Multi-functional sensing system integrated with smartphone and LDA based on an AIE dye for dual-mode detection and discrimination of Fe2+, Fe3+, Co2+ and Mn2.

A cucurbituril-based supramolecular fluorescent probe for the visual detection of glyphosate.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an evolving intrusion in rehabilitation that syndicates low-load resistance exercise with vascular occlusion, characteristically through the solicitation of inflatable cuffs or elastic bands. Groin pain is a frequent and operationally limiting condition among athletes, particularly in sports requiring rapid directional changes and high-intensity movements. Practical BFR training (pBFRT) has emerged as a potential rehabilitative approach, yet its effect on groin pain specifically in athletic populations remains underexplored. Prior studies have experimented the effect of BFR training on the knee pain and in elder patients, and there are very less rehabilitative measures that can be undertaken for treating groin pain in athletes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the effect of pBFRT on groin pain in athletes and the rate of recovery in them. METHODOLOGY: This study included a quasi-experimental pretest and posttest design used on 50 male athletes (aged 16–24) suffering from groin pain. Participants performed 4 weeks of lower-limb resistance training using elastic BFR bands. Pain and recovery were assessed using the hip and groin outcome score (HAGOS) and total quality recovery (TQR) scale, respectively. RESULTS: Noteworthy enhancements were witnessed after training. The HAGOS score amplified from 30.4 ± 16.3 to 77.8 ± 14.5 (mean difference = 47.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.6–53.1; P < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 2.96). TQR scores increased from 10.6 ± 0.25 to 15.5 ± 2.5 (mean difference = 4.9; 95% CI: 4.6–5.1; P < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 2.59). These results propose a large effect size and strong clinical significance. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between pain reduction and recovery improvement ( r = 0.19, P = 0.187), suggesting these outcomes may improve independently. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that pBFRT seems to be an efficient approach for decreasing groin pain and boosting recovery and functional outcomes. It offers a low-load, practical method that could be incorporated into present rehabilitative measures to maximize recovery outcome with reduced burden. Its addition into physiotherapy procedures may decrease rehabilitation encumbrance and facilitate earlier return to sport. Further studies should include physiological measures, larger samples, and diverse demographics.

This study presents a sustainable, value-added approach to synthesizing high-quality zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by utilizing ZnO recovered from industrial electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) waste. The integrated two-stage process involved selective acid leaching for precursor purification, followed by hydrothermal synthesis for morphology control. Optimized leaching using 2 M H2SO4 achieved a high zinc recovery rate of over 90% while effectively minimizing lead contamination. Subsequently, key hydrothermal parameters-including pH (7-12), temperature 100-200°C, reaction time (1-24h), and NaOH concentration (0.5-6M)-were systematically varied. This optimization successfully produced ZnO NPs with diverse, tunable morphologies, including nanorods, nanoplates, and nanogranules. XRD confirmed the high crystallinity and phase purity (wurtzite structure), and UV-Visible spectroscopy showed a strong UV absorption with a calculated band gap of 3.34eV. The antibacterial activity revealed that the nanoplate morphology produced a larger inhibition zone than the nanorod against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings demonstrate the viability of upcycling industrial waste into high-performance, morphology-controlled nanomaterials, paving the way for sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

To elucidate the modification and pre-swelling mechanisms of instant bituminous modifiers and their contribution to bituminous materials’ performance, this study investigates an instant ultra-high-performance bitumen modifier (SHVE-M). Fluorescence microscopy (FM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), physical property tests, viscoelastic properties tests, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and mixture pavement performance tests were employed to systematically characterise the instant modified bitumen (SHVE-MB) and its mixture (SHVE-MBM). The results indicate that SHVE-M forms a stable “bitumen phase–polymer spherical phase” structure. ImageJ-win64 analysis revealed that SHVE-M exhibits a modifier area fraction of 46.68% and an average area fraction of 0.22‰, while SHVE-MB achieves a modifier area fraction of 17.54% and an average area fraction of 0.18‰. This morphology is supported by a large molecular size (LMS) content of 43% in SHVE-M. In terms of physical properties, the SHVE-MB (prepared via 10 min shearing) exhibited a penetration of 46.2 dmm, a softening point of 91.7 °C, and a ductility of 34.3 cm. These values are highly comparable to the conventional wet-process HVE-MB (prepared via 4 h maturation), with negligible differences of 0.5 dmm, 1.7 °C, and 1.4 cm, respectively. Quantitatively for viscoelasticity, SHVE-MB achieved a dynamic viscosity of 425,283.4 Pa·s at 60 °C and an elastic recovery rate of 92.1%, paralleling the 414,623.7 Pa·s and 93.6% of HVE-MB. Regarding mixture performance, the high-temperature dynamic stability (DS) of SHVE-MBM reached 7974 times/mm, approaching the 8256 times/mm of HVE-MBM. The water stability was excellent with a splitting tensile strength ratio (TSR) of 97.4% (vs. 98.0% for HVE-MBM). Furthermore, the low-temperature fracture toughness (KIC) reached 39.8 N/mm1.5, significantly outperforming SBS-MBM (27.9 N/mm1.5) and remaining close to HVE-MBM (43.9 N/mm1.5). These findings indicate that SHVE-MB effectively bridges the performance gap between instant and traditional high-viscosity modified bitumen, and the pre-swelling mechanism of SHVE-M is well characterized in this study.

This study aims to develop a label-free electrochemical biosensor for the detection of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) RNA, based on CRISPR-Cas13a integrated with a cerium oxide (ceria)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The ceria film was deposited through cathodic electrodeposition, forming a uniform, needle-like film, as observed by SEM, and a crystalline fluorite structure was confirmed by XRD with characteristic (111), (200), and (220) reflections. The results showed that Raman spectroscopy demonstrated a dominant F2g band at ∼463 cm-1, indicative of cubic ceria, while XPS analysis displayed the presence of 13.65% Ce3+, contributing to favorable surface reactivity for biomolecule immobilization. This interface enhanced the attachment of a biotinylated RNA probe through streptavidin binding. Furthermore, a guide RNA (gRNA) was rationally designed to target the conserved region of the CHIKV E1 gene, with high specificity confirmed through in silico arrangement against related viruses. Upon target recognition, the activated Cas13a enzyme triggered collateral cleavage of the immobilized probe, leading to a measurable reduction in the guanine oxidation signal, detected by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). This detection strategy was entirely label-free and amplification-free, simplifying both sensor fabrication and operation. The biosensor achieved a detection limit of 1.325 ppt, had a linear response in the range of 1-10,000 ppt, and showed excellent selectivity against DENV and SARS-CoV-2. It also retained signal stability over 45 days and yielded a recovery rate of 94.98% in spiked human serum. In conclusion, this study represents a modular and programmable sensing platform for direct RNA detection that integrates RNA-guided molecular recognition and signal transduction without the need for labeled substrates or amplification, simplifying CRISPR-based diagnostics supporting good health and well-being through field-deployable applications.

Vanadium–titanium magnetite is a strategically important resource for iron, vanadium, and titanium production, yet its utilization in conventional blast furnace–basic oxygen furnace routes is limited by the dilution of titanium into low-value slag. This study investigates an integrated process route combining pellet preparation, hydrogen-based shaft furnace reduction conducted in the temperature range of 800–1000 °C, and subsequent electric furnace smelting for efficient recovery of Fe, V, and Ti. Pellets prepared from 100 wt.% vanadium–titanium magnetite exhibited sufficient mechanical strength but showed poor reducibility and severe low-temperature reduction disintegration, rendering them unsuitable for hydrogen-based shaft furnace operation. To overcome these limitations, systematic ore blending was applied. An optimized pellet composition comprising 40 wt.% vanadium–titanium magnetite, 50 wt.% high-grade iron ore, and 10 wt.% titanium concentrate achieved reduction degrees above 90%, acceptable swelling and bonding behavior, and low reduction disintegration indices meeting industrial HYL requirements. Industrial trials in a hydrogen-based shaft furnace demonstrated stable operation and consistent product quality, producing direct reduced iron with controlled metallization and enrichment of titanium and vanadium. Subsequent electric furnace smelting achieved clear slag–metal separation, yielding hot metal with high iron and vanadium recovery and a TiO2-rich slag containing approximately 45 wt.% TiO2. Recovery rates of Fe, V, and Ti exceeded 90%, confirming the technical feasibility of the proposed process route.

During pandemics, infectious diseases spread at a high rate assuming great challenges to both the health system, policymakers, and economies of nations across the globe. The use of mathematical modelling has become one of the most important tools in terms of how the pandemic dynamics, disease spreading forecasting, and evidence-based policy are understood. This paper will be concerned with the mathematical modeling of pandemic transmission based on compartmental models to examine patterns of transmission, evaluate how the intervention will work, and produce predictive information. In the study, the deterministic model is used whereby the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) and its variations are used to estimate the relevant parameters in epidemiological terms, including the rate of transmission, recovery rate, and basic reproduction number. Calibration is done by means of secondary epidemiological data to model the different outbreak situations under different interventions by the public health. The results indicate that timely policy interventions like social distancing, vaccination interventions, and mobility limits are effective in order to decrease infection peaks, and general disease burden. The sensitivity analysis has shown that a minor alteration in the parameters of transmission may result in significant differences in the history of outbreaks, which underscores the significance of rapid and focused interventions. The paper also demonstrates how mathematical models may be used to help policymakers making comparisons between different strategies and projecting the needs in terms of healthcare resources. In addition to forecasting in the short-run, the study also highlights the relevance of mathematical modelling in long-term pandemic preparedness and response planning. The combination of epidemiological data and mathematical models makes the study a useful contribution to the optimization of the priorities of the population health concerning socio-economic factors. The findings highlight the importance of open, flexible and evidence-based modelling strategies to inform decision-making in times of health disasters. In general, the study can be added to the increasing body of evidence that shows that mathematical modelling can help eliminate the gap between theoretical analysis and practical policy-making in coping with current and upcoming pandemics.

Baicalin (Bn), a bioactive compound derived from natural plants, has significant pharmaceutical value and is used in the treatment of diseases such as influenza. However, excessive baicalin administration may lead to increased drug toxicity, immune system disturbances, reduced therapeutic efficacy, and allergic reactions. The synergistic combination of a bimetallic MOF and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) yields a pronounced enhancement in the electrochemical signal toward the analyte. In this study, a simple and low-cost one-pot method was proposed to fabricate ZnNi-MOF@MWCNT nanocomposites, which were used to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of Bn. Under optimized conditions, the sensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range of 5 × 10-9 to 6 × 10-7 M for Bn, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.12 × 10-9 M and a sensitivity of 130 A M-1. The sensor exhibited excellent stability, reproducibility, and resistance to interference from various substances. Additionally, the sensor showed satisfactory stability and recovery rates when applied to a real sample of goat serum. The proposed sensor material can be synthesized at room temperature, offering a new approach for the green synthesis of MOF-derived materials in pharmaceutical analysis.

The development of low-permeability reservoirs faces significant challenges, particularly regarding low recovery rates. Conventional water injection is often limited by poor injectivity and low waterflood efficiency. As a key technology to enhance development effectiveness, enhanced water injection requires a systematic investigation into its intrinsic mechanism for improving recovery. This study focuses on a typical low-permeability reservoir. Through laboratory experiments on rock fracturing and spontaneous imbibition, the mechanism by which enhanced water injection increases recovery rates is elucidated. COMSOL Multiphysics is employed to simulate the enhanced water injection process and examine the multi-field coupling patterns during injection. The results indicate that (1) low-permeability rocks in the study area exhibit strong oil–water exchange capabilities driven by capillary forces, with average imbibition capacity ranging from 0.6 to 0.7 g/cm3 and oil displacement efficiency between 20% and 30%; (2) fracturing experiments demonstrate that the injection of low-viscosity fluids at low flow rates (15 mL/min) can induce complex fracture propagation, thereby expanding flow pathways; and (3) the evolution of fluid–solid coupling is jointly governed by injection pressure and damage effects. Specifically, coupling intensity and fracture propagation potential increase with pressure, with optimal injection pressure ranging from 20 to 25 MPa. Rock damage exacerbates the nonlinear response of this coupling. This study combines experimental validation with numerical simulation to provide theoretical support for field practice.

The organic fluorescent probe for pesticide imazethapyr based on triphenylamine cyanoacrylic acid derivative.

Abstract Objective To compare heart rate recovery (HRR), rate-pressure product (RPP), and heart rate variability (HRV) between individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and healthy controls following a maximal exercise test, in order to assess autonomic and cardiovascular recovery patterns. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 51 participants divided into two groups: CLBP (n = 23) and controls (n = 28). Participants underwent a maximal treadmill test with continuous heart rate and blood pressure monitoring. HRR was evaluated at 10 s, 1, 2, and 3 min post-exercise. RPP was calculated at rest, peak effort, and recovery. HRV was analyzed in both time and frequency domains before and after the test. Statistical analyses included Student’s t -test, two-way ANOVA, and Shapiro–Wilk normality tests ( p < 0.05). Results The CLBP group showed significantly lower HRR values across all recovery intervals ( p < 0.001) and higher RPP at rest, peak effort, and recovery ( p < 0.001), indicating increased myocardial workload. HRV indices were consistently lower in the CLBP group compared with controls, both pre- and post-exercise (SDNN: 36.6 ± 3.52 vs. 41.0 ± 3.85 ms; RMSSD: 29.5 ± 4.48 vs. 39.8 ± 4.54 ms; p < 0.001). Frequency domain analysis revealed reduced LF and HF components and higher LF/HF ratio in the CLBP group. Conclusion CLBP exhibit impaired autonomic regulation, which is characterized by a slower heart rate recovery, reduced heart rate variability, and an increased myocardial workload after maximal exercise. These findings suggest parasympathetic dysregulation and reinforce the need for multidisciplinary interventions that target cardiovascular and autonomic restoration in this population. Highlights Individuals with chronic low back pain show impaired autonomic modulation and slower cardiovascular recovery after maximal exercise. Heart rate recovery and HRV may serve as noninvasive markers of autonomic dysfunction in chronic pain populations.

Highly sensitive and selective sensing of lead (II) ions in Paris polyphylla using fluorescence-enhanced sulfur quantum dots in deep eutectic solvent micelles.

Lignin, an abundant natural organic polymer and renewable resource, presents grand challenges in efficient depolymerization into value-added products. Herein, we propose an innovative green mechanochemical (contact-electro-catalysis; CEC) strategy to completely degrade the lignin model compounds (99.98% within 330 min) in a chemical-free, environmentally benign, and highly efficient manner. This is enabled by ultrasound-induced contact electrification to generate electrons and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Comprehensive mechanistic investigations reveal that ROS play a predominant role in lignin depolymerization. Furthermore, the possible thermal effect of CEC on the lignin depolymerization was also considered. Extensive characterization demonstrates the exceptional recyclability of the CEC reagent with a recovery rate of up to 92%. This approach not only exhibits outstanding performance in accelerating lignin depolymerization but also underscores the immense potential of mechanochemistry as a sustainable technology for biomass and lignin valorization.

Cobalt phthalocyanine encapsulation boosts oxidase-like activity of single-atom CoNC nanozyme for fluorescence sensing of tetracycline.

An ultrasensitive biosensor for H1N1 virus coupled with 3D spherical DNA nanostructure and CRISPR-Cas12a.

The utility of dynamic MRI (dMRI) in surgical planning and outcomes for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) has not been validated in any prospective randomized trials. In this hospital-based randomized controlled trial conducted between February 2023 and December 2024, patients with DCM were randomized into 2 groups: the Static MRI Group, where surgery was guided by conventional static MRI alone, and the dMRI Group, in which dMRI was performed, with the potential to alter the surgical approach. The primary outcome was recovery rate (RR) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included postoperative changes in modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and Nurick grades, surgical plan alterations, comparison of surgical approaches, and complication rates. Seventy-four patients were analyzed at a 3-month follow-up. The dMRI group had a significantly higher mean RR (55.42% ± 29.05%) than the Static group (46.76% ± 29.51%) (P = .044). A RR of ≥50% was observed in 91.9% of patients in the dMRI group, compared with 59.4% in the static MRI group (P = .002). Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores improved more in the dMRI group (15.47 ± 2.62 vs 13.77 ± 2.66, P = .007). While Nurick grades improved in both groups, the intergroup difference was not statistically significant (P = .151). dMRI altered the surgical plan in 59.5% of cases. Anterior approaches yielded better RR but had more complications. By contrast, posterior approaches had fewer but more severe complications including mortality. dMRI enhances the detection of clinically significant cord compression and may aid in surgical decision-making, potentially contributing to superior functional outcomes in DCM. Further studies are required to determine its impact on long-term functional outcomes.

Introduction 1,2-Dichloroethane (1,2-DCE) is a highly toxic industrial organic solvent that can cause acute toxic encephalopathy through occupational exposure, with underreported clinical data in English literature. To explore the clinical characteristics and patients’ response to supportive treatments of toxic encephalopathy caused by 1,2-DCE. Methods Fifty-nine patients with acute 1,2-DCE poisoning admitted to the hospital from January 2009 to December 2022 were selected. Patients were divided into three groups based on clinical manifestations: intracranial hypertension (Group A), limb tremors (Group B), and behavioral changes (Group C). Results Toxicology testing found that 1,2-DCE was difficult to detect in serum after more than 24 h. Of the 59 patients, 45 (76.27%) achieved complete recovery, 10 (16.95%) achieved partial recovery, and 4 (6.78%) died. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in recovery rates among the three groups (χ 2 = 10.612, P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in symptom and cranial imaging recovery times between the three groups. Conclusion Acute 1,2-DCE poisoning can cause severe toxic encephalopathy. Early and prolonged treatment with dehydrating agents and glucocorticoids is effective in improving prognosis, and patients with intracranial hypertension are at higher risk of death due to brain herniation.

Research on the cost-effectiveness of postnatal depression treatments is limited in developing countries and among ethnic minorities in developed nations. This study presents a health economic evaluation of an integrated parenting intervention, Learning Through Play Plus (LTP+), for postnatal depression and child development, compared to treatment as usual (TAU), alongside a randomised controlled trial in Pakistan. Using data on 764 mothers from the ROSHNI-PK trial, we conducted an economic evaluation over a six-month time horizon to assess the cost-effectiveness of LTP+ from the perspective of health, social care and patient in Pakistan. Cost-utility was analysed using EQ-5D-3L instrument while cost-effectiveness was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for mother and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE) for the child. Cost-utility analysis was conducted for mother-only and partially for mother-child dyad, as EQ-5D-3L data were collected for mother only, whereas cost-effectiveness was conducted for both dyad and mother-only. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated from adjusted mean costs and outcomes. Delivering LTP+ cost US $68.7 per dyad. LTP+ increased maternal costs by $33 (95% CI: $24: $43) and gained 0.06 (CI: 0.05: 0.07) quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) compared to TAU-only. For the dyad, costs increased by $15 (CI: $4: $25). The ICER per maternal QALY gained was $582 (CI: $404: $769) when only maternal costs were considered, and $258 (CI: $75: $442) when dyad costs were considered. Dyad recovery (normal EPDS and ASQ: SE scores) cost $29 (CI: $11: $49), while maternal recovery alone cost $80 (CI: $53: $111). Dyad analyses showed that LTP+ has a 100% likelihood of being more cost-effective than TAU-only at willingness-to-pay thresholds of $65 per recovery or $600 per QALY gain. Analyses with varying combinations of LTP+ and healthcare costs and outcomes confirmed that the cost per QALY gained from LTP+ consistently remained below Pakistan's annual per capita gross domestic product (GDP). LTP+ combined with TAU resulted in higher QALYs and recovery rates but at higher costs than TAU alone. While not cost-saving, LTP+ has a very high likelihood of being more cost-effective than TAU alone if the willingness-to-pay per QALY is at least 25% of Pakistan's 2015 annual GDP per capita. # NCT02047357; Pre participant trial enrolment, 21/01/2014.

Abstract Water scarcity poses major constraints to sustainable rural development, particularly in arid regions. In Egypt, limited freshwater resources are increasingly prioritized for domestic use, compelling proposed large-scale land reclamation projects to rely on brackish groundwater. However, marginal water quality restricts cultivation to salt-tolerant crops, undermining the long-term profitability of ongoing agribusiness activities. This study is the first to evaluate the techno-economic viability of integrating decentralized desalination systems into the Moghra development area. A systematic hydrochemical assessment of 73 wells, using the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), classified 49 as “Severe Restriction” and 24 as “High Restriction”, confirming widespread concerns about groundwater suitability. A two-stage reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system powered by photovoltaic (PV) energy was designed to achieve a 70% recovery rate. An optimization model identified blending ratios that maximize post-treatment water quality while minimizing the desalinated water volume. Results showed substantial improvements: the average sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) decreased by 66%, and IWQI increased from 34 to 77. Consequently, 68 wells were reclassified as “Low Restriction” and 5 as “Moderate Restriction”, enabling a shift from salt-tolerant olives to higher-value crops (e.g., wheat–maize rotation). A cost–benefit analysis assessed trade-offs between desalination costs and resulting economic returns. Under the abstraction limit, the proposed RO–PV blending strategy yielded a 35% higher net present value (NPV) and a 15.7% internal rate of return (IRR), demonstrating both technical and financial viability. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and investors to enhance water productivity and agricultural sustainability in arid regions.