Extensive Areas Research Articles

Mesoporous silica-based amorphous solid dispersions to enhance the oral bioavailability of Neratinib maleate

Neratinib maleate (NM) used in the treatment of breast cancer, has a low and variable oral bioavailability due to its pH-dependent solubility and gut-wall metabolism-restricted permeability. Mesoporous silica based solid dispersion of NM (SD-NM-MSi) was designed to improve its solubility and dissolution rate. SYLOID XDP 3050 was selected as a mesoporous silica carrier based on its higher drug loading (15.7 %) and good flow properties. The extensive surface area of the Mesoporous silica offered a suitable site for drug adsorption. Thermal and diffractometry analysis indicated that NM was adsorbed in an amorphous form. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that the optimized SD-NM-MSi showed a higher rate and extent of drug dissolution compared to plain NM in pH 3.0, pH 4.5, and 6.8, respectively. Similarly, an oral pharmacokinetic study (10 mg/kg) resulted in significantly higher plasma exposure for SD-NM-MSi compared to plain NM, with a 73 % (P < 0.01) increase in the relative oral bioavailability of NM.

8-Hydroxyquinoline incorporated ZIF-8 nanocomposites for efficient decomposition and detection of manganese ions in aquatic environments

The presence of potassium permanganate in aquatic environment poses a significant issue that requires resolution. In response, zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoparticles with large pore sizes, extensive surface areas, and high chemical stability in water were synthesized. Subsequently, 8-hydroxyquinoline was incorporated into ZIF-8 (named 8-HQ@ZIF-8) to enhance its capability to decompose potassium permanganate in aquatic environment. The synthesized material underwent thorough characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen isothermal adsorption-desorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity tests revealed that the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material can decompose potassium permanganate within 5 min and be recycled over five runs. Furthermore, the nanocomposite of 8-HQ and ZIF-8 exhibited greater stability than the original ZIF-8 under strong oxidizing conditions. This suggests that functionalizing with organic ligands can enhance the durability and performance of the material. In addition to its degradability, the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material, which carries manganese oxide, also displays variable fluorescence properties, making it a potential sensor for detecting residual potassium permanganate in drinking water treatment systems. Therefore, the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material shows considerable promise for both the treatment and detection of pollutants in aquatic environments.

Crack lung: a difficult differential diagnosis of ground glass opacities in the emergency setting

BackgroundThe term 'Crack lung' refers to an acute syndrome of diffuse alveolar damage and hemorrhagic alveolitis that occurs within 48 hours of smoking freebase cocaine. Crack lung induces a variety of pulmonary complications, both acute and chronic, including pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, eosinophilic pneumonia, pneumothorax, and pulmonary thromboembolism. Ischaemia of pneumocytes because of crack use is induced by the following phenomena: thermal damage to the airways, direct toxicity, inflammatory damage, barotrauma and vasospasm. Diffuse alveolar damage and alveolar hemorrhage with eosinophilic cell infiltration and IgE deposits are found in the lung tissue.PurposeWe present two clinical cases of patients admitted to the emergency department of our university hospital with respiratory failure. HRCT scans showed bilaterally, subpleural, and peri-hilar lung parenchyma, extensive areas of parenchymal ground-glass hyperdensity, crazy paving aspects, and relative sparing of the apices. The temporal relationship between the appearance of the bilateral opacities, the history documenting drug use, and the onset of hypoxemia suggests the diagnosis of "Crack lung".ConclusionsIt is important to include drug abuse and crack lung in the differential diagnosis of acute respiratory symptoms with ground-glass opacities, as they are not uncommon in emergency departments and may rapidly progress to ARDS. CT findings are not specific, but it is important to accurately collect anamnestic data and collaborate with the clinician to achieve a diagnosis and establish proper therapy.

Monitoring the effects of climate, land cover and land use changes on multi-hazards in the Gianh River watershed, Vietnam

Abstract In recent decades, global rapid urbanization has exacerbated the impacts of natural hazards due to changes in Southeast Asia’s environmental, hydrological, and socio-economic conditions. Confounding non-stationary processes of climate change and global warming and their negative impacts can make hazards more complex and severe, particularly in Vietnam. Such complexity necessitates a study that can synthesize multi-dimensional natural-human factors in disaster risk assessments. This synthesis study aims to assess and monitor climate change and land-cover/land-use change impacts on flood and landslide hazards in Vietnam’s Gianh River basin. Three Deep Neural Network (DNN) and optimization algorithms, including the Adam, Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA), and Dwarf Mongoose Optimization (DMOA) were used to determine the regions with the probability of the occurrence of flood and landslide and their combination. All efficiently evaluated hazard susceptibility based on a synthesis analysis encompassing 14 natural and anthropogenic conditioning factors. Of the three, the Deep Neural Network (DNN)-DMOA model performed the best for both flood and landslide susceptibility, with area-under-curve values of 0.99 and 0.97, respectively, followed by DNN-TSA (0.97 for flood, 0.92 for landslide), and DNN-Adam (0.96 for flood, 0.89 for landslide). Although the area affected by flooding is predicted to decrease, the overall trend for total hazard-prone areas increases over 2005–2050 due to the more extensive area affected by landslides. This study develop and demonstrate a robust framework to monitor multi-hazard susceptibility, taking into account the changes in climate and land-use influence the occurrence of multiple hazards. Based on the quantitative assessment, these findings can help policymakers understand and identify confounding hazard issues to develop proactive land-management approaches in effective mitigation or adaptation strategies that are spatially and temporally appropriate.

Large grazers suppress a foundational plant and reduce soil carbon concentration in eastern US saltmarshes

Abstract Large grazers modify vegetated ecosystems and are increasingly viewed as keystone species in trophic rewilding schemes. Yet, as their ecosystem influences are context‐dependent, a crucial challenge is identifying where grazers sustain, versus undermine, important ecosystem properties and their resilience. Previous work in diverse European saltmarshes found that, despite changing plant and invertebrate community structure, grazers do not suppress below‐ground properties, including soil organic carbon (SOC). We hypothesised that, in contrast, eastern US saltmarshes would be sensitive to large grazers as extensive areas are dominated by a single grass, Spartina alterniflora. We predicted that grazers would reduce above‐ and below‐ground Spartina biomass, suppress invertebrate densities, shift soil texture and ultimately reduce SOC concentration. We tested our hypotheses using a replicated 51‐month large grazer (horse) exclusion experiment in Georgia, coupled with observations of 14 long‐term grazed sites, spanning ~1000 km of the eastern US coast. Grazer exclusion quickly led to increased Spartina height, cover and flowering, and increased snail density. Changes in vegetation structure were reflected in modified soil texture (reduced sand, increased clay) and elevated root biomass, yet we found no response of SOC. Large grazer exclusion also reduced drought‐associated vegetation die‐off. We also observed vegetation shifts in sites along the eastern US seaboard where grazing has occurred for hundreds of years. Unlike in the exclusion experiment, long‐term grazing was associated with reduced SOC. A structural equation model implicated grazing by revealing reduced stem height as a key driver of reduced soil organic carbon. Synthesis: These results illustrate the context dependency of large grazer impacts on ecosystem properties in coastal wetlands. In contrast to well‐studied European marshes, eastern US marshes are dominated and structured by a single foundational grass species resulting in vegetation and soil properties being more sensitive to grazing. Coastal systems characterised by a single foundation species might be inherently vulnerable to large grazers and lack resilience in the face of other disturbances, underlining that frameworks to explain and predict large grazer impacts must account for geographic variation in ecosystem structure.

51091 Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, in plaque psoriasis: 3-year Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) outcomes in the long-term extension of the phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2 trials

51091 Deucravacitinib, an oral, selective, allosteric tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, in plaque psoriasis: 3-year Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) outcomes in the long-term extension of the phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 and PSO-2 trials

Comparative Analysis of Cooling Load Calculations: CLTD Method vs. Carrier HAP 5.01 Software for Hotel HVAC Design

This study examines the cooling load requirements of a hotel building by comparing two methodologies: the traditional Cooling Load Temperature Difference (CLTD) method and the Carrier Hourly Analysis Program (HAP) 5.01 software. The primary objective is to validate the accuracy and reliability of these methods in calculating cooling loads across different room types, from standard rooms to larger, more complex suites. The results show that the CLTD method consistently yields higher cooling load estimates, with discrepancies ranging from 3% to 14% compared to HAP 5.01 calculations. These differences are most significant in larger rooms, such as suites and owner’s suites, which have more extensive glass areas, higher occupancy, and more heat-generating equipment. The findings indicate that while the CLTD method is valuable for quick, preliminary estimates, the HAP 5.01 software provides a more precise and comprehensive analysis, taking into account hourly variations, equipment schedules, and other factors that impact cooling loads. This research highlights the need for careful selection of the appropriate calculation method to ensure the efficient design of HVAC systems, maximizing energy efficiency, and maintaining occupant comfort. The study concludes that for projects requiring high accuracy, particularly in complex or large spaces, dynamic simulation tools like HAP 5.01 are preferable. Detailed cooling load results and comparisons are provided in the supplementary documentation, offering further insights into the analysis and its implications for HVAC design.

Improvement of photocatalytic ammonia production of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles utilizing microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite

The development of decarbonized synthesis approaches is a critical step in the fabrication of ammonia, an indispensable chemical and a potential carbon–neutral energy carrier. In this regard, the photocatalytic production technology has gained ample attention as a sustainable alternative to energy-intensive and environmentally detrimental Haber–Bosch process. Here, we present cobalt ferrite nanoparticles supported on microporous ZSM-5 type ferrisilicate zeolite as a desirable novel photocatalyst for the ammonia generation. The zeolite introduced as a microporous support increasing the catalytically active sites. A straightforward one-pot sol–gel method was used to synthesize cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and CoFe2O4/ferrisilicate (CF/FS) nanocomposites with various weight percentages (10, 25 and 50%) of CoFe2O4. The photocatalytic performances of the samples in the production of ammonia were investigated under visible light irradiation. The highest rate of NH4+ production (484.74 µmol L−1 h−1) was achieved using the CF50%/FS photocatalyst. The distribution of < 50 nm-sized CoFe2O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the zeolite, as demonstrated by TEM images, and extensive BET surface areas are presented as convincing evidences for the improved photocatalytic activity paticularly in CF50%/FS photocatalyst.

Soil quality indicators related to the deterioration of Kikuyu grass Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone

Inadequate grassland management has resulted in the degradation of extensive areas, loss of productivity and sustainability of many of them, reflecting a common reality among livestock farmers in Colombia. Therefore, at the Paysandú Agricultural Station of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, located in the Santa Elena township of the city of Medellín, a study was carried out to determine a soil quality index (SQI) by evaluating the physical and chemical indicators that were most related to the deterioration and dry matter production of kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus). A minimum data set (MDS) was established for the most sensitive indicators, selected by principal component analysis (PCA), and a nonlinear scoring function was used to obtain the SQI. Statistical differences were found between all the treatments in relation to dry matter production (P&lt;0.05: 1.91x10-32). The most sensitive indicators were bulk density BD &gt; total porosity TP &gt; macropores MAC &gt; micropores MIC &gt; penetration resistance PR &gt; effective cation exchange capacity ECEC &gt; pH. As a result, the following formula was obtained: SQI = (0.225×BD) + (0.224×TP) + (0.220×MAC) + (0.218×MIC) + (0.113×PR) + (0.0879×ECEC) + (0.0877×pH). This index should be tested in kikuyu grass-dominated pastures located in the Colombian high tropics. The baseline is critical at values &gt; 0.58 Mg m-3 for BD and &gt; 2.25 MPa for PR. In addition, the optimum pH range for kikuyu grass development was between 5.4 and 6.4.

Signals of soil formation during pre-glacial maximum on the byers peninsula (maritime antarctica)

The Maritime Antarctic is one of the most sensitive regions on Earth to warming, recording permafrost degradation and glacial retreat in the last 10 kyr. The timing of deglaciation and the pedological implications are still poorly elucidated in many ice-free areas of the Antarctic. The severity of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) across the Maritime Antarctic has limited paleoenvironmental records of pre-LGM terrestrial signals, constraining knowledge of climate trends in the Late Pleistocene. Byers Peninsula is one of the most extensive ice-free areas in the Maritime Antarctic. So, we hypothesized that soils in Byers Peninsula host Pleistocene sedimentological and pedological evidence of landscape evolution. This study investigated soil genesis in Byers Peninsula. Radiocarbon and OSL dates provided a chronology of nine soil profiles. Morphological, physical, and chemical analysis characterized soil formation. Isotopic composition of organic matter tracked the main photosynthetic processes. Endolithic soil organic matter in a pre-LGM soil indicates soil genesis at 31,690 cal yr BP, much earlier than the common age models of approximately 10,000 cal yr BP in previous studies. Burial and 14C ages in Cryosols formed on beach sediments above 70 m and on cliffs suggest marine terrace uplift and soil genesis in cliffs during the Late Pleistocene-Early Holocene. Younger Cryosols and Leptosols soils formed on raised beaches in Late Holocene. These findings suggest an older glacial retreat in the Maritime Antarctic. Soil proxies in potential pre-LGM ice-free areas are promising tools for paleoenvironmental reconstructions of the Maritime Antarctic.

Change detection due to ISPAAD Programme using geospatial techniques: A case study of Dinogeng Agricultural Extension Area of Kgatleng District, Botswan

Dinogeng Agricultural Extension Area (DAEA), located in the south eastern part of Botswana has witnessed tremendous land use changes due to the Integrated Support Programme for Arable Agriculture Development (ISPAAD). For over a decade, crop cultivation has been relatively small both in size and population. But today, Dinogeng is one of the fastest growing agricultural areas. Therefore, it is paramount to detect the nature and magnitude of land use changes for planning purpose. Remotely Sensed data from Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 were utilized for the purpose of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change detection. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) were used to produce LULC maps for 2006 and 2020 for assessing the severity of land degradation. In a 14-year span (2006-2020), LULC of DAEA changed markedly. Cultivated land and bare areas increased by 19.4 and 18.3 % whereas shrub land and forest areas decreased by 36.9 and 0.7 %, respectively. Supervised classification algorithms and stratified random sampling design were adopted for the accuracy assessment. The classification process produced good results with overall accuracies of 93% and 94% for the 2006 and 2020 maps, respectively. The findings could be useful to guide the development of functional land use plan for DAEA.

Birds and mammals assemblages assessment in sub-Antarctic channels of the Kawésqar National Park and Reserve, southern Chile

Clarence Island and its inland channels are part of the Kawésqar National Park and Kawésqar National Reserve, an extensive wilderness area dominated by pristine sub-Antarctic environments and high marine biodiversity. During the summer and winter of 2020, the assemblages of birds and mammals were recorded in 10 sites, and these data, the following aspects were evaluated: 1) the sampling effort used with species accumulation curves and 2) the community structure of the assemblages with alpha and beta diversity. The total richness was 35 species of birds and 6 species of mammals, representing 17% of both groups documented for the sub-Antarctic Ecoregion of Magellan. During summer and winter, low and high values of species richness and abundance were registered, which modulated low and medium values of diversity. The moderate diversity was consistent with the beta diversity values from the Whittaker index, which on average indicates low species replacement in response to seasonal change. By considering that 20 % of the recorded species have high conservation risks, it can be concluded that this type of fauna survey contributes to improve the knowledge and dissemination of the current distribution of these species, and in future scenarios it will be useful to help predict local extinction events for anthropogenic or natural reasons.

Fibrin clot adherence on cleaned and decontaminated titanium abutment surfaces: An in vitro study.

Osseointegration is now primarily established, but soft tissue integration is still susceptible to failure and problematic on implant surfaces. So, implant dentistry is increasingly focusing on improving peri-implant soft tissue integration. The present study aimed to evaluate the blood fibrin clot formation and adhesion on the abutment after cleaning and decontamination and determine the suitable abutment surface associated with fibrin clot attachment. Forty-two abutments (14 per group) were used in the present study: a brand-new (BN), contaminated with biofilm (CO) and decontaminated with an enzymatic cleaner and autoclave sterilization (DEC). For a fibrin clot, 9 mL of whole human blood and abutments was centrifuged at 2700 rpm for 12 min. Clots were divided into two parts for histomorphometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Twelve abutments disconnected from the clot and two not treated with blood were observed under SEM. Residual debris and biofilm were observed on the abutment surface in the CO group but not in other groups. Healthy and organized fibrin clots formed on all abutments. The fibrin extension areas are distributed uniformly in BN and DEC groups but irregularly in CO. The surface percentage of the fibrin clot extensions was 41.76% ± 6.73, 26.99% ± 6.40, and 37.83% ± 9.72 for the BN, CON, and DEC groups, respectively. The blood clot-attached areas in the CO group were statistically lower than the other groups. No difference was observed between the BN and DEC groups. This study confirmed that surface contamination could influence blood clot attachment on the abutment surfaces. Cleaning and sterilization can have a favorable effect on soft tissue healing on abutment surfaces.

Interfacial coupling of Ce-CoSe2 nanoneedle arrays with MXene for efficient overall water splitting

Designing highly effective, low-cost bifunctional electrocatalysts without noble metals for overall water splitting remains a significant challenge. In this work, interfacial coupling of Ce-doped CoSe2 nanoneedle arrays with MXene (Ce-CoSe2/MXene) is developed via the facile hydrothermal and selenization methods. The extensive specific surface area and favorable hydrophilicity of Ti3AlC2, combined with the optimized electronic structure and abundant active sites from Ce-doping and selenization, contribute to the exceptional bifunctional electrocatalytic performance of the Ce-CoSe2/MXene electrode. Specifically, this heterostructure achieves a low hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) overpotential of 34 mV at 10 mA cm−2, an oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential of 279 mV at 100 mA cm−2, and an overall water splitting (OWS) potential as low as 1.45 V at 10 mA cm−2. In-situ Raman spectroscopy reveals that surface reconstruction would improve catalytic activity and stability. Theoretical calculations indicate that the Ce-CoSe2/MXene can improve the adsorption of intermediates and facilitate HER/OER process by lowering the kinetic barrier, thereby enhancing electrocatalytic activity. This research marks a substantial advancement in the development of low-cost, efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting.

Mapping plant communities of the Karoo National Park, South Africa, using Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data

AimsThis study aimed at classifying, mapping and describing the plant communities of the Karoo National Park using floristic surveys in conjunction with Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data. Study areaKaroo National Park, Western Cape, South Africa. MethodsThe vegetation of the Karoo National Park was delineated into homogenous physiognomic-physiographic units using Sentinel-2 images. A total of 128 survey plots (100 m2 each) were surveyed within the different homogeneous units during the period 2016 to 2020. Within each survey plot, all rooted species were identified and their cover abundance estimated. Each plot was photographed and its geolocation recorded. The floristic data were captured using the Braun Blanquet Personal Computer suite and exported to the JUICE Software programme. A modified TWINSPAN classification was done to derive a first tabled synopsis of the plant communities. The different plant communities were subsequently classified and described according to their diagnostic and dominant species gleaned from the synoptic table. Species richness was determined by counting the number of different species per plant community while the Shannon–Wiener Index and Rich-Gini–Simpson Index of diversity (D) were used to derive indices of species diversity per plant community. Results12 major communities and two sub-communities that are distinctly linked to various abiotic factors were identified, described and mapped. The higher-lying rocky steep midslopes as well as the valley bottomland areas had the highest diversity and species richness. ConclusionsThis study proves the efficacy of using Sentinel-2 and topo-morphological data in classification, description and mapping vegetation of extensive natural areas. The vegetation map and classification of plant communities provide a baseline to inform management decisions.Taxonomic reference: SA-Plant Checklist-2019–2020, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2020, Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) (http://posa.sanbi.org/) [accessed January 2022].

Optimizing the Synthesis of Titanium Carbide-Bismuth Oxide for Enhanced Antimicrobial Properties.

Background The two-dimensional MXene, known as titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂), is characterized by its substantial interlayer spacing, extensive surface area, hydrophilic nature, exceptional thermal stability, and outstanding electrical conductivity. These distinctive attributes render Ti₃C₂ an ideal candidate for detecting target analytes and immobilizing biomolecules. Bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃), an essential compound of bismuth, frequently acts as a foundational element in bismuth chemistry. Its applications are diverse, from fireworks to oxygen gas sensors and solid oxide fuel cells, with particular emphasis on its behaviour under elevated temperatures and pressures. Notably, phase transitions to various polymorphs, which remain metastable at room temperature, have been documented under these conditions, indicating potential for numerous applications. Integrating MXene with Bi₂O₃ composites holds significant promise for advancements in energy-related electronics, sensing technologies, and photocatalytic processes. Objective To optimize the synthesis of titanium carbide-bismuth oxide (Ti₃C₂-Bi₂O₃) nanoparticles to enhance their antimicrobial activity by identifying the best synthesis conditions and assessing their effectiveness against various microbial pathogens. Materials and methods The preparation of Ti₃C₂ MXene involves dissolving lithium fluoride in hydrochloric acid, followed by Ti₃AlC₂ and stirring at 40°C for 48 hours. The resulting pellet is then dispersed in ultrapure water and centrifuged to obtain the MXene dispersion. Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles are prepared by preparing bismuth nitrate pentahydrate in nitric acid and adding sodium hydroxide to adjust the pH. The resulting white precipitate is filtered, washed, and dried before being calcined at 400°C for two hours to produce Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles. The Ti₃C₂-Bi₂O₃ composite is synthesized by adding Bi(NO₃)₃ solution to a 5 mg/mL Ti₃C₂Tx MXene solution. The reaction solution is heated to 160°C, and the resulting black powder is labelled as x% Bi₂O₃/MXene. The antimicrobial efficacy of the nanoparticles is assessed using the disk diffusion method. The zones of inhibition are measured and analyzed as indicators of antimicrobial activity. Results The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the presence of Bi₂O₃ particles alongside Ti₃C₂​​​​​​​ nanosheets, while the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the high crystallinity of the compound. Furthermore, the compound was determined to be impurity-free and demonstrated antimicrobial properties. Conclusion The XRDanalysis confirms the effective integration of various materials and the existence of crystalline phases. SEMprovides insights into the morphology and organization of particles within sheets, whereas EDSassesses the elemental composition and its uniform distribution. These studies demonstrate the synthesis of Ti₃C₂-Bi₂O₃​​​​​​​ composites, suggesting their potential for usage in applications involving antimicrobial action.

Effects of inorganic and organic pollution on development of Steindachneridion melanodermatum from the Iguaçu river, Brazil

The Iguaçu River basin, known for its rich endemic ichthyofauna, faces a significant threat from chemical pollution. The Jordão River, a major tributary, drains extensive agricultural and livestock areas and receives poorly treated domestic and industrial effluents before joining the Iguaçu River. This study investigated the pollution and toxic effects of water samples from the Iguaçu upstream (UI), Jordão (JR), and their confluence (DI) on Steindachneridion melanodermatum embryos and larvae. Chemical analyses of the water samples revealed that most contaminants were present at levels below detection limits or within the limits established by Brazilian legislation. However, cadmium in UI, aluminum in JR, and lead in DI exceeded the legal limits. Exposure up to 96 h post-fertilization revealed higher mortality and deformity rates in individuals exposed to water samples from UI and JR, despite JR having fewer detected pollutants. JR and DI samples induced increased superoxide dismutase activity, indicating activation of the antioxidant defense system due to xenobiotic exposure. Overall, the integrated biomarker response indexes showed that individuals exposed to JR water displayed the most significant variations in their responses compared to the control treatment, suggesting a higher level of contamination and toxicity. Although a direct link between water quality and toxicity in the Jordão and Iguaçu Rivers was inconclusive, the results confirmed pollution and risks to local wildlife. The study highlighted the harmful effects of pollutants, even at low concentrations. These findings underscore the need for conservation measures to safeguard endemic and endangered species in the Iguaçu River basin. Understanding pollutant effects on native species is crucial for effective mitigation strategies and ecological health preservation.

Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Vegetation Greenness and Its Response to Climate Change in the Tarim River Basin, China

Vegetation in ecologically sensitive regions has experienced significant alterations due to global climate change. The underlying mechanisms remain somewhat obscure owing to the spatial heterogeneity of influencing factors, particularly in the Tarim River Basin (TRB) in China. Therefore, this study targets the TRB, analyzing the spatial and temporal dynamics of vegetation greenness and its climatic determinants across multiple spatial scales. Utilizing Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data, vegetation greenness trends over the past 23 years were assessed, with future projections based on the Hurst exponent. Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to correlate NDVI with temperature (TMP), precipitation (PRE), and potential evapotranspiration (PET), elucidating NDVI’s response to climatic variations. Results revealed that from 2000 to 2022, 90.1% of the TRB exhibited an increase in NDVI, with a significant overall trend of 0.032/decade (p &lt; 0.01). The difference in NDVI change across sub-basins and vegetation types highlighted the spatial disparity in greening. Notable greening predominantly occurred near rivers at lower elevations and in extensive cropland areas, with projections indicating continued greening in some regions. Conversely, future trends mainly suggested a shift towards browning, particularly in higher-elevation areas with minimal human influence. From 2000 to 2022, the TRB experienced a gradual increase in TMP, PRE, and PET. The latter two factors were significantly correlated with NDVI, indicating their substantial role in greening. However, vegetation sensitivity to climate change varied across sub-basins, vegetation types, and elevations, likely due to differences in plant characteristics, hydrothermal conditions, and human disturbances. Despite climate change influencing vegetation dynamics in 51.5% of the TRB, its impact accounted for only 25% of the total NDVI trend. These findings enhance the understanding of vegetation ecosystems in arid regions and provide a scientific basis for developing ecological protection strategies in the TRB.

Microneedle patch capable of dual drug release for drug delivery to brain tumors.

Primary brain tumors are mostly managed using surgical resection procedures. Nevertheless, in certain cases, a thin layer of tumors may remain outside of the resection process due to the possibility of permanent injury; these residual tumors expose patients to the risk of tumor recurrence. This study has introduced the use of microneedle patches implanted after surgery with a dual-release mechanism for the administration of doxorubicin. The proposed patches possess the capability to administer drugs directly to the residual tumors and initiate chemotherapy immediately following surgical procedures. Three-dimensional simulation of drug delivery to residual tumors in the brain has been performed based on a finite element method. The impact of four important parameters on drug delivery has been investigated, involving the fraction of drug released in the burst phase, the density of microneedles on the patch, the length of microneedles, and the microvascular density of the tumor. The simulation findings indicate that lowering the fraction of drug released in the initial burst phase reduces the maximum average concentration, but the sustained release that continues for a longer period, increasing the bioavailability of free drug. However, the area under curve (AUC) for different release rates remains unchanged due to the fact that an identical dose of drug is supplied in each instance. By increasing the density of microneedles on the patch, concentration accumulation is provided over an extensive region of tumor, which in turn induces more cancer cell death. A comparative analysis of various lengths reveals that longer microneedles facilitate profound penetration into the tumor layers and present better therapeutic response due to extensive area of the tumor which is exposure to chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, high microvascular density, as a characteristic of the tumor microenvironment, is shown to have a significant impact on the blood microvessels drainage of drugs and consequently lower therapeutic response outcome. Our approach offers a computational framework for creating localized drug delivery systems and addressing the challenges related to residual brain tumors.

Unveiling the mechanistic synergy in Mn-doped NiO catalysts with atomic-burry structure: Enhanced CO oxidation via Ni-OH and Mn bifunctionality

The development of non-noble metal catalysts for low-temperature CO oxidation is a pivotal subject in various disciplines. In this study, an optimized Mn-doped NiO catalyst (Mn-NiO-0.5), prepared via aerosol pyrolysis with an equal molar ratio of Ni to Mn, demonstrates remarkable performance. It achieves an 82 % CO conversion at -20 °C and a 100 % conversion between 10 °C and 800 °C. The catalyst’s turnover frequency (TOF) for CO oxidation significantly surpasses that of previously reported noble-metal-based catalysts, underscoring its superior efficiency. Dynamic analyses suggest that the enhanced catalytic activity is a result of the unique atom burr structure, which presents an extensive surface area replete with abundant active sites. This structural feature is instrumental in maximizing the catalyst’s interaction with CO molecules. Experimental findings, corroborated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, elucidate the mechanism of CO oxidation on the Mn-NiO-0.5 catalyst. The process is facilitated by the synergistic action of bimetallic sites, where the Ni–OH site acts as the primary adsorption point for CO. Subsequently, the CO is oxidized to bicarbonate through the interaction with the oxygen (O or O2) at adjacent Mn sites. This pioneering study introduces a paradigm-shifting insight: the effectiveness of non-noble metal oxide catalysts can now compete with, and in some cases, outperform their noble metal counterparts. This breakthrough is set to transform the industry, presenting a compelling alternative to conventional noble metal catalysts and propelling the evolution of state-of-the-art environmental conservation technologies.