Search Results (323)

Micronutrient malnutrition persists as a global health burden, while conventional biofortification approaches suffer from low efficiency and environmental trade-offs. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a foliar-applied selenium–zinc nanocomposite (Nano-ZSe, a mixture of zinc ionic fertilizer and nano selenium) for synergistic Se/Zn co-biofortification in Brassica chinensis L., using a controlled pot experiment that integrated physiological, metabolic, molecular, and rhizosphere analyses. Application of Nano-ZSe at 0.18 mg·kg⁻¹ (Based on soil weight) not only increased shoot biomass by 28.4% but also elevated Se and Zn concentrations in edible tissues by 7.00- and 1.66-fold (within the safe limits established for human consumption), respectively, compared to the control. Mechanistically, Nano-ZSe reprogrammed the ascorbate-glutathione redox system and redirected carbon flux through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, suppressing acetyl-CoA biosynthesis and reducing abscisic acid accumulation. This metabolic rewiring promoted stomatal opening, thereby enhancing foliar nutrient uptake. Simultaneously, Nano-ZSe triggered the coordinated upregulation of BcSultr1;1 (a sulfate/selenium transporter) and BcZIP4 (a Zn²⁺ transporter), enabling synchronized translocation and the tissue-level co-accumulation of Se and Zn. Beyond plant physiology, Nano-ZSe improved soil physicochemical properties, enriched rhizosphere microbial diversity, and increased crop yield and economic returns. Collectively, this work demonstrates that nano-enabled dual-nutrient delivery systems can bridge nutritional and agronomic objectives through integrated physiological, molecular, and rhizosphere-mediated mechanisms, offering a scalable and environmentally sustainable pathway toward functional food production and the mitigation of hidden hunger. Full article

Xicheng is an important Chinese area enriched in lead–zinc polymetallic ore concentration area. Since the 1970s, substantial research achievements have been made in various domains, including the geological and geochemical characteristics of the deposits, metallogenic chronology, features of the marine basin during the initial mineralization stage, enrichment and precipitation of lead–zinc and other metallic ions, ore genesis, and metallogenic simulation experiments. Among these, the most representative findings focus on exhalative sedimentary reformation and the complexation of organic matter with lead–zinc metal elements during sedimentary processes. This review discusses the formation and evolution of sulfur-containing organic matter, especially H₂S, under Thermal Decomposition of Sulfate (TDS), Bacterial Sulfate Reduction (BSR), and Thermochemical Sulfate Reduction (TSR) conditions, and further summarizes the general characteristics of organic matter and lead–zinc (and other metal elements) adsorption–complexation–reduction. Subsequent research on organic lead–zinc mineralization in the Xicheng area has been grounded in ore deposit geology and geochemistry, adopting the perspective of organic fluids. These studies focus particularly on the formation process of Pb–Zn organic complexes and analyze the various stages and mechanisms of mineralization based on the characteristics and evolution of organic matter. This approach provides new insights for understanding both the general features and the unique attributes of lead–zinc mineralization in the Xicheng area. Full article

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess whether the addition of an oxymetazoline (OXY) hemostatic solution, which can be used to manage pulpal bleeding, maintains higher MTA survivability than pulpotomies treated with FS. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, patient data (n = 75) were used to assess radiographic and clinical signs and symptoms of pathosis in primary molars treated with a pulpotomy and a stainless-steel crown. Pulpotomies treated with FS (Group 1) were compared to those treated with MTA with OXY-induced hemostasis (Group 2). Restricted mean survival times (RMSTs) were calculated for the two groups, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the effects of patient and practice level covariates on radiographic and clinical pathosis. Results: Cox proportional-hazard regression identified three potential covariates (age, pulpotomy groups, and procedure location) that predicted radiographic pathosis. The adjusted hazard ratio for Group 2 was 0.30 (95% CI: 0.11–0.82), indicating improved radiographic outcomes compared with Group 1 (p = 0.02). The 36-month RMST for Group 2 was 30.1 months (95% CI: 26.5–33.7) compared to 24.7 months (21.6–27.8) for Group 1 (p = 0.025). Conclusions: A pulpotomy utilizing OXY hemostasis prior to MTA placement led to a higher chance of pulpotomy survival than FS. Full article

The Qingshan lead–zinc (Pb–Zn) deposit in northwestern Guizhou Province is a structurally controlled, carbonate-hosted system formed from basin-derived hydrothermal processes. Geology, fluid inclusion, and isotopic data reveal a multi-stage hydrothermal circulation after Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP, ~260 Ma) tectono-thermal reactivation within the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhu triangle (SYGT) area. Fluid inclusion microthermometry indicates that ore-forming fluids were derived from deep sources influenced by enhanced crustal heat flow linked with possible thermal input from Indo-Caledonian tectonic activity after ELIP. Ore-stage calcite records mixed carbon derived from marine carbonates with additional inputs from organic matter and deep-sourced fluids, reflecting carbonate dissolution and fluid–rock interaction. Sulfide, together with fluid inclusion temperatures > 120 °C, indicates sulfur derived from evaporitic sulfate reduced by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR); the heavy sulfur signature and partial isotopic disequilibrium among coexisting sulfides reflect dynamic fluid mixing during ore deposition. Lead isotopes indicate metallogenic metals were leached mainly from Devonian–Permian carbonates with subordinate basement input. Ore precipitated by cooling, depressurization, and mixing of metal-rich, H₂S-bearing fluids in structurally confined zones where the carbonate–clastic interface effectively trapped ore-forming fluids, producing high-grade sphalerite–galena mineralization. Collectively, these data support a Huize-type (HZT) carbonate-hosted Pb–Zn genetic model for the Qingshan deposit. Full article

The remediation of heavy metal-contaminated sediments is a significant environmental challenge. While cation effects are well studied, the influence of common co-existing anions on treatment efficiency remains poorly quantified. This study systematically investigates the effects of nitrate (NO₃⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) ions on the flocculation and consolidation of copper (Cu)- and zinc (Zn)-contaminated sediments through settling column tests, turbidity measurements, and oedometer consolidation tests. Results demonstrated that NO₃⁻ achieved the highest flocculation efficiency, with a final settling height of 3.52 cm and a supernatant turbidity of 4.6 NTU, and the best consolidation performance, with a coefficient of 1.27 × 10⁻³ cm²/s. In contrast, SO₄²⁻ yielded the poorest outcomes. The superior performance of NO₃⁻ is attributed to its low charge density, which promotes the formation of denser flocs. These findings underscore that anion selection is a critical factor for optimizing sediment dewatering processes, suggesting that strategies favoring nitrate conditions can enhance the efficiency of techniques like pressure filtration and vacuum pre-compression. Full article

The production of craft beer depends on the quality and availability of yeast. However, many small breweries in developing countries face high costs due to their reliance on imported yeast strains. Developing efficient and low-cost propagation methods is therefore essential for sustainable production. A lager-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (SC-Lager2) was propagated using both synthetic and low-cost alternative media. The latter was formulated with malt extract as a carbon source and yeast extract obtained from brewery by-products as a nitrogen source. A Plackett–Burman design identified significant factors influencing growth (p < 0.05), and a full factorial design (2⁴) optimized conditions. Growth kinetics and biomass yield were validated at laboratory (2 L) and pilot (83 L) scales. Maltose, yeast extract, zinc sulfate, and agitation significantly affected cell density and viability (p < 0.05). Under optimized conditions, 100% viability, a maximum cell density of 1.4 × 10¹⁰ cells/mL, and a biomass yield of 10 g/L were achieved values that were statistically higher (p < 0.05) than those obtained with the synthetic medium. The maximum specific growth rate (μ_max) increased by 52%, while doubling time decreased by 39%. Overall, the use of agro-industrial by-products reduced medium costs by approximately 65% compared to conventional synthetic formulations. The proposed low-cost medium provides a scalable, economical, and sustainable solution for yeast propagation, reducing production costs while maintaining high cell viability and performance. This approach supports the autonomy and competitiveness of the craft beer sector in developing regions. Full article

This study addresses the drawbacks of traditional dispersed fire retardants—such as anisotropy, reduced strength, and poor filler impregnability—by developing in situ-formed hybrid epoxy composites. The materials, based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A and triethylenetetramine, were modified with a solution of zinc sulfate heptahydrate in orthophosphoric acid. This approach yielded near-spherical microparticles (6–16 µm) within the polymer matrix. The scientific novelty lies in investigating how such in situ particle formation affects material properties. The modification significantly enhanced fire resistance: char residue increased 1.7–2.2-fold, while total heat release, peak heat release rate, and smoke release were reduced by up to 60.5%, 40.2%, and 70%, respectively. The observed increase in the mass loss rate suggests that accelerated thermal-oxidative degradation promotes char formation. These findings, supported by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data, demonstrate the efficacy of the in situ strategy for creating high-performance, fire-safe epoxy composites. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Wilson disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism that can initially present with psychiatric symptoms, leading to delays in accurate diagnosis and treatment. Adult-onset cases may be misdiagnosed as primary psychiatric disorders, particularly when hepatic signs are subtle or absent. Early recognition is critical to prevent irreversible neurological and hepatic damage. Case Presentation: A 48-year-old Hispanic male developed persecutory delusions, cognitive decline, and ultimately catatonia over a three-year period. He was initially diagnosed with a primary psychiatric disorder and treated with antipsychotics, which caused severe extrapyramidal side effects. Further evaluation revealed markedly abnormal liver function tests, low serum ceruloplasmin, and elevated 24 h urinary copper excretion. Brain MRI showed characteristic findings of Wilson disease, and liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was started on trientine and zinc sulfate, but progressive hepatic dysfunction necessitated liver transplantation. Following a successful transplant, the patient experienced significant neurological and psychiatric recovery. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering Wilson disease in patients presenting with atypical or treatment-resistant psychiatric symptoms, particularly when accompanied by abnormal liver function or intolerance to antipsychotics. Timely, multidisciplinary evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. Early intervention can significantly improve both psychiatric and medical outcomes in Wilson disease. Full article

A leachate from alkaline leaching of copper shaft furnace (CSF) dust as a hazardous waste was used in this study for performing a chemical precipitation experiment of lead, zinc, and copper. The precipitation processes for lead, zinc, and copper were theoretically optimized based on a thermodynamic study. To determine suitable operating conditions, metal phase stability, reaction mechanisms, and precipitation order were analyzed using the Hydra/Medusa and HSC Chemistry v.10 software packages. In the first experimental stage, treatment of the alkaline leachate resulted in the formation of insoluble lead sulfate (PbSO₄), while zinc remained dissolved for subsequent recovery. In the second stage, the zinc-bearing solution was treated with Na₂CO₃, producing a mixed zinc precipitate consisting of Zn₅(OH)₆(CO₃)_2(s). This study determined that the optimal conditions for chemically precipitating lead as PbSO₄ from alkaline leachate (pH 13.5) are the use of 1 mol/L H₂SO₄ at pH 3.09 and Eh 0.22 V at 25 °C, while optimal zinc precipitation from this solution (pH 3.02) is achieved with 2 mol/L Na₂CO₃ at pH 9.39 and Eh –0.14 V at 25 °C. A small amount of copper present in the solution co-precipitated and was identified as an impurity in the zinc product. The chemical composition of the resulting precipitates was confirmed by SEM–EDX analysis. Full article

Wheat possesses inherently low concentrations and bioavailability of the essential micronutrients (EMis) zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu), limiting its capacity to sufficiently address human nutritional requirements. Biofortification of wheat with EMis through agricultural methods is a strategy aimed at addressing EMi deficiencies in human populations that emphasize cost-effectiveness and sustainability. All EMis are usually applied foliarly as sulfates, which indicates sulfur (S)-assisted biofortification. The formation of EMi complexes provides solubility as well as protection during long-distance transport. Several small molecules are possible candidates as ligands—the S-containing amino acids cysteine and methionine among them—linking EMi homeostasis to S homeostasis, which represents another aspect of S-assisted biofortification. In this study, we delve into the S-assisted agronomic biofortification strategy by applying sulfate micronutrients coupled with a sulfur-containing amino acid and we explore the effect of the selected accompanying cation (Zn, Fe, Mn, or Cu) on the EMi metallome of the grain, along with the biofortification effectiveness, whilst the type of the incorporated surface active agent seems to affect this approach. A field experiment was conducted for two years with durum wheat cultivation subjected to various interventions at the initiation of the dough stage, aiming to biofortify the grain with EMis provided as sulfate salts coupled with cysteine or methionine as potential biofortification enhancers. The mixtures were applied alone or in combination with commercial surfactants of the organosilicon ethoxylate (SiE) type or the alcohol ethoxylate (AE) type. The performance of two relevant preparations, FytoAmino-Bo (FABo) and Phillon, has been studied, too. The interventions affected the accumulation of the EMi metallome into the grains, along with the interactions of the EMis within this metallome. Several interventions increased the EMi metallome of the grain and affected the contribution of each EMi to this metallome. Many interventions have increased Zn and Fe, while they have decreased Mn and Cu. An increase in Zn corresponded (i) to a decrease in Cu, (ii) to an increase or no increase in Fe, and (iii) to a variable change in Mn. Cys increased the metallome by 34% and Zn and Fe within it. ZnSO₄ and FeSO₄ increased the metallome by 5% and 9%, whilst MnSO₄ and CuSO₄ increased the metallome by 36% and 33%, respectively. The additives improved the contribution to increasing the metallome in most cases. Without surfactant, the efficacy ranking proved to be MnSO₄ > CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of SW7 sustained the order CuSO₄ > MnSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄. The use of Saldo switched the order to CuSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > FeSO₄ > MnSO₄. In the case of Phillon, the order was CuSO₄ > FeSO₄ > ZnSO₄ > MnSO₄. The effect of Cys or Met was case-specific. The differentiations in the intensity of both the agronomic performance (grain weight, grain weight per spike, and yield) and the biofortification performance (concentrations vs. accumulations of each EMi within the grain) among the various combinations of EMis and additives are depicted by adopting a grading scale, which highlighted the intensity of the acclimation reaction of the biofortified grain to the applied intervention. Full article

The reuse of industrial waste is essential to reduce environmental impact and move towards sustainable development through methods that do not depend on limited resources. To this end, a fertilizer was developed from recycled alkaline batteries, transformed into a useful product rich in zinc and manganese (black mass). The aim is to use industrial waste to create an environmentally safe fertilizer. An experiment was conducted on young citrus plants grafted onto Carrizo rootstock, grown in pots with coconut fiber under greenhouse conditions in Valencia (Spain) for one year (2023–2024). A total of 120 plants were arranged in randomized blocks with three replicates of 10 plants per treatment. Four nutrient solutions derived from the Hoagland formulation were evaluated: control solution without Zn or Mn (SoC), solution with Zn and Mn sulfates (SoH), solution with Zn and Mn sulfates extracted from black mass (BMS), and solution with Zn and Mn lignosulfonate derived from black mass (BMLS). Morphological, growth, physiological, and nutritional parameters were analyzed in March and October. While morphological traits showed no significant differences among treatments, some physiological (stomatal conductance, transpiration) and biochemical variables (chlorophyll, carotenoids, P, K, Mg, and S concentrations) differed significantly depending on the nutrient source. Nevertheless, all plants maintained healthy growth and nutrient levels within optimal ranges, and no signs of phytotoxicity or heavy metal accumulation were detected. Full article

Sphalerite (ZnS), the primary zinc-bearing mineral in most sulfide deposits, exhibits poor natural floatability and requires activation by metal ions such as Cu²⁺ or Pb²⁺. Copper sulfate (CuSO₄) is the most common activator, but its use at high dosages introduces sulfate accumulation and necessitates separate pre-conditioning to prevent the formation of inactive copper xanthates. This study investigates a novel copper–amine complex, Zn Flooter (ZnFL), as an alternative activator for sphalerite flotation. ZnFL is a liquid reagent containing stabilized ionic copper with a significantly lower sulfate content. Contact angle and flotation tests were conducted on two sphalerite-bearing ores of different mineralogy (Pb–Zn and Cu–Zn types). Contact angle tests showed that ZnFL (68–71°) enhances sphalerite surface hydrophobicity more effectively than CuSO₄ (61–66°). In flotation, ZnFL at 100 g/t achieved recoveries and grades comparable to those for CuSO₄ at 500 g/t, while allowing simultaneous addition with the collector without loss of performance. ZnFL also exhibited improved sphalerite/pyrite selectivity and did not negatively affect froth stability. These results demonstrate that ZnFL can provide equivalent or superior activation efficiency at a lower dosage and with simplified operation. Further studies on adsorption mechanisms and water chemistry effects are recommended to validate its industrial potential as a sustainable activator for sphalerite flotation. Full article

Liquid effluents generated during mineral processing are usually contaminated with heavy metals and oxyanions, requiring an effective technique for their simultaneous removal. This study evaluated adsorption as a method to remove ions from an artificial acid effluent containing Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{O}}_4^{2-}$, using a mixture of activated carbon and barite as adsorbents. Adsorbent particles were prepared by grinding in a ring pulverizer for 120 s, using equal proportions of activated carbon and barite concentrate. The pH, contact time, and adsorbent particle mass were investigated. The results indicated that the adsorption efficiency depends on pH and adsorbent particle concentration: with increasing pH, the adsorption of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ improves, while that of ${\mathrm{S}\mathrm{O}}_4^{2-}$ decreases. As the particle mass increases, the adsorption efficiency also increases. The maximum efficiency of simultaneous adsorption of ions of 55 ± 2.6% was achieved at pH 3 with an adsorbent particle concentration of 40 g·L⁻¹. The experimental data best fit the pseudo-1st-order kinetic model, suggesting that the limiting stage is external or internal diffusion and that the predominant adsorption mechanism is physisorption. Furthermore, the results were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm, indicating heterogeneous and multilayer adsorption. In conclusion, the mixture of activated carbon and barite is presented as a potential adsorbent for acid effluent treatment with heavy metals and oxyanions. Full article

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with unclear pathogenic mechanisms. Dysregulated zinc metabolism contributes to AD pathology. This study aimed to identify zinc metabolism-related hub genes to provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AD. Methods: We performed an integrative analysis of multiple transcriptomic datasets from AD patients and normal controls. Differentially expressed genes and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were combined to identify hub genes. We then conducted Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), immune cell infiltration analysis (CIBERSORT), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess the hub gene’s biological function, immune context, and diagnostic performance. Drug-gene interactions were predicted using the DrugBank database. Results: We identified a single key zinc transporter–related hub gene, SLC30A3, which was significantly downregulated in AD and demonstrated potential diagnostic value (AUC 0.70–0.80). Lower SLC30A3 expression was strongly associated with impaired synaptic plasticity (long-term potentiation, long-term depression, calcium signaling pathway, and axon guidance), mitochondrial dysfunction (the citrate cycle and oxidative phosphorylation), and pathways common to major neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, AD, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Furthermore, SLC30A3 expression correlated with specific immune infiltrates, particularly the microglia-related chemokine CX3CL1. Zinc chloride and zinc sulfate were identified as potential pharmacological modulators. Conclusions: Our study systematically identifies SLC30A3 as a novel biomarker in AD, linking zinc dyshomeostasis to synaptic failure, metabolic impairment, and neuroimmune dysregulation. These findings offer a new basis for developing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for AD. Full article

With the weathering of iron sulfide minerals, acid rock drainage (ARD) emanates from the 60-millon tonne Main Waste Stockpile (MWS) at the Red Dog Mine. Following completion of the stockpile, a collection trench was constructed in 2012–2013 to capture and treat a portion of the ARD, and a cover system was emplaced from 2021 to 2025 to cover 90% of the stockpile. Select wells in the collection trench are associated with the different cover phases. Analysis of the water chemistry of samples collected at the wells indicates increased pH and decreased dissolved solids with each phase of the cover along with significant changes in flow and solutes such as aluminum, iron, sulfate, and zinc. Although the cover should continue to decrease ARD volume, acidity, and solute concentrations, an evaluation of historical acid production and iron sulfide consumption in the stockpile indicates a likely majority of the iron sulfide content remains available for weathering and acid production. Continued MWS ARD monitoring is necessary to evaluate the multi-year effect of the cover because of the variability of the pre-cover ARD, identification of seasonal and multi-year precipitation influences on ARD generation, and a yet to be determined influence of the cover on the volume of infiltrating precipitation. Full article