Search Results (198)

Bamboo-derived biochar (BC) is promising for high-salinity wastewater treatment through photothermal evaporation. This study systematically evaluated BCs synthesized at 400–800 °C with residence times of 40 or 70 min. Pyrolysis temperature proved dominant, with 600 °C representing a critical threshold. Below this temperature, BCs maintained high carbon content and polar functional groups but exhibited limited porosity. Above it, structural reorganization enhanced pore development and aromaticity while reducing polar surface groups. Residence time primarily influenced volatile retention, and prolonged pyrolysis led to pore collapse. The optimal BC—produced at 800 °C for 40 min—combined hierarchical porosity with balanced surface chemistry, achieving an evaporation rate of 1.21 kg/m²·h and a photothermal efficiency of 70.45% under high-salinity conditions. Mechanistic analysis indicates that short, high-temperature pyrolysis preserves structural integrity and interfacial activity with minimal energy input. These results establish a thermal processing approach that reconciles carbon stability with surface functionality, offering practical guidance for scaling efficient and sustainable biochar-based wastewater treatment systems. Full article

Background: Among many deleterious effects on the well-being of children and youth, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a surge in youth mental health distress. This, coupled with pre-existing prolonged wait times for mental health care, highlighted the need for accessible community-based mental health supports. The Healthy Living Project (HELP) is a virtual lifestyle change support program aimed at promoting positive lifestyle changes and improved mental well-being among youth with mental distress. A pilot feasibility study explored youth engagement with HELP e-resources, and preliminary mental health and lifestyle measures over a 3-month period. Methods: Youth were enrolled in a 3-month pilot of the HELP e-resource. Feasibility metrics (recruitment, retention, and platform engagement) were documented, while exploratory self-reported data on emotional and behavioral difficulties, youth quality of life, sedentary behavior (screen time), sleep hygiene, and physical activity were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Results: Twenty-three youth (mean age 15.7 years, SD 1.7) completed baseline assessments and started the intervention, with ten participants retained by the end of the study. Compared with non-completers (n = 13), study completers (n = 10) tended to report higher quality of life and healthier habits (lower screen time, improved sleep hygiene, and higher activity). Ongoing access to HELP over 3 months was associated with suggestive trends toward improvement in emotional and behavioral difficulties and sleep hygiene. Engaged participants who received screen time education tended to report lower screen times as compared to unengaged counterparts. Conclusions: This study provides early insights into the implementation and acceptability of HELP e-resources among youth experiencing mental distress, with suggestive trends toward potential benefit. Low recruitment and high attrition preclude definitive conclusions, and the findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Lessons from this pilot will inform the design of a subsequent trial to more rigorously evaluate feasibility and the potential impact of HELP on youth with mental distress. Full article

Illite, a clay mineral, is used in diverse fields such as agriculture, cosmetics, and the food-related industry due to its many advantages, including biocompatibility, UV protection, antibacterial activity, high adsorption capacity for hazardous substances, and cost-effectiveness. However, its relatively large size, broad size distribution, and irregular morphology limit its broader applications. This study investigated the control of particle size and distribution during wet ball milling (WBM) using five media—acetone, ethanol, water, aqueous NaCl solution, and aqueous phosphoric acid solution—over milling times of 2–10 h. Prolonged milling progressively reduced particle size and narrowed the size distribution. Acetone and ethanol exhibited notably superior size-reduction performance compared with the aqueous systems, among which phosphoric acid solution showed the least effectiveness, likely attributed to variations in their physicochemical properties, including viscosity (η) and surface tension (σ), and in their interfacial interactions with illite. Optimal milling in acetone for 10 h resulted in the smallest particles (~700 nm), the narrowest distribution, the largest specific surface area, and the highest moisture retention. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the physicochemical properties of the milling medium, which govern WBM efficiency through fluid dynamics and particle–medium interactions, thereby determine the size and distribution of milled particles. Full article

Cytokine storm is a critical driver of acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. Human β-defensin 2 (HBD-2) is the first inducible defensin discovered in human body. Defensin can resist pathogenic microorganisms invading the body through direct bactericidal effect and also modulates acquired immune response. Albumin exhibits immunomodulatory properties and can reduce the level of inflammatory cytokines to improve the systemic inflammatory response. We previously engineered a recombinant fusion protein, DF₂-HSA, comprising two HBD-2 molecules linked to human serum albumin. Here, we evaluated its effect on cytokine storm using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine storm murine model (BALB/c athymic mice, female). DF₂-HSA reduced the mortality in cytokine storm murine model and prolonged the retention time of HBD-2 in the body. A Luminex assay showed that DF₂-HSA reduced the production of multiple inflammatory cytokines in cytokine storm murine model. Evans blue staining showed that DF₂-HSA reduced vascular leakage. Transmission electron microscopy showed that DF₂-HSA reduced the lung injury of cytokine storm mice. The pathological results showed that DF₂-HSA alleviated the lung and small intestine damage of cytokine storm mice. In summary, DF₂-HSA effectively inhibits cytokine storms and ameliorates associated tissue damage. Full article

Patients with leukemia are at heightened risk for invasive fungal infections (IFIs) due to profound immunosuppression caused by both the malignancy and its treatment. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, mucosal barrier disruption, and impaired innate and adaptive immune responses create a highly permissive environment for opportunistic fungal pathogens. Antifungal prophylaxis, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has become a cornerstone in reducing IFI-related morbidity and mortality. This review outlines the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying susceptibility to IFI and discusses current evidence on the optimal timing and therapeutic strategies for antifungal intervention. The clinical utility of key antifungal agents, namely, posaconazole, isavuconazole, and voriconazole, is critically evaluated. We also examine the potential role of emerging agents such as opelconazole, which enables targeted pulmonary delivery and prolonged epithelial retention, representing a promising approach to IFI prevention. Drug-specific considerations, including pharmacokinetics, drug–drug interactions, toxicity profiles, and cost-effectiveness, are analyzed in the context of clinical decision-making. Finally, we emphasize the importance of tailoring antifungal strategies based on leukemia subtype, immunosuppressive status, and individual patient factors to optimize outcomes and support antifungal stewardship in hematologic malignancies. Full article

Marine fog is a key non-rainfall water source that sustains microbial activity and transports dissolved nutrients inland, influencing early soil development in hyperarid ecosystems. However, the mechanisms through which sustained fog inputs drive soil surface modification and biocrust formation remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of long-term fog augmentation on soil surface development, biocrust dynamics, and associated microbial communities in the Atacama Desert. We implemented a four-year fog addition field experiment with three sampling times (T0, T24, T48) to assess changes in soil physicochemical properties, biocrust composition, and the integrated multi-diversity of archaea, bacteria, fungi and protist. Sustained fog input transformed bare soils into biological soil crusts, particularly lichen- and moss-dominated stages. This transition was accompanied by increases in soil nitrogen, variations in organic matter accumulation, a shift from alkaline to near-neutral pH, and improvements in soil stability and water retention. Multi-diversity increased over time and was positively associated with ecosystem variables linked to water availability, structural stabilization, and decomposition. These functions, integrated into an ecosystem multifunctionality index, also increased under prolonged fog input, revealing a positive relationship between multifunctionality and multi-diversity. Overall, the results demonstrate that sustained fog input strongly enhances early soil surface development and biocrust establishment, highlighting the ecological importance of marine fog in shaping biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in hyperarid landscapes. Full article

Background/Objectives: The utility of routine gastric tube (GT) placement following gastrectomy in gastric cancer (GC) patients with pyloric obstruction remains controversial. This practice conflicts with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles, and its value in this high-risk subgroup is unclear. This study aimed to compare the clinical and economic outcomes of routine versus selective gastric tube use in these patients, and to identify predictors for prolonged gastric tube retention. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted on 133 GC patients with pyloric obstruction who underwent gastrectomy. Patients were stratified into GT (n = 63) and non-GT (n = 70) groups. Primary outcomes included 30-day complications, 90-day mortality, hospitalization duration, and costs. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to identify predictors of prolonged GT retention. Results: Routine GT use provided no clinical benefit, with similar 30-day complication (22.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.945) and 90-day mortality (1.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.290) rates. However, it was associated with a significantly prolonged postoperative hospital stay (8.8 ± 2.5 vs. 8.0 ± 4.2 days, p = 0.034) and a mean cost increase of ¥5900 per patient (p = 0.006). A dose–response relationship was evident: each additional day of GT retention correlated with 0.57 extra hospital days (r = 0.567, p < 0.001) and ¥3600 in added costs (r = 0.360, p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis identified longer preoperative fasting time (Adjusted HR = 1.27 per hour, 95% CI: 1.10–1.45, p = 0.001) and GLIM-defined malnutrition (Adjusted HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.02–4.17, p = 0.045) as independent predictors for prolonged GT retention. Conclusions: Routine GT placement after gastrectomy in obstructed GC patients increases healthcare costs and prolongs hospitalization without improving clinical outcomes. Preoperative fasting duration and nutritional status are key predictors for prolonged GT need. A selective GT strategy, guided by these parameters, is recommended to optimize recovery and resource utilization, aligning with ERAS principles. Full article

This study examined the impact of various treatments on the storage quality of sugar-cored ‘Fuji’ apples, with the objective of establishing a theoretical foundation for extending the retention period of these apples and augmenting their commercial worth. This experiment utilized three distinct treatments for sugar-cored ‘Fuji’ apples, with the combination of 1-methylcyclopropene and polyethylene self-sealing bag treatment (1-M+PE) demonstrating the most effective prolongation of the storage duration for the sugar-cored apples. The 1-M+PE treatment significantly mitigated the reduction of sugar-cored in ‘Fuji’ apples and extended the onset of cellular rupture, postponing the loss of firmness and preserving the concentrations of sorbitol and sucrose throughout the storage duration. The 1-M+PE treatment effectively prolonged the storage duration of sugar-cored apples in cold storage. ‘Fuji’ apples subjected to 1-M+PE treatment were stored in cold storage for 120 days. The sugar-cored apple rate was 38.9%. The firmness was 14.8% greater than that of the control group. The soluble solid concentration in the sugar-cored part was 3.83% higher than that of the control group. The reducing sugar content in the sugar-cored part was 16.2% higher than that of the control group, and the titratable acid content in the sugar-cored part was 1.86 times greater than that of the control group. The correlation study of the indicators during the storage period revealed a robust association between the rate of sugar-cored apple and the content of sorbitol, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Experimental findings demonstrate that the concurrent application of 1-M+PE significantly inhibits the disappearance of sugar-cored. Full article

Background and Objectives: Elastodontic appliances made of medical-grade silicone are increasingly used in interceptive orthodontics, but prolonged intraoral exposure may affect their stability. This study evaluated structural changes in LM-Activator^TM 2 appliances after clinical use, using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Materials and Methods: Eight appliances (one unused control and seven worn for 3–24 months) were analyzed by FTIR-ATR in the 4000–650 cm⁻¹ range. Absorption bands characteristic of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) were quantified, and indices reflecting backbone crosslinking, side-group retention, hydrophilicity, and relative reduction in methyl-related spectral contributions were calculated. Results: The PDMS backbone remained chemically intact across all samples. However, progressive molecular reorganization was detected with wear duration. The Backbone Dominance Index increased significantly from control to 24 months, while side-group indices decreased, confirming apparent depletion of methyl-related FTIR bands. Hydrophilicity and crosslinking indices rose over time, particularly after 12 months, indicating increased surface polarity and network densification. Conclusions: LM-Activator^TM 2 appliances undergo gradual intraoral aging, marked by backbone crosslinking and apparent reduction in methyl-associated vibrational contributions inferred from FTIR ratio side-groups. These changes, while not compromising the polymer identity, may influence surface properties, biofilm retention, and long-term mechanical behavior. Periodic replacement is recommended to ensure optimal clinical performance. Full article

The depletion of global lithium reserves, coupled with the necessity for environmentally sustainable and economically accessible energy storage systems, has driven the development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as a promising alternative to lithium-ion technologies. Among various anode materials for SIBs, hard carbon exhibits obvious advantages and significant commercial potential owing to its high energy density, low operating potential, and stable capacity retention during prolonged cycling. Biomass represents the most attractive source of non-graphitizable carbon from a practical standpoint, being readily available, renewable, and low-cost. However, the complex internal structure of biomass precursors creates significant challenges for precise control of microstructure and properties of the resulting hard carbon materials, requiring further research and optimization of synthesis methodologies. This work reports the synthesis of hard carbon from Sasa kurilensis via pyrolysis at 900 °C and investigates the effect of alkaline pretreatment on the structural and electrochemical characteristics of the anode material for SIBs. Sasa kurilensis is employed for the first time as a source for non-graphitizable carbon synthesis, whose unique natural vascular structure forms optimal hierarchical porosity for sodium-ion intercalation upon thermal treatment. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption. Electrochemical properties were evaluated by galvanostatic cycling in the potential range of 0.02–2 V at a current density of 25 mAhg⁻¹ in half-cells with sodium metal counter electrodes. The unmodified sample demonstrated a discharge capacity of 160 mAhg⁻¹ by the 6th cycle, with an initial capacity of 77 mAhg⁻¹. The alkaline-treated material exhibited lower discharge capacity (114 mAhg⁻¹) and initial Coulombic efficiency (40%) due to increased specific surface area, leading to excessive electrolyte decomposition. Full article

The elimination of thiophenic sulfides from fuel oils is essential for both environmental protection and industrial catalysis. However, conventional hydrodesulfurization encounters difficulties due to severe operating conditions and limited efficacy against aromatic heterocyclic sulfur compounds. Adsorptive desulfurization offers notable advantages under milder conditions. In this investigation, topology-guided pore engineering was utilized to fabricate porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) with distinct pore structures through Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling. Notably, PBPAF-2, despite its lower specific surface, demonstrates significantly improved mass transfer kinetics attributed to its unique mesoporous channel (2.13 nm), resulting in notably prolonged dynamic breakthrough retention times compared to other materials in the series. Analysis using synchrotron-assisted FT-IR spectroscopy reveals a blue-shift in benzene ring characteristic peaks following adsorption of dibenzothiophene and benzothiophene, indicating that π-π interactions between electron-rich aromatic rings in PAFs and thiophenic rings are the primary driving force for adsorption. This work proposes a dual-factor synergistic design strategy of “mass transfer optimization–electron cloud matching”, offering a new strategy for the development of highly efficient adsorbents. Full article

This work investigates the role of preload pressure in governing the electro-chemo-mechanical (ECM) behavior of lithium iron phosphate (LFP)/graphite pouch cells during calendar aging. Cells aged at 60 °C under different preload levels were systematically evaluated through in situ monitoring of force evolution and capacity retention. To interpret these behaviors, a coupled model was developed that integrates solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)-induced electrode expansion, viscoelastic relaxation, and stiffness evolution, and it was validated against multi-rate discharge experiments, showing excellent agreement with measured voltage and force responses. The results reveal that higher preload amplifies internal pressure fluctuations, prolongs viscoelastic relaxation, and delays irreversible force recovery, while the overall capacity fade remains largely unaffected. A slight mitigation in capacity loss is observed at high preload, primarily due to suppressed SEI growth resulting from reduced electrode porosity and a decrease in active surface area available for interfacial reactions. Fitting parameters for stiffness correction, relaxation amplitude, and relaxation time exhibited systematic preload dependence. By decoupling irreversible and relaxation forces, the framework enables quantitative analysis of aging-induced pressure accumulation. Overall, this study underscores the critical role of mechanical constraints in long-term battery degradation and demonstrates the predictive capability of the proposed ECM model for guiding preload design in practical modules. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to observe the pharmacokinetic differences of schisantherin B (STB) in the blood and liver of normal and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) mice, as well as the changes in CYP450 enzymes in MAFLD mice. Methods: A MAFLD model was established in C57 mice fed a high-fat diet. Blood and liver samples from mice administered STB (5 mg/kg) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) to identify major metabolites of STB and assess the activity of CYP450 enzymes. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS 3.0 software. The cocktail assay method was employed to determine CYP450 enzyme activity in hepatocytes in vitro. Results: The activities of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP3A4 were significantly decreased, while the CYP2E1 activity was significantly increased in MAFLD hepatocyte model. In vitro liver microsomal experiments revealed that STB was primarily metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Compared to normal mice, STB in the liver tissue of MAFLD mice showed a significantly reduced area under the curve (AUC) and peak concentration (C_max), prolonged half-life (t_1/2), decreased mean retention time (MRT), and increased clearance (CL). In contrast, the AUC, C_max, and t_1/2 of STB in the serum of MAFLD mice were significantly increased, while the CL was decreased. Conclusions: Changes in the activity of liver microsomal enzymes following fatty liver injuries in MAFLD mice may lead to pharmacokinetic differences in STB, thereby affecting its metabolism in the liver. Full article

Rain-on-snow (ROS) events profoundly influence mixed rain–snow flooding and the water resource cycle. However, current research regarding ROS events remains predominantly reliant on existing datasets, lacking detailed controlled experiments under variable conditions. This study employed control variables and an orthogonal experimental design to conduct laboratory-controlled experiments simulating ROS events with different temperatures, rainfall intensities, and rainfall durations. Observations and analyses were performed on the snowmelt volumes during and after events. The results indicate that ROS events significantly accelerate snowmelt rates and increase total snowmelt volume. Under low-intensity ROS, snowmelt volume exhibits greater sensitivity to temperature changes. A temperature threshold exists between 2 °C and 6 °C; beyond this threshold, the melting rate accelerates and ablation volume increases. Under high-intensity ROS, rainwater becomes the dominant factor driving snowpack ablation. When rainfall intensity exceeds 60 mm·h⁻¹, it triggers a sharp increase in snowmelt volume. Concurrently, following an ROS event, snowpacks subjected to low-intensity rainfall exhibit a stronger rainwater retention capacity, an effect that becomes more pronounced at lower temperatures. Additionally, snowmelt volume increases with prolonged rainfall duration, with the increment in snowmelt volume attributable to extended rainfall time being greater under weaker rainfall intensities. These findings provide a scientific reference for better understanding ROS-related disasters mechanisms. Full article

Rhizosphere hypoxia, caused by soil compaction and waterlogging, is a major constraint on agricultural productivity. It severely impairs crop growth and yield by inhibiting root aerobic respiration, disrupting energy metabolism, and altering the rhizosphere microecology. Micro-nano bubbles (MNBs) show significant potential for alleviating rhizosphere hypoxia due to their unique physicochemical properties, including large specific surface area, high oxygen dissolution efficiency, prolonged retention time, and negative surface charge. This paper systematically reviews the key characteristics of MNBs, particularly their enhanced mass transfer capacity and system stability, and outlines mainstream preparation methods such as cavitation, electrolysis, and membrane dispersion. And the multiple alleviation mechanisms of MNBs—including continuous oxygen release, improvement of soil pore structure, and regulation of rhizosphere microbial communities—are clarified. The combination of MNBs aeration and subsurface drip irrigation can increase soil aeration by 5%. When applied in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation systems, MNBs enhance crop yield and nutrient use efficiency. For example, tomato yield can be increased by 12–44%. Furthermore, the integration of MNBs with water–fertilizer integration technology enables the synchronized supply of oxygen and nutrients, thereby optimizing the rhizosphere environment efficiently. This paper sorts out the empirical effects of MNBs in soilless cultivation and conventional irrigation, and provides directions for solving problems such as “insufficient oxygen supply to deep roots” and “reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress in sensitive crops”. Despite these significant advantages, the industrialization of MNBs still needs to overcome challenges including high equipment costs and insufficient precision in parameter control, so as to promote large-scale agricultural application and provide an innovative strategy for the management of rhizosphere hypoxia. Full article