Search Results (455)

Iopamidol (IPM), as a typical recalcitrant emerging pollutant and precursor of iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs), is unsuccessfully removed by conventional wastewater treatment processes. This study comprehensively evaluated the ozone/peracetic acid (O₃/PAA) process for IPM degradation, focusing on degradation kinetics, environmental impacts, transformation products, ecotoxicity, disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and microbial inactivation. The O₃/PAA system synergistically activates PAA via O₃ to generate hydroxyl radicals (^•OH) and organic radicals (CH₃COO^• and CH₃CO(O)O^•), achieving an IPM degradation rate constant of 0.10 min⁻¹, which was significantly higher than individual O₃ or PAA treatments. The degradation efficiency of IPM in the O₃/PAA system exhibited a positive correlation with solution pH, achieving a maximum degradation rate constant of 0.23 min⁻¹ under alkaline conditions (pH 9.0). Furthermore, the process demonstrated strong resistance to interference from coexisting anions, maintaining robust IPM removal efficiency in the presence of common aqueous matrix constituents. Furthermore, quenching experiments revealed ^•OH dominated IPM degradation in O₃/PAA system, while the direct oxidation by O₃ and R-O^• played secondary roles. Additionally, based on transformation products (TPs) identification and ECOSAR predictions, the primary degradation pathways were elucidated and the potential ecotoxicity of TPs was systematically assessed. DBPs analysis after chlorination revealed that the O₃/PAA (2.5:3) system achieved the lowest total DBPs concentration (99.88 μg/L), representing a 71.5% reduction compared to PAA alone. Amongst, dichloroacetamide (DCAM) dominated the DBPs profile, comprising > 60% of total species. Furthermore, the O₃/PAA process achieved rapid 5–6 log reductions of E. coli. and S. aureus within 3 min. These results highlight the dual advantages of O₃/PAA in effective disinfection and byproduct control, supporting its application in sustainable wastewater treatment. Full article

The holistic use of Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds is not as popular amongst rural South Africans. This study screened for the phytochemicals, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potentials as well identifying the compounds in the oils of South African Moringa seed oils using cost-effective thin layer chromatography bioautography and dot blot assays, because fewer studies have been conducted using seed samples from this country. The results obtained indicated that the best oil extract yield (24.04%) was obtained for hexane from 60.10 g of powdered seeds. The yield of the other extracts ranged from 6.2 to 9.5%. Positive test results were obtained for terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and tannins, with potentially good antioxidant properties for scavenging free radicals from 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and good antimicrobial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii (BAA 747), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 27853), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), with the best zone of inhibition of 314.2 mm² obtained for oil extracted with hexane, followed by dichloromethane, methanol, and acetone oil extracts, respectively. The best minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.032 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa was recorded for the hexane oil, compared with ciprofloxacin, which had an MIC of 0.0039 mg/mL against the same pathogen. The identification of the in-oil compounds proposed to mitigate inhibitory activity against the test microbes was carried out through GC-MS analysis matching our results with the GC-MS library. These compounds included ursane-3,16-diol, azetidin-2-one, 1-benzyl-4à-methyl, dibutyl phthalate, 4-methyl-2,4-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)pent-1-ene, 1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, 3-ethyl-4-methyl, octopamine rhodoxanthin, 29,30-dinorgammacerane-3,22-diol, 21,21-dimethy, cholan-24-oic acid, 3,7-dioxo, and benzyl alcohol. These are in addition to the stability-indicating marker compounds like oleic acid (54.9%), 9-Octadecenoic acid (z)-, methyl ester (23.3%), n-hexadecanoic acid (9.68%), among others observed over a five year period. Full article

Mussels are nutrient-rich but perishable, resulting in substantial resource loss. A protease-producing strain (Bacillus velezensis Z-1, Mytilus edulis) isolated from marine sludge was used to hydrolyze mussels, producing Y-1, a hydrolysate with antioxidant activity. In this study, ultrafiltration, gel chromatography, and LC-MS/MS were employed to isolate and identify bioactive peptides from the hydrolysate. The results revealed that the hydrolysate exhibited antioxidant activity, pancreatic cholesterol esterase inhibitory activity, pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Molecular docking using AutoDock Tools 1.5.6 was performed to analyze the interactions of peptides with CD38 and Keap1, leading to the identification of five potentially bioactive peptides: VPPFY, IMLFP, LPFLF, FLPF, and FPRIM. These peptides formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with CD38 and Keap1, demonstrating strong DPPH radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities. This study highlights the multifunctional bioactive potential of these peptides, offering insights into their therapeutic applications. The findings provide a novel approach for the effective utilization of mussel resources and highlight their potential application value in the development of functional foods. Full article

This study focuses on the influence of prolonged ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the mechanical properties and surface microstructure of glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRPs) and basalt fiber-reinforced plastics (BFRPs), which are widely used in construction and transport infrastructure. The relevance of the research lies in the need to improve the reliability of composite materials under extended exposure to harsh climatic conditions. Experimental tests were conducted in a laboratory UV chamber over 2000 h, simulating accelerated weathering. Mechanical properties were evaluated using three-point bending, while surface conditions were assessed via profilometry and microscopy. It was shown that GFRPs exhibit a significant reduction in flexural strength—down to 59–64% of their original value—accompanied by increased surface roughness and microdefect depth. The degradation mechanism of GFRPs is attributed to the photochemical breakdown of the polymer matrix, involving free radical generation, bond scission, and oxidative processes. To verify these mechanisms, FTIR spectroscopy was employed, which enabled the identification of structural changes in the polymer phase and the detection of mass loss associated with matrix decomposition. In contrast, BFRP retained up to 95% of their initial strength, demonstrating high resistance to UV-induced aging. This is attributed to the shielding effect of basalt fibers and their ability to retain moisture in microcavities, which slows the progress of photo-destructive processes. Comparison with results from natural exposure tests under extreme climatic conditions (Yakutsk) confirmed the reliability of the accelerated aging model used in the laboratory. Full article

Polymer brushes (PBs) are transformative surface-modifying nanostructures, yet their synthesis via controlled methods like copper-mediated surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (Cu⁰-SI-ATRP) faces reproducibility challenges due to a lack of understanding of parameter interdependencies. This study systematically evaluates the Cu⁰-SI-ATRP process for polyacrylamide brushes (PAM-PBs), aiming to clarify key parameters that influence the synthesis process. This evaluation followed a step-by-step characterization that tracked molecular changes through infrared spectroscopy (IR) and surface development by contact angle (CA) through two different mixing methods: ultrasonic mixing and process simplification (Method A) and following literature-based parameters (Method B). Both methods, consisting of surface activation, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) deposition, bromoisobutyryl bromide (BiBB) anchoring, and polymerization, were analyzed by varying parameters like concentration, temperature, and time. Results showed ultrasonication during surface activation enhanced siloxane (1139→1115 cm⁻¹) and amine (1531 cm⁻¹) group availability while reducing APTES concentration to 1 Vol% without drying sufficed for BiBB anchoring. BiBB exhibited insensitivity to concentration but benefited from premixing, evidenced by sharp C–Br (~1170 cm⁻¹) and methyl (3000–2800 cm⁻¹) bands. Additionally, it was observed that PAM-PBs improved with Method A, which had reduced variance in polymer fingerprint regions compared to Method B. Adding to the above, CA measurements gave complementary step-by-step information along the modifications of the surface, revealing distinct wettability behaviors between bulk PAM and synthesized PAM-PBs (from 51° to 37°). As such, this work identifies key parameter influence (e.g., mixing, BiBB concentration), simplifies steps (drying omission, lower APTES concentration), and demonstrates a step-by-step, systematic parameter decoupling that reduces variability. In essence, this detailed parameter analysis addresses the PAM-PBs synthesis process with better reproducibility than the previously reported synthesis method and achieves the identification of characteristic behaviors across the step-by-step process without the imperative need for higher-cost characterizations. Full article

Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-PET imaging has significantly improved prostate cancer (PCa) staging, yet its interpretation remains challenging, even for experienced specialists. No prior study has assessed urologists’ ability to interpret PSMA-PET. Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study involving 63 urologists from eight Italian institutions. Participants evaluated 20 PSMA-PET scans of high-risk PCa cases, with no clinical information provided. Proficiency was defined as correctly identifying at least two of three staging components (T, N, M) in ≥75% of cases. Associations between performance and factors such as hierarchy (resident vs. consultant), institution type, surgical volume, and multidisciplinary team (MDT) presence were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Only one participant achieved full staging proficiency, while 44% reached the ≥75% threshold for partial (almost correct) staging. Urologists from centers with ≥300 PCa diagnoses per year demonstrated better T and M stage identification. Institutions with ≥150 robot-assisted radical prostatectomies (RARPs) per year and those with MDTs showed higher accuracy in M staging. No significant predictors of proficiency emerged in the multivariable analysis, although hierarchy and surgical volume approached significance for nodal metastasis detection. Conclusion: PSMA-PET interpretation is complex for urologists, with particular challenges in T and M staging. High institutional case volumes and MDT involvement may enhance interpretation skills. Structured training programs and increased exposure to multidisciplinary imaging discussions are essential to optimize urologists’ diagnostic proficiency and ultimately improve patient care. Full article

This study presents the development and validation of an elementary reaction pathway tracking algorithm based on reactive force field simulations, enabling the dynamic monitoring of cracking products at the 20,000-atom scale, the accurate identification of chain reaction pathways, and the comprehensive tracking of large carbon chain formation. The research demonstrates that the differences between methane and propylene cracking–polymerization reactions primarily stem from disparities in bond dissociation energies, radical stabilities, and molecular topologies, and the operation of molecular dynamics relies on LAMMPS 3 March 2020. The cracking pathway of methane is relatively straightforward, predominantly involving the homolytic cleavage of C–H bonds, followed by radical chain propagation leading to the formation of large carbonaceous species. In contrast, propylene, owing to its unsaturated structure and multiple reactive sites, exhibits more complex reaction networks and a wider diversity of products. Furthermore, the study elucidates the reaction pathways of intermediate species during methane and propylene cracking and investigates the effect of reaction temperature on carbon sheet development. In conclusion, the algorithm established in this work offers a detailed mechanistic insight into the gas-phase cracking of methane and propylene, providing a new theoretical basis for the optimization of gas-phase deposition processes and the rational design of carbon-based materials. Full article

To address the issues of poor Co²⁺ regeneration and limited interfacial electron transfer in heterogeneous catalytic systems, this study proposes the synthesis of highly efficient and stable Co₃O₄/ZnO composites through the pyrolysis–oxidation reaction of Co/Zn MOFs for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) using activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS). The results confirmed that the catalyst exhibited a high electron transfer capacity, and the synergistic effect between the bimetals enhanced the reversible redox cycle of Co³⁺/Co²⁺. Under optimal conditions, complete removal of RhB was achieved in just 6 min using the Co₃O₄/ZnO composite, which demonstrated excellent stability after five cycles. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited a high degradation efficiency in real water samples with a total organic carbon (TOC) removal rate of approximately 65% after 60 min. The electrochemical measurements, identification of active species, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that non-radicals (¹O₂ and direct charge transfer) played a major role in the degradation of RhB. Finally, the potential mechanisms and degradation pathways for RhB degradation using this catalyst were systematically investigated. This study opens new avenues for the development of efficient and stable PMS catalysts, and provides insights into the preparation of other emerging metal oxides. Full article

Background and Objectives: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is one of the most underdiagnosed but, at the same time, one of the most lethal cancers. In this review article, we investigated the application of artificial intelligence and novel technologies in the prompt identification of high-grade UTUC to prevent metastases and facilitate timely treatment. Materials and Methods: We conducted an extensive search of the literature from the Pubmed, Google scholar and Cochrane library databases for studies investigating the application of artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of UTUC, according to the PRISMA guidelines. After the exclusion of non-associated and non-English studies, we included 12 articles in our review. Results: Artificial intelligence systems have been shown to enhance post-radical nephroureterectomy urine cytology reporting, in order to facilitate the early diagnosis of bladder recurrence, as well as improve diagnostic accuracy in atypical cells, by being trained on annotated cytology images. In addition to this, by extracting textural radiomics features from data from computed tomography urograms, we can develop machine learning models to predict UTUC tumour grade and stage in small-size and especially high-grade tumours. Random forest models have been shown to have the best performance in predicting high-grade UTUC, while hydronephrosis is the most significant independent factor for high-grade tumours. ChatGPT, although not mature enough to provide information on diagnosis and treatment, can assist in improving patients’ understanding of the disease’s epidemiology and risk factors. Computer vision models, in real time, can augment visualisation during endoscopic ureteral tumour diagnosis and ablation. A deep learning workflow can also be applied in histopathological slides to predict UTUC protein-based subtypes. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has been shown to greatly facilitate the timely diagnosis of high-grade UTUC by improving the diagnostic accuracy of urine cytology, CT Urograms and ureteroscopy visualisation. Deep learning systems can become a useful and easily accessible tool in physicians’ armamentarium to deal with diagnostic uncertainties in urothelial cancer. Full article

A Yb³⁺-doped BiOI 3D nanosheet array composite was successfully fabricated through a solvothermal deposition strategy on flexible carbon cloth (CC). This composite was subsequently integrated with high-chlorine fly ash (FA) blocks to form the Yb-BiOI/CC/FA hybrid material. Comprehensive characterization was performed using multiple analytical techniques for crystalline phase identification, morphological analysis, valence state, band structure evaluation, and charge carrier separation assessment. Electrochemical measurements were conducted to evaluate the material’s electronic properties. Experimental results demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation, with the Yb-BiOI/CC/FA composite achieving 52.87% methylene blue degradation efficiency. The reaction rate constant of this modified nanomaterial was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of pristine BiOI/CC/FA. Radical trapping experiments revealed that superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) served as the predominant oxidative species. This study presents a dual-benefit strategy for environmental remediation by simultaneously achieving sustainable waste valorization of industrial byproducts (FA) and developing high-efficiency photocatalytic materials. The successful integration of rare-earth metal modification with substrate engineering provides valuable insights for designing advanced photocatalytic systems for pollutant degradation. Full article

Antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of free radicals on metabolism and prevent fatty food degradation during processing and storage. The Fe³⁺-reducing assay, based on reduction of ferric ions (Fe³⁺) to ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) in the presence of antioxidants acting as reducing agents, is widely recognized and used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of various biological samples, including plant extracts, food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. Reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ is also crucial in biogeochemical cycling, microbial metabolism, and industrial applications. This review comprehensively describes the Fe³⁺-reducing assay, its adaptation to different analytes, identification of the most potent antioxidants, and optimization of measurement techniques. It outlines the chemical and fundamental principles of Fe³⁺ reducing ability, along with an in-depth analysis of Fe³⁺-reducing activity, covering biochemical mechanisms, microbial contributions, analytical methods, and practical applications along with recent advances and future perspectives in Fe³⁺ reduction research. The assay is straightforward, testing compounds or plant extracts are mixed with an Fe³⁺ solution, and their absorbance is measured after a specific incubation period. Despite significant advancements in analytical instrumentation and techniques, this method remains largely unchanged. Full article

Emerging imaging-guided technologies, such as prostate-specific membrane antigen radioguided surgery (PSMA-RGS) and augmented reality (AR), could enhance the precision and efficacy of robot-assisted prostate cancer (PCa) surgical approaches, maximizing the surgeons’ ability to remove all cancer sites and thus patients’ outcomes. Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) represents an imaging-guided technique that could enhance nodal staging accuracy by leveraging lymphatic mapping with tracers. PSMA-RGS uses radiolabeled tracers with the aim to improve intraoperative lymph node metastases (LNMs) detection. Several studies demonstrated its feasibility and safety, with promising accuracy in nodal staging during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and in recurrence setting during salvage lymph node dissection (sLND) in patients who experience biochemical recurrence (BCR) after primary treatment and have positive PSMA positron emission tomography (PET). Near-infrared PSMA tracers, such as OTL78 and IS-002, have shown potential in intraoperative fluorescence-guided surgery, improving positive surgical margins (PSMs) and LNMs identification. Finally, augmented reality (AR), which integrates preoperative imaging (e.g., multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging [mpMRI] of the prostate and computed tomography [CT]) onto the surgical field, can provide a real-time visualization of anatomical structures through the creation of three-dimensional (3D) models. These technologies may assist surgeons during intraoperative procedures, thus optimizing the balance between oncological control and functional outcomes. However, challenges remain in standardizing these tools and assessing their impact on long-term PCa control. Overall, these advancements represent a paradigm shift toward personalized and precise surgical approaches, emphasizing the integration of innovative strategies to improve outcomes of PCa patients. Full article

Background/Objectives Galeopsis spp. (Lamiaceae) are widely distributed across extensive areas in Romania, being used mainly for their sedative, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, astringent, and diuretic properties. The paper reports for the first time the investigation of the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and phenolic acid profile in the roots, aerial parts, and leaves from three wild-grown Galeopsis spp. (G. bifida Boenn., G. speciosa Mill., and G. tetrahit L.), along with their antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potentials. Methods: The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet/mass spectrometry (HPLC/UV/MS) method was used for the identification and quantification of key phenolic acids. The spectrophotometric method was applied for the determination of TPC, TFC, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activities and also the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) was employed for the assessment of in situ antioxidant (DPPH assay) and AChE inhibitory potentials. Results: Galeopsis spp. exhibit significant polyphenol accumulation. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant compound, with the highest levels detected in G. tetrahit leaves (22,347.907 ± 1117.395 μg/g), followed by G. tetrahit aerial parts (11,678.509 ± 583.925 μg/g) and G. speciosa leaves (8712.628 ± 435.631 μg/g). G. tetrahit leaves had the highest DDPH radical scavenging activity, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.458 ± 0.03 mg/mL, demonstrating a markedly stronger antioxidant effect. Leaves consistently showed the strongest DPPH activity across all species, with G. speciosa leaves also displaying a low IC₅₀ value of 0.789 ± 0.03 mg/mL, comparable to G. tetrahit. Aerial parts exhibited an intermediate effect, with G. bifida aerial parts showing an IC₅₀ of 8.102 ± 0.49 mg/mL, while G. tetrahit aerial parts demonstrated stronger activity at 1.511 ± 0.11 mg/mL. AChE inhibition activity increased progressively from the roots to aerial parts to leaves, with leaves consistently exhibiting the strongest inhibitory effects across all Galeopsis spp. G. tetrahit leaves had the strongest inhibition, with an IC₅₀ of 4.002 ± 0.32 mg/mL, followed by G. speciosa leaves (6.92 ± 0.14 mg/mL) and G. bifida leaves (6.97 ± 0.68 mg/mL). Conclusions: Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of the phenolic acid content, in vitro antioxidant activity, and neuroprotective potential of three Galeopsis spp. (G. bifida, G. speciosa, and G. tetrahit) from the southwestern Romanian flora. Full article

The flower buds of Syzygium nervosum are traditional edible and medicinal plant materials for the treatment of inflammation and stomach disorders. With rising demand for natural products in food and cosmetics, the nutraceutical and nutricosmetic potential of the flower buds has been evaluated in this work. The antioxidant activity of ethanol and water extracts of S. nervosum flower buds were detected through free radical scavenging (DPPH, ·OH, and ABTS) assays, and their inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and elastase enzymes were also evaluated. The ethanol extract (SNEE) exhibited stronger antioxidant activity and superior inhibitory effects on both enzymes compared with the water extract (SNWE), highlighting its potential for anti-aging and skin-whitening applications. Meanwhile, the LC-QTOF-MS was employed for the identification of key chemical molecules responsible for the nutricosmetic properties. Moreover, the enzyme inhibitory mechanisms of the flower bud extracts were further elucidated using inhibition kinetics and molecular docking methods. This research underscores the promising nutraceutical and nutricosmetic potential of S. nervosum flower buds so as to offer important information for further developing the edible flower resource as skin feeding bioactive ingredients. Full article

The marine environment, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, serves as a reservoir of bioactive molecules, including peptides and proteins. Due to the unique and often extreme marine conditions, these molecules exhibit distinctive structural features and diverse functional properties, making them promising candidates for therapeutic applications. Marine-derived bioactive peptides, typically consisting of 3 to 40 amino acid residues—though most commonly, 2 to 20—are obtained from parent proteins through chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, or gastrointestinal digestion. Like peptides, protein hydrolysates from collagen, a dominant protein of such materials, play an important role. Peptide bioactivities include antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and anti-cancer effects as well as immunoregulatory and wound-healing activities. These peptides exert their effects through mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, receptor modulation, and free radical scavenging, among others. Fish, algae, mollusks, crustaceans, microbes, invertebrates, and marine by-products such as skin, bones, and viscera are some of the key marine sources of bioactive proteins and peptides. The advancements in the extraction and purification processes, e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and molecular docking, facilitate easy identification and purification of such bioactive peptides in greater purity and activity. Despite their colossal potential, their production, scale-up, stability, and bioavailability are yet to be enhanced for industrial applications. Additional work needs to be carried out for optimal extraction processes, to unravel the mechanisms of action, and to discover novel marine sources. This review emphasizes the enormous scope of marine-derived peptides and proteins in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food industries, emphasizing their role in health promotion and risk reduction of chronic diseases. Full article