Search Results (498)

To achieve the large-scale, high-value utilization of vanadium–titanium slag (VTS) in the metallurgical industry, this study replaces blast furnace slag (BFS) with VTS to construct a quaternary all-solid-waste cementitious system composed of VTS, BFS, steel slag (SS), and desulfurization gypsum (DG). It systematically investigates the effects of VTS content (0–60%) on the mechanical properties, leaching toxicity, and hydration heat behavior of the system. XRD, TG–DSC, and SEM–EDS techniques are employed to explore the influence of VTS on hydration behavior and microstructural evolution. The results show that when VTS replaces 30% of the BFS (A3, VTS:BFS:SS:DG = 3:3:3:1), the 28-day compressive strength reaches 31.33 MPa. The leaching concentrations of heavy metals in all specimens are far below the standards for drinking water quality. Hydration heat analysis reveals that the incorporation of VTS advances the acceleration period of hydration. The A3 specimen maintains a relatively high heat release rate in the middle and later stages (after 72 h), and its cumulative heat release is significantly higher than that of the system without VTS, revealing the “slow hydration” mechanism of VTS at later stages. The [SiO₄]–[AlO₄] bonds in VTS undergo a depolymerization–repolymerization process. In addition, an appropriate amount of VTS promotes the deposition of hydration products such as ettringite (AFt), C–S–H, and C–A–S–H gels through micro-filling effects and heterogeneous nucleation, thereby improving the microstructure of the system. However, excessive VTS (≥45%) significantly inhibits the hydration reaction and reduces gel formation due to the decrease in highly reactive BFS components and the increased TiO₂ content. This study provides new insights into the resource utilization of VTS in multi-solid-waste cementitious materials. In addition, VTS-based cementitious materials are suitable for practical scenarios with low early strength requirements, such as goaf backfilling. Therefore, future studies should further investigate the long-term sulfate resistance and carbonation resistance of these materials under real application conditions. Full article

Background: The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections highlights the need for drug-delivery strategies that improve antimicrobial exposure and sustain therapeutic activity. In this study, ciprofloxacin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC-CIP) were developed and evaluated to better understand how formulation-dependent release behavior influences antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli. Methods: NLC-CIP were prepared and characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and colloidal stability. In vitro release profiles were evaluated across different pH conditions, followed by kinetic modeling. Stability under refrigerated storage was assessed. Antibacterial performance was determined through IC₅₀ measurements and dynamic growth-kinetic analyses, while cytotoxicity was evaluated in HepG2 cells. Results: Ciprofloxacin incorporation increased hydrodynamic diameter (~116 to 194 nm) while preserving low polydispersity (PdI~0.04), high colloidal stability, and encapsulation efficiency (96%). Release studies showed medium-dependent behavior, with rapid release at pH 1.2, 4.5, and 7.4, and more sustained profile at pH 6.8, consistent with diffusion-controlled kinetics (Weibull model). Refrigerated storage preserved release profiles while slowing early-stage kinetics. NLC-CIP showed improved apparent antibacterial activity, reducing the IC₅₀ from 4.9 to 1.2 ng/mL, and sustained bacterial suppression by decreasing growth rates and prolonging doubling times. Unloaded NLCs showed no antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity assays confirmed favorable biocompatibility. Conclusion: Overall, these results show that NLC-based encapsulation can modulate ciprofloxacin release and reshape drug exposure over time, thereby improving antibacterial performance under the tested conditions. This study supports integrated release and growth-kinetic analyses as a more informative framework for evaluating lipid-based antibiotic delivery systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Peritoneal micrometastases (micromets) remain a major barrier to durable cytoreduction in ovarian and other intra-abdominal cancers because lesions are difficult to visualize and are often resistant to systemic therapy. Liposomal doxorubicin (Dox) improves pharmacokinetics but can be limited by slow intratumoral release. Porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP) liposomes enable near-infrared light–triggered release of Dox (chemophototherapy (CPT)), creating an opportunity for intraoperative fluorescence-guided treatment planning and monitoring. Here, we evaluate a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging platform for quantifying light-triggered drug delivery. Methods: LC-Dox-PoP was applied to SCC2095sc and SKOV-3 cultures in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroid clusters. Dox fluorescence was quantified using a laparoscopic fluorescence imaging system over 1–9 μg/mL concentrations and compared with standard well-plate reader measurements. Porphyrin fluorescence was monitored to assess spheroid localization and photobleaching after activation light exposure. Results: For both cell lines, Dox fluorescence exhibited an approximate 4-fold increase at the maximum administered LC-Dox-PoP concentration, following a linear trend in both SCC2095sc and SKOV-3 cultures (R² = 0.97, 0.98 for 2D and R² = 0.98, 0.98 for spheroids). Laparoscope-derived fluorescence measurements agreed with well-plate reader measurements (R² = 0.89–0.96). Porphyrin fluorescence provided stronger complementary contrast for localizing spheroid constructs and decreased after activation light exposure, consistent with photobleaching during triggered release. Conclusions: These results support a quantitative imaging framework for fluorescence-guided monitoring of light-triggered liposomal drug release and may enable individualized CPT dosimetry for peritoneal micrometastases. Findings in SCC2095sc additionally suggest potential relevance of fluorescence-guided CPT for head and neck/oral cancer, where localized post-resection adjuvant treatment may improve control of residual disease. Full article

Brazil is the main coffee producer in the world. However, the impacts of climate change driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pose a major challenge for agriculture in tropical regions. This study established a GHG inventory of coffee production on farms in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil, over a two-year period, adopting a cradle-to-farm-gate approach. It considered scopes 1 and 2 emissions from on-farm activities. The emission inventories were based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methodologies adapted for Brazilian conditions. The emissions were categorized in direct and biogenic and by area (in hectares) and production (kg of coffee). Electricity consumption, fossil fuel use, wood burning and fertilizer application were considered. Direct total emissions ranged from 2617 to 6211 t CO₂e, 2.67 to 3.81 t CO₂e ha⁻¹, and from 1.52 to 4.59 kg CO₂e kg⁻¹ of coffee. Biogenic emissions ranged from 336 to 4955 t CO₂e, 0.28 to 2.95 t CO₂e ha⁻¹, and from 0.32 to 2.21 kg CO₂e kg⁻¹ of coffee. Urea-based nitrogen fertilizers were the main source of direct emission and wood burning was the main source of biogenic emission. Management practices such as applying non-urea-based fertilizers, adjusting nitrogen rates according to soil analyses and manual harvesting contributed to mitigating GHG emissions. The observed emission intensities were consistent with other reported values for Brazilian coffee production. Further reductions may be achieved by adopting agroforestry systems, increasing coffee straw retention in the soil and replacing urea with alternative nitrogen sources, including slow-release fertilizers and urease-inhibitor technologies. Full article

Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is marked by glial cell activation, autoreactive T cells, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. Current therapeutic strategies aim to modulate the immune response using disease-modifying therapies, to slow disease progression. The specific aims of this study were: (a) to investigate the effect of cannabinoid acids on the release of glial neuroinflammatory mediators, (b) to examine the effect of intraperitoneally administered cannabinoid acids on symptoms of MS, and (c) to evaluate their effects on microglial and astrocyte activation and CD4⁺ T cell infiltration into the spinal cords of MS mice. Exposure of BV2 microglia to cannabinoid acids attenuated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by 40–90% it also reduced the release of nitric oxide and interleukin-17A. Among the cannabinoid acids tested, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) significantly increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) secretion by up to 40% in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Intraperitoneal administration of CBDA also resulted in a twofold increase in TNFα secretion in splenocytes isolated from MS mice, compared to untreated MS controls. This study provides evidence that CBDA significantly reduces neurological scores, while both cannabinoid acids attenuate microgliosis, astrogliosis, and CD4+ T cell migration in lumbar spinal cord sections of MS mice. These compounds cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and act directly within the central nervous system. The consistent elevation of TNFα in the presence of CBDA across three experimental models suggests a distinctive immunomodulatory role for CBDA, with potential therapeutic implications in MS. Full article

Current smart packaging systems exhibit uneven release of active ingredients (rapid in the early stage and slow in the later stage), resulting in insufficient antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study developed a pH-autonomous controlled-release sensor using Eudragit L100 and citrate as the matrix, with eugenol as the active component, and constructed a sandwich structure via electrospinning. The sensor can automatically release eugenol as needed in response to pH changes during shrimp storage, while simultaneously enabling visual monitoring of spoilage status. This innovation effectively extends the shelf life of fresh shrimp and provides a novel solution for the on-demand release of active ingredients in food preservation. Full article

The optimization of crop production in the context of agricultural land use and production inputs is a strategic element of sustainable development. Fertilization and irrigation are vital components of agricultural engineering, driving crop quantity and quality. The objective of the study discussed here was to assess greenhouse gas emissions from carrot cultivation depending on the variant of the fertilization and irrigation processes. One tonne of marketable carrot yield was selected as the functional unit. A controlled field experiment in a split-plot configuration was carried out to deliver the objective. Calculation of the total quantity of greenhouse gases emitted from the crop was carried out according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Boundaries of the system encompassed the production and use of fertilizers and pesticides, the consumption of energy for agro-engineering activities and irrigation, as well as GHG emissions from soil resources and crop residue. The reference unit for the study was an object (plot) irrigated according to production practice in the area where the study was conducted. Under those conditions, greenhouse gas emissions totaled 75.68 kg CO² ⸱ t⁻¹ of the commercial product. Optimization, involving precise irrigation and fertilization using slow-release fertilizers, reduced the carbon footprint to 54.33 kg CO² ⸱ t⁻¹ of the commercial product. GHG emissions were thus reduced by 30%. The use of slow-release fertilizers resulted in a reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions per unit of marketable yield by 15% for non-irrigated crops and by 17% for irrigated crops. Irrigation, in turn, resulted in a reduction of total GHG emissions by 8% for conventional fertilization and by 11% for slow-release fertilization. Full article

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate how the combined application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea influences nitrogen losses via runoff and the yield performance of silage maize in red soil sloping cropland, in order to support region-specific strategies for soil and water conservation and efficient nitrogen management in maize-based systems. Methods: A one-year field runoff plot experiment was conducted under natural rainfall conditions. Three fertilization treatments with equal nitrogen input were established: conventional urea application (CK), 25% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer combined with 75% urea (P1), and 50% controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer combined with 50% urea (P2). Results: (1) Co-application of slow-release fertilizer and urea significantly improved soil and water conservation compared to CK; total runoff was reduced by 9.17% and 8.29% under P1 and P2, respectively; and soil loss was reduced by 16.45% and 12.25%. (2) The co-application of slow-release fertilizer effectively reduced nitrogen losses from sloping farmland. Compared to CK, both P1 and P2 reduced losses of total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻-N), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) during the maize growth period, with the reductions under P2 being most pronounced. (3) The co-application of slow-release fertilizer and urea enhanced maize nitrogen uptake and increased maize yield. Conclusions: Based on the results of this single-year field experiment, the combined application of controlled-release nitrogen fertilizer and urea showed potential advantages in reducing runoff-related nitrogen losses while improving crop productivity in red-soil sloping cropland. Among the treatments, P2 (50% controlled-release nitrogen substitution) exhibited relatively better overall performance. However, the broader applicability of these findings requires further verification through multi-year field experiments under different climatic conditions. Full article

To address high thermal loads and energy costs in Geothermal Road Snow-Melting Systems (GRSSs) within cold regions, this study optimizes energy efficiency through material-level intervention. We developed a composite anti-icing modifier synergistic with low enthalpy geothermal systems, comprising slow-release agents, anti-corrosive components, reinforcing materials, and active chloride salts. By regulating the thermodynamic boundary of the pavement, the freezing point is suppressed to −21 °C. This eliminates the requirement for positive pavement temperatures, significantly reducing the design thermal power. Chloride ion release patterns were analyzed via dissolution and 20-day soaking tests to evaluate structural durability. Results show optimal performance at a 5% modifier dosage and 5.3% bitumen aggregate ratio. Ion release follows a third-order polynomial law and remains stable at 35 °C, ensuring reliability during seasonal thermal cycles. Validation in Xinjiang showed a variation of only 1.5% over 20 days. This research offers an innovative material energy synergy for cascaded geothermal utilization and infrastructure decarbonization in cold regions. Full article

To achieve efficient development of medium-depth and shallow high-rank coalbed methane in the Qinshui Basin of Shanxi Province, the authors focused on the microscopic methane release mechanism. Through scanning electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and isothermal adsorption experiments, the pore structure, distribution patterns, and influence of hydration effects in this type of coal were revealed. It was clarified that the ineffective utilization of “bound-state” methane within nanopores is the key factor leading to low productivity and efficiency in coalbed methane development. Further, based on molecular simulations, the competitive adsorption characteristics between water and methane molecules were quantified, indicating that about 78% of the methane in the internal pores of 4 nm coal molecular clusters cannot be desorbed through pressure reduction. Meanwhile, the production enhancement mechanism of hydraulic fracturing on coal seam depressurization, permeability enhancement, reduction in low-speed diffusion distance, and enhancement of high-speed linear flow was clarified. Through large-scale pad water injection and stepwise slow production increase, the coal seam can be fully communicated, the reservoir effectively stimulated, and the adsorbed methane sufficiently released. This paper establishes a “channeled” fracturing concept and its supporting technological system for medium-depth and shallow high-rank coal, which has been successfully applied in field operations. The pilot well group achieved stable daily production exceeding 50,000 cubic meters per day, laying a solid foundation for the continuous and stable production increase in medium-depth and shallow high-rank coalbed methane in the Qinshui Basin. Full article

With the expansion of global oil and gas resource exploration and development into deep and ultra deep layers, the efficient development of deep carbonate rock fracture cave reservoirs has become the key to ensuring energy security. However, this type of reservoir commonly faces high temperatures, high salinity, and extremely strong heterogeneity, leading to increasingly severe water content spikes caused by dominant water flow channels. Although the existing traditional inorganic plugging agent has good temperature resistance, it has the defects of great brittleness and easy cracking, while the organic polymer gel is prone to degradation failure under high temperature and high salt environments. In order to solve the above problems, a new biochar-enhanced inorganic composite gel system was constructed by using biochar prepared from agricultural and forestry waste pyrolysis as a functional enhancement component. Through rheological testing, high-temperature and high-pressure mechanical experiments, long-term thermal stability evaluation, and dynamic sealing experiments of fractured rock cores, the reinforcement and toughening laws and rheological control mechanisms of biochar on inorganic matrices were systematically studied. Research has found that a biochar content of 0.5 wt% can significantly improve the micro pore structure of the matrix. By utilizing its micro aggregate filling effect and interfacial chemical bonding, the compressive strength of the solidified body can be increased to over 2 MPa, and there is no significant decline in strength after aging at 130 °C for 30 days. More importantly, the unique “adsorption slow-release” mechanism of biochar effectively stabilizes the hydration reaction kinetics at high temperatures, extending the solidification time of the system to 15 h and solving the problem of flash condensation in deep well pumping. This system exhibits excellent shear thinning characteristics and crack sealing ability, and presents a unique “yield reconstruction” toughness sealing feature. This study elucidates the multidimensional strengthening mechanism of biochar in inorganic cementitious materials, providing technical reference for stable oil and water control in deep fractured reservoirs. Full article

Neuroinflammation is pivotal in the development of numerous neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Microglial cells, the principal immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are essential mediators of this process. Upon exposure to pathogenic stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), microglia activate and release pro-inflammatory mediators, leading to heightened oxidative stress and neuronal damage. Therefore, targeting microglial activation is a promising therapeutic approach to prevent or slow neurodegeneration. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the leaf extract of the newly identified species Bauhinia thailandica on LPS-activated BV2 microglia. The phytochemical compound of the B. thailandica leaf extract was also investigated. BV2 cells were treated with LPS (1 μg/mL) for 24 h in the presence or absence of B. thailandica leaf extract (12.5 and 25 µg/mL). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were quantified with CM-H2DCFDA, Griess reagent assay, and ELISA, respectively. Treatment with LPS resulted in significant increases in ROS, NO, IL-6, IL-1, and TNF levels compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). However, co-treatment with B. thailandica leaf extract significantly suppressed the production of these inflammatory markers (p < 0.01 for 25 µg/mL across all parameters, except TNF-α; p < 0.05). The results also showed that B. thailandica leaf extract possessed significant levels of total phenolic content (TPC; 70.55 mg GAE/g dry extract), total flavonoid content (TFC; 249.47 mg QE/g dry extract), and tannins (397.50 mg TAE/g dry extract). Phytochemical screening also revealed the presence of saponins and cardiac glycosides in the extract. In conclusion, the leaf extract of B. thailandica is a potent source of phytochemicals exhibiting antioxidant capabilities and has shown both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions in LPS-activated BV2 microglial cells. The findings indicate that B. thailandica leaf extract shows significant promise as a novel herbal treatment for neuroinflammatory disorders mediated by microglia. Further research is necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms of action and to investigate the active substances responsible for these effects. Full article

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide and is driven by complex pathophysiological processes, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, complement dysregulation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated neovascularization. Nutritional interventions—particularly supplementation with carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and essential micronutrients—have demonstrated clinical benefits in slowing disease progression, as evidenced by landmark trials such as AREDS and AREDS2. However, many AMD-relevant bioactives exhibit poor aqueous solubility, low chemical stability, and limited gastrointestinal bioavailability, which significantly constrain their therapeutic efficacy. Food-grade microgels have emerged as versatile colloidal delivery platforms capable of addressing these limitations through rational structural and physicochemical design. This review provides a systematic roadmap for developing food-grade microgels, organized into: (1) the molecular design of protein- and polysaccharide-based networks; (2) advanced fabrication strategies such as microfluidics and atomization; (3) spatiotemporal release programming within the gastrointestinal tract; and (4) multi-nutrient synergy for retinal protection. This approach highlights how controlled crosslinking, interfacial assembly, and tunable network architectures enhance nutrient stabilization. Particular emphasis is placed on spatiotemporal release programming within the gastrointestinal tract, including diffusion-limited gastric retention, pH- and bile-responsive swelling in the small intestine, and microbiota-triggered degradation in the colon. These mechanisms collectively enable region-specific release, improved micellar incorporation, enhanced systemic absorption, and more consistent retinal delivery. Furthermore, we discuss co-encapsulation strategies that accommodate both hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactives, thereby minimizing antagonistic interactions and enabling synergistic nutritional modulation of oxidative and inflammatory pathways implicated in AMD. A central novelty of this review is the integration of the gut–eye axis, framing microgel-based oral delivery as a systemic pathway to modulate retinal health via the intestinal environment. By bridging retinal disease biology with food colloid science, this review proposes food-grade microgels as a translational platform for next-generation nutraceutical interventions. The integration of programmable release behavior with clinically validated nutrient regimens offers a promising pathway toward more effective and mechanistically informed dietary management of AMD. Full article

Phase-change materials (PCMs) are capable of storing or releasing a substantial amount of thermal energy within a small volume through the latent heat of fusion during phase transitions of melting and solidification, i.e., from solid to liquid or vice versa, in a near isothermal process. However, commonly used organic PCMs, such as paraffin wax, exhibit very low thermal conductivity, contributing to an adverse increase in overall thermal resistance and, thus, a slow thermal response. This limitation often becomes a bottleneck for the system from a thermal performance standpoint. To mitigate this issue, the present work explores the fabrication of heat sinks incorporating nano-structured graphitic foams, including carbon foam (CF) and expanded graphite (EG), as well as micro-structured metal foams such as open-cell copper foam (OCCF), all impregnated with a paraffin-based PCM with a melting temperature near 37 °C. This study focuses on applying passive thermal management strategies to design efficient heat sinks capable of maintaining the temperatures of battery modules and electronic circuits within an acceptable thermal safety threshold for small satellites and spacecrafts, exemplified by the OPTIMUS and Pumpkin battery modules designed for CubeSats with a nominal cross-sectional area of almost 4″ × 4″. Temperature responses and average overall thermal resistances for fabricated heat sinks are accordingly assessed and compared in a vacuum chamber to simulate space conditions. Furthermore, the impact of operating pressure on the thermal performances of various heat sinks will be investigated by executing the same tests in both atmospheric and vacuum conditions. The findings demonstrate a superior thermal performance of composite heat sinks integrating carbon foam and copper foam into the paraffin PCM compared to the baseline PCM heat sink under both vacuum and atmospheric operating pressure conditions. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), the world’s fourth most significant food crop, faces a critical sustainability challenge: meeting escalating global demand while mitigating the substantial environmental footprint of its production. Potato exhibits high nitrogen requirements, which makes conventional fertilization significantly inefficient, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being below 40%, contributing to severe environmental losses, including nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. In this comprehensive review, global research is examined regarding enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, such as nitrification inhibitors (NIs), urease inhibitors (UIs), and slow-released fertilizers, which promote a pivotal strategy for sustainable potato cultivation. An extensive analysis is provided exploring the biochemical mechanisms of these inhibitors, their complex interactions with potato physiology, and also their impact on tuber yield, quality, and environmental footprint. These insights are combined with sustainable strategies to optimize nitrogen fertilization in potato cropping systems. Lastly, essential knowledge gaps, such as ongoing soil-health impacts and climate-change interactions, are underlined, and future directions of research are proposed to advance inhibitor utilization on potato production. Full article