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Natural resource depletion and increased mining waste pose significant challenges to global sustainability efforts. This study investigates the processability of mining waste during the metal recovery stage to evaluate its potential contribution to anthropogenic circularity. The mining industry, abundant in valuable metals that are crucial for a carbon-neutral economy, plays a pivotal role in this context. We determine the grades of metals by looking at their chemical makeup, and then we use statistical entropy to model how easy it is to process certain waste materials. This provides us with processability measures that range from 0.19 bit to 1.18 bit. Our findings highlight that while some waste contains "abundant" metals, its complexity may diminish its economic value, raising concerns about its environmental impacts and resource availability at the end-of-life stages. Estimating potential revenue involves multiplying processed amounts by commodity prices, revealing a maximum value of 8.73 USD/metric ton for processed waste. This assessment underscores the importance of integrating circular economy principles, aiming to mitigate environmental damage and promote industrial ecology. By advancing our understanding of mining waste management through rigorous scientific inquiry, this study contributes to sustainable resource utilization strategies that are essential for future industrial practices and environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) as biocides for plant protection has gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential for sustainable and ecofriendly crop protection. In this review article, we discussed the biosynthesis of metallic and bimetallic NPs using various biological sources such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and algae. We explore the plausible mechanisms behind the biocidal activity of these NPs, including their ability to disrupt cellular structures, inhibit enzyme activity, induce oxidative stress, and modulate plant defense responses. We also highlight the challenges and limitations associated with the use of biosynthesized NPs, including their potential toxicity to nontarget organisms, potential impact on soil health, and the need for standardized protocols for their synthesis and characterization. Additionally, we discuss the potential strategies for overcoming these challenges, including the use of biocompatible stabilizers, controlled release formulations, and targeted delivery systems. Overall, biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs hold promise as effective biocides for plant protection, but further research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action, optimize their efficacy, and ensure their safe and sustainable use in agriculture. In addition to exploring the biocidal mechanisms and challenges of using biosynthesized metallic and bimetallic NPs for plant protection, this review also delves into the cost‐benefit analysis of their application in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the adsorption of iron oxide clusters on the surface of coronene nanocages. The study explores five different adsorption geometries (P1–P5) using the B3PW91/6-311G (d, p) approach, comparing them to pure coronene. Electronic properties, including energy (hf), HOMO, LUMO, Fermi level, HOMO–LUMO gap, vertical ionization potential, electron affinity, chemical hardness, softness, and chemical potential, were analyzed compared to native coronene nanocages. The calculations revealed strong chemisorption in P1, attributed to significant charge transfer from coronene to the metal atom, resulting in altered positions of HOMOs and LUMOs and a reduced HOMO–LUMO gap (Egap). Across all geometries (P1–P5), electronic densities in HOMOs were concentrated on iron oxides, while in LUMOs, the electronic cloud was distributed throughout the structure. The diffusion of d-electrons from iron contributed to a more diffuse structure and a lower HOMO–LUMO gap (Egap), indicating N-type conduction. Global indices demonstrated increased reactivity of iron oxide–adsorbed coronene nanocages compared to native, unbound coronene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional systems of medicine play a crucial role in maintaining healthcare. Herbal medicines are intact and less harmful to human beings than synthetic medicines. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemicals and in vivo hypolipidemic effect of chloroform extract of Lagenaria siceraria in Triton X-100 (100 mg/kg body weight) induced hyperlipidemic Wistar rats. The phytochemical characterization and estimation were performed on the base of the GC-MS approach. The Lagenaria siceraria extract (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) was administered orally to hyperlipidemic-induced rats for 7 days to examine its hypolipidemic activity. The experimental animals did not display any acute toxicity. Atorvastatin (10 mg/kg bw) was used as a standard drug. Administration of Lagenaria siceraria extract lowers the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels whereas elevating the high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Histological studies of the liver and heart also showed the hypolipidemic effect of the extract. On the 8th day, no inflammation of the liver, myocardial necrosis, fibrosis, or atypia was seen. Furthermore, binding affinity and plausible binding mode of stigmastan-3-ol with HMG-CoA reductase were predicted by molecular docking studies which showed the same interaction patterns as atorvastatin. Moreover, the docking results were refined by 100 ns MD simulations which revealed that stigmastan-3-ol extract formed a stable complex with protein and did not induce any conformational changes in protein structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles (

Five flavonoids, viz. (-)-epicatechin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy- 3-(4-hydroxylphenyl)pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-4(8H)-one (2), 6-(p-hydroxybenzyl) taxifolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (tricuspid) (3), quercetin-3-O-α-glucopyranosyl-(1->2)-β-glucopyranoside (4) and (-)-epicatechin(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)- 3,4-dihydro-2H-chromene-3,5,7-triol) (5), were isolated from the leaves of mango (Mangifera indica L.). The antibacterial activity of different concentrations of these flavonoids (100, 300, 500, 700, 900 and 1000 ppm) was evaluated against four bacterial species, namely Lactobacillus sp., Escherichia coli, Azospirillium lipoferum and Bacillus sp. All the tested concentrations of the five flavonoids significantly reduced the growth of all the five tested bacterial species. However, differences in the antibacterial activity of the flavonoids were evident. Compound 1 exhibited the lowest antibacterial activity, resulting in a 7-75 % reduction in the growth of the different bacterial species. Compound 5 showed the greatest antibacterial activity and the different concentrations reduced the bacterial growth by 45-99.9%. A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp. showed the highest susceptibility to this compound. Compounds 2-4 also depicted pronounced antibacterial activity. Different concentrations of these compounds decreased bacterial growth by 52-96 %. From the present study, it can be concluded that compound 5 is the most effective of the tested flavonoids against A. lipoferum and Bacillus sp.

Hazardous waste as a global issue closely links environmental pollution, public health, resource sustainability, and social governance. Its rapid increase and distinct drawbacks have threatened our eco-civilized planet. The Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework can demonstrate how cultural, political, and economic behavior varies in an anthropogenic system. In this review, we use this systematic framework to examine China's hazardous waste management venture and uncover the fundamental theory of man-land relationship. The key drivers (e.g., policy, technology, industry, and socioeconomic incentives) are equipped in a shareable manner, and these drivers can affect waste trends in each region depending on population size and industry level. However, pressure for the achievement of sustainable development goals is yielded by the drivers of industrialization and improper hazardous waste management. In China, the state of hazardous waste generation increased from 9.74 Mt (1Mt = 109kg) in 1998 to 75 Mt in 2018. During 2001-2017, the comprehensive utilization, disposal, and storage ranged from 5-20 Mt, 2-15 Mt, and 3-10 Mt, respectively. Human and environmental impacts can be seen through the changing state of waste generation and handling. As a response, China has led the world to hazardous waste management and recovery lineups through resource efficiency and recycling. Finally, we also try to draw a coherent roadmap for future direction and associated policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the other hand, MO sample with Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles showed 16.64% degradation of MO dye after 1 h which increased continuously with the time and showed maximum degradation after 5 h as 47.28%. Keywords: green synthesis; methyl orange; methylene blue; optimization; solar light; ZnO EN green synthesis methyl orange methylene blue optimization solar light ZnO 659 671 13 05/12/22 20220501 NES 220501 1 Introduction The environmental pollution due to anthropogenic activities is one of major issues worldwide [[1]], [[2]], [[3]], [[4]], [[5]]. 4 Comparison of MO and MB dyes Photolytic removal on MO and MB dye in blank and in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles showed a different behavior and represent in Figures 5 and 6 respectively. [Extracted from the article]

This study is aimed to investigate laser irradiation effects on the surface, structural, and mechanical properties of iron samples. The prepared samples have been treated for multiple exposure times using continuous-wave diode laser with a wavelength of 532 nm in a laboratory environment. The structural as well as surface modifications of laser exposed targets are explored via scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer. The SEM analysis revealed micrometer grain size, exfoliational sputtering, and crater formation, while XRD patterns were used to investigate d-spacing, and grain size of laser exposed samples. The mechanical characteristics of laser-ablated materials were examined using a micro Vickers hardness-tester, and microhardness has been explored as a function of increasing laser exposure time. It has been observed that grain size reduces while hardness of polycrystalline iron increases with increase in exposure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an accurate, simple, economical, precise and reproducible reversed‐phase HPLC method was developed for the estimation of fusidic acid and hydrocortisone acetate, according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines, in a cream formulation. Chromatographic separation was achieved by isocratic elution, on a Shimadzu reversed‐phased high‐pressure liquid chromatography instrument, equipped with a C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and UV detector at 225 nm wavelength, using acetonitrile and 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (60:40), as a mobile phase and diluent, at flow rate 2 ml/min and an injection volume of 20 μl. The calibration curves were acquired with concentration range 80–120% and mean percentage recoveries for hydrocortisone acetate and fusidic acid were 100.14 and 100.81%, respectively. The limits of detection was obtained as 6.0667 and 6.807 μm ml−1 and the limits of quantification were 20.204 and 20.628 μm ml−1 for hydrocortisone acetate and fusidic acid, respectively. All of the validation parameters were within the acceptance criteria, as per International Conference on Harmonization requirements, for hydrocortisone acetate and fusidic acid. This method was found to be validated, simple, rapid and applicable for the simultaneous estimation of hydrocortisone acetate and fusidic acid by reversed‐phased high‐pressure liquid chromatography, for routine analytical testing in quality control, with a run time of 8 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles of CuS, TiO2 and CuS/TiO2 composites were prepared by template free hydrothermal method. Prepared nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to confirm the formation of nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was applied to investigate the morphology and particle size of the nanoparticles which were measured in the range of 30-40 nm. Photocatalytic performance of CuS, TiO2 and Cus/TiO2 were measured by degradation of methyl orange (MO) under solar light irradiation. Coupling of n-type TiO2 (3.2 eV) with p-type CuS (1.9 eV) showed efficient degradation of the contaminants under the solar light irradiation. Photocatalytic performance of CuS/TiO2 composite improves 1.4 times than CuS for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under solar light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used environmental pollutant in the production of plastics but causes hepatotoxicity in mammals. In the present study, we studied the BPA-induced oxidative stress in rats and ameliorative potential of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant. It was concluded that the BPA can reduce the body and liver weight, increase in biochemical levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, and disturb the normal hepatic physiology, histology, and metabolism. Additionally, liver histology shows hepatic necrosis, congestion, and vacuolization in exposed individuals. In contrast, simultaneous exposure of A. capillus-veneris and BPA showed declining trend in serum biomarker levels and normal histopathological structures. We conclude that the A. capillus-veneris plant is antioxidant in nature and can reduce the BPA-induced toxicity. These findings are very helpful to understand the BPA-induced hepatic toxicity and ameliorative potential of A. capillus-veneris plant and are of great importance in risk assessment of xenobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study presents the bisphenol A exposure and the ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A. Adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five animals each: A (control), B (vehicle control), C (toxic), D (protective), and E (ameliorative) were served distilled water, olive oil, bisphenol A (BPA) at 100 mg/kg body weight, A. capillus-veneris plant extract at 25 mg/kg body weight, and BPA + A. capillus-veneris, respectively. All of the doses were administered orally for 15 days, and the rats were then sacrificed. Blood samples for the testosterone assay and both testes were collected for histological examination. The body weight, paired testes weight, relative tissue weight index, Johnsen scoring of tubules, and level of serum testosterone decreased in BPA-treated rats. Similarly, histological examination of the testes in BPA-treated animals revealed a lower number of Leydig cells, an irregular basement membrane, sloughing of germinal layers, vacuolization, a lower number of spermatocytes, and debris in the lumen. However, co-administration of A. capillus-veneris with BPA increased the total antioxidative capacity (330.82 ± 22.46 μmol/mg protein) of the testes and restored the serum testosterone level (1.70 ng/ml); histological features showed restoration in the stages of spermatogenesis. Conclusively, A. capillus-veneris plant extract overcomes the estrogenic effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats' testes against BPA-induced injury/damage via an antioxidative mechanism that appears to be conciliated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to examine phenolic profile and bioactivities of two Lamiaceae species, Salvia moorcroftiana and Ocimum sanctum. Hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed seed extracts of both species were screened for their hemolytic and mutagenic effects. Both species were found to be nontoxic to red blood cells (cytotoxicity <4%) and selected bacterial strains (mutagenicity <9%), and were evaluated for their anti-hemolytic and anti-mutagenic potentials. The S. moorcroftiana presented better protection against standard cytotoxic and mutagenic compounds than O. sanctum. Moreover, hydrolyzed extracts of both species depicted superior anti-hemolytic (93.58 ± 2.04% for S. moorcroftiana and 90.78 ± 1.88% for O. sanctum) and anti-mutagenic potentials (70.24 ± 0.69% for S. moorcroftiana and 64.29 ± 0.69% for O. sanctum) than those of non-hydrolyzed samples. Chemical characterization by LC-ESI-MS/MS of hydrolyzed extracts of both species indicated the presence of various bioactives such as vanillic acid, quinic acid, gallic acid and myricetin. Hence, it is concluded that both of these species can find potential applications in functional food and nutraceutical formulations. • Lamiaceae seeds are innovative source of functional foods and nutraceuticals. • Bound phenolic could be recovered from plant matrix using acidic hydrolysis. • Crude extracts depicted good antioxidant and anti-mutagenic activities. • LC-ESI-MS/MS exposed up to eleven phenolic compounds in selected plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was undertaken to investigate the herbicidal activity of mango (Mangifera indica L.) leaves against parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). The aqueous leaf extract at 15% concentration (on fresh weight basis) significantly reduced germination, shoot length and the shoot and root biomasses of parthenium seedlings. In a leaf residue incorporation pot trial, 2% residue incorporation treatment significantly suppressed the root and shoot biomasses of parthenium, while a 5% residue treatment completely stopped the growth of the weed. Five flavonoids, namely (-)-epicatechin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (1), 5-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)pyrano[3,2-g]chromene-4(8H)-one (2), 6-(p-hydroxybenzyl)taxifolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (tricuspid) (3), quercetin-3-O-α-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) and (-)-epicatechin(2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H chromene-3,5,7-triol (5) were isolated from mango leaves. In a laboratory bioassay, 50 ppm solution of compounds 3 and 4 caused yellowing of the parthenium seedlings. A 250 ppm solution of compound 4 also significantly reduced germination and the root and shoot lengths of parthenium seedlings. This study concludes that compound 4 exhibits herbicidal activity against parthenium weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct yellow 4 degradation was investigated in the presence of various mediators (p-coumaric acid, 1, hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT), syringaldehyde, vanillin, syringic acid, veratryl alcohol, and pyrocatechol) at pre-optimized conditions of process variables, i.e., pH 5.0, temperature 50°C, enzyme dose 24 U/mL, and 0.25 mM H2O2 concentration. Citrus limon peroxidase (CL-POD) was used for degradation of DY4 dye. In the absence of mediators, the DY4 degradation was 60%, whereas mediators enhanced the POD biodegradation efficiency up to 87%. Among mediators investigated, syringaldehyde showed promising efficiency. We investigated yringaldehyde concentrations in the range of 0.0125-0.5 mM, and 0.025 mM was optimum for maximum dye degradation, which revealed that mediators could be used to enhance the biodegradation of dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast and ovarian cancers, despite having chemotherapy and surgical treatment, still have the lowest survival rate. Experimental stages using nanoenzymes/nanozymes for ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment are being carried out, and correspondingly the current treatment approaches to treat breast cancer have a lot of adverse side effects, which is the reason why researchers and scientists are looking for new strategies with less side effects. Nanoenzymes have intrinsic enzyme-like activities and can reduce the shortcomings of naturally occurring enzymes due to the ease of storage, high stability, less expensive, and enhanced efficiency. In this review, we have discussed various ways in which nanoenzymes are being used to diagnose and treat breast and ovarian cancer. For breast cancer, nanoenzymes and their multi-enzymatic properties can control the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells or tissues, for example, oxidase (OXD) and peroxidase (POD) activity can be used to generate ROS, while catalase (CAT) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity can scavenge ROS. In the case of ovarian cancer, most commonly nanoceria is being investigated, and also when folic acid is combined with nanoceria there are additional advantages like inhibition of beta galactosidase. Nanocarriers are also used to deliver small interfering RNA that are effective in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that iron oxide nanoparticles are actively being used for drug delivery, similarly ferritin carriers are used for the delivery of nanozymes. Hypoxia is a major factor in ovarian cancer, therefore MnO 2 -based nanozymes are being used as a therapy. For cancer diagnosis and screening, nanozymes are being used in sonodynamic cancer therapy for cancer diagnosis and screening, whereas biomedical imaging and folic acid gold particles are also being used for image guided treatments. Nanozyme biosensors have been developed to detect ovarian cancer. This review article summarizes a detailed insight into breast and ovarian cancers in light of nanozymes-based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 Shahid et al.)