Search Results (8,198)

Integrins and other cell adhesion molecules play a critical role in the migration and homing of leukocytes. This study investigates whether metastatic tumor cells can exploit leukocyte-like rolling and arrest mechanisms during early vascular steps of metastatic dissemination. B16 melanoma cell adhesion to activated bEnd.3 endothelial monolayers or immobilized VCAM-1 were analyzed under defined shear flow using a parallel-plate chamber. Function-blocking antibodies, divalent cation modulation, pertussis toxin, and low-temperature conditions were used as classical controls. B16-BL6 melanoma cells exhibited robust VLA-4-dependent rolling and arrest on activated endothelial monolayers and on immobilized VCAM-1 under physiological shear stresses (0.7–2 dyn/cm²), independent of chemokine-related Gαi signaling. These findings identify a chemokine-independent mechanism of VLA-4-mediated vascular capture by melanoma cells under shear flow, providing a potential mechanistic basis for early steps in metastatic dissemination. Full article

Quantitative detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is crucial in clinical diagnosis and bioanalysis. Herein, we have developed a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor that employs a biomimetic zirconia interface as its core sensing platform. The interface was constructed by immobilizing o-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) onto zirconium oxide nanofilms (ZrO₂NFs), forming a surface rich in Zr-O-P bonds. This design mimics phosphate recognition and enzyme-triggered dephosphorylation processes, where ALP catalyzes the hydrolysis of these bonds, triggering a direct switch in the ECL signal from Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-loaded gold nanocage (Ru-AuNCs) emitters. This sensor achieves a wide linear range of 0.100–100 U/L and a low detection limit down to 0.0899 U/L. Its practical utility was validated through the accurate detection of ALP in fetal bovine serum samples, confirming high recovery and reliability. This strategy highlights the potential of biomimetic zirconia interfaces in developing robust biosensors for early disease diagnosis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pulmonary embolism (PE) represents a major thrombotic complication in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet data on its incidence, clinical predictors, and short-term outcomes in actual cohorts remain heterogeneous. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study including 395 consecutive adults hospitalized with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 at a tertiary infectious diseases center between March 2020 and December 2024. Clinical, laboratory, imaging, and treatment data were extracted from electronic records, and PE was defined by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PE in the subset of patients who underwent CTPA (n = 120), in whom PE status was definitively ascertained (47 with PE and 73 without PE). Results: Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in 47 patients (11.9%). Patients with PE more frequently had prior venous thromboembolism (19.1% vs. 8.3%) and prolonged immobilization (61.7% vs. 23.0%), and were more often admitted to the intensive care unit (12.8% vs. 4.3%) than those without PE. Peak D-dimer levels were almost ten-fold higher in the PE group (median 5322 vs. 529.5 µg/L). In multivariable logistic regression, peak D-dimer was independently associated with PE (per log-unit increase, adjusted OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.1–7.1), and prolonged immobilization conferred a substantially higher risk of PE (adjusted OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.4–10.9). Patients with PE experienced more complex hospital courses and more frequent need for advanced therapies, although in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, PE is frequent and closely linked to marked D-dimer elevation and acquired in-hospital risk factors, particularly prolonged immobilization. This evidence supports the use of dynamic D-dimer assessment and careful evaluation of immobilization status to improve risk stratification, guide decisions on diagnostic imaging and anticoagulation intensity, and identify patients who may benefit from closer post-discharge cardiovascular follow-up (this hypothesis requires confirmation in future prospective studies). Full article

Nano–bio hybrid catalysts have emerged as a promising platform for sustainable energy conversion by integrating the high selectivity of enzymes with the structural robustness and conductivity of nanomaterials. In recent years, the growing demand for clean energy technologies has driven the development of biohybrid systems capable of efficient electron transfer, enhanced catalytic activity, and improved operational stability. This review comprehensively discusses the design principles, mechanistic foundations, and performance metrics of enzyme–nanomaterial interfaces for energy-related applications. We first outline the fundamentals of enzymatic redox catalysis and the limitations of free enzymes in practical systems. Subsequently, we examine the functional roles of nanomaterials including carbon-based materials, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and two-dimensional platforms such as MXenes in facilitating enzyme immobilization and promoting direct or mediated electron transfer. Special emphasis is placed on engineering strategies at the bio–nano interface, including immobilization techniques, surface functionalization, and structural tuning to optimize catalytic efficiency. The review further highlights representative hybrid systems based on laccase, glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and hydrogenase enzymes, and evaluates their applications in biofuel cells, solar–bio hybrid systems, green oxidation reactions, and self-powered biosystems. Stability challenges, deactivation mechanisms, and enhancement strategies such as polymer coatings, cross-linking, and nanoconfinement are critically analyzed. Finally, emerging directions including artificial enzymes, AI-guided catalyst design, and self-healing bioelectrodes are discussed to provide a forward-looking perspective on next-generation sustainable bioelectrocatalytic systems. Full article

Pruning residues from medicinal and aromatic plant cultivations represent an under-exploited biomass rich in bioactive metabolites. In this study, pruning by-products from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. ‘Essence Purple’ and Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G.Don were investigated as sources of essential oils (EOs) within a circular economy perspective. Micromorphological analyses confirmed the presence of secretory glandular trichomes in the residual biomass. EOs were obtained by steam distillation (0.33% and 0.15% yield for lavender and helichrysum, respectively) and chemically characterized by GC-FID and GC-MS. A total of 51 and 55 compounds were identified, accounting for 99.68% and 99.57% of the total composition. The main constituents were τ-cadinol (23.09%) and linalyl acetate (14.07%) in lavender EO and γ-curcumene (15.47%) and eudesm-4(14)-en-11-ol (10.71%) in helichrysum EO. Pruning-derived EOs showed a higher sesquiterpene content than those from conventional plant organs, indicating a compositional shift. Phytotoxic assays on Hordeum vulgare, Raphanus sativus, Lolium multiflorum, and Sinapis alba revealed concentration-dependent effects, with a stronger inhibition of radicle elongation than seed germination. These concentrations should be interpreted as indicative of intrinsic phytotoxic potential under controlled conditions. Ecotoxicological tests showed no significant reduction in viability in Artemia salina, whereas concentration- and time-dependent immobilization was observed in Daphnia magna, highlighting species-specific sensitivity, likely related to differences in the uptake and membrane interactions of lipophilic compounds. These findings highlight pruning residues as a promising biomass for the recovery of bioactive phytocomplexes with potential applications in sustainable weed management, although further studies under agronomically relevant conditions and comprehensive environmental assessments are required to validate their practical applicability. Full article

Soil contamination in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasingly driven by rapid industrialization, intensive agriculture, mining activities, and urban expansion, posing significant risks to food safety, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. Despite the growing scale of the problem, low-cost, locally adaptable remediation technologies are widely available and technically feasible within the region. Organic waste and waste-derived products—such as compost, manure, biochar, vermicompost, digestate, and agro-industrial residues—have emerged as sustainable and cost-effective amendments for the remediation of contaminated soils. These materials can immobilize heavy metals, enhance the microbial degradation of organic pollutants, and improve soil health, making them especially suitable for resource-constrained settings. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the use of organic waste-based remediation approaches in SSA, highlighting technologies already applied at the laboratory, pilot, and field scales, as well as their effectiveness across different contaminant types. However, despite their demonstrated potential, their widespread adoption remains limited. The primary challenge is not the absence of affordable solutions, but rather the systemic constraints characteristic of many SSA countries, including limited technical capacity, weak policy and regulatory frameworks, low stakeholder awareness, and insufficient financial and institutional support for large-scale implementation. To enable broader uptake, there is a need to strengthen waste segregation and treatment systems, standardize composting and pyrolysis processes, and develop robust regulatory guidelines and certification schemes. Investments in monitoring infrastructure, practitioner training, and knowledge transfer mechanisms will also be critical to translating scientific advances into scalable, field-ready solutions for sustainable soil remediation in SSA. Full article

Arsenic contamination in polymetallic mining areas is closely linked to surrounding iron-rich manganese minerals. However, conclusive evidence remains limited regarding the retention and migration process of As(V) in naturally manganese-rich manganese ores (especially those with different manganese/iron mass ratios) under dynamic flow conditions. This study investigated As(V) adsorption and transport by four natural manganese minerals (FM1–FM4) through batch/column experiments, characterization, and numerical modeling. Their Mn/Fe mass ratios were 22.7 for FM1, 4.2 for FM2, 3.7 for FM3, and 16.4 for FM4. Batch experiments showed that As(V) adsorption on FM1–FM3 was better described by the Freundlich model, indicating heterogeneous adsorption behavior. Under the tested experimental conditions, the apparent Langmuir qₘ values of these minerals decreased from 0.066 to 0.015 mmol·g⁻¹ with decreasing Mn/Fe ratio. However, As(V) adsorption on FM4, which had the lowest Mn and Fe contents, followed the Langmuir model (qₘ = 0.012 mmol·g⁻¹), suggesting monolayer adsorption. Column experiments demonstrated rapid As(V) retention for all minerals. In the time domain, increasing the flow rate from 0.5 to 2.0 mL·min⁻¹ generally advanced breakthrough and shortened the desorption tail, although the breakthrough behavior expressed in pore-volume coordinates was not strictly monotonic for all minerals. The Two-Site Kinetic Attachment Model (TSKAM) successfully simulated these dynamics (R² > 0.90, RMSE < 0.05), revealing adsorption controlled by fast and slow kinetic sites, with slow-site contributions diminishing at higher flow rates. Characterization results indicated that adsorbed arsenic on FM1 remained mainly as As(V) and was immobilized primarily through surface complexation involving surface hydroxyl and Fe/Mn–O groups. XRD and SEM-EDS suggested the participation of Fe/Mn-bearing phases, while XPS on FM1 showed pronounced changes in Mn surface species during adsorption. Therefore, As(V) removal by these natural manganese minerals is a coupled physicochemical process influenced by both mineral properties, including Mn/Fe ratio, specific surface area, pore structure, pH_PZC, and Mn surface-state changes, and hydrodynamic conditions in the polymetallic mining areas. Full article

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is widely utilized for auxiliary diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the development of a facile immunosensor is essential for clinical applications. This study aims to develop a simple immunoassay for AFP detection. By incorporating silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) into etching hollow gold nanoshells (EHGNs) via precise nanomanipulation, we designed molecular probes based on SiQDs@EHGNs complex immobilized capture antibodies, which can convert the antigen/antibody binding process into fluorescent divergence signals for AFP measurement. This strategy enabled one-step fluorescence sensing for AFP detection with a linear range of 3.125–200.0 ng/mL and LOD of 0.234 ng/mL. The detection results of 15 clinical serum real samples demonstrated a 93.7% correlation with the market-accepted ECLIA method. The proposed method take advantages of simplicity and rapid response, offering a novel approach for tumor marker analysis with significant potential. Full article

This study presents a highly efficient and sustainable biocatalytic platform for bisphenol A (BPA) bioremediation through the covalent immobilization of laccase onto hierarchically functionalized cotton fibers. The immobilization strategy involved selective periodate oxidation of cellulose, grafting a hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) spacer arm, and glutaraldehyde activation, ensuring stable covalent attachment. Characterization via FTIR, SEM, and BET confirmed successful surface modification and high enzyme loading, achieving an immobilization yield of 90.5%. The immobilized laccase (CT-DA-HMD-Lac) exhibited significantly enhanced performance compared to the free enzyme, with a two-fold increase in maximum reaction velocity (V_max) and a 75% improvement in catalytic efficiency of action (V_max/K_m). Furthermore, the biocatalyst demonstrated superior robustness, maintaining high activity across broader pH and temperature ranges, and retaining 75% of its initial activity after 15 consecutive reusability cycles. Storage stability was also markedly improved, with 83% activity retention after 60 days. Practical application in BPA degradation showed 85% removal efficiency within 300 min, a 2.4-fold increase in the degradation rate constant over the free enzyme. These results highlight functionalized cotton as a promising, cost-effective, and scalable support for advanced enzymatic wastewater treatment and the remediation of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Full article

Oral mucosal ulcers sustain a persistent inflammatory and oxidative microenvironment that interferes with epithelial repair and delays healing. Although hyaluronic acid (HA) is used in oral wound management due to its biocompatibility and hydrating properties, its biological activity is highly context-dependent and can be compromised under inflammatory conditions. In contrast, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a well-established antioxidant with documented anti-inflammatory effects, yet its rapid clearance limits its effectiveness when applied locally. In this study, the effects of HA and NAC, individually and in combination, on metabolic activity and inflammatory responses of TNF-α–stimulated human gingival keratinocytes were evaluated. In parallel, the individual immobilization of HA or NAC onto plasma-activated decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) films was investigated as a materials-oriented approach for potential localized intraoral applications. NAC significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion, reducing both cytokines by approximately 99%, while preserving keratinocyte metabolic activity. HA displayed limited immunomodulatory effects. The combined HA + NAC condition did not improve the response compared with NAC alone. Plasma treatment enabled stable individual grafting of HA and NAC onto dECM films, and both functionalized surfaces retained chemical stability under saliva-like conditions. Collectively, these findings identify NAC as the most effective anti-inflammatory candidate under the tested cellular conditions and support plasma-functionalized dECM films as a feasible platform for future biological evaluation in intraoral applications. Full article

The reliability of bulk geochemical proxies for provenance analysis in heterogeneous clastic systems remains a critical yet underexplored issue. This study investigates the Lower Permian Shanxi Formation in the Southern North China Basin (SNCB) using an integrated approach combining major and trace element geochemistry, rare earth elements (REEs), and detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology. The results show that major element compositions have been significantly modified by diagenetic processes in tidal flat environments, limiting their applicability in tectonic discrimination. In contrast, immobile trace elements and REE patterns provide more robust constraints on source rock composition, suggesting predominantly felsic upper continental crustal sources. Detrital zircon age spectra reveal two dominant populations at 290–440 Ma and 1800–2500 Ma, indicating mixed provenance from the North Qinling Region (NQR) and the North China Craton (NCC). However, the application of classical discrimination diagrams is challenged by lithological heterogeneity, as the mixed presence of sandstone, sandy mudstone, and mudstone introduces compositional bias. Spatial variations among wells suggest differential contributions from continental island arc and active continental margin, likely controlled by paleogeographic configuration and sediment transport pathways. This study emphasizes the necessity of multi-proxy integration for reliable provenance reconstruction in complex sedimentary systems. Full article

The conversion of livestock manure, including poultry waste (PW), into biochar represents a sustainable strategy to recycle nutrients while reducing environmental risks. This study evaluated how pyrolysis temperature regulates physicochemical properties, carbon structure, and nutrient dynamics in biochars produced from PW. Raw PW and biochars generated at 300 and 600 °C were characterized through proximate and elemental analyses, Fourrier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), soil nutrient assessment, and germination bioassays. A multivariate approach was used to analyze the experimental data sets. Increasing pyrolysis temperature significantly reduced biochar yield (83.62% to 64.36%), while promoting carbon condensation and mineral enrichment, as indicated by the decline in H/C ratio from 1.02 to 0.22 and the increase in ash content from 41.47% to 56.77%. FTIR analysis revealed a progressive attenuation of O–H and aliphatic C–H functional groups and a relative increase in aromatic structures with increasing temperature, indicating structural reorganization of the carbon matrix. Total concentrations of macro- and micronutrients generally increased with temperature; for example, total Cu increased from 78.62 to 114.17 mg kg⁻¹, while Zn increased from 557.03 to 819.66 mg kg⁻¹ between 300 and 600 °C. In contrast, the bioavailable fractions of Fe, Cu, and Zn determined using the chelating agent DTPA declined, although not significantly (p < 0.05), with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Principal component analysis clearly distinguished raw PW from pyrolyzed materials, confirming pyrolysis temperature as the main factor dictating biochar properties. PW exhibited severe phytotoxicity, which was partially mitigated with increasing pyrolysis temperature. Overall, pyrolysis enhanced carbon stabilization and micronutrient immobilization, highlighting PW-derived biochars as promising soil amendments for improving nutrient management and reducing the environmental risks associated with raw PW application. Full article

Biomineralization has recently emerged as a highly effective strategy for enzyme immobilization. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a subclass of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are particularly attractive carriers due to their structural tunability and chemical stability. While ZIF-8 has been extensively studied, its denser and thermodynamically more stable analog ZIF-zni has received far less attention. In this work, we report the biomineralization of glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger within the ZIF-zni framework and systematically investigate the influence of zinc and imidazole (Im) concentration on immobilization performance. The optimized biocomposite, obtained at 10 mM Zn²⁺ and a Zn:Im ratio of 1:10, exhibited a specific activity of 2051 IU g⁻¹, which is more than twice the activity obtained for GOx@ZIF-8 in our previous study (874 IU g⁻¹). Furthermore, the GOx@ZIF-zni biocomposite demonstrated remarkable resistance to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and retained up to 50% of its activity after incubation at 65 °C for one hour. These results demonstrate that ZIF-zni is a highly promising carrier for enzyme immobilization and suggest that framework topology and synthesis conditions play a crucial role in determining the catalytic performance and stability of enzyme@MOF biocomposites. Full article

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, technical feasibility, and clinical outcomes of a strict two-step protocol—CT/fluoroscopic-guided thermal ablation followed by Balloon-Assisted Acetabuloplasty (BAA)—for the treatment of painful acetabular metastases, utilized as an immediate mechanical stabilization bridge prior to radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 16 consecutive patients treated for severe mechanical pain (VAS ≥ 6) and impaired mobility due to osteolytic acetabular metastases. The physiological rationale mandated a strict procedural sequence: (1) preliminary thermal devitalization using radiofrequency or microwave ablation to reduce tumor pressure and vascularity, followed subsequently by (2) balloon-assisted cavity compaction and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement injection. Clinical outcomes included VAS for pain and the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) assessed before treatment and up to 6 months post-procedure. Results: Technical success was 100% with a mean procedural time of 58 ± 14 min. No major complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 8.2 months, all 16 patients were alive. The procedure yielded dramatic acute pain relief: mean baseline VAS dropped from 7.4 ± 0.8 to 2.3 ± 1.0 at 1 week, and to 0.9 ± 0.9 at 1 month (p < 0.001), remaining stable at 6 months. Functional mobility was rapidly restored, with mean FMS improving from 2.9 ± 0.7 pre-procedure to 1.1 ± 0.3 at 1 month (p < 0.001), allowing independent ambulation in 87.5% of patients. Conclusion: The strict “ablation-first” BAA strategy is safe and highly effective. It abolishes load-bearing pain and restores biomechanical stability immediately, allowing previously immobilized patients to rapidly regain independent ambulation and seamlessly transition to necessary consolidative radiotherapy. Full article

This review presents recent results focused on immobilization of zeolites onto inexpensive aluminum substrate using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) processing in various electrolyte solutions applying different electrical regimes. PEO is recognized as a useful technique for the formation of oxide coatings with photocatalytic properties on various metals and alloys. Thin film photocatalysts are more practical than powder/nanoparticle photocatalysts because the photocatalyst does not need to be filtered/separated after the wastewater degradation treatment, which is an expensive and time-consuming process. Addition of zeolites to supporting electrolyte solutions influences structural, morphological and chemical properties of formed oxide coatings. Furthermore, introduction of zeolites loaded with cerium through an ion-exchange procedure is investigated. It is shown that the addition of both parent zeolites and Ce-exchanged zeolites is beneficial for photocatalytic decomposition of model organic pollutant (methyl orange). The most promising results are obtained under ultra-low duty cycle electrical conditions with Ce-exchanged 13X zeolite added to the electrolyte, where about 60% of the model organic pollutant is decomposed during 6 h of treatment under simulated sunlight irradiation (16,000 lx) for 3 cm² surface area of sample exposed to irradiation. Full article