Search Results (798)

Micro- and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have emerged as pervasive environmental contaminants with increasing implications for human health, particularly within the digestive system. This review critically examines the role of MPs/NPs as disruptors of gastrointestinal and liver homeostasis through the lens of the plastic–gut–liver axis. We synthesize current evidence on primary exposure routes—including ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and transplacental transfer—and highlight their intestinal uptake, systemic dissemination, and tissue accumulation. Mechanistically, MPs/NPs compromise intestinal barrier integrity, promote oxidative stress, and induce microbiota dysbiosis, facilitating the translocation of microbial-derived signals to the liver via the portal circulation. This process triggers inflammatory signaling cascades, metabolic reprogramming, and immune dysregulation, contributing to hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and potential carcinogenic processes. Emerging evidence also implicates pancreatic dysfunction and β-cell stress within a broader gut–liver axis context. We further discuss the systemic propagation of MPs/NPs-induced dysbiosis along multi-organ axes, including gut–lung and gut–brain interactions. Despite robust preclinical data, human evidence remains limited due to methodological heterogeneity and the lack of standardized biomarkers. This review underscores critical knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for integrative, translational approaches to clarify long-term health risks and inform regulatory strategies within the environmental exposome framework. Full article

Defect engineering and metal–support coupling provide an effective route to tune interfacial charge dynamics for selective photocatalytic CO₂ reduction. Here, Ti-vacancy-rich Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ (BTvO) nanosheets were prepared and decorated with Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) to build Au-BTvO junctions that favor multi-electron/proton transfer toward deep hydrogenation. The optimized 3%Au-BTvO achieved high hydrocarbon productivity under visible light (λ > 420 nm), delivering CH₄ and C₂H₆ formation rates of 92.66 and 17.96 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively, with stable performance over 25 h. Spectroscopic analyses reveal higher CO₂ uptake and more effective surface activation, increased water adsorption with a more favorable interfacial hydration environment, and time-dependent formation of key C₁ and C₂ intermediates. In situ light-irradiation XPS, PL mapping, and KPFM collectively demonstrate directional electron transfer from Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ to Au and amplified surface band bending, enabling efficient charge separation and accelerated surface reduction. This work highlights defect–metal synergy as a general strategy to boost activity, selectivity, and durability in visible-light CO₂-to-methane conversion. Full article

(1) Background: Overuse of chemical nitrogen fertilizers drives the need for biological alternatives. Azotobacter chroococcum is a promising free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium, but its efficiency needs improvement. This study investigated how Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) and molybdenum trioxide nanoparticles (n-MoO₃) affect A. chroococcum growth and nitrogen fixation, and tested the modified inoculants on Glycine max (legume) and Nicotiana benthamiana (non-legume); (2) Methods: In vitro tests measured bacterial growth, viable counts (CFU), nitrogenase activity, and nitrogen metabolites (total N, NO₃⁻-N, NH₄⁺-N) under 0–100 ng·mL⁻¹ Fe₃O₄ NPs or n-MoO₃. Pot experiments then tested modified inoculants on Glycine max and N. benthamiana for biomass and N, P, K uptake; (3) Results: Both nanomaterials showed low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition. At 10 ng·mL⁻¹, bacterial growth (OD₆₀₀ up ~1.2×) and nitrogenase activity (up >90%) rose significantly (p < 0.05–0.001), along with higher total N, NO₃⁻-N, and NH₄⁺-N. In pots, 10 ng·mL⁻¹ modified inoculant improved all Glycine max traits and nutrient uptake (p < 0.05). For N. benthamiana, biomass peaked at 20 ng·mL⁻¹, while stem and root growth did best at 10 ng·mL⁻¹. At 100 ng·mL⁻¹, effects weakened or vanished. A “metabolic remodeling–rhizosphere transformation–systemic response” mechanism is proposed; (4) Conclusions: Low concentrations (10–20 ng·mL⁻¹) of Fe₃O₄ NPs and n-MoO₃ can effectively boost the nitrogen-fixing function and growth-promoting effect of A. chroococcum inoculant, showing good potential for use on both legume and non-legume crops. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical reference for developing efficient, broad-spectrum nanomaterial-microbe composite inoculants. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with poor outcomes under the current standard-of-care with temozolomide (TMZ). Therapeutic failure is multifactorial, mainly driven by TMZ resistance mediated by DNA repair enzymes (MGMT), and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Drug repurposing and the off-label use of chemotherapeutics have emerged as a strategy to identify non-alkylating agents capable of bypassing MGMT-mediated resistance in GBM. Despite their promise, the effective delivery of these drugs to the brain remains a major challenge due to the low-permeability nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Thus, surface-modified polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as adaptable platforms for encapsulating chemically diverse payloads, thereby improving their pharmacokinetics and enabling controlled release at the tumor site. This review critically analyzes ligand-functionalized polymeric NPs for GBM therapy and discusses the integration of repurposed and off-label non-alkylating agents with nanocarrier engineering, focusing on non-alkylating agents as they are MGMT-independent candidates. Furthermore, this review synthesizes recent advances in ligand-functionalized polymeric nanoformulations encapsulating non-alkylating agents for GBM, critically outlining their targeting and transport strategies, design and validation challenges, and future directions. Across the included studies, receptor-targeted surface engineering frequently enhances cellular uptake and in vitro efficacy. Full article

High-frequency proton therapy shows promise for breast cancer (BC) treatment. We previously showed that BC cells’ metastatic potential (MP) correlates with their nanoparticle (NP) uptake efficiency. MP is known to be associated with microenvironment stiffness and radiosensitivity. Here, proton beam-irradiated MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were assessed for NP uptake efficiency under stiff (plastic) or soft (fibrin gel) conditions. In a stiff microenvironment, control MDA-MB-231 cells internalized 1.35-fold more NPs than MCF-7 (p < 0.0017), with comparably low uptake in soft conditions. After proton beam irradiation at a dose of 6 Gy, in stiff conditions, MDA-MB-231 cells showed a 1.6-fold increase in NP internalization compared to non-treated MDA-MB-231 (p < 0.0001), while MCF-7 cells showed no change, leading to an overall 1.86-fold difference between proton-treated MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells (p < 0.0001). In soft conditions, irradiated MDA-MB-231 retained a 1.47-fold higher uptake of NPs than MCF-7 cells (p < 0.0172), but this value was 1.7-fold lower (p < 0.0001) compared to non-irradiated MDA-MB-231 cells on stiff plastic. Hence, therapeutic strategies combining proton irradiation with targeting tumor microenvironment softening may reduce post-irradiation metastasis risk. Full article

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), also known as mild neurocognitive disorder, represents a transitional stage between normal cognitive aging and dementia and often signals early neurodegenerative change. Despite its clinical importance, MCI remains poorly understood by the public and family care partners, leading to uncertainty and distress following diagnosis. This study evaluated UnderstandingMCI.ca, a brief multimedia e-learning lesson designed to improve MCI literacy among the public and care partners. The lesson was disseminated through the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, with web analytics tracking uptake, progress, and completion, and a post-lesson survey incorporating the Net Promoter Score (NPS), the Information Assessment Method for all (IAM4all) questionnaire, and open-text feedback assessing perceived impact. Between 15 January and 7 February 2025, over 5000 users initiated the lesson, 1537 completed it, and 984 responded to the survey. Respondents were predominantly women aged 65 years or older. The NPS was 72 (“excellent”); 942 respondents (96%) found the lesson relevant, 937 (95%) anticipated benefits from using the information, and nearly all (982 respondents) reported understanding the material. Thematic analysis of 296 comments identified greater understanding of MCI versus normal aging and dementia, emotional reassurance, and motivation for proactive brain-health behaviors. UnderstandingMCI.ca was well-received, with respondents reporting that the lesson was understandable and relevant, and that they intended to use the information, suggesting it may be a feasible and scalable approach to public and care partner education about MCI. Full article

Postprandial hyperglycemia represents a critical therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring interventions that simultaneously address glycemic dysregulation and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of Sclerocarya birrea leaf crude extract (CE) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Phytochemical screening, nanoparticle characterization (UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, SEM, DLS, FTIR), enzyme inhibition assays (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPP-IV), glucose dynamics in Caco-2 cells, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, H₂O₂ cytoprotection) were performed. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids as major constituents of Sclerocarya birrea leaf extract. AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology (36.8 ± 8.6 nm, n = 100 particles analyzed), face-centered cubic crystallinity (crystallite size: 32.1 nm), and characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 451 nm. Both formulations inhibited α-amylase (CE IC₅₀: 14 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 14.07 µg/mL, n = 3) and α-glucosidase (CE IC₅₀: 15.96 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 15.82 µg/mL, n = 3), showing substantial inhibition, though less potent than acarbose. Uniquely, AgNPs demonstrated selective DPP-IV inhibition (IC₅₀: 220.5 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001 vs. CE), completely absent in CE. In antioxidant assays, DPPH scavenging potency was comparable between formulations (CE IC₅₀: 23.45 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 22.26 µg/mL, n = 3), while CE achieved higher maximal scavenging at the tested concentrations. Conversely, AgNPs provided superior intracellular cytoprotection against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in kidney cells (80.2 ± 2.1% viability at 76 µg/mL vs. CE 69.8 ± 3.4% at 190 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001), representing a 2.5-fold dose advantage. Neither formulation significantly altered glucose uptake or SGLT1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (p > 0.05, two-way ANOVA, n = 3). These findings establish S. birrea-based formulations, particularly AgNPs, as promising multifunctional candidates for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative complications in T2DM. They also highlight nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicine as an innovative therapeutic strategy. Full article

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are essential macronutrients for plant growth and major pollutants driving aquatic eutrophication. Microalgae represent a sustainable biological platform for nutrient recovery and circular utilization from wastewater; however, the molecular mechanisms governing efficient urea assimilation and its coordination with phosphorus uptake remain inadequately characterized. This study investigated how overexpression of the high-affinity urea transporter gene DUR3 enhances nutrient scavenging capacity in the model green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The DUR3-overexpressing line exhibited concentration-dependent growth responses to urea, showing significant promotion at low-to-moderate levels but inhibition at high urea concentration or under pure-urea conditions, where DUR3-overexpressing (DUR3-OE) was more severely inhibited than the wild-type (WT). Notably, the DUR3-OE consistently increased chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) under ammonium, urea, and mixed-N regimes. Under low-urea conditions, the total P content of the DUR3-OE was 8.8% higher and total N content was 4.3% higher than in WT (p < 0.05). Except in pure-urea medium, the engineered strains exhibited significantly increased total P accumulation and superior P recovery efficiency from the culture medium. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that DUR3 overexpression reprograms a coordinated regulatory network associated with N/P metabolism, photosynthesis, and carbon transport pathways. RT-qPCR validation confirmed significant upregulation of PMA2 (plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase), phosphate transporters (PTB3, PTB7), the inorganic carbon transporter HLA3, and photosynthesis-related genes, which was associated with improved nutrient assimilation and photosynthetic performance. These findings establish DUR3 as a key genetic target for engineering microalgae with optimized N-P co-uptake capacity, providing a robust molecular framework for developing high-efficiency algal strains for wastewater bioremediation and nutrient circular economy applications. Full article

Bimetallic nanoparticles have garnered significant attention in scientific literature due to their diverse applications and unique properties. Concurrently, green synthesis methodologies have emerged as environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing the ecological footprint of nanoparticle production. In this study, the efficient synthesis of Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles is presented, utilizing Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R. Dahlgren, commonly known as green rooibos (GR), and its pure bioactive compound, Aspalathin (ASP). Integrating ASP as a pure compound into the green synthesis process offers precise control over nanoparticle characteristics, including size, morphology, and composition. Interestingly, the total extract forms an Au-Pd nanoparticle alloy, while aspalathin forms core–shell nanoparticles. Furthermore, cytotoxicity testing was carried out on selected cell lines to assess their impact on cell viability. The cytotoxicity test on cell lines and cellular uptake analysis demonstrated that none of the tested samples exhibited significant cytotoxic effects. ASP-conjugated bimetallic increased the uptake of the NPs by the cells more than the total extract. The results demonstrated that the Au-Pd bimetallic nanoparticles hold promise for biomedical applications, owing to their enhanced biocompatibility and tailored properties. Full article

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis, morphological characteristics, electrical conductivity, dielectric behavior, and electrocatalytic activity of perovskite-structured iron manganite (FeMnO₃), with a specific focus on its performance in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). FeMnO₃(FMO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using a sol–gel-type Pechini method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a crystalline structure with cubic symmetry assigned to the Ia-3 space group, with an average crystallite size of 52.47 nm. FESEM images revealed a relatively uniform morphology with an average particle diameter of 55.84 nm. The redox and oxidation states of Fe and Mn can be studied by temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO-O₂) in order to understand oxygen uptake and metal oxidation processes occurring within the FMO lattice. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, electric modulus and electrical conductivity were calculated as a function of frequency and temperature using a Novocontrol Alpha-A broadband dielectric spectrometer (Novocontrol system) coupled with the LCR-800 precision meter. The dielectric data reveal that the FMO has semiconducting behavior with dominant charge- or ionic-relaxation processes. The electrocatalytic activity toward the HER was evaluated using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), with the working electrode modified by an FMO catalyst ink. The material exhibited significant catalytic activity within the HER potential range, and an increase in the number of cycles led to stabilized current and enhanced hydrogen evolution. These results highlight the stability of FeMnO₃ for hydrogen generation. Full article

China has implemented extensive land restoration programs and now leads the world in artificial forest area. However, such plantations often face degradation, largely due to soil nutrient deficiency. In contrast, near-natural restoration tends to result in better soil quality, ecosystem integrity, and stability. This study focuses on three near-naturally restored sites on the Loess Plateau—a critical part of China’s National Ecological Security Barrier System, which has undergone substantial ecological restoration in recent decades. Using soil stoichiometry to assess nutrient balance and land sustainability, we investigated two forest types (Betula platyphylla, BP; Larix principis-rupprechtii, LP) and a mixed shrubland (Ostryopsis davidiana and Cotoneaster multiflorus, OD–CM). Soil profiles were sampled at 20 cm intervals from the surface to bedrock. We measured soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contents, along with key environmental factors. The results show the following: (1) The two forest lands exhibited similar C and N levels, which were 1.23–1.26 and 1.40–1.51 times higher, respectively, than those in the shrubland. (2) Lower C/N (BP: 25.05; LP: 23.46) and higher N/P (BP: 4.83; LP: 5.00) in the forest lands indicated lower nitrogen limitation versus the shrubland (C/N: 28.55; N/P: 3.44). (3) Key influencing factors varied across land restoration types, indicating that the vegetation community’s composition mediates nutrient cycling through nutrient uptake and litter input. (4) Relative to plantations in the same region, near-naturally restored lands had 3.47–5.64 times higher C content and 1.51–2.51 times higher N content. Moreover, near-natural communities exhibited higher C/N (21.68–30.56) and C/P (85.92–132.97) compared to plantations (C/N: 8.8–13.1; C/P: 9.16–31.2), reflecting more efficient nitrogen and phosphorus utilization. Thus, near-natural land restoration enhances soil carbon sequestration, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient use efficiency on the Loess Plateau, supporting its promotion as a superior land management strategy for enhancing land sustainability and ecosystem services in this area. Full article

Plastic contamination in agricultural soils constitutes an emerging threat to plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and food safety. Micro- and nanoplastics (NPs) elicit oxidative stress, perturb root morphology, and interfere with key physiological processes. Despite extensive studies in aquatic systems, the mechanistic understanding of NP behavior in soils, particularly the formation of soil-specific eco-coronas, remains limited. This review provides a mechanistic synthesis of current evidence on the role of root exudates, comprising proteins, amino acids, lipids, and low-molecular-weight metabolites, in modulating NP fate and plant responses within the rhizosphere. We delineate key processes, including exudate adsorption onto NP surfaces, eco-corona formation, aggregation, transport, root uptake, and species- and polymer-specific effects. Root exudation dynamically alters NP surface properties, mediates heteroaggregation, modulates mobility, and regulates interactions with plant roots. At the same time, NP exposure induces species-specific metabolic responses, including enhanced secretion of organic acids, stress-related metabolites, and secondary compounds (e.g., flavonoids). Despite extensive research in aquatic and hydroponic systems, mechanistic understanding of NPs behavior in soils, particularly regarding eco-corona formation and the modulatory role of root exudates, remains limited. This review synthesizes these insights to propose a conceptual framework linking eco-corona dynamics with root exudation processes, thereby providing a foundation for future soil-focused investigations. Full article

Improving crop productivity largely depends on understanding soil fertility constraints and the effects of nutrient management on yield performance. Accurate determination of existing soil nutrient status and targeted application of limiting nutrients are essential for enhancing wheat (Triticum spp.) productivity. However, the specific effects of omitting one of the macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) on wheat yield have not been investigated in the target area. This study employed the Quantitative Evaluation of the Fertility of Tropical Soils (QUEFTS) model to estimate the N, P, and K fertilizer requirements needed to achieve a predefined wheat yield target. The objectives were to: (i) evaluate yield responses to complete versus nutrient omission (N, P, or K) fertilization treatments, and (ii) analyze corresponding nutrient uptake and use efficiency dynamics. The experimental treatments included: (1) full NPK fertilization, (2) NP only (K omitted), (3) NK only (P omitted), (4) PK only (N omitted), and (5) an unfertilized control. Topsoil samples were analyzed and used as inputs for the QUEFTS model. Yield and agronomic data, as well as nutrient uptake and use efficiency, were measured. Model performance was validated using standard statistical metrics. Results showed that full NPK application significantly (p < 0.05) improved yield, yield components, and nutrient uptake compared to omission treatments and the control. The strong agreement between QUEFTS-predicted and observed yields highlights the model’s potential as a reliable, cost-effective decision-support tool for optimizing site-specific fertilizer recommendations. These findings demonstrate that balanced NPK fertilization markedly boosts wheat yield and nutrient uptake, while the QUEFTS model provides a powerful, reliable tool for tailoring fertilizer management to local soil conditions. Full article

The regulatory mechanisms by which AMF modulate the integrated carbon (C)-nitrogen (N)-phosphorus (P) metabolic network in woody plant leaves remain unclear. We investigated how varying nitrate (NO₃⁻) and phosphate (Pi) supply, with or without AMF inoculation, reshapes the leaf metabolic network in poplar seedlings. Key findings reveal that AMF acts as a central metabolic hub, optimizing C-N-P coordination in an environment-dependent manner. Under low Pi, NO₃⁻ supply enhanced P remobilization and photosynthetic efficiency, boosting growth. AMF further optimized low-Pi adaptation by promoting P storage and buffering, significantly improving photosynthesis and biomass. Under high Pi, NO₃⁻ supply shifted focus towards enhancing Rubisco-mediated carbon assimilation. AMF synergistically improved carbon assimilation efficiency and suppressed non-essential P recycling. N metabolism effects of Pi were contingent on NO₃⁻ availability, and AMF reprogrammed N assimilation pathways accordingly, balancing uptake and utilization under different N regimes. Critically, AMF orchestrated environment-specific metabolic adjustments, reinforcing P buffering and photosynthetic gain under Pi limitation, and enhancing C assimilation efficiency while minimizing P waste under Pi sufficiency. This study demonstrates that poplar leaf C-N-P networks are reconfigured through N-P synergisms modulated by AMF, positioning AMF as a pivotal integrator of nutrient acquisition and allocation. These insights provide a physiological foundation for developing efficient forestry nutrient management and mycorrhizal application strategies. Full article

Background: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) represents a highly selective therapeutic modality for recalcitrant cancers, leveraging the nuclear reaction initiated by thermal neutron capture in boron-10 (¹⁰B) to deliver high-linear energy transfer radiation (α-particles and ⁷Li ions) directly within tumor cell boundaries. However, the widespread clinical adoption of BNCT is critically hampered by the pharmacological challenge of achieving sufficiently high, tumor-selective intracellular ¹⁰B concentrations (20–50 μg of ¹⁰B/g tissue). Conventional small-molecule boron carriers often exhibit dose-limiting non-specificity, rapid systemic clearance, and poor cellular uptake kinetics. Methods: To overcome these delivery barriers, we synthesized and characterized a novel dual-modality nanoplatform based on highly biocompatible, functionalized graphene oxide (GO). This platform was structurally optimized via covalent conjugation with high-boron content carborane clusters (dodecacarborane derivatives) for enhanced BNCT efficacy. Crucially, the nanocarrier was further decorated with plasmonic gold nanostructures (AuNPs), endowing the system with intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties, enabling real-time, high-resolution intracellular tracking and quantification. Results: We evaluated the synthesized GO@Carborane@Au nanoplatforms for their stability, cytotoxicity, and internalization characteristics. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility against the non-malignant human keratinocyte line (HaCaT) while showing selective toxicity (upon irradiation, if tested) and high cellular uptake efficiency in the aggressive human glioblastoma tumor cell line (T98G). The integrated plasmonic component allowed for the successful, non-destructive monitoring of nanoplatform delivery and accumulation within both HaCaT and T98G cells using SERS microscopy, confirming the potential for pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in vivo. Conclusions: This work details the successful synthesis and preliminary in vitro validation of a unique graphene oxide-based dual-modality nanoplatform designed to address the critical delivery and monitoring challenges of BNCT. By combining highly efficient carborane delivery with an integrated photonic trace marker, this system establishes a robust paradigm for next-generation theranostic agents, significantly advancing the potential for precision, image-guided BNCT for difficult-to-treat cancers like glioblastoma. Full article