N-acetylcysteine modulates markers of oxidation, inflammation and infection in tuberculosis

This research article was published by Journal, 2025Background Half the global tuberculosis health burden is due to post-tuberculosis lung disease. Host-directed therapies have been proposed to reduce this burden. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) provides the conditionally essential amino acid cysteine required for synthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant thiol. We recently reported clinical outcomes of a trial of adjunctive NAC in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, finding that NAC improved the secondary endpoint of recovery of lung function. Here we report the effects of NAC on biomarkers of oxidation, inflammation, and infection in that trial. Methods 140 adults with moderate or far-advanced pulmonary tuberculosis were randomly assigned to standard tuberculosis treatment with or without NAC 1200 mg twice daily for months 1-4. Sputum and blood samples were obtained at specified intervals to measure total glutathione, MTB-induced cytokines, haemoglobin, whole blood mycobactericidal activity (WBA), and sputum MTB burden. Results NAC treatment rapidly increased total glutathione (P<.0001), but levels did not reach those of healthy volunteers (P<.001). NAC reduced MTB-induced TNF-α (P =.011) without affecting IL-10, and accelerated the recovery of hemoglobin in participants with low values on entry. NAC did not affect killing in ex vivo whole blood culture but did slow the clearance of MTB from sputum (P=0.003). Conclusion Adjunctive NAC showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects consistent with the amelioration of immunopathology seen in preclinical models. Two biomarkers of antimicrobial activity showed discordant results; neither demonstrated the enhanced antimicrobial effects seen preclinically. The reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation by NAC may explain its effects on the recovery of lung function post-TB

Ecological Consequences of Antibiotics Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: Understanding Sources, Pathways, and Potential Implications

This research article was published by Emerging Contaminants, 2025In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the increasing use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine, combined with inadequate waste and water management systems, has intensified the problem of antibiotic pollution. Untreated or partially treated wastewater from industries, agricultural runoff, residential areas, and healthcare facilities is frequently discharged into the environment, often used for irrigation, contributing to antibiotic accumulation, the spread of resistance genes, and the rise of antibiotic resistance, posing serious threats to public health and environmental sustainability. The region's climatic conditions favour the survival and proliferation of microbial communities, including pathogens. Additionally, the high prevalence of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, which often necessitate antibiotic use, further amplifies the issue. Systemic challenges, including poor waste management, inadequate or absent wastewater treatment infrastructure, weak regulatory enforcement, and the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics, exacerbate the crisis. Limited healthcare access often results in self-medication and improper antibiotic use, accelerating resistance spread. Evidence shows antibiotics in surface water, groundwater, effluents, food crops, environmental samples, and aquatic organisms, indicating their potential circulation through the food chain. However, a lack of comprehensive data on antibiotic pollution and its impacts on aquatic ecosystems in SSA hampers a thorough understanding of its scope and long-term effects. Addressing this crisis requires identifying contamination hotspots, evaluating ecological impacts, and establishing robust, region-specific regulatory frameworks to ensure environmental and public health safet

Development of ternary PANI/GO-Fe3O4@AgNps nanocomposites for photocatalytic remediation of toxic dye effluent under energy-efficient system

This research article was published by Journal of Molecular Structure /Volume 1324/ 2025The environmental toxicity of effluents contaminated with synthetic industrial dyes and their resistance to conventional treatments drive the need for developing innovative treatment technologies such as visible photoactive catalysts in a photocatalytic system. In this study, novel nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized for photocatalytic remediation of toxic dye effluent under energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) irradiation. Concise instrumental analysis was used to investigate the morphological, functional, particle size, thermal and optoelectronic features of the developed photocatalytic nanocomposites. Their performance was tested with cationic (methylene blue) and anionic (methyl orange) model dyes. The instrumental elucidation reveals the coating of amorphous polyaniline with other composites, giving the blend rapid reactivity, which promotes photocatalyst-dye interaction. The composites exhibit lowered bandgap (2.66 eV, 2.85 eV and 2.27 eV) when compared to polyaniline (3.34 eV) used as macromolecular support via in situ coupling. This accounts for the efficiency of 95 % and 98 % reported for methylene blue and methylene orange, respectively, at optimal experimental conditions of 90 min irradiation time, pH of 5 and dosage of 20 mg/100 mL dye effluent. The study also proposed a Z-scheme mechanism with the vital role of •O2 –, •OH and h+ reactive species in the photodegradation of the dye molecules

Multiporate Poaceae pollen grains observed in the recent fossil record from the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem and Lake Victoria region

This research article was published by Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology Volume 333, 2025The analysis of fossil pollen from sediments is used to understand past vegetation and land cover variability. The observations of multiporate Poaceae pollen from sediments have received little attention in the literature and causes and rates of occurrence have few estimates, and the rates observed in the sediments are much lower than estimates observed from modern plants in Asia. Pollen analysis of the uppermost sediments from Speke Gulf, Lake Victoria, eastern Africa, showed relative abundances of Poaceae between 65 and 75% during the past centuries. A total of 19 of the ∼ 11,000 Poaceae pollen grains observed had conspicuous morphological variations and were documented. More consistent presence of abnormal grains occurred since the mid twentieth century, at the same time of increased anthropogenic environmental stressors. Multiporate pollen grains of Poaceae have been previously observed in Asia, South America, and northern Africa, predominantly in the Panicoideae subfamily. Morphological variations may present an added challenge for automated pollen identification techniques and descriptions of fossil pollen

Effects of different lengths and doses of raw and treated sisal fibers in the cement composite material

This research article was published by Scientific Reports , volume 15, (2025)Sisal fiber moisture sensitivity and degradation are treated by alkaline and pozzolanic methods, such as silica fume and kaolin surface coating. However, it is novel that the treatment of sisal fiber by calcined bentonite slurry can coat sisal fiber from moisture and protect it from cement hydration by consuming free lime and reducing cement matrix alkalinity. Therefore, the present study treated sisal fibers with calcined bentonite slurry and investigated the effect of using different lengths and doses of treated and raw sisal fibers in a mortar. The results indicate that the treatment of sisal fiber with bentonite slurry improved the roughness of the fiber, reduced fresh bulk density, improved resistance in acid, salt, and alkaline conditions, and increased compressive and flexural strength at 28 and 56 days compared to the control mixture and raw sisal fiber-employed mortar. Therefore, TS1L10 improved compressive strength by 30.62% and 1.8% at 28 and 56 days, respectively. Also, TS1L10 enhanced strength and residual strength in 5% HCl by 54.54% and 72.25%, respectively, compared to the control mixture at 56 days. Generally, the present study revealed the importance of calcined bentonite-treated sisal fibers in a mortar mixture for improved durability, physical and mechanical properties

Techno‐Economic Evaluation of Synthetic and Natural Antioxidants Used for Enhancing Oxidation Stability of Biodiesel

This research article was published by Energy Science & Engineering, 2025The oxidation stability of biodiesel is a critical factor affecting its storage and performance, necessitating the use of antioxidants to enhance its shelf life and reliability. Both natural and synthetic antioxidants have proven effective in improving the oxidation stability of biodiesel, with numerous studies demonstrating their ability to extend the induction period and delay oxidative degradation. However, while the technical efficacy of these antioxidants is well‐documented, the techno‐economic analysis that evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of using natural versus synthetic antioxidants remains unexplored. This creates uncertainty in selecting the most sustainable and economically viable antioxidant option. This study aimed to conduct a techno‐economic analysis comparing the cost‐effectiveness of synthetic and natural antioxidants in stabilizing biodiesel. The study evaluated synthetic antioxidants, specifically hydrogenated methoxy eugenol, and natural antioxidants derived from the methanolic extract of wild loquat plants, along with a comparison to commonly used synthetic antioxidants. Comprehensive simulations and modeling were conducted using Aspen Plus® V10 commercial simulation software in a block‐wise manner. The technical performance was assessed by considering the quantities and qualities of biodiesel, glycerol, and antioxidants. The synthetic antioxidant processes resulted in negative net present values and longer payback periods of 11.7 to 17.8 years, while natural antioxidants showed shorter payback periods ranging from 3.8 to 12 years. Natural antioxidants, particularly those extracted from clove wastes and wild loquat plant parts, demonstrated superior techno‐economic performance with the lowest operating and raw materials costs, shortest payback period, highest internal rate of return (IRR), and best profitability. Therefore, natural antioxidants are the most economically viable option for biodiesel stabilization, outperforming synthetic antioxidants in terms of operating costs, payback period, IRR, and profitability

Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Amid Water Scarcity: A Systematic Review of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Micro-Irrigation Technologies

This research article was published by Global Academic Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences , 2025The review focuses on the socio-economic benefits of micro-irrigation technologies (MITs) for smallholder farmers, highlighting their potential to transform agricultural practices and enhance sustainability. The review synthesizes empirical evidence from Africa and Asia, providing a comprehensive overview of how MITs can positively impact smallholder agriculture. Findings reveal that the adoption of MITs leads to significant improvements in agricultural productivity and enhanced water use efficiency, which contributes to reduced operational costs. Additionally, the financial resilience of smallholder farmers improves as they become better equipped to navigate market fluctuations and economic challenges. These benefits not only bolster individual livelihoods but also promote broader economic stability within rural communities. The review recommends several strategies for effective implementation. These include promoting awareness and adoption among farmers, enhancing access to finance, building technical capacity, supporting research and innovation, enacting supportive policies, and establishing models to assess the economic viability of MITs

The phosphorus negotiation game (P-Game): first evaluation of a serious game to support science-policy decision making played in more than 20 countries worldwide

This research article was published by Discover Sustainability, Volume 6, 2025Environmental negotiations are complex, and conveying the interaction between science and policy in traditional teaching methods is challenging. To address this issue, innovative educational approaches like serious gaming and role-playing games have emerged. These methods allow students to actively explore the roles of different stakeholders in environmental decision-making and weigh for instance between sometimes conflicting UN Sustainable Development Goals or other dilemmas. In this work the phosphorus negotiation game (P-Game) is for the first time introduced. We present the initial quantitative and qualitative findings derived from engaging 788 students at various academic levels (Bachelor, Master, PhD, and Postdoc) across three continents and spanning 22 different countries. Quantitative results indicate that female participants and MSc students benefitted the most significantly from the P-Game, with their self-reported knowledge about phosphorus science and negotiation science/practice increasing by 71–93% (overall), 86–100% (females), and 73–106% (MSc students in general). Qualitative findings reveal that the P-Game can be smoothly conducted with students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Moreover, students highly value their participation in the P-Game, which can be completed in just 2–3 h. This game not only encourages active engagement among participants but also provides valuable insights into the complex environmental issues associated with global phosphorus production. We strongly believe that the underlying methodology described here could also be used for other topics

Roles of Maasai Alalili Systems in Sustainable Conservation of Fodder Species of East African Rangelands

This research article was published by Rangeland Ecology & Management Volume 98, January 2025Alalili systems are among the indigenous rangeland management strategies that face pressures from unsustainable land use practices and impacts of climate change. We aimed to establish the vascular fodder plants' composition and abundance, compared with historical vegetation data to understand their evolution and trends to inform sustainable management of rangelands in northern Tanzania. The vegetation composition of the northern Tanzania rangelands surveyed before the 1980s was compared to empirical data from a vegetation survey of Alalili in 2022. A cross-sectional design using purposive and stratified random sampling techniques was applied during the field survey. The quadrat count method was used to estimate the composition and diversity of fodder taxa in Alalili systems. Secondary data from the northern Tanzania rangelands before the 1980s were collected through a systematic literature review. Key informant interviews, focused group discussions, and household surveys were used to gather information about the community's knowledge of historical quality changes in the rangelands. Our results indicate that, before the 1980s, the rangelands of northern Tanzania had relatively higher fodder species composition (127 woody and 119 herbaceous species) than the Alalili systems in 2022 (119 woody and 82 herbaceous species). Fodder species composition and diversity were relatively higher in communal than in private Alalili (t = 4.18, P < 0.001). At the same time, the species density was lower in communal than in private Alalili (t = -2.7272, P = 0.008). This work suggests that Alalili systems still hold substantial diverse fodder plants that most northern Tanzanian rangelands used to harbor before the 1980s. Therefore, they can be considered reservoirs of vital fodder species that can be used to restore degraded rangeland areas in northern Tanzania and elsewhere

Dust exposure and its health implications to miners in Mererani artisanal and small-scale mining industry

This research article was published by International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 2025This study aimed to identify and quantify the total dust exposure to underground miners in Mererani, Tanzania, and its composition to generate evidence for informed decision- and policy-making. The Analytical Air Monitoring System (AMS) was used for dust collection, and analysis was conducted gravimetrically. The dust composition was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The results showed significant variation in dust exposure levels across different mining zones, with miners inhaling up to 1859 mg of dust over an 8-hour period in drilling zones (DZ), 797 mg in loading zones (LZ), and 382 mg in resting zones (RZ). The mean value of dust exposure was significantly different, with a p-value of <0.05. Miners had higher levels of heavy metal and silica than those from unmined sites, with chromium being the most dominant element across all samples. Cumulative exposure to dust over time is linked to long-term respiratory impairment and serious health conditions such as lung cancer. These findings highlight the need for intervention, including education on dust hazards, provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), and enforcement of safety standards to safeguard miners’ health. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting policy reforms and sustainable mining practices in Mererani and similar communities