Search Results (702)

Background/Objectives: Thoracic trauma remains a leading cause of trauma-related illness and death. Despite advances in imaging, ventilation strategies, and surgical fixation, its management remains a topic of debate, with varying practices across hospitals. Current Gaps: Although surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) has shown a mortality benefit in cases of flail chest and in elderly patients, its indications for non-flail cases remain uncertain. Analgesia strategies are evolving, and epidural remains the gold standard; however, it is limited by contraindications. In contrast, regional blocks, such as the erector spinae plane block (ESPB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), are emerging as safer alternatives to opioid and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming imaging interpretation and risk stratification; however, its integration into daily trauma care is still in its early stages of development. Perspective: This article examines the integration of surgical innovation, regional anesthesia, and AI-powered diagnostics as integral components of future thoracic trauma care. We emphasize the importance of standardized surgical criteria, multimodal pain management approaches, and AI-assisted decision-making tools. Conclusions: Thoracic trauma care is shifting toward a personalized, multidisciplinary, and technology-enhanced approach. Incorporating evidence-based SSRF, advanced pain management techniques, and AI-supported imaging can help reduce mortality, enhance recovery, and optimize resource utilization. Full article

High alkalinity facilitates copper–sulfur flotation separation but also leads to issues such as high reagent consumption, pipeline scaling, and gold loss in tailings. The ore from a copper mine in Serbia contains 2.86% copper, 1.64 g/t gold, and 20.39% sulfur, with copper occurring mainly in covellite and enargite. To achieve efficient separation and recovery of copper–sulfur, a systematic study was conducted using micro-flotation, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle analysis to investigate the inhibition and activation patterns of pyrite under low and high alkalinity conditions. The results indicate that the combined use of hydrogen peroxide and lime as inhibitor enables efficient separation of pyrite and covellite under low-alkalinity conditions. This effect is attributed to its ability to enhance oxidation of the pyrite surface, which generates more hydrophilic substances. Under low-alkalinity conditions (slurry pH = 10) regulated with hydrogen peroxide and lime in a covellite flotation cycle, and under acidic conditions (slurry pH = 6) in the pyrite flotation cycle, satisfactory results are obtained in both flotation cycles in comparison with industrial data. The copper flotation index was similar, but pyrite and gold recovery increased by 2.3% and ~4%, respectively, over those using lime alone. This process reduced the activator dosage required for pyrite activation substantially, while improving gold recovery. Results demonstrate an efficient method for copper–sulfur separation and recovery, providing theoretical guidance or industrial production processes. Full article

Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) is a critical cardiac condition that poses a substantial threat to myocardial function. Expedient diagnosis of AMI is paramount and relies on serological assays for rapid and accurate quantification of relevant biomarkers. Electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising candidates for this application, owing to their accessibility, operational simplicity, and high specificity. In this study, we developed a paper-based electrochemical immunosensor to detect cardiac troponin I in serum and saliva specimens. The electrode was fabricated using screen-printing technology with photographic paper as the substrate, employing graphite-based ink, nail polish, and acetone as the solvent. A quasi-reference electrode was constructed using silver powder-based ink, nail polish, and acetone. The immunosensor was prepared by modifying the working electrode with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) functionalized with cardiac troponin I antibodies (anti-cTnI) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). This modified electrode was subsequently used to detect the troponin I antigen. The analyses were performed in 0.1 mol L⁻¹ phosphate buffer medium, pH 7.00, in the presence of 5.0 mmol L⁻¹ of the potassium ferrocyanide probe. The immunosensor exhibited a sensitivity of 0.006 µA/fg mL⁻¹, a limit of detection of 9.83 fg mL⁻¹, and a limit of quantification of 32.79 fg mL⁻¹. Specificity studies conducted in the presence of other macromolecules demonstrated minimal interference, with relative standard deviations (RSD) below 5.00%, indicating a specific interaction with troponin I. Furthermore, the immunosensor demonstrated excellent reproducibility and stability. Upon application to serum and saliva samples, the immunosensor presented recoveries of approximately 99–105%, suggesting its potential applicability in clinical analyses. Full article

Silver, a critical element in various technological and industrial sectors, is increasingly being targeted for recovery from secondary sources due to the depletion of primary reserves and the environmental impacts of traditional mining. This study presents the development and application of a novel, environmentally friendly analytical method for the preconcentration and determination of silver in mining waste using deep eutectic solvents (DES) in combination with solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Analytical performance was evaluated in terms of linearity (7.5–200 µg/L, R² > 0.995), enhancement factor (27.9), limit of detection (2.1 µg/L), and precision (RSD ± 2.32%, n = 8). The method’s validity was further validated through interference studies, analysis of certified reference materials (recovery rates: 80–93%), and application to real mining waste and tailings collected from gold-silver mining operations in Turkey’s Aegean region. Results confirm the method’s applicability for trace-level silver analysis in complex matrices, offering significant advantages in terms of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and analytical reliability, aligned with the principles of green chemistry and resource recovery. Full article

Objective: This pilot study assessed the psychological and physical impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum women that gave birth during the pandemic, and evaluated the feasibility of remote monitoring for maternal mental health. The study also proposes a conceptual framework to strengthen remote maternal care in future public health emergencies. Methods: Conducted between 2020 and 2021 in Reggio Emilia, one of Italy’s ten hardest-hit provinces during the early COVID-19 outbreak, this study enrolled 21 pregnant women (10 COVID-19-positive at delivery, 11 COVID-19-negative controls). Psychological and physical health were assessed using validated instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for depression, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety, the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES-R) for trauma-related stress, and the SF-36 for physical functioning. Additional measures included breastfeeding experience and resilience. Remote assessments were conducted between 6 and 12 months postpartum to evaluate psychological recovery and satisfaction with perinatal care. C test was used to compare the two groups of women. Results: COVID-19-positive women reported significantly higher depressive symptoms (BDI: 13.50 ± 8.14 vs. 6.73 ± 4.73; U = 27, p = 0.048), and elevated state anxiety levels (STAI-S: 41.60 ± 10.23 vs. 33.64 ± 10.15; U = 27, p = 0.048) compared to controls. Post-traumatic stress symptoms were also higher among COVID-positive participants (IES-R total: 41.10 ± 19.33 vs. 30.64 ± 7.99; U = 24.5, p = 0.029). No significant differences emerged in EPDS or trait anxiety scores. Conclusions: Remote data collection proved feasible for postpartum women during the pandemic and highlighted elevated depressive, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms in COVID-19-positive mothers. These findings support the development of flexible digital care frameworks for maternal well-being in crises. The introduction of the “10 Gold Rules for Remote Maternal Healthcare in Critical Situations” offers a forward-looking, expert-informed conceptual framework to guide the development of scalable, trust-based digital care models that go beyond monitoring to include proactive, patient-centred support. Full article

Gold deposits of the Iron Quadrangle are highly heterogeneous, requiring integrated studies to optimize processing. This study presents a geometallurgical assessment of the Lamego orogenic gold deposit, located in the Iron Quadrangle, Brazil. Eleven composite samples representing four lithotypes, namely metandesite, banded iron formation (BIF), smoky quartz, and carbonaceous phyllite, were analyzed through QEMSCAN, fire assay, and Leco methods. Samples underwent gravity separation and flotation tests to evaluate mineralogical variability and its metallurgical implications. The results show that sulfide-rich lithotypes, particularly those containing pyrite and arsenopyrite, achieved higher gold and sulfur recoveries, especially in flotation. In contrast, samples with high concentrations of muscovite or reactive carbonates such as ankerite and dolomite showed reduced selectivity due to reagent competition and flotation interference. Grinding behavior varied among lithologies, with smoky quartz requiring the highest energy input (10.32 kWh/t) and displaying the lowest breakage parameter (K = 0.120), reflecting its high hardness and fine mineral intergrowths. Strong correlations were established between ore mineralogy and process performance; for instance, sulfide abundance directly predicted flotation recovery, while quartz content correlated with higher grinding energy consumption. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating detailed mineralogical characterization into process design. Geometallurgical tools enable more accurate prediction of metallurgical performance and support the development of lithotype-specific flowsheets for improved recovery, reduced energy consumption, and more efficient gold processing in complex ore systems such as Lamego. Full article

Human norovirus (HuNoV), particularly the GII.4 genotype, is a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, posing a significant public health and economic burden due to its low infectious dose. To address the need for rapid and sensitive detection, we developed a colorimetric biosensor utilizing a structure-optimized aptamer and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Biotin-modified aptamers could protect AuNPs from aggregation in salt solution. Upon specific binding to GII.4 HuNoV virus-like particles (VLPs), this protective effect is disrupted, leading to AuNP aggregation and a measurable color shift quantified by the A620/A520 absorbance ratio. Under optimized conditions, the assay demonstrated a linear response (y = 0.004597x + 0.3277, R² = 0.9922) to GII.4 HuNoV VLP concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 μg/mL, with the recovery rates between 91.74% and 106.43%. The biosensor exhibited high specificity for GII.4 HuNoV, showing minimal cross-reactivity with other common diarrheal pathogens, and achieved an exceptional detection limit of 27.2 copies/mL in a fecal matrix. Molecular docking and point mutation confirmed the critical roles of specific nucleotide bases (T20, C22, G31, and G44) in the aptamer and the Asn55 residue in the viral capsid for binding. This work establishes a sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective aptamer-based colorimetric platform suitable for the large-scale monitoring of GII.4 HuNoV. Full article

A 70-year-old Japanese woman with longstanding hearing loss and asthma developed floating sensations, left finger numbness, and postural instability one day after influenza vaccination, leading to hospital admission. Neurological examinations showed hearing loss, hyperreflexia, left-predominant ataxia, bilateral mild bathyanesthesia, and inability to tandem gait. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed no pleocytosis or malignant cells, but revealed positive oligoclonal bands and elevated myelin basic protein. Despite no contrast agent use due to asthma, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed pontine hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2-FLAIR) sequences, along with hyperperfusion on arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging. Serum anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab) were negative by ELISA. Given the temporal proximity to vaccination and elevated demyelination markers, brainstem-type acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) was initially suspected. Symptoms nearly resolved after two cycles of methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Notably, hyperperfusion gradually improved on ASL imaging. Post-discharge, a cell-based assay confirmed the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) by detecting positive anti-AQP4-Ab. She has been relapse-free for about a year without any immunosuppressants or biologics. Although contrast-enhanced MRI remains the gold standard modality for lesion evaluation due to its high sensitivity, hyperperfusion on ASL may provide a useful alternative in patients for whom contrast agents are contraindicated, such as those with asthma or impaired renal function. Full article

Real-time sweat pH monitoring offers a non-invasive window into metabolic status, disease progression, and wound healing. However, current wearable pH sensors struggle to balance high electrochemical sensitivity with mechanical compliance. Here we report a stretchable fiber-integrated pH electrode based on a polyaniline-phytic acid-polyvinyl alcohol (PANI-PA-PVA) hydrogel, which combines mechanical elasticity with enhanced electrochemical performance for continuous sweat sensing. Freeze–thaw crosslinking of the hydrogel forms a porous interpenetrating network, facilitating rapid proton transport and stable coupling with dry-spun elastic gold fibers. This wearable device exhibits an ultra-Nernstian sensitivity of 68.8 mV pH⁻¹, ultra-fast equilibrium (<10 s within the sweat-relevant acidic window), long-term drift of 0.0925 mV h⁻¹, and high mechanical tolerance (gel stretch recovery up to 165%). The sensor maintains consistent pH responses under bending and tensile strains, yielding sweat pH measurements at the skin surface during running that closely match commercial pH meters (sweat pH range measured in test subjects: 4.2–5.0). We further demonstrate real-time wireless readouts by integrating elastic gold and Ag/AgCl fibers into a three-electrode textile structure. This PANI-PA-PVA hydrogel strategy provides a scalable material platform for robust, high-performance wearable ion sensing and skin diagnostics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antipsychotic medications plays an important role in optimizing treatment efficacy, reducing adverse effects, and supporting adherence. While Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) has long been the gold standard for antipsychotic quantification, recent advances in automated platforms and microsampling raise questions about its current clinical practicality. This systematic review evaluated the clinical applicability and analytical performance of UHPLC-based methods for monitoring antipsychotic drugs, focusing on precision, recovery, matrix effects, and suitability across various biological matrices. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2013 and 2024 involving UHPLC-based quantification of antipsychotics in clinical samples from adult patients. Data on analytical parameters, sample matrices, and study characteristics were extracted. A custom quality checklist was used to assess methodological rigor. In addition to qualitative synthesis, non-traditional quantitative approaches were applied, including descriptive aggregation of recovery, matrix effects, and precision across studies, as well as correlation analyses to explore relationships among performance parameters. Results: Twelve studies were included, spanning a range of typical and atypical antipsychotics and metabolites. Plasma and serum demonstrated the highest analytical reliability (recovery >90%, minimal matrix effects), while dried blood spots (DBSs), whole blood, and oral fluid showed greater variability. Clinically, UHPLC–MS/MS enabled more accurate dose adjustments and identification of non-adherence, outperforming immunoassays in sensitivity, specificity, and metabolite detection. Microsampling methods showed promise for outpatient and decentralized care but require further clinical validation. Conclusions: UHPLC–MS/MS remains the most robust and reliable method for TDM of antipsychotics, especially when quantification of active metabolites is required. While logistical barriers remain, technological advances may enhance feasibility and support broader integration into routine psychiatric care. Full article

Capsaicinoids (CPCs) are regarded as a typical marker of waste oil, which has emerged as a serious food safety issue in developing countries, necessitating the development of rapid, sensitive, and specific detection methods. In this study, a novel hapten was synthesized to generate a high-affinity monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting CPCs. Subsequently, aggregation-induced emission fluorescent microspheres (AIEFMs), known for their superior fluorescence intensity, were utilized as an enhanced probe to develop a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) based on mAb 8B4 for CPC detection. For comparison, a traditional gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-LFIA was also constructed using the corresponding mAb. The AIEFM-LFIA demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.33 µg/kg for CPCs in edible oil samples, which is 4.21 times lower than the LOD of 1.39 µg/kg achieved by the AuNP-LFIA. And the assay effectively identified three additional CPCs, with LODs ranging from 0.26 to 0.99 µg/kg, while exhibiting minimal cross-reactivity with CPC analogs, indicating high specificity. The recovery rates of the AIEFM-LFIA in oil samples ranged from 75.0% to 106.0%, with coefficients of variation ≤ 8.3%, exhibiting excellent accuracy and precision. Furthermore, the results of the AIEFM-LFIA demonstrated a strong degree of correlation with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.978. Consequently, the developed AIEFM-LFIA shows significant promise as a rapid, sensitive, specific, and reliable method for detecting CPCs in oil samples. Full article

The escalating demand for precious metals in high-tech industries and jewelry, combined with the depletion of their reserves, underscores the need for efficient methods of gold recovery from industrial effluents. An interpolymer system comprising industrial ion exchangers KU-2-8 (in H⁺ form) and AV-17-8 (in OH⁻ form) demonstrated strong selective sorption capacity for Au(I) ions from a simulated Au(I)/Fe(II) mixed solution. The optimal KU-2-8:AV-17-8 (3:3) system achieved a sorption efficiency of 97.0% for Au(I) ions after 48 h with a desorption efficiency of 98.0% using a thiourea/sulfuric acid solution. The distribution coefficient (K_d) for Au(I) ions reached a maximum of 3233.3 mL/g at the 3:3 ratio, with a separation coefficient (β) of 40.62, indicating exceptional selectivity over Fe(II) ions. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed structural changes post-sorption, including shifts in absorption bands (e.g., from 1273.5 cm⁻¹ to 1292.9 cm⁻¹) and the appearance of new bands (e.g., at 3171.1 cm⁻¹), confirming stable ion interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability post-sorption, with reduced mass loss up to 100 °C. These findings highlight the KU-2-8:AV-17-8 (3:3) interpolymer system’s high selectivity, robust sorption capacity, and efficient desorption, presenting a sustainable solution for gold recovery in hydrometallurgical applications. Full article

The potential for hydrogen production from heavy oil reservoirs has gained significant attention as a dual-benefit process for both enhanced oil recovery and low-carbon energy generation. This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of producing hydrogen from heavy oil reservoirs using two primary in situ combustion gasification strategies: cyclic steam/air and CO₂ + O₂ injection. Through a comprehensive analysis of technical barriers, economic drivers, and market conditions, we assess the hydrogen production potential of each method. While both strategies show promise, they face considerable challenges: the high energy demands associated with steam generation in the steam/air strategy, and the complexities of CO₂ procurement, capture, and storage in the CO₂ + O₂ method. The novelty of this work lies in combining CMG-STARS reservoir simulations with GoldSim techno-economic modeling to quantify hydrogen yields, production costs, and oil–hydrogen revenue trade-offs under realistic field conditions. The analysis reveals that under current technological and market conditions, the cost of hydrogen production significantly exceeds the market price, rendering the process economically uncompetitive. Furthermore, the dominance of oil production as the primary revenue source in both methods limits the economic viability of hydrogen production. Unless substantial advancements are made in technology or a more cost-efficient production strategy is developed, hydrogen production from heavy oil reservoirs is unlikely to become commercially viable in the near term. This study provides crucial insights into the challenges that must be addressed for hydrogen production from heavy oil reservoirs to be considered a competitive energy source. Full article

The basis for the assessment of the quality of selective waste collection, as well as the direction of modernization of municipal waste sorting technology, should be morphological composition studies. According to research, the gold standard for the assessment of the quality of selective waste collection, as well as the direction of modernization of municipal waste sorting technology, is morphological composition studies. Selective collection of municipal waste is an indispensable element of the waste management system, particularly important in terms of the increasing recycling levels obtained. The recycling of problematic and polluting plastics is one of the main challenges of the European circular economy. By problematic plastics, we mean those that are not suitable for recycling, or their recycling is difficult and expensive for technological reasons, resulting in problems with their management on the market. In 2022, the level of plastic recycling in Europe reached 26.9%. This article presents the results of studies on the morphological composition of selectively collected plastics and metals carried out in the summer and autumn of 2023 for a large city in Poland in the Silesian agglomeration. As a result, the quality of selectively collected waste, the share of pollutants in it, depending on the type of development, and the real possibilities of its recovery were determined. As part of the results obtained, a simulation was also carried out on how the deposit system planned from the first of October 2025 in Poland will affect the morphological composition of plastics and metals currently collected in the yellow container/bag. Full article

This study presents a comparative investigation of plasmonic sensing platforms based on colloidal gold nanoparticle (AuNP) suspensions and gold film over nanosphere (AuFoN) solid substrates for the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), an essential biomarker and therapeutic target in oncology. The strategy relies on fluorescence emission modulation of an Atto647N-labeled DNA oligomer competitively bound to an EGFR-specific aptamer. Our results demonstrate that the colloidal AuNPs can function as competitive binding sensors, leading to fluorescence quenching upon fluorophore attachment to the surface of the NPs and partial fluorescence recovery due to EGFR-induced displacement of the fluorophore–aptamer complex. This specificity was confirmed by reversed binding experiments. However, the system proved highly sensitive to the experimental design: excessive washing (centrifugation) led to unspecific aggregation and signal loss, while reduced washing steps improved signal retention and revealed EGFR-induced fluorophore displacement into the supernatant. On the contrary, film-based substrates exhibited strong initial fluorescence, but failed to retain the fluorophore–aptamer complex after washing, resulting in fluorescence decay independent of EGFR incubation. This indicates that AuFoN lacked the binding stability necessary for specific displacement-based sensing. These findings highlight that while colloidal AuNPs can support competitive binding detection, their reproducibility is limited by colloidal stability and protocol sensitivity, whereas AuFoN substrates require improved surface functionalization strategies. The study emphasizes the critical role of surface chemistry, aptamer–fluorophore affinity, and washing protocols in determining the success or failure of plasmon-enhanced aptamer-based biosensing systems and suggests opportunities for improving specificity and robustness in future designs. Full article