Production of the Key Immunoregulatory Cytokines and the Content of FoxP3 T-Regulatory Lymphocytes in the Epicardial and Thymus Adipose Tissue in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease.

FoxP3 T-regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes and cytokine production by cells from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of epicardial (EAT) and thymus (TAT) adipose tissue of 42 patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) were studied. In the SVF of TAT in patients with Gensini Score (GS)≥74 (the most severe atherosclerosis), the production of IL-1β, TNF, IL-4, and IFNγ was higher, while FoxP3 translocation into the nucleus was lower than in patients with GS<74. The GS index directly correlated with the production of IL-4, IL-1β, and TNF by cells of the SVF of TAT, and inversely - with the production of TNF, IL-17, and IL-10 by cells of the SVF of EAT.

Ecological and health risk assessments of heavy metal contamination in soils surrounding a coal power plant.

Coal combustion at power plants is a significant source of environmental pollution, with the deposition of heavy metals in soils leading to extensive ecosystem contamination and exacerbating the harmful impacts of human activities. This study presents a field investigation of heavy metal concentrations in soils around a coal-fired power plant, with monitoring sites located 1.7 to 15.

Effects of pyrolysis conditions on sewage sludge-biochar properties and potential risks based on PAH contents.

Pyrolysis of sewage sludge can significantly reduce industrial waste while producing high-value biochar for soil improvement. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and safety of biochar from sewage sludge under different pyrolysis conditions. Optimal carbonization conditions (700 °C, 60 min, 5 °C/min) were identified by analyzing the physicochemical properties, elemental composition, structural characteristics, and the specific surface area of biochar.

Effect of Flax By-Products on the Mechanical and Cracking Behaviors of Expansive Soil.

Expansive soils, prone to significant volume changes with moisture fluctuations, challenge engineering infrastructure due to their swelling and shrinking. Traditional stabilization methods, including mechanical and chemical treatments, often have high material and environmental costs. This study explores fibrous by-products of flax processing, a sustainable alternative, for reinforcing expansive clay soil.