure and function of albumins, hemoproteins, nuclear receptors, and membrane receptors. Full article

The proliferation of single-use petroleum-based foams in protective packaging has become a major source of persistent plastic waste, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability. To address this issue, we developed a fully biodegradable cushioning foam from bamboo, a rapidly renewable biomass, using an environmentally benign deep eutectic solvent (DES) process that avoids harsh chemical bleaching. The resulting lignin-containing cellulose nanofibril (LCNF)/sodium alginate (SA) foam exhibits low density (0.23 g/cm³), high compressive strength (0.24 MPa at 70% strain), and excellent elasticity (90% recovery at 50% strain), enabled by a dual-network structure of Ca²⁺-crosslinked SA and entangled LCNFs. Critically, the material is fully compostable and leaves no microplastic residues, offering a circular end-of-life pathway. In real-world banana drop tests, it matched the performance of commercial expanded polyethylene (EPE) while outperforming polyethylene bubble wrap. This work demonstrates a practical, scalable route to replace fossil-derived cushioning materials with a bio-based alternative that aligns with the principles of cleaner production and circular economy. Full article

Frother chemistry strongly influences gas dispersion, froth stability, water recovery, and selectivity in flotation circuits; however, conventional frothers may exhibit excessive persistence and partitioning under alkaline conditions, impairing downstream cleaning performance. This study evaluates a novel switchable frother chemistry (Transfoamer^TM) designed to achieve the benefits of strong frothing in the rougher stage while reducing the selectivity losses associated with high frother concentrations in the cleaner stages. Laboratory column tests, batch flotation experiments, and an industrial evaluation at the Caserones concentrator were conducted to characterize frother behavior in terms of gas holdup, foam height, water carrying rate, and persistence. The results showed that the Transfoamer^TM behaved as a strong frother under mildly alkaline conditions, providing gas dispersion comparable to conventional strong frothers. As pH increased, a distinct switching behavior was observed, characterized by reduced gas holdup, foam height, water recovery, and persistence, in contrast to traditional alcohol- and polyglycol-type frothers. Batch flotation tests and plant trials confirmed that combining MIBC with Transformer^TM T-100 improved rougher copper recovery without compromising circuit selectivity. Full article

Severe fluid loss in fractured, depleted reservoirs usually defeat conventional water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs), and rigid lost-circulation materials (LCMs) struggle to form durable, conformal seals. We report an eco-oriented colloidal gas aphron (CGA) fluid built from a nanostructured corn biopolymer (NCBP) and a biodegradable peanut-oil-derived surfactant, benchmarked against a reference fluid (RF) and aphron-only baselines (aphron based fluid, ABF). NCBP, produced by ball milling, was confirmed nanostructured by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electron and atomic microscopies. Performance was evaluated from 25 to 90 °C for rheology, aphron stability and filtration at low temperature and low pressure (LTLP) of 100 psi and 25 °C, with post-test mud cake imaging. The optimized formulation, NCBP-2, showed stronger shear-thinning and higher gel strengths with heat, sustained stable and uniform aphrons for at least 120 min with foam persistence beyond 24 h, and delivered 3.0 mL filtrate with a 0.8 mm mud cake. These outcomes correspond to 60% less filtrate and approximately 73% thinner mud cakes than RF (7.5 mL; 3.0 mm), and about 14% and 33% improvements over the best ABF (3.5 mL; 1.2 mm). Micrographs revealed denser, finer-pored mud cakes, consistent with a mechanism in which deformable aphrons bridge micro-fractures while nano-scale polymeric fillers tighten the mud cake network. The results demonstrate decisive loss-control gains with temperature-tolerant rheology, supporting bio-based CGA fluids for depleted and fractured formations. Full article

Large-scale mining of graphite, a crucial strategic mineral, generates substantial amounts of graphite tailings (GT). The stockpiling of this solid waste occupies vast land resources and poses persistent environmental risks due to potential heavy metal leaching. Repurposing GT into construction materials presents a promising solution, with its use as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in cementitious composites being one of the most effective methods. This review systematically consolidates current research on graphite tailings cement mortar (GTCM) and graphite tailings concrete (GTC). Due to its physicochemical properties comparable to natural sand, GT is suitable for producing building materials. Studies consistently demonstrate that a substitution level of 10% to 20% optimizes overall performance. This optimal range enhances particle packing, promotes cement hydration via pozzolanic activity, and refines the microstructure, leading to improved workability, superior mechanical strength, and enhanced durability, including resistance to permeability, freeze–thaw cycles, and chemical attacks. Moreover, the inherent carbon content imparts electrical conductivity to GTC, enabling functional applications like de-icing and structural health monitoring. The successful utilization of GT also extends to lightweight foamed and autoclaved aerated concrete. However, research on the structural behavior of GTC components remains limited. Preliminary findings on beams and columns are encouraging, but comprehensive studies on their seismic performance and design methodologies are urgently needed to facilitate the widespread engineering application of this sustainable material and mitigate the environmental impact of tailings accumulation. Full article

Background: Embolization is a key therapeutic option in interventional radiology for the management of acute arterial bleeding and solid organ injuries. While various embolic agents exist, there is a persistent clinical need for materials that are not only highly effective but also biocompatible, easy to deliver, and cost-effective. We aim to evaluate a new eco-friendly dry foam agar-based embolization agent (ABEA) in an uncontrolled solid organ hemorrhage model. Material and Methods: Ten pigs underwent a controlled splenic injury. After a 5 min free-bleeding period, five pigs were treated with splenic artery ABEA embolization, while the remaining five received no treatment and served as the control group. Follow-up angiography was performed immediately after embolization and at 5 and 15 min in the treated pigs. Mean arterial pressures and average blood loss volumes were evaluated for 120 min. Results: The control group showed continuous blood loss, leading to a significantly higher total blood loss than the ABEA-treated group (1451 mL vs. 611 mL at 120 min, p < 0.05). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) remained below the hemorrhagic shock threshold throughout the procedure in the control group, validating the model of uncontrolled hemorrhage. In addition, a significant stabilization of MAP was observed in treated pigs, remaining above the critical level of hemorrhagic shock and differed significantly from control group values. Conclusions: Embolization with ABEA maintained MAP above critical levels and significantly reduced blood loss volume in a hemorrhagic model. These results support the technical feasibility and short-term hemostatic performance of ABEA in an acute setting. While preliminary, this proof-of-concept has provided the basis for a validated clinical study currently underway to evaluate its effectiveness and safety in human patients. Full article

Atherosclerosis is a chronic, multifactorial vascular disease and the leading global cause of cardiovascular morbidity. Its development reflects interconnected disturbances in lipid metabolism, endothelial function, inflammation, smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Genetic predisposition, including monogenic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia and polygenic risk variants, modulates disease susceptibility by altering lipid homeostasis as well as inflammatory and thrombotic pathways. Epigenetic regulators and noncoding RNAs, such as histone modifications, microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs, further shape gene expression and link environmental cues to vascular pathology. Endothelial injury promotes lipoprotein retention and oxidation, triggering monocyte recruitment and macrophage-driven foam cell formation, cytokine secretion, and necrotic core development. Persistent inflammation, macrophage heterogeneity, and SMC plasticity collectively drive plaque growth and destabilization. Emerging insights into immune cell metabolism, intracellular signaling networks, and novel regulatory RNAs are expanding therapeutic possibilities beyond lipid-lowering. Current and evolving treatments include statins, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents targeting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), and advanced approaches such as gene editing, siRNA, and nanoparticle-based delivery. Integrating multi-omics, biomarker-guided therapy, and precision medicine promises improved risk stratification and next-generation targeted interventions. This review summarizes recent molecular advances and highlights translational opportunities for enhancing atherosclerosis prevention and treatment. Full article

Surfactants are harmful, persistent pollutants that are often found in contaminated soils, wastewater, and industrial effluents in complex mixes. Due to their chemical diversity and persistence, they present a bioremediation challenge. Using long-read shotgun metagenomics, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, PICRUSt2 functional prediction, and physicochemical proxies (total organic carbon, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, foaming activity, etc.), this study investigated the aerobic biodegradation of SDS, SLS, rhamnolipids, Triton X-100, and CTAB (individually/mixed, 4% w/v) by microbial consortia enriched from oil-contaminated soil for 14 days. Pseudomonadota was dominant (85–90%), with Pseudomonas (60%) driving SLS and SDS degradation, while Paraburkholderia and Bordetella were dominant in recalcitrant surfactant degradation. Among the surfactants, SLS, rhamnolipids, and the combination of all surfactants demonstrated higher degradation by virtue of total organic carbon reductions of 50%, 56%, and 50%, respectively, and a foaming activity decline of 45–64%. The combination of surfactants with CTAB showed a 21% reduction in TOC, most likely due to CTAB’s known bactericidal effects. PICRUSt2 showed differential enrichment in alkyl oxidation, sulfate ester hydrolysis, aromatic ring cleavage, and fatty acid/sulfur genes and pathways. This study establishes inexpensive, scalable proxy indicators for monitoring surfactant bioremediation when direct metabolite analysis is impractical. Full article

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of chronic diseases (e.g., COPD, cardiovascular disease, cancer), largely driven by persistent immune-inflammatory mechanisms. This review synthesizes the molecular and cellular cascades linking cigarette smoke (CS) exposure to chronic pathology. CS constituents, particularly ROS/RNS, induce rapid oxidative stress that overwhelms antioxidant defenses and generates damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These DAMPs activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and the NLRP3 inflammasome, initiating NF-κB signaling and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). CS exposure causes profound innate immune dysregulation, including airway epithelial barrier disruption, hyperactivated neutrophils, and dysfunctional alveolar macrophages (AMs) that release destructive proteases (e.g., MMP-12) and acquire foam-cell–like characteristics. Furthermore, CS drives adaptive immunity toward a Th1/Th17-dominant phenotype while suppressing regulatory T-cell (Treg) function, thereby promoting autoimmunity and chronic tissue injury. Critically, CS induces epigenetic reprogramming (e.g., DNA methylation, miRNA dysregulation), locking immune cells into a persistent pro-inflammatory state. This convergence of oxidative stress, innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, and epigenetic alterations underlies the systemic low-grade inflammation that fuels smoking-related chronic diseases, highlighting key targets for novel therapeutic interventions. Full article

This study introduces a novel oxygenating facial mask enriched with hemp seed extract, which uniquely combines advanced bubble-generating technology with botanically derived antioxidants for enhanced skin care. The innovative mask forms microbubbles that simulate targeted oxygen delivery, accelerating cell renewal and improving active ingredient absorption. In a randomized, controlled trial, forty participants used either the hemp seed extract mask (F1) or a placebo (F2) over eight weeks. Both formulations demonstrated excellent physical stability for 60 days, maintaining consistent pH, color, fragrance, viscosity, and foaming properties. Notably, F1 demonstrated superior foam persistence and product stability. Clinically, the hemp mask significantly increased skin hydration (up to 65.7%, p < 0.05), reduced sebum levels (32.9%), and lowered erythema (up to 46.9 AU or 12.9%, p < 0.01), without altering skin color or causing adverse effects. Consumer satisfaction with F1 exceeded F2 by 10.7%. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of oxygenating bubble technology and hemp seed extract—demonstrating synergistic effects on skin barrier function, hydration, sebum control, and erythema reduction. These findings highlight the mask’s potential as a next-generation cosmeceutical with meaningful clinical and commercial value. Full article