Search Results (206)

This study optimizes the production of activated carbons from hydrothermally carbonized (HTC) biomass using potassium hydroxide (KOH) and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) as activating agents. A 2³ factorial experimental design evaluated the effects of agent-to-precursor ratio, dry impregnation time, and activation duration on mass yield and iodine adsorption capacity. KOH-activated carbons achieved superior iodine numbers (up to 1289 mg/g) but lower mass yields (18–35%), reflecting enhanced porosity at the cost of material loss. Conversely, H₃PO₄ activation yielded higher mass retention (up to 54.86%) with moderate iodine numbers (up to 1117.3 mg/g), balancing porosity and yield. HTC pretreatment at 190 °C reduced the ash content, thereby enhancing the stability of hydrochar. These findings highlight the trade-offs between adsorption performance and process efficiency, with KOH suited for high-porosity applications (e.g., water purification) and H₃PO₄ for industrial scalability. The study advances biomass waste valorization, aligning with circular economy principles and offering sustainable solutions for environmental and industrial applications, such as water purification and energy storage. Full article

Information about the trace elements content of goose carcass parts with or without skin can be important for consumers when making dietary choices. This study aimed to (1) determine the effects of popular heat processing techniques on the content of chromium (Cr), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), and bromine (Br) in goose breast muscle, and (2) estimate the extent to which 100 g of goose meat—both with and without skin—cover the Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for Cr, I, Mn, and the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for Br in adults. The heat processing techniques used in the study were water bath cooking (WBC), Oven Convection Roasting (OCR), grilling (G), and pan frying (PF). Grilled goose breast without skin had the highest Br retention (97.4%) and TDI (2.41%). Cooked goose breast (WBC) with skin exhibited the highest retention of Cr (73.8%) and I (73.6%). The highest Mn content was found in meat without skin after OCR processing and grilled meat with skin (0.170 and 0.191 mg/100 g, respectively). The iodine content in the meat decreased (from 0.020 raw to 0.003 mg/100 g after PF) with each heat treatment. The results of our study may provide helpful information for consumers when making dietary choices and using heat treatment techniques. Goose breast muscles, depending on heat treatment and the presence of skin, provide trace elements in the range of 2.21% of NRV (Nutrient Reference Value) for Br without skin to 740.7% of NRV for Cr with skin and may be a valuable component of a varied diet (apart from iodine). The Br content in the meat decreases after WBC treatment (1.29 without skin or 1.43 with skin mg/100 g). For this reason, it seems to be the most beneficial for the consumer’s health because it minimizes the risk of exceeding the TDI value. Total hazard quotients (THQ) in meat (regardless of the treatment and skin presence) for Cr, Mn, and Br contents were <1, indicating a low risk to Polish consumer health. Full article

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) are perennial herbaceous flowers with high ornamental and medicinal value. Currently, the breeding of new daylily cultivars was mainly achieved through hybrid breeding, but issues such as self-incompatibility, hybridization barriers, and asynchronous reproductive phenology severely hinder the breeding process. Understanding pollen viability was essential for daylily breeding and cultivar improvement. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of pollen viability determination methods, collection time, medium combinations, culture temperature and storage conditions on the pollen germination characteristics of daylily, using five daylily cultivars introduced in the Zhanjiang region of China as materials. Comparing the Iodine-potassium iodide (I₂-KI) staining and Acetocarmine staining, the results of 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium Chloride (TTC) staining showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the in vitro germination rate, which is suitable for the rapid detection of daylily pollen vigor. The daylily variation of pollen vigor was significant in different cultivars, and most cultivars had the highest vigor at 9:00–12:00 a.m., which was suitable for artificial pollination. The in vitro germination experiment showed that sucrose concentration was the key factor for daylily pollen germination and pollen tube growth, and the optimal medium for pollen in vitro germination was 50 g/L⁻¹ sucrose + 0.1 g/L⁻¹ H₃BO₃ + 0.06 g/L⁻¹ KNO₃ + 0.2 g/L⁻¹ Ca(NO₃)₂. The temperature experiment showed that the optimum temperature for pollen germination was 24.1–26.7 °C, and the optimum range for pollen tube growth was 24.1–25.7 °C, and the high temperature significantly inhibited the elongation rate of pollen tube. Storage experiments showed that low temperature (−40 °C) combined with drying treatment could significantly prolong pollen life, and the “Water Dragon” variety still maintained 41.29% vigor after 60 days of dry storage. This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for the introduction and domestication of daylily in South China, hybridization and garden application. Full article

Salivary gland cancers (SGCs) pose a therapeutic challenge due to their aggressive nature and limited treatment options. Ion transporters, particularly the sodium/iodide symporter (SLC5A5), which transport iodine in the form of iodide anion (I⁻) into cells, have emerged as potential therapeutic targets in tumors of glandular origin. Our research indicates that SLC5A5 is expressed predominantly in ductal cells of human and murine SGC cells. We assessed the effects of potassium iodide (KI), a source of iodide ions. KI treatment reduced SGC cell proliferation and viability without impacting migration. KI increased ROS levels and triggered caspase-dependent apoptosis, as indicated by the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX, downregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and induction of SGC cell shrinkage. KI did not affect NF-κB or TNF-α and SLC5A5 expression. Adding the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine reversed KI-induced growth inhibition, underscoring ROS-induced oxidative stress’s crucial role in growth inhibition. While KI administered in drinking water to mice increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) expression in non-malignant salivary gland tissues, KI decreased EGF receptor (EGFR) expression in malignant SGC cell cultures, where EGFR signaling is frequently dysregulated in SGCs but promoted AKT phosphorylation. Combining KI and anti-EGFR treatment did not yield synergistic anti-SGC cell effects. The study underscores the therapeutic potential of KI as a standalone treatment in vitro for SGC cells. However, the upregulation of EGF in non-malignant tissues and, therefore, the possibility to enhance EGFR-driven signals and AKT phosphorylation after KI treatment in cancer patients could indicate a risk of rendering SGC cells more drug resistant, warranting further investigation to optimize its clinical application. Full article

Activated carbons (ACs) are employed in the nuclear industry to mitigate the emission of potential radioactive iodine species. Their retention performances towards iodine are mainly dependent on the relative humidity due to the competitive effect induced by adsorbed water molecules. Thus, this work will focus on the prediction of AC behavior toward the capture of water vapor to better assess the poisoning effect on radiotoxic iodine removal. For the first time, H₂O breakthrough curves (BTCs) on nuclear grade ACs are predicted through a specific methodology based on the combination of transport phenomena with adsorption kinetics and equilibrium. Three ACs, similar to those deployed in the nuclear context, are considered within the present study. Our model is based on the Linear Driving Force Model (LDF), governed by an intraparticle diffusion mechanism, notably surface and Knudsen diffusions. In addition, the type V isotherms obtained for H₂O and the investigated carbon supports were described through the Klotz equation, taking into account the formation and progressive growth of H₂O clusters within the internal porosity. This methodology allowed us to successfully simulate the H₂O adsorption by a non-impregnated AC, where only physisorption phenomena are involved. In addition, promising results were highlighted when extrapolating to the two other impregnated ACs (AC 5KI and AC Nuclear). Full article

This paper reports the latest update to and a 24 h continuous operation test of the CEU’s thermochemical iodine–sulfur cycle water-splitting system with a maximum H₂ hydrogen production capacity of 1500 L/h. To address challenges such as high energy consumption and severe corrosion in traditional processes, the system was updated and optimized by introducing a small-cycle design, simulated using Aspen Plus software, achieving a thermal efficiency of 53%. Specifically, the key equipment improvements included a three-stage H₂SO₄ decomposition reactor and an HI decomposition reactor with heat recovery, resolving issues of severe corrosion when H₂SO₄ boils and reducing heat loss. During 24 h continuous operation in January 2025, the system achieved a peak hydrogen production rate of 1536 L/h and a long-term stable rate of approximately 300 L/h, with hydrogen purity reaching up to 98.75%. This study validates the potential for the scaling up of iodine–sulfur cycle hydrogen production technology, providing engineering insights for efficient and clean hydrogen energy production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Small bowel tumors (SBTs) encompass a diverse range of tumor types, with benign tumors being the most prevalent. However, the incidence of malignant SBTs is increasing, particularly small bowel adenocarcinoma; this poses a diagnostic challenge for clinicians and radiologists due to the varied and nonspecific clinical and radiological presentations associated with SBTs. In fact, SBTs can present differently in emergencies, often mimicking inflammatory diseases or manifesting as complications such as intussusception, small bowel obstruction (SBO), intestinal ischemia, perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, or metastatic disease. These tumors can remain asymptomatic for extended periods. Methods: We present a pictorial review on the role of imaging in evaluating SBTs, focusing on the emergency setting where diagnosis can be incidental. We also include some representative cases that may be useful for radiologists and residents in clinical practice. Results: Despite these challenges, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) is usually the best modality to use in emergencies for evaluating SBTs, and in some cases, a diagnosis can be made incidentally. However, when possible, multimodal imaging through cross-sectional imaging remains crucial for the non-invasive diagnosis of SBTs in stable patients, as endoscopic procedures may also be impractical. A complementary CT study with distension using negative oral contrast media, such as water, polyethylene glycol, or mannitol solutions, can improve the characterization of SBTs and rule out multiple SBT locations, particularly in small bowel neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and gastrointestinal tumor (GIST) localization. Positive water-soluble iodine-based oral contrast, such as Gastrografin (GGF), can be used to evaluate and monitor the intestinal lumen during the nonsurgical management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) or in suspected cases of small bowel perforations or the presence of fistulas. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) can aid in improving the characterization of SBTs through a multiplanar and multisequence study. Positron emission tomography combined with CT is generally an essential modality in evaluating metastatic disease and staging and assessing tumor prognosis, but it has limitations for indolent lymphoma and small NETs. Conclusions: Therefore, the integration of multiple imaging modalities can improve patient management and provide a preoperative risk assessment with prognostic and predictive indicators. In the future, radiomics could potentially serve as a “virtual biopsy” for SBTs, allowing for better diagnosis and more personalized management in precision medicine. Full article

Overcoming the oxidation stability of biodiesel has been a significant challenge, especially after an extended storage period. To test a major factor affecting biodiesel quality, eight different conditions consisting of water at a concentration of 500 ppm and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) concentrations of 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm, in combination, were added to palm biodiesel, with no-water-added treatment as the control. Samples were kept in dark storage and air-limited at room temperature for 52 weeks with an initial carbon residue of 0.05 wt%. Every sample was periodically taken for property examination, which included the percentage of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), iodine value (IV), kinematic viscosity (KV), acid value (AV), and oxidation stability. The properties of the samples with 500 ppm of water-added biodiesel exhibited the most significant degradation, even though oxidation stability (starting from 43.37 h) remained higher than 10.00 h after 32 weeks. The IV dropped 48.43% from 49.92 to 25.56 g I₂/100 g. The KV increased 6.14% from 4.56 to 4.84 cSt. The AV rose from 0.45 to 1.09 mg KOH/g. Biodiesel with 2000 ppm TBHQ added was stable for 22 weeks, with all properties under standard values. However, biodiesel in the same condition but with water contamination, its stability was reduced to 16 weeks. Full article

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the detectability of iodine in mediastinal lesions with photon counting CT (PCCT) compared to conventional CT (CCT) in a phantom study. Methods: Mediastinal lesions were simulated by five cylindrical inserts with diameters from 1 to 12 mm within a 10 cm solid water phantom that was placed in the mediastinal area of an anthropomorphic chest phantom with fat ring (QRM-thorax, QRM L-ring, 30 cm × 40 cm cross-section). Inserts were filled with iodine contrast at concentrations of 0.238 to 27.5 mg/mL. A clinical chest protocol at 120 kV on a high-end CCT (Somatom Force, Siemens Healthineers) was compared to the same protocol on a PCCT (Naeotom Alpha, Siemens Healthineers). Images reconstructed with a soft tissue kernel at 1 mm thickness and a 512 matrix served as a reference. For PCCT, we studied the result of reconstructing virtual mono-energetic images (VMIs) at 40, 50, 60 and 70 keV, reducing exposure dose up by 66%, reducing slice thickness to 0.4 and 0.2 mm, and increasing matrix size from 512 to 768 and 1024. Two observers with similar experience independently determined the smallest insert size for which iodine enhancement could still be detected. Consensus was reached when detectability thresholds differed between observers. Results: CTDIvol on PCCT and CCT was 3.80 ± 0.12 and 3.60 ± 0.01 mGy, respectively. PCCT was substantially more sensitive than CCT for detection of iodine in small mediastinal lesions: to detect a 3 mm lesion, 11.2 mg/mL iodine was needed with CCT, while only 1.43 mg/mL was required at 40 keV and 50 keV with PCCT. Moreover, dose reduced by 66% resulted in a comparable detection of iodine between PCCT and CCT for all lesions, except 3 mm. Detection increased from 11.2 mg/mL on CCT to 4.54 mg/mL on PCCT. A matrix size of 1024 reduced this detection threshold further, to 0.238 mg/mL at 40 and 50 keV. For 5 mm lesions, this detection threshold of 0.238 mg/mL was already achieved with a 512 matrix. Very small, 1 mm lesions did not profit from PCCT except if reconstructed with a 1024 matrix, which reduced the detection threshold from 27.5 mg/mL to 11.2 mg/mL. Reduced slice thickness decreased iodine detection of 3–12 mm lesions but not for 1 mm lesions. Conclusions: Iodine detectability with PCCT is at least equal to CCT for simulated mediastinal lesions of 1–12 mm, even at a dose reduction of 66%. Iodine detectability further profits from virtual monoenergetic images of 40 and 50 keV and increased reconstruction matrix. Full article

The use of organic halide salts to passivate metal halide perovskite (MHP) surface defects has been studied extensively. Passivating the surface defects of the MHP is of critical importance for realizing highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, the successful application of a multifunctional organic salt, methyltriphenylphosphonium iodide (MTPPI), used as a passivation additive for grain boundary defects and as a molecular sealing layer in terms of stabilization, has been used to stabilize the mixed cation perovskite RbCsMAFA-PbIBr. To assess the passivating and stabilizing effects of MTPPI on RbCsMAFA-PbIBr PSCs, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) was applied as the most realistic and closest-to-application condition for the ageing test. Here, perovskite solar cells were aged under a light source yielding an excitation intensity corresponding to one sun with maximum power point tracking, which was interrupted periodically by current–voltage sweeps. This allowed for the extraction of all photovoltaic parameters necessary for a proper understanding of the ageing process. The MTPPI additive can donate iodine anions to halide vacancies and compensate a negative surface excess charge with cation interactions. On top of this, the large and bulky methyltriphenylphosphonium (MTPP⁺) cation may block both the escape of volatile perovskite components and the ingress of oxygen and water vapour. These collective roles of MTPPI have improved both the efficiency and stability of the solar cells compared to the reference without passivation additives. Full article

Electronic waste (e-waste) is becoming a serious problem that impacts the environment due to its fast-growing volume. This rise is linked to high electronic and electrical equipment production to meet the increasing demand for high-end electronic devices. Conventional e-waste recycling approaches, including hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, often involve substantial water and energy consumption and the generation of by-products, such as the emission of toxic gases or hazardous effluents. Within this context, solvometallurgy has emerged as a compelling alternative, whereby green non-toxic non-aqueous solvents, namely deep eutectic solvents (DESs), are used to extract and recover the metals with minimal water and harsh acid/base chemical use. The current study presents the solvo-leaching results of critical and strategic metals, i.e., copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni), and precious metals, i.e., gold (Au), from waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). Five different DESs were tested at mild conditions, namely at a temperature of 65 °C, a stirring speed of 300 rpm, a solid/liquid ratio of 10 g/L, and in the presence of iodine (I₂) for 96 h. Among the different solvents tested, the one consisting of choline chloride (ChCl), acetic acid (AA), and I₂ emerged as the optimal solvent, leading to the selective extraction of 99% of Cu, 92% of Ni, and 90% of Au from the PCB powder. Full article

This study aimed to produce activated carbon from desilicated rice husks using various carbonization and activation methods, including a tube furnace, muffle furnace, and artisanal pyrolysis. The resulting activated carbons were characterized for their adsorptive capacity through the determination of iodine number and methylene blue adsorption; these are key indicators of specific surface area and adsorbent quality. Advanced characterization techniques were employed, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed a highly porous and irregular surface structure, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), confirming the effective removal of impurities and optimization of the elemental composition. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) demonstrated favorable surface roughness for adsorption processes. Among the samples, CaDH162-CADH53 exhibited the highest performance, with an iodine number of 1094.8 mg/g and a yield of 93.5%, signifying a high adsorption capacity. The activation treatments with phosphoric acid and calcium carbonate significantly improved the porous structure, further enhancing the material’s adsorptive properties. In conclusion, the activated carbons produced in this study demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties for water purification and contaminant treatment applications. These findings highlight the potential of using agricultural waste, such as rice husk, as a sustainable and scalable alternative for industrial-scale activated carbon production. Full article

Introduction: The number of incidental renal lesions identified in CT scans of the abdomen is increasing. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether hyperdense renal lesions without solid components in a portal venous CT scan can be clearly classified as vascular or non-vascular by material decomposition into iodine and water. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 26 patients (mean age 72 years ± 9; 16 male) with 42 hyperdense renal lesions (>20 HU) in a contrast-enhanced Photon-Counting Detector CT scan (PCD-CT) between May and December 2022. Spectral decomposition into virtual non-contrast (VNC) images and iodine quantification maps was performed, and HU values were quantified within the lesions. Further imaging and histopathological reports served as reference standards. Results: Mean VNC values were 55.7 (±24.2) HU for non-vascular and 32.2 (±11.1) HU for vascular renal lesions. Mean values in the iodine maps were 5.7 (±7.8) HU for non-vascular and 33.3 (±19.0) HU for vascular renal lesions. Using a threshold of >20.3 HU in iodine maps, a total of 7/8 (87.5%) vascular lesions were correctly identified. Conclusion: This proof-of-principle study suggests that the routine use of spectral information acquired in PCD-CT scans might be able to reduce the necessary workup for hyperdense renal lesions without solid components. Further studies with larger patient cohorts are necessary to validate the results of this study and to determine the usefulness of this method in clinical routine. Full article

The culinary poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) has been used for centuries in everyday diets, especially for food, but also as a non-food source of health-promoting ingredients. In the present study, a field trial was set with white-seeded poppy varieties collected from farmers in Croatia. The poppies were sown as a winter crop. Selenium biofortification was applied using different selenium sources, such as selenite, SeO₃²⁻, and selenate SeO₄²⁻. In the flowering stage, biofortification was carried out as follows: (1) Se-0: control; (2) SeO₃_30: 30 g ha⁻¹; (3) SeO₃_60: 60 g ha⁻¹; (4) SeO₄_30: 30 g ha⁻¹; and (5) SeO₄_60: 60 g ha⁻¹. Plants formed an average of four capsules per plant, with an average seed mass per capsule of 3.52 g. The seed yield varied from 0.91 (SeO₃_30) to 1.26 t ha⁻¹ (SeO₄_30). The cold-pressed oil was characterized as good-quality since the average water content was 0.38%, insoluble impurities consisted of 0.013%, iodine number value was 135.81 g, I₂ was 100 g⁻¹, and saponification number was 188.51 mg KOH g⁻¹, and it was on average 0.93% free fatty acids. Selenium biofortification had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on Se accumulation in the seeds. Thus, the selenite form increased Se content in the seeds by about 7% compared to the control, whereas for the (4) SeO4_30 treatment, the increase was about 50%, and for (5) SeO4_60, it was even higher, about 91% compared to the control treatment. The highest content of fatty acids in the cold-pressed oil was determined for linoleic (76.31%), oleic (13.49), and palmitic (7.86%) acids. Full article

The presented work discusses the highly efficient esterification of poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) with alkyl halides at room temperature. The esterification reaction was completed within 3 h, and the prepared γ-PGA esters were obtained with excellent yields (98.6%) when 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG) was used as a promoter. The influence of the amount of TMG, solvent, reaction conditions, and alkyl halides on the esterification reaction was examined. It was found that polar aprotic solvents, such as N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and 1,3-Dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI), were favorable for the esterification. Non-polar or weakly polar solvents (i.e., dichloroethane, acetonitrile) were not favorable for the esterification. Water as a solvent had a negative effect on esterification. The reactivity of bromine halogenated compounds was higher than that of chlorine halogenated compounds but lower than that of iodine halogenated compounds. The structures of the prepared γ-PGA ester were confirmed by ¹H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Thermal stability and hydrophobic properties of the resulting product were tested. The results showed that the prepared γ-PGA propyl ester had high thermal stability (up to 267 °C) and showed good hydrophobicity (contact angle 118.7°). Full article