High Recovery Rate Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF HPLC METHODS FOR THE CHIRAL SEPARATION OF ARYLPYRAZOLE, CHLOROACETANILIDE AND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES: CASE STUDIES OF BENZOBICYCLON, ACETOCHLOR AND CHLORDANE.

This work is centered on the development and optimization of High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic methods for the separation of chiral pesticides, particularly benzobicyclon, chlordane and acetochlor employing Agilent Technologies Infinity II chiral HPLC system equipped with a UV – 2000 detector. The stereoisomers were successively separated using a standard analytical column of dimensions 250 mm X 4.6 mm. The Cis– stereoisomers of chlordane exhibited partial baseline separation while the Trans – enantiomers were fully separated. Benzobicyclon and acetochlor enantiomers attained full baseline separation under optimized conditions. Chlordane and benzobicyclon were analyzed using normal phase chromatography [NP]c with a mobile phase of 90% Normal hexane and 10% Isopropanol, while acetochlor was analyzed by reverse phase chromatography [RP] c using 70% methanol and 30% water. Benzobicyclon was later spiked into soil sample and subsequently extracted using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods and the extracts were further analyzed with a shorter analytical column of dimensions 75 mm X 4.6 mm. The HPLC separation revealed that the longer column provided more efficient separation for the benzobicyclon stereoisomers than the shorter column as reflected by high separation factors (?). The high recovery rate of the stereoisomers of benzobicyclon and the internal standard from the soil extracts confirmed the effectiveness of the method of extraction and the HPLC system employed.

Acid leaching of vivianite separated from sewage sludge for recovering phosphorus and iron

This paper examines the acid leaching efficiencies of Fe and P from vivianite slurry (VS, Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O), which is magnetically separated from anaerobic digested sludge, and elaborates on Fe and P reuse routes. The characteristics and dissolution behavior of raw VS in hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, oxalic, and citric acids are investigated. Results reveal that the primary impurities in VS are organic matter, other phosphate compounds, and Mg present in the vivianite crystal structure. Hydrochloric and sulfuric acids could effectively extract P (90%) from VS at an optimal hydrogen-to-phosphorus (H⁺/P) ratio of 2.5, compared with sewage sludge ash (SSA) that normally needs an H⁺/P ratio greater than 3. Hence, VS can be employed as an alternative P resource following a similar recovery route used with SSA. However, in comparison to SSA, VS use can decrease acid consumption in P extraction and the requirement for the extensive purification of cationic impurities. Furthermore, oxalic acid effectively facilitates the separation of P and Fe in VS by precipitating Fe as insoluble ferrous oxalate in acidic conditions, leading to a high Fe recovery rate of 95%. The recovery and reuse of Fe through the oxalic acid route further improves the feasibility of VS as an alternate resource.

Study on pyrolysis process and mechanism of organic coating of waste polyesterimide enameled wire based on density functional theory

The pyrolysis treatment of waste polyesterimide enameled wire offers significant advantages such as continuous processing, non-hazardous nature, and high resource recovery rate. However, research on its pyrolysis process and mechanism remains insufficiently explored. In this study, techniques including thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), pyrolysis–gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(Py-GC/MS) were employed to investigate pyrolysis temperature, weight loss rate, pyrolysis and kinetic parameters, composition and distribution of pyrolysis products, and changes in functional groups under different temperatures and heating rates. The pyrolysis of polyesterimide enameled wire can be divided into three stages: volatilization of specific components (314.8 °C,1.6 %), rapid decomposition of polyesterimide (435.2 °C, 44.7 %), and generation of small organic molecules with the fixation of pyrolytic carbon (750 °C, 9.0 %). The main components of the pyrolysis gas products include aromatic compounds, ethers, aromatics, ketones, and carbon dioxide. At 400 °C, a substantial amount of pyrolysis gas products and free radicals are produced, with an increase in aromatic hydrocarbons. The carbon distribution in the pyrolysis products mainly focuses on C6-C10 and C11-C15, and many organic compounds such as benzoic acid, phenol, and aniline are generated. Based on density functional theory, the bond dissociation energies in the polyesterimide were calculated. This clarified the possible thermal decomposition pathways of the polyesterimide and provided the energy barrier values, elucidating the generation mechanism of pyrolysis products during thermal decomposition. The copper atom in specific location reduces the negative ESP of O and increases the positive ESP of H in EPI, which makes H more likely to attach to O. The presence of Cu increases the ESP range and promote the pyrolysis process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the high-value recycling of waste polyesterimide enamelled wire.

Smartphone-integrated inkjet-printed paper sensor and UV/Vis spectrophotometric method for on-site detection of As3+ and L-cysteine in food samples using novel AMTPP-functionalized silver nanoparticles

The increasing prevalence of arsenic (As3+) in water and its health impacts necessitate advanced detection methods. Similarly, monitoring L-Cysteine, a vital thiol-containing amino acid, is crucial for assessing physiological processes and disorders. This study presents a novel method for detecting As3+ and L-Cysteine in food samples using 4-amino-3-(D-galactopentitol-1-yl)-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMTPP) functionalized silver nanoparticles (AMTPP-AgNPs) by UV/Vis spectrophotometric method and smartphone-assisted inkjet-printed paper-based sensors. AMTPP-AgNPs, synthesized through a detailed process, show exceptional selectivity and sensitivity to As3+ and L-Cysteine, undisturbed by other metal ions and amino acids. Characterization techniques like FTIR, DLS, Zeta Potential, AFM, and SEM detailed their morphological and interaction properties. Optimizing detection parameters, such as response time, pH, and temperature, improved sensitivity and achieved low detection limits. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.0052 μM for L-cysteine and 0.0092 μM for As3+, as calculated using UV–Vis spectrophotometric methods. The method also demonstrated high recovery rates in spiked meat and corn samples. This research offers a cost-effective, rapid method for on-site food analysis, significantly aiding environmental and public health monitoring.

Electrocatalysis coupled super-stable mineralization for the efficient treatment of phosphorus containing plating wastewater

The automotive, electronics, and aerospace sectors use electroless nickel plating (ENP) technology for surface treatment. Hypophosphite, a widely used reducing agent in ENP, generates large volumes of hypophosphate (H2PO2-) and nickel ions (Ni2+) in its wastewater which poses potential risks to human health. However, it is a highly challenging task to remove and recycle the H2PO2- and Ni2+ from such wastewater. In this study, a novel electrocatalysis coupled super-stable mineralization process was developed for the treatment of phosphorus-containing ENP wastewater. The electrocatalytic system, utilizing commercial lead dioxide and stainless steel as the anode and cathode, separately, achieved remarkable results in simultaneously removing H2PO2- and recycling valuable Ni2+ ions from ENP wastewater, with a 99.1 % oxidation efficiency for H2PO2- and a high recovery rate of 99.8 % for nickel. In order to meet industrial emission standards, layered double hydroxide (CaAl-LDH) and its calcined derivatives (CaAl-900) were employed as super-stable mineralizers for the further treatment of total phosphorus (TP) and residual Ni2+ in the wastewater. The mechanism underlying the enhanced treatment of ENP wastewater was elucidated through free radical quenching experiments, revealed superoxide radicals (·O2–) as the primary active species. It is noteworthy that the successful treatment of actual ENP wastewater was achieved, meeting standard discharge requirements. This study provides novel insights for achieving resource-efficient wastewater treatment and promoting environmentally friendly electroplating industries.

Societal Adaptation to Pandemic Challenges: Analysing the Role of Local Governance and Healthcare Systems in Madhya Pradesh

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, compelling communities globally to adapt rapidly to protect lives and maintain societal functions. This study examines the role of local governance and healthcare systems in Madhya Pradesh in addressing these challenges and fostering societal resilience. Drawing on quantitative data from government health agencies and qualitative insights from community feedback, this research explores how local governance structures facilitated public health response, resource allocation, and pandemic preparedness. Findings indicate that decentralized decision-making and robust healthcare infrastructure were instrumental in managing health crises, providing essential services, and supporting economic resilience at the grassroots level. Key results show that regions with stronger local governance exhibited a 30% lower infection rate compared to less governed areas, while areas with well-resourced healthcare systems saw a 20% higher recovery rate. Resource distribution, however, varied significantly, with urban areas receiving 60% more medical supplies than rural regions, creating disparities in healthcare access. Data analysis revealed that healthcare facilities that integrated digital solutions, such as telemedicine, were able to serve 45% more patients remotely, mitigating the risk of virus spread and reducing hospital overload. The study identifies the need for capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure strengthening, and data-driven decision-making to enhance future pandemic preparedness. Future prospects include continuous training programs for healthcare workers, increasing community awareness of health protocols, and leveraging technology for real-time data monitoring. These insights contribute to a comprehensive framework for building resilient healthcare systems in Madhya Pradesh, better prepared for future public health crises.

The GREENWATER study: patients' green sensitivity and potential recovery of injected contrast agents.

The environmental footprint of iodinated contrast agents (ICAs) and gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) is noteworthy. This study assesses: (1) patients' "green sensitivity" as measured by their acceptance in a sustainability study and (2) the resulting potential reduction of contrast residuals in wastewater. After ethical approval, participants scheduled for administration of ICAs or GBCAs for diagnostic purposes were enrolled in this prospective observational study from July 2022 to October 2023. They were asked to prolong their hospital stay by up to 60 min to collect their first urine in dedicated canisters, thereby measuring the recovery rates of ICAs and GBCAs as found/theoretical ratio of concentrations. Mann-Whitney U, χ2 tests, and multivariable regression analysis were used. Patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced CT or MRI (n = 455) were screened; 422 (92.7%) accepted to participate. We enrolled 212 patients administered with ICAs and 210 administered with GBCAs. The median recovery rate was 51.2% (interquartile range 29.2-77.9%) for ICAs and 12.9% (9.0-19.3%) for GBCAs. At multivariable analysis, a significant effect of patient age (ICAs, p = 0.001; GBCAs, p = 0.014), urine volume (p < 0.001 for both), and time interval from contrast administration to urine collection (p < 0.001 for both) on recovery rates was found for both contrast agents; injected contrast volume (p = 0.046) and saline flushing usage (p = 0.008) showed asignificant effect only for ICAs. The high patient enrollment compliance (93%) and potential recovery rates of 51% (ICAs) and 13% (GBCAs) play in favor of sustainable practices in reducing the environmental footprint of contrast agents. Question How many patients are willing to extend their stay in radiology by up to 60 min to help reduce the environmental impact of contrast agents? Findings Over 90% of screened patients agreed to extend their stay by up to 60 min and collect their urine in dedicated containers. Clinical relevance Patients demonstrated a high willingness to cooperate in reducing the environmental impact of contrast agents, allowing for a potential recovery of approximately 51% for iodinated and 13% for gadolinium-based contrast agents.

A BDD-Au/SPCE-based electrochemical DNA aptasensor for selective and sensitive detection of theophylline

The proposed aptasensor using a DNA aptamer for the detection of theophylline (THEO) is being reported for the first time, as previous methods predominantly employed RNA aptamers. DNA aptamers have attracted significant attention due to their advantages over antibodies, including greater stability and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for various diagnostic applications as biosensors. THEO, a drug commonly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma, requires precise monitoring in the bloodstream due to its narrow therapeutic index. In this paper, we present the first optimization of THEO detection using a DNA aptamer-based sensor (aptasensor), utilizing a composite boron-doped diamond/Gold (BDD-Au) on screen-printed carbon electrodes. Thiolated DNA aptamers were immobilized on the BDD-Au surface, where they selectively targeted THEO in biological samples. Optimization of the aptasensor was achieved using a Box-Behnken design, determining optimal conditions of 3.0 μM for aptamer concentration, 90 min for aptamer immobilization time, and 1.0 mM for tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine concentration. The resulting DNA aptasensor demonstrated excellent selectivity for THEO, with a linear detection range from 1 to 1.0 mM and a detection limit of 52 nM. The sensor maintained stability for up to four weeks and exhibited high recovery rates when tested in blood serum, highlighting its potential for clinical monitoring of THEO levels.

Kicking Newcastle Disease in Poultry: The Therapeutic Potential of a Herbal Blend of Christmas Melon, Aloe Vera, Chili, and Ash Extract

Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral infection that causes substantial mortality and economic losses in poultry, particularly in resource-limited settings like rural Uganda. This study explores the therapeutic potential of a herbal blend composed of Christmas melon, aloe vera, chili, and ash extract as an alternative or adjunct treatment for ND in poultry. Grounded in Integrative Medicine Theory (IMT), which emphasizes the synergy between conventional and traditional medical approaches, the study investigates the effectiveness of this herbal remedy in both treating and preventing ND. The results, based on personal case studies and a larger preventive trial, demonstrate a high recovery rate in affected birds and successful prevention in exposed flocks. Notably, six out of seven birds treated for ND showed full recovery, and no new ND cases emerged in the preventive trial involving 1,654 layers. However, a slight decrease in egg production was observed in treated layers, signaling a potential side effect that warrants further research. This study underscores the viability of herbal remedies in managing ND in areas where conventional treatments may be limited or inaccessible, providing a holistic, farmer-centered, and cost-effective solution to poultry health management in rural African settings. While promising, further research is needed to optimize dosage, assess long-term safety, and minimize adverse effects.

Long-term outcomes in women with a history of peripartum cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remains an important cause of cardiac-related maternal morbidity and mortality in previously healthy young women. Data on the long-term clinical course of PPCM are sparse. In this study, we report the long-term outcomes in patients with PPCM. Methods and Results Long-term follow-up (median 9.6, min 5, and max 24 years) was available in 72 women with PPCM followed in a cardio-obstetrics clinic. Five-year follow-up data were available for 19 PPCM patients, 10-year follow-up data for 24 PPCM patients, and more than 15 years of follow-up data for 24 PPCM patients. Seven patients were lost to cardiac follow-up but are known to be alive. The mean age at diagnosis was 35 ± 7 years, and 85% were Caucasian. The mean parity was 2.2 ± 1.3, and gravidity was 2.7 ± 1.7. Twin pregnancies were reported in 13% of cases. Pre-eclampsia was present in 25% of the patients and the development of hypertension in the long-term was documented in 18%. The mean LVEF was 34.5 ± 9.9% at diagnosis. One-year LVEF data were available in 72 patients: 54 patients (75%) experienced LV recovery (LVEF≥ 50%). After 1 year, the mean LVEF was 53.4± 8.2%. Among patients remained with LV&amp;lt;50% at one year (n=10) no LV function recovery was reported at long-term follow-up. At a median follow-up of 9.6 years (n=66) mean LVEF was 52.1±10.4%, nine patients had a reduction in LVEF (&amp;lt;50%) function in the long-term follow-up with a mean LVEF of 46.1± 2.1%. Out of 72 PPCM patients, 3 patients developed arrhythmia, in one woman coronary artery disease occurred and 7 underwent pacemaker implantation. Almost half of patients (n=65) remained with long term treatment of b-blockers, 38% received medications for hypertension or heart failure. No cases of myocardial infarctions, cardiovascular death, or heart transplantations were reported. Two women died during follow-up: one with normal LVEF died from breast cancer, and another patient with reduced LVEF and severe diabetes. The cause of her death remained unclear. During follow-up, 30 women had ≥ 1 subsequent pregnancy (SSP), and there was no reduction in their mean LVEF before SSP 57.0 ± 5.4% and at long-term follow-up was 59.6± 1.3% (p=ns). Conclusion Our study demonstrates favorable long-term outcomes with high and stable recovery rates with low mortality rates, and no impact of subsequent pregnancies on the clinical course of the condition. Nevertheless, persisting or new diagnosis of hypertension and use of cardiovascular medications were noted in the long term follow up.

Revealing the functional relationship between manganese dissolution potentials and lithium concentrations with diffusion coefficient for lithium intercalation in λ-MnO2 electrode

Electrochemical redox lithium extraction (ELE) with LiMn2O4/λ-MnO2 redox couple, stands out as the most prospective technology for efficient and selective lithium extraction from the salt lake brines owing to the high lithium intercalation capacity, selectivity, and recovery rate. However, the decreasing Li+ concentration induced electrode polarization, especially, at low concentrations, and inappropriately applied potentials can significantly accelerate manganese dissolution (MD). While no correlational research has established the relationship between the manganese dissolution potential (EMD) and Li+ concentration gradient. Herein, the inversely proportional relationship between EMD and the lithium concentration is first revealed through steady-state diffusion coefficients. This research sheds light on the MD mechanism at different lithium concentration gradients and lays the foundation for the industrial application of electrochemical lithium extraction with LiMn2O4/λ-MnO2 redox couple from salt lake brines.

Experimental Study of Synergy between Polymeric Microspheres and Nanoemulsions for Profile Control and Water Plugging.

The development of low-porosity and low-permeability oil reservoirs in the Changqing oilfield presents a significant challenge due to the high injection pressure and limited space for profile control and pressure raising. Therefore, the synergistic profile control and flooding technology of polymer microspheres (PMs) and nanoemulsions is proposed, which makes use of the plugging performance of PMs and the pressure-reducing and oil-driving properties of nanoemulsions, with the objective of controlling the water-absorbing profile and increasing the recovery rate. The paper assessed the properties of nanoemulsions and PMs and evaluated their suitability for reservoirs. The construction parameters of profile control and flooding were optimized on an experimental basis. The experimental results demonstrate that the initial particle size of microspheres can more closely match the pore diameter of the formation and that the core exhibits a higher plugging rate after hydration and expansion. Moreover, the nanoemulsion can effectively reduce the interfacial tension, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on pressure reduction. The construction parameters of microspheres and nanoemulsions were optimized by alternately injecting them with 2:1 multistage plugs, and the injected pressure was lowered by 43%, with a high plugging rate and value-added recovery rate of up to 26.5%. Based on the experimental study, 8 well sets of field tests were conducted, and the results demonstrated that the efficiency rate of profile control reached 50%. Furthermore, the average injection pressure of the injected wells decreased by 1.7 MPa, the rise in water content decreased by 2.27%, and the petroleum production increased by 1110.2 tons. The validity period reached 162 days, indicating a positive application effect.

Preparation and characterization of functional dual network hydrogel for motion monitoring in smart bra

The smart bra is a kind of sports underwear with providing health monitoring and comfort protection for women breast in sports. Developing smart sensing materials that combine comfort and functionality for sensing breast condition remains a challenge. Here, natural polysaccharide sodium alginate (SA), acrylamide (AM) monomer and chitosan (CS) and polypyrrole (PPy) in-situ polymerized from pyrole (Py) monomer were used as raw materials to successfully synthesize double network conductive hydrogel by two-step method. The results show that in the hydrogels, the entanglement and interpenetration of macromolecules produce toughness (tensile/compressive strength is ∼0.248 MPa/∼2.836 MPa), elasticity (tensile/compression elastic recovery rate is∼94.06 %/∼98.41 %) and durability (after 30 tensile/compression cycles conducting at 25 %, 50 % and 100 % constant strain keep at high recovery rate). The rich moisture content provides its adhesion (adhesion strength ∼4.7557 kPa) and flexibility (bending stiffness 1.0843 cN cm∼), presenting sufficient adhesion reliability and robustness to different substrates. The addition of PPy enables the hydrogel to have conductivity (6.77 × 10−2 S cm−1) and sensing performance (tensile/compression sensitivity is ∼1.94/∼1.43). The conductive hydrogel, as a flexible strain sensor, shows good adhesion, flexibility, elasticity and sensitivity in application of sports smart bra, can detect both the tensile behavior of skin and the compression state of tissue through its mechano-electricity, and accurately sense the changes of physiological parameters during movement. The conductive hydrogel with high elasticity and strength has broad application prospects in smart bra.

Recyclability study for the next generation of cobalt-free lithium-ion battery systems with C-LNMO, Si/C- LRLO and TiNbO-LNMO active materials via hydrometallurgical route

The scarcity and uncertain supply of cobalt poses significant challenges for the lithium-ion battery industry. To address this issue, alternative chemistries excluding cobalt have been developed. Despite solving supply issues, these developments raise concerns about recyclability and their impact on current recycling trends.This study presents a recycling strategy and evaluates its performance for next-generation cobalt-free lithium-ion batteries. It focuses on three prototypes that use innovative cathode materials (titanium niobium oxide, carbon, and silicon/carbon) and electrolyte systems (ionic liquid and gelified). The proposed recycling process includes pyrolysis, mechanical separation, neutral and acid leaching, cementation, and neutralisation for selective metal separation.The results indicate that gelified electrolytes exhibit greater thermal stability than their liquid counterparts, indicating an effect on the degradation temperature and gas emissions, which are crucial for metal recovery. This study highlights the reduced toxicity of ionic liquid electrolytes and emphasises the need for strict pyrolysis gas handling due to hazardous emissions. High recovery rates (65–90 %) were achieved for nickel, manganese, lithium, and anode components.With potential for process optimisation to improve the quality of products, this study shows that cobalt-free battery systems can be integrated into existing recycling frameworks with adjustments, supporting progress towards sustainable battery practices.

Double detection of mycotoxins based on aptamer induced Fe3O4@TiO2@Ag Core − Shell nanoparticles “turn on” fluorescence resonance energy transfer

Multiple and sensitive mycotoxin detection is an essential early-warning mechanism for safeguarding human health, and preserving the environment. We synthesized a turn-on Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) aptamer sensor based on the unique fluorescence quenching and substrate recognition characteristics of Ag NTs (energy receptors) and aptamer modified Fe3O4@TiO2 NP (energy donor) to detect multiple toxins using a single diagnostic approach. The addition of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) resulted in a change in fluorescence intensity at 510 and 650 nm, which can be employed for simultaneous recognition with detection limits of 0.94 ng·mL−1 (R2 = 0.997) and 0.54 ng·mL−1 (R2 = 0.995). The aptasensors have been successfully applied for the determination of AFB1 and OTA in grain and oil samples with high recovery rates. The approach provides novel possibilities for the development of sensitive and selective aptasensors with potential applications in aptamer-recognized multifunctional biosensing.

Simultaneous estimation of nebivolol hydrochloride and amlodipine besylate in human plasma employing an innovative HPLC chromatographic method

Abstract Background This study developed and validated a simple, robust, and cost-effective RP-HPLC bioanalytical method for the determination of nebivolol hydrochloride (NBH) and amlodipine besylate (AMB) in human plasma. Briefly, NBH and AMB were extracted from plasma through protein precipitation using 5% formic acid and acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Inertsil ODS-3 V column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and buffer (40:60, v/v). The analysis was conducted using UV detection at 215 nm. Results The bioanalytical method demonstrated linearity for NBH (4.50–180.12 μg/mL) and AMB (3.50–140.06 μg/mL). It exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity, with LLOQ responses within ≤ 20% of the analyte signal. Accuracy and precision were within acceptable limits. The extraction recovery from human plasma showed a CV (%) of 1.15% for NBH and 1.35% for AMB, indicating consistent recovery rates. Stability studies on drug-spiked human plasma at LQC and HQC levels confirmed the stability of the drugs under various conditions. Conclusion The present bioanalytical method successfully quantified NBH and AMB simultaneously in plasma samples. It demonstrated suitability, supported by high recovery rates and low relative standard deviations. With its proven linearity, accuracy, and precision, this technique is well suited for drug identification in plasma samples.

Identification of Burkholderia cepacia Complex: Comparing Conventional, Automated, and Molecular Methods in a Tertiary Care Center.

Introduction Burkholderia cepacia complex(BCC) is one of the most common polymyxin-resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolated in the clinical microbiological laboratory. They are often underreported when conventional biochemicals are used for identification, due to their similarity to other non-fermenting bacilli. It is essential to identify BCC using simple biochemical tests with good reliability to ease the identification of BCC in resource-limited settings and initiate treatment. Objectives We aim to identify isolates belonging to BCC from other non-fermentersusing simple conventional biochemical tests, automated methods, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analyze antibiotic profiles and treatment outcomes in patients with BCC infection. Materials and methods All samples received at the clinical microbiology laboratory for bacterial culture from March 2023 to March 2024 were included in this study. Samples that grew non-lactose fermenting colonies on MacConkey agar, which were resistant to polymyxin B 300 (PB300) units, were further identified using conventional biochemicals, and lysine decarboxylase test, ornithine decarboxylase test, arginine dihydrolase test, ortho-nitrophenyl-β-galactoside (ONPG) test, urea hydrolysis, triple disc screening test (polymyxin B 300 units, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 20/10 mcg (AMC20/10), and gentamicin 10 mcg (GEN10)),VITEK MS (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France), VITEK 2 Gram-Negative (GN) Identification (ID) Card(bioMérieux), and PCR targeting groEL sequence was performed for Burkholderia isolates. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern was analyzed using VITEK AST (bioMérieux). Basic patient details were collected from the medical records. Results Using conventional biochemicals and automated methods, 60 isolates were identified belonging to the genus Burkholderia, among which 46 (76.6%) belonged to Burkholderia cepacia complex. The concordance for genus-level identification of Burkholderia with conventional biochemicals, VITEK MS, VITEK 2, and groEL PCRwas found to be 100%. Species-level identification using the listed conventional biochemicals was 28.2% as compared to VITEK MS.All the isolates were susceptible to ceftazidime (n=46,100%). Risk factors included diabetes mellitus (n=19, 41.3%) and indwelling devices such as central venous catheters (CVCs), urinary catheters, and mechanical ventilation. Recovery was seen in 40 (86.9%)patients on treatment with recommended antibiotics. Conclusion Our study shows that the identification of the genus Burkholderia by conventional biochemicals was as efficient as automated and molecular methods. Species identification of BCC was better with automated systems. Infections with BCC commonly occurred in patients with diabetes mellitus and indwelling devices. Treatment with recommended antibiotics showed high recovery rates.

Adaptive tracking control method for shearer cutting trajectory based on the combined strategy

Adaptive tracking control method for shearer remains challenging caused by the contradiction between coal recovery rate and equipment safety under current technological limitations, has drawn more and more attention over the past decades due to its important role in reducing personnel, increasing safety, and improving efficiency for underground mining. Therefore, a novel adaptive tracking control method for shearer cutting trajectory based on the combined strategy is proposed, whose core is the switching method of the sub-strategies based on the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) and error band control (EBC) with switching threshold determined by the Multi-strategy Marine Predator Algorithm. The performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by comparing with the existing methods reported. The experimental results reveal that the proposed method maintains a high recovery rate while improving coal mining efficiency.

Production of Magnesium Dilactate through Lactic Acid Fermentation with Magnesium Carbonate.

Magnesium dilactate is increasingly sought after for its applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and dietary supplement industries due to its essential role in various physiological processes. This study explores a sustainable method for synthesizing magnesium dilactate through lactic acid fermentation using tomato juice, coupling the neutralization of lactic acid with hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide. Utilizing the lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus plantarum, fermentation was optimized in a 50% diluted MRS medium supplemented with glucose and tomato juice supplemented with glucose, yielding a maximum lactate concentration of 107 g/L. Notably, fermentation in diluted media proved more effective than in undiluted tomato juice, highlighting the inhibitory effects of certain organic compounds and the physical nature of the original tomato juice. Post-fermentation, magnesium lactate was crystallized, achieving high recovery rates of up to 95.9%. Characterization of the product through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed its crystalline purity. This research underscores the viability of tomato juice as a fermentation substrate, promoting the valorization of agricultural by-products while providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods for magnesium dilactate production.

Tailored biolixiviation of spent LiCoO2 cathode batteries for sustainable metal recovery: Effects of consortia adaptation and particle size

With the rise of lithium-ion battery production, recycling valuable metals like Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, and Co is crucial. This study explores sustainable recovery from spent LiCoO2 cathode batteries via biolixiviation, focusing on microbial adaptation and particle size. Batteries were shredded into four size fractions, with mid-sized fractions (0.5–6 mm) showing the highest metal content and optimal microbial conditions. Microbial consortia were isolated using Modified Czapek-Dox (MCD) and M9 media. Metagenomic analysis revealed shifts in dominant bacteria, with Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria initially, and Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria later. Enzymatic profiling showed increased activity of key enzymes under metal-adapted conditions. Biolixiviation experiments revealed the highest metal recovery in mid-sized fractions at different conditions including the influence of microbial adaptation and the type of media used: Fe (47.2 %-53.0 %), Al (38.7 %-40.5 %), Cu (29.0 %-31.0 %), Ni (25.6 %-27.4 % in the largest fraction), and Co (40.1 %-41.0 %). Adapted consortia had higher recovery rates, offering a sustainable recycling route.