Search Results (4,040)

The growing demand for plant-based and functional foods has driven increasing interest in the incorporation of probiotics into non-dairy matrices. However, maintaining probiotic viability throughout processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit remains a major challenge due to exposure to multiple environmental stresses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incorporation of probiotics into non-dairy food systems, the key factors that affect their survival, and the available strategies to enhance their stability and functionality. First, the main approaches for incorporating probiotics into food matrices, including direct addition and fermentation processes, are discussed. Second, the critical factors influencing probiotic viability are examined, including intrinsic strain characteristics, the composition and physicochemical properties of the food matrix, and the impact of processing, storage, and gastrointestinal conditions. Third, current strategies to improve probiotic survival are analyzed, including the control of processing parameters and the use of emerging processing technologies, structural protection through micro- and nanoencapsulation, and biological approaches such as stress adaptation and strain improvement. Overall, the integration of technological and biological strategies provides a robust framework for enhancing probiotic stability in non-dairy foods. Future research should focus on optimizing these approaches while ensuring product quality and consumer acceptance, facilitating the development of effective and commercially viable functional foods. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) represent a promising alternative to lithium-ion technology due to the greater abundance and sustainability of sodium. However, the choice of suitable electrolytes is a major limiting factor for performance, safety, and operational life. Conventional organic electrolytes provide high ionic conductivity but suffer from flammability, volatility, and limited thermal stability. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) emerge as promising alternatives due to their very or extremely high flame-retardant properties, very low vapor pressure, good to high power solvent, and wide electrochemical/thermal window. Despite these advantages, the use of ionic liquids in NIBs is hampered by their high intrinsic viscosity due to strong ion interactions. These characteristic limits the mobility of Na⁺ cations and reduces ionic conductivity, especially in low-temperature conditions, resulting in increased internal resistance and worsened performance at high current rates. To overcome these limitations, different strategies have been proposed based on the target selection of cation/anion pairs, the use of additives, and blending with low-content organic compounds, as well as the optimization of the electrolyte-electrode interface. Thus, the intent of authors in this review is to highlight the progress performed in the last decade, trying to realize a coherent and linear discussion on strategies in the use of ionic liquids for sodium-ion batteries. Full article

With the gradual decline in conventional oil and gas production growth, unconventional natural gas has become a strategic alternative for hydrocarbon supply. Coal-rock gas (CRG) represents a deep unconventional gas resource with huge potential. Major exploration breakthroughs of CRG have been achieved in China, while systematic research targeting CRG as an independent gas reservoir is still lacking internationally. After effective commercial development, CRG serves as an important supplementary energy source for the domestic natural gas supply. Existing logging evaluation methods exhibit notable deficiencies, as porosity is typically estimated by fitting well logging data or proximate analysis data, resulting in limited accuracy. To address the lack of a dedicated logging volumetric model, ambiguous coal-matrix framework parameters, and substantial porosity calculation errors in deep CRG reservoirs, this study investigates the medium–high rank No. 8 coal seam of the Benxi Formation in the central-eastern Ordos Basin. From an oil and gas reservoir logging evaluation perspective, multi-scale experiments were conducted to systematically characterize the material composition and microscopic characteristics of the coal rock. From the perspective of oil and gas reservoir logging evaluation, a three-component logging volumetric model, consisting of a coal matrix, inorganic minerals, and pore fluids, was constructed, and the corresponding coal-matrix framework parameters were calibrated. The results demonstrate that coal rock is an organic–inorganic composite system, with organic macerals dominated by vitrinite (averaging 59.1%) and inertinite (27.1%). The sum of fixed carbon and volatiles exhibits strong correlations with total organic carbon (TOC) and micro-CT-derived coal-matrix content, yielding determination coefficients of 0.99 and 0.95, respectively, which validates the reliability of the multi-scale quantitative composition characterization. The coal-matrix framework parameters are non-constant: density ranges from 1.08 to 1.56 g·cm⁻³, acoustic slowness from 281 to 425 μs·m⁻¹, and compensated neutron from 39% to 79%. Borehole enlargement severely affects compensated density and neutron logs but has negligible interference with acoustic slowness. Notably, inertinite content shows a significant negative correlation with the acoustic-slowness framework response (R² = 0.80), indicating that structurally dense inertinite is a key intrinsic factor controlling the elastic response of the coal matrix. For porosity evaluation, a dual-variable framework model is proposed. The core novelty of this method is that it simultaneously incorporates variations in inorganic mineral content and differences in inertinite proportion within organic components as dynamic framework constraints, breaking through the limitation of the conventional constant-matrix assumption. The acoustic-slowness-based model achieves an average relative error of merely 7.1%, effectively resolving the large errors inherent in conventional fitting methods. The dedicated coal-rock logging evaluation system established in this study overcomes the limitations of fixed framework models, offers a scientific basis for fine-scale interpretation and resource assessment of deep CRG reservoirs, and provides a valuable reference for evaluating analogous reservoirs. Full article

To elucidate the response characteristics of radial growth and water use strategies in coniferous forests of cold-arid regions to drought stress, this study focused on Larix sibirica in different forestry areas of the Altai Mountains. Using dendrochronology and stable isotope techniques, we calculated the basal area increment (BAI) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), and combined these with the standardized precipitation–evapotranspiration index (SPEI) to identify drought events, to investigate tree growth and water-use efficiency responses to climate variability. The results showed that drought years were characterized by reduced radial growth and increased iWUE in Larix sibirica across both forest regions, and tree-ring-derived intercellular CO₂ concentration (Ci) increased with rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, whereas the Ci/Ca ratio remained relatively stable throughout the study period. Scenario analysis revealed that, prior to 1980, the long-term trend in iWUE was more consistent with the constant Ci scenario, suggesting relatively strong stomatal regulation. After 1980, iWUE trends became more closely aligned with the constant Ci/Ca scenario, indicating that trees maintained a relatively stable Ci/Ca ratio to balance carbon assimilation and water loss. With increasing drought severity, drought resistance declined in both forest regions; however, substantial spatial differences were observed in drought responses. Under moderate drought conditions, trees in the Haba-River forest area exhibited higher resistance, whereas trees in the Hanaslin forest area showed greater recovery capacity and ecological resilience. Winter temperature, growing-season temperature, late-season temperature, and water availability were identified as key climatic factors influencing variations in the radial growth and iWUE of Larix sibirica. Overall, under the combined influences of rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and increasing water limitations, Larix sibirica exhibited adaptive adjustments in carbon–water regulation; however, enhanced iWUE did not fully compensate for the negative effects of drought on radial growth. These findings provide valuable insights into the responses and adaptive strategies of cold-arid forest ecosystems under ongoing climate change and offer scientific support for the conservation and sustainable management of Larix sibiric forests. Full article

Bladder cancer (BLCA) is a common and heterogeneous malignancy in which disease progression is driven not only by tumor-intrinsic alterations but also by dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Increasing evidence positions the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a critical regulator of these processes. Matricellular proteins (MCPs), a group of nonstructural ECM-associated molecules, have emerged as key modulators of tumor–stroma communication. In BLCA, MCPs have been reported to display divergent, and in some cases opposing, associations or functions, with the same protein participating in both tumor promotion and suppression. Here, we review current evidence on the function of MCPs in BLCA and synthesize their bidirectional roles in carcinogenesis. MCPs contribute to tumor progression by promoting invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and metastatic niche formation. At the same time, MCPs can restrain tumor growth by inhibiting angiogenesis, stabilizing ECM organization, inducing cell cycle arrest, and maintaining epithelial integrity. A key concept emerging from this body of evidence is the context-dependent functional plasticity of MCPs. We propose that MCP-associated phenotypes in BLCA may be influenced by contextual factors, including isoform diversity arising from alternative splicing and post-translational modifications, spatial compartmentalization within tumor and stromal niches, tumor microenvironmental composition, and molecular subtype. However, the level of supporting evidence differs substantially among MCPs, and direct BLCA-specific mechanistic evidence remains limited for many proposed relationships. These factors, therefore, provide a framework for interpreting divergent findings rather than representing universally established determinants of MCP function. Recognizing MCPs as context-sensitive regulators rather than fixed tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing entities provides a unifying framework for understanding their roles in BLCA. This could be an important step for therapeutic targeting, encouraging effective strategies to consider and incorporate the molecular and microenvironmental context in which MCPs operate. Full article

Olive pomace (OP), the main by-product of olive oil production, is a rich source of phenolic compounds, among which hydroxytyrosol (HT) has received considerable attention because of its biological activity. This review examines the occurrence of HT in OP and the factors that influence its formation during processing, with particular attention to the intrinsic compositional variability arising from cultivar differences, irrigation regimes, fruit maturity, and extraction systems, which collectively challenge industrial reproducibility. Current strategies for HT extraction and purification are reviewed, and the technological readiness of each method is evaluated. The biological activities of HT, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects, are summarized alongside a critical assessment of in vivo bioavailability data. Key research gaps are identified throughout: no pilot-scale integrated purification train has been validated, life cycle assessments comparing different recovery routes are absent, and most delivery systems lack in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation. By bringing together studies on HT recovery and its functional properties, this review highlights the promising yet underdeveloped potential of OP as a sustainable feedstock for HT recovery and identifies the critical steps needed to advance from laboratory research to industrial application. Full article

Background: Bacillus clausii SKB/BCL21 (MCC 0569) is a novel strain that shows promise as a probiotic for both human and animal healthcare. Objectives: The objective is to evaluate the safety profile of B. clausii SKB/BCL21 through genomic and toxicity assessments in Wistar rats, as well as to assess its efficacy as a probiotic in broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens. Methods: The identification of genus and species was performed using 16S rRNA and whole genome sequencing (WGS). A genomic analysis was conducted through bioinformatic screening of the B. clausii SKB/BCL21 genome to identify virulence factors, genes encoding toxins, mobile genetic elements, and antibiotic resistance genes. In vitro biosafety assays were conducted to evaluate mucin degradation, gelatinase, hemolytic activity, and DNase activity. The in vivo safety evaluation was performed by acute and subacute oral toxicity studies as per the OECD 423 guidelines. In efficacy testing broilers challenged with C. perfringens were administered with low dose (1 × 10⁸ cfu/kg of feed) and high dose (1 × 10⁹ cfu/kg of feed) of B. clausii SKB/BCL21. Performance metrics, such as average weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rates, were evaluated in comparison to a positive control group that received Virginiamycin 50% (15 ppm). Results: The isolate SKB/BCL21 was identified as Bacillus clausii based on 16S rRNA and whole genome sequencing (WGS). The bioinformatic analysis of the B. clausii SKB/BCL21 genome reveals that it lacks genes associated with toxins, mobile genetic elements, and virulence factors. However, it does contain intrinsic and non-transferable antibiotic resistance genes within its chromosomal DNA. In the acute toxicity study, an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg (400 billion cfu/kg) body weight was found to be nontoxic. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for B. clausii SKB/BCL21 was found to be 1000 mg/kg (200 billion cfu) body weight/day by oral route in the subacute toxicity study. The findings of in vivo toxicity studies indicate that there were no treatment-related changes in any of the endpoints assessed. The effects of low (1 × 10⁸ cfu/kg of feed) and high (1 × 10⁹ cfu/kg of feed) doses of B. clausii SKB/BCL21 on the growth performance metrics, including average weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates in broiler chickens infected with C. perfringens, showed results similar to those of the positive control (Virginiamycin 50%, 15 ppm). Conclusions: Based on these preliminary studies, B. clausii SKB/BCL21 can serve as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promotors in broiler production. These results suggest that the B. clausii SKB/BCL21 is safe and could be a potential probiotic for animal feed supplements. Full article

The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein remains a central target for antiviral drug development. Recent in silico studies have revealed an expansion of amyloidogenic regions within the RBD of the Omicron variant, raising the possibility that amyloid-prone peptide fragments could modulate Spike function or host–virus interactions. In this study, we combined experimental assays with multiscale computational modeling to systematically characterise two short RBD-derived peptides: Pep-2 (YFPLQSYGFQ) from the ancestral Wuhan strain and Pep-3 (YFPLRSYSFR) from the Omicron BA.1 variant, the latter being predicted to have higher amyloidogenic potential. Cell-based assays demonstrated that neither peptide exhibited intrinsic cytotoxic or cytostatic effects on human lung fibroblasts or A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells at physiologically relevant concentrations, whereas significant cytotoxicity was observed in Vero E6 cells. In infection models with the B.1.1.1 (Wuhan) and BA.1 (Omicron) variants, the peptides unexpectedly enhanced virus-induced cytopathic effects at lower concentrations but inhibited viral infection at higher concentrations, indicating to a dose-dependent modulatory role for these short amyloidogenic RBD fragments. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements did not detect the formation of stable thioflavin-T-positive amyloid fibrils. Computational analyses revealed that both peptides interact with the Spike RBD via multiple energetically favorable yet spatially heterogeneous modes, mostly outside the ACE2-binding site. Moreover, their predicted binding affinities for the ACE2 receptor were comparable, suggesting an additional route of interaction via the host receptor. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that these short amyloidogenic RBD-derived peptides exert a complex antiviral profile, with their interactions with both viral and host factors potentially shaping infection outcomes. This highlights the importance of spatially targeted and conformationally constrained peptide designs to effectively harness amyloidogenic features for antiviral therapy. Full article

Recent studies highlight the rich medicinal flora of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) islands due to their therapeutic potential against various diseases. To maximize bioactive compounds’ extraction from Tithonia diversifolia leaves, we have used a two-level, three-factor (2³) full factorial design. The screening evaluated water and hexane solvents at 25 °C and 40 °C, across incubation periods of 0 and 5 days, maintaining a constant agitation of 150 rpm. The highest TPC among the tested conditions was 72.16 µmole gallic acid equivalent/g of leaves using water at 40 °C with a 5-day incubation period. The lea extracts were characterized through several phytochemical assays, including TFC, reducing power, ABTS, DPPH, and SOD activity. This report introduces a novel, non-destructive analytical fingerprinting approach using intrinsic synchronous fluorescence and phosphorescence. Intrinsic, non-destructive synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy was performed across a wavelength range of 250 to 750 nm, utilizing a Δ λ interval of 5 to 30 nm. The hexane leaf extract displayed distinct peaks at 290, 320, 345, 400, 490, and 675 nm. Conversely, the aqueous extracts only showed peaks at 490, 560, and 675 nm. Intrinsic synchronous phosphorescence testing revealed peaks at 325, 400, 490, 550, and 675 nm for the hexane extract, and at 500 and 560 nm for the aqueous extract. Additionally, 3D fluorescence fingerprinting spectra successfully validated the emission peaks at 290, 320, 345, 400, 490, and 675 nm. Therefore, the present work describes novel SFS, SPS and 3D-SFS as fingerprinting/comparative profiling techniques for leaf extracts which require definitive compound identification methods. Full article

The groundwater resources are increasingly stressed in the Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area of Pakistan due to unplanned urbanization, growth of industries, and inadequate waste management. In this study, the aquifer vulnerability was evaluated in the productive alluvial zone of Islamabad Watershed using a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based DRASTIC model and critically comparing it with independent measured contamination of groundwater, which is a common weakness in many machine-learning-based DRASTIC studies considering the vulnerability index as the model input. The data from 21 boreholes supplied by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) were used to map seven hydrogeological parameters in ArcGIS Pro at a 30 m resolution. The DRASTIC Index values ranged from 69 to 188, with 12.9% of the mapped watershed (209.3 km²) being rated as Very High vulnerability, mainly in the shallow western urban alluvium where water tables are below 5 m. Single-parameter sensitivity analysis showed that the most influential factors of the index were impact of the vadose zone (S_i = 1.14) and depth to water table (S_i = 1.09). A Random Forest model was trained on independently measured nitrate instead of the DRASTIC Index, but had a poor predictive skill (cross-validated R² = 0.08), and the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis suggested that increased vulnerability (shallow water table and high recharge) was correlated with lower nitrate concentrations. The inverse relationship between groundwater intrinsic vulnerability and measured nitrate was statistically significant when compared to 233 groundwater samples collected at the same locations during two different campaigns (2018 and 2024) (pooled Pearson r = −0.27, p < 0.001; Spearman ρ = −0.19, p = 0.007; Kruskal–Wallis H = 14.10, p = 0.003). Levels of nitrate in both Low and Moderate vulnerability zones (6.0 and 7.7 mg/L, respectively) were higher than in Very High zones (3.4 mg/L). The inverse direction was consistent across both campaigns and robustly significant in the 2024 dataset (ρ = −0.33, p < 0.001), which covered a wider contamination gradient; in the 2018 dataset, only the parametric test was significant. Nitrate showed no significant difference between land-use classes (H = 7.23, p = 0.065) and was found as a few individual high concentrations, suggesting that these were not diffuse loading issues or intrinsic susceptibility, but were likely influenced by point sources. These results show that intrinsic DRASTIC vulnerability is useful to identify areas vulnerable to potential future contamination, but does not explain the current distribution of contamination in this aquifer, which is influenced by point-source loading and residence-time effects. To provide effective groundwater protection, intrinsic vulnerability assessment must be complemented with specific monitoring of point sources. Full article

TiO₂–biochar-based photocatalysts are one of the materials exhibiting adsorption-photocatalytic synergy. They have been widely used in the remediation of water systems. Current reviews in this field predominantly focus on the following aspects. These include the preparation methods for composite materials, the pollutant removal performance, the adsorption–photocatalytic synergy, and environmental applications. However, there are still gaps in understanding the intrinsic relationships among photocatalyst morphology, surface functional groups, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, pollutant removal, and interfacial charge-transfer mechanisms. This restricts the potential for further enhancement of photocatalytic performance. To fill this gap, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of various parameters on the morphology of TiO₂–biochar-based photocatalysts during in situ synthesis. These factors include titanium sources, carbon sources, preparation methods, solvents, pyrolysis conditions, and doping modifications. Further analysis is conducted to investigate the effects of morphological structure on the distribution characteristics of surface functional groups (e.g., oxygen- and nitrogen- containing groups), the generation of ROS, and the removal behavior of organic pollutants. Furthermore, this review focuses on the effects of three typical morphologies. The three typical morphologies include surface-adhered, pore-embedded, and interlayer-distributed. The role of morphology in charge transport behavior at interfaces is also examined. We systematically elucidate the mechanisms of coupled interactions among material morphology, surface functional groups, ROS, interfacial charge transport, and photocatalytic performance. An analytical framework is established to explore the relationships among morphology control, structural characteristics, and photocatalytic performance. Lastly, the limitations of TiO₂–biochar-based photocatalysts in environmental remediation processes are summarized. It also points the way forward for future development. Overall, this review provides a new theoretical perspective on the rational design and environmental applications of high-performance TiO₂–biochar-based photocatalysts. Full article

Silver nanowires (Ag NWs) are of great importance for modern applications as a substitute for indium tin oxide (ITO) when flexible, transparent conductive electrodes are required. In this paper, we report for the first time the electrical resistivity (ρ) of an isolated Ag nanowire not supported on a substrate, measured using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results show a resistivity value on the order of 10⁻⁷ Ω-m, which is significantly higher than that of the bulk silver, which is 1.59 × 10⁻⁸ Ω-m. We attribute the reduction in electrical conductivity to three main factors: (i) surface scattering, (ii) internal boundaries, and (iii) internal stress. The electrical conductivity of Ag/Ni nanowires was also evaluated. The deposition of Ni layers onto Ag NWs forms a core–shell structure, resulting in a slight decrease in resistance comparable to Ag nanowires. This indicates that electrical transport is mainly governed by the highly conductive Ag core, whereas the Ni shell plays an indirect role through structural stabilization and modulation of surface states and scattering mechanisms, rather than directly enhancing intrinsic conductivity. Full article

In this study, a bio-based compatibilizer, itaconic acid-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-IA; IP), was synthesized via melt grafting as a sustainable alternative to the conventional petroleum-based maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH; MP). Successful grafting was confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the efficacy of the synthesized compatibilizer was systematically evaluated by applying it to composites incorporating both unmodified lignocellulose (LC) and hydrophobically modified LC (mLC). Mechanical evaluation revealed that the PP-g-IA-compatibilized LC composite (PPLCIP) achieved the highest tensile strength of 23.5 MPa among all samples. This result is attributed to a synergistic effect: the PP-g-IA compatibilizer significantly improved the interfacial adhesion issue, thereby allowing the intrinsically higher aspect ratio of unmodified LC fibers (3.0 ± 2.1) to serve as the dominant reinforcement factor. While mLC surface modification improved composite performance over unmodified LC even without a compatibilizer, the introduction of a compatibilizer shifted fiber aspect ratio to the dominant factor, resulting in LC-based composites outperforming their mLC-based counterparts. Furthermore, PP-g-IA maintained mechanical performance comparable to that of the conventional PP-g-MAH while simultaneously achieving enhanced melt flowability. These results demonstrate that the bio-based PP-g-IA is an effective and sustainable compatibilization strategy that satisfies both mechanical performance and processability requirements. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has stimulated the development of alternative antimicrobial materials capable of preventing microbial growth and biofilm formation. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin through deacetylation, possesses intrinsic antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and low toxicity, making it an attractive matrix for nanocomposite materials. However, the antimicrobial efficacy of pure chitosan is often limited by different factors, such as pH sensitivity, mechanical weakness, and poor solubility at neutral pH. To overcome these limitations, researchers have developed chitosan composites containing nanoparticles to enhance antimicrobial and antibacterial efficacy. This review provides an update on the status of the action mechanisms, synthesis methods, antimicrobial and antibacterial performances, and potential biomedical applications of chitosan-based composites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs). Full article

This study investigated the structural relationships among language learning strategies (LLSs), motivational beliefs (MBs), and English language achievement (ELA) among first-year Thai university students learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Grounded in self-regulated learning, social cognitive, and expectancy-value theories, the study examined how LLSs and MBs jointly contribute to ELA. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, with 913 participants from a public university in Thailand. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire measuring learners’ cognitive, metacognitive, and social strategies; intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, task value, and self-efficacy; and overall assessment of their perceived English learning achievement and self-rated English proficiency across the four language skills. Descriptive statistics, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were conducted. Results indicated moderate use of LLSs, with cognitive and metacognitive strategies used more frequently than social strategies. Students reported moderate-to-high motivational beliefs, with task value emerging as the strongest dimension. EFA and CFA supported the reliability and construct validity of the measurement model. SEM analysis demonstrated excellent model fit and revealed that intrinsic motivation, task value, and self-efficacy significantly predicted strategy use and ELA. LLSs showed the strongest direct effect on achievement, whereas extrinsic motivation had no significant direct effect. In addition, LLSs partially mediated the effects of intrinsic motivation, task value, and self-efficacy on achievement. The SEM results indicated that ELA is shaped by the combined influence of adaptive motivation and effective strategic behaviour. Therefore, instructional interventions should synchronously enhance strategic language learning and increase learners’ motivational beliefs to promote English learning achievement. Full article