In this study, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized from various lignocellulosic and hemicellulosic biomass precursors via a semi-hydrothermal torrefaction process, and their structural, optical, colloidal, and photocatalytic properties were systematically investigated. Biomass sources including Oriental thuja cone (Thuja orientalis), sawdust, tea waste, apricot kernel shell, walnut shell, sugar beet pulp, hazelnut residue, soybean residue, and chitosan were used to evaluate the effect of precursor composition on CQDs characteristics. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of CQDs in all samples, exhibiting characteristic π-π* and n-π* transitions, while significant variations in absorption intensity and spectral behavior were observed depending on biomass type. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analyses revealed that most CQDs exhibited aggregation tendencies, with limited systems showing improved colloidal stability due to electrostatic and/or steric stabilization. The synthesized CQDs were combined with TiO2 and their influence on the photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Black 5 under UV irradiation was investigated. Although high decolorization efficiencies (85-98%) were achieved, total organic carbon removal remained lower (2.6-41.4%), indicating incomplete mineralization. The highest mineralization efficiencies were observed for TiO2 systems modified with sawdust- and thuja-derived CQDs. Overall, the results demonstrate that the photocatalytic performance of CQDs-modified TiO2 systems is governed not only by optical properties but also by surface functionalization, colloidal stability, and charge carrier dynamics. The findings highlight the critical role of biomass composition in determining CQD properties and provide a comparative framework for designing sustainable nanomaterials for environmental applications.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the roasting process and different extraction methods (mechanical homogenization and sonication, using water (W), ethanol (EtOH), methanol (MetOH), and equal mixtures of ethanol/water and methanol/water) on the compositional, morphological, colour, dietary fibre, antioxidant capacity, polyphenolic content, and fatty acid profile of the Hacıhaliloğlu EU PDO variety of apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) kernel skin. The roasting process was found to have no significant effect on the chemical composition and color values ( P > 0.05); however, other minor constituents, antioxidant activity and phenolic contents did. Minerals were mainly found at high concentrations in apricot skin, including Mn, Fe, K, Cu and Mg. Both the roasting process and the use of EtOH/W and MeOH/W solvents with ultrasound-assisting improved the extraction of phenolic compounds. The highest α-tocopherol content was observed in the oil extracted from unroasted apricot kernel skin, with 992.8 ± 22.8 µg/mL, while it was determined as 512.5 ± 5.5 µg/mL in roasted apricot kernel oil ( P < 0.05). Interestingly, the dietary fiber content of apricot kernel skin was determined to be between 65.88–67.29 %. In conclusion, due to its fibrous nature, it can improve the structural integrity of biodegradable packaging materials. Moreover, the presence of phenolic compounds provides antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a promising eco-friendly material for use as a functional additive in active packaging applications.

Amygdalin inhibits 17β-estradiol-induced mesenchymal transition through TGF- β/Smad signaling in normal and endometriotic endometrial epithelial cells.

Ultrasound and pulsed electric field enhance recovery and functional properties of protein isolates from apricot kernel for strawberry edible coatings

Chromium (Cr), a redox-active heavy metal, induces oxidative stress in plants by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radicals, which reduce plant productivity and yield. This study evaluated the potential of biochar (BC) derived from apricot kernel shells to alleviate Cr toxicity in Brassica juncea. The BC was characterized as amorphous, alkaline (pH 7.84), with a zeta potential of -22.3 mV, and elemental composition of C (60.70%), O (29.58%), H (2.65%), and N (0.77%). FTIR analysis revealed multiple oxygen-containing functional groups, suggesting its capacity to reduce Cr mobility. The alkaline nature and porous structure of the BC further support its immobilization potential. Seeds of B. juncea were germinated in soil treated with 0.5 mM and 0.75 mM Cr, with or without 1% BC (10 g/kg soil). Cr exposure significantly reduced photosynthetic pigments, with total chlorophyll declining by 30.8-49.1% and carotenoids by 25.7-50% compared to control, while pheophytin content increased by 13.9-45.3%. Application of BC improved chlorophyll content and reduced pheophytin accumulation. Secondary metabolites and osmolytes were enhanced under BC and stress treatments, with total phenols increased by up to 45% and total carbohydrates by up to 34%. Growth and germination parameters were also negatively affected by Cr, but BC treatment effectively mitigated these effects, improving root and shoot development. Overall, apricot kernel shell-derived BC alleviated Cr phytotoxicity by reducing metal availability and enhancing plant growth, photosynthetic performance, and metabolic activity. These findings highlight its potential as an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for mitigating heavy metal stress in plants.

Constructing bivalent aptasensor for sensitive colorimetric detection of amygdalin based on Capture-SELEX screened monovalent aptamers.

Combining LC/IM-QTOF-MS with serum pharmacochemistry to identify active compounds and functional mechanisms of Fritillaria ussuriensis in asthma.

BackgroundBiologically based complementary and alternative medicine (BBCAM) includes special diets, dietary supplement and herbal remedies, not prescribed by a doctor or dietitian. The use of BBCAM is common among cancer survivors. BBCAM can interact with conventional treatments and unregulated products may cause harm. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, types, and motivations for BBCAM use among cancer survivors.MethodsA survey assessed clinical characteristics and BBCAM use in participants >18 yrs who had received cancer treatment in Ireland from 2018 to 2022.ResultsAmongst 295 respondents (77% female, mean age 53 yrs), BBCAM use increased from 28% pre-diagnosis to 34% post-diagnosis (p < 0.001). For BBCAM users (n = 97, 33%), “daily-use” increased from 38% to 72% (p < 0.001) post-diagnosis. Common types included: mineral/vitamin supplements (84%), dietary supplements (e.g. turmeric, coenzyme-Q10) (78%), herbal remedies/botanicals (e.g. mistletoe, St. John’s Wort, echinacea, ginseng) (50%), cannabis (21%), and other natural products (laetrile, shark cartilage, apricot kernels) (19%). Biological medicines (GcMAF, immuno-augmentative therapy) were used by 12% of BBCAM users. Special diets including dairy free (32%), gluten-free (19%), intermittent fasting (17%), ketogenic diet (15%), juicing/detox (10%) were also common. Perceived benefits included: improved well-being (63%) and reduced psychological stress (59%).ConclusionBBCAM use increases after a cancer diagnosis. Patient perceived benefits highlight potential gaps in the current healthcare model, indicating a need for greater emphasis on safe survivorship care.

Strength and resilient performance of expansive subgrades stabilized with apricot kernel shell ash

Mechanism underlying the digestion-enhancing effect of apricot kernel during Massa Medicata Fermentata fermentation.

This study investigated an oxidative treatment method for apricot kernel shells (AKS) to extract their polysaccharide component for subsequent conversion into liquid biofuel. The aim was to overcome the inherent recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass by selectively removing lignin and enriching cellulose content - critical steps for efficient enzymatic hydrolysis. The AKS were treated in an acetic acid medium with hydrogen peroxide under varied conditions, and the resulting substrates were analyzed for yield, cellulose, and lignin content. Mathematical modeling, using regression equations with statistically significant coefficients, accurately described the changes in substrate properties depending on the treatment parameters. Optimization of this multi-criteria process using a generalized Harrington desirability function identified 9% hydrogen peroxide and 120 minutes of treatment as optimal parameters, yielding a composite desirability value of 0.7966. Under these conditions, the obtained substrate exhibited a 50.1% recovery, 54.4% cellulose, and 12.4% lignin, closely matching theoretical predictions. Visual and IR spectroscopic analyses confirmed the efficiency of the treatment: the processed substrate (AKS-S) displayed a lighter color, indicating reduced lignin and increased cellulose content compared to raw AKS. IR spectra further revealed significant lignin removal and degradation of low-molecular-weight hemicelluloses, which is advantageous as it minimizes the formation of inhibitory byproducts during enzymatic hydrolysis. The treatment also doubled the specific surface area and increased porosity six-fold, improving enzyme accessibility. These findings underscore the potential of this oxidative treatment as an effective pretreatment strategy for converting agricultural waste into a high-quality substrate for biofuel production.

Abstract The effects of cold nitrogen Gliding Arc Discharge (GAD) plasma species on natural microbial contamination, physicochemical quality, and storage stability of apricot kernels were investigated. Plasma parameters, including gas flow rate (GF, 0.5–0.9 mL/min), electrode tip distance (ED, 0.6–1.0 cm), and treatment time (2–10 min) were optimized using a Box-Behnken design. Optimal conditions were determined for single-objective reduction of total mold-yeast count (0.9 mL/min GF, 0.6 cm ED, 4.18 min; plasma-I) and for multi-objective reduction of both total mold–yeast and total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) counts (0.9 mL/min GF, 0.6 cm ED, 7.65 min; plasma-II). Plasma-II treatment achieved the highest microbial reductions of 22.1% for total mold–yeast and 7.7% for TMAB, indicating a modest decontamination effect. These microbial reductions persisted after 30 days of storage at 25 °C. Quality parameters, including moisture content, water activity, color, total phenolics, FRAP, ABTS, tocopherol isomers, free fatty acids, and fatty acid composition, were preserved after plasma-II treatment ( p &gt; 0.05). However, DPPH value decreased by 59.5% and 40.1% in plasma-I and II-treated samples, respectively, compared to the control ( p &lt; 0.05). After accelerated storage at 60 °C for 30 days, both plasma treatments led to a decrease in DPPH as well as FRAP and ABTS values of samples compared to control, but the highest decrease was determined for plasma-I ( p &lt; 0.05). This study showed that cold nitrogen GAD plasma treatment resulted in modest but measurable reductions in natural microbial contamination while maintaining storage stability of apricot kernels without compromising their physicochemical quality attributes.

Abstract Excessive leaching of metamitron into soil and water systems poses significant environmental and public health risks. This study integrates biochar physicochemical characterization, hyperspectral reflectance profiling (400–1000 nm), and comparative machine-learning models (PLSR, SVM, RF, and ANN) to predict metamitron attenuation in soil–biochar systems. Three biochar types derived from hazelnut shells, apricot kernel shells, and waste car tires were evaluated at application rates of 5%, 15%, and 25% (w/w). GC–MS analyses revealed statistically significant differences in residual metamitron concentrations among biochar types ( p &lt; 0.01), with lignocellulosic biochar showing substantially lower residues than tire-derived biochar. The lowest residual concentration (5.18 µg L⁻ 1 ) was observed for apricot kernel shell biochar at the 25% application rate, while higher overall residues persisted in tire-derived biochar treatments. Hyperspectral analysis identified the 600–690 nm region as the most diagnostic spectral window, with reflectance at 670 nm exhibiting the strongest correlation with metamitron concentration (r = 0.81–0.82, p &lt; 0.01). Comparative modeling demonstrated marked performance differences among algorithms. Support Vector Regression showed limited predictive capability (R 2 = 0.016, RMSE = 11.43), while Random Forest achieved moderate accuracy (R 2 = 0.753, RMSE = 5.73). The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model outperformed all alternatives, achieving the highest accuracy (R 2 = 0.965, RMSE = 0.122, MAE = 0.080) and demonstrating consistent generalization across the training, validation, and test datasets. Relative importance analysis (Olden and Jackson method) identified biochar type (+ 29.7%) and application rate (− 33.3%) as the dominant predictors, confirming a nonlinear, threshold-dependent adsorption response. In contrast, BET surface area showed a weak negative contribution (− 1.4%). Overall, these findings demonstrate that integrating hyperspectral reflectance with ANN modeling provides a rapid, non-destructive, and mechanistically informative framework for assessing biochar-based pesticide attenuation under controlled laboratory conditions. External field validation across diverse soils and environmental settings is required to fully assess model transferability.

Structural properties of antioxidant peptides released from sweet apricot kernel protein with regulation by ultrasound-assisted enzymolysis

Abstract The apricot shell constitutes the rigid outer layer of the seed located within an apricot pit. Frequently regarded as waste during fruit processing, this natural by-product has garnered interest for its adaptability and environmentally friendly applications across multiple sectors. Here during the current study, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been synthesised by means of water and apricot shells as the starting material employing a hydrothermal carbonization process, which is a straightforward, economical, and environment friendly method for producing CQDs. The results show that apricot shells, when processed through hydrothermal carbonization at 200°C for 18 hours, yield CQDs. The characterization of synthesized carbon quantum dots were conducted by various techniques, such as visible PSA (particle size analyzer), UV Spectroscopy, FTIR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), photoluminescence, FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy) and HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy). The PSA analysis shows the average particle size is less than 10 nm, whereas the FESEM, PL and HRTEM studies show the CQDs were uniformly distributed, stable photoluminescent and have the ability to emit visible light. Furthermore, the as-synthesized CQDs for the first time were employed as ink for inkjet printing. When exposed to UV light, the patterns were printed and displayed fluorescence, indicating their uses in fields like security printing, decorative imaging, and functional printing technologies. The study has the potential to revolutionize many fields such as the use of aesthetic and artistic material, decorative material, forensic and printing technologies, etc.

Apricot kernel oil (AKO), an agro-industrial byproduct rich in unsaturated and saturated fatty acids, was investigated as a novel, biodegradable corrosion inhibitor for API X65 steel in hydrochloric acid media. Electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), were employed to assess inhibition mechanism and performance under varying concentrations, acid strengths, and temperatures. The results revealed that AKO acts as an efficient mixed-type inhibitor, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency of 98.9% at 20,000 ppm in 1 M HCl. EIS data demonstrated a substantial increase in charge transfer resistance and a pronounced reduction in double-layer capacitance, indicating the formation of a compact, hydrophobic protective film. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm, with a calculated free energy of adsorption of –31.78 kJ·mol⁻¹ , suggesting a synergistic physisorption–chemisorption mechanism. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the formation of Fe–carboxylate complexes and the preservation of the ferritic microstructure, while SEM images revealed a smooth, pit-free surface. DFT calculations identified 9,17-octadecadienal and oleic acid as the most active constituents, showing strong orbital overlap and dipole-driven adsorption. This study establishes a complete mechanistic model for the corrosion inhibition provided by a complex plant extract, highlighting the critical role of in-situ formed metal-organic complexes. The combined experimental and theoretical results validate AKO as an environmentally benign, thermally stable, and cost-effective inhibitor suitable for acidizing and pickling operations involving pipeline steel. • First report of apricot kernel oil as a high-efficiency (>98%), green corrosion inhibitor for API X65 steel in HCl. • AKO achieves exceptional inhibition via synergistic physisorption–chemisorption, validated by Langmuir adsorption. • In-situ FTIR confirms Fe–carboxylate bond formation, providing direct evidence of chemisorption. • DFT identifies 9,17-octadecadienal and oleic acid as key adsorbates responsible for strong Fe–O coordination. • AKO maintains > 91% efficiency across varied acid strengths (0.01–1 M) and temperatures (25–60 °C).

The aim of the study is to develop and optimize lifitegrast-loaded oleogels for enhanced ocular delivery with improved residence time and bioavailability for dry eye disease management. Oleogels containing lifitegrast were developed using both apricot kernel oil and Phospholipon 90G. Formulations were optimized using a 32 factorial design with Phospholipon 90G concentration (5-15%) and processing temperature (60-80°C) as independent variables. The new formula was carefully tested for physicochemical properties, ex vivo corneal penetration, stability and irritation when used in the eye in animal experiments. The quadratic model effectively described variable-response relationships (R2 > 0.98). Phospholipon 90G concentration exhibited dominant influence on both responses (F-values 1971.20 and 4216.35). The optimized formulation (F6: 15% Phospholipon, 70°C) demonstrated superior oil binding capacity (96.91 ± 1.24%), appropriate viscosity (297.00 ± 7.82mPa·s), and physiological pH (7.2 ± 0.13). Ex vivo studies revealed significant corneal permeation (64.91 ± 3.67mg/cm2 at 5h), representing a 13-fold improvement over conventional formulations. Accelerated stability testing confirmed robust integrity over 6months with minimal parameter changes. In vivo studies showed no ocular irritation, confirming excellent biocompatibility. Oleogels have promising effects on improving ocular drug delivery, as it ensures more stable retention and constant release of the drug to the eye. Preliminary results suggest potential for reduced dosing frequency and improved patient compliance, pending clinical validation. Further in vivo pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are warranted to establish translational potential.

Background: Acute cyanide poisoning of dietary origin is a rare but potentially fatal cause of pediatric intoxication. In young children, ingestion of cyanogenic plants or seeds may lead to rapid clinical deterioration, particularly when diagnosis and specific antidotal treatment are delayed. Such cases pose significant clinical and medico-legal challenges, especially in contexts involving traditional food or medicinal practices. Case presentation: We report the case of a two-year-old boy admitted with sudden impairment of consciousness progressing to deep coma. Initial clinical assessment did not identify a clear etiology. Subsequent medical history revealed ingestion of bitter apricot kernels stored within the domestic environment for traditional use. The child developed severe metabolic acidosis and neurological failure. Toxicological analysis confirmed a markedly elevated blood cyanide concentration (0.8 mg/L). Despite intensive supportive care, including mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic support, the specific antidote hydroxocobalamin could not be administered due to unavailability. The clinical course was rapidly unfavorable, culminating in multiorgan failure and death. In accordance with judicial procedures, an external forensic examination was ordered by the Public Prosecutor. Given the clarity of the circumstances, the well-documented clinical course, and the unequivocal antemortem toxicological confirmation of cyanide poisoning, a full medico-legal autopsy was not deemed necessary. Conclusion: This case illustrates the potentially preventable nature of food-related cyanide poisoning in children and underscores the decisive role of early etiological diagnosis and timely access to specific antidotal therapy. Beyond establishing the cause of death, the observation highlights the importance of a comprehensive medico-legal approach integrating clinical analysis, healthcare system organization, and child protection considerations. Strengthening preventive strategies and ensuring availability of life-saving antidotes are essential to reduce avoidable pediatric deaths related to domestic toxic exposures.

In order to explore effective pathways for reducing Cd accumulation in wheat grains from Cd-contaminated farmland， a pot experiment was conducted in calcareous soil contaminated by long-term sewage irrigation to explore the mechanism and effects of the systems of soil immobilization-foliar inhibition on Cd transport and accumulation in soil-wheat plants. The systems of T1-T9 were composed of three types of soil passivators （apricot kernel biochar， agricultural and forestry waste biochar， and agricultural and forestry waste + steel slag biochar） and three types of foliar inhibitors （EDTA-Zn， Vitality 18 with amino acid， and Si-containing foliar fertilizer）. The results showed that T1， T3， T2， T4， and T8 significantly reduced Cd concentrations in wheat grains following the decreasing trend， and T1， T2， T4， T8， T3， and T7 likewise notably alleviated Cd accumulation in the grains according to the rank of decrease， whereas T5， T6， and T9 did not significantly impact grain-Cd and Cd accumulation in grain compared with that in CK. Meanwhile， the system of apricot kernel biochar and EDTA-Zn （T1） reduced the concentration and accumulation of Cd in wheat grains maximally， with reductions of 51.06% and 51.79%， respectively. Additionally， the mechanism of T1 alleviating Cd accumulation in wheat grains was clarified. The application of apricot kernel biochar （BC1） resulted in a significantly positive correlation between the proportion of changeable Cd （F1-Cd） and the relative abundance of RB41 （belonging to Acidobacteria） and negative relationship between the F1-Cd proportion and the relative abundance of Sphingomonas （belonging to Proteobacteria） in the rhizosphere soil. Furthermore， BC1 addition dramatically decreased the relative abundance of genus RB41 by 47.01% and increased the relative abundance of genus Sphingomonas by 10.71%， which increased soil pH and reduced the proportion of F1-Cd by 14.17% and accordingly enlarged the proportions of carbonate-bound Cd and iron-manganese-bound Cd by 10.41% and 11.00%， respectively. Additionally， T1 decreased root-Cd and Cd bio-accumulation factor of roots by 52.04% and 49.99%， respectively. Foliar application of EDTA-Zn during the grain-filling stage significantly reduced the Cd translocation factor from stem-leaf to rachis （at maturity） and from glume to grain （during grain-filling stage） by 45.45% and 31.29%， respectively. Finally， T1 significantly alleviated grain-Cd and Cd accumulation in wheat grains. In summary， the better pathway for effectively reducing Cd accumulation in wheat grains consists of applying apricot kernel biochar before sowing and foliar spraying of EDTA-Zn during the grain-filling stage in moderate Cd-contaminated farmland. These findings provide an effective and technical pathway for ensuring wheat grain safety production and guaranteeing safety utilization of Cd-contaminated agricultural land in the calcareous soil of North China.

Treatment of wastewater effluent is essential to reduce environmental impact and keep surface water clean, meeting sustainable criteria. While plant-based coagulants are known for their eco-friendly profiles, their dual application for high-efficiency nutrient removal and subsequent sludge valorization in fish farm systems remain under-explored. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the optimum conditions for using natural coagulants to recover nutrients from fish farm effluent. Two types of natural coagulants, Alhagi graecorum leaves and apricot seeds, were evaluated for the treatment and recovery of nutrients from fish farm effluent due to their high removal efficiency, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, optimization was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Central Composite Design (CCD) to investigate the effects of three factors: coagulant concentration (1000–7000 mg/L), wastewater pH (5–9), and settling time (15–35 min). The primary responses measured were the removal efficiencies of phosphate (PO4) and nitrate (NO3). According to the CCD results, maximum removal efficiencies reached 92.63% and 73.49% for PO4 and NO3, respectively. The optimal conditions were identified as pH 5, 1000 mg/L coagulant concentration, and a 35 min settling time for A. graecorum, and pH 9, 1000 mg/L concentration, and a 15 min settling time for apricot seed. These findings establish the optimal conditions for using these natural substances as effective agents for sustainable wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery.