Search Results (30,833)

Ensuring sustainable consumption of water, which is essential for human development, is not sufficient, therefore, there is an urgent need to improve reuse of treated wastewater. This paper reviews the newest EU legislation related to reclaimed water reuse, which is the main driver for change. While there are some positive developments in the EU, the paper argues that the current EU legislation does not sufficiently encourage circular solutions, especially on how to deal with any bottleneck effects, which prevent to fully utilise wastewater. This reflection is noted based on the national and regional developments in Italy with some comparison with other Southern countries, such as Greece and Spain in attempt to identify good practices as well as any barriers for the reclaimed water to be reused. Full article

Nuclear protein delivery underlies an array of biotechnological and therapeutic applications. While many variations of protein delivery methods have been described, it can still be difficult or inefficient to introduce exogenous proteins into plants. A major barrier to progress is the cell wall which is primarily composed of polysaccharides and thus only permeable to small molecules. Here, we report a partial enzymatic cell wall digestion-mediated uptake method that efficiently delivers protein into the nucleus of plant cells. Such a method allowed efficient nuclear delivery of green fluorescent protein (GFP) flanked by two nuclear localization sequences (NLS) into Arabidopsis thaliana epidermal root cells without the usual need for large doses of nanoparticles or tissue cultures. We also show that switching from daylight to far-red light-grown conditions promotes effective protein penetration into deep cell layers. This study establishes that a partial enzymatic cell wall degradation could be applied to other cell organelles by changing the localization sequence, paving the way toward the rational engineering of plants. Full article

Strain tolerance is a crucial factor affecting the thermal life of coatings, and a higher strain tolerance can effectively alleviate the thermal stresses on coatings during thermal shock. To improve the strain tolerance, the coating structure was optimized by introducing an intermediate transition layer in this study. The intermediate transition layer material was prepared using a 1:1 volume ratio mixture of 6–8 wt. % Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and NiCrAlY powders in the experiments. The coating structure consisted of an Al₂O₃-GdAlO₃ (AGAP) anti-erosion layer, a YSZ layer, an intermediate transition layer, and a bonding layer from top to bottom. After thermal shock experiments at 1500 °C, the coatings with the addition of the intermediate transition layer exhibited different failure modes, with the crack location shifting from between the YSZ and the bonding layer to within the intermediate transition layer, compared to the coatings without the intermediate transition layer. Finite element simulation analysis showed that the intermediate transition layer effectively increased the strain tolerance of the coating and significantly reduced the thermal stress. Furthermore, incorporating an embedded micron agglomerated particle-based (EMAP) thermal barrier coating structure into the intermediate transition layer effectively alleviated thermal stresses and enhanced the coating’s thermal insulation performance. Full article

Background: Recommendations from a trusted healthcare provider have been shown to be the most effective intervention for encouraging patients to be vaccinated. However, providers have reported feeling less prepared to address vaccination questions and having less time to discuss vaccines with patients than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers may benefit from a brief update about the available influenza vaccines and vaccination guidelines. Academic detailing is an evidence-based approach for preparing healthcare providers to discuss getting vaccinated with patients. Methods: An academic detailing presentation was developed using influenza statistics, vaccination recommendations, and recent local and national immunization rate data. Academic detailing was conducted with physicians and community pharmacy personnel in Yakima County, Washington, between November 2023 and January 2024. Yakima County is designated as a medically underserved area due to a lack of providers. A pre-detailing survey was conducted to evaluate participant knowledge of current ACIP recommendations and gather opinions about local resident vaccination barriers. A post-detailing survey was conducted to gather participants’ opinions about the value of detailing. Results: Prior to the training, 73% of providers believed it was important to discuss influenza vaccination with patients, but only 52% felt confident in combating misinformation. Healthcare providers believed misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are the most common barriers for Yakima County patients, but recent survey results showed that online scheduling systems, long wait times, and limited appointment hours were the predominant issues reported locally. Two out of 12 community pharmacy personnel and zero resident physicians correctly named all three preferentially recommended influenza vaccines for patients 65 years and older. Overall, 96% of detailing participants reported that the session was valuable, 87% believed it would help them combat vaccine misinformation, and 65% reported planning to have more conversations with patients about influenza vaccination after participating. Conclusion: Physicians and community pharmacy immunizers found the influenza vaccines academic detailing to be valuable. Staying up to date on vaccination guidelines can prepare providers to be confident in having informed conversations with patients about getting vaccinated. Full article

Marine invasive species pose significant ecological, economic, and social challenges, disrupting native ecosystems, outcompeting local species and altering biodiversity. The spread of these species is largely driven by global trade, shipping, and climate change, which allow non-native species to establish themselves in new environments. Current management strategies, including early detection, rapid response, and biosecurity measures, have had some success, but the complexity and scale of the problem require continuous monitoring. This review explores the possibility of using some marine invasive species as skincare ingredients and explores the Azorean islands as a case study for the valorization of biomass. Additionally, this review addresses legislative barriers that delay the development of sustainable cosmetic markets from invasive species, highlighting the regulatory landscape as a critical area. It concludes that marine invasive species present a regional and global problem that requires regional and global solutions. Such solutions strongly need to address environmental impacts and net socioeconomic benefits, but such solutions must also consider all regional differences, technical capacities and financial resources available. Thus, as a future perspective, strategies should emphasize the need for international collaboration and the development of more effective policies to prevent the spread of invasive species. There is still much work to be completed. By working together, the biodiversity for future generations will be better monitored and explored. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder marked by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. These pathological aggregates interfere with neuronal function, leading to the disruption of cognitive processes, particularly memory. The deposition of Aβ forms senile plaques, while tau protein, in its hyperphosphorylated state, forms neurofibrillary tangles, both of which contribute to the underlying neurodegeneration observed in AD. Rosmarinic acid (RosA), a natural compound found in plants such as Rosmarinus officinalis, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, RosA holds promise as a nutritional supplement that may support brain health. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the impact of RosA on the structural stability of Aβ peptides. The results indicated that the addition of RosA increased the instability of Aβ, as evidenced by an increase in the Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), a decrease in the Radius of Gyration (Rg), and an expansion of the Solvent Accessible Surface Area (SASA). This destabilization is primarily attributed to the disruption of native hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions in the presence of two RosA molecules. The free energy landscape (FEL) analysis and MM-PBSA (Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area Mechanics) results further support the notion that RosA can effectively bind to the hydrophobic pocket of the protein, highlighting its potential as a nutritional component that may contribute to maintaining brain health and function. Full article

Noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MiRNAs, small endogenous RNA molecules that silence target mRNAs to regulate gene expression, are closely linked to immune responses and inflammatory pathways in IBD. Notably, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 are consistently upregulated in IBD, influencing immune cell modulation, cytokine production, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. These miRNAs serve as biomarkers for disease progression and severity, as well as therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation. This comprehensive review highlights the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and miRNA regulation. It concludes that microbiota and FMT influence miRNA activity, presenting a promising avenue for personalized IBD treatment. Full article

Oil and natural gas continue to dominate global energy consumption, though a supply gap of 2 million barrels per day (b/d) was reported in the fourth quarter of 2023. Despite a projected increase in global oil supply by 1.2 million b/d in 2023, reaching 101.1 million b/d compared to 2022, reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges for energy security and sustainability. For China, transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources is essential. Biofuel ethanol, with its high octane rating and anti-knock properties, is a promising alternative. This bioenergy sector is expanding globally, with cellulosic ethanol production emerging as a key objective. However, the high production cost of cellulosic ethanol presents a significant challenge to its large-scale adoption. To overcome this barrier, various techniques are being explored to reduce production costs. Among them, advanced characterization methods are used to monitor changes in cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose during ethanol production in situ, quickly and without surface labeling. These methods provide insights into the factors driving high production costs, enabling targeted improvements. This review focuses on the potential of these characterization techniques to optimize ethanol production processes and improve efficiency. The findings may offer a strategic direction for scaling up cellulosic ethanol production and contribute to the sustainability of energy resources by reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Full article

This narrative review comprehensively synthesizes laser technology’s clinical applications, advantages, and limitations in modern dentistry. The review of 67 articles published between 2018 and 2023 highlights the latest advancements, including photobiomodulation (PBM) for enhanced tissue healing and inflammation control, alongside innovative uses in implantology, endodontics, and teeth whitening. The findings underscore the transformative potential of lasers in improving dental treatment precision and patient outcomes while addressing the barriers to their widespread adoption, such as costs and training needs. This review emphasizes the integration of laser technology into routine clinical practice and identifies pathways for future innovations in dentistry. Full article

Constructing an ecological security pattern in ecologically fragile areas is crucial for maintaining regional ecological stability. This study focuses on the Kunlun Mountain region, identifying ecological sources based on habitat suitability assessments and ecosystem services. An ecological resistance evaluation index system is constructed, considering topography, land use, and habitat quality. The minimum cumulative resistance model is then applied to identify ecological corridors, with areas exhibiting higher ecological currents designated as ecological nodes. By integrating the spatial characteristics of ecosystem services, an ecological security pattern is established. The results are as follows: (1) The ecological source area covers approximately 11.30% of the study area. (2) The cumulative length of ecological corridors is 21,111 km, mainly distributed along valleys, gentle slopes, and oasis areas. (3) The areas of ecological nodes and ecological barriers are 126.75 km² and 46.75 km², respectively. Ecological nodes are mainly distributed on both sides of the Kunlun Mountains, while ecological barriers are primarily located in the central mountainous area of the Kunlun Mountains. (4) The findings recommend establishing an ecological security pattern consisting of “2 horizontal and 4 vertical corridors and 5 zones” to ensure the ecological security of the Kunlun Mountains. The integration of ecological corridors and ecosystem services in constructing a regional ecological security pattern provides valuable decision-making tools for protecting ecosystems and species in fragile areas. Full article

The Boda Claystone Formation (BCF) is considered to serve as a natural barrier to the potential high-level radioactive waste repository in Hungary. In order to evaluate the radionuclide retention capacity of the albitic claystone of the BCF, the adsorption and diffusion properties of the rock for Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ cations (activation products) were investigated separately and in competitive conditions when the two ions were simultaneously added. Batch sorption experiments were performed with powdered and conditioned albitic claystone samples in synthetic pore water to obtain adsorption isotherms. In addition, adsorption tests were performed on petrographic thin sections to check the transferability between dispersed and compact systems. Correlation analysis of microscopic X-ray fluorescence elemental maps recorded on thin sections suggested that nickel is primarily bound to clay minerals (mainly illite and chlorite), which was confirmed by (scanning) transmission electron microscopy measurements. Around illite particles, a newly formed nickel-rich few atomic layer thick phyllosilicate phase was identified. The discrepancy between the experimental and modeled adsorption isotherm at high concentrations could be explained with this nickel-rich new phase. Apart from C_in = 10⁻³ M and only Ni²⁺ or Co²⁺ in the source, the apparent diffusion coefficients of Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ (C_in = 10^−3–10⁻² M) were found to be similar. Overall, the BCF shows promising capabilities to retain the studied radionuclides. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare the succession of natural microbiota in pork held under refrigerated storage for up to 10 days after dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment. Two methods were used to assess the impact of DBD on microorganisms. Firstly, traditional selective media (SM) were employed to detect the bactericidal effects of DBD on Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and Brochothrix thermosphacta. Secondly, the thin agar layer (TAL) method was used to further evaluate the bactericidal effects of DBD. In addition, the Baranyi and Roberts model was applied to explore the kinetic parameters of Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, LAB, and B. thermosphacta during storage. Finally, the modified Lotka–Volterra model was used to describe the interactions between each microorganism. The study found that when using traditional selective media (SM), 85 kV DBD had a significant bactericidal effect on Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, LAB, and Brochothrix thermosphacta. However, when using the thin agar layer (TAL) method, the results suggested that DBD had no significant bactericidal effect, suggesting that DBD caused sublethal damage to the natural microorganisms on pork. Analysis with the Baranyi and Roberts model showed that DBD treatment significantly extended the lag phase of these four types of microorganisms and significantly reduced the μ_max of all microorganisms except LAB. The analysis results of the modified Lotka–Volterra model showed that LAB had a greater impact on Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and B. thermosphacta (a₂₁ > a₁₂). In conclusion, DBD treatment was shown to have a significant sublethal bactericidal effect that impacted both the count and composition of natural microorganisms found on pork. Full article

The gut–brain axis plays an integral role in maintaining overall health, with growing evidence suggesting its impact on the development of various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the complex relationship between gut microbiota and glutamate (Glu) regulation, highlighting its effect on brain health, particularly in the context of depression following certain neurological insults. We discuss how microbial populations can either facilitate or limit Glu uptake, influencing its bioavailability and predisposing to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. Additionally, we examine the role of gut metabolites and their influence on the blood–brain barrier and neurotransmitter systems involved in mood regulation. The therapeutic potential of microbiome-targeted interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, is also highlighted. While much research has explored the role of Glu in major depressive disorders and other neurological diseases, the contribution of gut microbiota in post-neurological depression remains underexplored. Future research should focus on explaining the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota to neuropsychiatric outcomes, particularly in conditions such as post-stroke depression, post-traumatic brain-injury depression, and epilepsy-associated depression. Systematic reviews and human clinical studies are needed to establish causal relationships and assess the efficacy of microbiome-targeted therapies in improving the neuropsychiatric sequalae after neurological insults. Full article

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is recognized as a powerful process improvement methodology for enhancing operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. This study examined the barriers hindering LSS implementation in the chemical process industry within an emerging economy, Brazil. It developed a structured methodology for designing mitigation measures to overcome those barriers. First, 26 barriers from the literature were ranked by LSS experts through a Delphi survey to select the top 15. Then, a combined interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis approach was used, supported by a focus group, to determine the hierarchical relationships among the barriers and their driving power and dependence. Finally, a second focus group defined adequate mitigation measures. The top four main barriers are the lack of time, insufficient systemic understanding of lean principles, misalignment between LSS and corporate strategies, and inadequate top management commitment. Additionally, 10 mitigation measures are proposed. This study contributes to LSS implementation in the chemical process industry in Brazil, thus enhancing industry sustainability by improving operational efficiency, curbing waste, reducing transportation-related emissions through a decreasing reliance on imported chemical products, and contributing to economic growth and job creation within the industry. Full article

Recent advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized genomic research, presenting unprecedented opportunities for personalized medicine and population genetics. However, issues such as data silos, privacy concerns, and regulatory challenges hinder large-scale data integration and collaboration. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a transformative solution, enabling decentralized data analysis while preserving privacy and complying with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This review explores the potential use of FL in genomics, detailing its methodology, including local model training, secure aggregation, and iterative improvement. Key challenges, such as heterogeneous data integration and cybersecurity risks, are examined alongside regulations like GDPR. In conclusion, successful implementations of FL in global and national initiatives demonstrate its scalability and role in supporting collaborative research. Finally, we discuss future directions, including AI integration and the necessity of education and training, to fully harness the potential of FL in advancing precision medicine and global health initiatives. Full article