Search Results (1,349)

The characteristic feature of chronic peritoneal damage in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a decline in ultrafiltration capacity associated with pathological fibrosis and angiogenesis. The pathogenesis of peritoneal fibrosis is attributed to bioincompatible factors of PD fluid and peritonitis. Uremia is associated with peritoneal membrane inflammation that affects fibrosis, neoangiogenesis, and baseline peritoneal membrane function. Net ultrafiltration volume is affected by capillary surface area, vasculopathy, peritoneal fibrosis, and lymphangiogenesis. Many inflammatory cytokines induce fibrogenic growth factors, with crosstalk between macrophages and fibroblasts. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A are the key mediators of fibrosis and angiogenesis, respectively. Bioincompatible factors of PD fluid upregulate TGF-β expression by mesothelial cells that contributes to the development of fibrosis. Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis can progress during fibrosis via TGF-β–VEGF-A/C pathways. Complement activation occurs in fungal peritonitis and progresses insidiously during PD. Analyses of the human peritoneal membrane have clarified the mechanisms by which encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis develops. Different effects of dialysates on the peritoneal membrane were also recognized, particularly in terms of vascular damage. Understanding the pathophysiologies of the peritoneal membrane will lead to preservation of peritoneal membrane function and improvements in technical survival, mortality, and quality of life for PD patients. Full article

Sweet whey (SW) and yogurt acid whey (YAW) are dairy by-products of the cheese-making process and Greek-style yogurt production, respectively. Both of them are considered pollutants with huge volumes of SW and YAW produced due to the growing demand for dairy products worldwide. Moreover, whey-derived peptides, resulting from fermentation as well as from further hydrolysis during digestion, have been associated with various biological activities. In the present study, the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of 48 SW samples and 33 YAW samples from bovine, ovine, caprine, and ovine/caprine milk obtained were evaluated. Additionally, the SW and YAW digestates and two of their fractions (smaller than 10 kDa, SW-D-P10 and YAW-D-P10, and smaller than 3 kDa, SW-D-P3 and YAW-D-P3), which were obtained after in vitro digestion and subsequent ultrafiltration, were also subjected to evaluation. Our data indicated that the D-P10 and D-P3 fractions exhibited higher ACE-inhibitory activity compared to the corresponding values before digestion. The ACE-inhibitory capacity after in vitro digestion was higher for the ovine SW samples compared to their bovine and caprine counterparts. The effect of the D-P3 fraction on the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production and the expression of a selected panel of immune-response-related genes in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages was also evaluated. Fractions from both dairy by-products inhibited NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Especially, ovine SW-D-P3 showed a strong NO inhibitory activity and suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos2) mRNA levels. However, YAW-D-P3 could not trigger neither the gene expression of inflammatory macrophage mediators Nos2 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Ptgs2) nor tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf) and interleukin 6 (Il6) in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages regardless of animal origin. These findings suggest that in vitro digestion could enhance the production of ACE-inhibitory peptides in both dairy by-products, while SW from ovine origin displays higher potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, effectively preventing excessive NO production. Full article

Cellulose in the nano regime, defined as nanocellulose, has been intensively used for water treatment. Nanocellulose can be produced in various forms, including colloidal, water redispersible powders, films, membranes, papers, hydrogels/aerogels, and three-dimensional (3D) objects. They were reported for the removal of water contaminants, e.g., heavy metals, dyes, drugs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microbial cells, and other pollutants from water systems. This review summarized the recent technologies for water treatment using nanocellulose-based materials. A scientometric analysis of the topic was also included. Cellulose-based materials enable the removal of water contaminants, and salts offer advanced technologies for water desalination. They are widely used as substrates, adsorbents, and catalysts. They were applied for pollutant removal via several methods such as adsorption, filtration, disinfection, coagulation/flocculation, chemical precipitation, sedimentation, filtration (e.g., ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF)), electrofiltration (electrodialysis), ion-exchange, chelation, catalysis, and photocatalysis. Processing cellulose into commercial products enables the wide use of nanocellulose-based materials as adsorbents and catalysts. Full article

Researchers are increasingly interested in discovering new pancreatic lipase inhibitors as anti-obesity ingredients. Medicine-and-food homology plants contain a diverse set of natural bioactive compounds with promising development potential. This study screened and identified potent pancreatic lipase inhibitors from 20 commonly consumed medicine-and-food homology plants using affinity ultrafiltration combined with spectroscopy and docking simulations. The results showed that turmeric exhibited the highest pancreatic lipase-inhibitory activity, and curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin were discovered to be potent pancreatic lipase inhibitors within the turmeric extract, with IC₅₀ values of 0.52 ± 0.04, 1.12 ± 0.05, and 3.30 ± 0.08 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the enzymatic kinetics analyses demonstrated that the inhibition type of the three curcuminoids was the reversible competitive model, and curcumin exhibited a higher binding affinity and greater impact on the secondary structure of pancreatic lipase than found with demethoxycurcumin or bisdemethoxycurcumin, as observed through fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Furthermore, docking simulations supported the above experimental findings, and revealed that the three curcuminoids might interact with amino acid residues in the binding pocket of pancreatic lipase through non-covalent actions, such as hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking, thereby inhibiting the pancreatic lipase. Collectively, these findings suggest that the bioactive compounds of turmeric, in particular curcumin, can be promising dietary pancreatic lipase inhibitors for the prevention and management of obesity. Full article

Small extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in intercellular communication across various physiological and pathological contexts. Despite their growing significance as disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets in biomedical research, the lack of reliable isolation techniques remains challenging. This study characterizes vesicles that were isolated from conditioned culture media (CCM) sourced from three myeloma cell lines (MM.1S, ANBL-6, and ALMC-1), and from the plasma of healthy donors and multiple myeloma patients. We compared the efficacy, reproducibility, and specificity of isolating small EVs using sucrose cushion ultracentrifugation (sUC) vs. ultrafiltration combined with size-exclusion chromatography (UF-SEC). Our results demonstrate that UF-SEC emerges as a more practical, efficient, and consistent method for EV isolation, outperforming sUC in the yield of EV recovery and exhibiting lower variability. Additionally, the comparison of EV characteristics among the three myeloma cell lines revealed distinct biomarker profiles. Finally, our results suggest that HBS associated with Tween 20 improves EV recovery and preservation over PBS. Standardization of small EV isolation methods is imperative, and our comparative evaluation represents a significant step toward achieving this goal. Full article

Glyphosate is the most used herbicide in agriculture. Its major metabolite is AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid), but N-acetyl-AMPA and N-acetylglyphosate are also metabolites of interest. For risk assessment, a general residue definition was proposed as the sum of glyphosate, AMPA, N-acetyl-glyphosate and N-acetyl-AMPA, expressed as glyphosate. A confirmatory method for glyphosate in fat, liver and kidneys, as well as a confirmatory method for AMPA and N-acetyl-glyphosate in all matrices, are still missing. In this paper, we present a method for the quantitative determination of glyphosate residues and its metabolites AMPA, N-acetyl-AMPA and N-acetyl-glyphosate by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in adipose tissue, liver, eggs, milk and honey without derivatization. Different chromatographic columns were tested, with the Hypercarb column providing the best results. The analytes were eluted with mobile phases of acidified water with 1.2% formic acid and 0.5% formic acid in acetonitrile. Sample purification procedures were also optimized by varying the solvent extraction mixtures (water, methanol and mixture ψ (methanol, water) = 1:1, each with the addition of 1% formic acid (v/v)), using different sorbents in solid phase extraction (SPE) (polymeric cationic (PCX) and anionic (PAX)) and using dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) (C18 and PSA) by modifying the extraction procedures. Finally, the analytes were extracted from the samples with 1% formic acid in water (v/v). Milk and adipose tissue were purified by the addition of dichloromethane, while liver and egg samples were purified by SPE with a mixed cation exchange sorbent and ultrafiltration with cut-off filters. The proposed analytical procedures were validated according to SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines: linearity, limits of quantification, precision and accuracy were determined for all matrices. The limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.025 to 0.2 mg kg⁻¹. Precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, was <20%, while accuracy, expressed as analytical recovery, ranged from 70% to 120%. During method validation, the measurement uncertainty was estimated to be <50% for all analytes. Good validation parameters according to the SANTE document were achieved for all analytes. Therefore, the method can be considered reliable and sensitive enough for routine monitoring of polar pesticides. The application of the accredited method in routine analysis will provide data that are useful for the re-evaluation of risk assessment studies in foods of animal origin. Full article

Direct ultrafiltration (UF) is anticipated to be a promising technology for rural water supply due to its stable permeate quality and ease of automatic operation & maintenance. However, seasonal high turbidity in the surface water resources caused severe membrane fouling, resulting in the requirement of frequent cleaning of the UF process, and limiting the broad application of the direct UF in treating rural surface water. To address this issue, this study investigated the feasibility and mechanism of in situ aeration in alleviating the UF membrane fouling in treating surface water with high turbidity (200, 500, and 800 NTU). The results indicated that with the weak aeration (0.4 m³/(m²·min)), the concentration of polysaccharides accumulated on the membrane surface was high, and serious membrane fouling was observed. With medium aeration (0.8 and 1.2 m³/(m²·min)), bubble shear force could effectively reduce the foulants accumulated on the membrane surface to alleviate the membrane fouling. During the whole experiment, the optimal group (1.2 m³/(m²·min)) showed a 45% lower TMP compared to the control. However, strong aeration (1.6 m³/(m²·min)) caused floc breakage and was less conducive to the membrane fouling control compared to the medium aeration. Furthermore, under in situ aeration, the contents of polysaccharide accumulated on the membrane surface and deposited in the membrane pores were reduced by 8.85%~49.29%, and the structures of the cake layer turned out to be porous and permeable, implying that in situ aeration could significantly modify the structure and composition of the cake layer, contributing to the UF membrane fouling control in treating the seasonal high-turbidity surface water. These findings will provide novel approaches for the application of UF technology in rural water supply. Full article

Membrane filtration technologies have shown great potential as a gentle and effective method for concentrating and fractionating proteins for food applications. However, the application of this technology to plant-derived protein streams is in its infancy. In this study, an aqueous rapeseed protein concentrate was obtained with wet milling, and its performance during ultrafiltration with two distinct molecular weight cut-offs (10 and 100 kDa) was tested. All rapeseed proteins were retained during filtration. The addition of pectinase during extraction prior to filtration caused important structural modifications to the extract, resulting in increased permeate fluxes, increased carbohydrate permeation and a reduction in irreversible fouling. Lager pore sizes led to more pronounced fouling. FTIR analysis of the spent membranes showed that proteins and lipids are causing irreversible fouling. Full article

Dendrobium fimbriatum is a perennial herb, and its stems are high-grade tea and nourishing medicinal materials. Various solvent extracts of D. fimbriatum were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant, and anti-α-glucosidase properties. Acetone and EtOAc extracts showed significant antioxidant effects. Acetone, n-hexane, and EtOAc extracts revealed potent inhibition against α-glucosidase. EtOAc, n-hexane, and dichloromethane extracts displayed significant anti-AChE activity. Among the isolated constituents, gigantol, moscatin, and dendrophenol showed potent antioxidant activities in FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS radical scavenging tests. Moscatin (IC₅₀ = 161.86 ± 16.45 μM) and dendrophenol (IC₅₀ = 165.19 ± 13.25 μM) displayed more potent anti-AChE activity than chlorogenic acid (IC₅₀ = 236.24 ± 15.85 μM, positive control). Dendrophenol (IC₅₀ = 14.31 ± 3.17 μM) revealed more efficient anti-NO activity than quercetin (positive control, IC₅₀ = 23.09 ± 1.43 μM). Analysis of AChE and iNOS inhibitory components was performed using molecular docking and/or the bioaffinity ultrafiltration method. In bioaffinity ultrafiltration, the binding affinity of compounds to the enzyme (acetylcholinesterase and inducible nitric oxide synthase) was determined using the enrichment factor (EF). Among the main components of the EtOAc extract from D. fimbriatum stem, moscatin, dendrophenol, gigantol, and batatasin III with acetylcholinesterase exhibited the highest binding affinities, with affinity values of 66.31%, 59.48%, 54.60%, and 31.87%, respectively. Moreover, the affinity capacity of the identified compounds with inducible nitric oxide synthase can be ranked as moscatin (88.99%) > dendrophenol (65.11%) > gigantol (44.84%) > batatasin III (27.18%). This research suggests that the bioactive extracts and components of D. fimbriatum stem could be studied further as hopeful candidates for the prevention or treatment of hyperglycemia, oxidative stress-related diseases, and nervous disorders. Full article

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective technology for the sustainable management of organic agricultural waste, producing both biogas and nutrient-rich digestate. This study aims to review and evaluate different methods for obtaining valuable products from digestate, with a focus on innovative and sustainable approaches. The main objectives are to identify effective technologies for the recovery of nutrients and organic matter, assess their environmental and economic impact and outline the challenges and prospects in this area. The review covers established techniques (with a technology readiness level (TRL) of six to nine, indicating their maturity from pilot to full scale) such as struvite precipitation and ammonia stripping, which are very effective in recovering nitrogen and phosphorus from digestate and converting it into valuable biofertilizers. Struvite, for example, offers an option for slow-release fertilizers that reduces dependence on synthetic fertilizers. A comparative analysis shows that ammonia stripping can efficiently capture nitrogen and produce fertilizer without harming the environment. New methods, such as microalgae cultivation, use digestate as a nutrient source for the production of biofuels and bioplastics, contributing to renewable energy and sustainable material production. The study also examines composting and vermicomposting, where digestate is converted into nutrient-rich soil conditioners that significantly improve soil health and fertility. The production of biochar through pyrolysis is highlighted for its benefits in improving soil properties and sequestering carbon, providing a dual benefit for waste management and climate change mitigation. Membrane technologies, including ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO), are being investigated for their effectiveness in nutrient recovery, despite challenges such as membrane fouling and high operating costs. The study highlights the potential of these valorization processes to improve the sustainability and economic viability of AD systems and to align with circular economy principles. The results suggest that the continuous optimization of these technologies and the integration of recycling processes are crucial to overcome existing challenges and realize their full potential. Full article

Background and Objectives: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a renal replacement therapy modality in which the dialysis dose can be individually adapted according to the patients’ residual kidney function (RKF). RKF is a crucial factor for technique and patient survival. Pharmacological strategies aimed at slowing the loss of RKF in patients on PD are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the potential effects and safety of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on the preservation of RKF in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on PD during an average follow-up of 6 months. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational, single-center study on real-world data, we included patients from the Peritoneal Dialysis Unit of the Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, who started treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors during the period from December 2022 to December 2023. Data on analytical and clinical parameters, RKF, and peritoneal membrane transport function were retrospectively collected at months 0, 3, and 6. Results: Out of 31 patients in our unit, 16 prevalent patients initiated treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors (13 empagliflozin and 3 dapagliflozin). A total of 62.5% were male and the mean age was 67.3 years. The baseline peritoneal ultrafiltration was higher in the non-diabetic patient (NDMP) group than in the diabetic patient (DMP) group. However, the residual diuresis volume, 24 h residual renal clearance rate of urea in urine, and 24 h proteinuria were higher in the DMP group than in the NDMP group. At the sixth month, patients in both groups preserved RKF and diuresis, with a trend towards a non-significant reduction in proteinuria and blood pressure. Only two patients of the DMP group presented adverse effects. Conclusions: The use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in our sample of patients with and without T2DM on PD appears to be safe and effective to preserve RKF. Full article

Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations are prepared at the point of care. Centrifugation cellular density separation sequesters a fresh unit of blood into three main fractions: a platelet-poor plasma (PPP) fraction, a stratum rich in platelets (platelet concentrate), and variable leukocyte bioformulation and erythrocyte fractions. The employment of autologous platelet concentrates facilitates the biological potential to accelerate and support numerous cellular activities that can lead to tissue repair, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and, ultimately, functional and structural repair. Normally, after PRP preparation, the PPP fraction is discarded. One of the less well-known but equally important features of PPP is that particular growth factors (GFs) are not abundantly present in PRP, as they reside outside of the platelet alpha granules. Precisely, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are mainly present in the PPP fraction. In addition to their roles as angiogenesis activators, these plasma-based GFs are also known to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis, and they promote keratinocyte migration and support tissue repair and wound healing. Additionally, PPP is known for the presence of exosomes and other macrovesicles, exerting cell–cell communication and cell signaling. Newly developed ultrafiltration technologies incorporate PPP processing methods by eliminating, in a fast and efficient manner, plasma water, cytokines, molecules, and plasma proteins with a molecular mass (weight) less than the pore size of the fibers. Consequently, a viable and viscous protein concentrate of functional total proteins, like fibrinogen, albumin, and alpha-2-macroglobulin is created. Consolidating a small volume of high platelet concentrate with a small volume of highly concentrated protein-rich PPP creates a protein-rich, platelet-rich plasma (PR-PRP) biological preparation. After the activation of proteins, mainly fibrinogen, the PR-PRP matrix retains and facilitates interactions between invading resident cells, like macrophages, fibroblast, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as well as the embedded concentrated PRP cells and molecules. The administered PR-PRP biologic will ultimately undergo fibrinolysis, leading to a sustained release of concentrated cells and molecules that have been retained in the PR-PRP matrix until the matrix is dissolved. We will discuss the unique biological and tissue reparative and regenerative properties of the PR-PRP matrix. Full article

Car wash wastewaters (CWWs) contain various pollutants with different contents. Hence, selecting an appropriate process for their treatment is a great challenge. Undoubtedly, the ultrafiltration (UF) process is one of the most interesting and reliable choices. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate the performance of the UF membranes used for the long-term treatment of real CWWs. For this purpose, two polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) values equal to 10 and 100 kDa were applied. As expected, a significant decrease in the permeate flux during the UF run was observed. However, it was immediately demonstrated that the systematic cleaning of membranes (every day) with Insect agent (pH = 11.5) prevented a further decline in the process’s performance. In addition, this study focused on the relative flux during the process run with breaks lasting a few days when the UF installation was filled with distilled water. The results of this research indicated that aqueous media favor microorganism adherence to the surface which leads to the formation of biofilms inside processing installations. As a consequence, many attempts have been made to restore the initial membrane performance. It has been found that the application of several chemical agents is required. More precisely, the use of an Insect solution, P3 Ultrasil 11 agent, and phosphoric acid increases the relative flux to a value of 0.8. Finally, it has been indicated that the membranes used in this work are resistant to the long-term exposure to bacteria and chemical agents. However, during the separation of CWWs for the membrane with an MWCO of 10 kDa, a lesser fouling influence and higher effectiveness of cleaning were obtained. Finally, the present study demonstrates a novel analysis and innovative implications towards applying the UF process for the CWW treatment. Full article

For the first time, ultrafiltration (UF) green membranes were prepared through a sustainable route by using PLA as a biopolymer and dihydrolevoclucosenone, whose trade name is Cyrene™ (Cyr), dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and ethyl lactate (EL) as biobased solvents. The influence of physical-chemical properties of the solvent on the final membrane morphology and performance was evaluated. The variation of polymer concentration in the casting solution, as well as the presence of Pluronic^® (Plu) as a pore former agent, were assessed as well. The obtained results highlighted that the final morphology of a membrane was strictly connected with the interplaying of thermodynamic factors as well as kinetic ones, primarily dope solution viscosity. The pore size of the resulting PLA membranes ranged from 0.02 to 0.09 μm. Membrane thickness and porosity varied in the range of 0.090–0.133 mm of 75–87%, respectively, and DMI led to the most porous membranes. The addition of Plu to the casting solution showed a beneficial effect on the membrane contact angle, allowing the formation of hydrophilic membranes (contact angle < 90°), and promoted the increase of pore size as well as the reduction of membrane crystallinity. PLA membranes were tested for pure water permeability (10–390 L/m² h bar). Full article

In order to solve the problem of the low treatment efficiency of wastewater containing heavy metals in mining areas, straw biochar and graphene oxide enhanced external pressure ultrafiltration (SGU) was used to treat wastewater containing high concentrations of Pb²⁺. The operation parameters such as pH and temperature were optimized, and the removal efficiency of COD_Cr, NH₃-N, turbidity and Pb²⁺ via SGU, straw biochar ultrafiltration (SU), ultrafiltration (UF), and conventional treatment (CT) were systematically investigated. The results showed that the pH and temperature of polluted water were 4.8–5.2 and 21–30 °C, respectively, the average removal rates of COD_Cr, NH₃-N, turbidity and Pb²⁺ by SGU reached 91%, 97%, 98% and 95%, respectively, and the removal effect was better than that of other processes. In addition, under the backwash conditions of clean water, weak acid, and weak alkali, the membrane flux recovered 65%, 88%, and 89% of the new membrane, respectively. This study provides scientific and theoretical support for the advanced treatment of polluted water in mining areas. Full article