Search Results (477)

Objective: This multicenter retrospective real-world data study aimed to evaluate whether the use of a preparation containing polyphenol, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc in addition to antiviral therapy was associated with symptom duration and severity, time to fever resolution, and functional recovery in children diagnosed with influenza. Materials and Methods: This was a five-center, multicenter, retrospective, comparative real-world data analysis. A total of 128 patients aged 4–10 years with a clinical diagnosis of influenza were classified into a control group receiving antiviral therapy alone (n = 64) and a combined polyphenol group receiving, in addition to antiviral therapy, a preparation containing polyphenol, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc (n = 64). Clinical data were obtained from electronic patient records and parent-reported information. Symptom severity (0–3 ordinal score), recovery time, and functional outcomes were assessed on Days 0, 3, 5, and 7. Continuous variables were compared using the independent-samples t test, categorical variables using the chi-square or Fisher exact test, and changes over time using a repeated-measures general linear model. Statistical significance was accepted as a two-sided p value of <0.05. Results: In this study including 128 pediatric patients, there were no significant differences between the combined polyphenol and control groups in demographic or baseline clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). During follow-up, all symptom scores improved more rapidly and markedly in the combined polyphenol group than in the control group. By Day 3, significant differences were observed between groups in fever, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat, fatigue, general condition, and physical activity scores (p < 0.001 for all parameters). By Day 5, almost complete resolution of symptoms (score 0) was observed in the combined polyphenol group, whereas symptoms persisted to a substantial extent in the control group (p < 0.001). The time to fever resolution was significantly shorter in the combined polyphenol group (1.84 ± 0.72 days vs. 4.5 ± 1.36 days; p < 0.001). Similarly, time to return to school (3.21 ± 0.9 days vs. 5.8 ± 1.91 days; p < 0.001) and time for parents to return to work were significantly shorter in the combined polyphenol group (p < 0.001). The need for additional healthcare visits and antipyretic use was markedly lower in the combined polyphenol group (Day 3: 20.3% vs. 53.1%; Day 5: 0% vs. 15.6%; p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Repeated-measures analyses showed a significant time-by-group interaction, indicating that the reduction in symptom scores occurred more rapidly and prominently in the combined polyphenol group (p < 0.001). Treatment was generally well tolerated in the combined polyphenol group; no serious adverse events were reported, and parent-reported tolerability was high (9.39 ± 0.7). Conclusions: This multicenter retrospective real-world data study suggests that the use of a preparation containing polyphenol, vitamin D3, vitamin C, and zinc in addition to antiviral therapy was associated with shorter symptom duration, lower symptom severity scores, and faster functional recovery in children diagnosed with influenza. These findings suggest that this combination may represent a promising and well-tolerated adjunctive approach in the management of pediatric influenza. Full article

This study systematically evaluates the application prospects of three chemical recycling technologies for resource recovery from PET medical waste and the sustainable production of biomedical materials: catalytic pyrolysis, thermochemical recovery, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Orthogonal experimental designs and Box–Behnken response surface methodologies were used to optimise process parameters, and an extended assessment platform covering chemical purity, molecular weight distribution, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties was established. Under optimised conditions (200 $°$C, 3% w/w catalyst, 4 h, 6:1 ethylene-glycol-to-PET mass ratio), catalytic pyrolysis with zinc acetate achieved a terephthalic acid (TPA) recovery of 92.3 ± 1.8% at a product purity of 98.2 ± 0.5%, and retained 97.6% of the tensile strength and 97.4% of the elastic modulus of virgin PET. Although the enzymatic process was relatively long at 24 h, it had the best biocompatibility (L929 fibroblast viability 94.1 ± 2.2% and haemolysis 1.82 ± 0.28%) and reduced the carbon footprint by 46.5% compared to catalytic processing. Thermochemical recovery was completed in 1 h at 500 $°$C, achieving a TPA recovery of 71.2 ± 3.8%, and is suitable for large-scale processing of low-value medical waste streams. Biocompatibility tests showed that PET regenerated via the three paths met the ISO 10993 series of standards, with a cytotoxicity grade of 0–1 and an endotoxin content below 0.5 EU/mL. Gel permeation chromatography showed that the number-average molecular weight (M_n) of chemically recycled PET was between 21,200 and 24,100 g·mol⁻¹ (compared to 24,500 g·mol⁻¹ for virgin PET), approximately 86.5% to 98.4% of the virgin value, and significantly higher than mechanically recycled PET. The technical route and quality-control system established here provide a scientific basis for the closed-loop recycling of medical-grade PET and support the green transformation of the medical industry. Full article

Aging of Styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt accelerates the degradation of both the SBS polymer network and asphalt components, resulting in deterioration of the durability of asphalt concrete. This study investigates the use of zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDC), a multifunctional antioxidant, in SBS-modified asphalt to improve its aging resistance. Physical property tests, dynamic rheological analysis, multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assays were conducted to evaluate the rheological and chemical properties of asphalt binders before and after thermo-oxidative and UV aging. The results indicate that the incorporation of ZDC improved the deformation resistance and elastic recovery of SBS-modified asphalt. After aging, the ZDC/SBS composite-modified asphalt exhibited lower performance change rate than conventional SBS-modified asphalt, indicating enhanced resistance to permanent deformation and aging-induced damage. FTIR analysis demonstrated that ZDC effectively inhibited the formation of oxygen-containing functional groups during aging, suggesting suppressed oxidative reactions within the asphalt binder. The 5% ZDC dosage reduces the carbonyl index of SBS-modified asphalt by 36.48% after thermo-oxidative aging, and by 21.89% after UV aging, showing a stronger chemical inhibition effect on thermo-oxidative reactions. From the perspective of rheological performance stability, ZDC lowers the variation amplitude of non-recoverable creep compliance by 35.32% before and after thermo-oxidative aging and 41.46% before and after UV aging, and delivers a more prominent mitigating effect on property fluctuations triggered by UV aging. This indicates that ZDC exerts differentiated anti-aging mechanisms on thermo-oxidative and UV aging, with considerable potential to improve the comprehensive aging resistance of polymer-modified asphalt binders. Full article

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an extensively applied organic compound, primarily for agricultural weed control and plant growth agents. Although 2,4-D usually exists in the environment in low volumes, the detection of 2,4-D is critical for human health and environmental safety. In this work, a biophotonic biosensor was fabricated by coating the surface of a tapered optical fiber with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to excite the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and functionalizing the fiber with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MoS₂-NSs)/zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO-NWs) to extend the effective sensing area. Due to the inhibitory effect of 2,4-D on the hydrolytic activity of ALP, the refractive index (RI) around the sensor surface changes, leading to a shift in the LSPR peak wavelength. According to this sensing technique, the sensor can detect concentrations in the range of 1–10 mg/L, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.29 mg/L. The stability, repeatability and selectivity tests show that the sensor has good stability and selectivity. In the actual sample detection experiment, the recovery rates of apples and Chinese cabbage were 96.2–100.4% and 83.8–108.8%, respectively, which indicated that the detection method had good accuracy for the detection of target substances in actual samples. Thus, the proposed sensor has an important application in the detection of 2,4-D herbicides. Full article

Reprocessing historical lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) slag offers a circular-economy pathway for secondary metal recovery, yet it can remobilize legacy contaminants where containment is inadequate, transferring risk to the surrounding land. Sustainable management of such sites requires frameworks that link contamination assessment to actionable remediation. We integrated ICP-OES geochemistry, native-plant biomonitoring, and US EPA RAGS-based risk modeling at an active Pb–Zn slag reprocessing site in Shymkent, Southern Kazakhstan. Twenty-four soil samples along four cardinal transects, two reference samples, and four composite plant samples (Centaurea pseudosquarrosa + Plantago lanceolata) were analyzed for ten metals by ICP-OES. UCC-referenced indices classified six metals as geoaccumulation Class 6 at most points (enrichment factors up to 90,871, confirming an exclusively anthropogenic origin). Peak concentrations reached 9350 mg·kg⁻¹ Pb, 290 mg·kg⁻¹ Cd, and 10,900 mg·kg⁻¹ As—exceeding Kazakhstan MPC by 72×, 290×, and 5450×. Worst-case carcinogenic risk reached 4.3 × 10⁻³ (43× above the US EPA threshold), driven almost entirely by arsenic (93%); ecosystem risk (RCR_total = 223) was dominated by cadmium (43%), arsenic (27%), and mercury (16%)—a disconnect between mass-based and toxicity-based prioritization. On this basis we propose a three-tier remediation framework (engineered containment, phytostabilization, monitored attenuation) that couples resource recovery with contamination control, is transferable to analogous Pb–Zn legacy sites, and supports sustainable land use, urban resilience, and responsible secondary-resource use. Full article

Municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed and operated with nitrogen removal as the primary constraint. Reliance on nitrification–denitrification-based treatment results in significant nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. We propose a paradigm shift in WWTP operation, in which nitrogen removal is transformed into an opportunity for resource recovery. Ammonium remaining in the treated effluent is subsequently recovered via ion exchange (IX) and converted into high-purity ammonium salts using a novel, closed-loop, high-pH, low-volume, controlled-regeneration process. Two IX materials are investigated for compliance with the method: zinc hexacyanoferrate composite beads and clinoptilolite-type zeolite. Operating WWTPs using this approach can achieve energy self-sufficiency while contributing to a circular nitrogen economy. Full article

Compost derived from macadamia husks provides a sustainable alternative for improving soil fertility, nutrient uptake, and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of different macadamia husk compost (MHC) application rates on nut yield, nut quality, and leaf nutrient concentration in macadamia trees. Compost application significantly (p < 0.05) increased leaf potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) concentrations, with the highest values recorded at 12 t ha⁻¹. Other nutrients (N, P, Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, and B) were not significantly affected. Nut yield increased with compost application, with the highest yield observed at 12 t ha⁻¹ (63.10 kg tree⁻¹), followed by 8 t ha⁻¹, 4 t ha⁻¹, and the control. Similarly, nut-in-shell yield improved with increasing compost rates. Compost application enhanced key nut quality parameters, including sound kernel recovery, total kernel recovery, and first grade nuts, while maintaining insect damage and immature nuts within acceptable industry standards. Overall, nut quality improved in 2022 compared to 2021. These findings demonstrate that macadamia husk compost is an effective organic amendment for improving yield, nut quality, and selected leaf nutrient concentrations, contributing to sustainable macadamia production. Full article

The overreliance on chemical pesticides has caused severe environmental contamination, health risks, and increasing pest and pathogen resistance, creating an urgent need for greener and more efficient alternatives in sustainable agriculture. Microalgae-mediated green nano-synthesis has emerged as a promising strategy because of its environmental compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and multifunctional potential. This review critically summarizes recent advances in microalgae-derived nanomaterials for agricultural applications. First, we discuss the biochemical basis of nanoparticle biosynthesis, highlighting the roles of microalgal polysaccharides, proteins, photosynthetic pigments, extracellular polymeric substances, and secondary metabolites as reducing, capping, and stabilizing agents. We then summarize intracellular and extracellular synthesis pathways, advanced synthesis strategies, and key reaction parameters, including temperature, pH, and metal precursor concentration, which regulate nanoparticle size, morphology, stability, and yield. Subsequently, major microalgae-derived nanomaterials, including gold, silver, selenium, zinc oxide, bimetallic, and other functional nanoparticles, are discussed in relation to their agricultural applications. These nanomaterials show potential in bacterial, fungal, and viral disease control, biofilm disruption, plant growth promotion, yield enhancement, and abiotic stress mitigation. Their agronomic effects are associated with multiple mechanisms, including reactive oxygen species generation, pathogen membrane disruption, inhibition of biofilm formation, enhanced nutrient bioavailability, antioxidant regulation, and activation of plant systemic resistance. In addition, this review evaluates the phytotoxicity, biocompatibility, soil microbial impacts, and environmental safety of microalgae-derived nanomaterials, emphasizing that green synthesis does not automatically guarantee biosafety. Finally, we discuss their integration into circular agriculture through CO₂ capture and wastewater-derived metal recovery, while highlighting remaining challenges in scale-up, quality control, economic feasibility, regulatory classification, and public acceptance. Overall, microalgae-mediated nanotechnology offers a promising platform for developing safer, more efficient, and circular agricultural inputs. Full article

Aqueous zinc–manganese dioxide (Zn–MnO₂) batteries are undergoing a paradigm shift from traditional ion-insertion mechanisms to a reversible deposition/dissolution process. By leveraging a two-electron transfer (Mn²⁺/MnO₂), this electrolytic system achieves a high theoretical capacity of 616 mAh g⁻¹ and a theoretical operating voltage of 1.99 V. However, the accumulation of dead Mn, electrically isolated inactive phases, and dynamic interfacial pH fluctuations remain critical barriers to cycle life and practical energy density. This review systematizes a trinitarian strategy to overcome these bottlenecks, focusing on interfacial engineering, redox mediator-assisted recovery, and advanced electrode architectures. We evaluate how anion engineering and pH-buffering stabilize reaction pathways, and how diverse mediators (e.g., halogens, metal ions, and organic molecules) chemically rescue inactive manganese. Furthermore, we examine the integration of 3D carbon networks and low-cost hybrid electrodes to sustain high-areal-capacity deposition. To elucidate these complex mechanisms, we highlight multiscale analytical approaches combining synchrotron X-ray techniques and density functional theory (DFT). Finally, we outline a roadmap for applications ranging from grid-scale flow batteries to flexible wearable electronics. This work provides a comprehensive perspective on realizing sustainable, safe, and high-performance zinc-based energy storage. Full article

This study aimed to use intact mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a root canal sealer by hydrophilizing the gutta-percha (GP) surface. The GP specimens were treated with atmospheric air plasma, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), or a combination of both. The wettability and surface chemical properties were evaluated using contact angle measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The physicochemical properties of MTA mixed with water or 100 mM of CPC solution were evaluated using setting time, flowability, compressive strength, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Sealing ability was assessed by evaluating the dye penetration in obturated single-rooted teeth. Combined plasma and CPC treatment significantly decreased the contact angle of GP compared to that of the untreated group (p < 0.05) and showed the least hydrophobic recovery after 8 weeks. The XPS analysis confirmed the adsorption of CPC onto the GP surface. The XRD and compressive strength results indicated that the CPC did not interfere with the setting reaction of intact MTA, although the setting time was prolonged (p < 0.05). Dye penetration was significantly reduced in the plasma- and CPC-treated GP groups compared to the untreated GP group (p < 0.05), with a sealing ability comparable to that of the zinc oxide-based sealer. Full article

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries offer a safe and economical platform for large-scale energy storage, yet vanadium oxide cathodes remain hindered by sluggish Zn²⁺ migration, poor electronic conductivity, and structural degradation during cycling. Herein, a PEDOT regulated interfacial engineering strategy is proposed to construct surface modified sodium vanadium oxide nanostructures with coordinated ion and electron transport. The 1P-NaVO cathode retains the layered framework while introducing a PEDOT-derived surface component that strengthens interfacial charge transfer and preserves accessible Zn²⁺ diffusion pathways, delivering 655 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹. Kinetic analyses further reveal accelerated charge storage behavior, including an increased pseudocapacitive contribution, a low charge transfer activation energy of 20.6 kJ mol⁻¹, and improved Zn²⁺ diffusion, with D_Zn²⁺ values of approximately 10^−10.8 to 10^−9.8 cm² s⁻¹. Ex situ XRD and SEM disclose a reversible structural response during Zn²⁺ insertion and extraction, involving interlayer perturbation, local framework relaxation, transient electrolyte-derived surface species, and partial morphology recovery after recharge. These findings show that controlled PEDOT-derived surface regulation promotes efficient coupling between interfacial electron transfer and Zn²⁺ diffusion, offering a practical design principle for durable vanadium-based cathodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Full article

This study investigates the effect of composite sulphur-containing collectors on the efficiency of floating hard-to-beneficiate sulphide polymetallic ores from the Tishinsky deposit (Kazakhstan). Specifically, this study examines a sulphur-containing collector comprising a sulphur-containing product and refined oil, as well as mixtures of these with sodium butyl dithiophosphate and sodium butyl xanthate in various mass ratios. This approach allows us to assess the role of oil-containing phases as carriers of hydrophobicity in colloidal–chemical interactions between flotation reagents and the mineral surface. The results of single-mineral flotation indicated that using a composite collector ([CO2SR]:[BX]:[BTP] = 1:1:1) provides higher flotation activity compared with conventional butyl xanthate. The most significant increase in recovery was observed for chalcopyrite and galena, indicating the selective nature of the reagent’s action. During the flotation of polymetallic ores, it was established that using the developed reagent system causes the lead content to increase by 4.35% (from 7.09% to 11.44%), whilst recovery rises by 5.67% (from 87.53% to 93.20%). For zinc, the increase in content reaches 5.13% (from 49.82% to 54.95%), whilst recovery increases by 12.9% (from 64.19% to 77.18%). Full article

The flotation of oxidized lead–zinc ores is challenging due to the low floatability of oxidized minerals and their weak interaction with conventional reagents. This study investigates the influence of pulp electrochemical parameters, namely redox potential (Eh) and pH, on the flotation kinetics of oxidized lead–zinc ore from the Koskuduk deposit. The results showed that sodium sulfide selectively activates lead-bearing minerals, increasing Pb recovery to 40.74%, while Zn recovery remains low at approximately 12%. In contrast, the polysulfide–lime system S:CaO:H₂O provides more uniform and stable sulfidization of oxidized mineral surfaces, increasing recovery to 65.10% for Pb and 56.89% for Zn. The highest recoveries were achieved within an Eh range of −120 to −180 mV at pH 11–12. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the main contribution to metal recovery occurs during the first 2–6 min of flotation. These results indicate that flotation efficiency is controlled not only by reagent type but also by the electrochemical state of the pulp, confirming that calcium polysulfide is a promising alternative sulfidizing reagent for processing oxidized lead–zinc ores. Full article

High-zinc blast furnace dust is a zinc-bearing solid waste generated during ironmaking. Efficient de-zincing and iron enrichment are required for its resource utilization. This study investigated the high-temperature reduction behavior and kinetic transition mechanism of cold-bonded briquettes made from high-zinc blast furnace dust with a small addition of iron ore powder, with particular emphasis on the effects of reduction temperature (1000–1200 °C) and holding time (10–60 min). The results show that reduction at 1200 °C for 60 min can effectively remove zinc and enrich iron. The de-zincing rate reached 92%, and the TFe grade increased to 50 wt.%, achieving the goal of efficiently removing zinc while improving the TFe grade of the reacted briquettes. During the middle and later stages of reduction (1100–1200 °C, 30–60 min), the content of newly formed metallic iron increased, which restored the briquette strength to 524 N after reduction. In addition, the reduction kinetics of the system evolved from interfacial chemical reaction control in the initial stage to three-dimensional internal diffusion control in the middle and later stages. These results provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for the resource utilization of high-zinc blast furnace dust. Full article

The efficient recovery of highly concentrated cadmium (44.55 g/L) from zinc smelting dust leachate is recognized as a significant metallurgical challenge. In this study, we focused on the selective separation of Cd from coexisting arsenic and zinc using trioctylamine (N235) as the extractant. Accordingly, key operational parameters including initial pH, extractant concentration, phase ratio, and temperature were optimized in a systematic manner. Under the optimized conditions of 30% N235, 15% TBP, and 55% sulfonated kerosene by volume, together with an initial pH of 0.5, an organic to aqueous phase ratio of 1 to 1, and a temperature of 20 °C, a three-stage countercurrent extraction process was found to dramatically enhance the Cd extraction efficiency to 99.80% while successfully rejecting As. Subsequently, stripping with 0.7 mol/L aqueous ammonia achieved an 81.4% stripping efficiency in a single stage, and washing with 1.0 mol/L HCl ensured complete regeneration of the organic solvent. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analyses corroborate that the extraction proceeds via an anion exchange mechanism. Specifically, within the chloride rich acidic environment, protonated N235 was shown to preferentially coordinate with the tetrachlorocadmate anion CdCl₄²⁻ to form the highly stable and lipophilic complex (R₃NH)₂CdCl₄. Overall, this work provides a scalable technological framework and a robust theoretical foundation for the extraction of highly concentrated heavy metals from complex secondary metallurgical resources. Full article