Search Results (104)

Nanofiltration (NF) is increasingly applied for advanced drinking water treatment, but achieving stable operation at high recovery rates remains challenging for surface waters with high scaling potential. This pilot study investigated the performance and optimization of a three-stage NF270 system (4:2:1 tapered array) for treating coagulated surface water in northern Jiangsu, China, aiming to identify sustainable operating conditions for high-recovery applications. The NF system was operated at recoveries of 80–90% with a feed flux of 20–23 LMH, and the effects of forward flushing frequency, acid dosing location, and concentrate recirculation on fouling behavior were evaluated. The NF270 membrane achieved consistent removal of organic matter (effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD_Mn) < 0.5 mg/L), hardness (40–60% rejection), and alkalinity (~20% rejection), meeting Jiangsu Province drinking water standards. However, operation at 90% recovery resulted in rapid third-stage fouling, with permeate flow declining by >60% within 2.5 h. Osmotic pressure analysis (local concentrate osmotic pressure: 3.8–4.2 bar; net driving pressure: 0.8–2.2 bar) confirmed physical scaling rather than hydraulic limitation as the dominant mechanism. Stage-wise concentration factor calculations (CF₁ = 1.6, CF₂ = 2.9, CF₃ = 4.4) revealed local Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) values of 1.8–2.2 in the third stage, identifying CaCO₃ supersaturation as the primary scaling cause. Reducing recovery to 85% and flux to 20 LMH with 2 h forward flushing extended stable operation. Acid addition effectively mitigated scaling, but dosing location was critical: first-stage addition (pH 8.1 → 7.6) reduced third-stage LSI to 0.7–0.9 and stabilized performance, whereas third-stage addition (pH 8.0 → 7.3) inadvertently promoted Al(OH)₃ precipitation from residual coagulant (feed Al: 0.07–0.11 mg/L). Concentrate recirculation (90% ratio) did not alleviate fouling. These findings demonstrate that for aluminum-rich coagulated surface waters, optimizing recovery, flushing frequency, and acid dosing location is essential for sustainable NF operation, and provide engineering guidance for full-scale applications. Full article

Intervertebral disc (IVD) viscoelasticity is governed primarily by fluid transport driven by coupled osmotic and mechanical pressure gradients. Disc degeneration disrupts this balance through glycosaminoglycan loss and reduced cartilage endplate permeability. However, how degeneration interacts with compressive loading to regulate fluid-driven viscoelastic behavior at the whole-disc level remains unclear. To address this gap, a probabilistic biphasic swelling finite element framework was employed to simulate fluid-driven viscoelastic behavior of the IVD. Fifty discs were generated by varying anterior–posterior length, lateral width, nucleus pulposus volume ratio, wedge angle, and disc height. These discs were subjected to swelling, creep, and relaxation protocols under multiple compressive magnitudes for both healthy and degenerated conditions. Time-dependent responses were quantified using rheological models comprising two viscoelastic elements and one elastic element. Predicted intradiscal pressure, disc height, and viscoelastic responses fell within reported experimental ranges. Degeneration primarily governed fluid-dependent behavior. It reduced osmotic pressure, limited fluid mobility, and delayed axial equilibration. These changes decreased swelling displacement, increased creep deformation, and prolonged characteristic time constants, while minimally affecting instantaneous elastic response. In contrast, loading magnitude modulated the extent of viscoelastic deformation and progressively reduced degeneration-related differences in long-term creep displacement and long-term relaxation time constant. Collectively, degeneration governs fluid-dependent viscoelastic mechanisms, whereas loading magnitude modulates their expression. This study systematically examines how degeneration and load magnitude interact to regulate fluid-driven viscoelastic behavior of the IVD. By combining probabilistic geometry with biphasic swelling mechanics, it addresses a critical gap in understanding load–degeneration interactions in disc hydration-dependent mechanics. Full article

The product quality of freeze-dried pear slices is limited by moisture absorption, texture softening, and color deterioration. This study evaluated the effects of sugar impregnation using glucose, fructose, and sucrose at 2 M and 3 M concentrations on key quality attributes. Sugar impregnation improved the product’s appearance, texture, and flavor by reducing moisture absorption, reinforcing the cell wall, and forming a surface sugar layer, exceeding the benefits of osmotic dehydration. Among all groups, 3 M sucrose-treated samples exhibited the highest glass transition temperature (Tg), lowest moisture uptake, and most compact structure, indicating enhanced stability and reduced hygroscopicity. Further analyses revealed that sugar impregnation regulated microstructure and water-binding behavior, contributing to better physical properties. These findings suggest that high-concentration sucrose impregnation is an effective strategy to improve structural integrity and extend the shelf life of freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, offering promising applications in food preservation. Full article

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex, heterogeneous, hyperglycemic chronic metabolic disorder. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by progressive loss of insulin secretion from pancreatic islet β-cells due to IR (insulin resistance), which is a feature of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Chronic hyperglycemia in patients with T2DM in synergy with other metabolic abnormalities causes complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, osmotic diuresis and hyperglycemic diabetic coma, as well as chronic microvascular and macrovascular complications such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebrovascular events, which implicate the formation of reactive species and the promotion of inflammatory pathways. In these events, natural or synthetic antioxidants and minerals seem to have ameliorative effects and may serve as beneficial co-treatment options. In view of these terms, the aim of this study is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of T2DM, its clinical presentation, and its complications. Additionally, the association of the pathogenesis of T2DM and the occurrence of its complications with obesity, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), insulin resistance (IR), hepatic steatosis, and dyslipidemia is examined, whilst molecular pathways, such as NF-κB and JAK/STAT, are also summarized, under the scope of the effects of several antioxidant compounds and minerals on their progression. The interrelation of T2DM with these conditions, as well as the effects of antioxidant supplementation, seems to be bidirectional, and it is recommended that obese patients be screened for T2DM and adopt lifestyle changes, including exercise, diet modification, and weight loss, in addition to potentially taking multifunctional supplements that offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, many aspects of the protective mechanisms of such antioxidants remain to be elucidated, with more drawbacks in their pharmacokinetic behavior, such as their poor absorption and solubility, waiting to be resolved. Full article

Bioactive glasses remain promising candidates for enhancing osseointegration on metallic implants. However, achieving a composition that combines controlled dissolution, cytocompatibility, and antimicrobial functionality remains an ongoing challenge. Building upon the prior structural and thermal characterization of boron-substituted 6P55 phosphosilicate glasses, this study investigates the biological consequences of incorporating 0, 5, 10, and 15 mol% B₂O₃ to determine their suitability as coatings for Ti6Al4V. Glass extracts were evaluated using L-929 fibroblast cultures (MTT assay and ImageJ-based cell counting), antimicrobial assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using a semi-quantitative dilution-plating method, and SBF immersion studies to assess pH evolution, surface mineralization, and Ca/P ratio development. FTIR and SEM analyses revealed composition-dependent formation of phosphate-, carbonate-, and silicate-rich surface layers, with 5B exhibiting the most consistent early-stage hydroxyapatite-like signatures, supported by Ca/P ratios approaching the stoichiometric value. The pH measurements showed rapid alkalization for 5B and moderate buffering behavior at higher boron contents, consistent with boron-dependent modifications to network connectivity. Cytocompatibility studies demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell number at elevated B₂O₃ levels, whereas the 0B and 5B extracts maintained higher viability and preserved cell morphology. Antibacterial assays revealed strain-dependent and sub-lethal inhibitory effects, with E. coli exhibiting stronger sensitivity than S. aureus, likely due to differences in cell wall architecture and susceptibility to ionic osmotic microenvironment changes. When considered alongside previously published computational and physicochemical results, the biological data indicate that moderate boron incorporation (5 mol%) provides the most favorable balance between dissolution kinetics, apatite formation, cytocompatibility, and antimicrobial modulation. These findings identify the 5B composition as a strong candidate for further optimization toward bioactive glass coatings on Ti6Al4V implants. Full article

This paper presents a novel batch Forward Osmosis (FO) process for hydropower generation. It focuses on analyzing the parameters needed to make the proposed osmotic power plant implementable with currently available technology. Starting from the solution–diffusion model and using flow and mass balance equations, the equations that describe the behavior of the system over time are obtained. Membrane orientation, concentration polarization, reverse solute flux, and membrane fouling are not considered. The equations for calculating the operation time for the charging and discharging stages are obtained. Also, an equation for calculating the required membrane area to make the duration of the two stages the same is obtained. The results indicate that a volume of approximately $30.4 {\mathrm{m}}^3$ discharging through a $0.84 \mathrm{i}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{h}$ diameter outflow jet towards a turbine could generate an energy of $25 \mathrm{k}\mathrm{w}·\mathrm{h}.$ The discharging stage would take $12 \mathrm{h}$, and with a membrane with a water permeability constant $A_m=1.763·{10}^{-12} \mathrm{m}/(\mathrm{s}·\mathrm{P}\mathrm{a})$, the charging stage would require a membrane superficial area ${Ar}_m=1·{10}^4 {\mathrm{m}}^2$ to have the same duration. The proposed osmotic power plant, whose working principle is based on volume change over time, contrary to pressure retarded osmosis, whose working principle requires expending energy to extract energy from the salinity gradient, could deliver greater net produced energy with comparatively lower operational costs as it does not require high-pressure pumps or energy recovery devices as are required in pressure-retarded osmosis. The use of several tanks that charge and discharge alternatively can make the system generate energy as if it were a continuous process. Full article

Objective: Morphine is a widely used analgesic for severe pain, but tolerance is a major challenge in long-term pain management. This study examined the potential of Daflon^® to enhance morphine’s pain-relieving effects and to reduce tolerance in a rat model with neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve transection (PSNT). Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) Sham + Saline, (2) PSNT + Saline, (3) PSNT + morphine, (4) PSNT + Daflon, and (5) PSNT + morphine + Daflon. Morphine tolerance was induced through continuous intrathecal infusion (15 µg/µL/h, i.t.) for 7 days, starting on day 7 post-PSNT, while Daflon was administered orally (50 mg/kg/day, oral) for 7 days. Pain relief was assessed using tail-flick and paw withdrawal on days 1, 4, and 7 after osmotic pump implantation. Spinal cords were collected for immunohistochemistry to analyze glial expression, and serum biomarkers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10) were measured to evaluate neuroinflammation. Results: The results showed that oral Daflon significantly enhanced morphine’s analgesic effects, evidenced by improved pain thresholds in all behavioral tests. Moreover, Daflon reduced morphine tolerance. Mechanistically, Daflon upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and activated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), reducing oxidative stress and modulating neuroinflammation through glial regulation. Combining morphine and Daflon reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and enhances anti-inflammatory IL-10 serum level, showing a synergistic effect in managing neuropathic pain with greater efficacy and lower drug dependence. Histology and immunohistochemistry evaluations further confirmed that morphine and Daflon co-treatment substantially reduced mononuclear cell infiltration, astrocyte activation (as indicated by GFAP expression), and microglial activation (as indicated by Iba-1 expression) compared to single treatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that dual therapy synergistically targets both oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, leading to stronger neuroprotection and pain relief. Importantly, the combination approach may allow for lower opioid dosages, minimizing the risks of opioid-related side effects. Overall, morphine and Daflon co-administration offers a promising and safer strategy for managing neuropathic pain and preserving spinal cord integrity. Full article

Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most widely used technology in seawater desalination, accounting for around 70% of installations worldwide due to its efficiency and lower energy consumption compared to conventional thermal processes. However, a major challenge for RO is concentration polarization (CP), a phenomenon that reduces permeate flow, increases osmotic pressure, and compromises salt rejection, affecting the useful life of the membranes. In this work, an RO pilot plant was operated with synthetic solutions ranging from 4830 to 39,850 mg L⁻¹ at pressures between 0.69 and 5.79 MPa, to analyze and predict CP behavior. The results obtained showed salt rejection percentages ranging from 98.80% to 99.63%. The adjusted polynomial models presented correlation coefficients close to unity, which supports their high predictive capacity and statistical robustness for estimating the behavior of CP as a function of pressure. These models were implemented in Python software, allowing for the simulation of non-experimental scenarios and the anticipation of critical conditions that could compromise the RO process. Therefore, this work provides a robust predictive simulation tool to optimize RO processes and ensure the sustainable supply of drinking water in regions with water availability problems. Full article

Sludge electro-dewatering technology is an attractive dewatering technology, but its application is limited by high energy consumption and filter cloth clogging caused by the dissolution of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). Thus, the addition of inorganic coagulants is expected to enhance the electro-dewatering efficiency of waste activated sludge (WAS). In this study, we evaluated the effects of the three typical inorganic coagulants (HPAC, PAC, and FeCl₃) on sludge electro-dewatering behavior. The results show that the electro-dewatering rate at the cathode was increased with the raising of the inorganic coagulants dosage, and FeCl₃ exhibited the best effect on the improvement of sludge electro-dewatering among the three inorganic coagulants. The zeta potential of the sludge flocs and the electro-osmotic effect were raised with the increasing of the inorganic coagulants dosage. The sludge floc conditioned by FeCl₃ is more compact than HPAC and PAC. Moreover, the dissolved EPS content reduced in the sludge electro-dewatering process when inorganic coagulant was added. In comparison to increasing ionic strength, the compression of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) plays a more critical role in enhancing the electro-dewatering process of sludge. The addition of inorganic coagulants also reduced the energy consumption during water removal in the electro-dewatering process. Full article

Cellular stress triggers the formation of diverse RNA–protein aggregates, which can be associated with physiological responses, pathological conditions, or even detrimental outcomes. Under stress-induced proteostasis disruption, these RNA–protein assemblies are known as stress granules (SGs). Targeting such condensates—while sparing functional RNAs and proteins—remains a major therapeutic challenge in protein aggregation disorders such as myopathies and neuropathies. In this study, we investigated the cellular response to various stress conditions in the context of the TIA1 E384K mutation, a founder variant implicated in both Welander distal myopathy (WDM) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Cells were exposed to different stressors, including proteotoxic, proteostatic, chemotoxic, and osmotic insults, and the behavior of TIA1-related SGs was analyzed. Our findings reveal a distinct yet conserved pattern in the dynamics of TIA1-dependent SG formation and clearance, influenced by the specific type of stressor and modulated by eIF2α Ser35 phosphorylation. These results indicate that the WDM-associated TIA1 mutation leads to aberrant SG dynamics across different stress conditions. Collectively, these observations support the idea that TIA1 E384K-associated SG dysregulation plays a role in WDM and ALS pathogenesis and underscores the importance of multiple stress contexts in disease progression. Full article

For monitoring animal adaptation when facing environmental challenges, and more specifically when addressing the impacts of global warming—particularly responses to heat stress and short-term fluctuations in osmotic regulations in the different organs influencing animal physiology—there is an increasing demand for digital tools to understand and monitor a range of biomarkers. Microneedle arrays (MNAs) have recently emerged as promising devices minimally invasively penetrating human skin to access dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) to monitor deviations in physiology and consequences on health. The ISF is a blood filtrate where the concentrations of ions, low molecular weight metabolites (<70 kDa), hormones, and drugs, often closely correlate with those in blood. However, anatomical skin differences between human and farm animals, especially large animals, as well as divergent tolerances of such devices among species with behavior specificities, motivate new MNA designs. We addressed technological challenges to design higher microneedles for farm animal (pigs and cattle) measurements. We designed microneedle arrays composed of 37 microneedles, each 2.8 mm in height, using dextran-methacrylate, a photo-crosslinked biocompatible biopolymer-based hydrogel. The arrays were characterized geometrically and mechanically. Their abilities to perforate pig and cow skin were demonstrated through histological analysis. The MNAs successfully absorbed approximately 10 µL of fluid within 3 h of application. Full article

Background: Obesity is a complex disorder with both metabolic and neurocognitive consequences, including impairments in prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent learning and memory. Combination pharmacotherapy may offer a more effective approach for addressing obesity-induced cognitive deficits. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of 30-day co-administration of lorcaserin (5-HT₂C agonist) and betahistine (H₁ agonist/H₃ antagonist) in reversing cognitive deficits in a diet-induced obesity (DIO) rat model. Methods: Male Lewis rats were subjected to DIO and administered lorcaserin (2 mg/kg) and betahistine (5 mg/kg), either alone or in combination, via intraperitoneally implanted osmotic minipumps for 30 days. Y-maze, novel object recognition, and object-in-place (OIP) tests were used to assess cognitive functions. In vivo electrophysiological recordings were employed to examine effects of the combination treatment on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neuron activity. Results: Obese Western-diet-fed rats showed lower discrimination scores in the OIP task, a behavioral test that engages PFC functions, while their performance in the Y-maze and novel object recognition tasks was similar to that of non-obese Control-diet-fed rats. Combination treatment with lorcaserin and betahistine significantly improved the OIP scores of obese rats. However, the combination treatment did not reduce body weight or obesity-associated morphometrical parameters. Electrophysiological recordings revealed a reduction in the number of spontaneously active dopaminergic neurons in the VTA of obese rats. Lorcaserin and betahistine co-treatment significantly increased the number of spontaneously active dopaminergic neurons of obese animals. Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of combination lorcaserin–betahistine treatment to reverse obesity-related cognitive deficits, possibly through enhancement of mesocortical dopaminergic neuron activity. Full article

Zwitterionic hydrogels have emerged as eco-friendly anti-fouling materials owing to their superior hydration-mediated resistance to biofouling. Nevertheless, their practical utility remains constrained by intrinsically poor mechanical robustness. Herein, this study proposes a novel strategy to develop novel tough zwitterionic hydrogels by freezing the gels’ polymer network. As a proof of concept, a zwitterionic hydrogel was synthesized via copolymerization of hydrophobic monomer phenyl methacrylate (PMA) and hydrophilic cationic monomer N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) methacrylamide (DMAPMA), followed by post-oxidation to yield a zwitterionic structure. At service temperature, the rigid and hydrophobic PMA segments remain frozen, while the hydrophilic zwitterionic units maintain substantial water content by osmotic pressure. Synergistically, the zwitterionic hydrogel achieves robust toughness and adhesiveness, with high rigidity (66 MPa), strength (4.78 MPa), and toughness (2.53 MJ/m³). Moreover, the hydrogel exhibits a distinct temperature-dependent behavior by manifesting softer and more stretchable behavior after heating, since the thawing of the gel network at high temperatures increases segmental mobility. Therefore, it achieved satisfactory adhesiveness to substrates (80 kPa). Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated remarkable anti-fouling performance, effectively suppressing biofilm formation and larval attachment. In summary, this work opens up promising prospects for the development of zwitterionic hydrogels with high application potential. Full article

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a serious health problem. Agomelatine (Ago) is a neuroprotective antidepressant. This study aimed to assess how Ago influences behavioral outcomes in AD-like rat model. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Wistar albino rats were allocated into four groups: Control (C), Alzheimer’s disease-like model (AD), Alzheimer’s disease-like model treated with Ago (ADAgo), and Ago alone (Ago). Physiological saline was injected intrahippocampally in C and Ago animals, whereas Aβ peptide was delivered similarly in AD and ADAgo rats. On day 15, 0.9% NaCl was administered to the C and AD groups, and Agomelatine (1 mg/kg/day) was infused into ADAgo and Ago rats via osmotic pumps for 30 days. Behavioral functions were evaluated using Open Field (OF), Forced Swim (FST), and Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests. Brain tissues were examined histopathologically. Neuritin, Nestin, DCX, NeuN, BDNF, MASH1, MT1, and MT2 transcripts were quantified by real-time PCR. Statistical analyses were performed in R 4.3.1, with p < 0.05 deemed significant. Results: In the FST, swimming, climbing, immobility time, and mobility percentage differed significantly among groups (p < 0.05). In the MWM, AD rats exhibited impaired learning and memory that was ameliorated by Ago treatment (p < 0.05). DCX expression decreased in AD rats but was elevated by Ago (p < 0.05). Nestin levels differed significantly between control and AD animals; MT1 expression varied between control and AD cohorts; and MT2 transcript levels were significantly lower in AD, ADAgo, and Ago groups compared to C (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ago exhibits antidepressant-like activity in this experimental AD model and may enhance cognitive function via mechanisms beyond synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Full article

Salinity stress presents a major ecological challenge for aquatic organisms, particularly in environments where salinity levels fluctuate. These fluctuations are becoming more pronounced due to climate change, further destabilizing aquatic ecosystems. Understanding how organisms adapt to such variability is essential for biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of aquatic resources. This review examines the physiological, molecular, and behavioral adaptations that enable aquatic organisms to survive and thrive under salinity stress. Specifically, it explores mechanisms of osmotic regulation, ion transport, and oxidative stress responses, highlighting key signaling pathways—such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase–protein kinase (PI3K-AKT), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the Hippo pathway—that facilitate these adaptive processes. The review also emphasizes the genetic and epigenetic modifications that contribute to resilience, underscoring the importance of genetic diversity for species survival in fluctuating salinity conditions. Furthermore, the interactions between host organisms and their microbiomes are discussed as critical factors influencing resilience. The review addresses the impact of salinity fluctuations on species distribution and biodiversity, with a focus on the implications of climate change for aquatic ecosystems. Finally, strategies for mitigating salinity stress, such as nutritional interventions and the development of salinity-resistant varieties, are explored, particularly in aquaculture. Overall, this review consolidates current knowledge on organismal adaptations, molecular mechanisms, and environmental challenges, offering valuable insights for ecological research and aquaculture practices in the face of climate change. Full article