Search Results (288)

The pharmacological treatment of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is often hampered by tumor resistance. Improving our understanding of this issue is crucial for developing strategies that can overcome drug refractoriness. We have established and characterized two novel human cell sublines derived from extrahepatic CCA EGI-1 cells that are resistant to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Migration and proliferation were analyzed using holographic microscopy. The expression of genes involved in drug uptake and efflux was determined by RT-qPCR. Cross-resistance to commonly used antitumor drugs was assayed using the MTT test. EGI-1 sublines resistant to cisplatin (CR) or 5-FU (FR) exhibited more than a three-fold increase in resistance to cisplatin and 5-FU, respectively, and showed reduced proliferation, migration, and colony-formation rates, along with an altered cell cycle compared to wild-type cells, while retaining tumorigenic capacity. The analysis of the transportome showed downregulation of uptake transporters and upregulation of the export pumps MRP3/4. EGI-1 cells with acquired resistance to 5-FU demonstrated cross-resistance to irinotecan and gemcitabine, while cisplatin-resistant cells showed decreased sensitivity to 5-FU and platinum derivatives. These resistant cell lines offer valuable models for investigating the molecular basis of chemoresistance in CCA, providing a robust platform for the development and evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background: The accurate prediction of pathological complete response (pCR) following total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is crucial for optimising treatment protocols in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Although conventional imaging techniques such as MRI show limitations in assessing treatment response, metabolic imaging utilising 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) provides distinctive information by quantifying tumour glycolytic activity. This study investigates the predictive value of sequential 18F-FDG PET-CT parameters, focusing on Total Lesion Glycolysis (TLG), in predicting pCR after TNT. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 33 LARC patients (T3–4/N0–1) treated with TNT (neoadjuvant-chemoradiation followed by consolidation FOLFOX chemotherapy). Sequential PET-CT scans were performed at baseline, interim (after 4 cycles of FOLFOX), and post-TNT. Metabolic parameters, including maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) and TLG, were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the predictive performance of these parameters for pCR. Results: The pCR rate was 21.2% (7/33). Post-TNT TLG ≤ 10 demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for pCR (AUC 0.887, 92.3% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity, and 96.0% PPV), outperforming SUVmax (AUC 0.843). Interim TLG ≤ 10 also showed a strong predictive value (AUC 0.824, 100% sensitivity, and 71.4% specificity). Conclusions: TLG may serve as a reliable metabolic biomarker for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Its inclusion in clinical decision-making could improve patient selection for organ preservation strategies, thereby reducing the need for unnecessary surgeries in the future. However, given that the study is based on a small retrospective design, the findings should be interpreted with caution and used alongside other decision-making tools until more comprehensive data are collected from larger studies. Full article

Municipal solid waste (MSW) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF) incineration generate over 20 million tons of residues annually in the EU. These include bottom ash (IBA), fly ash (FA), and air pollution control residues (APCr), which pose significant environmental challenges due to their leaching potential and hazardous properties. While these residues contain valuable metals and reactive mineral phases suitable for carbonation or alkaline activation, chemical, techno-economic, and policy barriers have hindered the implementation of sustainable, full-scale management solutions. Accelerated carbonation technology (ACT) offers a promising approach to simultaneously sequester CO₂ and enhance residue stability. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of waste incineration residue carbonation, covering 227 documents ranging from laboratory studies to field applications. The analysis examines reactor designs and process layouts, with a detailed classification based on material characteristics, operating conditions, investigated parameters, and the resulting pollutant stabilization, CO₂ uptake, or product performance. In conclusion, carbonation-based approaches must be seamlessly integrated into broader waste management strategies, including metal recovery and material repurposing. Carbonation should be recognized not only as a CO₂ sequestration process, but also as a binding and stabilization strategy. The most critical barrier remains chemical: the persistent leaching of sulfates, chromium(VI), and antimony(V). We highlight what we refer to as the antimony problem, as this element can become mobilized by up to three orders of magnitude in leachate concentrations. The most pressing research gap hindering industrial deployment is the need to design stabilization approaches specifically tailored to critical anionic species, particularly Sb(V), Cr(VI), and SO₄²⁻. Full article

Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) not only poses potential ecological risks (RI) but also leads to human health risks (HI) through the uptake of potentially toxic elements by crops. However, most studies primarily focus on potentially toxic element contamination in either soil or crops, often neglecting the intrinsic connections between soil and crop contamination risks. In reality, some regions may exhibit severe soil PTE exceedances, yet the PTE levels in crops may not necessarily exceed regulatory limits, resulting in human health risks that are not uniformly high. This study investigated a typical area with severe soil PTE pollution caused by wastewater from electroplating, smelting, and ore beneficiation industries, and conducted risk assessments on soil and crops. The research aims to elucidate the differences in soil and crop PTE contamination risks and the correlations between PTE concentrations in soil and crops. Results showed that Cd was the most severe PTE contaminant in the soil in the study area, with an average concentration of 1.11 mg/kg and a maximum concentration of 7.30 mg/kg. However, the average concentrations of eight PTEs in crops were all below the standard limits for cereal crops specified in the Food Safety National Standard for Pollutant Limits in Foods (GB 2726-2022). Cd was identified as the most severe PTE contaminant in the soil, resulting in the highest RI (836) in the MY sub-region of the study area. However, Cr in crops contributed the most to health risk (63.5%), leading to the highest HI (7.1) in sub-region MY. Despite Cd being the most severely polluting PTE in soil, its contribution to human health risk through crops was relatively low, ranging from 2.82% to 9.90%. This discrepancy in pollution risks indicates that a PTE causing severe soil contamination may not necessarily result in significant human health risks via crop uptake. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that soil PTEs had the greatest impact on Cd levels in crops. Soil Ni, Cd, Cu, As, and Zn exhibited different synergistic or antagonistic effects on crop PTE uptake. Notably, soil Cd content showed a highly significant positive regression relationship with Cd, Cr, and Ni concentrations in crops. Overall, the influence of soil PTEs on crop PTEs varied significantly, and the spatial differentiation characteristics of PTEs in soil and crops differed. For PTEs with high spatial differentiation, localized and precise management measures should be implemented. Conversely, for PTEs with low spatial differentiation, unified risk management and control measures can be adopted. Full article

Stormwater pollution from residual chlorine after outdoor disinfection with sodium hypochlorite is an increasing environmental challenge due to its potential negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. Even at low concentrations, residual chlorine can disrupt the stability of water ecosystems. In this regard, stormwater treatment requires innovative and green solutions such as green infrastructure (rain gardens) using the plant phytoremediation technique to reduce the amount of residual chlorine. This study explores the interactions between residual chlorine retained by plants in a rain garden and different microelements. Selected plants were analyzed via spectroscopy, and possible interactions with elements such as chlorine (Cl), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), nickel (Ni), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) were determined using Python-based analysis. Chlorine presented significant positive correlations with cadmium (0.39–0.53) and potassium (0.51–0.55), while negative correlations were found between silicon and chlorine (−0.48–−0.54) and chlorine and iron (−0.45–−0.51). The correlations between chlorine and microelements suggest both common uptake mechanisms and mutual interactions. These results provide a better understanding of the behavior of chlorine in rain gardens and its interactions with other materials, which is especially valuable for designing green infrastructure. This research can help to develop sustainable solutions that reduce environmental pollution and strengthen urban adaptation to climate change. Full article

Background: Cell-penetrating peptides cross cell membrane barriers while carrying cargoes in a functional form. Our work identified two novel lung-targeting peptides, S7A and R11A. Here, we present studies on biodistribution, the cell types targeted, and an in vitro proof of application. Methods: Studies were performed in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) with and without various endocytic inhibitors, and coincubation with fluorescently labeled transferrin or endocytic markers. Cyclic R11A (cR11A) was conjugated to siRNA duplexes and anti-viral activity against SARS-CoV-2 was tested. Biodistribution studies were performed by injecting wild-type mice with fluorescently labeled peptides, and various circulation times were allowed for, as well as cross-staining of lung sections or isolated single cells with various cellular markers, followed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting or confocal microscopy. Results: cR11A showed peak uptake in 15 min, with the highest uptake in airway epithelial type II (ATII) cells, followed by p63+ basal cells and ionocytes. Cyclization increased transduction efficiencies ~100-fold. Endocytosis studies showed a decrease in peptide uptake by pre-treatment with Pitstop2 but not Amiloride or Nystatin. Endocytic marker Lamp1 showed colocalization at the earliest time point, with the escape of the peptide from endocytic vesicles later. cR11A conjugated to ant-spike and anti-envelop proteins showed anti-viral effects with an EC₉₀ of 0.6 μM and 1.0 µM, respectively. Conclusions: We have identified a novel peptide, cR11A, that targets ATII, basal cells, and ionocytes, the cyclization of which increased transduction efficiency in vitro and in vivo. The uptake mechanism appears to be via clathrin-mediated endocytosis with escape from endocytic vesicles. cR11A can act as a vector to deliver anti-viral siRNA to epithelial cells. Full article

Salinity and heavy metal stress significantly reduce agricultural productivity in arable lands, particularly affecting crops like rice (Oryza sativa L.). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of heavy metal-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (HMT-PGPR) in mitigating the harmful effects of salt (NaCl), chromium (Cr), and combined NaCl + Cr stress on rice plants. Two pre-isolated and well-characterized heavy metal-tolerant epiphytic (Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonense strain P14) and endophytic (Arthrobacter woluwensis strain M1R2) PGPR were tested. The LSD test (p ≤ 0.05) was used to assess the statistical significance between treatment means. Stresses caused by NaCl, Cr, and their combination were found to impair plant growth and biomass accumulation through mechanisms, including osmotic stress, oxidative damage, ionic imbalance, reduced photosynthetic pigment, lowered relative water content, and compromised antioxidant defense systems. Conversely, inoculation with HMT-PGPR alleviated these adverse effects by reducing oxidative stress indicators, including malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content and electrolyte leakage (EL) and enhancing plant growth, osmolyte synthesis, and enzymatic antioxidant activity under single- and dual-stress conditions. The application of HMT-PGPR notably restricted Na⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ uptake, with an endophytic A. woluwensis M1R2 demonstrating superior performance in reducing Cr⁶⁺ translocation (38%) and bioaccumulation (42%) in rice under dual stress. The findings suggest that A. woluwensis effectively mitigates combined salinity and chromium stress by maintaining ion homeostasis and improving the plant’s antioxidant defenses. Full article

This study investigates the hydrothermal synthesis of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) from photovoltaic (PV) waste glass and carbide sludge as a strategy for resource recovery and sustainable chromium removal from wastewater. Waste-derived precursors were co-ground, blended at controlled Ca/Si molar ratios (0.8, 1.0, 1.2), and hydrothermally treated at 180 °C for 96 h to yield C-S-H with tunable morphology and crystallinity. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX, and UV-Vis spectroscopy revealed that a Ca/Si ratio of 1.0 produced a well-ordered tobermorite/xonotlite structure with a high surface area and fibrous network, which is optimal for adsorption. Batch adsorption experiments showed that this material achieved rapid and efficient Cr(III) removal, exceeding 90% uptake within 9 h through a combination of surface complexation, ion exchange (Ca²⁺/Na⁺ ↔ Cr³⁺), and precipitation of CaCrO₄ phases. Morphological and structural evolution during adsorption was confirmed by SEM, FT-IR, and XRD, while EDX mapping established the progressive incorporation of Cr into the C-S-H matrix. These findings highlight the viability of upcycling industrial waste into advanced C-S-H sorbents for heavy metal remediation. Further work is recommended to address sorbent regeneration, long-term stability, and application to other contaminants, providing a foundation for circular approaches in advanced wastewater treatment. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of a plant pathogenic bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum strain BD163 inoculation and nutrient solution (CaCO₃ (2 mM), NaCl (1 mM) and K₂Cr₂O₇ (0.001 mM)) on the growth, photosynthesis, nutrient uptake and metabolomics of tomato seedlings. The experiment had four experimental treatments (1. solution + BD163 inoculation, 2. solution alone, 3. BD163 inoculation, 4. control). Plant growth and photosynthesis responses were minimal, and differences in nutrient assimilation and metabolite profiles were clear-cut. Of the photosynthesis parameters, only water use efficiency was impacted; it was higher in the bacterium-only treatment and unchanged in the other treatments. The quantities of boron, bismuth and nickel were affected, accumulating mostly in the “solution + BD163 inoculation” experimental set. Principal component analysis of metabolomics data separated the treatments into three groupings; group 1 was the double treatment, group 2 was the nutrient solution treatment and, finally, group 3 was the P. carotovorum and control treatments. Correlation analysis of the data showed an assumed interdependence of several plant factors. The authors concluded that the interaction between the bacterium, the plant and the nutrient solution is complex and more pronounced at the chemical and metabolite level than at the growth and photosynthesis level. Full article

Yuexi County, a key tea-producing area in eastern Dabie Mountain, may face potential heavy metal(oid) (HM) contamination risks due to nearby mining and intensive agricultural activities. This study investigated seven HMs (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in paired soil–tea samples using multiple analytical approaches, including the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), the potential ecological risk index (RI), bioconcentration factor (BCF), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) with Monte Carlo simulation for health risk assessment. Results showed that Zn (82.65 mg/kg) and Cd (0.15 mg/kg) were the most enriched HMs in soils with higher I_geo values than other HMs. PMF analysis identified four major HM sources: mining and transportation (27.75%), agricultural activities (26.90%), natural soil parent material (26.17%), and industrial emissions (19.18%). Tea plants exhibited selective HM absorption, with Hg showing the highest bioaccumulation (BCF = 0.45), while As, Cr, and Pb had minimal uptake (BCF < 0.05). Although health risk assessments confirmed that both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from soil and tea consumption were within safe limits for adults and children, Cr and Ni required special attention due to their risk contributions. Overall, ecological and health risks in the region were found to be low. These findings provide important scientific support for pollution monitoring, risk management, and overcoming trade barriers in tea-growing regions with acidic soils. Future research should integrate HM speciation analysis with seasonal monitoring to further optimize tea plantation management strategies. Full article

Extracting Cr(VI), a heavy metal known for its carcinogenic properties, from water poses a significant challenge. This research involved synthesizing nitrogen-infused starch-derived hydrothermal carbon (NS-HCS) from starch using a dual-phase hydrothermal method, aimed at removing Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater. N-doping increased the N content from 0.27% to 3.64%, providing active sites for enhanced Cr(VI) adsorption and reduction. Experimental data demonstrated 149.21 mg/g contaminant uptake capacity with 49.74% removal efficiency under specified conditions. Analysis of the kinetic and isotherm models revealed that the adsorption mechanism was characterized primarily by multilayer adsorption. Furthermore, after six cycles of use, NS-HCS demonstrated good reusability, with its Cr(VI) adsorption capacity remaining at approximately 79.05%. Additionally, NS-HCS exhibited strong resistance to interference in complex aqueous environments. This study provides new insights into the use of green and sustainable adsorbents, offering an economical and efficient solution for treating Cr(VI)-contaminated wastewater. Full article

Kutno is a picturesque city in central Poland, known for extensive rose breeding worldwide. Soil samples and rose petals were collected from 13 locations in the city and characterized by diverse environments. This allowed determining the response of plants to changing cultivation conditions. Rose petals have found a wide range of applications. They are used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The aim of the research was to assess the contents of Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Cr in soils and their accumulation in rose petals. Samples were subjected to the microwave mineralization process using a mixture of concentrated HCl and HNO₃. The metal contents in the soil and roses were determined by HR-CS-AAS and ICP-OES, respectively. Roses are usually cultivated in soils with a limited mobile fraction of heavy metals. In these unfavorable conditions, flower petals can absorb heavy metals substantially. Petals of roses cultivated for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food purposes should be tested for heavy metal content. This study indicates that toxic metals are blocked at the root zone, and their transport to the above-ground parts is severely hampered. Nevertheless, metals related to the photo-synthesis process (Zn, Cu) are more intensively taken up by roses, while the uptake of toxic metals is partially inhibited. Full article

Background: Soil heavy metal pollution by chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) is a global environmental concern. Methods: This study evaluated Cr/Cu accumulation in Paulownia fortunei tissues and analyzed its root transcriptome under Cr and Cu stress to elucidate molecular response mechanisms. Results: Findings revealed significantly higher Cr and Cu accumulation capacity in roots compared to stems and leaves. Transcriptome sequencing identified 6017 and 2265 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under Cr and Cu stress, respectively. These DEGs were primarily involved in redox reactions, stress responses, transcriptional regulation, transmembrane transport, and metabolism. Quantitative PCR of 20 selected genes validated dynamic expression changes under stress. Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified distinct co-expression modules associated with Cr and Cu. Hub gene analysis implicated Pfo_020668 and Pfo_019190 in Cr response, while Pfo_010312 and Pfo_000197 may enhance Cu tolerance via cell wall polysaccharide synthesis regulation. Pathways related to pyruvate metabolism and proteasome were significantly enriched under Cr stress, whereas amino acid metabolism pathways were prominent under Cu stress. Conclusions: Differentially expressed transporter genes suggest potential roles in heavy metal uptake and transport. This transcriptomic analysis provides novel insights into P. fortunei’s molecular responses to Cr and Cu stress, offering a foundation for utilizing this species in soil phytoremediation efforts. Full article

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) have steadily become a serious environmental problem, especially regarding brownfields chosen for reuse, e.g., as a residential area. “Norra Hamnstaden” in Lidköping (Sweden) has a long history of industrial activity, including porcelain production with the resultant industrial waste deposited close by resulting in elevated levels of metals used for porcelain glazes, especially lead. To estimate the bioavailability of twelve PTEs (As, Ba, Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, V, Zn), their uptake by birches (Betula pendula) as well as Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris) was investigated through analyzing their leaves. Sampling was carried out on five trees once per month in the period from May to August. Different uptake patterns were observed for birches and pines, for the latter even varying with age. The birch samples showed higher contents of nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, and lead compared to the reference trees. Also, the pine needles had elevated lead levels, although by a lower factor. Birch leaves revealed surprising patterns of elevated element bioaccumulation factors, with barium reaching up to eight, offering the possibility to limit analyses to plant material for risk assessments instead of soil analysis. Full article