Search Results (1,874)

Zinc (Zn) homeostasis is frequently altered in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD); however, acute intraindividual changes in circulating Zn during a single HD session remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated HD-associated asymmetry in serum Zn concentrations using paired pre- and post-HD measurements. This cross-sectional observational study with a paired pre–post analytical component included 40 adults receiving maintenance HD at a secondary-care public hospital in Mexico. Serum Zn was quantified immediately before and after a routine hemodialysis session using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method operated in helium kinetic energy discrimination (He-KED) mode. Median serum Zn concentrations were lower after hemodialysis than before hemodialysis [64.84, 45.39–108.62 vs. 82.08, 57.45–136.59 µg/dL, respectively (p < 0.001)], demonstrating a significant pre–post asymmetry. This reduction remained significant in both sexes and across nutritional status groups (all p < 0.001). Significant pre–post reductions were also observed in both sexes and across both baseline BMI categories after Benjamini–Hochberg correction (q-BH < 0.05). Baseline serum Zn was not significantly correlated with the evaluated biochemical, anthropometric, or body composition variables after correction for multiple comparisons. These findings indicate an acute hemodialysis-associated asymmetry in circulating Zn and support further longitudinal studies to determine its persistence, underlying mechanisms, and clinical significance. Full article

Selected essential oil (EO)-containing mouthrinses improve plaque and gingivitis control when used alongside mechanical oral hygiene, but their molecular effects in human saliva remain poorly defined. This narrative review integrates formulation chemistry, oral exposure, human salivary evidence, and mechanistic studies. Three studies identified in this review evaluated salivary immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, or interleukin-1β. Differences in populations, co-interventions, sampling, and analytical methods limit comparison and do not establish reproducible modulation of a single biomarker. Other human studies assessed salivary flow, pH, proteomic responses, microbial counts, nitrate reduction, and oral biofilms. Mechanistic evidence largely derives from isolated constituents in cellular, animal, or computational models. A study of a complete zinc-containing formulation in human oral cells provides formulation-level evidence, but neither this study nor the constituent literature establishes target engagement after mouthrinsing in humans. Future trials should connect chemically characterized formulations and measured oral exposure with target-specific assays, validated salivary endpoints, microbial function, clinical outcomes, and safety. Current evidence supports selected formulations for plaque and gingivitis control; it does not establish an EO class effect or a validated salivary mechanism of clinical benefit. Full article

Reliable detection of radioactive sources in gamma-ray spectra is important for nuclear security, environmental monitoring, and radiation protection. This work presents an experimental proof-of-concept anomaly-detection approach for low-count cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) gamma-ray spectra, combining the Anscombe variance-stabilizing transform, principal component analysis (PCA), and Mahalanobis distance to detect deviations from natural background using full spectral-shape information. Measurements were performed with a compact $0.5{\mathrm{cm}}^3$ CZT detector and a custom Python-based data acquisition system. Background and ¹³⁷Cs spectra were acquired as 1024-channel, $10\mathrm{s}$ measurements and combined into moving sums for the principal analysis. The anomaly-detection calculations were performed directly in analog-to-digital-converter (ADC) channel space; the energy calibration was used only for detector characterization. Sensitivity studies showed that aggressive PCA truncation strongly reduced source sensitivity and that increasing the integration duration improved detection at the cost of increased sensitivity to temporal background variation. For the 60 s, 400-component configuration, the mean source-detection probability was 70.4% and the weakest-condition detection probability was 14.5%; the independent-background threshold-crossing frequency was 13.4/day, equal to the calibration-background crossing frequency within the finite resolution of the available data. Requiring at least two consecutive threshold crossings eliminated all false alarms observed in the available independent background sequence. The results demonstrate the feasibility of PCA–Mahalanobis scoring as a background-only proof-of-concept anomaly detector for low-count compact-CZT spectra under the investigated ¹³⁷Cs measurement conditions, while also showing the importance of PCA dimensionality, integration time, background stability, and temporal persistence. Full article

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is an environmental and occupational pollutant and a known lung carcinogen. Despite the exposure risks, it is unclear how Cr(VI) causes lung cancer. Prolonged Cr(VI) exposure induces DNA double-strand breaks and inhibits their repair in exposed cells, leading to chromosome instability, a hallmark of lung cancer. Specifically, Cr(VI) inhibits RAD51, a key effector protein in the homologous recombination repair pathway. The goal of this study was to translate this molecular mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced lung carcinogenesis to a guinea pig model. Hartley guinea pigs 10 to 11-week-old were exposed to zinc chromate via oropharyngeal aspiration for acute (24 h) or subchronic (90-day) exposure. Lungs were dissected and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded. DNA double-strand breaks were measured using gamma-H2AX foci, and homologous recombination repair was assessed using RAD51 foci. Acute Cr(VI) exposure induced gamma-H2AX foci and RAD51 foci, whereas subchronic exposure also caused gamma-H2AX foci but inhibited RAD51 foci. These effects of Cr(VI)-induced DNA damage and repair inhibition were largely observed in bronchiolar regions but not in alveolar regions. This study establishes a new human-relevant model to study Cr(VI)-induced carcinogenesis and translates the mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced DNA double-strand break formation and repair inhibition to guinea pig lungs. Full article

Waste tyre rubber serves as a cost-effective aggregate substitute. The elemental-level interfacial mechanisms underlying the associated strength reduction remain insufficiently characterised. In this study, eleven concrete mixes were evaluated, with fine-rubber (2.5–5 mm) replacing river sand and coarse-rubber (5–20 mm) replacing crushed limestone, each at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by volume. Cement content was maintained at 400 kg/m³ and the water-to-cement ratio at 0.45. Workability, hardened density, and 28-day compressive and flexural strengths were measured in accordance with Moroccan Standards (NM), which are aligned with the European Standards (EN). Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) microanalysis was conducted on six mixes to characterise the rubber–paste interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Compressive strength decreased by 8.5% with 10 vol. % fine rubber replacement and by 81.8% with 50 vol. % coarse rubber replacement, with coarse rubber consistently resulting in greater strength loss at all levels. Every qualifying paste-side field in the rubberised mixes returned a Ca/Si ratio above the reference bulk-paste value of 1.24, reaching 8.09, indicating portlandite accumulation at the hydrophobic rubber surface. Sulphur and zinc, introduced during vulcanisation, confirmed these regions as rubber rather than cement paste. The apparent debonding-zone width at the fracture surface increased from 10–25 µm to 100–200 µm and scaled with particle size, consistent with a flaw-size effect rather than with total interfacial area. Preliminary guidance on mix selection based on 28-day mechanical performance is proposed. Full article

Background/aim: Guidelines on screening for pre or postoperative micronutrients are currently lacking for patients diagnosed with gastric or esophageal cancer. this study aimed to identify micronutrient deficiencies after surgery for esophagogastric neoplasms and to evaluate changes in micronutrient status during targeted supplementation. Methods: This was a non-randomized prospective intervention trial conducted in The Netherlands between December 2021 and December 2024. Patients who underwent esophagectomy or (sub)total gastrectomy were included. At baseline (T0), blood measurement prior to supplementation was performed. All measurements were repeated after six (T1) and 12 months (T2) of supplementation. Both groups received Calcium Soft Chew D3 and a multivitamin supplement depending on the performed surgery (i.e., Multi-E or Multi-G). Results: In total, 107 patients were included (n = 76 esophagectomy group). At T0, at least one micronutrient deficiency was present in 83.9% of patients after gastrectomy (median 30.1 [IQR: 19.4–148.4] weeks after surgery) and in 67.1% of patients after esophagectomy (median 36.6 [IQR: 14.4–108.3] weeks after surgery). The four most common deficiencies at baseline were vitamin D (36.8%), iron (32.7%), zinc (22.8%), and ferritin (20.8%). For vitamin D and iron an increase in concentrations during follow-up was seen (p < 0.002), except for zinc in the esophagectomy group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: During targeted supplementation, the prevalence of several micronutrient deficiencies decreased and several micronutrient concentrations increased. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

Orthophthalic unsaturated polyester resins are widely used in engineering applications due to their favourable mechanical properties, low cost, and ease of processing; however, their long-term durability under environmental exposure remains a significant challenge. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of selected nanofillers on the mechanical, surface, and tribological properties of orthophthalic unsaturated polyester resin composites. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), halloysite, Cloisite^® 30B, nanoclay, and zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into the polyester matrix at concentrations of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 wt.%. The environmental stability of the developed composites was evaluated through incubation in buffer solutions with pH values of 4, 7, and 9. Changes in pH values, sample mass and surface morphology were assessed before and after exposure. In addition, accelerated ageing and soil burial tests were conducted to evaluate the stability of the materials under different environmental exposure conditions. Changes induced by environmental exposure were evaluated using mass measurements, surface roughness analysis, morphological observations, and mechanical characterisation, depending on the applied exposure procedure. The surface characteristics of the composites were investigated using contact angle measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical and functional performance was further evaluated through scratch resistance testing in accordance with PN-EN ISO 1518:2023 and pull-off adhesion measurements. Tribological behaviour was determined for selected ZnO- and nanoclay-modified composites by evaluating the coefficient of friction, linear wear, wear track morphology, and surface topography. Furthermore, the gross heat of combustion of selected materials was determined according to PN-EN ISO 1716:2018. The obtained results provide a comprehensive comparison of the effects of nanofiller type and concentration on the mechanical, surface, tribological, and environmental behaviorpolyester resin composites. The results demonstrate that the investigated nanofillers affect different aspects of composite performance and that their effectiveness depends on both nanofiller type and concentration, indicating that nanofiller selection should be tailored to the properties required for the intended application. Full article

Unencapsulated solution-processed oxide-semiconductor transistors suffer from cross-sensitivity and baseline instability. In this study, we systematically investigate the field-effect transport kinetics and species-dependent gas interaction dynamics of solution-processed amorphous indium zinc oxide thin-film transistors across pressure state transitions (760–10⁻³ Torr) and single-gas purging environments (N₂, O₂, Ar, CO₂, and humid air > 90% relative humidity). Our experimental findings indicate that atmospheric pressure variations dictate bulk channel conduction via free-carrier density shifts, whereas relative humidity drives parasitic gate (I_G)/surface leakage currents (I_surface) through moisture-mediated interfacial trap creation. Purging tests reveal a nonpolar sensing window where N₂ promotes bulk carrier accumulation, while Ar drives carrier depletion without degrading gate dielectric insulation. Electrophilic O₂ suppresses channel current while increasing I_G, whereas CO₂ exhibits total electrical invariance. Real-time pulse-switching measurements confirm high detection fidelity (maximum signal-to-noise ratio > 30 dB for N₂ and Ar) with excellent recovery. Correlating these dynamic responses with an exponential sub-bandgap density-of-states model establishes key principles for developing unencapsulated oxide chemical sensors that can discriminate complex gas–species mixtures in real-world ambient environments. Full article

The female reproductive system, particularly the ovary, exhibits a high sensitivity to the effects of environmental xenobiotics. This group of substances includes micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as well as trace elements. This literature review summarises the current knowledge on the individual and combined effects of MNPs and trace elements—including essential bioelements (zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn)) and toxic elements (cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg))—on ovarian physiology and clinical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), gonadal dysfunction and infertility. Essential trace elements play irreplaceable roles as enzyme cofactors (e.g., superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)) and transcriptional regulators; however, their biological action is confined to a narrow homeostatic window, within which both deficiency and excess disrupt cellular redox status and the hypothalamic–pituitary –gonadal axis. The effect of toxic heavy metals is different; these exhibit threshold-independent cytotoxic, genotoxic and endocrine-disrupting effects, inducing apoptosis of granulosa cells, endoplasmic reticulum stress and the silencing of steroidogenic genes (e.g., Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), CYP11A1, CYP19A1) via epigenetic modifications, which accelerates the depletion of the ovarian reserve (measured by a decline in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)). Concurrently, MNPs overcome biological barriers and accumulate within the ovarian microenvironment, thereby inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent apoptosis, NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, cytoskeletal disruption, and tissue fibrosis. A key element of this review is the identification of mechanistic convergence and potential toxic synergism between MNPs and heavy metals. Co-exposure enhances toxin retention within cells by inhibiting ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, potentiates mitochondrial depolarisation, and activates protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase–eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha (PERK/eIF2α) stress signalling. Understanding these shared molecular pathways forms the basis for assessing multi-component risk in female reproductive toxicology and for developing targeted protective strategies. Full article

Background: The demographic crisis observed in industrialized countries has been accompanied by a decline in the reproductive potential of human populations. One of the causes for the global deterioration in men’s reproductive health is adiposity and sedentary lifestyle, leading to reduced fertility and a decrease in androgen status. The aim of the study was to assess the association between abdominal obesity and semen parameters, including sperm DNA fragmentation, as well as key indicators of hormonal and metabolic status in young men from the general population. Methods: Our cross-sectional study was conducted among Russian and Belarusian men living in six cities. The examination of men (n = 1283, median age 23 years) included questionnaires, anthropometry, and the collection of peripheral blood and semen samples. Semen analysis was conducted according to WHO guidelines. Sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was evaluated using the SCSA method. The serum and seminal zinc concentration was determined using spectrophotometry and direct calorimetry. Hormonal and metabolic levels were measured using commercial kits. Waist circumference (WC) was used as a surrogate marker of abdominal adiposity. Participants were allocated to three phenotypes: non-obese (control, WC < 94 cm), excess abdominal fat (94 ≤ WC < 102 cm) and abdominal obesity (WC ≥ 102 cm). Results: In our study population, 85.8% of participants were young (under 30 years of age), 8.6% had excess abdominal fat, 5.7% had abdominal obesity (AO), and 65.2% had normozoospermia. Men with AO were characterized by a decrease in semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration and progressive motility compared to the non-obese control. DFI was significantly higher in obese compared to non-obese men. Obese participants had significantly lower testosterone and inhibin B levels, but higher FSH and leptin levels compared to non-obese men. Men with AO had elevated serum zinc levels but reduced seminal zinc content. Abdominal obesity was also associated with significant metabolic changes, in particular, with increased levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, fasting glucose and uric acid. AO-related testosterone deficiency (serum testosterone level ≤ 12.1 nmol/L) was detected in 38.7% of obese men and was accompanied by elevated DFI, levels of FSH, and zinc, as well as unfavorable changes in metabolic indicators. Physically active AO men (who engaged in recreational sports or physical labor) demonstrated reduced anthropometric indicators of AO and leptin levels, increased LH and testosterone levels, and improved carbohydrate and lipid metabolism compared to sedentary AO men. Conclusions: AO is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as an imbalance of the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis and metabolic status. AO, associated with testosterone deficiency or a sedentary lifestyle, is a potential risk factor for the weakening of male reproductive health. However, physically active stout men showed more favorable anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic indicators compared with sedentary stout men. In the long term, obese men who ignore a correction of sedentary lifestyle are not protected from a decline in reproductive health. Full article

The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) were synthesized from zinc acetate using potato starch as a capping agent through alkaline sol–gel precipitation, without calcination. The produced nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including UV–visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis), zeta potential analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ZnO NP exhibited an absorption maximum at 361 nm in the UV-vis spectrum, a z-average value of 138.1 nm and a zeta potential value of −23.8 mV as measured by DLS. The XRD pattern revealed distinctive diffraction peaks corresponding to the hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure characteristic of ZnO. FTIR analysis indicated that NP were capped with hydroxyl functional groups from the starch. The produced NP were quasi spherical, with sizes ranging from 20.7 to 38.1 nm and a mean particle size of 30.6 ± 5.1 nm. The potential application of ZnO NP as a photocatalyst was studied under UV light at 365 nm for the decolourization of tartrazine, a model azo food dye. The effects of varying concentrations of the catalyst (900–4500 µg/mL), tartrazine (2.5–10 µg/mL) and reaction time (30–120 min) on tartrazine removal were monitored using UV-vis at 426 nm. Under optimum conditions of 2700 µg/mL NP, 7.5 µg/mL tartrazine and a reaction time of 90 min, a 92% removal was achieved, with a rate constant (k) of 0.0135 min⁻¹. Additionally, the bactericidal activity of the NP against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis was investigated using the resazurin broth method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against E. coli and B. subtilis were 2700 and 1800 µg/mL and 3600 and 2700 µg/mL, respectively. Thus, the current study highlights the calcination-free, potato starch-capped sol–gel synthesis and the bifunctionality of ZnO NP as a recyclable photocatalyst and a bactericide for the decolourization of dyes and pigments, as well as for the bacterial disinfection of food industry wastewater effluents. Full article

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, life-limiting genetic disorder characterized by abnormally thick mucus secretions that obstruct the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive tracts. Globally, CF affects an estimated 70,000 to 100,000 individuals. This study investigated nutritional awareness and dietary management among caregivers of pediatric CF patients. Specifically, it evaluated parental nutritional knowledge, caregiving behaviors, and patients’ actual nutrient intake and diet quality relative to established clinical guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 50 parents and their children with CF (aged 4–18 years) receiving specialized care at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem, Palestine. Data collection utilized a comprehensive parental questionnaire alongside a 3-day food diary completed by participants. Objective clinical status and biochemical markers were extracted directly from patients’ medical records. CF-specific recommendations were used where available, and general pediatric reference values were used otherwise. Results: A significant disparity (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between patients’ actual dietary intake and the recommended daily allowances for protein, carbohydrates, zinc, and calcium; however, intakes of sodium and iron did not differ significantly from guidelines. Higher patient adherence to dietary recommendations was significantly associated with superior lung function (measured via FEV1) and optimal serum albumin levels (p ≤ 0.05). Notably, 38% of the study sample were classified as underweight, and 76.9% of children with available 25(OH)D measurements (30/39) exhibited concentrations below 30 ng/mL. Clinical and biochemical measurements were not available for all participants. Caregiver nutritional knowledge was not significantly associated with the measured clinical or biochemical outcomes, whereas better patient dietary adherence was associated with higher FEV1% predicted and serum albumin concentrations. Conclusion: The high prevalence of underweight status and micronutrient deficiencies highlights a critical need for targeted nutritional education and clinical counseling programs. Enhancing awareness among patients and parents is essential to correct dietary deficits, optimize growth, and improve long-term health outcomes. Full article

The low-carbon transition is increasingly mineral-intensive, raising the question of whether industrial-metal market conditions coincide with different carbon-intensity adjustments across inherited mineral structures. We examine 45 Asian and Pacific economies over 2005–2022 (756 economy-year observations), combining a real aluminium–copper–nickel–tin–zinc price index with predetermined mineral dependence measured from 1995–2004 non-fuel mineral rents. Economy and year fixed-effects estimates indicate a positive exposure gradient: across the interquartile exposure difference, a one-standard-deviation larger annual metal-price movement is associated with a 0.00577-log-point (0.58%) differential in annual carbon-intensity change. Design-aware inference is weaker than conventional economy-clustered inference (economy-CR2/Satterthwaite p = 0.0571; exact circular-shift p = 0.0556). The accounting decomposition yields point estimates of 0.0097 for primary-energy intensity and 0.0012 for CO₂ per unit of primary energy, although their difference is not statistically distinguished under CR2 inference. Allowing world industrial activity and oil-price movements to separate mineral dependence slopes reduces the focal coefficient to 0.00448 (p = 0.474), and identifying support is concentrated among materially mineral-dependent economies. The evidence documents a bounded exposure-conditioned association embedded in the wider industrial and commodity cycle. For planning, the findings support assessing energy demand, efficiency, and the carbon characteristics of supporting energy supply alongside mineral development decisions. Full article

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a major horticultural crop valued for its distinctive flavor, nutritional quality, and health-promoting properties, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The characteristic aroma and health benefits of garlic are primarily attributed to its organosulfur compounds. This study evaluated the effects of conventional zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on selected organosulfur metabolites in garlic bulbs using targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Treatments comprised an untreated control, ZnSO₄, 25 mg ZnO NPs kg⁻¹ soil (ZnO NP-25), and 55 mg ZnO NPs kg⁻¹ soil (ZnO NP-50), with ten independent experimental units per treatment. Relative to the control, ZnO NP-50 increased alliin by 225.3%, allicin by 309.6%, diallyl sulfide (DAS) by 219.5%, diallyl disulfide (DADS) by 231.7%, and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) by 149.7%, whereas ajoene decreased by 67.3%. ZnO NP-50 produced the highest mean concentrations of alliin, allicin, DAS, DADS, and DATS, indicating a dose-related compositional pattern across the two nanoparticle rates. These findings demonstrate that soil-applied ZnO NPs altered the targeted organosulfur profile of garlic under greenhouse conditions. The physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these responses were not measured and require further investigation. Full article

Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome and hand edema can complicate inpatient rehabilitation and may reflect interactions between antioxidant, nutritional, inflammatory, and neuro-musculoskeletal factors. This single-center retrospective cohort study included 453 adults admitted for inpatient rehabilitation within 60 days after a first-ever unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2025. The primary exposure was the number of abnormal antioxidant-, nutritional-, and inflammation-related biomarkers, defined as serum zinc <70 µg/dL, albumin <3.5 g/dL, C-reactive protein ≥1.0 mg/dL, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥3.0. The primary outcome was shoulder-hand syndrome or clinically significant hand edema during inpatient rehabilitation. In multivariable logistic regression with robust standard errors, each 1-unit increase in the number of abnormal biomarkers was associated with higher odds of the primary composite outcome (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–1.77; p = 0.001). Directionally consistent associations were observed for shoulder-hand syndrome, clinically significant hand edema, Fugl–Meyer upper-extremity score at discharge, and poor upper-limb function at discharge. In a temporal sensitivity analysis excluding the 28 patients with the primary outcome already documented at PM&R admission (N = 425), biomarker profiling preceded the documented outcome in all 98 subsequent event cases, and the association remained (odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.79; p = 0.004). These findings indicate that a higher burden of abnormal antioxidant-, nutritional-, and inflammation-related biomarkers was associated with a clinical profile characterized by upper-limb complications and less favorable short-term motor function; the burden measure is not validated for prediction. Full article