Search Results (207)

This study evaluated the effects of dietary protein levels during late gestation on nutrient digestibility, plasma amino acid profiles in jennies, and donkey foal growth performance. Twenty-four pregnant jennies were randomly assigned to one of three diets with different crude protein (CP) contents during late gestation: 12.48% (HP), 11.52% (MP), and 10.54% (LP) on a dry matter basis. All animals received the same diet immediately after parturition for a duration of 30 days. During the trial, two digestion experiments were conducted, blood samples were collected at 28 and 7 days prepartum, and weekly weight measurements of jennies and foals were recorded. The results indicated that the dietary protein level did not significantly affect feed intake in late gestation. However, apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE), and calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) was generally higher in the MP and LP groups than in the HP group, with MP showing the most consistent improvements across nutrients and timepoints (p < 0.05). Although the HP diet increased plasma concentrations of certain amino acids, including glutamic acid (Glu), valine (Val), methionine (Met), leucine (Leu), essential amino acids (EAAs), functional amino acids (FAAs), and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), and elevated serum levels of glucose (GLU), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (CRE), it failed to improve postpartum weight recovery in jennies, highlighting that weight dynamics during this period are governed by factors beyond dietary protein content alone. Specifically, the LP group exhibited significantly higher cumulative postpartum weight loss over weeks 1–4 than the HP group (p = 0.004). Regarding offspring performance, both HP and MP diets improved foal birth weight, weekly body weight up to 4 weeks, average daily gain, and body height compared to the LP group (p < 0.05), with no significant differences observed between the HP and MP groups. In conclusion, for jennies under the current confined feeding system, a late-gestation diet containing 11.52% CP was adequate to support higher nutrient digestibility in the jennies and better growth performance in their foals, compared to a lower protein level (10.54% CP). However, increasing the dietary CP to 12.48% provided no additional benefits in nutrient utilization or overall productivity. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable soil management strategies has intensified interest in hydrochar (HC), a waste-derived amendment produced via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). This review synthesizes recent advances in HC production, characterization, and agri-environmental applications within a waste-to-resource framework. It covers studies conducted mainly over the last decade, encompassing a wide range of feedstocks, including agricultural residues, sewage sludge, animal manures, and food waste. HTC is typically performed at 130–280 °C under autogenous pressure (2–15 MPa), generating HCs with low intrinsic surface area (<50 m²g⁻¹) and oxygen-containing functional groups that govern nutrient dynamics and soil interactions. Reported application rates vary broadly between 10 and 60 t ha⁻¹, with most experiments conducted under greenhouse conditions. Positive effects on soil pH, cation exchange capacity, water retention, and phosphorus availability are frequently observed. However, plant responses vary according to the type of stimulation promoted by HC, as well as its processing conditions, application rates, and the soil characteristics in which it is applied. Advanced molecular-level analyses (e.g., FT-ICR-MS, GC-MS, and ¹³C-NMR) have provided mechanistic insights into carbon stability, nutrient release, and interaction with soil organic matter. Reusing HTC process water offers an additional pathway for nutrient recovery, although concerns about phytotoxic compounds remain. Despite promising short-term results, long-term field evaluations and standardized assessment protocols are still limited. This review integrates structural, functional and agri-environmental perspectives to identify critical knowledge gaps and guide the optimized and context specific use of hydrochar in sustainable agricultural systems. At the same time, it emphasizes its role in advancing carbon sequestration and in operationalizing resource-circular strategies, thereby underscoring its broader practical and strategic relevance. Full article

Phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) and its salts, including iron, aluminum, sodium, and lanthanum phytate, are perhaps the most recent discovery in the field of bio-sourced flame retardants. Phytic acid can be extracted from sustainable resources, such as beans, cereals, and oilseeds. Its high phosphorus content (28 wt.% based on molecular weight) organized into six phosphate groups justifies the growing interest this biomolecule has attracted over the last decade in various sectors (as a corrosion inhibitor, antioxidant, and anticancer additive, among others). In addition, when exposed to a flame or an irradiative heat flux, phytic acid is a highly efficient dehydrating and char-forming agent. It also contributes to excellent flame-retardant properties when combined with other carbon sources, such as chitosan, or nitrogen-containing additives, including melamine, urea, and polyethyleneimine. This paper reviews the most recent advances in using phytic acid and its derivatives to design effective flame-retardant systems for textiles, bulk polymers, and foams. It also provides perspectives on possible future developments and implementations. Full article

Biogas slurry is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus and bioactive substances, making it an effective material for restoring degraded grasslands. Against this background, we conducted a field experiment in Zhenglan Banner, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, from 2024 to 2025, to study the short-term effects of biogas slurry fertilizer on vegetation characteristics and above- and belowground plant traits. The experiment comprised three treatments: a water control (CK), 50% diluted biogas slurry (BS_50%), and full-strength biogas slurry (BS_100%). All treatments were applied at a rate of 300 m³·ha⁻¹, with CK receiving an equivalent volume of water. The biogas slurry contained 0.11% nitrogen (N), 0.07% phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 0.09% potassium (K₂O). Results showed that, compared with the control, biogas slurry application increased plant height, coverage, and biomass by 8.04–54.00%, 5.48–17.76%, and 18.40–96.01% in the first year, respectively. Plant crude protein and crude fat also increased by 7.33–31.17% and 21.54–30.00%. In the second year, the increases were 26.41–50.22%, 6.16–20.55%, and 13.91–52.42% for plant height, coverage, and biomass and 4.46–28.27% and 14.24–19.89% for crude protein and crude fat, respectively. The carbon, nitrogen and isotope indices of leaves and roots also increased simultaneously. Biogas slurry application altered plant community composition, BS_50% transiently increased plant family richness, BS_100% exerted persistent inhibitory effects, and species diversity across all fertilization treatments showed a recovery trend in the second year. Principal component analysis and redundancy analysis showed that treatment groups were clearly separated in 2024 but overlapped substantially in 2025. Root δ¹³C and root δ¹⁵N were key indicators distinguishing vegetation community characteristics. The results of this study confirmed that the application of biogas slurry fertilizer could actively improve the vegetation recovery of degraded grasslands. It provided reference support for the resource utilization of biogas slurry fertilizer and the sustainable management of grassland ecosystems. Full article

Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a key calcium-phosphorus compound, has been widely applied in fields such as dentistry, orthopedics, and biomedicine. However, its potential for removing copper ions from aqueous solutions remains largely unexplored. In this study, sodium citrate-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (Cit-ACP) and its calcined derivatives at various temperatures were successfully synthesized as adsorbents for copper ions. The adsorption behavior of Cit-ACP was best described by the Langmuir isotherm, with kinetics following a pseudo-second-order model. Under conditions of pH 5.5 and an initial copper ion concentration of 200 mg/L, Cit-ACP exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 323.96 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Comprehensive characterization via XRD, XPS, and zeta potential measurements before and after adsorption revealed a two-stage adsorption mechanism. At low initial copper concentrations, adsorption occurred predominantly through surface complexation between copper ions and sodium citrate molecules on Cit-ACP nanoparticles. At higher concentrations, the mechanism extended to include co-precipitation of copper ions with hydroxyl groups, which promoted the transformation of Cit-ACP into copper-substituted calcium phosphate phases, such as copper-containing hydroxyapatite. Owing to its straightforward synthesis, high adsorption capacity, and inherent biocompatibility, Cit-ACP presents a promising, cost-effective, and efficient adsorbent for the removal of copper ions from aqueous environments. Full article

Maize is a globally significant cereal crop, while Albic soils in Northeast China are characterized by low available phosphorus (P), poor humus (HS) quality, and constrained maize yield. The synergistic effects of P fertilization on maize yield and HS quality in these soils remain poorly understood. This three-year field experiment was conducted to determine the optimal P application rate for concurrently enhancing crop productivity and HS quality. Four P application rates were established: 0 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (no P application, P0), 40 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (low P application, LP), 80 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (moderate P application, MP), and 120 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹ (high P application, HP). Soil nutrients status, HS fractions, dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluorescence characteristics, and structural properties of humic acid (HA) were systematically analyzed following standard analytical procedures. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson correlation analysis were integrated to facilitate comprehensive data interpretation. Results indicated that the MP treatment achieved the highest maize yield (12,257.1 kg ha⁻¹) and soil organic matter (SOM, 14.8 g kg⁻¹) content, with no further yield improvement observed under HP. The MP treatment significantly increased DOM carbon content (C_DOM, 0.350 mg L⁻¹) and its humification index (HIX, 6.80), promoting the transformation of labile DOM into stable HS. HA under MP treatment exhibited enhanced structural stability, as evidenced by a lower H/C ratio (1.72), a higher O/C ratio (0.880), and a reduced E₄/E₆ ratio, reflecting increased aromatic condensation and a greater abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis (DTA) confirmed that MP improved the structural complexity and thermal stability of HA. In contrast, P0 and LP restricted nutrient availability and HS formation, whereas HP induced soil acidification (pH 5.68) and disrupted HS equilibrium. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between the MP treatment and SOM, C_DOM, and maize yield. This implied that moderate P input promoted stable soil organic carbon accumulation and nutrient availability, synergistically enhancing maize productivity—consistent with the study’s core goal of optimizing P management for concurrent yield and HS quality improvement in Albic soils. Accordingly, this study concluded that moderate P application (80 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹) was optimal for Albic soils, synergistically enhancing both maize productivity and HS quality. These findings provided theoretical support for precise P management in sustainable agricultural systems within the Albic soil regions of Northeast China. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, making enamel remineralization a key objective in minimally invasive dentistry. This in vitro study compared the remineralization efficacy of five therapeutic toothpastes containing fluoride, NovaMin, CPP-ACP, nano-hydroxyapatite, arginine, and xylitol. Methods: Sixty enamel specimens were prepared from extracted human posterior teeth and artificially demineralized. Samples were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): one negative control (C1) stored in artificial saliva and five treatment groups (P1–P5). A 28-day remineralization protocol with twice-daily applications was performed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to assess surface morphology and elemental composition (Ca, P, F, Na, O, Ca/P ratio) at days 1, 14, and 28. Vickers microhardness testing was used to evaluate changes in mechanical properties. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, Tukey’s post hoc test, and Kruskal–Wallis where appropriate (α = 0.05). Results: All therapeutic toothpastes produced some increase in mineral content compared to the demineralized control. At day 28, significant intergroup differences were observed for calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride (p < 0.001). The arginine–fluoride formulation (P4) and the NovaMin-based formulation (P3) showed the most consistent increases in Ca and P, with SEM revealing the formation of a continuous, compact surface layer and marked reduction in prismatic porosities. Fluoride-containing toothpastes (P1, P3, P4) showed significant fluoride incorporation (p < 0.001 vs. control). The nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol prototype (P5) produced a delayed but progressive increase in Ca and P, with partial filling of prismatic spaces. The CPP-ACP-based toothpaste (P2) led to limited changes, with only slight differences vs. control at day 28. Vickers microhardness values increased significantly in groups P1, P3, P4, and P5 (p < 0.05), in agreement with the higher mineral levels found in these samples. Conclusions: Under the present in vitro conditions, toothpastes containing fluoride in combination with NovaMin or arginine, as well as nano-hydroxyapatite/xylitol, demonstrated the highest remineralization potential under the present in vitro conditions, both chemically and mechanically. Xylitol-based formulations without a direct mineral supply showed limited effects. The pH and active composition of the toothpaste strongly influenced enamel remineralization outcomes. Full article

Liquid digestate, a by-product of excess sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), contains high concentrations of organic matter and essential nutrients that could promote plant growth. However, it also contains a significant number of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms, which present major challenges in terms of its safe application. A sample taken from WWTP “Kubratovo” was treated using plasma devices. The aim was to evaluate the effect of treatment by two types of plasma sources on the content of pathogenic bacteria as well as the chemical composition of the liquid digestate. The Surfaguide plasma source demonstrated a higher disinfection effectiveness (100% for E. coli, Clostridium sp.; over 99% for fecal and total coliforms; 98% for Salmonella sp.). The β-device effectively removed (100%) the following groups: E. coli and Clostridium sp. However, its effectiveness was significantly lower for the other groups. The obtained results show that plasma treatment induces the transformation of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, resulting in increased nitrite and phosphate concentrations. The application of cold atmospheric plasma disinfection significantly improved the sanitary and compositional characteristics of the liquid digestate. The Surfaguide achieved significantly better results than the β-device, confirming its suitability for sustainable resource recovery and safe agricultural use. Full article

In this work, a multifunctional surface engineering strategy was developed to impart both flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties to cotton fabrics. In the first stage, cellulose fibers were modified with poly(methylvinyl)siloxane containing trimethoxysilyl groups, 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-divinyl-bis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)cyclotetrasiloxane, or tetrakis(vinyldimethylsiloxy)tetrakis(trimethoxysilylpropyltioethyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS). All modifiers contained alkoxysilyl groups capable of forming covalent bonds with cellulose hydroxyl groups. The modification was performed using a dip-coating process followed by thermal curing. This procedure enabled the formation of Si-O-C linkages and the generation of a reactive organosilicon layer on the cotton surface. In the second step, O,O′-diethyl dithiophosphate was grafted directly onto the vinyl-functionalized fabrics via a thiol-ene click reaction. This process resulted in the formation of a phosphorus- and sulfur-containing protective layer anchored within the siloxane-based network. The obtained hybrid coatings were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM-EDS. These analyses confirmed the presence and uniform distribution of the modifiers on the fiber surface. Microscale combustion calorimetry demonstrated a substantial reduction in the heat release rate. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) revealed increased char formation and altered thermal degradation pathways. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased for all modified fabrics, confirming enhanced flame resistance. Water contact angle measurements showed values above 130°, indicating effective hydrophobicity. As a result, multifunctional textile surfaces were obtained. In addition, the modified fabrics exhibited partial durability toward laundering and retained measurable flame-retardant and hydrophobic performance after repeated washing cycles. Full article

Background: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a multifaceted and vital role in plants. Phosphate Transporter 1 (PHO1) is a class of important functional genes involved in plant phosphorus uptake and transport. We identify PHOSPHATE 1 (PHO1) members in mung beans and investigate their response to low phosphorus stress, thereby aiding in the development of stress-tolerant, high-yielding mung bean varieties. Methods: A bioinformatic analysis was performed, which led to the identification of the PHO1 homologue sequence in mung beans. This analysis also elucidated its gene and protein structural characteristics alongside its phylogenetic relationships. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression patterns of genes in roots and leaves in response to conditions of prolonged low-phosphorus and phosphorus-deprivation stress. Results: Total PHO1 homologues were identified in mung beans, which can be grouped into 3 groups (Group I-III). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that VrPHO1s shares closer evolutionary relationships with PHO1 in legumes, and exhibits 6 collinear gene pairs with Glycine max (soybean), all with Ka/Ks ratios below 1, suggesting they have undergone purifying selection. The gene promoter region contains multiple cis-acting elements capable of participating in plant growth and development, stress responses, and plant hormone responses. Expression analysis revealed that more VrPHO1 genes responded to phosphorus stress in roots than in leaves; of these, the expression of VrPHO1; H2, VrPHO1; H3, and VrPHO1; H5 genes was significantly induced by continuous phosphorus-deficient stress. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive genome-wide identification of the PHO1 family in mung bean and provides valuable candidate gene resources for the future study of their biological functions and regulatory roles in phosphate-deficient stress. Full article

This study aimed to develop bioactive toothpaste and compare its remineralization potential on initial enamel lesions with toothpaste containing other active agents. Sixty extracted human maxillary incisors were randomly assigned to six groups: Group EXP (Experimental toothpaste), Group SRP (Sensodyne Repair & Protect), Group ZAC (Zubio Active Carbon Whitening), Group GTM (GC Tooth Mousse), Group CSP (Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief), and Group ASS (Artificial saliva, control). Artificial caries were induced by immersion in a demineralization solution for three days. Specimens then underwent a seven-day pH-cycling protocol, during which toothpaste was applied twice daily for two minutes. Analyses were performed at baseline, post-demineralization, and post-remineralization using ATR-FTIR, SEM-EDS, and Vickers micro-hardness testing. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (version 27.0, IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA). All treatment groups, except the control, showed significant microhardness recovery after remineralization, with the highest increase in group CSP followed by group EXP (p < 0.05). Granular surface deposits were observed, most pronounced in groups SRP and GTM (p < 0.05). Calcium and phosphorus contents increased in all groups (p < 0.05), with calcium highest in group GTM and phosphorus in group EXP. The mineral-to-matrix ratio increased in all groups, and a statistically significant difference was identified between the experimental toothpaste (EXP) and the other toothpaste formulations (p < 0.05). It is hypothesized that pomegranate seed essential oil may exhibit a remineralizing effect due to its content of anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and various polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, the development of a toothpaste with enhanced remineralization potential was targeted by incorporating pomegranate seed essential oil into the experimental formulation in addition to bioactive agents such as bioactive glass, hydroxyapatite, and casein phosphopeptide. Full article

A 10-week growth experiment was conducted to evaluate the physiological effects of dietary phosphorus supplementation on red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) feeding diets with high Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) levels. Six isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated: The FM diet contained 10% fishmeal, which is equivalent to a dietary phosphorus level of 1.41%, and the CAP, CAPSP1, CAPSP2, and CAPSP3 diets substituted all fishmeal with CAP and supplemented with 0, 2.5%, 3%, and 3.5% Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, respectively (corresponding to dietary phosphorus levels of 0.66%, 1.27%, 1.40%, and 1.52%). A total of 600 crayfish with an initial mean weight of (5.01 ± 0.02) g were selected and randomly assigned to 15 cages for feeding and sampled at the end of the experiment. Results indicate that high-dose CAP replacing fishmeal caused abnormal hepatopancreatic tissue structure in crayfish, exacerbating lipid deposition and oxidative stress. Compared with the CAP group, the specific growth rate (SGR) of crayfish in the CAPSP2 and CAPSP3 groups significantly increased (p < 0.05). The activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid-degrading enzymes in the hepatopancreas, along with the relative expression of related genes, were significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). Metabolomic analysis demonstrated significant differences in major differential metabolites and metabolic pathways between the CAP group crayfish and the CAPSP2 group (p < 0.05). CAPSP2 group crayfish exhibited a higher content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), with significant enrichment in glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism pathways (p < 0.05). Overall, supplementing dietary phosphorus levels to 1.40–1.52% effectively mitigated growth retardation, oxidative damage, and lipid metabolism disorders induced by high-proportion CAP replacement of fishmeal. Full article

Phosphorus-modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has recently gained increasing attention as a functional polymeric matrix suitable for gel-based systems, owing to its biocompatibility, film-forming ability, and capacity to develop semi-interpenetrating networks. In this work, PVA was chemically modified through the nucleophilic substitution of its hydroxyl groups with the chloride groups of phenyl dichlorophosphate, following a literature-reported method carried out in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as reaction medium, resulting in phosphorus-containing PVA networks (PVA-OP3). Hybrid gel-like films were then prepared by incorporating titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs), known for their antimicrobial activity, low toxicity, and high stability. The resulting composites were structurally, morphologically, and thermally characterized using FTIR, SEM, and thermogravimetric analysis. The incorporation of TiO₂ NPs significantly improved the thermal stability, with T₅% increasing from 240 °C for neat PVA-OP3 to 288 °C for the optimal composite, increased the char residue from 4.5% for the neat polymer to 30.1% for PVA-OP3/TiO₂-4, and enhanced antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings demonstrate that PVA-OP3/TiO₂ hybrid films possess promising potential as advanced biomaterials for biomedical, protective, and environmental applications. Full article

We evaluated the effects of suspensions of magnetite–maghemite nanocomposites functionalized with quaternized chitosan and phosphate groups on morpho-anatomical and physiological traits of yellow maize (Zea mays) and chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) seeds. A phytotoxicity assay was first conducted by applying aqueous suspensions of these nanocomposites to maize seeds at iron concentrations up to 100 ppm, using deionized water as the control under humid chamber conditions. After incubation, seeds treated with concentrations above 100 ppm exhibited reductions in biomass and root length compared with the control, suggesting phytotoxicity at high levels. Based on these results, suspensions containing 25, 35, and 45 ppm of iron, with corresponding phosphorus concentrations of 2.9, 4.0, and 5.2 ppm, were selected for a second in vitro assay using both maize and chili seeds. No statistically significant differences between treatments and control were detected for the variables measured. Germinated seeds from this assay were further evaluated under greenhouse conditions, where measured parameters also showed no significant differences between treatments and control in either crop. Overall, the findings indicate that aqueous suspensions of magnetite–maghemite nanocomposites with iron concentrations below 100 ppm do not produce phytotoxic effects on seed germination or morpho-anatomical and physiological traits measured. Full article

This study aimed to compare tooth mineralization and color changes achieved with two experimental bleaching gels containing chitosan and theobromine (16% CP or 6% HP, Group 1, 2) with the FGM Whiteness Perfect (16% CP) (Group 3) and BioWhitenProHome (6% HP) (Group 4). Ninety-six maxillary central teeth were divided into two groups for color and mineral evaluations. These groups were then further divided into four subgroups according to the bleaching agent (n = 12). Mineral analysis was performed with SEM-EDX before the bleaching, at the end of the treatment, and two weeks after treatment ended to assess changes. Color measurement was performed with a spectrophotometer before bleaching, on the 7th day of treatment, 24 h after final treatment, and two weeks after treatment ended. No significant difference among the groups was found in color change (p > 0.05), while mineralization differed significantly (p < 0.05). The ΔE₀₀₃ values of Group 4 and Group 2 were found to be close to each other. The highest calcium loss was detected in Group 3, whereas the most pronounced decrease in phosphorus values was observed in Group 4. Using theobromine and chitosan can provide clinicians with positive results for bleaching treatments, such as using lower HP concentrations and avoiding side effects. Full article