Search Results (2,590)

Granite residual soil slopes are highly water-sensitive and prone to rapid collapse, strength degradation, and rainfall-induced erosion. This study investigates the improvement effects and underlying mechanisms of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the water stability, mechanical properties, and rainfall erosion resistance of granite residual soil from Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. Laboratory tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, direct shear tests, disintegration tests, slope rainfall scouring model experiments, X-ray diffraction test (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, were conducted to evaluate the performance and microstructural behavior of CMC-stabilized soils. The results indicate that the addition of CMC significantly enhances soil resistance to disintegration: the 24 h disintegration ratio decreased to 0.5% at 0.5% CMC content. The incorporation of CMC can significantly enhance the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the soil and lead to an increase in cohesion, while its effect on the internal friction angle is limited. Under simulated rainfall conditions (30° slope, 120 mm·h⁻¹ rainfall intensity, 60 min duration), slopes stabilized with 0.5% CMC exhibited suppressed rill formation and a 47.5% reduction in sediment yield, accompanied by delayed moisture increase at different depths and reduced infiltration rates. Microstructural analyses reveal that CMC hydration forms gel-like films and filamentous bridges, promoting particle aggregation and pore filling, thereby constructing a denser particle network without generating new chemical compounds. This microstructure collectively enhances soil disintegration resistance, mechanical strength, and slope erosion resistance. Full article

In situ coagulation is regarded as the most effective measure in response to the frequent metal spills in China. Excessive coagulant is often used in pursuit of extremely high removal rates of contaminants. Yet the secondary ecological impact of the iron-containing coagulation flocs left on the river sediments after emergency response is still unclear. In the current study, we investigated the impact of flocs derived from three different iron-based coagulants, polymeric ferric sulfate (PFS), polymeric ferric chloride (PFC), and ferric chloride (FeCl₃), on microbial communities in sediment based on microcosm experiments. Metagenomics, quantitative PCR, and determination of ammonia oxidation potential were adopted to elucidate community shifts. The results indicate that the community structure and function of microorganisms in sediments have been affected, especially processes and species related to nitrogen cycling, and the effect was coagulant-specific. Flocs retrieved from FeCl₃ caused a more pronounced decline in diversity, shifts in community composition, and decreased potential ammonia oxidation. Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) was more sensitive to iron-containing flocs than ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), while PFS-flocs tended to reduce multiple genes involved in nitrate reduction. This indicates that the pre-polymerization of inorganic coagulants may be the primary factor leading to different microbial ecological effects. Sulfate, on the other hand, may affect specific biogeochemical processes due to its competition for electron donors. Our results confirmed that even without heavy metals as contaminants, coagulant flocs alone could present an effect on nitrogen cycling in sediments. The results will provide a scientific basis for environmental emergency decision-making: in emergency response to metal pollution incidents, the use of coagulants should be limited to only the necessary level. Full article

Background/Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of neurological symptoms and findings in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and to evaluate their relationship with disease activity. Methods: A total of 86 patients diagnosed with AS underwent a structured neurological examination including assessment of mental status, cranial nerves, motor system, deep tendon reflexes, pathological reflexes, and cerebellar/extrapyramidal functions. Sensory deficits and motor weakness were recorded. Orthostatic hypotension was evaluated as a clinical marker of autonomic involvement. Insomnia symptoms and neuropathic pain features were assessed clinically. Disease activity was quantified using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Associations between neurological findings, BASDAI scores, and inflammatory parameters were analyzed. Results: Motor weakness was observed in 5% of patients. Sensory deficits were present in 31% and orthostatic hypotension in 23% of patients. Insomnia symptoms were reported by 51% and neuropathic pain features by 53% of participants. A highly significant association was found between insomnia and neuropathic pain (p < 0.001). BASDAI scores were significantly higher in patients with insomnia, orthostatic hypotension, and sensory deficits (p = 0.004, p = 0.014, and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant association was observed between Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor therapy and sensory deficits, and no significant correlation was demonstrated between neurological findings and C-reactive protein/Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate values (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Neurological symptoms are common in AS and are associated with higher disease activity, without parallel changes in inflammatory markers such as CRP and ESR. Systematic evaluation of these symptoms may facilitate earlier identification of subgroups with a higher disease burden and inform individualized follow-up and management strategies. Full article

MXenes, with a high surface area, abundant active sites, and excellent ion transport properties, have demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance. However, systematic comparisons of the structural evolution process and electrochemical performance for MXene are lacking. In this study, multilayer MXene (M-Ti₃C₂T_x) was successfully fabricated by in situ etching. During the subsequent centrifugation process, the thicker and heavier multilayer sheets settled due to their faster sedimentation rate, while the lighter, surface-functionalized monolayer sheets remained colloidally stable in the supernatant due to solvation and electrostatic repulsion, thereby achieving separation and obtaining delaminated MXene (D-Ti₃C₂T_x). Structural analysis indicates that the removal of the aluminum layer synergizes with the exfoliation of the nanosheets, significantly increasing the interlayer spacing and making the sheet structure more pronounced, and the pore structure is more abundant. Especially, in three-electrode and two-electrode systems at an identical mass loading of 5 mg on carbon paper, D-Ti₃C₂T_x delivered a higher specific capacitance, more pronounced pseudocapacitive behavior, and a superior rate capability compared to Ti₃AlC₂ and M-Ti₃C₂T_x. Such excellent electrochemical performance of D-Ti₃C₂T_x is due to the shortened ion diffusion path in the delaminated structure, which enables rapid ion migration, an extremely large specific surface area, and a mesoporous structure that provides abundant active sites. This study underscores the significant potential of D-Ti₃C₂T_x in emerging energy storage systems and offers insights into guiding MAX phase synthesis during its preparation. Full article

It has long been hypothesized that some arthropod lineages transitioned to land by following an interstitial pathway through the spaces between sand grains. In recent years, various molecular phylogenetic analyses suggest a greater number of terrestrialization events within Arthropoda than previously hypothesized. The relative importance of an interstitial route to land is likely to have been underestimated because of biases in the fossil record and the choice of techniques used for collecting extant arthropods from sands and other types of mineral regolith (sediment with low organic content). A number of early-branching taxa are microarthropods that are common in mineral regolith, providing phyloecological evidence for an interstitial pathway onto land. Following interstitial terrestrialization, hexapods and early-branching arachnids may have remained minute and soft-bodied within mineral regolith until the Early Devonian, when organically rich soils developed on much of the land surface, resulting in increased food resources but also increased rates of predation. This led to defensive modifications and increases in surface abundance and body size, which would have all elevated the probability of fossilization. Full article

Background: The interaction between coagulation pathways, inflammatory markers, and hematological parameters has not been sufficiently clarified in patients with chronic angioedema (AE) and urticaria. This study aimed to validate previously observed associations and to further explore their relationship with clinical disease control. Methods: In this cross-sectional validation study, 102 participants were enrolled and stratified into three groups: isolated AE (n = 33), AE associated with urticaria (AE/Urt; n = 34), and healthy controls (n = 35). Serum levels of coagulation factors (D-dimer, fibrinogen, factor VII), inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]), and complete blood count parameters were analyzed. Disease control was assessed using the Angioedema Control Test (AECT). Appropriate non-parametric statistical tests were applied. Results: Only D-dimer values differed significantly between groups and were higher in patients with AE/Urt than in controls. At the same time, D-dimers were significantly more often elevated in both AE groups than in healthy individuals. Additionally, CRP values in both AE groups were significantly more often elevated than in controls, with significantly higher values in both AE groups (in both groups 85%) than in controls (57%). Coagulation markers and CRP demonstrated a positive correlation with age (r = 0.268–0.392; p ≤ 0.007), with fibrinogen of all coagulation markers showing the strongest age dependency (r = 0.334; p = 0.001). Gender-related differences in coagulation parameters were not statistically significant, although elevated fibrinogen levels were more common in male participants (p = 0.030). Disease control did not correlate linearly with any inflammatory markers, coagulation factor, age or gender. Conclusions: The findings support a contributory role of coagulation pathway activation and systemic inflammation in the pathophysiology of chronic angioedema and urticaria. These mechanisms may influence clinical disease expression and could represent potential targets for improved diagnostic stratification and therapeutic approaches. However, the interpretation of the present results should be approached with caution in light of several important study limitations, including demographic heterogeneity between the study groups and the relatively limited sample size. Full article

Environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a promising, non-invasive approach for monitoring infectious agents in aquaculture. While molecular techniques for detecting shrimp pathogens are well established in host tissues, there is a lack of standardized protocols for pathogen detection from environmental samples using conventional PCR. In this study, we developed and validated a universal conventional PCR protocol for monitoring DNA from major viral and bacterial shrimp pathogens within pond water and sediment samples. The method was applied to two commercial shrimp farms in Mexico, where eDNA was extracted from field-collected water and sediment. Using published primer sets, we successfully amplified DNA sequences corresponding to six key pathogens—Infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV), Baculovirus penaei (BP), Monodon baculovirus (MBV), Shrimp hemocyte iridescent virus (SHIV), Candidatus Hepatobacter penaei (NHP-B), and Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND)-causing Vibrio spp.—in environmental samples. Sequencing of PCR amplicons confirmed 93–100% identity to previously reported pathogen strains, highlighting the method’s reliability. Pathogen detection rates varied by site, sample type, and date, with the percentage of positive samples ranging from 11.1% to 77.7%. Notably, this is the first report of SHIV DNA detection from environmental samples in the Americas, highlighting its value for pathogen surveillance even in the absence of documented outbreaks. This protocol offers a cost-effective and scalable tool for pathogen surveillance in shrimp aquaculture, enhancing early disease detection and contributing to improved biosecurity and risk assessment frameworks. Full article

The Burullus–Baltim coastal zone of Egypt’s Nile Delta represents a critical geoheritage sand-dune system functioning as the primary natural defense line against inundation of the central Nile Delta. This ecosystem is increasingly threatened by intensive black sand mining, raising concerns regarding long-term coastal sustainability. Black sand extraction disrupts dune integrity by reducing sediment density and heavy mineral content, thereby lowering resistance to wind forcing and accelerating aeolian transport. This study assesses historical dune migration and extraction-driven changes in aeolian dynamics using high-resolution satellite imagery, ERA5 wind reanalysis (1975–2024), and integrated analytical–numerical modeling, with implications for sustainable coastal management. A dominant northwesterly wind regime drives eastward and southward dune migration of 3.22 m/yr and 1.7 m/yr, respectively (2010–2025). Black sand mining since 2022 has measurably reduced heavy mineral content and bulk density, altering grain-size distribution and making dunes significantly more susceptible to wind entrainment. Coupled Bagnold and AeoLiS modeling predicts an 8.21% rise in mass transport rates and a corresponding acceleration in dune migration following extraction. These findings demonstrate that black sand mining amplifies aeolian transport and increases sand encroachment risks to nearby settlements, infrastructure, and agricultural lands. The results highlight the trade-offs between resource extraction and coastal dune ecosystem services, particularly flood protection and land stability, emphasizing the need for regulated mining, bioengineered dune stabilization, and predictive modeling to enhance the Nile Delta’s long-term resilience. Full article

Consumer interest in low-SO₂ white wines is increasing; however, such approaches may reduce compositional and sensory predictability. This study evaluates how three fermentation strategies—SO₂ addition and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ES181 inoculation (SO₂Sc), spontaneous fermentation (NoSO₂-Spont), and inoculation with S. cerevisiae ES181 without SO₂ addition (NoSO₂Sc)—shape the chemical profile, polyphenolic composition, colour, microbiological status, and sensory perception of ‘Solaris’ wines relative to the must (reference). A single batch of ‘Solaris’ must (one press run) was split into three variants and fermented under identical temperature conditions (12 ± 0.5 °C), followed by cool ageing and natural sedimentation prior to bottling. Basic oenological parameters, selected fermentation by-products, viable yeast counts, CIE Lab colour, targeted polyphenolics (phenolic acids, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes), PCA of by-products, and blind sensory evaluation were assessed. The NoSO₂-Spont variant showed reduced fermentation completeness (higher residual sugars and lower ethanol) and the highest volatile acidity, together with elevated glycerol and several higher alcohols, and received the lowest sensory ratings. The SO₂Sc variant yielded the most controlled outcome, with the lowest volatile acidity, the brightest colour (higher L*, lower b*), and the highest sensory acceptance. The NoSO₂Sc variant produced intermediate sensory scores and a higher total phenolic content; however, volatile acidity remained high and viable yeast counts were the greatest, indicating increased susceptibility to microbiological activity during extended pre-bottling handling. Overall, the SO₂Sc strategy provides the greatest chemical stability and sensory acceptance, whereas low-SO₂ regimes require a hurdle approach (oxygen control, residual sugar management, hygiene, and stabilisation) to limit spoilage development and post-bottling refermentation. Full article

The low separation efficiency of alkali/surfactant/polymer (ASP)-flooding-produced water, attributed to its high emulsification, high viscosity, and surfactant enrichment, presents a significant treatment challenge. To evaluate the effects of flotation unit structure on internal flow field characteristics and the separation performance of oil and suspended solids in a dissolved air flotation–sedimentation tank, this study conducted CFD numerical simulations. The results demonstrate that with 40 gas injection ports, the flow field achieves optimal uniformity and stability: the oil removal rate reaches 68.1%, and the suspended solids removal rate reaches 56.6%. Compared to the single-ring and triple-ring configurations, the double-ring gas injection form exhibits better flow continuity, resulting in increased removal rates of 67.6% for oil and 56.7% for suspended solids. At a gas injection ring height of 10,500 mm, the oil layer in the flotation zone remains continuous and stable, while suspended solids settle into a distinct sediment layer at the bottom, enhancing both oil and suspended solids removal efficiencies. On this basis, the optimized structure of the flotation unit was determined. The removal rates of oil and suspended solids were enhanced by approximately 1.8% to 4.8% and 3.5% to 7.0%, respectively, compared to the existing conditions. Full article

Sub-sag 21 in the eastern Yangjiang Sag, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China, contains a thick lacustrine source-rock interval within the lower Wenchang Formation and is a major exploration target on the northern margin of the South China Sea. However, the timing of deposition during the early to middle Eocene remains poorly constrained, and the applicability of quantitative palaeoclimate reconstruction methods in low-latitude lacustrine basins requires further evaluation. In this study, we analyzed mudstones from the lower Wenchang Formation in Well E1. Using cyclostratigraphic constraints, we applied AstroGeoFit to construct an astronomically tuned age model, and combined palynological coexistence analysis with geochemical weathering proxies and linear–regression calibration to quantitatively reconstruct and cross-validate mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation. Within this time-calibrated framework, we further quantified organic-carbon burial to evaluate the relationship between palaeoclimate evolution and organic-matter enrichment. The AstroGeoFit results indicate that the top of the lower Wenchang Formation in Well E1 is constrained to 44.563 Ma, and that the studied succession spans 50.249–44.563 Ma. Palynological coexistence analysis identifies three palaeoclimate phases within this interval. Method evaluation shows that the temperature reconstruction based on major-element geochemistry agrees well with the pollen-based temperature record, whereas one precipitation reconstruction based on weathering proxies shows the most robust agreement and stability relative to the pollen-based precipitation record. Reconstructed mean annual temperature ranges from 10.77 to 22.20 °C, and reconstructed mean annual precipitation ranges from 1188.27 to 1871.89 mm. Correlation analyses on the tuned timescale show that precipitation is more strongly associated than temperature with organic-matter accumulation parameters, including total organic carbon and organic carbon accumulation rate, indicating that organic carbon burial in the eastern Yangjiang Sag lake basin was mainly controlled by hydrological forcing. During the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum, carbon burial in low-latitude lakes was, therefore, not a simple response to elevated temperature, but instead reflected the integrated effects of precipitation, runoff, stratification, material supply, transport, and preservation. The evolutionary sequence further suggests that early high productivity was diluted by rapid sedimentation, reducing total organic carbon; subsequent cooling, lake deepening, and strengthened stratification enhanced organic matter preservation; and finally, tectonic subsidence together with regional humidification promoted the development and long-term preservation of high-quality lacustrine source rocks. Full article

To address the pronounced self-aggregation of highly loaded silica in the aqueous phase and the substantial filler loss occurring during the flocculation stage of latex compounding, this study introduces disaggregated and activated sepiolite possessing a spatial confinement effect as both a suspension stabilizer and a synergistic reinforcing component. On this basis, a multiscale natural rubber (NR)/silica/sepiolite composite system was constructed via a latex compounding route. Rheological characterization combined with static sedimentation observations revealed that the percolation threshold of the sepiolite is approximately 0.8 wt%. When the sepiolite content exceeds 1.0 wt%, its fibrous morphology enables the formation of a continuous three-dimensional network, which physically constrains silica particles and effectively suppresses their sedimentation and self-aggregation in the aqueous medium. Guided by this percolation behavior, a stable silica/sepiolite hybrid slurry was subsequently wet-mixed with natural rubber latex, and the influence of sepiolite loading on silica retention during flocculation, as well as on the resulting composite properties, was systematically examined. The results demonstrate that incorporation of sepiolite reduces filler loss during flocculation, with the loss rate decreasing from 4.7% to 1.1%. The Payne effect, SEM, dynamic and static mechanical analyses indicate that an appropriate sepiolite dosage promotes dispersion of silica within the rubber matrix while simultaneously strengthening filler–rubber interfacial interactions. Accordingly, tensile and tear strengths are increased from 32.1 to 35.5 MPa and from 92.3 to 133.4 N·mm⁻¹, respectively, while wet skid resistance is preserved and both rolling resistance and wear resistance are further improved. The findings of this work establish a practical and efficient strategy for the wet preparation of high-performance NR/silica composites. Full article

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are among the most serious and costly complications in orthopedic surgery, significantly affecting patient prognosis and healthcare systems. Despite rigorous aseptic measures, intraoperative contamination of sterile fields, instruments, and air remains a persistent source of potential infection. This study investigates the relationship between the microbial contamination of sterile fields during arthroplasty and postoperative inflammatory markers, with the objective of determining whether the contamination of sterile fields correlates with the presence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Material and Methods: This prospective observational study included 33 patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty in a university-affiliated orthopedic center. Intraoperative samples were collected from sterile fields and equipment to detect microbial contamination, while postoperative monitoring involved the C-reactive protein (CRP); erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR); leukocyte count; temperature; and wound assessment on days 1, 3 and 7. All patients received 48 h of prophylactic cefuroxime. Statistical analysis was conducted using the International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software for Windows, version 30.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York, United States of America) with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Postoperative inflammatory markers showed distinct patterns depending on the isolated microorganism, with Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus hominis ssp. consistently associated with higher CRP and leukocyte values, indicating a more intense systemic response. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently isolated species but showed moderate inflammatory profiles, suggesting its potential role in subclinical colonization. A strong correlation between CRP on day 3 and leukocyte count (r = 0.81) confirms their combined utility in the early detection of infectious complications, while ESR appeared less dynamic and more complementary in nature. Discussion: This study highlights the significant role of intraoperative contamination and microbial virulence in shaping the postoperative inflammatory response after arthroplasty. Elevated CRP and leukocyte levels, particularly on day 3, were closely associated with pathogens known for biofilm formation and chronic infections. Despite prophylactic antibiotic use, confirmed infections still occurred, suggesting the need to reassess current protocols and enhance intraoperative contamination control. Conclusions: Pathogen presence in sterile fields during arthroplasty increases the risk of periprosthetic joint infections, often without early clinical symptoms. CRP on day 3 and leukocyte count were the most reliable early indicators of persistent inflammation. Full article

Acidified milk drinks (AMDs) are susceptible to protein aggregation and phase separation during production and storage, and xanthan gum (XG) is limited in application due to poor compatibility with milk proteins under acidic conditions. This study sought to improve the stabilizing performance of XG in AMDs through TEMPO-mediated oxidation. A series of oxidized xanthan gum (OXG) with different oxidation degrees were prepared by the TEMPO/NaClO/NaBr system, whose physicochemical properties were characterized, and the stabilizing effect and mechanism in AMDs were investigated. The results showed that high-degree OXG significantly improved the stability of AMDs, with the centrifugal sedimentation rate reduced from 8.93% to 2.22% and the zeta potential decreased from −32.6 mV to −37.9 mV, achieving a stabilizing effect comparable to that of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). OXG could form uniform protein–polysaccharide aggregates with milk proteins, which may help inhibit phase separation. This study confirms that TEMPO oxidation can directionally regulate the structure and physicochemical properties of XG, enhancing its stabilizing effect in AMDs, which provides a new technical approach and theoretical basis for polysaccharide modification and the stabilization of acidic protein drinks. Full article

Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize real-world distributions of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) across major rheumatic diagnoses and to quantify concordance/discordance patterns and combined CRP-ESR inflammatory phenotypes. Methods: We retrospectively extracted all CRP and ESR tests performed in a tertiary university rheumatology hospital (January 2018–December 2023), including ICD-10-coded diagnoses. Analyses were conducted at the measurement level and patient level (medians across repeated tests). CRP and ESR were expressed as raw values and multiples of ULN and categorized into severity strata. CRP and ESR datasets were merged by patient identifier and calendar date to define same-day pairs; paired analyses used Spearman correlations and ULN-based phenotype classes. Sensitivity analyses tested alternative pairing windows, first-pair-only analyses, phenotype persistence rules, and tertile/quartile discordance definitions. Results: Among 16,921 patients with ≥1 CRP and 17,126 with ≥1 ESR, CRP was more disease-discriminative and only negligibly age-related, whereas ESR increased modestly with age and showed marked sex shifts across severity categories. Inflammatory burden was highest in gout and rheumatoid arthritis, intermediate in psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, and lower in connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren’s disease, systemic sclerosis, and dermato/polymyositis) and osteoarthritis; CRP distributions were more strongly right-tailed than ESR. Merging yielded 44,427 same-day CRP-ESR pairs from 16,824 patients (99.1% match). CRP and ESR were moderately correlated at measurement and patient levels, yet discordance was common: 27.3% of pairs showed isolated elevation of a single marker. Conclusions: In routine rheumatology care, CRP and ESR provide complementary information. CRP-ESR dissociation is frequent, persists at the patient level, and follows diagnosis-dependent phenotype patterns. Full article